In Her Words: Maria´s Experiences, Hopes, and Struggles as a Mother of Eight

A caretaker, a therapist, a teacher, a role model.  

Most of us would probably agree that our mothers have shaped us into the person we are today, often by prioritizing our needs over their own. But who takes care of them? 

On the 7th of April, we celebrate the annual World Health Day under the theme Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures. By especially shedding light on the well-being of mothers and newborns, this year’s Health Day aims to advocate for more accessible education and support during and after pregnancies – a time during which both parent and child are physically and mentally most vulnerable.  

Raising eight children in the countryside of Austria, Maria has certainly experienced motherhood to the fullest. Today, we want to share her inspiring story, the changes she went through, and her wishes for moms-to-be. 

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How did you feel when you became a mother for the first time, and have your expectations and perceptions changed by the time you had your eighth child?  

Two main aspects shaped my generation (I was born in 1941) and my transition into motherhood:  

First and foremost, there was a lack of education. Contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth were largely taboo subjects reinforced by the Catholic Church. Secondly, every household was supplied with the guidebook “The German Mother and Her First Child” by Dr. Johanna Haarer. This doctor was a close confidante of Adolf Hitler and promoted, therefore, rigid ideologies in line with Nazi beliefs. The book’s last edition was published in 1987, then withdrawn, and ultimately banned.  

My personal perceptions have changed significantly—from initial uncertainty to an active engagement with these vital topics of change. Today, I see my children as subtle teachers whom I have sometimes underestimated in this regard.  

Did you feel well-informed about your physical health after your pregnancies, and do you remember any specific medical advice or products that were recommended to you?  

Apart from six-week check-ups with my gynecologist, there was little education about my pregnancies. I remember being advised to take medication for uterine contractions, commonly used for post-birth bleeding or after miscarriages, during my period at home. I was also encouraged to wear abdominal wraps in the hospital and after. These involved soaking cloths in hot water, wrapping them tightly around the abdomen, covering them with a dry bandage, and wearing them for about an hour. However, I should mention that I had generally uncomplicated pregnancies and felt relatively well both mentally and physically.  

How did your body and menstrual cycle adjust, and were there changes you didn’t expect?  

My body changed significantly due to my eight births and three miscarriages in between. This meant that my initially delicate physique transformed entirely over time. Especially, my pelvis, abdomen, and hips expanded—a change that made me insecure and unhappy for quite a while. However, a pleasant surprise was that after my sixth pregnancy, my cycle settled into a somewhat regular pattern until menopause, which I experienced at 59.  

How did your role as a mother influence your relationship with your body?  

My body has taught and, at times, forced me to pay more attention to my physical well-being. Of course, this wasn’t always easy, as I often pushed myself to the limits of my strength. However, for the sake of both my children and myself, I made a strong effort to maintain a good relationship with my body.  

What kind of educational and preventative measures would you like to see for expectant mothers?  

Above all, I wish for the best possible education and preventive measures, especially for women and mothers in emotional and physical distress, including the maintenance and expansion of women’s shelters. Hereby, it is important to have fewer financial restrictions as the mother’s personal well-being is one of the key priorities.  

The involvement of expectant fathers is another crucial point that must not be overlooked. Finally, I would like to see more solidarity among women, even for those who actively choose to abort and not to become mothers. I firmly believe that by sharing our experiences, we can offer each other valuable support throughout tough times.  

Despite the many challenges of motherhood and personal setbacks, I can look back on a fulfilled life.