In A Mother's Embrace, Ganga Gurung shares powerful lessons learned from walking beside hundreds of mothers, especially those raising children with unique needs. Through presence, community, and small everyday acts, we’re reminded that motherhood is not m

I am yet to know how motherly love feels like, but I am a clinician working with more than 500 children and families. And my love for them is of its own kind. I converse with tens of mothers daily, sharing laughter and sorrows, and one thing I have observed is that there’s a quiet wisdom that passes between mothers — an unspoken connection formed through sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, scraped knees, first words, and final bedtime kisses. It’s the kind of bond that doesn’t need explaining. A nod at the park. A tired smile at school pickup. A glance that says, “I get it.” But within this vast and beautiful world of motherhood, some walk a more complex path. Mothers of children with additional needs — whether physical, developmental, or neurological — often face challenges that others might not fully see. These mothers walk a road lined with therapy appointments, specialist visits, long waitlists, and decisions that feel too big for one heart to hold. They carry not only the everyday joys and worries of parenthood but also the invisible weight of navigating a world not always built for their children. And yet, what these mothers need most might not be answers or sympathy — but community. They need the embrace of other mothers, even those who don’t share their path, but are willing to walk beside them anyway. “It takes a village to raise a child — but it takes a sisterhood to raise a mother.” Begin with Presence, Not Pity It begins with listening — truly listening. Not the kind of listening that waits to respond, but the kind that holds space. Many mothers of children with additional needs are met with constant advice: “Have you tried this therapy?” “Maybe it’s just a phase.” “I saw a video that cured autism with a diet.” These words, while often well-intended, can feel dismissive. Instead, what makes a difference is presence — simply being there and allowing her to be honest, raw, even exhausted. Sometimes, all a mother really needs is to be heard without interruption or solution. Ask With Curiosity, Not Caution There’s also beauty in asking questions — when done with gentleness. Not, “What’s wrong with your child?” but, “Would you like to share what helps your child feel most comfortable?” Questions rooted in respect can open doors to deeper understanding. When we approach one another with curiosity instead of judgment, we build bridges instead of walls. Inclusion Is a Beautiful Gesture of Love Another quiet but powerful form of support is inclusion. Too often, mothers of children with additional needs are quietly left out — of playdates, birthday parties, family gatherings — not out of cruelty, but out of uncertainty. “What if the child has a meltdown?” “What if we don’t know how to help?” But inclusion doesn’t require perfection; it just requires effort. A simple message like, “We’d love to have you — is there anything we can do to make the space more comfortable for your child?” can mean the world. Support Through Deeds, Not Just Words Sometimes, it’s the little things — practical gestures — while encouragement matters, action carries it further. A homemade meal dropped off on a therapy day. Watching a sibling during an appointment. Sending a voice note that says, “You are doing incredibly well, even if it doesn’t feel like it today.” These small acts of service become lifelines in moments of overwhelm. These gestures say: I see how much you’re carrying — let me lift a little of it with you. Even small efforts — a warm cup of tea, a message that says “You’re doing amazing” — can be a balm to a tired spirit. Use Your Voice to Make Room for Hers And for those who have a platform — whether in schools, online, or in community spaces — using that voice to advocate matters deeply. Share inclusive stories. Normalize neurodiversity. Stand up when someone jokes at a child’s expense. When we speak up, we help create a world where children of all abilities are seen, and their mothers are supported, not sidelined. Celebrate the Small Victories Loudly