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She's previously opened up about her fertility struggles, and now actress Denise Zimba is getting super honest about her struggles with being a new mom, taking to social media to share the harder parts of her motherhood journey.
Although the new mom says that motherhood is her biggest joy, she admits that it has been a rough ride.
Must read: Denise Zimba on her struggles to conceive: 'It's been a tough journey'
Writing via Instagram, Denise described motherhood as "The most beautiful and exhausting experience ever."
"Some woman thrive with joyous ease into motherhood, all 15% of you. For the rest of us. I commend your bravery, not only birthing an enormous responsibility, but letting go of your old self, letting go of putting yourself first, and birthing the mother who you are still getting to figure out and trying to recognize with every glance in the mirror. This new person you know you have to remind everyday that she needs to hold on and keep pushing through, as all things shall pass."
She went on to say that "she cries" almost daily from the overwhelming exhaustion. "I’m learning my baby and she is learning me, my husband, and the world she now exists in. Everyone is crying and exhausted all the time," she added.
Of the drastic changes to her body she said, "I'm not happy with how I look. My body does not feel like mine, my feelings bounce from wall to wall, I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I get overwhelmed every time my baby cries, I rush through everything, I have extreme guilt when I get the chance to leave the house on my own and try to collect myself or attempt a gym session. It’s all so hard."
Despite the emotional and physical toll of motherhood, Denise is grateful for the lessons she's has learnt.
"The days when I open myself to a positive outlook and understanding, I always recognize something extraordinary. I am able to truly enjoy the little things in life.
Also read: Basetsana Kumalo's sweet birthday message to her daughter
"When my baby poos the right color and texture poo, OMG! Winning! When she throws up on me or wakes up at 3 am to have a conversation in her ‘gibber gabber language’ for another 2 and a half hours, instead of just crying in that time, PROGRESS! When she smiles back at me or wraps her arm around my neck when I pick her up. I fall into tiny glorious pieces. BUT IT'S ALL SO FREAKEN HARD!", she admitted.
And if you too have been struggling, here's Denise's words of encouragement.
"So well done to you mamas that follow through, with every child you birth. You are more than just a human being, YOU ARE A GOD. You reflect honour, grace, light, love, sacrifice, commitment, strength, and a POWER that you yourself cannot possibly comprehend! You just get it done! And for that, I salute you. You are doing the best that you can. Well done."
Many praised her for her honesty and related to her experiences.
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