Motherhood Is Contagious: Is It True And Why?
Is motherhood contagious? According to science, yes! Numerous studies confirm that a friend’s fertility positively affects the possibility of becoming a mother.
The decision to have children is influenced not only by the individual characteristics and preferences of the couple, but also by their social circle.
Scholars claim that women whose friends have become mothers get pregnant in the next two years due to the feeling of trust and the desire for motherhood that comes with it.
Motherhood is contagious, especially between the first 12 and 23 months of a baby’s life . Later this sensation diminishes until it disappears after the third year of the baby.
Why is motherhood contagious?
In addition to the biological clock, there are two explanations. First of all, women who are stressed and afraid of becoming mothers may want to start being mothers when they see their friends become mothers successfully.
Secondly, from a social point of view, when some of a group of friends become mothers, it is possible that no one wants to feel abandoned. This fact would make her the only one unable to share the experience of motherhood and, therefore, feel out of place.
If the desire to have a child was already present, a friend who becomes a mother will give a boost to the motherhood project, as it reassures and excites knowing that another person is already experiencing the same experience.
Finally, it is easier to maintain the friendship if you raise your children together. In this way, it is easier to share experiences and allow children to become friends from their very first steps.
Being mothers with your friends: what are the benefits?
Becoming moms in the same period can bring numerous benefits. Friends can share their emotions, which will reduce the stress associated with taking on a new and important role.
Below we present four benefits that are obtained when several friends become mothers in the same period:
1. A future friend for your child
Many children grow up without a playmate, so dating children of the same age, for example the children of your friends, can be a great advantage. This will turn friends reunions into children’s parties.
2. Share experiences
When a woman tells her friends that she is pregnant, some will remember their past motherhood experiences and want to relive them.
If they already have children, the emotion felt when the news is given will serve to motivate them to repeat the experience again and, why not, to be mothers again.
3. Deal better with fears and insecurities
Generally, women fear pregnancy and the responsibilities to be assumed from the birth of the baby. If you and your friends are pregnant at the same time, you can share your fears, doubts and anxieties to feel safer.
4. Similar lifestyle
Many mothers-to-be feel motivated in the reproductive phase when their friends suddenly change their lifestyle.
If you have friends who are pregnant and decide to have children too, you will be able to share many activities that will strengthen your bond, and you will also maintain a similar lifestyle.
Having a child creates great social and economic uncertainty. Doing it with a friend turns the unknown into a shared experience.
As you have understood, motherhood is contagious. If one or more of your friends are expecting a baby you could be next!
