As a general adult psychiatrist with a particular interest in women’s mental health, I have identified with many of my female patients as they adjust through the various life phases. The challenges of pregnancy (or not getting pregnant), distinguishing postpartum psychiatric conditions from “normal” adjustments to having a child, work/family balance, setting boundaries with toddlers and teenagers – all were described by my patients. I also appreciated having my own experiences with pregnancy and adapting to motherhood relatively early in my career.  As my patients figured out their own values and followed their own paths, I offered empathy and tried to help them accept the uncertainties of motherhood and parenting. I tried hard not to project my own experiences or offer information about myself or my life, but it helped to have gone through similar life stages. Often, my intuitive responses came more from my own life than from textbooks or research.