Everyone has an idea of how hard being a parent is - but nothing can ever prepare you for how your world will change when you have kids.
On the eve of her son Rocco's first birthday, Steph Monks looked back on the highs and lows of a year of motherhood and shared an emotional message for mums everywhere as she did so.
“It’s like the quickest year ever but the longest year ever,” she said on The Edge Afternoons show.
“Just reflecting on a year ago, right after he was born, I cried every day. I was so anxious for the first few weeks. It was so hard," she added through tears. "It's still hard some days, but God, I've just come a long way and I'm really proud of myself".
Steph also discussed the pressure many women face trying to return to normality after going through such an intense experience, both physically and mentally.
“I’ve found a huge new respect for all parents, but especially mothers,” she said.
What you’ve done with your body, what your body’s been through, and just how society expects you to just get on with everything.
“Being a mum is the greatest journey ever. And I know that it’s an ongoing journey and you never quite figure everything out," she added, before addressing any mums listening.
“I just want to say if you are pregnant, you are about to embark on the coolest thing ever. And if you’re already a Mum, god, you are the greatest human being alive."
“Your family absolutely loves you, and you’re just the greatest and most incredible person,” she added.
Steph’s vulnerability evoked a response from many mums on social media who totally felt the impact of her words.
“I relate to this so much," one commenter said. "I’m almost 5 months postpartum, and I have come such a long way from the first day we took our baby girl home. What a ride it’s been, but I wouldn’t change any of it."
Another wrote: “You are right how there is the never-ending feeling of 'am I doing this right?' And Mum guilt, but at the same time, you wouldn't change it for the world. It's a crazy ride, but we are all here for it."
