When the series finale of Moms opened with Mia cradling a healthy, mixed-race baby—a reflection of her relationship with a man of color—I was taken aback. I had anticipated Mia would choose to have an abortion, so this twist caught me off guard. As someone who caught most episodes of the final season, I was particularly stunned to see Mia with a child, especially since the show rarely included characters of diverse backgrounds, which had drawn criticism throughout its run.
Growing up alongside Moms, I related to the characters as they navigated the exhilarating yet tumultuous journey of early adulthood in Brooklyn. By the time I had my daughter at 26, I felt a sense of loss for those carefree days. As an aspiring writer, I feared my experiences would become mundane, confined to the challenges of parenting in a bustling city. I thought I would be relegated to writing about the struggles of being a young parent.
Mothers often find that their identity evolves dramatically after having a child. The series finale of Moms mirrored that sentiment, illustrating the growth of its protagonist, who had been the glue of her friend group.
So, what did Moms get right about the trials of being a first-time millennial mom? It was a mix of exhaustion, occasional frustration, and fleeting moments of beauty.
In the finale, Mia struggles to get her baby to latch on, resorting to pumping breast milk. Her disconnection from her child—particularly as a single mother—was frustratingly palpable, especially when the baby wouldn’t latch. This disconnect resonates with many mothers who feel societal pressure to adhere to the “breast is best” mantra, often pushed by others (cue the well-meaning friend, Kelly) even when it’s exhausting for a recovering postpartum body.
The show dedicated a significant portion of its final episode, titled “Latching,” to Mia’s attempts at feeding and soothing her newborn. It may not have been the witty, satirical tone that fans loved, but it accurately portrayed the intense early days of motherhood, complete with baby smiles that could easily induce ovaries to ache for another child.
You’ll also come to resent your partner’s freedom. While Mia navigates parenthood solo, her friend Kelly steps in to help during sleepless nights and feedings. This selflessness from Kelly highlights the strength of their friendship, but when she casually mentions wanting to attend a music festival, Mia’s frustration is palpable. Many women can relate; I felt a similar bitterness when my partner enjoyed leisurely outings while I was at home 24/7 with our newborn.
Postpartum depression is a reality for many, including myself. Kelly, in her clueless but well-meaning way, calls Mia’s mother for advice, who offers up wisdom that’s less than helpful for a sleep-deprived new mom. However, her presence demonstrates that actions often speak louder than words.
As Mia encounters a distraught teenage girl who has run away from home, her reaction is mixed with horror and nostalgia. This moment reminded me of my own experiences; I once gazed at young girls heading into the woods at a concert, reflecting on my own rebellious youth. It made me grateful for the guidance my mother provided.
Yet, the finale also misrepresented some aspects of new motherhood—like the idea of sipping wine on the porch while your baby sleeps peacefully inside or the unrealistic notion of running away from home, pants-less, while still in postpartum gear.
Despite its imperfections, I will miss Moms for its mature exploration of life. Many viewers may have been left wanting, but as a new mom watching, I found it both relatable and moving.
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In summary, the finale of Moms encapsulated the complexities of first-time motherhood, offering both an authentic portrayal of the challenges and an emotional farewell to its beloved characters.