Imposter syndrome is usually spoken about when referencing women in the workplace, and it’s something I’ve personally experienced. I never thought about it in the context of motherhood but, as a byproduct of my postpartum depression or, just slower transition to motherhood, it’s a feeling I’ve become familiar with as a new mom. Whenever my instincts kick in I feel like a “real mom.” That’s a ridiculous thing to even write since I am indeed a mother, but it’s true.
Recently my son spit up and I caught the spit up with my hands without thinking twice. In addition to being gross, it was also a proud moment. I felt like a “real mom.”
There are a lot of these moments now, but they surprise me. When I look into my son’s eyes it’s like we’ve known each other forever, but there are also times when I feel like I’m playing the part of an experienced mom. With work, I’ve come to realize that everyone is just trying to act like they know what they’re doing and I think it’s the same with motherhood.
Here I am (above), wearing my son for a meeting. Pretending like I know what I’m doing!
Mama Loves Her William 