WE ARE CHILDFREE

I was raised as a fundamentalist Christian where my body’s purpose was decided before my birth.

I knew my body was supposed to be a vessel to carry children in submission to my husband but I was also bombarded by purity culture. I never understood how someone was supposed to flip a switch from hiding/hating their body to a sexual being that has every body part on display during pregnancy. Also being taught that modesty is imperative and to “hide your shame” once you start your period made the bodily functions of motherhood seem embarrassing and objectifying not a natural part of life. My own mother formula fed my sister and I for that exact reason even though she knew breastfeeding was healthier and provided a bonding experience between baby & mom.

I never understood how someone was supposed to flip a switch from hiding/hating their body to a sexual being that has every body part on display during pregnancy.

Also being taught that modesty is imperative and to “hide your shame” once you start your period made the bodily functions of motherhood seem embarrassing and objectifying – not a natural part of life. My own mother formula-fed my sister and I for that exact reason even though she knew breastfeeding was healthier and provided a bonding experience between baby and mom.

Also, my cousins made motherhood look terrible. They passed their kids off to me, a tween, at any chance they got and never took time to play with or talk to their children.

I decided that only people that truly pine for children and will enjoy playing with, talking to, teaching and listening to their kids should become parents. I think children deserve that kind of parent and I realized that that is not me.

I have godsons that I love seeing photos of and buying gifts for, and I think kids in general are funny but I know that I would instantly resent the responsibility of motherhood.