Episode 26: The Truth Behind the Lens: Motherhood, Guilt & Embracing Imperfection
In this episode of The Naptime Sessions, I’m joined by the warm, honest, and wonderfully talented Claire Roads - a family and newborn photographer, mum of two, and passionate champion of real motherhood.
Claire’s work captures the heart of family life - the giggles, the chaos, the cuddles mid-tantrum, and the everyday moments that so often get overlooked. Her photography celebrates the beautifully imperfect reality of motherhood, rather than the polished version we often feel we should present to the world.
Behind the lens, Claire’s own journey through motherhood has shaped everything she creates. In our conversation, she opens up about the transition into becoming a mum, the guilt she wasn’t prepared for, and the pressure she put on herself to get everything “right.” We talk honestly about perfectionism, self-criticism, and how unsettling it can feel when life with children becomes unpredictable and out of your control.
This conversation felt deeply reassuring - a reminder that so many of the thoughts mums quietly carry are far more common than we realise. Claire also shares how motherhood shifted her identity and confidence, how she learned to soften her expectations of herself, and why embracing imperfection has become such a powerful part of both her personal life and her work.
We also explore her Kent Mum in Business feature, and why celebrating and supporting other mums building businesses alongside family life feels so important to her..
Here’s what we cover:
Claire’s transition into motherhood and what she remembers most vividly
The guilt she didn’t expect to feel - and how perfectionism showed up
Why motherhood can feel so unpredictable and out of our control
The emotional contradictions of parenting - love, exhaustion, gratitude, and guilt
How becoming a mum shifted Claire’s sense of identity and confidence
Why her photography celebrates real, unfiltered family life
What “real motherhood” looks like on a typical day behind the scenes
The challenges of juggling business and family life
What inspired Claire to start her Kent Mum in Business feature
Why supporting and celebrating other mums in business matters so deeply
The moments of motherhood she wishes she could freeze in time
One piece of advice she wishes she’d been given before becoming a mum
Claire’s story is a gentle reminder that motherhood isn’t meant to be perfect. With compassion, honesty, and a little less self-criticism, we can begin to feel more grounded in the lives we’re living – just as they are.
Resources
Want to connect with Claire or learn more about her work?
Want more support and honest conversations about motherhood? Follow me on Instagram or explore my blog for practical tips, stories, and encouragement.
Enjoyed This Episode?
If Claire’s story resonated with you, share this episode with a friend who might be navigating guilt, perfectionism, or the emotional shifts of motherhood. And if you haven’t already, hit subscribe, rate the show, or leave a review - it helps other mums find us and reminds us that we’re all learning as we go.
