Ever scrolled through Netflix, searching for something that just gets you, only to find the perfect category but not quite the perfect titles?

Well, that’s exactly what happened when I came across Netflix’s new “Messy Girl Summer” category. I was excited — a whole row dedicated to the gloriously unfiltered, chaotic, and wonderfully imperfect women we all know and love. But then, disappointment set in. My favorite shows, the ones that capture the real messy girl experience, weren’t there. As the writer from CNET puts it in their piece I Think Netflix's New 'Messy Girl Summer' Category Missed a Few Titles, but I've Got You, sometimes the categorization doesn’t quite get it right.

It made me think — isn’t parenthood a little like that too? We enter it expecting a neat, tidy journey, and life says, “Hold my coffee.” Messiness isn’t just a movie trope; it’s the reality for many of us, especially those navigating non-traditional paths to becoming parents.

The Messiness of Alternative Parenthood

For so many people — singles, LGBTQ+ couples, folks dealing with fertility challenges — the road to parenthood is anything but straightforward. There are highs and lows, moments of hope, and moments where you wonder if it’ll ever happen.

And here’s what struck me: embracing that messiness can be empowering. Just like the women featured in “Messy Girl Summer” aren’t afraid to show their unfiltered selves, those of us exploring paths like at-home insemination, donor conception, or surrogacy are learning to embrace our own imperfect journeys.

Enter MakeAMom: Making the Mess a Little Easier

Speaking of embracing imperfection, I recently learned about MakeAMom, a company that offers at-home insemination kits designed to help people conceive outside of clinical settings. What I love about MakeAMom is how it empowers users to take control of their journey in a discreet, cost-effective way.

They offer three specialized kits:

  • CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm
  • Impregnator for low motility sperm
  • BabyMaker tailored for those with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus

Each kit is reusable, discreetly packaged, and designed to optimize success — which, according to MakeAMom, averages a promising 67% among their users. That’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to avoid costly, invasive clinical procedures or simply prefers trying at home.

Why Does This Matter?

Because control is a powerful antidote to anxiety. When things get messy, when the path twists and turns, having tools and options that fit your unique needs makes all the difference. It turns the unknown into something you can face with confidence.

And isn’t that what we all want? To feel like, despite the chaos, we’re steering our own ship?

The Power of Stories — And Why We Need More of Them

Just like Netflix’s “Messy Girl Summer” could use a few more titles to capture the full spectrum of messy, real women’s lives, the parenthood space needs more stories about the diverse ways people build families. The more we share, the less alone any of us feels — whether you’re using a MakeAMom kit, navigating adoption, or planning surrogacy.

So, What’s Your “Messy Girl Summer” Moment?

Here’s my challenge to you: How can you embrace the messiness in your own parenthood journey? Maybe it’s leaning into those moments of uncertainty instead of pushing them away. Or maybe it’s exploring tools like at-home insemination to find the path that feels right for you.

And if you’re curious about how at-home insemination kits can fit into your story, the resources and products at MakeAMom’s site are a fantastic place to start — they really get how personalized and complex this journey can be.

Final Thoughts

Netflix’s “Messy Girl Summer” might have missed some of the titles that capture the full messy glory of womanhood, but it sparked a conversation about authenticity, imperfection, and empowerment. Those same themes ring true for anyone carving their own path to parenthood.

So, what’s your story? What messy moments have shaped you — and how are you turning them into strength? Hit reply or comment below; I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Because in the end, the mess is part of the magic. Isn’t that worth celebrating?

This post was inspired by CNET’s article on Netflix’s Messy Girl Summer and informed by insights from MakeAMom, pioneers in accessible, at-home insemination solutions.