Happy as a Mother: Recent Episodes
Erica Djossa
How do I cope with the load of motherhood? How do I raise good humans when I'm just trying to survive? How can I take care of my own mental health? And the biggest question of all: how do I redefine myself after going through the metamorphosis of motherhood?
On the Happy as a Mother Podcast, host and psychotherapist Erica Djossa teaches strategies to help you cope with the psychological and emotional load of motherhood, guides you on a journey of self love and acceptance, and answers your tough parenting questions. Erica shares the best kept secrets of the therapy world, bringing you knowledge and education that puts you in the driver's seat of your emotional and psychological well being. Along with sharing her knowledge, she interviews other professionals (psychologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, fertility specialists, lactation consultants, and more!) who provide their expertise to empower you on your motherhood journey.
Motherhood can come with a lot of changes—identity loss, the invisible load, career impact, and relationship struggles. Moms often find themselves feeling powerless, in their lives, in their careers, and in their homes. But if we can change the dynamics in and out of the home, we can embrace power as moms and make real shifts on an individual and societal level. Today I’m joined by NYT bestselling author Claire Shipman to talk about her new book, The Power Code, and how the concept of power applies to moms. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3riZ5RT Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Preparing your body for pregnancy can be confusing. There’s a lot of misinformation online about supplements and fertility, along with well-meaning but misguided advice from friends and family. Today, I’m joined by Leslie Schrock, author of Bumpin’ and Fertility Rules, to discuss infertility, preparing your body for pregnancy, and navigating anxiety after loss. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3QYzmbT Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Life with littles is full of sensory inputs—noise, chaos, touch, and mess. Many moms find themselves feeling overstimulated, leading to stress and overwhelm. We often talk about self-care in terms of bubble baths and massages—but what about sensory self-care? Today I’m joined by pediatric occupational therapist Holly Peretz to discuss how overstimulated moms can practice sensory self-care. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3OMZHqy Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Becoming a mom changes you in so many ways. But we are often not prepared for the shift. Matrescence, or the transition into motherhood, is complex—full of ups, downs, struggles, and a roller coaster of emotions. Today, I’m joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Catherine Birndorf, founder of The Motherhood Center, to talk about navigating matrescence and what we experience when becoming a mom. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3DW9LZx Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After having a baby, many moms experience a sense of identity loss. Free time becomes filled with responsibilities, and household labor never seems to end. But we deserve more—creativity, time for ourselves, and permission to be who we want to be. Rediscovering yourself after motherhood isn’t easy—but it is worth it. Today, I’m joined by Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play, to discuss why it’s important to rediscover ourselves and how we can get started. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3OLxCBr Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a parent, it can be tempting to try to do everything—especially in the age of social media. But not only is that unrealistic—it also sets you up for burnout and frustration. So how do you decide what to say yes to? How do you decide what matters most? By tuning into your family values. Today, I’m joined by Mell and Joe Hashey, founders of Strong Family Co, to find out what family values are and how to establish them for your family. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Knv7Cy Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trigger Warning: This episode contains the story of a loss of a child and the journey of grief following. The loss of a child is something that nobody can understand unless they experience it. But bereaved parents need support, validation, and awareness. Today, I’m joined by bereavement and grief advocate Stefania Thomson as she shares her story of navigating loss and discusses how to support bereaved parents. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3OmgO3x Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Surveys show that we make 1750 parenting decisions in our child’s first year of life alone. Each choice comes with a lot of pressure to do the “best” thing. And since many of us weren’t equipped with decision-making skills, this can be very tough. Today, I’m joined by NYT bestselling author Emily Oster to discuss trusting yourself, taking in evidence objectively, and making parenting decisions that are right for your family. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Y2r7gE Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When it comes to maternal mental health, moms are struggling. But the more we become aware of that, the more we can collectively offer better support for moms. Today, I’m joined by Jill Koziol, co-founder and CEO of Motherly, to unpack the company’s annual State of Motherhood survey and discuss what moms need and how we can change the way they are supported. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3rnzLdl Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting solids with your baby can be scary—especially if you struggle with anxiety. Many of us are interested in baby led weaning, but we often experience food-related concerns, from worries about choking to fear about nutrition. When you understand the feeding process, you can learn how to start baby led weaning with confidence. Today, I’m joined by dietician Katie Ferraro, founder of Baby Led Wean Team, to discuss how to start baby led weaning and overcome anxiety around feeding. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/44vWyC6 Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Between physical symptoms, wondering when to share, and juggling emotional changes, working while pregnant can feel overwhelming. But we can learn how to find our footing and navigate the changes that come our way. Today, I’m joined by Stephanie Kramer, author of Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work to discuss how working while pregnant impacts us and how to cope with the changes. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qUoX64 Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From tantrums to defiance to trouble sharing, normal toddler behavior can frustrate us. But our mindset and approach play a bigger role than we realize—and if we can reframe our own outlook, we can start to see the positives in the toddler period. Today, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Cathryn Tobin, founder of Healthiest Baby, to discuss how to change the way we view normal toddler behavior and to bust some of the common myths about this stage. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/43MOUmK Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We talk a lot about the invisible load of motherhood—but dads carry a mental load too. Just like moms, dads face contradictory expectations, gender norms, and societal pressures. When we understand the invisible load we each are carrying, we can start to challenge norms and work together to share the labor in the home. Today, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Dan Singley director of The Center for Men’s Excellence, to unpack masculinity, fatherhood, and the invisible load for dads. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3WXlKyL Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharing the load in the home after a baby is born can be hard. Moms often find themselves falling into a pattern of carrying the bulk of the labor without even realizing it. This can lead to resentment, burnout, or mental health struggles. But there are ways to challenge norms and break out of these patterns. Today, I’m joined by one of Momwell’s maternal mental health specialists, Dr. Nicole Mowbray, to discuss how to share the load in the home after a baby is born. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3WPkKwk Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A traumatic birth experience can leave moms feeling conflicted, lost, and unsure of themselves. We’re often told that we should be grateful or appreciative for a healthy baby, no matter what the birth looked like. But traumatic birth experiences can stick with us, impacting our future decisions, such as whether or not to grow our family.
I sat down with clinical social worker Kayleigh Summers, founder of The Birth Trauma Mama, to discuss traumatic birth experiences. In part 1, we talk about how birth trauma impacts us and the importance of healing.
(For the second part of our conversation, preparing for delivery after experiencing birth trauma, catch our upcoming episode for part two!)
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3JQqnpc
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Overwhelmed moms are often told to carve out time for “self-care,” from bubble baths to massages. But not only does that version of self-care for moms add more to our neverending to-do list—it also does not address the real problems that are contributing to burnout.
Real self-care for moms isn’t about what we do or what we buy—it’s about mindset shifts that change the way we approach motherhood. Today, I’m joined by psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, author of Real Self-Care, to discuss self-care principles for moms and how we can prioritize our mental health.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3FnzfQB
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Moms often find themselves grappling with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or fear of emotionally damaging their children. But what many don’t realize is that these tendencies are often rooted in unresolved childhood wounds.
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by marriage and family therapist Vienna Pharaon, founder of Mindful MFT, to discuss why childhood wounds arise in parenthood and how to identify and work through our pain.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Jj9h3g
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Many of us were never taught how to make decisions with confidence. Some of us came from a religious background, some of us encountered controlling environments, and some of us were simply taught to trust our parent’s choices rather than making our own. Now, as moms, we often find ourselves struggling with people pleasing or an inability to trust ourselves.
But when we understand what’s holding us back, we can empower ourselves to make decisions. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Quincee Gideon, clinical psychologist and specialist in religious trauma and cult recovery to discuss how to work through our past and make decisions with confidence.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3mcsKJK
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Working mom struggles are real—we’re bombarded with messages and expectations about “having it all” and encouraged to seek “work-life balance.” We often end up feeling as though we’re failing both at home and in our careers.
But what if we let go of external measuring sticks about what it means to be a good mom and focused instead on our values and priorities? Today, I’m joined by licensed mental health counselor Mary Beth Somitch, founder of Your Journey Through, to discuss working mom struggles and how to let go of the pressure to be perfect.
Show notes: http://bit.ly/3Sh8ZNe
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Do you ever find your brain spiraling with endless to-dos? Or feel overwhelmed by all the toys and mess around you? Many moms struggle with both physical and mental clutter, juggling responsibilities, worries, and labor in the home. But with the right strategies, we can declutter our homes and our minds, bringing some calm back into the chaos of motherhood.
Today, I’m joined by therapist Denaye Barahona, host of the Simple Families Podcast, to discuss the intersection of clutter and mental health.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3E18zV6
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
What is mom guilt and how do we overcome it? Motherhood has a way of bringing out doubt, fear, guilt, and shame. But when we learn how to let go of comparison and mother with our own values, we can break away from unproductive mom guilt and chart our own path in motherhood.
Today, I’m joined by Libby Ward, founder of Diary of an Honest Mom, to discuss why we experience mom guilt and how we can navigate it.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3JJoKtM
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
If you’ve ever felt like a medical provider dismissed or minimized your concerns, you are not alone. There is a long history of doctors who medically gaslight women, failing to take them seriously and leaving them questioning their own judgment.
Today, I’m joined by family physician Dr. Sarah Fraser to discuss the medical gaslighting of moms and what you can do to advocate for yourself.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3HjhsKC
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
We have exciting news–Happy as a Mother has evolved into The Momwell Podcast! I started Happy as a Mother to help moms everywhere realize they are not alone. But over time, we’ve grown, evolved, added new services, and expanded.
The podcast is staying the same–same great experts, same mission, same format. But we’re now operating under a new name–Momwell. We believe that when a mom is well, a baby is well. Find out more about why we’re growing and changing in this special bonus!
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com
Follow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: momwell.com/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops and courses: momwell.com/shop
Should I have another baby? Is my family complete? How will I know I’m done? For many of us, these questions begin soon after a baby is born. It can be hard to know if you want to add another baby to your family. While the decision is unique to every person and every family, there are some ways to make the decision easier.
