Dzień Matki — Maria Oblicka

A few weeks ago, we met Maria in Barcelona to photograph her during the final days of her pregnancy. Today, we return to that conversation from a completely different place — the first weeks of motherhood. In this honest and deeply personal interview, Maria reflects on closeness, transformation, exhaustion, and the small everyday rituals that help her navigate this new chapter of life.

Monika Mróz
5.22.2026
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Monika Mróz
5.22.2026
When we did the photoshoot, you were still pregnant — what emotions do you remember from that time now, already as a mother?

When we met, I was already 39 weeks pregnant, so I definitely remember feeling physically heavy and exhausted — I had gained 25 kilos. At the same time, I was incredibly excited about the birth and already wanted it to start, even though I was obviously scared too. I remember this constant light tension, knowing that Teo could arrive literally any day. I was thinking about it all the time, so it was hard to focus on anything else.

At the same time, it was also a very peaceful period. Everyday life was made up of simple things because I didn’t really have the energy to do much more. Spring had fully arrived in Barcelona by then, and I had this feeling that not only was there new life growing inside me, but everything around me was coming back to life too. It felt strangely metaphysical.

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I think I didn’t realise how much closeness a tiny baby needs 24 hours a day — at least mine does.
Was there anything about motherhood that you completely didn’t understand back then?

I think I didn’t realise how much closeness a tiny baby needs 24 hours a day — at least mine did. And that my whole life would basically come to a stop during those first months. Teo sleeps on us both during the day and at night, so honestly, even doing groceries can feel like an achievement sometimes. That’s why moments when one of us can go for a run or get a massage feel really important.

I also didn’t realise how much I would need my mum and my sister. How much you need other women and mothers around you. And another thing — I had no idea how deeply transformative this whole experience would be, starting with childbirth itself. Sometimes I genuinely feel like I can’t even remember what life was like before.

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What surprised you the most about the first weeks of motherhood?

Probably the reality of taking care of such a tiny human while at the same time processing one of the hardest physical experiences of my life. My labour was very long and difficult, so recovering afterwards took a lot out of me.

I remember this strange ambivalence — on one side, this huge love and the beginning of my relationship with Teo, and on the other, going through a difficult physical recovery after giving birth.

Have any new rituals or small everyday moments become important to you?

I think my morning coffee in an AOOMI mug has become a real ritual for me — and I mean that seriously, because there’s honestly something magical about that mug. Other than that, all the simplest things have become important: an evening shower, going for a walk with Teo if we manage to, skincare, taking vitamins. And one of the sweetest new moments has been when my son learned how to say “eu.”

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What would you wish for yourself and for other mothers on Mother’s Day?

I think I would wish for compassion towards your own weakness, support from every direction, and lots of sleep.

How does ÅOOMI ceramics fit into your everyday life?

Honestly, really well. Ever since it arrived, we’ve been using it for basically everything, and I truly feel like it elevates everyday meals somehow. And that morning coffee in the mug — that’s become an absolute must.

And that morning coffee in the ÅOOMI mug — that’s become an absolute must for me.
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And that morning coffee in the ÅOOMI mug — that’s become an absolute must for me.
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