Do you enjoy being a mum?

[Helmlover]

Just been looking through a recent thread on MN detailing the sacrifices parents have made for their kids and I’m shocked by the negative tone and the regret some mothers have openly expressed about ever having children.

So it’s got me thinking..do you actually enjoy being a mum and honestly, if you could go back in time, would you have had children, knowing what you know now?

Personally I don’t have children of my own so I can’t answer these questions, but I’m hoping to one day..

Yes, 100%. I had infertility for years before ivf worked so I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to become a parent when so many in my position can't.
DP and I were together for 15 years before DC so i felt we had plenty of opportunity to travel, go out, have fun. I've embraced the new life I have now and honestly find it more fulfilling.
It helps that my DP is a fantastic partner and father; I probably would struggle more if we didn't parent equally.
I think we live in quite an anti-child society and our culture doesn't readily welcome children, hence the negative attitudes you'll often hear expressed.

Yes I do love being a mum, I love doing things with her, playing, watching her learn and teaching her things.

I love days out with her, just lay in bed cuddling her while watching Peppa Pig and I love looking after her cooking,getting her clothes ready etc the practical everyday things.
It's frustrating though when she won't sleep or do as she's told or just generally having a tantrum(she's 2).

I would absolutely have her if I had my time again, the things I've "given up" I can get again in the future(money, sleep, fancy holidays).

The worst part for me is the anxiety I've developed. I'm worried sick something awful might happen to her and when that fear takes hold, it's absolutely horrendous.

Right now, it’s 50/50. Ask me again when the bulk of parenting is behind me.

Yes I do. I'm always tired and I never go out socially anymore. But I don't care, it's all worth it.

I’ve only been a mum for 4 months. I’m finding it hard - harder than I expected and I wasn’t totally naive before I got pregnant.

Before I had my baby I didn’t understand how people with a baby took so long to leave the house ....but now I realise looking after a baby really does take all day.

I love my baby so much, more than I could imagine. But my goodness it’s hard work.

Doesn’t help that DH works insane hours so I’m basically on my own Monday-Friday.

I’m hoping I’ll enjoy it more once baby is older and can go to nursery / grandparents to give me a break.

I think what I don’t enjoy about my current situation is that I’m parenting all day every day without a break & without support. But hopefully once I start getting a break from parenting (even if just to go to work!) I’ll enjoy it more

I do genuinely love being a mum, but I was in my late thirties when we had our first, so I kind of feel like I had done everything I wanted to do pre-children like lots of travelling and seeing the world, and getting to the point in my career that I was happy with. I will say I am not at home full-time though, I work 3 days a week and I think that balance is perfect for my family.

I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed for the first year. I always wanted children and was surprised I found it so hard, but I was so so tired. Now she’s nearly 3 and she sleeps and says the funniest things. Life is getting a bit more balanced and I’m enjoying it now. It’s such a massive transition but it’s nice to be out the other side.

Darwin I’m so sorry for your loss

Darwin I'm so sorry for your loss

I love being a Mum, my daughter has forced me to change everything from my home to my job and previous to her I was stuck in a huge rut. I do however miss my free time and lie ins, and miss just having a day with nothing to do, those were good days but I didn't appreciate them at the time