In this touching portrait series, we speak with new moms and moms-to-be about the beauty of motherhood. Here, actress Teyonah Parris shares her journey. Photographed by Lelund Durond for EBONY Media.
Actress Teyonah Parris may be known for her role as Monica Rambeau in The Marvels as well as her role in the upcoming film, They Cloned Tyrone, but the South Carolina native’s proudest accomplishment and role thus far is that of a mother. EBONY sat down with Parris over Zoom, where she spoke about the highs and lows as well as the awe of being a new mother.
Below, read her touching reflection on motherhood as a new mom to her beautiful baby girl:
The things that I feel when I look at my child are an overwhelming sense of love, of tenderness. I feel immense awe at how miraculous it was to bring her forth. She came from love, for sure, but also from my and her dad’s body—and we created this beautiful and sweet child. I feel so blessed to have been chosen to be her mom.
“I feel immense awe at how miraculous it was to bring her forth.”
-Teyonah Parris
Motherhood is challenging, but it is certainly worth it. I am so tired, and often delirious, but then I look in her face and none of that matters.
I look forward to my daughter and I having silly moments together. I look forward to teaching her what self-love and kindness are. I look forward to seeing her father share the things that he knows. He’s such a thoughtful person, and I know he will, in turn, pass that on to her. It feels so vast—all that I want to give her. I pray that she feels loved and cared for as well as safe.
As a new mother, I’ve learned to ask for help and actually allow others to help. That’s been a huge lesson. I’ve also learned to release my ideas of what is right and how things need to be done. I embrace the fact that things might not look like what I imagine, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.
“I embrace the fact that things might not look like what I imagine, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.”
-Teyonah Parris
Going into motherhood, I can say I wasn’t truly prepared for the fourth trimester—when your baby physically is here. What I wish more women had spoken to me about is the journey of breastfeeding and how incredibly challenging it is. You’re still healing physically from the birth, on top of the fact that this little human—who is so amazing—is counting on you to feed them. I felt so much pressure and, at times, alone. I’m so grateful for my tribe, especially my husband. He’s been so patient with me, even when I wasn’t patient or kind to myself as I navigate this new chapter of life.
I want more women to speak about what that looks like. Your journey to motherhood won’t look like someone else’s, and that’s okay. But leave space for your own experience. It’s possible to feel extremely frustrated and overwhelmed by this experience, even with a partner. It’s okay and normal to feel this way, and also be completely obsessed and in love with your child. You can experience all of those things at once. Just remember to give yourself the time and space to heal.