Today, I’m joined by mental health counselor Kate McReynolds, founder of The Mom Therapist, to discuss how to use both your emotions and logic to answer the burning question, “Should I have another baby?”
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3H1dAh5
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Are you facing more conflict in your relationship after having a baby? Many couples find themselves arguing more after becoming parents. Stress, sleep deprivation, mental health, and additional responsibilities all play a role. But we can learn how to resolve conflict productively, communicate openly, repair, and work through struggles.
Today, I’m joined by mental health counselor Sheina Schochet, founder of Love After Baby, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3WeUbiu
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Do you find yourself wondering if you’re doing something to make your baby “difficult”? It might just be baby temperament! Our children are born with certain inborn personality traits. When we understand them, we can better attune to their needs (and stop blaming ourselves)!
Today, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Cara Goodwin, founder of Parenting Translator, to discuss baby temperament and how to support your child’s individual needs.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3IJJOQi
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Are you struggling to find your footing with sex after having a baby? If so, you aren’t alone. Many couples experience barriers to sex in the postpartum period, including sleep deprivation, new relationship dynamics, and a lack of open communication.
Today, I’m joined by marriage and family therapist Travis Goodman, founder of Therapy4Dads, to discuss how sex changes after a baby, how to build other forms of intimacy, and how to find a new normal in the postpartum period and beyond.
Show notes: http://bit.ly/3Z3lD5f
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Did you think you’d have a village to help with the baby only to discover you have no family support? The postpartum period is hard for everyone, but when our expectations of how friends and family might help don’t match the reality, it can be even harder.
Today, I’m joined by marriage and family therapists Emmalee Bierly and Jennifer Chaiken, founders of ShrinkChicks, to discuss how communication can help when you feel you have no family support.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3FGR8Jy
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Moms with ADHD take on additional struggles and labor, along with the typical mental load of motherhood. Our mental health affects our capacity and impacts the way we deal with stress.
Today, I’m joined by psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, founder of The Psych Doctor MD, to discuss how moms with ADHD can overcome their challenges and take care of themselves in the process.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3PELJHu
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Navigating both career and motherhood can be hard. Depending on their location and workplace policies, moms are often not offered maternity leave or guaranteed that their job is safe. After they return to work, the struggles only continue, with the wage gap widening after every child. But with the right plans in place, you can work through the challenges and find your own path as a working mom.
Today, I’m joined by Allison Venditti, founder of Moms at Work, to discuss how to have conversations with employers, plan for maternity leave and the return to work, and navigate your career and motherhood.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3uPXzEV
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Has your breastfeeding journey not gone the way you imagined? You aren’t alone. From medical issues to latching difficulties to engorgement, breastfeeding doesn’t always look like a peaceful bonding experience from the beginning.
Today, I’m joined by Lactation Consultant Amey Fields, founder of Az Breastfed Babies, to discuss the common struggles moms face on the breastfeeding journey, the importance of flexibility, and why our support system matters.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3gVobRW
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Can dads get postpartum anxiety? The answer is yes! Just like moms, dads are at increased risk for anxiety in the postpartum period. Paternal mental health matters too.
Today, I’m joined by psychiatrist Dr. Pierre Azzam, founder of Braver Man, to discuss the signs and risk factors for postpartum anxiety in dads, and why caring for the mental health of the whole family matters.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3ARYBDY
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Do you find yourself carrying the mental load of motherhood? Moms often serve as the default parents. The housekeepers. The caregivers. The go-to for all of the to-do lists. It’s a problem that can leave us overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out—and we often don’t even realize it’s happening. But we can make small changes that shift the household mental load and create buy-in from our partners.
Today, I’m joined by Gemma Hartley, journalist and author of Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women and the Way Forward, to discuss how to rebalance the emotional and mental load of motherhood.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3V4l4G8
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
As a new mom, one of the most stressful things we can experience is not being able to soothe our babies. So when we face the “baby witching hour,” colic, or a fussy infant, we often feel like failures.
It’s hard to cope with crying. It’s even harder to let go of the expectation that we should be able to soothe every cry. Today, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares, founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to discuss how to survive the baby witching hour, and how to be kind to ourselves in the process.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3GgS2yi
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Are you experiencing formula feeding guilt? Moms whose breastfeeding journey doesn’t match their expectations, or moms who choose to formula feed their babies, often face pressure, shame, and a sense of failure. But there are many factors that go into a feeding journey, and staying flexible can protect our mental health.
Today, I’m joined by infant feeding technician Mallory Whitmore, founder of The Formula Mom, to discuss how to overcome the expectations, pressures, and guilt about formula feeding.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3NPY7Dx
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Enjoy every moment. Be grateful you have a healthy baby. Everything happens for a reason. Moms often get bombarded with these messages, being told they should be happy and positive all the time. But how do you deal with this toxic positivity?
Today, I’m joined by marriage and family therapist Whitney Goodman, author of Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real In a World Obsessed With Being Happy. We’re discussing what toxic positivity is, how to deal with toxic positivity as a mom, and better ways to offer support than emphasizing artificial happiness.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3sMayXb
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Moms aren’t the only ones with a big adjustment when a baby comes. Becoming a dad brings its own adjustments, changes, and difficulties.
Today, I’m joined by marriage and family therapist Travis Goodman, founder of Therapy 4 Dads, to discuss the transition into becoming a dad, ways dads can bond with babies, and signs of paternal postpartum depression.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Tyd53g
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Returning to work after maternity leave, or having your partner return after their leave, can be tough. These situations often come with feelings of anger, guilt, and resentment. But if we can learn to listen to our emotions, guide ourselves through the transition, and work with our partner, we can overcome mom guilt and ease the transition.
Today, I’m joined by marriage and family therapist Dr. Cassidy Freitas to talk about coping with our emotions while returning to work after having a baby.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3D5hYeh
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Are you confused about how to know if you have postpartum anxiety? For many moms, this is a difficult question. Postpartum anxiety symptoms are often dismissed as normal worries or first-time mom jitters. Many moms also feel a sense of fear about acknowledging their struggles. To top it off, postpartum anxiety is often misunderstood and understudied.
But undiagnosed and untreated anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period can leave many moms overwhelmed and lost. Today, I’m joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Oreck to discuss why perinatal mental health is overlooked, how to know if you have postpartum anxiety, and what treatment methods might be right for you.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3fUE0as
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Moms often feel like sacrificing sleep is just a part of motherhood. But there is a relationship between sleep deprivation and postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and other mental health concerns. If we want to support moms, protecting maternal sleep is important.
Today, I’m joined by reproductive psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Nicole Leistikow to discuss the role of protected sleep in maternal mental health and how families can work together to support moms.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/3EdRt7q
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Establishing age-appropriate boundaries can be tough. But without boundaries, we often find ourselves in a cycle of misbehaviour and punishment, leading to frustration for us and our children.
Today, I’m joined by parenting coach Tia Slightham to discuss the importance of boundaries and how to set limits that are age-appropriate and effective.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3r2xdxL
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Establishing age-appropriate boundaries can be tough. But without boundaries, we often find ourselves in a cycle of misbehaviour and punishment, leading to frustration for us and our children.
Today, I’m joined by parenting coach Tia Slightham to discuss the importance of boundaries and how to set limits that are age-appropriate and effective.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3r2xdxL
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Establishing age-appropriate boundaries can be tough. But without boundaries, we often find ourselves in a cycle of misbehaviour and punishment, leading to frustration for us and our children.
Today, I’m joined by parenting coach Tia Slightham to discuss the importance of boundaries and how to set limits that are age-appropriate and effective.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3r2xdxL
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
What if I told you that you didn’t have to play with your child all day? Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to entertain their kids. They believe that “good moms” play with their kids as much as possible. But when we learn how to encourage independent play, we not only remove that pressure—we also give our children room to create, grow, and blossom.
Today, I’m joined by Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, to discuss what play is, why it matters, and how to encourage your children to play independently.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3BS5ar9
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
What if I told you that you didn’t have to play with your child all day? Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to entertain their kids. They believe that “good moms” play with their kids as much as possible. But when we learn how to encourage independent play, we not only remove that pressure—we also give our children room to create, grow, and blossom.
Today, I’m joined by Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, to discuss what play is, why it matters, and how to encourage your children to play independently.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3BS5ar9
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
What if I told you that you didn’t have to play with your child all day? Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to entertain their kids. They believe that “good moms” play with their kids as much as possible. But when we learn how to encourage independent play, we not only remove that pressure—we also give our children room to create, grow, and blossom.
Today, I’m joined by Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, to discuss what play is, why it matters, and how to encourage your children to play independently.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3BS5ar9
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Do you feel like you’re drowning in the mental load of motherhood? Many moms struggle with this. They find themselves falling into gender roles in the home without realizing it, and they don’t know how to break out of the pattern.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Darcy Lockman, psychologist and author of All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership, to discuss why the gender imbalance in household labour happens and how to shift the dynamics in the home.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qsnkcx
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
Do you feel like you’re drowning in the mental load of motherhood? Many moms struggle with this. They find themselves falling into gender roles in the home without realizing it, and they don’t know how to break out of the pattern.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Darcy Lockman, psychologist and author of All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership, to discuss why the gender imbalance in household labour happens and how to shift the dynamics in the home.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qsnkcx
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: www.happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: www.instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: www.happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: www.happyasamother.co/shop
Do you feel like you’re drowning in the mental load of motherhood? Many moms struggle with this. They find themselves falling into gender roles in the home without realizing it, and they don’t know how to break out of the pattern.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Darcy Lockman, psychologist and author of All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership, to discuss why the gender imbalance in household labour happens and how to shift the dynamics in the home.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qsnkcx
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: www.happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: www.instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: www.happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: www.happyasamother.co/shop
When our children misbehave, it can be very triggering. We feel frustrated, disrespected, and uncertain of how to handle it. As a result, we often end up unsuccessfully trying to control their behaviour, instead of guiding them through their feelings.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Becky Kennedy, founder of Good Inside, to discuss how to help a child regulate their emotions and navigate their big feelings.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3cN87zq
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: happyasamother.co/shop
When our children misbehave, it can be very triggering. We feel frustrated, disrespected, and uncertain of how to handle it. As a result, we often end up unsuccessfully trying to control their behaviour, instead of guiding them through their feelings.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Becky Kennedy, founder of Good Inside, to discuss how to help a child regulate their emotions and navigate their big feelings.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3cN87zq
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: www.happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: www.instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: www.happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: www.happyasamother.co/shop
When our children misbehave, it can be very triggering. We feel frustrated, disrespected, and uncertain of how to handle it. As a result, we often end up unsuccessfully trying to control their behaviour, instead of guiding them through their feelings.
