“It's just a crushing kind of feeling”: Maternal Regret and the Gendered Conditions of Motherhood in Australia

Motherhood is often idealised as a natural, selfless, and universally fulfilling role, yet the lived experiences of mothers reveal a more complex reality. This study explores the intersection of gender inequality and motherhood, with a particular focus on maternal regret, a topic that remains under-researched and socially taboo. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven mothers residing in Australia, capturing rich, contextualised accounts of their experiences. Participants shared insights on the emotional, social, and practical challenges of motherhood, including feelings of anger, guilt, isolation, and ambivalence, alongside their expressions of love and care for their children.