Being a mother is not easy, which makes me appreciate my mother more than ever,” Rihanna says. Pregnancy has “opened new levels of love” for her mother.

Rihanna says pregnancy has “unlocked new levels of love and respect” for her mom, Monica Braithwaite. The singer shared a touching tribute on Instagram for her mom’s birthday, revealing how her view of her mother has changed in light of her own pregnancy.

Rihanna praises her mom for teaching her forgiveness amid strained relations with her dad, saying, “Today is my Queen’s birthday!!! Being on the verge of motherhood, unlocked new levels of love and respect I have for my mommy in a way that I could never explain! She’s the true MVP and I wanna give her her flowers every second I can! Love you mumzzzz!!! Happy Birthday! We gonna celebrate on da link up!”

Rihanna is in her third trimester of pregnancy. Although her mother has served as an inspiration throughout her life and motherhood journey, the “Work” singer is also taking notes from Bravo’s Real Housewives stars Heather Dubrow and Teresa Giudice. Rihanna mentioned in an interview that she admires Heather Dubrow’s chicness and the way she allows her kids to be themselves, and she finds Teresa Giudice’s straightforwardness with her kids inspiring.