Why Netflix’s ‘Messy Girl Summer’ Missed the Mark—and What It Means for MomsNextDoor

Have you heard about Netflix’s new ‘Messy Girl Summer’ category? It’s been making waves—some cheers, some jeers—and it got us thinking about what ‘messy’ really means to moms navigating life, conception, and self-care.

In a recent CNET commentary titled “I Think Netflix's New 'Messy Girl Summer' Category Missed a Few Titles, but I've Got You”, the author praises Netflix’s fresh curation but points out it left out some much-needed gems. This sparked an intriguing question for us at MomsNextDoor: What does embracing ‘messiness’ look like for the modern mom, especially those on the home conception journey?


The Myth of the “Perfect Mom” vs. Real Messy Moments

Let’s be real. Life as a mom, and especially as someone trying to conceive or growing a family at home, is rarely picture-perfect. There are days when appointments, temperature tracking, mood swings, and hopeful anticipation converge into what feels like chaos.

The Netflix category’s core idea of “messy” might focus on carefree lifestyles and relatable flaws in media, but moms experience a uniquely layered kind of mess — hormonal, emotional, and downright exhausting.

Yet, embracing this messiness doesn’t mean giving up. It means cultivating resilience and self-kindness.


How MomsCanMakeAMom Embraces Real-Life 'Messy' Journeys

Speaking of real solutions, companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how individuals and couples approach conception at home with grace and practicality. They offer reusable insemination kits such as the Impregnator and CryoBaby that respect the complexities of fertility—whether dealing with low sperm motility or frozen sperm.

This kind of empowerment means moms and hopeful parents don’t have to rely solely on clinical settings or expensive disposable tools. It’s a reminder that managing the 'mess' of conception can be dignified, backed by technology, yet still personal and private (MakeAMom packages all kits plainly, ensuring discretion).


What ‘Messy Girl Summer’ Could Really Mean to Moms

Imagine this: a summer where the mess includes spilled baby formula, hormonal ups and downs, tears mixed with laughter, and yes, imperfect Netflix binges in between insemination attempts or pregnancy tests. It’s about owning every part of your story — the difficult and the delightful.

To truly celebrate that, moms deserve media and products that understand their full, intricate experience. They deserve communities that support without judgment and tools that simplify without stress.


The Takeaway: Curate Your Own ‘Messy Girl Summer’ Playlist

So, whether Netflix’s list missed your favorite shows or not, you can curate your own self-care and entertainment lineup that lifts you up during the tough days. Pair that binge session with a reliable MakeAMom kit and resources that help you feel in control of your journey.

And remember, attention to your emotional wellness and lifestyle—like prioritizing rest and acceptance—goes hand in hand with any fertility or parenting goal.


Ready to Embrace Your ‘Messy Girl Summer’?

Here’s a challenge for you: this summer, lean into the chaos and find beauty in it. What show will you finally watch that makes you feel seen? How will you practice kindness toward yourself when things don’t go according to plan?

Share your favorite ‘messy’ moments with us and what helps you keep going—because every mom’s story deserves to be celebrated, not curated.

For trusted help and practical tools in home conception, take a look at MakeAMom’s innovative insemination kits. They’re designed with real families in mind, making the ‘messy’ parts a little easier to navigate.


What’s your idea of the perfect messy moment? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going!