Welcoming a baby is a huge life transformation. Suddenly, parents are responsible for a tiny human relying on them for their every need. It's a monumental undertaking, even if parenthood is cherished and wanted. Oftentimes, moms feel like they lose a sense of self because there isn't much time or energy left over for them.
It can be difficult, but engaging in activities that bring them joy outside of parenting is crucial for mothers. Recently, a mom named Presley Pritchard went viral on TikTok for sharing this important reminder, and her message is something everyone should hear.
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The mom went viral on TikTok for a video of herself breastfeeding her baby on a soccer pitch.
Pritchard recently posted a TikTok video about continuing to pursue her passions after welcoming her baby. It has since attracted more than 2.4 million views and nearly 68,000 likes.
"Just a reminder: You are always a mother," she wrote. "But you are not ONLY a mother."
The words were overlain on a video of her breastfeeding her baby while sitting on a bench on a soccer pitch.
She offered further insight into the video in a recent interview.
In an interview with Newsweek, Presley explained that she had been playing soccer with her partner when she heard her 6-month-old daughter, Beckham, cry from her stroller.
"I sat on the sideline letting her dad have a turn at playing in the game while I fed her and felt so grateful to be able to have the breastfeeding experience," she shared.
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Presley encouraged fellow moms to continue pursuing their passions.
In the caption of her TikTok video, Presley continued encouraging moms not to abandon the activities they enjoy.
"I don’t know how needs to hear this but: ️ Just because you became a mom doesn’t mean you have to put your passions on hold," Prseley wrote. "I’m sick of the script that we have to give up who we are when becoming a mom."
She then offered scenarios of mothers halting their hobbies after having children: ❌ 'I used to play sports but then I had kids…' ❌ 'I used to love __ but then I had a baby' ❌ 'I wish I could still do that but I’m a mom now'.. Sound familiar?"
She also declared that she refuses to 'let motherhood define my limits.'
Presley shared in her eye-opening caption that she realized that being a mother "doesn't mean giving up the things I love." Instead, it means "finding strength in prioritizing & balancing."
Of continuing to play soccer after becoming a mom, she explained, "I showed up for ME. But then I was there for HER when she needed me. .
"Often I see moms go through identity crisis, depression, guilt, self-doubt, or anxiety.. ," Presley continued. "If that’s you, just know you are capable of your wildest dreams!"
TikTok users reacted to the viral video, thanking Presley for the important reminder.
In the comments, TikTokers responded to Presley's messages by sharing their stories and expressing gratitude for her message.
One mom wrote, "I really needed to hear this I have an 11 month old and I've decided I'm going to finish college and start do what I actually have a passion for ."
Another TikTok user commented, "My baby is four months old and I'm struggling so hard. I've lost myself. I don't see myself anymore. I'm so lost," to which Presley replied, "It's normal to feel that way, I promise but you'll be back soon!"
Yet another mom declared, "I needed this ," while someone else echoed, "I needed to read this ❤️thank you."
