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What happens when life rewrites your motherhood story? Meet Emily Cihlar, a mom who once dreamed of having 8 children until an emergency hysterectomy after her third delivery changed everything. In this emotional yet uplifting conversation, Emily shares her ongoing identity journey six years later, why travel became her family's priority, and the surprising lessons her breastfeeding experience taught her about judgment and motherhood solidarity.

Main Topics & Discussion

When Motherhood Dreams Change Overnight Can you rebuild your identity when motherhood doesn't follow your plan? Emily takes us through her journey from planning a large family to waking up from emergency surgery to learn she'd had a hysterectomy after her third delivery. She reveals the raw emotions, grief process, and ongoing identity shift she's navigated for six years since that life-altering moment. With remarkable candor, Emily shares how she's reconciled her original vision of motherhood with her new reality, offering hope to anyone facing an unexpected limitation in their parenting journey.

Making Travel a Family Priority Is travel with kids worth the extra effort? Emily enthusiastically says yes! She explains why exploring new places became especially meaningful after her family size was unexpectedly finalized, and how travel experiences have created powerful bonds with her three children. Emily offers practical insight into balancing adventure with everyday life and making meaningful memories regardless of your circumstances. Her philosophy on embracing joy and adventure despite life's disappointments provides inspiration for any family looking to create connection through shared experiences.

Beyond Judgment: Every Mom's Unique Journey Why do we feel judged for our motherhood choices? Emily candidly discusses her breastfeeding experience and the surprising criticism she faced. She reveals how this challenge ultimately transformed into a powerful revelation: every mother has her own unique story, and we're all simply doing our best with the tools we have. With authenticity and humor, Emily discusses how facing her own motherhood challenges gave her deeper compassion for other moms, reminding us that behind every parenting choice is a personal journey worthy of respect and understanding.

Links & Discount Codes:

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together.

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

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