Embracing Self-Doubt and Being Kind to Yourself

Hey there, fellow moms and moms-to-be! Today, I want to chat about something important—self-doubt. Yep, that sneaky little voice that often creeps in during big life changes like pregnancy and motherhood. I’ve definitely had my fair share of self-doubt, especially when my daughter was born. Let’s dive into my story and some tips on how to be kinder to yourself along this beautiful journey.

The Struggle with Self-Doubt

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was over the moon with joy, but also flooded with doubts. Am I ready for this? Will I be a good mom? These questions were on repeat in my head. As my belly grew, so did my doubts.

The real kicker came when my daughter was born. Holding her for the first time was magical, but also a reality check. I constantly worried if I was doing things right. Was I feeding her properly? Responding to her cries correctly? Every moment felt like a test, and I wasn’t sure I was passing.

Being Kind to Myself

Here’s the thing: self-doubt is totally normal. It’s okay to feel unsure and overwhelmed. What’s important is how we handle these feelings and learn to be kind to ourselves. Here’s what helped me:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and accept your self-doubt. Ignoring it won’t make it disappear. Embrace it as part of your journey.

2. Seek Support: Connect with other moms, join support groups, and talk to friends who understand. Sharing your worries and hearing “I’ve been there too” is incredibly comforting.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on small victories. Did your baby smile today? Did you manage to eat breakfast? Celebrate these moments because they’re big wins in disguise.

4. Be Patient with Yourself: Motherhood is a learning curve. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them.

5. Professional Help: If self-doubt feels overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. They can offer tools and perspectives to manage these feelings. Daniele Ribeiro (Portuguese) and Luana Koucher (Portuguese, English and Spanish) are my go to psychologists!

Stories from Other Mothers

I’ve had the pleasure of hearing many stories from mothers who’ve been through similar experiences. Their journeys are filled with ups and downs, and knowing others have faced and overcome the same doubts can make you feel less alone.

A Note to Fellow Moms

To all the moms out there wrestling with self-doubt, know you’re not alone. It’s a part of this crazy, beautiful journey. Be kind to yourself, reach out for support, and celebrate the little victories. You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

As I continue this journey, these practices have been my lifeline. They’ve helped me move past self-doubt and embrace the chaos of raising my daughter.

Join the Conversation

How do you handle self-doubt as a parent? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this journey.

For more practical advice and personal stories on navigating pregnancy and motherhood abroad, check out my book “Maternity Abroad,” coming this fall! It’s filled with insights from expat mothers around the world and expert advice to help you feel supported no matter where you are. Stay tuned for more updates!