Motherhood is a profound journey that demands complete devotion and love. It’s about pouring your heart into caring for another human being every single day. As mothers, we often find ourselves bending but never breaking, feeling as though we’re constantly giving yet never enough, and prioritizing our children above all else. So when someone dares to question our parenting based on how our child came into the world, we’re ready to stand our ground.
A Reddit user, known as mommabear123, faced criticism for not having given birth to her child, being told she wasn’t a “real” mother. She decided to respond with a heartfelt lesson on what true parenting really means.
“I didn’t give birth to my child. I didn’t experience the joy of feeling them grow inside me, or the first embrace after they were born. Instead, I endured years of waiting to be told that we were chosen to become parents,” she expressed.
She shares the emotional turmoil of the adoption process: “While I didn’t experience labor pains, I felt the deep ache of longing in my heart and home as my partner and I hoped to start our family. I never had those late-night nursing sessions, but I spent countless nights awake, praying for our turn and wondering why we hadn’t been selected yet. Trust me, you can’t possibly fathom that feeling.”
The reality is that a family can take many forms, and asserting that one type of mother is more valid than another is not just hurtful—it’s simply wrong. Genetics play a minor role when it comes to the essence of parenting. Being a parent is about love, nurturing, and creating a safe space for your child. It’s about healing scraped knees, reading bedtime stories, and teaching values. None of this hinges on shared DNA.
She emphasizes, “Not every mother’s journey is the same. Being a mother isn’t solely defined by giving birth. Just because I didn’t carry my child doesn’t mean they aren’t a part of me. We are in this together, fighting for our life as a family.”
And to make her point crystal clear, she concludes her response with, “Screw you. I’m a mom.”
Absolutely, she is!
For more insightful stories and resources, you can explore this article on home insemination kits. If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of parenthood and how others are supporting families, check out this inspiring story about giving back. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit WomensHealth.gov, a fantastic resource for anyone on this journey.
Summary
Motherhood is defined by love and commitment rather than genetics. A Reddit user faced harsh judgment for not giving birth, but she powerfully articulated that being a mom transcends biology. Her experience through adoption shows that parenting is about nurturing, learning, and fighting for your family. All families are valid regardless of how they are formed.