August 21, 2024

As Physician moms, we're no strangers to unsolicited advice. From the moment that pregnancy test turns positive, suddenly everyone becomes an "expert" on motherhood. It can be overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes even make us doubt our own instincts.

But here's the thing: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood, especially for us Physician moms juggling demanding careers with family life.

So, let's reframe how we think about "experts" and advice:

1. You're the Real Expert First and foremost, remember that YOU are the expert in your own unique situation. No one else lives your life, knows your circumstances, or understands your family dynamics like you do. Trust your instincts!

2. Advice as Inspiration, Not Doctrine When you hear advice - whether from me, a guest on the podcast, or your well-meaning neighbor - try to approach it as a source of new ideas rather than absolute truth. Think of it as expanding your toolkit, not being told what to do.

3. The Power of Shared Experiences The real value in hearing from others isn't about finding the "right" way to do things. It's about feeling seen, understood, and less alone in this wild journey of motherhood. When we share our stories, we create a supportive community that uplifts and empowers each other.

4. Embracing Diversity of Perspectives As we bring more guests onto the podcast, you'll hear from moms at different stages - some who've "made it out" of the early years and others who are right in the thick of it. This diversity of experiences offers a richer, more nuanced view of motherhood.

5. Finding Your Own Path Ultimately, the goal is to inspire you to find your own unique path through motherhood. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and always trust your gut.

Remember, doc, you're doing an incredible job navigating the challenges of being both a Physician and a mom. There's no "right" way to do it - only your way.

So the next time someone offers unsolicited advice or claims to be an expert, smile, nod, and remind yourself: "I've got this. I'm the expert in my own life."

Don’t miss an episode!

Follow the podcast on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.