Motherhood: A Journey of Struggle and Gratitude

Weekends used to be filled with leisure and indulgence, but for this author, motherhood has brought a new set of responsibilities and limitations. With a three-year-old daughter and a three-month-old baby, the park has become their regular Saturday outing. However, amidst the exhaustion and monotony of parenting, the author finds herself wrestling with feelings of guilt for admitting to these struggles.

The author's path to motherhood was not easy, involving years of infertility and multiple failed rounds of IVF with donor eggs. Eventually, the author turned to surrogacy, which led to the birth of her first daughter. The dream of having a family finally realized, the author thought she would cherish every moment of parenthood. However, the reality proved to be more nuanced.

Regardless of the circumstances of a child's birth, the ups and downs of parenthood are universal. The author acknowledges that idealized expectations of motherhood often give way to the realities of boredom, frustration, and exhaustion. This is especially true for someone who has gone through alternative routes to becoming a parent. The author reflects on her struggle with breast cancer, infertility, and ultimately finding hope through surrogacy.

The author shares her internal conflict of feeling overwhelmed and occasionally discontent while being grateful for her miracle children. In a society that sometimes expects perfection from mothers, the author worries about being judged and scrutinized. However, she finds solace in connecting with other parents who share similar experiences and understand the complexities of motherhood.

The author also addresses the societal pressure on mothers to prioritize their children over their careers. Balancing motherhood and a career has its challenges, but the author finds fulfillment in both aspects of her life. She acknowledges that expressing frustrations and seeking help with childcare is not a reflection of abandoning her child but rather a normal aspect of parenting.

In conclusion, the author emphasizes that parenting, whether through surrogacy, IVF, adoption, or other means, does not exempt one from the everyday challenges and joys of raising children. Despite the struggles, the author feels no regret and shares her experience to highlight the complexities and rewards of motherhood.