When the Storm Hits: Lessons in Motherhood from a 1 AM Flood
The Unexpected Wake-Up Call
It was 1 AM when my eldest daughter shook me awake, her voice urgent but steady. “Mom, there’s water coming in from the cabinet.” Half-asleep, I stumbled out of bed, expecting a small drip or a minor leak. Instead, I was met with what can only be described as a waterfall gushing from our bathroom linen cabinet. My husband was out of town. I was on my own with the kids. And suddenly, my quiet night had turned into an emergency response mission.
But, here's the thing–motherhood is kind of like that flood.
No matter how much we plan, how prepared we think we are, life has a way of throwing us into unexpected chaos. And just like I had to figure out how to stop the water, clean up the mess, and manage my kids in the middle of the night, moms often find themselves navigating unforeseen challenges—whether it’s a difficult birth, postpartum struggles, or balancing career and family.
Crisis Mode: What to Do When the Plan Falls Apart
In the moment, I had zero time to think, I just reacted. My preteen and teens immediately jumped in to help, grabbing towels, moving items out of harm’s way, and working alongside me. While I was completely unprepared for this mess, my kids had been watching and learning how to respond, stay calm, and work together.
And isn’t that exactly what happens in motherhood?
We don’t always feel prepared for labor, postpartum recovery, or the sleepless nights. But we adapt. We lean on what we know. We rely on the people around us. And in moments of crisis, we learn that we are more capable than we ever imagined.
Motherhood, Like a Leak, Can’t Be Ignored
One of the biggest mistakes I could have made that night? Ignoring the water. Pretending it wasn’t happening wouldn’t have stopped the leak—it would have made things worse.
The same goes for postpartum care. Too often, women ignore their own needs, dismiss their exhaustion, or push through pain because they believe they have to “handle it.” But just like that leak, neglecting your health, nutrition, and emotional well-being doesn’t make the problem go away—it only makes the damage harder to clean up later.
That’s why I do the work I do. At Elevate Maternity, I help women prepare for an recover from the unexpected. Whether it’s through postpartum nutrition, holistic wellness, or mindset coaching, my goal is to ensure that when the storms of motherhood come, you're not left scrambling for towels and buckets at 1 AM.
All of this to say, here's What My Bathroom Flood Taught Me About Postpartum
Unexpected chaos is inevitable—what matters is how we respond.
A strong support system makes all the difference. And you don't have to do it alone.
Ignoring the problem won't make it go away. Taking care of yourself postpartum isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Preparation is power. Just like I now know how to handle a leak, moms can equip themselves with the tools they need to navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Are You Ready for the Storm?
I never imagined I’d be mopping up water at 1 AM, but that night reminded me why having a plan matters. And the same goes for motherhood. If you’re expecting a baby or navigating the postpartum period, let’s make sure you have the tools, support, and strategies to weather whatever comes your way.
Because when the flood comes—whether literal or metaphorical—you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re feeling unprepared for postpartum, I’d love to help. Click [here] to learn more about my postpartum nutrition and wellness support, or comment below with the most unexpected moment you’ve had as a mom!