10 things women have said about motherhood that will make you stop and think

There's no one way to build a family - whether that includes children or not. And there's no one way to raise a family, or inhabit the role of parent.

These quotes from artists and business leaders show different perspectives on what it means to be a parent.

1. OPRAH WINFREY

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother." - Oprah Winfrey

2. MARGHARITA MISSONI

"I've always tried to control everything and every aspect of my life, and this is maybe the biggest lesson I've learnt with motherhood - you just can't control everything, and I'm much more relaxed now about unexpected changes and things that happen." - Margherita Missoni

3. LEILA SLIMANI

“Motherhood is not only something very pure and very full of love, it can be full of dark things, too.” - Leila Slimani

4. HELEN MIRREN

"I have no maternal instinct whatsoever. Motherhood holds no interest for me." - Helen Mirren

5. ERICA JONG

"I believe that women should live for love, for motherhood and for intellect, and I believe we shouldn't have to choose. And I believe that's always been difficult for women, to express themselves intellectually, maternally, and passionately." - Erica Jong

6. AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN

"Even prior to marriage and motherhood, it's always been about prioritising and focusing on what you can commit to. That's been my approach to every aspect of my life, be it my relationships or my professional commitments." - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

7. MARGARET SANGER

"When motherhood becomes the fruit of a deep yearning, not the result of ignorance or accident, its children will become the foundation of a new race." - Margaret Sanger

8. ZADIE SMITH

"The idea that motherhood is inherently somehow a threat to creativity is just absurd." - Zadie Smith

9. SHANTHI SEKARAN

"Parenthood was a members-only organization closed to freelancers and temps. Outsiders could visit for lunch, but they tended to leave quickly, overwhelmed by the demands of belonging." - Shanthi Sekaran

10. PHYLLIS DILLER

“Be nice to your children, for they will choose your rest home.” - Phyllis Diller