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Becky Kennedy, founder of Good Inside, to discuss how to help a child regulate their emotions and navigate their big feelings.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3cN87zq
Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: www.happyasamother.co/wellness
Follow Happy as a Mother on Instagram: www.instagram.com/happyasamother
Sign up for our weekly VIP Newsletter: www.happyasamother.co/newsletter
Register for one of our popular workshops: www.happyasamother.co/shop
Why does a messy house give me anxiety? Why can’t I motivate myself to clean since I had kids? Am I just a lazy mom? Moms often worry about these things, feeling immense pressure to keep a clean house and experiencing shame when they fall short of those expectations.
As moms, we can’t always buy ourselves more time to clean. But we can approach the concept of cleaning differently, learn to overcome our anxiety around cleaning, and develop simple tips for keeping the house functioning without getting overwhelmed.
Today, I’m joined by KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, known as Domestic Blisters on TikTok and founder of Struggle Care, to discuss reframing our thinking about “the mess” and tips for cleaning with kids.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Ku93VC
Transitions can be overwhelming for our children and for us. As moms, we want to know how to support a child going through transitions. We might experience our own anxiety, deal with mom guilt, or question whether they are capable of navigating big changes.
But with the right strategies in place, we can guide our children, and ourselves, through times of change. Today, I’m joined by Jess VanderWier, founder of Our Mama Village to discuss how to support a child through the transition into school and separation anxiety.
(This is the final episode of our 3-part back-to-school series. Don’t miss Episode 133 on kindergarten readiness with Susie Allison of Busy Toddler and Episode 134 on helping children cope with school anxiety with Dr. Becky Kennedy of Good Inside.)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3PFO7vS
Starting school can be very exciting for many kids—but it can also be scary. We want to protect our kids, so when we see them worrying or anxious, we want to support them. But how do you help your child with school anxiety?
Today, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, founder of Good Inside, to discuss anxiety about starting school, our role in it, and how to support our children if they’re feeling apprehensive.
(This is the second episode of our 3-part back-to-school series. Don’t miss Episode 133 on kindergarten readiness with Susie Allison of Busy Toddler and part three on supporting your child through transitions with Jess VanderWier of Our Mama Village.)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3JTeTQ7
Is my child ready for kindergarten? What should I do to prepare? What skills do they need? More than ever, parents are scrambling to make sure their children have “kindergarten readiness.”
But the skills our children really need for kindergarten are far different than we might think they are. Today, I’m joined by Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, to break down how to really prepare your child for kindergarten.
(This is the first episode of our 3-part back-to-school series. Catch our upcoming episodes on managing anxiety about school with Dr. Becky Kennedy of Good Inside and supporting your child through transitions with Jess VanderWier of Our Mama Village.)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Q90MbZ
Overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety isn’t easy. When we’re suffering from postpartum mood disorders, the symptoms make us believe that we are the problem—that we are failing as mothers.
But with awareness and the right support, we can find resources and overcome mood disorders during the postpartum period. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Wendy Davis, executive director of Postpartum Support International to discuss how to overcome postpartum depression and anxiety.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Qf7xZt
Overcoming working mom guilt isn’t easy. Intensive mothering ideals, the perfect mother myth, and social expectations tell us that we should put ourselves on the backburner and always put our children first.
But moms can embrace fulfillment outside of motherhood, thriving in their careers and showing their children that it’s okay to prioritize themselves.
Lara Bazelon, law professor and author of Ambitious Like a Mother, joins us to discuss mom life balance and overcoming working mom guilt.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ITp9aN
Research has shown that religion and spirituality can be a fundamental pillar of resilience. But not all religious environments are healthy. Many of us had negative spiritual experiences and are searching for how to heal from religious trauma.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Quincee Gideon, clinical psychologist and specialist in religious trauma and cult recovery, to discuss religion, trauma, and the role spirituality plays in our identities.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3PAGSWp
Moms everywhere are finding themselves exhausted, buckling under the invisible load, and struggling with unrealistic expectations. All of that pressure can lead to motherhood burnout—chronic exhaustion due to the demands of being a mom.
Today, I’m joined by maternal mental health therapist Erin Spahr to discuss motherhood burnout—from what causes it to how to recover from it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3a9YABj
Modern moms carry an unfair share of the invisible load—the mental and emotional labour of taking care of the house and raising the kids. The problem is widespread—and breaking out of the pattern can be tough. But with the right approach, we can learn how to share the mental load at home in a fair and intentional way.
I sat down with Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home for a two-part discussion on the way gender norms shape the distribution of labour in the home. In part 1, we discussed the impact of that imbalance. Today, we dive into ways we unintentionally reinforce gender norms and how to break away from them.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ArFukU
The vast majority of my clients who are in different-sex relationships share a common concern. “My husband doesn’t help around the house.” The invisible load in the home is real—and gender is the number one predictor of who carries it.
Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home, joins me to discuss the role gender plays in the distribution of invisible labour. In part 1, we focus on where gender norms in our relationship come from and how they impact all partners.
(For the second part of our conversation, how to break out of gender norms and improve equality, catch our upcoming episode!)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3bydAJo
The world of gentle, respectful, empowered parenting can be difficult to walk. What does empowered parenting look like? Does gentle parenting always mean giving into your child? What does “respect” mean when it comes to your children?
Today, parenting coach and author of the upcoming book Very Intentional Parenting, Destini Ann, joins me to discuss what gentle parenting really does (and doesn’t) look like.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3OuFft6
The topic of surrogacy can come with plenty of stigma and misconceptions. Some of us might only know what we’ve seen on The Kardashians or heard about in movies. But as science becomes more advanced, surrogacy has created a pathway to parenthood for many families.
Today, Ariel Taylor—experienced surrogate, fertility therapist, and founder of Carried With Love—joins me to demystify surrogacy and clear up some common questions and misconceptions surrounding it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3xvWbbs
Modern moms often have a difficult time navigating sex and motherhood. Sleep deprivation, body changes, the mental load, and even our own internal beliefs and expectations impact the way we experience sexual desire and arousal.
Sarah Forbes, sexual culturalist, author, and former curator of New York’s Museum of Sex, joins us to discuss how sex and motherhood interweave and how we can reignite and embrace sexuality as mothers.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Q5XR3X
Sensory overload as a mom is difficult to manage. In a house full of chaos and noise, it’s easy to become overstimulated. But why does this happen? What causes it in our bodies? And what can we do to keep calm and drown out the noise?
To answer these questions, I welcomed occupational therapist Larissa Geleris, WarriorOT, back to the podcast. In episode 73 Larissa shared tips for coping with overstimulation in motherhood. Today she’s back to talk specifically about how noise triggers us and what we can do about it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LV3e2F
How do I tell the difference between a tantrum versus a meltdown? Do neurotypical children have meltdowns? How do I support my neurodivergent child through sensory struggles? Can I prevent meltdowns? Parenting young children—especially neurodivergent littles—brings up these questions and more.
Today, Laura Petix—The OT Butterfly—joins me to chat about all things meltdown-related: how to tell the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum, how to help children through the four phases of meltdowns, and how to manage expectations when parenting neurodivergent children.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wJuJIg
Maternal sleep deprivation is very common for new moms. Night feedings, frequent baby wakeups, stress, and perinatal mental health concerns can all cause sleep disturbances that leave moms feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and fatigued.
I chatted with Dr. Shelby Harris, clinical psychologist and author of The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, about maternal sleep. In a recent episode, Dr. Shelby discussed insomnia and why moms struggle to sleep. Today, she’s back to share tips to help break out of maternal sleep deprivation.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3sEWLSF
Maternal sleep deprivation is very common. Even if baby sleeps, moms often find themselves battling insomnia–struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get good quality sleep. When you’re a new mom, it’s easy to become obsessed with sleep. Watching the clock, obsessing over wake windows, and worrying about when your baby will sleep through the night seem to be common mom pastimes.
But the baby isn’t the only one who needs to sleep—moms do too. And we often have an uphill battle to face when it comes to sleep issues. Dr. Shelby Harris, clinical psychologist and author of The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, joins me to discuss sleep difficulties for moms.
(For the second part of our conversation, on tips to manage maternal sleep deprivation, catch our upcoming episode!)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/39T4beH
Being a mom is hard—harder than anybody bothers to tell you. We believe in an image of the perfect mother: nurturing, patient, and joyful. So why are so many modern moms battling inner rage?
Minna Dubin, author of New York Times pieces “The Rage Mothers Don’t Talk About” and “‘I Am Going to Physically Explode’: Mom Rage in a Pandemic,” joins me to discuss the cultural and societal context of mom rage.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3KoKdFe
Do you ever feel like you’re losing your identity in motherhood? If so, you aren’t alone. Motherhood can feel all-consuming—especially when you’re carrying beliefs around it that have been prescribed to you.
Life coach Dr. Gertrude Lyons calls those beliefs The Mother Code—the wiring given to us from family, culture, and society. She joins me to share how to see the myths of the mother code, write our own code, define motherhood for ourselves, and use it as a vehicle for transformation.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vcQmjk
We talk a lot about the invisible load of motherhood—the way that so much of the labour in the home falls to moms, even before a baby is born. But that load has an impact on our partners too—leaving them without a role, unsure how to bond with the new baby.
