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"I'm the woman who doesn't want children. And I cringe as I write this..."

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We recently published an article by Nadirah Angail in which she urged "mind your own womb". She explained that we should give women space and respect the decisions they make with regards to their bodies because it is, quite frankly, none of our business.

Read: Mind your own womb

One of our readers responded saying she's one of those women who doesn't want children. And this is what she wishes you knew, instead of always saying, "Don’t worry, you’ll change your mind":


I’m in an even smaller category not mentioned in the article: the woman who doesn’t want children. And I cringe as I write this...

Cringe because that is what every normal woman is supposed to want.

Cringe because society makes you feel there's something wrong with you for not wanting to be a mother.

Cringe at the look of shock and incomprehension on people’s faces when you tell them you don’t want children.

Cringe because people don't understand that this is the right decision for me.

Cringe because people think I'm selfish or obsessed with keeping my figure.

Cringe when people say “Don’t worry, you’ll change your mind.” (I’m 40, haven’t changed it.)

Cringe when people say “Don’t worry, once you have a baby you’ll feel different.”

Cringe when people say “But being pregnant and giving birth is the most wonderful experience a woman can ever have!” (I’ll never know, I had to have a hysterectomy when I was younger.)

Cringe when you’re at a baby shower with a glowing mom-to-be, surrounded by adoring friends and family, and someone asks you “So when’s it your turn?”

So please, don’t mind my womb. I don’t have it anymore.

Did you find this relatable? Do you also wish that sometimes people would just mind their own womb? Share your thoughts with us by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we may publish it on the site.

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