Does motherhood feel natural to you?

[GettingUntrapped]

Do those of you who are mothers perceive your maternal 'role' to be natural to you (i.e. innate biology)?
It has rarely felt natural to me, especially when I had my first baby and home alone with him most of the time. Friends have said the same thing, that it can feel unnatural to be alone so much with a new baby. It's a time when we need others around us.
Has anyone else felt like this?

[40weekswithno2]

I feel like it's come naturally to me, I had quite strong 'motherly instincts' from the moment my son was born.
I've always been maternal even as a young child .
That doesn't mean it's always easy though.

[Scarlettpixie]

Yes, absolultely.

[flaviaritt]

I think motherhood feels very natural. Not always great, but natural.

[Lisa78Lemon]

Yes. Completely natural which was a slight surprise and something I am very grateful for. I love him so much I ache and I feel like my purpose is to care for and nurture him.
However, this doesn't mean it's not an absolute slog and mindfuck most days (he's 12 months now and has severe food allergies, eczema and reflux which makes for a lot of crying, vomiting, itching, sleepless nights and worry).

[GettingUntrapped]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. It has been a relief to hear that most of you know motherhood is no picnic. In some ways, it's like motherhood in our culture leads a subservient role and I am finding it hard to get out of that.

[Fleetwoodmacs]

I actually have found it came naturally to me, which was a big surprise! I'm not generally a nurturing sort of person and I'm still not keen on other peoples kids. My own are great though.

I was lucky to have a decent support network when they were little though.