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For many women, motherhood changes everything. For Melbourne-based beauty content creator Maddie, becoming a mum to her daughter Carmine has been transformative in ways she never expected.
Nearly 14 months into motherhood, Maddie says she's genuinely loving this chapter of life - and the woman it's helped her become.
"Having Carmy has made me a better daughter, a more understanding sister, and a more supportive friend," she shares. "I feel more self-aware and closer to the woman I've always wanted to be. This has been very unexpected but equally as welcome."
"Motherhood strips you bare"
When asked to describe motherhood in one sentence, Maddie's answer is both simple and profound:
"Motherhood strips you bare and forces you to relearn what you thought you knew. Love has a new definition now, so does pain, so does connection."
It's a sentiment many mums can relate to - the way motherhood challenges old versions of ourselves and creates space for entirely new perspectives.
Finding confidence in a changing body
One of the biggest surprises for Maddie has been the confidence she's gained since becoming a mum.
"I didn't expect to feel more confident in my body now than I did pre-baby," she says.
Rather than focusing on appearance, motherhood has given her a deep appreciation for what her body has achieved.
"Now when the soft, squishy skin on my hips spills over my waistband, it genuinely makes me smile. It's a reminder that Carmy was in there. It's worth celebrating."
Her perspective is refreshing in a world that often pressures women to 'bounce back' after having children. Instead, she's choosing to honour the incredible journey her body has been through.
Seeing the world differently
Perhaps the most unexpected lesson motherhood has taught Maddie is how connected she feels to other people.
"Every single person is here because a mum fought as hard as she could to birth them," she explains.
Where she once saw strangers, she now sees someone's child.
"I wonder what their story is, and I hope they're doing okay."
It's a beautiful reminder of the shared human experience that motherhood can bring into focus.
Navigating motherhood online
Known for her honesty and openness online, Maddie admits that motherhood has changed the way she approaches sharing her life with her community.
"Motherhood is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I do want to talk about it and share my experience, but for the first time, I'm nervous to overshare."
As she navigates this new territory, she's learning how to balance authenticity with protecting her daughter.
"I'm trying to find a way that I can naturally weave motherhood into the content I already post and share things that I'm going through, rather than what Carmy is going through."
More than how we look
For years, Maddie has built a platform around helping women feel comfortable in their own skin. Motherhood has only strengthened that message.
"It's shown me a multitude of reasons as to why the way we look is really far down the list of what's interesting about us as women."
Even as she adjusts to life after breastfeeding, she approaches the changes with gratitude.
"WOW, how cool are these boobs that changed their shape and size so many times over the last year. They do look a little used and abused now, but what a privilege to have been able to breastfeed my baby."
Advice for first-time mums
If she could go back and speak to herself as a new mum, Maddie's advice would be simple:
"You cannot control the uncontrollables, so don't waste your energy trying."
After spending the first three months postpartum recovering from episiotomy complications, she wishes she had allowed herself more grace and rest.
"I think I tried to pretend I was fine and pushed myself to be okay out of stubbornness when I really should've just given my body the rest it needed."
It's a powerful reminder that healing deserves just as much attention as caring for a newborn.
And finally...
Every family seems to have a parenting motto, and Maddie's is one that might make a few parents laugh.
"It's actually 'f*ck around and find out'. I don't actually say it to Carmy, but Matt and I have adopted it as our parenting style."
Honest, funny, and deeply reflective, Maddie's story is a reminder that motherhood doesn't just change your life - it changes the way you see yourself, your body, and the world around you.
And sometimes, those changes are the most beautiful surprises of all.