How do u describe motherhood to childless women? I realized that I’m very negative & cynical! I want to have a more positive attitude when I describe what it’s like to be mother to ppl who don’t have kids bt I find I just can’t lol 😇

I'd say it's the hardest but most rewarding thing I've done. There are wtf moments and then moments of sheer love and awe. I'm so exhausted but then her little hand reaches for me and for a moment I forget and just think how much I love this mini me.

“Even when you “know exactly what you’re signing up for”, no you don’t.”

I’m honest! I tell them it’s basically the most fun and coolest thing that humans can do, but it still isn’t for everyone because it is ALSO the hardest. I also say it realigns your priorities HARD. All the problems in the world that directly hurt your children will occupy your whole damn brain, but any ones that don’t start to feel like silly bullshit. And in that way it is simultaneously very anxiety inducing, and freeing

Don't hold back the negative and cynical side, a lot of people ignore it even when they do hear it and "wish someone had told them" even if they didn't believe it at the time

i think if you focus on the positive aspects of motherhood it should be easier to communicate them. i would keep it simple and tell them the truth in my journey focusing on the wonder but not leaving out the sacrifices one makes.

I do have to come back and note I am not & will never be a “oh just wait til ___” type of person. The point I try to get across to people is even if you think you know exactly what to expect, there will be moments of utter confusion, because everyone’s journey looks different, everybody’s kids are different, and I won’t be living with them 🤣

Everyone is different. What’s disappointing and hard to stomach, other women consider it their greatest joy. Some of the negativity could just have to do with your expectations and support. It can be terrible and wonderful as well. Would you change it? Probably not

Eg. Experiencing closeness and breastfeeding means loss of freedom. The average childless person would only understand the loss of freedom

There are times I look back and just wish I could breastfeed my daughter again. Wasn’t always easy

I would describe it as the intro lyrics to “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine.

I always tell people who want kids that it's different for everyone. It's so hard to give advice because my pregnancy and post partum can look so different from another woman's life.

A very spiritual experience from my POV the moment I heard him cry, everything in a strange way made sense. All the trauma, and bulls** I went through led to this moment, and guess what…. I would do it again knowing it would lead me to him. It’s a love that is hard describe. I can’t say it’s the hardest thing I have done, but if you knew my past you would understand. But I can say it’s a challenge I couldent prepare for. Being a mother definitely gave me a sense of purpose. But I also feel tired, exhausted, and heartbroken to pieces knowing he doesn’t have a dad. I’m a single mom, with no help, support or village. It’s tough, it’s overwhelming, heck I cried myself to sleep just the other night from exhaustion. But I’m happy to have these complaints, versus the complaints I had in the past. I’ve never felt more inseucure about myself, my looks, my weight, ect. But in the same breath I never felt more feminine. It’s a crazy ride I’ll say!

I’m honest but I love being a mom so it’s mostly positive from me. I’ve known I wanted this for a very long time and now, learning how hard it is, I’ve gained so much respect for other mothers. I’ve also gained so much respect for myself. The most challenging parts for me are being exhausted and the strain having a baby has put on my relationship which I’m very open about. But I will say every time I pass a challenge and make it through the other side I am so proud of myself. It’s very rewarding. I never had that sense of pride before having a baby. It’s been incredible.

@Lauren that’s one of my fav songs! I agree! But I liken that song to just being able to finally have kids ❤️

They’d have to ask me some direct questions. I keep running into these child free by choice folks who straight up resent mothers.