Life Without Baby

filling the silence in the motherhood discussion

Why Childlessness Does Not Make Me Less of a Woman

Women having fun at Golden Gate Bridge

By Lisa Manterfield

“I take pleasure in my transformations. I look quiet and consistent, but few know how many women there are in me.”

~Anaïs Nin

There’s an idea going around that not having children somehow makes us “less of a woman.” I don’t subscribe to this idea.

As this quote by author Anaïs Nin states, I am many, many women, and “mother” is only one element of me.

I am a writer, friend, wife, cat mama, reader, thinker, curser, fighter, nature-lover, spider catcher, traveler, cook.

All these women are fluid. They ebb and flow in me as needed. And when one of them isn’t able to fulfill her purpose, the others quickly rally to fill the gap, so I am always whole.

I am never less of a woman.

Comments

  3. I always find comfort in God’s Word: Psalm 139:14

    ” I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”

    WE ARE WONDERFUL !!!!!

  4. I don’t feel less of a woman, I just feel like I have missed out on wonderful experience that many women have. I also feel I will never now the bond and love many women know because they have children. It doesn’t make me feel like less of a woman, just makes feel I’m an outsider from the whole human race.

    • Right there with you on this on Sherry… that is exactly how I feel… couldn’t have said it better!

      • Totally agree – well put Sherry, I used to feel less of a woman – now I’m battling with all the joys I’ve missed out on. “an outsider from the whole human race” is my issue now – very well put. thank you Sherry