Motherhood is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys a woman can embark on.
As a mom, you pour your heart and soul into raising your children, ensuring their needs are met and their hearts are full.
Yet, so many mothers experience an overwhelming sense of guilt, constantly questioning if they are doing enough, if they are making the right choices, or if they are failing their children in some way.
I’m Wendy, the founder of Unleash Your Inner Goddess Coaching and creator of the Mama Goddess Reborn: 12 Week Empowered Mama Journey Program for moms struggling with postpartum depression (PPD).
Through my coaching, Inner Qi Flow Qigong classes, EFT Tapping, group workshops and tools I’ve learned on my PPD journey, I empower moms to heal, align, and manifest their highest potential.
I know firsthand the weight of mom guilt and how it can hold mothers back from embracing their true power.
In this article, I’ll explore why moms struggle with guilt so much and share actionable tips to help you release it.
5 Most Common Reasons Why Moms Experience So Much Guilt?
Mom guilt can stem from multiple sources, and every mother’s experience is unique.
However, some of the most common reasons moms struggle with guilt include:
1. Unrealistic Societal Expectations
Society often places unrealistic expectations on mothers, making them feel like they should “do it all” effortlessly, be a perfect parent, have a thriving career, maintain a spotless home, and always be available.
When reality doesn’t match these impossible standards, guilt sets in.
2. Comparing Themselves to Others
With social media showcasing seemingly perfect moms who appear to have it all together, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap.
This can make a mom feel inadequate and question her parenting choices.
3. Feeling Like They Are Not Doing Enough
Whether it’s not spending enough time with their children, choosing to work instead of staying home, or needing time for self care, many moms believe they are falling short.
4. Mom Guilt After Postpartum Depression
Moms who have experienced PPD often struggle with guilt over how their mental health has impacted their children and family.
They may feel ashamed for not being able to “enjoy” every moment of motherhood.
5. Pressure to Put Their Needs Last
Many mothers have been conditioned to believe that prioritizing their well being is selfish, leading to guilt whenever they take time for themselves.
How to Overcome Mom Guilt?
The good news is that mom guilt doesn’t have to control your life.
Here are some tips and tools to help you release it and embrace motherhood with confidence:
1. Challenge Unrealistic Expectations
Remind yourself that perfection doesn’t exist.
Set realistic expectations for yourself and your parenting journey.
You don’t have to be “Supermom”, you just have to be the best version of yourself for your children.
2. Reframe Negative Self Talk
If you catch yourself saying, “I’m a bad mom because I didn’t do X”, replace it with “I’m a great mom because I did Y and Z and I love and care for my children”.
More often than not, we forget about all the things we are good at, all the things we are already doing for our children, all the ways we already go out of our own way because we love them…
And we focus on the tiny “flaws” that make us imperfect.
Perfection does not exist.
Reframing negative self talk is sometimes a lot more powerful than just practicing positive affirmations.
Doing this daily can shift your mindset.
3. Prioritize Self Care Without Guilt
You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Self care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
Whether it’s taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, or joining my Inner Qi Flow Qigong class, nurturing yourself helps you show up as a better mom.
4. Let Go of the Comparison Trap
Social media doesn’t show the whole picture.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate and remind yourself that every mom’s journey is unique.
5. Seek Support and Community
Surround yourself with like minded moms who uplift and encourage you.
My Empowered Mamas Kicking Postpartum Depression to the Curb Facebook group is a safe space where moms come together to share experiences, support one another, and access valuable resources for healing.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Inner Healing
Practices like Qigong, meditation, journaling, EFT tapping and breathwork can help you process emotions and release guilt.
7. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
It’s not about how much time you spend with your children, but how present and engaged you are in the moments you do have together.
Focus on spending quality time with your children.
We are all busy, what matters is how present we are with each other when we are there for each other.
Make sure that when you spend time with your children, YOU are there. Present. Fully. Consciously.
Sometimes, we rush to spend time with our loved ones… but when we meet with them, WE are not fully there.
Our mind is still stuck on our TO DO list, in our work, scattered between overthinking and worry.
That’s not counted as spending time with your children.
It’s counted only when you are fully present.
And 1 hour of full presence worths far more than a full day of being an NPC in front of your family.
8. Forgive Yourself
Every mom makes mistakes.
Acknowledge them, learn from them, and move forward with compassion and grace.
Join Me in Breaking Free from Mom Guilt and PPD
If mom guilt has been weighing you down, know that you are not alone.
I invite you to join my upcoming Breaking Free from Postpartum Depression 5 Day Workshop, where I’ll guide you through tools and techniques to overcome mom guilt, heal from PPD, and step into your power as an Inner Goddess.
💜 Sign up for the 5 Day Workshop here: https://unleashyourinnergoddesscoaching.kit.com/6a2c24775a
💜 Join the Empowered Mamas Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredmamaskickingppdtothecurb/
☕ Empowered Mamas Coffee Chat ☕
Join us every Wednesday at 1 PM EST on Zoom for a warm, supportive, and judgment free space created just for YOU, Mama. 🌸
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and lonely at times.
That’s why we’re here, to connect, share, and support one another through the ups and downs.
Whether you’re struggling with postpartum depression, mom guilt, or just need a break to recharge, our weekly Coffee Chat is the perfect place to:
✨ Share your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
✨ Gain support, advice, and encouragement from like minded moms.
✨ Learn tips and tools to help you navigate your motherhood journey with confidence.
✨ Feel seen, heard, and understood.
Bring your coffee (or tea!) and join us for an hour of connection and empowerment.
You don’t have to do this alone, Mama, we’re stronger together. (This is a kid friendly space as well) 💕
💌 Ready to join the conversation? Keep an eye out for the Zoom link posted in our Empowered Mamas Kicking Postpartum Depression to the CURB group.
Not a member yet? Join now and be part of our incredible community!
Let’s sip, share, and support each other, because you deserve it. 💪✨
You deserve to break free from guilt, reclaim your joy, and embrace the beautiful, imperfect journey of motherhood.
Let’s do this together!
Final Thoughts
Mom guilt may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your motherhood experience.
By following our tips and joining a community of empowered mamas, you can release guilt and step into the empowered mother you were meant to be.
Remember, your worth is not measured by perfection, it’s found in the love and presence you give to yourself and your children.
Let’s rise, heal, and embrace motherhood with confidence, together. 💜
