Ashley Jamesさんのインスタグラム写真 - (Ashley JamesInstagram)「Here's a question: Why do we have so many negative conceptions about motherhood? I received a message in my DMs today from a worried pregnant lady which said: "I really worry about losing myself and really don't want to just be a 'mummy' as I have a stressful career and I'm fiercely independent." And it got me thinking about how motherhood is viewed in society in such a negative way. And this was me - I never wanted to be a mum and I think one of the main reasons was because of the negative conceptions around what it meant to be one. When I first found out I was having a baby, I told Tommy I wasn't ready to give up my freedom. When I first announced my pregnancy online, I reassured people I wouldn't become one of *those* mums who talked a lot about their babies. During my pregnancy I declared how much I loved fashion and didn't want to wear frumpy clothing - as if all the other expectant mums before me just settled for prudish maternity clothes. Of course they didn't, but that's the stereotype so many of us have in our minds. "I've not achieved everything I want to with my career yet!" I said in panic. But why is motherhood and being career driven seen as such a contradiction? I'm still the same person with the same ambitions. Nearly everyday I hear people (and myself) worrying about being *just* a mum. What is *just* a mum anyway. I've done many jobs in my life and this is the most intense one that requires the most diverse skillset. I never hear expectant father's worrying about being *just* a dad. Or being one of *those* dads. Or having to lose their freedom. Or give up their careers. We coo and fuss over "hands on" fathers. It's weird isn't it? Do you think it's because our parents were the first generation of women who actually had the freedom to have careers? And motherhood was the antithesis of feminism? Anyway, if you're scared of these limiting beliefs we have around motherhood, I'm here to tell you, as someone who hated the idea of it, that it is wonderful. I've given nothing up, but gained so much. And maybe *those* mums aren't as bad as you thought. And you'll always be more than *just* a mum. 😉 📸 @tinyposers #newmum」5月27日 6時00分