April 19, 2023
I fully anticipated Hannah to opt for an abortion. So when the series finale of Girls kicked off with Hannah cradling a vibrant, healthy baby with a beautiful mix of skin tones—hinting at a father who’s a person of color—I was left speechless. (Just to be clear: I caught most of season six, but as a busy mom of a toddler, I missed out on that infamous water skiing instructor escapade. Thus, seeing Hannah with a mixed-race son was an even bigger shocker, especially given the show’s earlier criticism about its lack of diversity.)
Having grown up with Girls, I resonated deeply with the carefree spirit of the Brooklyn-based characters during my own early 20s. However, after having my daughter at 26, I felt a pang of loss for those carefree times, thinking my life had shifted from vibrant adventures to mundane parenting duties. As an aspiring writer, I worried my stories would become uninspired and solely focused on the challenges of being a millennial mom in a bustling city, which seemed like my new identity.
But the Girls finale captured the essence of early motherhood perfectly—it was exhausting, occasionally tedious, and undeniably beautiful.
Hannah struggles with breastfeeding, relying on pumping as her baby has difficulties latching. I found myself frustrated by her emotional disconnect with her brown, fatherless baby, and her insistence on crafting that narrative. This feeling intensified when her baby wouldn’t latch, amplifying Hannah’s struggles as a frazzled single mother. Many new moms can relate to that pressure; the “breast is best” mantra can feel suffocating, especially when well-meaning friends (looking at you, Clara) push you to avoid formula, no matter how hard it is on your body or how desperately your baby needs nourishment.
The finale dedicates a solid 15 minutes of its 38-minute runtime to the exhausting reality of feeding and soothing a newborn, aptly titled “Latching.” It’s a departure from the witty sarcasm we’ve come to love, but it portrays the raw truth of those initial months of motherhood.
Then there’s the reality of feeling envious about your partner’s freedom. Although Hannah’s child is fatherless, her best friend Clara steps up, helping through the sleepless nights and feedings. This selflessness highlights their deep friendship, especially since Clara is there when everyone else fades away. Yet, when Clara asks for permission to attend a music festival, I felt Hannah’s simmering resentment—something I too experienced when my partner would enjoy leisurely outings while I was knee-deep in diapers.
Postpartum depression is a common struggle, and I was among those who faced it. Clara, in her well-intentioned cluelessness, calls Hannah’s mom, who dispenses advice that feels more like a reprimand for being asleep while the baby is wide awake. Not the best approach for a sleep-deprived new mom, yet her efforts embody the message that actions often speak louder than words.
Motherhood also reshapes your worldview. When Hannah encounters a distraught teen girl who’s “run away” after a spat with her mom about homework, Hannah is horrified enough to demand back the pants she lent her. I felt that same shock when I attended a concert with my daughter and saw groups of teenage girls engaging in questionable activities. I was thankful my own mom insisted I finish my homework and drove me to shows. (And yes, the finale wouldn’t be complete without some classic Hannah nudity.)
While Girls certainly nailed some aspects, it also missed the mark, like the idea of sipping wine on the porch with your mom and best friend while your baby sleeps soundly inside or running away while still wearing your postpartum mesh panties. Real life isn’t quite that glamorous!
I’ll miss Girls and am proud of the mature direction it took. While it might’ve disappointed some viewers, for me, it was a beautifully crafted conclusion.
For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out our post on the home insemination kit, as well as this resource on intrauterine insemination from Johns Hopkins. If you’re considering options for starting a family, visit Make a Mom for expert advice.
In summary, the Girls finale provided a compelling, albeit flawed, depiction of first-time motherhood from the eyes of a millennial mom. It captured the trials, tribulations, and beauty of parenting in a way that resonated with those of us who’ve been there.