It’s easy to think that nursing moms have to take on the role of feeding. In reality, non-nursing partners can help with breastfeeding too (beyond just bringing snacks and water)! “The Breastfeeding Father,” psychologist Eric Taylor, explains why all partners need to be empowered in the nursing process.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3uSkwZd
In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, I am happy to welcome women's mental health and reproductive psychiatry specialist Dr. Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu.
Black moms face health struggles and discrimination in the medical system, and they also carry an additional invisible load specific to women of color. Dr. Jennifer shares valuable insight into the world of Black maternal health.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3rjGfH4
Whining is potentially one of the worst sounds we hear as parents. For most of us, it almost feels painful—like fingernails on a chalkboard. In those moments, we don’t always navigate the situation the best way. So, how do we get kids to stop whining?
To find the answer, I chatted with Joanna Faber and Julie King, authors of the bestselling book, How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen. In a recent episode, Joanna and Julie discussed navigating defiance. Today, they’re back to discuss how to talk when children start whining.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LN766u
Is co-sleeping right for your family? Is bedsharing the same as co-sleeping? What are the risk factors? Can you bedshare safely? Many families have questions about co-sleeping but aren’t sure where to find answers. In our previous episode with holistic sleep expert Lyndsey Hookway, we learned that infant sleep is nuanced. Today, Lyndsey is back for part 2, to talk about co-sleeping, bedsharing, and making an informed decision for your family.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3NusWgx
Little kids can be masters of defiance. We ask them to put on their shoes or brush their teeth and chaos erupts. The more we try to force them to listen, the more they defy and rebel. So how do we get our kids to listen, especially in moments of defiance? I sat down with Julie King and Joanna Faber, authors of How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen, to find out more about their simple, but effective strategies for getting kids to comply. (For the second part of our conversation, how to navigate whining, catch our upcoming episode!)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qrYl9C
If there’s one hot topic in motherhood that can get everyone riled up in an instant, it’s sleep. We often try to measure our worth as moms in terms of baby sleep, feeling like failures when we simply can’t get it to work. Unfortunately, conversations about a holistic approach to baby sleep can easily devolve into extreme feelings on both sides.
Paediatric Nurse and Holistic Sleep Coach Lyndsey Hookway brings a balanced viewpoint to this hot topic, offering a judgment-free look at infant sleep. (For the second part of my conversation with Lyndsey on sleep, be sure to catch our upcoming episode on co-sleeping!)
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3tgykM0
In last week’s episode, we took a look at how to recognize overfunctioning—when one partner tries to control situations and do everything themselves because of their own anxiety. Today, Dr. Kathleen Smith returns for part 2—how to stop overfunctioning in relationships.
With the right strategies, you can understand where overfunctioning comes from and how to evaluate when to stop. You can also develop the tools you need to step back and manage it, breaking the cycle and letting your partner and children become more capable.
Show Note: https://bit.ly/3pLEMJ6
Do you find yourself being the overfunctioner in your relationship? Overfunctioning happens when you take on more than your fair share of the parenting tasks in an attempt to control or fix a situation that triggers your anxiety. It often leads to unhealthy relationship and parenting patterns, and ends up increasing the invisible load moms are carrying.
I sat down with Dr. Kathleen Smith, therapist and author of Everything Isn't Terrible, to talk about the relationship between anxiety and overfunctioning, and how to overcome it. In part 1, we focus on how to recognize over and underfunctioning and why breaking the pattern is important.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3hrMfbH
Whether you have heard the phrase “after school restraint collapse” or not, if you’ve experienced it, you know exactly what it is—when your child starts melting down as soon as you pick them up from school. If your child behaves wonderfully at school but falls apart when they see you, it can be frustrating for everyone. So what causes those after school meltdowns? Dr. Kristyn Sommer leverages her PhD in Early Cognitive Development and shares her insights on why after school restraint collapse happens, and what you can do to minimize it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3haTOU2
Becoming a first-time mom is a huge change. Most of us have romanticized expectations of what being a mom will be like. We think that it will be a time of love, cuddles, and joy. The reality of sleep deprivation, struggle, and difficulty stepping into the role can leave us sinking deep into mom guilt mode. This transition into motherhood has a name—matrescence. Perinatal Psychologist Dr. Katayune Kaeni (Dr. Kat) walks us through what matrescence is and how we can help ourselves through the process.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/34CRdQ5
Preparing your dog for a baby is important and intimidating. What steps can you take to get your dog ready? How do you handle the introduction? Will your baby be safe? Will your dog become stressed? Certified Dog Trainer Dominika Knossalla provides safety tips for how to prepare your dog for a baby—creating a plan, introducing your dog to the baby, and minimizing the stress (for you and your pet)! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ox50Oz
Your personal core values are an important part of who you are—as a person, as a parent, and as a partner. But discovering, prioritizing, and applying your personal core values is easier said than done—especially when we don’t even know how to define “values!” I sat down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Dr. Cassidy Freitas to talk about defining your personal core values, why they’re important, and how to live in alignment with them. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3gfKpKq
Managing mommy rage can be tough. We expect motherhood to look nurturing, peaceful, and loving. So when we end up feeling rage or losing our cool, we start to wonder if there’s something wrong with us. Guilt, shame, and regret weigh on our shoulders. But without the right coping tools and skills, we end up falling right back into the mommy rage pattern. Dr. Ashurina Ream of Psyched Mommy and I answer all your questions and discuss where the rage comes from, why we aren’t prepared for it, and how we can build the right skills for managing mommy rage before it happens (and when we inevitably slip up)! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3o1Z93F
The invisible load of motherhood is a common vicious cycle for families. One parent (often the mom) becomes the default parent. That default parent takes on a disproportionate amount of labor in the home. They find themselves drowning in unpaid and unappreciated labor.
The resentment and overwhelming load lead to mom rage, resentment, and even marital problems. New York Times Bestselling Author Eve Rodsky sheds light on why this happens and the system she’s created to put an end to the cycle and redistribute the invisible work of moms.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3A9pPo9
Postpartum blues are a normal part of having a baby. Between sleep deprivation, hormone changes, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn, “normal” life can seem impossible. Many moms experience weepiness, irritability, and mood changes as they adjust to life as a new parent.
But these symptoms aren’t always typical baby blues—they’re also signs of postpartum depression. So how can new moms tell the difference? When should they seek care? And can they ever expect to feel “normal” again? Reproductive Psychiatrist Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis explains the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression and shares tips for knowing when to seek care.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3HWeRF7
Can you remember the last time you slept for five hours in a row? If an infant lives with you, there’s a good chance you can’t. Sleep is essential for us to function and makes us better parents, but sometimes when we talk about sleep training our kiddos, moms can be consumed with guilt. Are we putting our own needs above the babies? And does sleep training automatically mean allowing babies to cry it out? Dr. Aubrie is a psychologist who specializes in sleep, and she’s going to help us unpack what sleep training is and isn’t.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3mYY6kt
Do you find yourself being the “stuff manager” in your home? Do you struggle with keeping up with all things toys? Or have you fallen into the myth that “once I find the perfect bins, the right shelves, color code and label everything - it will solve this constant mess?!”
The thing is, mess is not an organization issue, it’s a clutter issue. Declutter expert Katy Wells is here with practical advice and sustainable tips to FINALLY put clutter in its place and regain control of your home.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/32KAXv2
The Happy as a Mother Podcast has been live for 100 episodes now, can you believe it?!?! I polled my stories for ideas on how we should celebrate the occasion and y’all said you’d like to hear from my husband and get his perspective. Well, you asked and we delivered! Frenel Djossa aka Mr. Happy as a Mother is here to answer YOUR questions about his transition to Fatherhood, what it's like being married to a therapist, and his experience as we navigated my journey through postpartum depression.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/30Oseax
Have you ever felt like a simple parenting decision was going to have a lifelong impact? Have you been paralyzed with indecision because you don’t know what is best and don’t want to make the wrong choice? Parenting this way is suffocating and erodes your trust in your own intuition. Psychologist and Stanford clinical assistant professor Dr. Jen Douglas is back to help us break free from this pressure of perfectionism and learn to trust ourselves more.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/321GzRg
Conversations with our partners become very high stakes after children are born. We come from different upbringings with different ideas of what parenting looks like, yet need to learn to work as a team. This can be a recipe for tense conversations or conflict with those we love. Licensed marriage and family therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw is here to introduce key skills that strong and thriving couples use so we can learn to disagree in a way that strengthens our relationships rather than weakens them.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3GrI1vc
Do you find yourself wrestling with whether to have more children? Many moms I work with struggle with this decision for a number of reasons such as finances, the ideal family they had envisioned, their past birth or postpartum experience, and the readiness of their partner.
