For Anushka Agarwal, motherhood began with a beautiful shift from Delhi to Mumbai, carrying with her the values of family, respect, and strong emotional bonds. Raised with deep-rooted traditions, she is now passing them on to her one-year-old son in the simplest ways, even teaching him to greet elders with love and respect. At 29, Anushka’s world revolves around her little boy, and through the exhaustion, doubts, and small wins, she is discovering what motherhood truly looks like beyond the perfect moments.
How has your upbringing shaped your parenting?
I was taught the importance of family, bonds, and respect, so I am trying to impart the same in my son. When he wakes up, he touches everybody’s feet and says Jai. He is only 1 year old.
What did your postpartum phase really look like?
My postpartum phase was a mix of emotions. I felt happy as I have a cute baby boy. My mother-in-law did so much for me, but I couldn’t sleep with my husband. We talked only at night. I was feeding the baby day and night. I was tired and emotionally weak.
What were your nights like in the first year?
In my case, I was not sleep deprived. My baby used to sleep well. Yes, some days were harder.
How was your feeding journey?
Feeding was the most challenging part. I used to try a lot but couldn’t feed him well. I used to pump day and night. But still my breasts got lumps. They were tight like stone. I spent my days crying a lot. I wish someone had told me about a lactation doctor.
What does a typical day look like now?
Right now, my days are full of activities. My baby is super active. He loves to spend his time in the kitchen and play with utensils. I try to engage him in different activities, but yes, some days a little screen time is okay as I live in a nuclear family.
When does mom guilt hit you the most?
My mom guilt hit me the most when I decided to wean off breastfeeding. Again, my breasts got lumps, so the doctor advised me to stop. I tell myself that it is important because if I am unwell, I cannot take care of him.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or questioned yourself?
Yes, there have been days when I felt overwhelmed and questioned myself, especially when someone says he looks slim. I handle these things by talking to my friend and by telling people that he is active.
Did you ever feel like you were losing yourself?
Yes, in the early days during my japa phase, I felt that life was all around my baby. Everybody asked about the baby. I was not dressing well, so I felt like I was losing myself. But now I am so happy with my baby. I feel like doing everything possible for my son.
What does “me time” look like for you?
My me time is talking for a few hours to my husband alone when the baby sleeps and he comes back from the office.
If you could tell your postpartum self one thing, what would it be?
If I could go back to my postpartum self, I would say that this loneliness is temporary. Soon, the baby will fill your life with happiness and fun.
In Her Quiet Growth
Anushka’s journey is a reminder that motherhood is not always graceful or easy. It is messy, emotional, and filled with moments of doubt, but also deeply rewarding in ways words often fail to capture. From sleepless emotions to finding joy in the smallest milestones, she shows us that being a mother is not about doing everything perfectly, but about showing up with love, every single day
If you see a part of your own story in hers, we would love to hear from you. DM us on @softsens Instagram and be a part of our growing Mama Tribe.
