This is a powerful unpacking of the different perceptions of motherhood and how central it 'should' be to a mother's identity. In sharing your own experiences and comparing them to your friend's, you enable readers to truly understand the other side of the debate, regardless of which side they begin reading the piece from. In emphasising the difference between loving your child and loving motherhood itself, you give permission for each reader to feel validated and supported while also showing that all mothers deserve that. Thank you so much for sharing this piece with MW readers Laura.