While other parents may have come to the conclusion that they only want one child but feel pushed towards having more by the opinions and expectations of others. The choice to be one and done can come with a lot of guilt, shame, and pressure from others—but what matters is what YOU actually want for your family. Renee Reina, PhD is going to help us unpack how to know when you’re one and done and then feel confident in that decision.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3pgeu0j
When you first learned you were expecting a baby, did you have a preferred gender in mind? Some people do and for a variety of different reasons. It can be hard to admit, but you may have even experienced some sadness if you learned the baby wouldn’t be your preferred gender. This is completely okay and more common than you might think. But since it can be hard to admit, it can also be hard to work through. Dr. Renée Miller has spent her career helping parents overcome gender disappointment, and she’s here today to help us unpack this concept.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3cDHOrI
Do you worry about how your child will adjust to a sibling? Do you fear you will struggle with dividing your love and attention between children? Expanding your family comes with many mixed emotions about what this transition will mean for you and the relationship you have with your first child. Marriage and family therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel is here to help us ditch the worry and guilt about adding a sibling and embrace being imperfectly perfect for our children.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wRliVE
Do you find that you are keenly aware of the shifts in the emotions of those around you? Are you wired to please others? Have you ever found yourself feeling panicked for no reason? Anxiety and trauma responses can cause our bodies to act in ways that may not make sense, and that can be scary. Clinical psychologist Dr. Quincee Gideon joins us to help us better understand our nervous system and how to more effectively manage its responses.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qnZQqe
Do you struggle with family showing up unannounced? Does your family buy too many gifts for your child? Does your mother or mother-in-law ignore your parenting values and do things their own way? You are not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Ream and I answer your questions to help unpack why boundary setting feels so difficult especially when it comes to dealing with our moms and mothers-in-law, and provide some advice for how to set those boundaries.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/31rpvno
There are many roads that lead to motherhood, and some moms even start their journey solo. But what happens when you’ve chosen a partner to start a family, and it doesn’t work out? What does ending the partnership mean for your parenting situation, and your child’s situation? When we’re thrust into single parenting unexpectedly, the custody agreements that mean time away from our child can be devastating, and co-parenting is its own can of worms. Therapist and founder of Mimosas with Moms Abbey Williams is here to unpack the challenges of co-parenting for us.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vLtGFs
In the wake of George Floyd, many parents’ eyes have been opened to the injustices that BIPOC communities face on a day-to-day basis. This has also left many parents questioning how to "do the work" and raise inclusive children. Figuring out where to start when it comes to anti-racism and social justice work can feel quite daunting. Dr. Traci Baxley is here to teach us about ways we can use our parenting as a form of activism, teaching our children to show up and intervene on behalf of others.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2Z2vgHq
Do you ever feel more disorganized and frazzled compared to other moms? Do you regularly forget things you know are important because of how much you hold in your mind? While these might sound typical of most mothers, major factors of ADHD that often go undiagnosed in women include forgetfulness, inattentiveness, distractibility, and disorganization. Dr. Melissa Shepard is going to help us understand what ADHD is and the impact it can have on our parenting.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3v5X212
Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are hard enough. But having a baby in NICU is terrifying and can be traumatic. Kristin Reinhart is a social worker and perinatal mental health specialist with 15 years of experience. More importantly, she’s a mom who survived 2 NICU experiences. She’s here to share her experience, how to know when you need help, and how to help a NICU mom.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3a8NlFs
Pregnancy is a time with lots of new restrictions, and it can feel like we’re losing our freedom. A lot of those new rules stick around during nursing too. With so many “Don’ts,” how do we know what’s okay? Can everything really be that bad for the baby? OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is going to help us unpack the effects of alcohol, CBD, and cannabis during pregnancy and nursing.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2ZEmGyp
Do you work as a mother or spend time on a hobby? Motherhood is hard enough without losing those other pieces of ourselves that are so important. But society has a clear idea of what a mom should be, and it’s not always juggling corporate calls and leaving daycare pick up to your partner.
Dr. Courtney Tracy the Truth Doctor is going to help us unpack unspoken messages to moms and why we should ignore them.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3AwLHJq
New babies are snuggly and adorable, but they’re also a lot of work. Everyone tells us we need to babyproof our house, but no one tells us we need to babyproof our relationship. Or where do we even start to do that? Happy as a Mother Wellness Therapist Kameela Osman is a social worker and psychotherapist with over ten years of experience, and she’s here to help us babyproof our relationship.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3nw4qB7
Are you well rested today? I’m not! Moms don’t get a lot of sleep, and new moms get almost none. This can be hard on our brain. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is here to explain how we can best care for our brains during seasons of life when getting a full night’s sleep is all but impossible.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2X4SGKW
Growing a whole human and keeping it alive can feel daunting! What are you not allowed to eat while you’re pregnant? More importantly, what can you actually eat? How do you know? And the decisions don’t get easier once the baby comes. Am I damaging my child for life if I sleep train because sleep deprivation is getting to us all?
What if there was an easy way to make these decisions? And what if every new study didn’t contradict the one before? Emily Oster is a professor at Brown University and the author of The Parent Data series is here to help us out with a framework for these decisions! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3jxs7qp
Have you ever been on your way out the door, and then one of your kids flopped on the ground like a fish, because they wanted a different color backpack? Or put a well-fed and properly hydrated preschooler to bed only to have them come out of their room 5 minutes later and ask for a drink? These moments can be frustrating, but a lot of times, it’s the moving from one thing to another that actually drives the child’s behaviour.
Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist specializing in helping people with medical issues find alternative treatments. She is going to help us unpack why change can be so hard to deal with and how we can make it easier.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/38bavtU
If you’re an expecting mother, are you set on breastfeeding? If you already have a child, did your feeding journey go as expected? As moms, we often feel a lot of pressure to get everything right, and feeding is often our first introduction to this. Pressure comes from both ourselves and others to make our feeding experience go according to plan. Johanna Phillips, a registered social worker and one of our Wellness Center Therapists, is here to talk with us about breastfeeding and mental health.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/37UhSFO
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about the glass of wine you’re going to have at the end of the day? Do you feel a pull to have a drink throughout the day when things get hard? Are the majority of your social events with other moms centered around drinking? Mommy wine culture has been made into a lighthearted merchandisable topic that can have serious consequences for those who find themselves trapped in it. While it may be fun and lighthearted for some, for others it can quickly grow into a hidden problem with lasting impacts. Michelle Smith is an author, counselor, TEDx speaker, and founder of Recovery Is The New Black. She’s here to share her relationship with alcohol and help us unpack mommy wine culture.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3lO6ROJ
Do you have a child starting kindergarten this year? That’s always a huge transition, but this year is even more of a transition than usual. Many of our kids haven’t been out of the house in a year and a half, and we haven’t been away from them in that amount of time either. Preparing for this transition and making sure your child is ready has always been a source of parent stress, and this year kinder prep is more important than ever. Learning Specialist and Behavior Analyst Cori Stern is here to help us prepare for starting kindergarten this year.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3C6CvfU
Have you ever been in a medical situation where you felt completely powerless? Have you ever had decisions made about yours or your child's care and felt like your voice was not heard?? There are so many situations that can cause medical post traumatic stress syndrome, and these are just a couple. Since so many mothers experience medical PTSD, I thought it would be a good idea to unpack what medical post traumatic stress syndrome really is and what we can do about it. Clinical psychologist Dr. Quincee Gideon is going to help us tease this out today. Trauma care is her speciality.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3748FdF
Do you find that you get irritable the week before your cycle? Do you find that your mood or anxiety fluctuate depending on where you are in your cycle? You are not the only one, it is not a secret that our hormones play an important role in our overall mental health. Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a Perinatal Psychiatrist who focuses on mental health during infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting will help us understand when those mood swings might be premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3xLBR57
How old were you the first time you heard the word consent used in connection with your body? For a lot of us, it was the tail end of some really bad high school video. But teaching kids consent—both that they own their body and are in charge of who touches and respecting others boundaries—can start a lot earlier than that. Psychotherapist Jessica VanderWier will help us understand what consent looks like for kids and how to teach it early on.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3kmbIGd
I remember when I was getting ready to have my first baby and researching all the options out there—it can be so overwhelming! When it’s your first child, it’s hard to know what your birth plan should include, and as useful as the internet is, not all information is created equally. Mommy Labor Nurse and Registered Nurse Liesel Teen is here to help us understand what actually needs to go into a birth plan, how to advocate for yourself, and what to do when labor doesn’t go as planned or your experience is particularly traumatic.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3whenmM
It’s six weeks postpartum. Your OB/GYN visit went well. Exciting things are happening. If you had a c-section, you can likely drive again, and you’re probably cleared for sex too. But are you really ready? You may still be bleeding six weeks after a baby. Even if your body has completely healed, are you really ready? Are you prepared mentally after the trauma of giving birth and the mental toll of being responsible for a new human? Board-certified women’s health physical therapist Dr. Sarah Reardon will help us unpack some of the vaginal issues and issues related to postpartum intimacy that may come up.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3jpRyub
If your best friend called you upset because her baby has a horrible diaper rash that she blamed herself for, would you hop on the bandwagon and agree that it was her fault? Or would you offer suggestions to get rid of the rash and remind her that it happens? If she lost her cool on her toddler, would you scold her? Or would you respond with care?
