While some women love motherhood, others want to live without children. Although it might not be for everybody, Mrs. America 2023 shares how it made her feel empowered and how having a child changed her life.
If you want to learn more about how one of the most famous women in the world feels about motherhood, read more to know what the 2023 Mrs. America thinks.
2023 Mrs. America
Mrs. America, Hannah Neeleman, was one of the contestants on stage who answered what was once a standard question with a fantastic reply. She was asked when she felt the most powerful, and to this, she talked about being a mother.
Neeleman came from Utah and was behind the Ballerina Farm account on Instagram. She competed against over 40 competitors and was able to win the competition.
Mrs. America is also a ranger and entrepreneur who lives in the mountain Valley of Kamas, Utah. She was also previously crowned as the former Miss New York City and competed as Mrs. South Dakota.
Neeleman was also once the Miss Utah second runner-up and a Miss National Sweetheart second runner-up. When she was 16, she attended the theater ballet program at Brigham Young University.
She also went to the Julliard School and won Mrs. Utah in 2021.
Hannah Neeleman’s opinions on motherhood
Neeleman was asked when she felt the most empowered, and she replied that it was when she held a newborn baby in her arms. She shares how she felt most empowered by the feeling of motherhood and the fact that she brought her children into the world.
Not only did Neeleman win the competition, a video of her answer went viral on social media. Her social media account mainly focuses on her family life and the time she spends with her husband and children.
Neeleman is also a mother of seven children with her husband, Daniel Neeleman. They mostly post videos of her playing with children, tending to livestock, and other exciting family activities.
Why are women scared to become mothers?
The fear of becoming a mother is a valid type of “maternal anxiety.” There are many reasons why women experience this, with some experiencing more complex reasons behind their fear.
Financial concerns
One of the most common problems women have when it comes to becoming a mother is that children are expensive to raise. Aside from the basics like food and shelter, children also need vitamins, education, and immediate treatment when sick.
Lifestyle changes
Another primary reason some women fear becoming mothers is that having a child requires a significant lifestyle change. Instead of being able to spend one’s time all to oneself, they’ll have to focus their attention on their child to ensure that they’re healthy.
Fear of the unknown
It’s common for women to fear the unknown, and this also applies to becoming a parent. Motherhood can look intimidating, especially since some women must allot their full attention to raising the child.
Trauma
Another reason some women don’t want to have a child is the trauma they experienced in their childhood. Often, this is paired with the fear of making the same mistake one’s parents made.
Societal concerns
Some women don’t want children due to the uncertainty of the world and its future. This can stem from a negative belief that the world is worsening, and by the time the next generation experiences it, it will already be too late.
The joy that comes from motherhood
Despite many reasons why some women are terrified of becoming mothers, some are extremely happy because of motherhood. While these might not apply to everyone, here are some reasons why some women love becoming mothers.
Emotional connection
Many women feel a strong bond with their children, which can be the primary source of their happiness and purpose. With excellent connection comes emotion, and most mothers feel an overwhelming sense of love and the need to protect their child, which can be a source of joy.
Sense of accomplishment
Motherhood is not easy; however, it can be very fulfilling, especially when a child reciprocates your love and attention. While this shouldn’t be the goal of mothers, the simple expression of love from an innocent child and seeing their accomplishments can also make the mother feel accomplished.
Creating a family
Some women have long dreamed of having a family one day, and when they achieve this, it can make these women feel very happy and content. While this might not be a common lifelong dream for all women, those who wish to have a family can experience joy once their goal is fulfilled.
Legacy
Sure, women can connect to the past and future through their children. Having children can help women understand the lives of their mothers and even potentially the lives of their children.
Unconditional love
The bond between a good mother and their child is a powerful experience with an unbreakable love. A mother who loves her child unconditionally will feel the love and affection in magnitudes, which can also be very fulfilling and give her joy.
Last words
While not everyone might be like Mrs. America, who finds joy in her seven children, learning more about what motherhood has to bring is also essential. Although not for everybody, some women might know enough about motherhood to be convinced that it is a path they want to take.
