The article reflects on the author's evolving perspective towards motherhood. Initially rejecting the idea of having children in her twenties, she found herself at a crossroads in her thirties, feeling 55% certain about becoming a parent. Despite engaging in thorough exploration through discussions, reading, and self-reflection, she struggled with societal pressures and perceived expectations around motherhood. The piece reveals that feelings of maternal ambivalence are common and highlights the importance of recognizing that uncertainty is a valid part of considering motherhood.
Being 55% certain about motherhood stymied me. It didn't help that whenever I disclosed to anyone how unsure I felt, I was told that I should really want a baby if I was going to have one. Children required sacrifice.
I had no idea back then that what experts call maternal ambivalence—a feeling of uncertainty before embarking on pregnancy and parenthood—is the norm. In fact, research shows that maternal ambivalence is incredibly common.
#maternal-ambivalence #parenting-decisions #women-and-motherhood #societal-pressure #personal-reflection
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