The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
If you’re pregnant or in postpartum, you’ve probably had some struggles along with all the joy and excitement you’re feeling. And, if you’re not currently pregnant or in postpartum, you probably remember the myriad of feelings that hit most of us during this time period. This might show up as imposter syndrome or being really hard on yourself through self-criticism and self-judgment.
Let’s start with imposter syndrome during pregnancy and postpartum. Here are some of the issues you might be experiencing:
- Issues coming up from your childhood- a very common phenomena in motherhood
- Relationship issues- with your partner, extend family, etc.
- Fear of failure- questioning if you’re doing things “right” or perfect enough
- Financial problems- kids can be very expensive
- Something hurtful someone said to you- other people’s comments can be really triggering
- Trauma resurfacing from your past- past trauma can unfortunately come back up during motherhood
- Parenting stressors- especially if you’re now the mom of multiples
- Becoming a mom for the first time- so many stressors and newness
Did you experience imposter syndrome during pregnancy or postpartum?
Where criticism and judgment may stem from in pregnancy and postpartum:
- Not feeling good about yourself (your inner critic might be showing up loudly right now)
- A past trauma (might resurface during pregnancy and/or postpartum)
- Not being happy with your life (you might be grieving a loss or missing someone right now)
- Feelings of envy and jealousy (of other moms or even your single friends)
- The comparison trip (comparing yourself to other pregnant woman and/or postpartum moms)
What else would you add here?
Pregnancy and postpartum mantras for when you’re struggling:
- I am worthy
- I am enough
- I am authentically me
- I live in my own truth
- I value myself
- I am loved
What other mantras are helpful to you when you’re struggling?
If you’re struggling in pregnancy and/or postpartum, know that you’re not alone. Feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing or being hard on yourself can be very common during the perinatal period for most of us. Remember to reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area if you’re currently struggling and in need of more help and support. I’m sending lots of love and compassion your way as you navigate this hard time in your life!
