What Does Motherhood Mean to You?
For as long as I can remember, the world has had strong opinions about what motherhood should look like. Families, society, and even well-meaning friends often have their own ideas about the right way to become a mother.
Maybe you’ve felt that weight, too—the expectation that motherhood has to fit into a certain mold. Maybe you’ve even questioned whether choosing solo motherhood means you’re “doing it wrong.”
But here’s what I know to be true:
Motherhood isn’t one thing. It’s not a formula. It’s not a checkbox on life’s to-do list.
Motherhood is yours to define.
And that’s exactly what my friend Tesh Alvaro and I explored in Part 1 of our 3-Part Live Series: What Does Motherhood Mean to You?
If you’re considering becoming a Single Mom by Choice, or if you’ve already made the decision and you’re taking steps toward solo motherhood, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Why This Question Matters
There’s so much pressure around the idea of what motherhood is supposed to be.
For women thinking about becoming an SMBC, that pressure can feel even heavier. You might hear things like:
“Wouldn’t it be better to wait until you find a partner?“
“A child needs two parents to thrive.“
“Are you sure you can do this alone?“
The reality is, those external voices can drown out your own. It’s easy to start wondering if solo motherhood is a real choice or just a last resort. But what if you took a step back and really asked yourself:
What does motherhood actually mean to me?
Not what it means to your family.
Not what it means to society.
Not what it means to anyone else.
Just you.
Because when you define motherhood for yourself—on your own terms—you stop waiting for the perfect circumstances. You stop feeling like you need permission. You stop questioning whether you deserve to step into this role.
You start owning your path.
Your Definition of Motherhood
When Tesh and I talked about this, we realized just how much our personal stories shape the way we see motherhood.
For me, the decision to become an SMBC wasn’t something I took lightly. It was a journey filled with reflection, emotions, and moments of doubt. But once I truly defined what motherhood meant to me, I was able to move forward with confidence.
That’s what I want for you, too.
If you’re in the early stages of considering this path, take a moment and ask yourself:
- What kind of mother do I want to be?
- What values do I want to bring into my journey?
- If I let go of fear and external expectations, what would I choose?
And if you’ve already made the decision to move forward, these same questions can guide you as you take each next step. Because the definition of motherhood isn’t just about the decision to become a mom—it’s about the way you choose to experience motherhood every single day.
Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube
This was such a powerful discussion, and I’d love for you to watch the full conversation with Tesh.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How to define motherhood in a way that aligns with you
- The outside influences that can cloud your decision-making
- How to let go of expectations that no longer serve you
If this resonates with you, I highly recommend watching the full discussion here:
👉🏾 Watch the Full Video on YouTube
I’d love to hear your thoughts—after watching, come back and share what motherhood means to you in the comments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still figuring out if solo motherhood is right for you, or if you’ve already made the decision and you’re preparing for what’s next, I want you to know:
You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s idea of motherhood.
You don’t have to wait for permission.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
This journey is yours. Define it in a way that feels right for you.
And if you need support along the way, that’s exactly why I do this work.
If you’re looking for clarity on your next steps, let’s talk. My 1:1 SMBC Coaching Programs are designed to help you move forward with confidence—whether you’re still exploring this decision or getting ready to start the process.
And if you haven’t yet, join my newsletter for updates, insights, and resources to support you on this journey.
I can’t wait to continue this conversation with you.
With Love 💛,
Dr. Ambra