Motherhood Unfiltered Vol.2

Motherhood Changed Me—And That’s Okay With Netta Lemon

Motherhood Unfiltered: Netta Lemon

“I miss my old self.”

“I miss my old body.”

“I don’t know who I am anymore.”

As a perinatal therapist, these words come up often in my sessions. From pregnancy to postpartum, so many moms find themselves longing for the identity they once knew—an identity shaped by their pre-motherhood experiences.

But when we dig deeper, we realize it’s not just the self we miss—it’s the feelings that version of us had access to. Confidence. Clarity. Calm. These emotions can feel

distant in the midst of motherhood’s demands, but they are not lost.

Through my work, I guide moms to revisit their pre-motherhood self with compassion and curiosity, making space for her while embracing the evolving identity of who they are now. How do we honor who we were while learning to love who we are becoming?

I’m so passionate about helping moms navigate this transition, and I’m excited to share my conversation with my friend Netta on her own motherhood journey, identity, and transformation. Who opens up about the real, raw emotions of transitioning into motherhood—the challenges, the identity shifts, and how she has learned to embrace and love this new version of herself. 

How did you feel emotionally and mentally as you prepared for motherhood?

At first I was disappointed in myself for getting pregnant without being a wife . I think I cried the first few days after finding out . Mentally I knew my life would be changing in nine months and I don't think there was no right or wrong way to prepare for that . Being blessed to carry a bundle of joy made me so happy.

How did your birth experience shape the way you entered motherhood?

I thank God got sick of me thanking him for sparing my life during childbirth . I was scared due to having high blood pressure my third trimester. I was hospitalized 2 weeks before being induced so that my blood pressure could be monitored. It became real scary when my blood pressure was evaluating as I was giving birth. After my son was born I realized childbirth could really be a life or death situation and I was thankful I lived. 

How did you navigate the shift in your identity after becoming a mom?

I accepted the fact that the Netta before the baby was no longer there but it was ok for her to pop out sometimes while embracing my role as a mom. It took me almost two years to accept the new me . 

What is something about new motherhood that no one warned you about?

No one warned me about how hard breast feeding would be . I was so determined to breastfeed but my baby did not latch . Breastfeeding was so hard for me . I breastfed for a month and made the decision to use formula for the remainder of the infant stage. Mentally I couldn’t do it 

What’s one lesson you learned about yourself through the transition to motherhood?

One lesson that I learned about myself through my transition of motherhood is how strong I really am . I moved to Atlanta and within 3 months I was pregnant. I had to make new friends , I had to accept that my mom  and friends were no longer 10 minutes away . I had to adjust to living in a new city and welcoming a child in my space . 

Thank you Netta for sharing your story of vulnerability and strength through your motherhood experience. If you are looking for a therapist to support you in your journey please reach out today for a free consultation.