Now imagine your own child has a bumpy red bottom or you are the one who lost their cool, would you respond the same way? Probably not. Most of us can comfort and support our friends when they make a mistake but not ourselves. Dr. Kristin Neff is here today to talk to us about the importance of self-compassion and how we can learn it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3d5l5Wl
Do you ever feel yourself snapping at your kids or partner when you’re not even angry, you’re just overwhelmed. That’s called overstimulation and it happens when your brain has 50 tabs open and trying to move back and forth is both frustrating and overwhelming. I find myself wanting to wear ear plugs around the house just so that I can hear myself think. Noise is one of the many sensory factors that contribute to the sensory overload that many parents experience. Larissa Geleris, an occupational therapist and mother of two with extensive experience and training in Sensory Processing Disorder in children, uses that experience to support parents in understanding their own sensory triggers. And today, she’s going to help us understand our own sensory issues and how to cope with them in parenting.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wAthFO
Did you know that most moms will report experiencing some amount of memory loss during the postpartum period? If you can’t remember what you ate for breakfast, it’s okay! No other mom can either. As a mom of three boys I can totally relate to the forgetfulness and brain fog that sets in during those early postpartum days. Mom brain can be annoying—who wants to forget why they walked into a room—but it doesn’t have to be bad. Dr. Jodi Pawluski is here today to help us understand the physical and chemical changes in our brains and how to better care for our changing brains.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3gnPLCG
Did you know that the majority of mothers experience scary and intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period, but feel so much shame they hardly talk about it? Even worse, these intrusive thoughts can become debilitating and take control of a mother's life leading to postpartum Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD).” For a lot of people, a thought like that might trigger extreme shame and guilt, causing PPOCD to be one of the most commonly misdiagnosed perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Because OCD requires evidence-based techniques and postpartum OCD is so unique, licensed counselor Jenna Overbaugh is here to help us unpack what obsessive compulsion is and how to know when we might be experiencing it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/34BwNDr
Understanding how your brain works is incredibly empowering. Maybe your go-to emotion is rage when your brain is at capacity or perhaps your brain gets stuck in anxious overdrive. Or perhaps your child's brain gets flooded with big emotions that appear as frequent tantrums, which leaves you feeling like they are intentionally disobeying. If we understand how the brain influences our emotions, we can discover our best coping skills. Neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor joins us to talk about the differences in the left and right hemispheres of our brain, how they work together, and how we can use this awareness to help regulate our emotions in motherhood.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wzZpZu
Motherhood can be an all encompassing journey. It’s hard to know when we’re not doing enough, and when we’re doing too much. The stakes have never been higher—you are protecting and raising a human being. The weight of the responsibility is real. But should motherhood have to cost your identity? Do you truly need to devote every cell of your being to your children? Our guest Dr. Sophie Brock is a sociologist specializing in motherhood studies—her work is so interesting I’ve become a student of hers—and she’s here to help us unpack the myth of the perfect mom.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wmisGR
Regulating our own emotions can be difficult enough. Adding a wonderful little bundle of joy who also wakes up at 3 a.m. and may scream loud enough to alert the whole neighborhood can really complicate matters. And there seems to be anxiety around how our triggered moments might affect our children and what they think of us. Clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Cotler specializes in infant mental health and attachment is here to help us understand parent/child attachment. And the good news is we’re more than our worst moments, and our children know it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/33BPW7K
Parenting during a pandemic has been so hard! And now a swiftly developed vaccine has been rolled out, and members of my community have expressed a lot of anxiety about how safe these new vaccines might be during pregnancy and nursing. Dr. Marta Perez is an OB-GYN and she’s agreed to explain to us the risks of the vaccine versus not being vaccinated for pregnant or nursing people.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ejUjdH
Has your relationship with your mother changed since becoming a mother? Author, international speaker, and transformation coach Bethany Webster has been here with us before to talk about the mother wound, and it really resonated with my community. So many people had questions about Bethany’s work, so she’s back today to answer audience-submitted questions. And as a special surprise, we’ll end with how to get a free offering if you feel you need additional resources.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3dYzrbW
We enter into motherhood with the promise of a village of support, and when we get here it can feel surprisingly lonely. The isolation felt in motherhood is a topic that has come up a lot in sessions with my clients and with the pandemic forcing even more isolation, a season of life that could already be lonely to navigate has become even tougher for some of us. So, I asked Dr. Miriam Kirmayer here to help us navigate maintaining friendships and how to form new ones.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3v6HokP
Codependent habits and behaviours can prevent us from having meaningful relationships with our children and partners. We all want our children to grow up to be independent, but should that really be the goal? And is there ever a point in childhood when codependency is an acceptable norm? Psychotherapist Sian Crossley is here today to help us understand the complexities of codependency and codependent relationships and why we should all be striving for interdependence.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2PTyhVW
From the outside, everyone saw her as a successful woman and mother. Melissa met her partner when she was 19, had six children, and co-founded a well-known global toy company. But her happiness was far from the truth as she battled depression and kept it hidden for many years. Melissa was feeling smothered and resentment was building as she was sacrificing her own dreams to serve others. Join Melissa and I as we talk about her personal journey with depression, how she was able to become the woman and mother her kids needed, and why finding and accepting her true self was so important.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3mpfbTj
Nothing tests us more than being a parent. One of those stages is dealing with potty training, bedwetting, and accidents. As parents, we become overwhelmed from information overload and are anxious as we navigate this time with our child. Today, we will look at all things potty training, bedwetting, and accidents from a medical perspective. Join Steve and I as we discuss the time to start potty training, why you need to pay attention to your child’s poop, the impact constipation can have, and when to seek help from a professional.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/31BcZ1p
Screens have become such an integrated part of our lives and are so accessible. We can feel torn between using screens as a tool and feeling like we shouldn't use them because we've been told they're bad for our kids. Then to top it off, we have the pressure and worries of the pandemic as we navigate working from home and distance learning. Instead of approaching screen time as all-or-nothing, it’s best to look at the value and purpose of screen time in different situations. Ultimately, screen time is just another tool for us to use confidently in our parenting toolbox. Join Elizabeth and I on this episode as we break down what research is telling us about screen time and then how to use screen time as a tool, so you can feel equipped to make a decision with little guilt.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/31fB39M
It’s time for a replay episode on a topic that raises so many questions for parents. Have you and your partner struggled to find your groove postpartum? Do you find it hard to prioritize each other and sex while juggling all. of. the. roles and responsibilities of being parents? Join the club! So many women I speak with wonder why they have no sex drive or why they struggle with arousal. Sex is a hot topic! Tune in today as Dr. Tracy Dalgleish and I explore the reasons why and help you to better understand your own arousal system!
It’s easy for us to think that everyone else is doing better than us, adjusting to being a parent better than us, having more sex than us, and the list goes on. Are people really having as much sex as we think they are? Are other couples struggling to find their sex groove as new parents? I created a short poll to collect the details on what's really going on behind closed doors and would love it if you would take a couple of minutes to fill it out. You can find it at happyasamother.co/sex.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3eSRCjV
Our children are looking for and needing a connection with us, and our main job as parents is to foster a secure attachment with our children. Does disciplining our child and "making them unhappy" interfere with our bond? Is there a difference between respectful boundaries and being permissive? How do we handle discipline and still build that relationship positively? This can be done with respectful parenting where the goal is to see the real need behind the behavior and that the behavior is the communication of their need. In this episode, Janet and I discuss what respectful parenting is, the role it plays in discipline, why partners need to work together as a team, and how to respect your partner’s parenting style.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3t9rmWe
As you welcome your new child into your family, your identity and relationship with your partner instantly change. While navigating your new roles, it takes time to adjust our expectations of parenthood with the reality of our new roles. This can give birth to resentment, especially in new parents. A lot of this resentment comes from our needs being unmet and then how these feelings are communicated. In this episode, Aushurina and I unpack what exactly resentment is, how it shows up, and the importance of healthy communication with a willingness to hear and understand.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3866Ldp
As women, the connection with our mother is typically the foundation of our relationship with ourselves. To form our own sense of self, as a young child we internalize deeply, even into our brain chemistry, so much about who our mother is as a person. A lot of this is unconsciously inherited from one generation to the next including pain which is referred to as the Mother Wound. This wound can become particularly noticeable when you become a mother and are constantly reflecting on your own experience while also mothering. It typically shows up as shame, comparison, guilt, and feeling like you must remain small and not rock the boat to be loved. We first have to understand where these feelings come from before we can begin to heal. In this episode, Bethany and I discuss what the mother wound is, ways the mother wound shows up, and how we can find our inner mother.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qKkzlf
As women, our bodies are constantly experiencing hormonal changes whether it’s during our menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and so on. Did you realize there is a correlation between our hormones and how our brain functions? These shifts affect how our neurons work, the actions of our neurotransmitters, and the levels of our hormones which can result in fluctuations in mood for some women. In this episode, Kristin and I discuss the connection between our hormones and brain chemicals from a biological perspective, how hormones play a role in the pregnancy and postpartum periods, and considerations to think about when choosing options for treating anxiety and mood disorders.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/37oFSRH
Do you experience these thoughts?....I should be a better Mom. I’m a fraud. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a Mom. What am I going to do when others find out I have no idea what I’m doing? Why can’t I be a perfect Mom like everyone else? Then this episode on Imposter Syndrome is for you! Imposter syndrome loves to creep in when you are trying something new, different, and challenging. It can be especially prevalent in motherhood because motherhood doesn't come with clear guidelines or a manual. When these thoughts creep in, we begin to doubt what we are capable of. In this episode, Kelly and I talk about what imposter syndrome is, the 5 different personas it can take, how we can manage our imposter syndrome, and how this is a common part of many people's human experience.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3q6OYK5
We know that becoming a parent will bring worry and anxiety. It comes with the territory. You’ve never been responsible for something more important than this tiny human you are now caring for. But where is the line between normal amounts of worry and paralyzing amounts of anxiety? Do you worry and wonder whether it takes up to much of your focus? Do you get very stuck in over researching what is "right"? The thing is, anxiety shows up in many different ways. The key is to be aware that something isn’t right and seeking help when it’s disrupting your ability to enjoy motherhood. In this episode, Kate and I discuss the differences between normal parenting worry and postpartum anxiety, how anxiety shows up in our lives, and when you should seek help.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/39JmRew
Isolation, loneliness, self-blame, shame, and guilt. These are all things that, unfortunately, a lot of women report feeling in the aftermath of a miscarriage and loss. One in four pregnancies will experience a miscarriage. There is nothing that anyone did to cause this. However, our culture needs to recognize that grief and loss are real, so women will not feel intimidated to share their feelings. In this episode, Jessica and I discuss the stigma around miscarriage, why our society needs to talk about them, and how to support someone experiencing a loss.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2Yvt8nH
As a parent, we are stretched and transformed in ways that we never expected. Think about all the ways we are pushed beyond our capacity in ways that we never could have imagined. It’s important for us, as parents, to gain new skills to help us during this demanding time. If we learn the right skills, we can make changes to our life and change patterns of behavior that will impact our children also. In this episode, Diana and I talk about mindfulness, how our brain affects our emotions, and how to use mindfulness to coregulate yourself and your child.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3qBDaiP
When we hear the word hormone, we tend to think of estrogen and progesterone. Actually, there are many other hormones that each have a unique role to play. Stress, medication, supplements, the food we eat, and how our body reacts all have an effect on our hormones. In this episode, Amanda and I talk about the role hormones play in our body, how hormones are affected postpartum, and some basic ways to implement a good foundation for hormone balance.
