It was my first month back after maternity leave. I found myself sitting alone in my car, crying. It wasn’t one dramatic event—it was everything:

• A no-show patient.
• Running behind with notes.
• The guilt of leaving my baby at daycare.
• The fear of making a mistake.
•  An unanswered text from a friend.

The voice in my head? Brutal. “You’re failing. Other women have it together. What’s wrong with you?”

As a specialist dentist, I thought I should have it all figured out by now. But I was juggling far more than any training or qualification had prepared me for. Motherhood. Career. Relationships. Admin. Life.

When the inner critic takes over

I set impossible standards. Perfection, every day, every role. And unsurprisingly, I fell short. That voice never missed a chance to remind me: “You’re not good enough.”

But something shifted when I paused and reflected. I realised it wasn’t about failing, it was about the unrealistic pressures I was putting on myself. And so began my journey into self-compassion.

Self-compassion isn’t fluff. It’s fuel. It’s not about making excuses or letting go of ambition. It’s about acknowledging when things are hard and giving yourself the same care you give everyone else.

What is self-compassion?

It’s noticing your struggle, pausing, and saying, “Hey, this is tough. But I see you. And you’re doing your best.”

When I started practising self-compassion, something incredible happened. I felt calmer, made clearer decisions, and started recognising my own strength, even on the tough days.

And I want the same for you, especially the dental mums who are constantly holding it all together.

3 ways to practice self-compassion (Especially when you’re struggling)

1. Drop the perfection pressure

• We’re trained to chase margins and midlines with 0.5mm precision. But real life? It’s messy.
• Be your own biggest cheerleader.
• Talk to yourself like you’d speak to your child. Say: “I’m human. I’m enough.”

Takeaway: You don’t have to be perfect to be doing an amazing job. You just have to be present.

2. Replace the inner critic with kind affirmations

• That voice that says “You’re not good enough”? It’s lying.
• Instead, reframe “I am learning and growing every day.” Say it. Sing it. Write it down. Believe it.

Takeaway: Your self-talk shapes your self-worth. Be the voice of encouragement, not judgment.

3. Pause and ask: What do I need right now?

• When the overwhelm hits, stop for 30 seconds.
• Close your eyes. Ask yourself, “What do I need most right now?” Whether it’s a hot cup of tea, 10 minutes with your eyes closed or silence from the world.

Takeaway: That pause is an act of power. Don’t dismiss it.

You are human. And that is enough.

If practising self-compassion feels awkward, that’s okay. Your inner critic has had a lifetime of practice. Be patient. You’re learning something new and life-changing.

Balancing teeth and tantrums, patients and pressure, dreams and demands isn’t easy.

Final reminder

• You’re not failing.
• You’re not behind.
• You’re human.

And that’s always enough.