Motherhood is an all-consuming journey that demands every ounce of love and commitment from someone willing to pour their heart into another’s life. It’s a relentless endeavor where we, as women, often feel stretched thin but somehow manage to keep giving. So, when a stranger dares to question our parenting credentials based solely on how our child came into the world, they should be prepared for a serious wake-up call.
Take, for instance, Reddit user SarahJoy, who was told she wasn’t a “real parent” because she didn’t give birth to her child. Instead of letting it slide, she decided it was time to educate this individual on the true essence of parenting.
“I didn’t give birth to my child. I didn’t experience the joy of feeling them grow inside me, nor did I have the chance to hold them against my skin right after birth. What I did was labor for YEARS, waiting for that magical moment when we were finally chosen to be parents,” she shared.
SarahJoy opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of the adoption process. “I may not have felt the pangs of childbirth, but I certainly experienced the deep ache of longing in my heart and home as my partner and I dreamed of starting our family through adoption. I didn’t get those late-night nursing sessions, but I spent countless sleepless nights praying to anyone who might be listening, hoping we’d finally be next. I can only imagine you have no idea what that feels like.”
Just because one family looks different from another doesn’t make it any less valid. To assume someone is less of a mother simply because they didn’t carry a child is not only offensive but also fundamentally misguided. Genetics have little bearing on what it means to be a parent. It’s about love—kissing scraped knees, sharing bedtime stories, and being there through thick and thin. None of that is contingent on shared DNA.
She powerfully asserted, “Not every journey is your journey. Not every mother is defined by giving birth. My child will always be a part of me because we’re in this together, fighting for our family.”
And just to be clear, she ended her response with an emphatic, “Forget you. I’m a mom.”
And you know what? She absolutely is.
For more insights and experiences, check out our related post on terms and conditions or visit Make A Mom for expert advice on home insemination. If you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary
A mother’s heartfelt response to being labeled as not a “real” mom highlights that parenthood is defined by love and commitment, not genetics. The emotional journey of adoption is equally valid, proving that being a mother transcends biological ties.