There's nothing quite like the chaos of motherhood. Juggling countless responsibilities, fulfilling chores, and disciplining children can feel like a never-ending journey, because it is.
The demands of motherhood leave little to no time to care for oneself. However, amid the chaos and the mess, mothers try to find ways to adapt, prioritize, and keep everything together, even when everything feels overwhelming.
These photos of moms taking naps, multitasking, and even escaping from their children remind us that mothers are only human—they need to rest too.
Out of thousands of entries, here are the finalists of Smart Parenting's Motherhood 100, a Mother's Day photo contest, under the category, Self-Love.
Smart Parenting Motherhood 100 Photo Contest Finalists: Self-Love
"Anytime, Anywhere"
By Brianne May Balingit
Featuring Princess Gladys Arnaiz
"I was breastfeeding my child before my photoshoot. Yes, indeed, it happens anytime and anywhere as soon as the baby starts to seek it. It requires effort, but it is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of motherhood. Being able to nourish a human being through your own body is a gift from God."
"Being A Mother Always Wins"
By Theresa Honculada
Featuring Theresa Honculada
"As a mother, if your child/children come to you, you will always drop everything that you are currently doing and give/spend time with them together."
"Being Selfless"
By Josephy Aparente
Featuring Jypssy Jane Bontia
"MOM - the title I am most proud of. I am far from perfect; I struggle with patience, and I am a work in progress. I juggle as a parent, but I am definitely selfless when it comes to my kids."
"It’s Okay Not To Be Okay."
By Divina Gracia Fajutag
Featuring Ronie Lyn Marin
"It’s okay not to be okay."
"Hili"
By Elton Dioquino
Featuring Amyre Evasco De Mesa
"This photo shows a mom putting her three-week-old baby to sleep. Hinehele ng nanay. I asked my friend if I could take her photo while putting her baby to sleep to capture the real and raw life of being a mother."
"I Got Your Back"
By Dr. Jeffy Guerra
Featuring Sheillah Guerra
"I've got your back. 16 years ago, on a Wednesday, during a late afternoon in December, you came into our world. It was you who made me a mama."
"Love And Learn At The Same Time"
By Cristina Cruz
Featuring Jasmin J. Rementizo
"In motherhood, multitasking is just the tip of the iceberg. Juggling two roles can be extremely tiring, but the heart is always happy knowing that mothers are doing their best in both."
"Love, Lucho, Lukaz and I"
By Christian Rosero
Featuring Ermenil Bolivar
"I am overjoyed to share with you about my amazing wife. She is the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and witnessing her go through the labor process was truly awe-inspiring.
I remember looking at her in that photo just before she delivered our precious bundle of joy. Despite facing difficulties, she was still wearing a smile. Her strength and resilience are unmatched, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have her as my partner.
Watching her carry our child for nine months and bring them into this world was an experience like no other. I felt a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, nervousness, fear, love, and gratitude all at once. Throughout it all, she remained calm and composed, guiding us both through the journey with grace.
Now that our little one is here, we are navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood together. She has been an incredible mother right from the start - patient, loving, and attentive to every need of our baby. Witnessing her care for our child fills me with pride and admiration. I know that our family will thrive under her loving guidance.
Words cannot express how much I admire and appreciate her. She is a true wonder woman, and I am truly blessed to have her by my side."
"Loving My Job Doesn’t Make Me Any Less of A Mother"
By Floro Lumberio, Jr.
Featuring Doreen Joyce Biscarra
"It's more stressful than ever before to be a working mom. We are either juggling childcare, distance learning, and our normal workload from home, or we are feeling the heavy stress of hoping our children aren't exposed to a potentially deadly virus while we earn a living. The anxiety is intense, and we need to know that we are not alone."
"Mama Needs To Pee"
By Bernadette T. Guillermo
Featuring Ma. Judith R. Guillermo
"Minsan gusto mong humingi ng break time sa anak mo. Ngunit ang katotohanan,walang break time ang pagiging isang ina. Nasaan ka man, mula pag-silang hanggang sa pagtanda nila, nariyan tayo para sa ating mga anak.
Kaya sa bawat ina, hindi man tayo perfect, but we surely give the purest love to our children."
"Me Time"
By Albert Maquiñana
Featuring Marie Joanne Maquiñana
"We will always be, or most of the time, still be with our kids."
