Emily Carter, known for her role in the beloved series “Growing Together”, opened up about her experiences with mom guilt in a heartfelt essay for Good Morning America. Since becoming a mother in June 2019 to her son, Leo, with husband Mark Thompson, she has candidly shared the challenges of parenthood, including the overwhelming guilt she never anticipated feeling.
Emily’s journey began when Leo was born prematurely, requiring a three-week hospital stay due to respiratory issues. “In those moments, we felt utterly helpless,” she shared on her Instagram, reflecting on the heartbreak of leaving her newborn at the hospital against her wishes. “Our ideal birth plan was turned upside down.”
In her blog post, Emily expressed the unexpected challenges of motherhood, stating, “I had naively thought that I would be exempt from feeling mom guilt. However, reality proved me wrong.” Much of her guilt stemmed from Leo’s early arrival and the struggles she faced while breastfeeding. She pondered, “Did my hectic work schedule contribute to his early birth? Was it the spicy food I craved? Did I unknowingly jeopardize his health?”
In September, Emily returned to her directorial role at a Disney Channel show. Despite having childcare support, leaving Leo behind intensified her feelings of guilt. “On my first day back, I came home after a long 12-hour shift only to find Leo fast asleep,” she recalled. “He hadn’t seen me since early morning, and I was overcome with guilt. I wondered, ‘Will he remember me? Does he think I’ve abandoned him? Am I being selfish for wanting a career outside of motherhood?’”
Emily emphasized that all mothers, whether they work from home or outside, experience some form of mom guilt. “No one escapes it,” she wrote. “But one thing is certain: we are all trying our very best, 100% of the time.” She urged readers to understand the stories behind each mother they encounter—whether they’re feeding their babies in various ways, managing tantrums in stores, or seeking support from home.
In her closing remarks, Emily reassured mothers everywhere, “I see you, and you’re doing wonderfully.”
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Summary
Emily Carter candidly discusses her struggles with mom guilt after welcoming her son Leo. She reflects on her unexpected feelings of inadequacy stemming from his premature birth and her return to work. Through her story, she highlights that all mothers experience guilt but are doing their best.
Keyphrase: mom guilt
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