Lady Gaga says she’s ‘excited’ to be a mom—but admits it’s complicated

Lady Gaga has never been one to shy away from reinvention—whether it’s her music, her fashion, or even her approach to fame. But in a recent New York Times interview, she touched on something far more personal: how she imagines motherhood might fit into her life someday.

At 38, Gaga is reflecting on what the future might hold, and while she hasn’t publicly announced any concrete plans to start a family, she’s been candid about the emotions, hopes, and challenges she anticipates when it comes to motherhood.

“I’m excited to be a mom,” Gaga said. “I used to have a lot of apprehension about it. The thing that’s the most important to me is to not force my children to live a life that they are not choosing. So the more that we can give them space to discover who they are on their own, that’s the thing that I believe in the most.”

It’s a sentiment that feels deeply aligned with who she is—an artist who has built her career on self-expression and defying expectations. But as much as she looks forward to motherhood, she admits she’s still grappling with what it will mean for her life—and, more importantly, how to balance it with her identity as an artist.

“I’m also kind of at war with myself sometimes as I get ready to, hopefully, become a mom soon. Like, today is wonderful, but the whole day has revolved around me. There’s an incredible amount of narcissism in this. How do I live a life where I’m passionate about my art while also making more space for other things?”

A struggle so many moms know well

Gaga’s reflection highlights the unique challenge that many working moms face: finding a balance between personal fulfillment and raising a family. The transition to motherhood isn’t just about welcoming a baby—it’s about redefining who you are, especially for those whose careers have long shaped their sense of self.

And while few can relate to the pressures of global superstardom, the underlying struggle is deeply familiar:

• Will I still have time for the things that make me feel like myself?
• Will my work suffer? Will my parenting suffer?
• How do I make space for both?

Psychologists call this transition “matrescence”—a term that describes the emotional and psychological transformation women go through as they become mothers. It’s not about losing yourself, but about integrating this new version of you—a process that takes time, patience, and a willingness to evolve.

Related: Taylor Swift comes to Lady Gaga’s defense after ‘invasive’ pregnancy speculation

Letting kids—and ourselves—figure it out

Though Gaga isn’t a mom yet, her reflections show a deep awareness of the kind of parent she hopes to be. She has spent years advocating for individuality and personal freedom, and it’s clear she wants to raise her future children with that same mindset.

At the heart of it all, Gaga’s words capture a core truth of modern motherhood: it’s a balancing act. Whether you’re an international superstar or a mom navigating the daily juggle of work and family, the question remains the same—how do we make space for both?

And while Gaga may still have lingering questions about how motherhood will fit into her life, one thing is certain: she’s thinking about it with the same authenticity and intention that have always defined her.

Motherhood might still be on the horizon for Gaga, but she’s already making room for the possibilities ahead.

Related: 4-year-old’s raw photo of postpartum mom perfectly captures new motherhood