What the ‘Girls’ Finale Got Right About Parenthood

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When the series finale of Girls kicked off with Hannah cradling a healthy, vibrant baby boy who clearly has a father of color, I was taken aback. As a busy mom of a toddler myself, I missed some of the pivotal moments leading up to this revelation, including the infamous water skiing instructor affair. Thus, seeing Hannah with a mixed-race child was a shocking twist, especially considering the series often faced criticism for its lack of diversity.

Having grown up alongside the characters of Girls, I resonated with their explorations of youth and freedom. But after becoming a mother at 26, I felt a profound shift, as if those carefree days had vanished. As an aspiring writer seeking inspiration, I feared that my new identity as a parent would limit my creativity and experiences.

In many ways, the Girls finale captured this loss of identity perfectly. Hannah’s journey reflects the reality of becoming a first-time millennial mom: it’s exhausting, sometimes mundane, yet occasionally beautiful.

One of the most relatable aspects was Hannah’s struggle with breastfeeding. She grapples with her baby’s refusal to latch, leading her to rely on pumping milk. While I found her emotional disconnection from her son somewhat frustrating, it underscored the pressure many women feel to adhere to the “breast is best” mantra, often exacerbated by well-meaning friends like Marnie. The episode dedicated a significant portion of its runtime to the challenges of feeding and comforting a newborn—aptly titled “Latching”—which, while not the show’s usual witty banter, offered a realistic depiction of early motherhood.

The episode also highlights the bittersweet reality of partnerships during parenthood. While Hannah navigates her role as a single mother, Marnie steps in to help during sleepless nights, showcasing a depth of friendship rarely seen before. However, Marnie’s request to attend a jazz festival subtly reveals the resentment many new mothers feel when partners enjoy leisure while they handle the demands of parenting alone.

Postpartum depression is a common struggle, and Hannah’s experience resonates with many mothers, including myself. When Marnie seeks advice from Hannah’s mom, her well-intentioned advice misses the mark, illustrating how the support system can sometimes falter in understanding the complexities of new motherhood.

Hannah’s encounter with a distressed teenage girl serves as a moment of reflection, reminding us of the fears and concerns that accompany motherhood. It’s a poignant reminder of how much our perspectives shift after becoming parents.

Of course, while the finale got many things right, it also missed the mark on a few realities—like the notion of relaxing with friends while the baby sleeps or the idea that one can take leisurely baths amidst the chaos of new parenthood.

As Girls wraps up, I appreciate its mature direction, even if some viewers found it disappointing. For me, it resonated deeply and captured the essence of motherhood in a beautifully flawed way.

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In summary, the Girls finale encapsulates the trials and triumphs of first-time motherhood for millennials. It portrays the exhaustion, the struggles, and the unexpected beauty that comes with raising a child, showcasing the evolution of its protagonist in a relatable way.