A mother of three on identity, intention, and the kind of strength that only motherhood builds.
Vanessa Suggs
@veesuggsThere's a version of the stay-at-home mom story that gets told a lot. The one about sacrifice, about losing yourself in the relentless need of small children. It's not a lie — but it's not the whole picture either.
She is a mother of three under five, including a six-month-old she's currently nursing. On any given day she's on her feet from morning to night — walking, playing, holding, dancing, working out when she can. She is, by every measure, busy. And yet when you ask her if she ever felt like she lost herself in motherhood, her answer comes without hesitation.
"I was really aware of this going into motherhood. So I did my best to create space and time for myself — to pursue new things and do things I love — so I could be the best for my kids, my husband, and ultimately myself. I never felt that I lost myself, because I intentionally created space to stay true to myself within motherhood."
That intentionality is not accidental. It's a practice — and it's the thing that distinguishes her experience not as an exception to the motherhood narrative, but as a rewriting of it.
The Body That Carries Everything
Three pregnancies. Three births. A body that has done extraordinary things and continues to, every single day. Her relationship with it, she says, has never wavered.
"I knew my body would change during pregnancies, but it was such a beautiful process — I can't help but feel thankful. Being pregnant was my superpower. I felt most confident when I was pregnant."
Right now, staying active looks like walks, bike rides, and a lot of carrying. "Going on walks, playing and dancing with my kids, working out, being on my feet all day, and holding my six-month-old while doing all of the above." It's not a fitness routine you'd find in a magazine. It's something more honest than that.
Strong Like a Mom
Before motherhood, strength was probably a physical concept. After three kids, it's something else entirely.
"Strong like a mom is my motto. The emotional, mental, and physical load we take on every single day is incredible — and our capacity continues to grow. It can feel overwhelming and overstimulating. And then somehow I figure out a way to do it, and I'm at the next level of motherhood."
The hard days aren't evidence of falling short. They're evidence of expansion. Level by level — that's the work.
"Somehow I figure out a way — and I'm at the next level."
— Mom of three, on what strength actually looks like
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