“I finally feel like I belong in the room.” When Emmy-nominated writer and actress Sharon Horgan opened up about only discovering true confidence after the second season of Bad Sisters, she wasn't just talking about showbiz—she was talking about something so much bigger. Her brave admission hit home for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, especially those navigating the often uncertain world of infertility and family-building.
But what if finding that confidence—just like Sharon—could actually change your fertility journey?
The Confidence Conundrum: Why We All Feel Like Imposters
Let’s be honest. If you’re on a path to parenthood that hasn’t gone exactly as planned, you’ve felt it: the pang of self-doubt, the invisible wall at a doctor’s office, the “Do I really belong here?” spiral.
It’s the same feeling Sharon described, even at the height of her career. Despite her success, she shared, “I finally feel I belong in the room” only now, after years of accolades. If even the stars feel out of place, is it any wonder we do too, fumbling through fertility forums, doctor visits, and family gatherings?
Here’s the twist: Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, moment by moment.
Open Loop: Can Believing In Ourselves Actually Help Us Conceive?
It sounds almost magical: Could a shift in mindset matter as much as a shift in medication? Studies increasingly show that stress, self-doubt, and isolation can impact our bodies as well as our minds. While confidence won’t change every outcome, it can transform the way you face each step. We'll get to the practical ways to build this below, but first, let's talk about why it matters so much.
Confidence Isn’t Just a Feeling—It’s Power
- Reduces stress levels and anxiety
- Opens you up to new options and solutions
- Helps you advocate for your needs with medical professionals
- Makes tough conversations with loved ones (and yourself) easier
When Sharon Horgan finally “belonged in the room,” she started creating her best work. What could happen if you allowed yourself to belong right where you are, right now?
Breaking Down Barriers: Building Confidence on the Fertility Rollercoaster
It’s easy to say “just believe in yourself,” but hard to do when appointments don’t go well or another round of treatment looms. Here are real, actionable ways to build your confidence while on this journey:
1. Redefine Success
Remember, your worth isn’t measured by test results or timelines. Each brave step—researching options, asking questions, seeking support—is a win.
2. Curate Your Community
Surround yourself with people and resources that lift you up. Online communities (like us here at Nestful!) can be a lifeline. Find groups that encourage and inform, not inflame anxiety.
3. Embrace New Tools & Solutions
Feeling empowered sometimes comes from taking control of your options. For many, at-home insemination kits have changed the game—providing privacy, flexibility, and agency. Companies like MakeAMom’s resource center (which offers info on their kits for a range of different needs) are designed to put the power back in your hands, letting you move at your own pace. Choosing the right method for you is an act of self-belief.
4. Celebrate the Small (But Mighty) Wins
Every application filled, every honest conversation, every day you choose to keep going—these are victories. Keep a “confidence journal” and watch how each step forward—no matter how tiny—adds up.
5. Model Your Own Inspiration
Don’t be afraid to look to stories like Sharon’s. She’s proof that confidence doesn’t arrive overnight—it’s often the result of showing up, again and again, even when you’re scared. If she can find her voice in midlife, you can discover yours on this journey too.
The Surprise Ending: Confidence Isn’t the Destination—It’s the Journey
Here’s the secret: Belonging isn’t something the world grants you. It’s a space you claim for yourself, whether you’re in a writer’s room or your own living room staring at a stack of home test kits. Sharon Horgan’s journey reminds us that feeling “enough” is a process, not a moment.
If you’re struggling with doubt or feeling out of place, know this: You are writing your own story, day by day. Every heartache, every triumph, every act of courage (even the ones no one sees) is part of the epic saga that is you.
How will you claim your space? What small step will you celebrate today? Share your thoughts below—let’s build confidence together, one story at a time.
Looking for practical resources, personal stories, or exploring new options? Check out MakeAMom’s support center for empowering guidance and insights. Because the journey is easier when you’re not alone.
What’s the most surprising way you’ve discovered confidence on your path to parenthood? Drop your story in the comments—your words might be exactly what someone else needs today.