'To be blunt': MAFS' Melissa Rawson opens up about gender disappointment in a candid blog post

Married At First Sight's Melissa Rawson has started a conversation about "gender disappointment" and why it's OK to feel it, with fans.

The 35-year-old shares twin boys Levi and Tate, 2, with husband Bryce Ruthven.

She took to her personal blog this week, Her Second Shift, to share her "brief" experience with gender disappointment while preparing for the arrival of her twins in 2021.

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The star prefaced that her post was not for anyone who has struggled to become pregnant or experienced a pregnancy loss. More so, it was for those who have longed for a specific gender throughout their journey.

"Have you ever experienced gender disappointment?" Melissa began. "I did for the briefest moments."

MAFS Melissa Rawson
Melissa Rawson is mum to twin boys Levi and Tate, 2. (Instagram)

When preparing for twins back in 2021, the star explained they wanted to know the genders early. Partly because they had to buy double of everything, but admittedly to "avoid potential gender disappointment".

"Ideally, we thought it would have been lovely to have a boy and girl. One of each. Done," she continued.

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While the idea of a "mini Liss" sounded nice, deep down Melissa knew she only wanted boys at heart.

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She opened up on how she was a "pain in the arse" to her mum growing up, especially as a teen. 

So, if she had a daughter, she admitted it would be the universe paying her back "with a daughter like myself or worse." 

To their surprise, the pair soon found out they were having twin boys.

Catch their reactions to their gender reveal in the video above.

In the end, Liss got what she hoped for but painted a picture to explain herself. 

"If you have longed for a baby girl your whole life and you find out you're having a boy – it is understandable that you will be disappointed," she wrote.

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"It doesn't mean that you will love your baby any less," she said. "Yet disappointment is a part of human nature."

"And let me tell you, it is okay to feel this way." 

READ MORE: 'Shame factor': MAFS' Melissa Rawson on the struggles of making friends as an adult

Liss wanted to remind fans that you are "allowed to feel sad for wanting something and it doesn't turn out" – while of course not taking away from the joy of a child in the first place.

MAFS' Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven celebrate milestone with their  twin boys Levi and Tate: 'Best thing to ever happen to us'
Melissa and Bryce celebrate their twin boys' birthday. (Instagram)

She added: "To be blunt – your feelings, whatever the situation, are valid for that is what you feel." 

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And while she couldn't give expert advice on how to overcome those feelings, Melissa wanted fans to know that you can and should talk about it.

Read her full post and enter the discussion on Melissa's blog. 

Liss met her husband Bryce on Season 8 of MAFS, and they tied the knot for real last year. They welcomed their sons, Levi and Tate, in October 2021.

If you or someone you know needs grief support, call Beyond Blue 24/7 on 1300 224 636.