Rashi Mehta
Jeannie Mai, known for her role as a TV host, recently opened up about her journey into motherhood. At 45, Mai shares some empowering advice for women who are unsure about becoming mothers. She acknowledges that doubts are a normal part of the process.
Jeannie Mai Embraces Her Doubts About Motherhood
During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” event, Mai shared her thoughts.
“For the woman who is not quite ready to be a mom and is maybe doubting herself — that’s okay,” she said. “Those are valid feelings that you’ve got to lean into.”
Mai’s journey to motherhood wasn’t without hesitation. She credits her own childhood experiences with fueling her self-doubt. “I learned that it came from a lot of childhood trauma,” Mai admits. She now understands that these feelings don’t define her ability to be a good mom.
Learning to Overcome Childhood Trauma in Parenting
Mai reflects on the impact her early experiences had on her approach to parenting. “I think the best part about me being a mom is that I actually owned that I doubted myself,” she explained. By acknowledging her past, Mai could work through her fears about motherhood.
She believes that understanding one’s past can make a significant difference in how they approach parenting. “It’s important to acknowledge where you were then versus who you are now,” she adds. This awareness allows her to be more present for her daughter Monaco, born in January 2022.
While Mai still carries some guilt and resentment from her past, she emphasizes the importance of separating these emotions from her parenting. “Those are not things that I should bring into being a mom,” she says. This realization has helped her grow as both an individual and a parent.
How Becoming a Mom Changed Jeannie Mai’s Priorities
Since welcoming Monaco, Mai’s priorities have shifted drastically. She now places her daughter first, with work coming second. “Work has become my secondary thing,” she says. Even in her latest role in the Lifetime holiday movie Christmas in the Spotlight, Mai’s daughter is by her side.
Mai also reflects on how motherhood has changed her worldview. She used to be vocal about not wanting children, even on her former show The Real. Now, her perspective has completely shifted. “Now it’s my stroller that’s outside,” she laughs. “It’s like a very different part of me.”
Ultimately, Mai’s journey into motherhood has been transformative. “I never imagined becoming a mom would change me this much,” she admits. She believes that embracing her doubts has led her to become a stronger, more self-aware parent.
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