Meet Robin Nunez

We recently connected with Robin Nunez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I think imposter syndrome is something that has always lived with me. Of course I have felt it bubble up more at certain times in my life, and other times I can keep it at bay, but I’m not sure I have ever overcome it fully. However, I do feel like I have worked really hard toward living with it in a healthy way.

First and foremost, I acknowledge that I have it (and most people do). For a while, I didn’t think imposter syndrome was a common experience, but many people feel it at some time or another. I talk about it openly with friends and peers and realize that I am definitely not alone in my feelings.

I also try to focus more on my strengths and successes, rather than the negative thoughts. I try to look at life as an endless learning opportunity. Growth is not linear, but we certainly don’t stop growing and learning just because we reach a certain age or point in our life. ‘

And therapy – therapy helps.

I recall feeling imposter syndrome after becoming a mother for the first time – the roller coaster that is life with a newborn and the mixed bag of emotions. Even today, while I love my children and couldn’t imagine life without them, I sometimes question whether or not I am qualified or fit to be their mother, to make decisions for them, or provide the right guidance to them in this life journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a IBCLC (lactation consultant) and gosh, do I love what I do! I found my way to this career after giving birth to my first baby in 2015. I couldn’t get enough learning about all things pregnancy and postpartum, so decided to make it my career.
I have been board certified for 5 years now, working in private practice and in a hospital setting. I recently decided to return to school for an advanced nursing degree and am currently in the process of applying. My goal here is to expand my scope of practice and open a Breastfeeding Medicine and Women’s Health Clinic in my area. Its no secret that our healthcare system is broken, especially when it comes to women’s reproductive health.
Did you know there is no medical specialty for the breasts, unless they are diseased? There are plenty of breast cancer docs, but breastfeeding docs? Nope. How can it be that 50% of the population may go through this experience, and there is no medical specialty for the lactating breast? Lactation consultants are the experts, but we are not doctors and quite limited in what we can say and do. I feel it would be a very different situation if men were the ones who had babies and lactated.
Something that is really important to me is expanding access to support and care. Breastfeeding support should not only be for privileged white people, yet the way our insurance system is set up makes it hard for marginalized communities to get the same level of care.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Becoming a mother is and continues to be my biggest life lesson. This is not to say that everyone should have kids, but it has definitely impacted my journey in a positive way. Three qualities or skills that I continue to re-learn everyday with my children:
1. Stop giving a F*** about what other people think! My kids help me remember this one all the time. Everyone is one their own journey and you need to stop comparing yourself to others and caring so much about what other people think. You do you.
2. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. As someone who has had plenty of negative Nellies in my life, I cannot stress this one enough. This is a big one i try to teach my kids. Who you surround yourself with impacts your own happiness. Quality over quantity when it comes to your social circle.
3. Live in the present. Oh man, have I spent WAY too much time and energy worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Practicing mindfulness in the present moment and accepting what is happening right now – this will change your life.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Overwhelm seems to live with me all the time. Being a mother, running a business, being a student, balancing the ups and downs of everyday life. It often feels overwhelming.
When the overwhelm is feeling, well overwhelming, I step away and make a list. I am a big list-maker and it often helps me to see things written down in front of me, so I can then prioritize and delegate. Can I ask my husband to take anything off my plate? Can I let anything go? Can I consolidate and kill two birds with one stone?
Writing lists (and yes, I physically write with a pen and paper) has always helped me organize my brain and manage the overwhelm.

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Image Credits

Natalie Broders

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