6 Myths About Maternity

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez.

Written by Gladys González

Last update: 27 December, 2022

The intense feeling of happiness that a mother feels when she knows that her child is on the way can be overshadowed by a host of doubts and thoughts that invade her mind. This is especially true when it comes to all the myths about maternity that we hear.

Myths are social beliefs that spread in society due to a lack of knowledge and validity on a certain topic. There are numerous senseless and baseless beliefs about motherhood that are passed down from generation to generation.

These beliefs can cause an inexperienced mother to feel worried and afraid about taking care of her little one. These mothers can even start to question if her beautiful work as a mother is up to standard.

The myths about maternity should not become a cause for concern. On the contrary, if a mother does not have knowledge about a certain issue that concerns her, she should research, seek professional advice, and try to find the correct solutions.

Myths about maternity

In this article we will share with you a series of myths and truths about motherhood in order to put your mind at ease. You will be a more peaceful and confident mother if you have the correct information:

All mothers naturally possess the maternal instinct

On the contrary, being a mother implies a great amount of responsibilities that not all women are willing to face. Therefore, deciding to be a mother is a big decision.

Being a mother means infinite happiness

Although as mothers we feel joy and satisfaction when we see our little treasures grow, there are also sad moments. Moments in which we are upset, worried or frustrated.

Being a mother means losing your freedom

On the contrary, motherhood is a time in which mothers must plan their time and activities without forgetting that that they also have the right to have fun, have hobbies, go shopping, to the movies, or to the park, etc.

Breastfeeding makes us better mothers

It is true that breastfeeding effectively helps children grow in a healthy manner. It also strengthens the bond between mother and child. However, there are other forms of nutrition that are equally healthy.

Therefore, a woman doesn’t become a bad mother if there is some medical or personal reason that prevents her from breastfeeding her little one.

All women dream about being mothers since they were little

Although it is true that motherhood can bring us lots of happiness and satisfaction, it is not an essential requirement needed to feel like a woman.

Postpartum depression is a product of the lack of love that a mother feels towards her baby

The feelings of sadness that a mother feels after giving birth are due to the hormonal activity that she experiences. This does not mean that she feels a lack of love towards her child.

Tips for a myth-free motherhood

When dealing with the myths that surround motherhood, it is important to keep in mind the following tips in order to expand your knowledge and minimize the doubts that can arrive from these mistaken beliefs:

• Read magazines or articles about maternity in order to expand your knowledge on multiple topics such as weaning, how to be a mother and wife at the same time, etc.
• Don’t pay attention to the comments and advice received from third parties. It is important to seek out professional help, either from a doctor or a psychologist.
• Ask for help from your partner, raising a child is not an easy task and mothers will always need someone to understand and help them.
• Mothers should be confident in the way they act and while putting their knowledge into practice. Mothers are valuable and brave women who always try to do the best job possible.

Keep in mind that not all mothers are perfect. However, most of them are courageous people who face numerous challenges every day.

Honest information is something that can make it easier when it comes to overcoming the challenges that motherhood presents.