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/39rhteC
Your whole life you look forward to becoming a mom. You’re excited to start a family! But then unexpectedly, you struggle to get pregnant. You start to wonder why this is happening as the unknown starts to set in. Thoughts of worry, anxiety, and feeling behind as others are having babies start to creep in. Infertility is a roller coaster and more common than you might think. In today’s episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford and I discuss all things infertility including how common it is, the causes of infertility, when to reach out for assistance, and how to take the reins on your own health.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3rXR0gW
While pregnant, you read all the books in anticipation for the day your baby is born. Then you head home with your baby without a guide and you’re left wondering how do I navigate this fourth trimester? On top of figuring out the health of your baby, worry sets in. You start to wonder how am I qualified to take care of this baby? Are they eating enough? How is their sleep schedule? In this episode, Dr. Mona Amin and I talk about the important fourth trimester and how to lessen worry and anxiety, the importance of Mom’s mental health, and the overall health of your baby during this time.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/34FqIpX
As a parent, you may feel overwhelmed with all of the decisions you need to make about your child, their care, and ultimately how you are going to handle parenting decisions. In the end, there are many ways to be a great parent. If we look to science, it has shown us that secure attachment is one decision that will aid in brain development and build a connection with your child. In this episode, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and I talk through the four pillars of secure attachment, the importance of secure attachment for children and adults, and how science can help guide your parenting decisions.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/382fLjd
We can all agree that children need boundaries, but it’s HOW we go about setting the boundary that makes ALL the difference. We can learn to set boundaries in a gentle and mindful way, while also preserving our connection and relationship with our children. In this episode, Family Psychologist Ashleigh Warner and I discuss conscious discipline, the importance of boundaries, tangible ways to maintain boundaries, and how to make sure your kids have a clear idea of your family’s boundaries.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/37m1hKH
During pregnancy, your body is changing so much! It goes through so much in the span of 9 months and grows an entire human being in the process! It is truly mind-blowing to think about! After our baby is born, we are met with so much pressure to snap back and look like we never gave birth. Our body is more than an ornament. It is an instrument that as moms, we need to embrace. It’s important for us to realize that how our body looks does not define who we are as a mom. In this episode, Beauty Redefined Cofounder Lexie Kite and I discuss body image, share examples of our own journey with body image, and how we can love our body just the way it is.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3phxWsN
Did you always daydream about the day you would hopefully become a Mom? Or envision yourself holding a new baby with all the magical feels? Then the day arrives and you have to shift into the reality of motherhood, an all consuming role we've had no training for. How do we make the shift into motherhood without losing who we are? How do we retain our pre-Mom identity? Motherhood has a way of shaping each of us. Every Mom evolves over time. We are challenged to explore depths of ourselves we've often avoided and learn the true meaning of unconditional love. In this episode, Therapist Chasity Holcomb and I talk about how we can maintain our identity in motherhood through exploration, rediscovery, and prioritizing that time spent on ourselves.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3e0yk9W
Do you find you get stuck trying so hard to do things “the right way”? Do you have incredibly high expectations of yourself, both as an individual and now as a mother?. If so, you aren’t alone and are likely to be rewarded by society for this mentality. When you become a parent, suddenly you can’t do everything perfectly. You want so badly to give 100% in all areas, all the time….but then it happens, a sense of burnout and not knowing what to prioritize. How will others accept you if you are not perfect all the time? In this episode, psychologist Dr. Jen Douglas and I discuss perfectionism, ways to recognize it in our lives, and ideas on how to find ways to be purposely imperfect.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/375apo7
Having to handle our child’s behaviour and big emotions is to be expected, it comes with being a parent. But goodness, it is exhausting. The true work of parenting is being able to regulate ourselves in the face of their big reactions. To better understand what causes our children to react this way, we’ll learn about what’s actually happening in their brains. In this episode, we are joined by Cindy Hovington to help understand this perspective, discuss tantrums, big emotions, and how to make a connection with your child during this key time.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/36Go19s
Cue the confetti, it’s time to celebrate! The Happy as a Mother podcast is celebrating 1 year! A year ago, I had a mission and a clear vision to provide a space for Moms to learn and grow. It needed to be non-judgmental and acknowledge both the amazing blessings of Motherhood but also the taboo hardships that very few Moms speak openly about. I have loved every single moment together this past year!
To celebrate today, we are going to take a look back at the five most downloaded episodes of the year. The topics include Mommy Rage, Boundaries, Independent Play, The Mental Load, and Intrusive Thoughts. As parents, we deal with so much along this journey and I’m so happy to share these top topics with you today!
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2RvEq7M
Ever wonder why your child behaves the way they do? It’s more than just each child has a different temperament and personality. As parents, we play a part in this situation. Did you know that our own childhood and how our own behaviours were addressed back then actually play a role in the present moment as to how we will react as parents? If we first take a moment to regulate ourselves before we react, this will help us to understand our child’s feelings and behaviors. In this episode, we are joined by psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, as she helps us understand our child’s trigger behaviour and practical ways to address them as parents.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/32QFgB5
As Moms, we feel like we are constantly cleaning. Picking up a mess that you didn’t make is so hard and triggering. The trick is to find ways that make these times easier. Doing a few simple things to create an organizational system and part of our Mom routine is key. Once these are in place, you will experience more calmness, ease, and disconnect from the mess. Join professional organizer Holly Blakey today for some organization hacks to help you conquer all the mess in your home.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/34eeAfW
Have you found that Covid is triggering stress and anxiety from a previous traumatic experience? Has it been reminiscent of the early motherhood stages? For many Coivd has resurfaced stressful experience of health-related traumas or other significantly impactful life events. Learn more about why this is happening and ways to cope with these feelings in this week’s episode with marriage and Family Therapist Sahar Martinez.
Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that seem to become stuck in the mind. They usually cause distress, as the nature of the thought may be upsetting. Up to as many of 50% of pregnant and postpartum women experience these thoughts, but due to their nature, many are too ashamed to talk about them. Join Marriage and Family therapist Dr. Cassidy Freitas and I as we dive deep into these thoughts and how to help improve them.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2VBFf1a
Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that seem to become stuck in the mind. They usually cause distress, as the nature of the thought may be upsetting. Up to as many of 50% of pregnant and postpartum women experience these thoughts, but due to their nature, many are too ashamed to talk about them. Join Marriage and Family therapist Dr. Cassidy Freitas and I as we dive deep into these thoughts and how to help improve them.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2VBFf1a
Surprise! It is a bonus episode! Welcome to day 6 of the mom guilt mini-series. Today we highlight the importance of practice and having realistic expectations. We unpack how this marks the beginning of a journey not the end of one! You have the skills and now it’s time to unlearn the things that hold you back! If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the worksheet downloads, you can get them here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2WAQlED
Welcome to Day 5 of the letting go of mom shame and guilt mini-course! In today’s final mini-episode we focus on how to reframe your shame beliefs and how to create a cheat sheet for hard days. You can learn to do things differently. You can unlearn behaviours and patterns adopted from your parents. You can unload the baggage that you don’t want to carry. You can break the cycle and you can heal! If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the worksheet downloads, you can get them here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2zDaAse
Welcome to day 4 of the letting go of mom shame and guilt mini-course! In today’s mini-episode we focus on shame manifests in the body and how to access your logical brain in the heat of the moment. You are not a helpless bystander of your emotions; you are the conductor and can learn to change the pace, tempo and feeling. Tune into today's episode to learn how. If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the worksheet downloads, you can get them here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2WZNNiy
Welcome to day 3 of the letting go of mom shame and guilt mini-course! In today’s mini-episode we focus on how to identify what a shame storm looks like. If shame goes unchecked, what starts as a seed grows into deeply rooted self-loathing weed. Recognizing shame when it is trying to sink its teeth in is essential to uproot it! If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the worksheet downloads, you can get them here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show notes: https://bit.ly/2Ln2U03
Welcome to day 2 of the letting go of mom shame and guilt mini-course! In today’s mini-episode we focus on identifying the most commons shame triggers women experience, where these shame triggers come from and how you can uncover your personal shame triggers. Naming it is the first step to taming it! If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the downloads, click here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2YVt8i2
Your 5 Days to Feeling Less Mom Guilt and Shame start TODAY!! Welcome to the mini-course that over the next 5 days will teach you the practical skills to quiet the voice of mom shame and guilt! Day 1 focuses on helping you understand the difference between shame and guilt so that can work on naming and taming the shame! If you are not yet signed up for the emails to get the downloads, click here: https://bit.ly/35NmziU
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2YR60RW
I’m sure you’ve heard the buzzword mindfulness floating around these days, but what is mindfulness really? And how can we practically incorporate mindfulness in our lives as busy exhausted moms? Psychologist Terra LaRock of Founder and CEO of the Mindful Mamas App is here to unpack mindfulness for us mombies. Our discussion covers what mindfulness is, why it’s important and how to practically build a mindfulness practice when taking care of tiny humans
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2ya2J55
Managing the mental load is a struggle on the best of days. During covid we are being pulled in a million different directions, all of which feel equally important. The reality is that we are not humanly capable of doing all. of. the. things. so it is essential for us to learn how to prioritize what is truly important/ urgent that needs to be done. This solo show is jammed packed full of practical advice to help ease your overwhelm and equip you with a plan to tackle the essential things!
