Busted: 5 Myths About Motherhood You Can’t Ignore

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Motherhood is a new and magical time in a woman’s life which brings happiness with challenges, joyfulness along with struggles. Right from the days of pregnancy, an expecting mother would go through massive changes in her body and hormone levels. Labor and childbirth also are a painful process that mothers have to go through. But even after going through such hardships, their joy knows no bounds when they finally catch a glimpse of their little one for the first time. Motherhood is also a time when women have to face judgements from other people on how they are handling their babies. Many unwanted pieces of advice, judgements and gossip start occurring which is hard to believe many times.

We live in a world that has a lot to say about motherhood. The expectations are so unreasonably high that it can be ridiculous. Even so, we believe the things people say and worry that we can’t adhere to them. There is a bar that is set when it comes to motherhood, and as mothers, we try so very hard to meet and maybe even raise that bar. But here’s the thing — there are one too many myths surrounding motherhood, and we are here to bust them. The more aware you are of these myths, the more at peace you might be. So, without further ado, let’s debunk myths about motherhood together, keep reading:

Myth 1: A Good Mother Will Bond Immediately

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Fact: How soon you bond with your child has nothing to do with how good a mother you are! We’ve heard it a million times before — that after your baby is born, you feel that connection, or the first time you look into your baby’s eyes, you feel the strongest bond ever. The mother-child bond is indeed wonderful, but if you don’t seem to be feeling that “immediate connection”, you’re not alone. You’ve just given birth to your child. This can feel taxing both physically and emotionally, to say the least. You’re uncomfortable, and your hormones are all over the place. Chances are that the only thing you’re feeling at this time is a hell a lot of pain. All of these factors creep in, even when you’re holding your baby for the first time. Several mothers are with you in this. In fact, there are studies to back this up (1). Give it some time. The truth is, it takes a lifetime to bond with your child!

Myth 2: Every Woman Is A Natural

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Fact: We’ve been told that for a woman, motherhood comes naturally. Well, not really. Motherhood takes a lot of patience, hard work, sacrifice, and selflessness. For some, it may come easy; for some, it may take time. And this is completely okay. What matters is that you’ve been bending over backwards trying to do everything you can for your baby. You don’t have to compare yourself with the so-called model mothers out there!

Besides, no one has the authority to declare what ideal motherhood should be like unless they are the mother themselves. Everyone is from different backgrounds, different upbringings and the values one adheres to might not resonate that with those of others. What is considered ideal for one might not sound that good to someone else. As long as you’re putting in your best effort and wants the best for your child, your little one is in good hands.

Myth 3: Mothers Always Like Their Kids

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Fact: Do we moms love our kids all the time? Yes. But do we “like” them all the time? Not really, no. There will be moments when you want to scream at them for being brats, and you won’t particularly like them so much during these times. There is no love lost, of course, but there will be a difference of opinion. Your baby will have their own personality, and you can’t always like them!

Not reprimanding your kids would lead to them turning into spoiled brats who always get their ways through tantrums. It’s only when you discipline them in the correct understanding way, do they realize wrong from right. And as parents it’s your responsibility to ensure that. So, when you’re pissed at your kid, it’s probably that they have done something that shouldn’t have been done.

Myth 4: Breastfeeding Should Come Naturally To Mothers

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Fact: This is probably the biggest misconception that people have about motherhood. Breastfeeding may look easy, but it’s far from it! Women face several challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. Sometimes, the baby will have trouble latching. This could be due to problems with your child’s tongue or lips. Sometimes, you may have a short supply of milk. This could be because of hormones, certain medications, or insufficient glandular tissues. And sometimes, it’s just simply painful because pregnancy can make your breasts sore! It takes time, so cut yourself some slack (2),(3).

The mothers health is as important as the child’s when it comes to the child’s growth. If a mother is medically unable to breastfeed her little one, there is no point forcefully doing it. If the mother gets bogged down from such forceful action, the baby would also suffer. Baby formulas are a great alternative in cases where a mother is medically unable to breastfeed.

Myth 5: Good Moms Don’t Complain

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Fact: It probably holds true if you’re not human! Don’t be fooled by what you hear — everyone has the right to complain, especially mothers! Motherhood is no walk in the park. It takes a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It creeps into every part of your life, and this can be difficult to accept and manage at times. So go ahead and rant as much as you want — you’re entitled to it!

They say it takes a village to raise a child. But you know what? Mothers are doing the job of an entire village all by themselves! From sleepless nights to changing diapers and putting your baby’s needs before your own, you are already doing your best. Don’t ever question that! Have you heard of other such myths? Let us know in the comments below!

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