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This Week in Motto: The Joys and Challenges of Motherhood

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The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends Launch Of Maternal Mental Health Films With Best Beginnings And Heads Together
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leaves after attending the launch of maternal mental health films ahead of mother's day at Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on March 23, 2017 in London, England. The educational films have been created by Best Beginnings, a charity partner of the Heads Together Campaign. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)Mark Cuthbert—UK Press via Getty Images
By Claire Howorth

Say what else you will about royals, one thing to admire in the Cambridges is their persistent and candid attention to mental health, especially with regards to the emotional difficulties of parenting. When Kate Middleton acknowledged this week that motherhood has been a ‘huge challenge’ for her, I’m sure I wasn’t alone nodding in agreement.

Comments like hers help destigmatize many myths of modern motherhood — that you’ll be blinded by love, forever saturated with happiness. That it’ll be easy. That it’ll be fun. That it’ll even be possible. Or that you want to have a child at all! To assume unequivocal self-assurance or satisfaction is to assume too much of ourselves, and of all women. So thanks, Kate, for helping keep it real.

Motherhood is making the news elsewhere; see below for some favorite Motto stories on various topics this week.

Mom out!

claire.howorth@time.com

1) The Benefits of Being an Older Mother

A new study shows that delaying motherhood could have some benefits

2) 7 Things My Husband and I Should Have Discussed Before We Had a Kid

Author Jancee Dunn says parents need to have these discussions before their baby arrives

3) A Mom Explains Why She’s Moving Her Family to Australia — Away from President Trump

Why one woman is going halfway around the world to escape American politics

4) Kristen Bell Says Therapy Is the Key to Her Healthy Marriage

The actor opened up about how her and her husband make their relationship work

5) 5 Things to Know About the Breast Implants Linked to a Race Cancer

Nine women in the U.S. have died, federal officials announced this week

6) Gwyneth Paltrow Just Quietly Announced That She’s the New CEO of Lifestyle Brand Goop

A company spokesperson confirmed to Motto that the actor-turned-entrepreneuer had landed a new gig

7) GOP Rep Who Left Party Felt ‘Racism and Sexism Coming Into Play’

Beth Fukumoto discussed her decision and some of the criticism she’s faced in an interview with Motto

8) What I’ve Learned as a Doctor in Ethiopia

Dr. Margaret Muldrow discusses the importance of clean water and supplies for women and babies

9) Anna Wintour’s Daughter Is Marrying the Son of Vogue Italia Editor

A spokesperson for the magazine confirmed the couple’s engagement

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