I wrote what I knew, what I didn’t know, and what evidence would help me decide.

One night I found myself wondering whether other mothers felt this uncertain while carrying a baby through a changing family.

I brought the question to a postpartum support group recommended by the clinic.

Some women were happily partnered and overwhelmed by exhaustion.

Others were separating, grieving, or learning to ask for help.

None of their stories matched mine exactly.

Still, when I said that I felt guilty even while doing what I knew was right, several nodded in recognition.

Afterward, I sat in the parking lot for a moment with Paisley secure in her car seat, watching dusk settle over the building.