"Most Unforgettable Moments Of My Life"
By Noel Villasenor
Featuring Jessa Jean Aguirre
"Motherhood, what can I say? At first, wala akong idea. Not until I became one. Everything na sinabi sa akin ng Mama ko noon ay totoo. Sobrang hirap pala maging isang ina, lalo pa kung first-time mom ka at magsa-suffer ka ng postpartum depression. Pero dahil nanay ka, di ka pwedeng magpa-talo sa demonyo na pumapasok sa utak mo. Dahil nanay ka, kailangan mong matutunan lahat ng gawaing bahay, no excuses dun. Noong naging nanay ako, mas naunawaan ko ang hirap ng isang ina, mas natuto ako sa mga bagay-bagay. Inaral ko mag-luto kasi ayaw kong pakainin ang asawa at anak ko ng puro prito at sunog. Natutunan ko na kapag nanay ka, dapat madami kang baon na pasensya sa lahat ng bagay, lalo na sa anak mo. Kahit mahirap ang obligasyon ng isang ina pinagpapasalamat ko sa Diyos na nararanasan ko ang mga bagay na ito. Pinagpapasalamat ko kasi may anak at asawa ako. Kapag nanay ka, kaya mo lahat, kakayanin, at aaralin mo lahat para sa anak mo."
"Multitasker"
By Janine Sibi
Featuring Jennifer Sibi
"My mom was diagnosed with a visual disability when she turned 50. It was supposed to be a happy milestone, but it broke her heart to become irreversibly and partially blind at that age. Her eyesight was just as important for her demanding career as a graphic designer. It slowed her down because she is cautious about damaging what is left of her vision. She spends most of her time working from home, juggling household chores, and online work.
But that doesn't stop her from doing things that mean a lot to her, like taking care of her family. This photo depicts her routine of planking while waiting for the food to cook, and cleaning up as she goes, with one of her laptops charging on the counter. She says she doesn't like to waste time. I found this funny at first, but I realized that her 25 years of juggling things around isn't easy, and it's taking a toll on her health, particularly her eye health. That's why I salute all moms who are like my mom, multitaskers. It's easy to judge a woman and assume that if she carries it well, it doesn't mean it's not heavy."
"My Wife’s Eight Month Journey"
By Michael Bernil
Featuring Yna Runas
"From the last week of pregnancy to her struggles and good times in taking care of our son, these pictures represent her memories as a first-time mom."
"Personal Space for Now"
By Guiovani Era
Featuring Kriska Ceci Era
"Motherhood is like entering a dark cave. You never know what's inside until you decide to step in. It can be scary, causing feelings of anxiety, guilt, regrets, and self-doubt, questioning if you're doing the right thing or on the right path. But it also pushes you to take one step at a time, learn, and adapt to the darkness within. You tell yourself, 'You are more than enough' and 'You can do it! You'll survive!' because it will be worth it when you reach the end of the cave."
"Quality Time"
By Roxane C. Montierro
Featuring Roxane Cabile-Montierro
"Bonding and playing with her is one of the things I dedicate myself to, in order to show her how much I love her.
I always make sure to give her my undivided attention when we play because she can truly feel if I am fully present and engaged. I eagerly look forward to these moments because they allow me to understand her better and offer guidance to shape her core."
"Sleep When The Baby Sleeps"
By David Marquez
Featuring Karina Marquez
"While she struggles with seeing the chaos in their house, she remembers that her baby needs her at her best. So, she puts aside the dirty laundry, the uncleaned bottles, and the unswept floors and lays beside her baby to sleep. A well-rested mama is a happy mama, and a happy mama is the best mama to tend to her baby."
"Work From Home Mama"
By Ma. Louise G. Consulta
Featuring Ma. Louise G. Consulta
"It can be a bit challenging to work from home as a mama, but you have to make it work by taking occasional breaks and getting those hugs and kisses from your little one, even if they decide to ride on your shoulders during a meeting with your boss."
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Photos are arranged in alphabetical order.
See the other photos under the following categories: Devotion, Courage, and Kindness.
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Produced by: Iza Cuyos-Santos, Mika Presillas, and Marie Bilgera
Art Director: Maria Stephanie Ocampo
Edited by Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Social Media: Zen Arganda
Video Producer: Cherrie Julian
Video Editor: Olan Pingco
Special thanks to: Riyalyn Grace Pasimio, Roi Boado, Keana del Rosario, Anny Marino, and Thea Alberto-Masakayan
