Somewhere along our journeys as mothers, be it touted by social media, pushed by our in-laws, or relentlessly (and sneakily!) repeated by society as a whole, we have gotten many messages that motherhood is equivalent with martyrdom. These two seemingly similar words are not synonyms. Believe me, I checked. And although there may be some similarities between motherhood and martyrdom including elements of selflessness and sacrifice and commitment and dedication, they are two distinct concepts. Motherhood is a multifaceted role involving love, nurturing and raising of children, while martyrdom typically refers to the extreme sacrifice of one’s life or well-being for a cause.

The association of motherhood with martyrdom has evolved over time and is influenced by various cultural, societal, and historical factors. Let’s look at some of the ways that motherhood has been linked to martyrdom:

·      Sacrificing personal aspirations

In many cultures and societies, the expectation for mothers to prioritize their children’s needs over their own desires or ambitions has been ingrained. This often involves sacrificing career opportunities, personal hobbies, or even basic self-care.

·      Emotional labor

Mothers are frequently expected to fulfill the role of emotional caretaker within the family. They bear the burden of managing and attending to the emotional well-being of their children and other family members, often at the expense of their own emotional needs.

·      Physical demands

The physical toll of pregnancy, childbirth, and the subsequent responsibilities of childcare can be enormous. Mothers may experience sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and physical discomfort.

·      Unpaid labor

Historically, and in some cultures even today, the majority of childcare and household chores have fallen on the shoulders of mothers. This unpaid labor often goes unrecognized and undervalued, reinforcing the notion of mothers sacrificing their time and energy without receiving adequate support or compensation.

·      Societal expectations

Society often places unrealistic expectations on mothers, pressuring them to meet a standard of perfection in their parenting and household management. This can create a sense of martyrdom as mothers strive to meet these expectations, feeling guilt or failure if they fall short.

·      Limited support systems

Insufficient support systems, such as inadequate parental leave policies, lack of affordable childcare options, or limited access to resources for maternal mental health, can further contribute to the martyrdom narrative. Mothers may feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsupported, reinforcing the idea that their sacrifices are expected and go unnoticed.

·      Cultural Narratives

Cultural and religious beliefs that idealize selflessness, nurturing, and martyrdom can reinforce the association between motherhood and sacrificing one’s own needs for the sake of others.

 It is important to remember that while motherhood can be challenging and demanding, it is also deeply rewarding and fulfilling for many individuals. Recognizing and addressing the aspects that contribute to the martyrdom narrative can help foster a more balanced and supportive environment for mothers.

 Challenging the narrative of motherhood as martyrdom involves promoting a more balanced and supportive perspective that recognizes and values the well-being of mothers. Here are some ways to challenge this narrative:

 1.     Provide accessible mental health support

Ensure that mothers have access to affordable and accessible mental health resources and support systems. Motherhood can bring about unique challenges and addressing maternal mental health is essential in challenging the martyrdom narrative and promoting overall well-being.

2.     Emphasize self-care and personal fulfillment

Encourage mothers to prioritize self-care and personal fulfillment without guilt. Highlight the importance for mothers to prioritize their own physical and mental health, pursue their passions, and set boundaries to avoid burnout. Promote the idea that taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary for overall well-being.  

3.     Advocate for work-life balance

Promote policies and initiatives that support work-life balance for parents, including flexible work arrangements, adequate parental leave, and access to affordable and quality childcare. This helps alleviate the burden on mothers and allow them to pursue both their professional and personal aspirations.

4.     Normalize asking for and accepting help

Encourage mothers to seek and accept help from partners, family members, friends, or support networks. Emphasize that asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness but instead a recognition of one’s needs and a step toward creating a more equitable division of labor within the family.

5.     Recognize and value unpaid labor

Challenge the societal undervaluation of unpaid labor by acknowledging and appreciating the significant contributions mothers make to their families and communities. This includes recognizing the importance of caregiving and household management as valuable skills and responsibilities.

6.     Promote shared parenting and co-parenting

Encourage active involvement and shared responsibility of both parents in childcare and household duties. This helps distribute the workload more equitably, fosters stronger bonds between parents and children, and reduces the burden on mothers.

7.     Encourage open conversations

Foster open dialogues about the challenges and joys of motherhood, creating safe spaces for mothers to share their experiences without judgment. This helps break the isolation and stigma often associated with motherhood, and allows for support and understanding among peers.

8.     Celebrate diverse motherhood experiences

Recognize and honor the diversity of motherhood experiences, including different cultural backgrounds, family structures, and personal choices. Avoid idealizing a single model of motherhood and instead celebrate the various ways in which mothers navigate their roles and responsibilities.

9.     Advocate for supportive policies

Work towards implementing policies that support mothers and families. This includes advocating for paid paternal leave, affordable and accessible childcare options, flexible work arrangements, and workplace support for breastfeeding mothers. These policies help alleviate the challenges faced by mothers and provide them with necessary support to balance their work and family life.

10.  Foster community and support networks

Build communities and support networks for mothers, where they can connect with others, share experiences, and receive support. This can be in the form of parenting groups, online forums, or local support organizations. Creating spaces for mothers to come together and uplift each other can challenge the isolation and sense of martyrdom often associated with motherhood.

11.  Challenge societal expectations and stereotypes

Encourage critical thinking and dialogue about societal expectations placed on mothers. Challenge traditional gender roles, question the unrealistic standards imposed on mothers, and promote diverse representations of motherhood in media and popular culture. Encourage discussions that challenge the assumption that sacrificing one’s own well-being is an inherent part of being a mother.

By challenging the narrative of motherhood as martyrdom, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for mothers, where they are recognized as individuals with their own needs, desires, aspirations, and identifies beyond their role as mothers. Here at Embody and Mind Collective, we understand the complexities of being a parent and also make it our mission to provide accessible mental health support to those in need. If you are finding yourself resonating with this article and in need of extra support, please reach out here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

In solidarity,

Tesa