Are You Ready to be a Mother?

Deciding whether you are ready or not for motherhood can be challenging for any woman. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell if your own deep and sincere desires for motherhood, a biological urge, or just an inclination to surrender to pressure from your family and society. It is okay to feel confused or uncertain as motherhood is a life-changing decision, you're committing to being a parent for the rest of your life. Only you can gauge your readiness for motherhood. Examine your desires, and ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to be a mother? Why? Why not?
• How does being or not being a mother make me feel?
• Are my desires influenced by external pressure?
• How will having a baby change my life in the next year, next five, 10 years?
• What are the emotional, mental, physical, and financial requirements for good parenting?
• Do I need to make certain changes in my life before having a baby?
• Can I raise a child on my own, or must my partner assist me?
• How would I handle mental or physical challenges if my child faces them?
• Are you and your partner (if you have one) certain about why you want to be parents?

Your partner should share the same motivations and expectation in building a family. As parents, you must be able to define the values you'll teach your child.

• Do you trust in your child-raising abilities?

You need to be confident, as this confidence will come in handy when you'll be faced with challenges along the motherhood journey.

• Have you invested enough time in looking after yourself?

When you become a mother, your child will likely become your first priority; you'll have less time to look after yourself. It is important that you "pamper" yourself and do "you" things before the journey begins.

• Do you have a reliable support system?

You won't always be a super, do-it-all mom. There will be times when you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and you'll need support. Do you have people who can support you in such instances?