A mum of six who stunned This Morning viewers by revealing how she suffered with ‘gender disappointment’ after giving birth to five boys in a row has been slammed for being “selfish”.
Recent figures claim a quarter of parents feel despondent if their child isn’t born with the sex they wanted, with guest Jayne Ford revealing she had counselling before finally having a daughter.
And although she said she had always loved all of her children, she admits she felt a daughter was missing from her life and used ‘gender swaying’ techniques during attempts at conception after having her fourth boy 18 years ago.
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She said: “It was difficult because obviously I love every baby that comes out of my body – parents do.
“But I started to wonder as time went on what it would be like to have a relationship with a girl and this need in me started to grow.
“I started to think what would my life be like? Am I missing out? I’m lucky to have what I have.”
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Jayne added none of her four lads felt rejected or unappreciated despite their mother’s desperation for a girl.
“I’ve talked to all of them and they all feel very loved,” she said.
“They gave me permission to be here and talk about it. They know it was a need in me and nothing to do with them.”
However, with viewers complaining on Twitter they felt “maddened” by Jayne’s wish, host Phillip Schofield reminded her she was fortunate to have children at all.
He said: “We’ve interviewed so many people here, we’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories from families – men and women who can’t have children at all.
“So don’t lose sight of the fact you’ve got your children. It’s amazing.”
On Twitter, many viewers shared Phil’s view – but expressed it far more strongly.
Gender disappointment on #thismorning is the most selfish thing I’ve ever seen!Just be greatfull you have 5 healthy children regardless of the sex!
— AmyLee (@AmyViette) March 15, 2018
@thismorning @FertilityNUK
Discussion over gender disappointment… This makes me so cross… Some women would give anything to even have one healthy baby…. Utterly maddening. Be grateful for what you have!!! #thismorning #Fertility— Michelle Jefferies (@ChelleCollins79) March 15, 2018
There’s a lady on This morning who is “suffering” from “Gender disappointment”. I’m stunned , surely you should just be happy that you have a healthy baby! Think of all the people who can’t have children, she is so lucky! #labels #thismorning #ficticiousillness #ridiculous
— queenbonsai (@queenbonsai1) March 15, 2018
Gender disappointment! Selfish. What some wouldn’t give to have a baby of any gender #thismorning
— Mrs W (@alanandfrances) March 15, 2018
This woman on #thismorning moaning about not having a daughter and 5 sons… surely if you were that upset you would adopt a girl and stop being “oh poor me I have 5 sons” …some people can’t have kids at all, who cares what genders you have 🤷🏼♀️
— Izi Jordan-Mellersh (@IziSaysStuff) March 15, 2018
You have 6 healthy children. What more do you want? Sincerely, a mum of a recently lost baby. #ThisMorning
— Bethany 👽❌🔦 (@BethGillyKylie) March 15, 2018
One furious viewer even suggested those who endure gender disappointment should not have kids at all.
How can you be disappointed by the gender of your baby? You should be grateful you can carry a healthy baby when there’s loads of couple who would do anything for a baby. If your disappointment by the gender maybe you shouldn’t even be having children. #ThisMorning
— Gems (@itsgemgems) March 15, 2018
However, one person refused to use her own experiences to knock Jayne’s.
#ThisMorning I will not be a mum. But my pain is noone elses problem. I have no right to make those who do/can have children a martyr to my pain. You feel how you feel, including disappointment at your babys sex. It is common for dads to want sons, mothers to want daughters.
— Erica Gernon (@MatroyshkaDoll) March 15, 2018
What do you think of Jayne’s views? Let us know by joining in with the conversation at our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
This Morning is on ITV, weekdays from 10.30am.