I did not need a mystical womb connection to justify motherhood.

In fact, I was careful not to rely on it.

“She was mine because she grew under my heart.”

I said something like that once when I was angry.

Later, I regretted it.

Pregnancy can create powerful attachment.

But gestational carriers do not automatically become parents because they carried a child.

That idea disrespects every carrier who fully loves the intended family and completes the arrangement as planned.