Recently, the daughter of one of my coworkers had a baby. The poor dear had to be induced, experience hours of slow and painful labor, and yet in the end, had to have an emergency c-section.

As my coworker was telling me all of this, tears welled up in my eyes. I was thinking about my daughter’s birth and how it was such an emotional event for me. Yes, it hurt, especially since I didn’t make it to the hospital in time to get an epidural. Yes, it was scary because every doubt I had about myself being a good mother came flooding to my mind. Yes, it was incredible because I learned that I had the moxie to continue to push and give birth to my daughter. Yes, it was life-changing because after the final push when I got to see and hold my newborn baby for the very first time, my sense of self and priorities in the world were suddenly all crystal-clear.

Even now, as I am writing this, I am getting choked up. It’s so hard to put into words, but I think all you other mothers out there know what I mean; no matter how your baby was delivered, it’s one of the greatest triumphs of your life. It’s amazing how life works, how instincts kick-in, how emotions drive us, and how the birth of your baby is the most miraculous thing in the world to you.

So welcome to the world, baby Addison! And to the new mom, Nashell, welcome to Mommyhood! Your life will never, ever be the same. There will be plenty of ups and downs, but you now belong to the club of mommies that will always be there for you, will be understanding and sympathetic with the days ahead for you and your family, and will help you to be the best mother you can be for your baby.