Do you have the “mommy gene”?
In a study with mice, researchers at the Rockefeller University in New York found that a single gene exists that could be responsible for the maternal instincts that motivate mothers to raise their young.
Are you born to be a mom? A gene for maternal instincts?
The study’s findings mean there could be real proof as to why some women seem born to be maternal figures, or have that maternal instinct, while others don’t “feel” it as easily.
You know how some women feel that biological clock ticking or stomping, while others don’t feel it at all?
One of the lead researchers asserted that “without this gene, the skills to be ‘a good mom’ [are] lost.”
The findings of this study are interesting but already I see a red flag. Is this yet another way to label moms?
The term “mommy gene” is already coined… I can see the conversations already. “Oh, she doesn’t have the mommy gene like I do.”
Or “she’s not a natural at being a mom – she probably doesn’t have the mom gene.”
And so on.
Women looking to one day have a child of her own will now start to doubt herself – what if she’s not motherly enough? What if she doesn’t feel the clock ticking?
There are already enough pressures that come with being a mom – do we really need to add more?
2 Comments
I call CRAP on that! I was never one to want a lot of kids… or any for that matter! Was married 5 yrs before getting pregnant and then called the poor thing a parasite my whole pregnancy – was sick EVERY day! BUT from the second he was born… that was it – no words – just LOVE… and lots of it! And I kick-ass at being a Mom! 🙂
I don’t know why they thought this would be a good idea for moms lol it never goes well. We already have more than enough sanctimommy issues, bullying and arguing as moms this is not going to help at all. I think everyone does the best they can and whether you want a single child or a ton of kids, have bad days etc you’re still doing your best and thats what matters.