My Unexpected Pregnancy

My pregnancy came unexpectedly, I was halfway across the world from home, in a fairly new relationship, and had no plans to become a mother until the faraway future. But all of a sudden it looked like it would be happening in less than 9 months time! I felt mixed emotions throughout my entire pregnancy, but ultimately could not wait to meet our new arrival!


Becoming a mother was really difficult. I didn’t suffer from postnatal depression, and I felt nothing but pure love for my daughter from the day that she was born. The problem lay in the expectations that I had for myself about what being a mother was supposed to look like. Something that I now understand to be a completely made-up and impossible scene.


I thought that I should be getting myself and the baby dressed every morning before 9am, that my house should be spotless and that I should be able to make dinner whilst looking after a newborn. After all, that’s exactly what other mums do, right?


I think one of the biggest problems was that I didn’t have any close friends who were also mothers, so I had nobody to turn to when faced with something new or a part of motherhood that I didn’t know how to handle. Instead, I turned to Instagram mums...well, that was potentially my biggest mistake. Seeing endless photos of clean houses, sleeping babies, and smiling faces made me feel as though I should be trying harder to achieve this kind of image in my own life.


During those first few months, I never asked for help - not even from my partner! Though that’s probably down to the control-freak side of my personality, it was definitely the opposite of helpful during that difficult time learning how to become a mum. I never slept when the baby slept, I rarely let her sleep on me, all for fear of wasting those precious couple of hours that I could be using cooking, cleaning, or replying to friends.

What I didn’t understand then is that all of this could wait. I was one of 3 adults living in the same house, and I would cook three meals a day, exclusively breastfeed my baby, put her down for naps, pick her up when she woke up, and keep the house clean. Oh how I wish I could go back and give those other two adults a stern talking to!


But you live and you learn, and there’s no bigger learning curve than becoming a mother! And to be completely honest, my experience only makes me incredibly excited for any future babies. Mostly for all of the time that I will spend on the sofa, in my pajamas, and watching Netflix for at least two months after their arrival.


MamaZen can help you to give up the need to control so that you can enjoy your children growing up - the time that I spend with my daughter feels even more valuable now that I’m not stressing about the next thing on my to-do list! Getting rid of the schedule has made both me, my partner, and my daughter much happier and more able to enjoy those special moments together.

Keira Shepherd


Find Your Zen with MamaZen:
The Ultimate Motherhood App for Stress-Free Parenting

Get unlimited access to everything MamaZen has to offer.
No obligation. Cancel anytime.
Start my free trial
Download Mamazen App on Google PlayDownload Mamazen App on Apple Store

Ranked #1 Motherhood & Mindful Parenting App
on Apple App Store

Meditation Sessions on Mamazen App

Cognitive Hypnotherapy + Mindfulness

Science-based Mindpower Sessions® help you create lasting change for you and your family.

Mama Zen Emergency Sessions

Emergency Sessions

Get instant relief right when you need it with our 5-7 Minute Emergency Sessions.

Mother Love

Zenzy® Program - Free Kids Sessions

Empowering Kids to conquer anxiety, build confidence, and foster positive self-talk.

Support Parenthood with Mamazen

24/7 Powered AI Coaches and Experts

Supporting and guiding you through every step of parenthood.

MamaZen Calm Parenting – Frequently Asked Questions

Can MamaZen help me stop yelling at my kids?
plus sign

Yes. MamaZen gives you the most effective, science-based tools to calm your nervous system and reset emotional patterns. Our Mindpower Sessions® help you stay patient, even during meltdowns and chaos.

What is MamaZen and how does it work?
plus sign

MamaZen is a mental wellness app for moms that combines mindfulness, CBT, and hypnotherapy to help you stay calm, confident, and emotionally grounded. One short session can shift your entire day.

What does MamaZen Membership Include?
plus sign

A MamaZen membership offers parents a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance emotional well-being and foster mindful parenting. For those who have read countless books on parenting and still feel stuck, these features bring transformation, not just theory. Key features include:

Mindpower Sessions®: These expert-led audio sessions blend cognitive hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and meditation to help parents manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate patience. Sessions are tailored to address specific parenting challenges, promoting lasting behavioral change.

Emergency Sessions: Quick, 5-7 minute sessions provide immediate support during challenging parenting moments, offering tools to regain composure and respond calmly.

Zenzy® Program: A dedicated program for children, featuring sessions aimed at helping kids overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop positive self-talk.

Coaches and Expert Support: Access to AI-powered coaches and a team of experts who offer personalized guidance and support, assisting parents in navigating various parenting challenges.

Structured Courses : Comprehensive courses addressing specific parenting topics, such as managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and breaking generational cycles. Each course comprises multiple sessions, allowing parents to delve deeply into each subject at their own pace.

These features collectively provide a holistic approach to parenting, equipping parents with practical tools to enhance their mental well-being and foster a positive family environment.

Does MamaZen help with postpartum anxiety and mom guilt?
plus sign

Yes. Our sessions support moms dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, and the emotional pressure of motherhood. You’ll feel calmer, more supported, and more like yourself again.

Does MamaZen offer support for kids too?
plus sign

Yes! Zenzy® Kids Sessions inside MamaZen help your child sleep better, feel more confident, and manage big emotions—free with your membership.

Is MamaZen different from meditation or therapy apps?
plus sign

Yes. MamaZen is designed specifically for moms and uses proven mind-body techniques to help you regulate emotions fast. It’s more than meditation, it’s like a reset button for your mindset.

What kind of results can I expect from MamaZen?
plus sign

Most moms feel a noticeable shift in just one session. With regular use, you’ll experience less yelling, more patience, better sleep, and a deeper connection with your children—and yourself.

Does MamaZen offer support for kids too?
plus sign

Yes! Zenzy® Kids Sessions inside MamaZen help your child sleep better, feel more confident, and manage big emotions—free with your membership.

What is The MamaZen Parenting Method book and how is it different from the app?
plus sign

The MamaZen Parenting Method is our bestselling book that guides moms through a 7-step journey to break generational cycles, stop yelling, and parent with calm, intention, and self-compassion. It shares real stories, powerful mindset shifts, and practical tools to help you feel emotionally strong and grounded.

The app brings those tools to life—offering instant support through Mindpower Sessions®, breathing tools, and AI coaching when you need help in the moment.

What kind of results can I expect from MamaZen?
plus sign

Most moms feel a noticeable shift in just one session. With regular use, you’ll experience less yelling, more patience, better sleep, and a deeper connection with your children—and yourself.

Does MamaZen offer support for kids too?
plus sign

Yes! Zenzy® Kids Sessions inside MamaZen help your child sleep better, feel more confident, and manage big emotions—free with your membership.

Can I try MamaZen before committing?
plus sign

Yes. You can start a free trial and experience the emotional reset for yourself before subscribing.

What kind of results can I expect from MamaZen?
plus sign

Most moms feel a noticeable shift in just one session. With regular use, you’ll experience less yelling, more patience, better sleep, and a deeper connection with your children—and yourself.

Does MamaZen offer support for kids too?
plus sign

Yes! Zenzy® Kids Sessions inside MamaZen help your child sleep better, feel more confident, and manage big emotions—free with your membership.