Becoming a mom for the first time is truly a transformative experience, filled with unexpected emotions and challenges. Many new moms enter this phase with preconceived ideas about motherhood — often shaped by their own moms or societal expectations. The phrase from the OCR, 'who I thought my mom saw when I became a mom, who she actually saw,' captures this beautifully. In my personal experience, I initially thought my mom saw me as a confident, ready parent, someone who would seamlessly embrace motherhood. However, over time, I realized she actually saw her own journey reflected back through me — filled with uncertainties, joys, struggles, and growth. This realization created a deeper bond and empathy between us. For first-time moms, feelings of self-doubt and conflict between expectations and reality are common. The #firsttimemom and #newmom communities on social media can be invaluable sources of support, sharing honest experiences that normalize these feelings. Acknowledging that no mom is perfect and that each journey is unique helps alleviate pressure. It’s also important to recognize the emotional complexity involved: moments of bliss, exhaustion, love, and even grief for one’s previous lifestyle all merge into this new identity. The process of acceptance and adaptation is key to thriving as a new mom. Overall, embracing vulnerability, seeking support, and reflecting on our own mothers’ experiences can provide strength and perspective on the motherhood journey. This shared experience reveals a timeless connection across generations of moms, each growing through the lens of love and resilience.