Motherhood, Diabetes & Finding My Balance
Becoming a mom changed my life in countless ways. It also changed how I think about living with Type 1 diabetes, taking care of myself, and finding space for my own needs while caring for someone else.
Learning to Put Myself on the List
Motherhood has a funny way of making everyone else’s needs feel urgent. There are meals to make, things to clean, little questions to answer, and someone who always seems to need something.
It can be easy to put yourself last without even realizing it.
I’m learning that taking care of myself doesn’t mean I have less love or attention for my family. It means making room for myself too, whether that’s getting enough rest, moving my body, eating well, or simply having a few quiet minutes to myself.
Motherhood doesn't pause Diabetes
One of the things motherhood has made very clear to me is that Type 1 diabetes doesn’t take a break just because life gets busy.
There are still blood sugar checks, insulin decisions, unexpected highs and lows, and all the little things that come with managing diabetes.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m allowed to stop, check in with my body, and take care of myself even when there are a dozen other things happening around me.
Finding My Own Rhythm
I’m still figuring out what balance looks like for me.
Some seasons are more focused on motherhood. Some give me more room to focus on myself. And sometimes the goal is simply getting through the day and remembering that that’s enough.
I don’t think balance means giving everything equal attention all the time. For me, it’s learning to adjust, listen to what I need, and make space for the different parts of my life without expecting myself to do everything perfectly.
The Mom I’m Becoming
Motherhood is still a work in progress for me.
I’m learning how to be present for my son while also remembering the woman I was before motherhood, and the woman I’m still becoming.
Type 1 diabetes is part of that story, but it isn’t the whole story.
I’m a mom, a woman, a person learning, growing, getting stronger, and figuring things out one day at a time.
And maybe that’s what motherhood really is: becoming someone new without losing yourself along the way.
A note from Lady Clay:
This page shares my personal experiences with motherhood and living with Type 1 diabetes. It is intended for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every family and diabetes journey is different, so please speak with your healthcare team about your own care.