When you first hear you’re pregnant, you might feel elated and excited, all the Hollywood emotions you’re “supposed” to feel. So what happens if you don’t?

If instead of bubbling up with joy, your heart sinks?

Instead of wanting to call everyone you know to share the news because you’re so overexcited you couldn’t possibly keep it inside, you…. retreat.

Instead of crying with joy, the tears are of sadness, because now your body is no longer yours, your relationship has changed, the future looks uncertain… The list goes on.

If you don’t react like you’re “supposed” to act, that’s ok. Because there is no right way to react to such life changing news. Society tells us how we are supposed to react, but it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. It may mean there are fears or anxieties about being pregnant or a mother that you might need help processing.

Becoming a mother is a massive change and it isn’t always a happy time in someone’s life. It is a transition that should be processed with empathy and sensitivity, above all, kindness in an increasingly insular and judgemental world.