Diane | Identity as a Special Needs Mom

Who knew that the moment you became a mother, your whole world would change? I suppose we all did. "They" tell you about the sleepless nights, the infinite love you will have for this new human that you are in charge of. What "they" don't warn you about is the change in your identity. Of course, the day to day routine looks different. You have a new title. But you are changed deeply to your core. Or are you? Is the same girl who was in there before kids still there, just waiting it out until she is no longer a caregiver? This is something that is universal amongst all mothers, medical or not. But in some ways, it will still look different for medical moms.

Today, Susan and Diane come together again to discuss identity. They talk through ways in which medical motherhood has changed them, either because of the company they keep, the joys they have experienced, or the trauma they have endured. We hear about what parts of them remain from before they were mothers and their hopes for the future of their identities.

"I didn't lose myself. She just had to be a little dormant for a while." -Diane

Here's what Susan and Diane discuss this time:

• What is our identity?

• Identity of our children

• Who we associate with

• Season of life

• A gift for Susan

• What about Diane?

• A gift from the beginning

• Priorities

• What gives Susan hope?

Motherhood is so rewarding and so very challenging. Medical motherhood means that your season of mothering will be uniquely challenging. Becoming a mother, whether to a typically developing child, or one with medical needs will forever change you to your core. How do you find yourself, or keep yourself, while dedicating all of yourself to caring for someone else? Let me know in the When Autumn Comes Society or send me a DM on Instagram! I'd love to hear your take on this.

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