MÈRE Stories: Loren Mount-O’Brien
Rebirth through Birth
I used to believe I had it all figured out. As a confident, level-headed professional, I was the first woman in my family to build a career, breaking away from a tradition where none of the women worked. I thought I knew what to expect when I became a mother.
But when my son was born, everything changed.
The depth of love I felt for him was overwhelming, and all I wanted was to be with him. Returning to work after maternity leave, I was blindsided by a wave of panic and anxiety.
Tasks that once seemed routine now felt insurmountable. I couldn’t focus; my mind was constantly racing with worries about my son. I felt like a stranger in my own life, disconnected from the person I used to be.
What made it harder was the isolation.
I didn’t have anyone who truly understood what I was going through.
Postpartum anxiety wasn’t something openly discussed in my circles, and I felt ashamed for struggling. I kept telling myself I should be able to handle it, but the reality was, I couldn’t.
It took time, but I learned that seeking help wasn’t a sign of weakness. Connecting with other mothers who had faced similar challenges made a world of difference.
I realized that it’s okay to acknowledge that motherhood changes you in profound ways, and it’s essential to give yourself grace during that transition.
Looking back, I understand now that it’s okay to not have it all together and that reaching out for support is a strength, not a failure.
If you had to summarize your journey in motherhood with all its challenges, how would you describe it now? How have you found a way to reclaim your strength or identity? What have you learned?I love being a mom. It has taught me to be present, to slow down, and to appreciate the little moments. It reminded me that life is too short to get caught up in anything that doesn’t truly matter. When I found myself feeling unhappy or overwhelmed, I had to ask - what needed to change? What wasn’t working? And little by little, I made those adjustments. Motherhood didn’t just change me; it showed me what was worth holding onto and what I needed to let go of. At the end of the day, all that really matters is being with the people you love.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give another mom walking through a similar chapter? Trust yourself. It’s okay if motherhood doesn’t feel like what you expected - if it’s harder, more overwhelming, or just different than you imagined. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to that feeling and give yourself permission to make changes. You don’t have to do things the way everyone else does. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You are learning, growing, and evolving - just like your child. And through it all, you are enough.
How has your journey changed you, both in ways you expected and in ways you never could have imagined?“Motherhood has taught me to step up in ways I never expected. I knew I wanted to give my child the best life possible, but I didn’t realize how much that would mean redefining what “the best” actually looks like. It’s about making choices with intention, being unafraid to say no to what doesn’t serve us, and carving out a life that feels right—not just for him, but for me too. I’ve learned that life isn’t something you simply fall into—it’s something you create.”
— Loren Mount-O’Brien
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