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2xPN8aK
Who came up with the saying sleep like a baby? If your baby is anything like mine, they are not good sleepers. I get several questions about how to improve baby sleep and help everyone in the home get more rest. Given that sleep is so fundamental to mom and baby’s wellbeing I have invited Sleep Consultant Rosealee of @babysleeplove to teach some of the fundamentals of fostering independent sleep.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/34DqIFN
Do you carry the emotional and psychological load of your family? Do you feel burnt out by the never-ending list of things to do in motherhood? Carrying the mental load of managing the house, researching parenting strategies, caring for the family’s emotional wellbeing, and so on is a significant weight and responsibility to bear. Join today's episode where Dr. Morgan Cutlip of @mylovethinks and discuss how to manage and communicate the mental load.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/39O9Woc
You’re not failing: Working from home full time, parenting full time and educating your child full time is impossible-- The math simply does not add up. That being said, there are some strategies that you can implement to help you cope and manage this wild west of parenting. Covid has required parents to stretch and adapt in ways they haven’t before and Dr. Elizabeth Adams of Trustle is here to share some essential skills for juggling the load.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2WYdTDV
Covid 19 has presented parents with some of the most challenging circumstances to navigate. Many are feeling the weight of trying to work from home, while also trying to homeschool and do all of the other adulting tasks in between. Join Bryana Kappa of @southbaymommyandme as we discuss ways to set realistic expectations, cope with anxiety and find hope during this challenging time.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2JdI6XG
After you unsure if your child is meeting their speech milestones? Do you wonder what red flags to monitor regarding your child’s speech? Are you curious about how you can help support your child’s early language development? Carly Tulloch, speech and language pathologist and founder of Weetalkers joins the podcast today to break down speech milestones and when to seek support.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/3aMODnX
Do you struggle with your child’s behaviour? Do you question when to consequence or how to respond appropriately? Do you feel like you are lacking the tools you need to regulate yourself and/or your child during power struggles or meltdowns? In today’s episode registered psychotherapist Jessica Vanderwier is here to discuss how to parenting little kids with big feelings. Tune in to learn about the purpose of discipline, how we need to shift our perspective of our children’s behaviour and if veering away from traditional models of discipline means being a permissive parent
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2vBqEsW
Do you feel like you are running on empty? Are you in need of rest but don’t know where to start? Motherhood is a day in, day out commitment that easily lends itself to burnout. Join this week's episode where @psychedmommy Dr. Ashurain Ream and I discuss how to recognize (and prevent) burnout in motherhood and ways to manage it.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2PrepFZ
Do you ever wonder if your child has sensory sensitivities? Do you feel like your child gets overstimulated? Are you curious about how to foster your child’s independence in play and problem-solving? In this episode occupational therapist, Dr. Allie Tickin teaches us about the eight senses (yes, I said EIGHT), and how to help develop these senses through play. Dr. Allie also helps us to understand what overstimulation of the senses looks like and how to best support our child when this happens.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2woMLCQ
Are you overwhelmed by the polarizing opinions about baby sleep? Have you been shamed for your choice to co-sleep or your choice to sleep train your baby? Dr. Elizabeth Adams joins the podcast today to help us understand the research around these sleep approaches to help you make informed decisions that work for your family. Spoiler alert: You are allowed to choose a sleep plan for your family, based on your values, despite the strong opinions of others around you.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/37iHZ6E
I often get asked, “What causes postpartum depression and is there a way to prevent it?” Reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin and I dive deep into these questions and explore the idea of prevention. In this episode, you will learn about what situations, life experience or clinical conditions that make a woman more prone to PPD/PPA and some practical takeaways you can do to better prepare yourself for the transition to motherhood.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/2v6b3AO
Did you know that women of colour are at 3-4 times greater risk of dying in childbirth in North America than white women? And it has nothing to do with their socioeconomic status, education and so on. This is a major problem, one that white people -- especially white providers-- need to be paying attention to. Doula Sabia Wade (@thebalckdoula on IG) Joins us today to talk about why this is happening and what we can do TODAY to help make a difference!
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2RxleaA
Do you wonder whether fathers can experience postpartum depression or anxiety? Women often feel like their postpartum support misses the mark, but dad’s are often left out of the conversation entirely. Dad’s go through a profound identity shift alongside mothers and Dr. Dan Singley is here to help unpack the postpartum experience from a father’s perspective.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/37csKwS
Have you ever debated whether or not you experienced trauma? Have you wondered if the birth of your child was traumatic? Or maybe it was out right distressing and you are unsure how to deal with it. Most people I speak with don’t relate how they are feeling postpartum to the delivery of the baby. Many feel that this must be what birth is and “suck it up.” It is important to acknowledge and validate your feelings in order to get the right treatment. In this episode with Psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Heidi Green we explore what trauma is and how to move through its often paralyzing symptoms.
Show notes: https://bit.ly/3850LPO
Does your child get bored easily? Do they have little tolerance for frustration? Does your child struggle to play independently without your constant reassurance? If so, tune into this week's episode focused on how to foster independent play. Therapist Bryana Kappa helps us to understand practical ways to support independent play and realistic expectations for how much time moms should be engaged in play. We also discuss the importance of open ended toys and which toys promote create and imaginative play.
Find show notes here: https://bit.ly/385WR9Y
Have you ever felt alone in motherhood? Have you ever struggled to make new friends or even struggled just to get out of the house on maternity leave? You are not alone. Being a mom can be incredibly isolating and lonely. Join this week's episode where @psychedmommy Dr. Ashurina Ream and I discuss ways to overcome comparison and disconnection in motherhood.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2qRXmnk
Have you and your partner struggled to find your groove postpartum? Do you find it hard to prioritize each other and sex while juggle all. of. the. roles and responsibilities of being parents? Join the club! So many women I speak with wonder why they have no sex drive or why they struggle with arousal. Sex is a hot topic! Tune in today as Dr. Tracy Dalgleish and I explore the reasons why and help you to better understand your own arousal system!
Show notes: https://bit.ly/2O4Ygpi
Have you ever had emotional days and chalked it up to hormones? I know I have! I’ve been growing increasingly curious about hormones and how they intersect with mood and mental health. In today’s episode Naturopathic Dr. Rishma Walji is here to explain how our hormones change month to month with menstruation and also how they change during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding. We also explore signs of hormone imbalance, tune in to learn more.
Find show notes here: https://bit.ly/370sWzD
Do you struggle with your relationship with food or movement? Do you struggle to accept your body the way it is in this moment? Are you constantly striving to reach a certain weight or body shape? Then this episode is for you! Tune in as Psychologist Dr. Colleen Reichmann and I discuss intuitive eating and ways to break free from diet culture.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2rcXIEY
Do you struggle to set boundaries with family members giving unsolicited advice? Do you feel burnt out? Are you constantly trying to make other people happy, including your partner and your children, and find you have nothing left for you at the end of the day? Then this episode is a must listen! Boundaries are an essential form of self care! Operating without them leads to burnout and overwhelm. Tune in today as Nedra Tawwab shares about practical ways to set boundaries in motherhood.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/2MUmYID
Have you ever struggled to regulate your own reactions while parenting? Has becoming a parent caused experiences from your past to resurface? Do you wonder how to decide who’s needs to prioritize or how to set healthy boundaries in your home? If any of this resonates, this episode is for you! Join Marriage and Family Therapist Bryana Kappa and your Host Erica Djossa as they discuss consciously navigating motherhood.
You can find the show notes here: https://bit.ly/2ByIs7n
Do you ever question whether your adjustment to motherhood is normal? Do you not feel like yourself, but also aren’t clinically depressed or anxious? Do you feel like you have mommy brain or like you are constantly in a fog? Perhaps you are experiencing something called Postpartum Stress Syndrome. Psychologist Dr. Alice Pickering joins us this episode to discuss PPSS and how to distinguish it from other postpartum disorders. This is a topic that is rarely talked about, and you won’t want to miss!
Find show notes here: https://bit.ly/32vBATW
Are you overwhelmed by the amount of parenting advice out there? Do you find that different sources offer contradictory information? Are you wanting parenting support but don’t even know where to look or start? Then you are going to love this episode where Dr. Elizabeth Adams helps us to tune out all of the noise and overwhelm of information and talks about tuning into your child's temperament and needs. Parenting is not a one size fits all approach and YOU are the expert of your child!
Find show notes here: https://bit.ly/321rWbM
Do you have a picky eater? Do you have a child who won’t sit to the table? Do you have a toddler who throws food? Then boy oh boy this episode is for you! Toddler dietitian Kacie Barnes share numerous insights in this episode. Her approach to helping moms feel less stressed and guilty about meals times is extremely reassuring and approachable!
Raise your hand if you have a vagina?! Now raise your hand if you have ever talked about how it looks, the procedures it’s had or when things just don’t feel quite right down there?! Vagina health is not something that many women talk about, but it is incredibly important! Especially in the postpartum period! OB/GYN Dr.Staci Tanouye joins us to discuss ways to have a happy postpartum vagina, which includes knowing when you’re ready for sex postpartum.
Get the show notes here: https://bit.ly/2m6A9em
Is it normal to pee a little when you laugh, cough or run? Is urine incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum normal? And if so, how long should it last? Pelvic floor physiotherapist Jeanice Mitchell of My Pelvic Floor Muscles is on the show today to answer all of these questions and so much more!
Find the show notes here: https://bit.ly/2m3cCuX
Do you struggle with postpartum body acceptance? I know I have. Many women struggle with comparing their postpartum bodies to their pre baby bods. After three boys in three and a half years, a tummy full of stretch marks and a pelvis that doesn’t quite function the way it used to, I’ve had to relearn how to love parts of my body that seem foreign. Today, body image expert Dr. Morgan Francis joins this episode to help us better understand body image and how we can learn to embrace our bodies.
Find the show notes here: https://bit.ly/2lZGpVw
There is so much miscommunication around taking medications during pregnancy and while nursing. The reality is that few doctors are thoroughly trained in reproductive psychiatry and many moms gets misinformed when it comes to medication to their mood and anxiety medication. Listen in to today’s episode where Reproductive Psychiatrist Dr. Kristin Lesseter gives research based information about medication during this precious time and shares resources where you can confidently fact check your medications prescribed by your doctor.
Find show notes here: https://bit.ly/2krftNO
Do you experience mommy rage? Do you ever lose it on the kids or your spouse and wonder when/how your fuse has become so short? Listen in as Dr. Ashurina Ream of Psyched Mommy shares why mothers experience mommy rage and ways that it can be managed. Together we explore whether rage is common, whether it is a symptom of something deeper and whether it is something that can be overcome. Let's learn how to say good bye to mommy rage!
Show notes can be found here: https://bit.ly/2m7dP4h
Perhaps you are here because you struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. Perhaps you are here because the adjustment to motherhood wasn’t what you expected. Maybe you have lost yourself in motherhood and miss your old life. Perhaps you are struggling to cope with the load that motherhood brings or you are drowning in mommy guilt or rage. It could be that you have a passion for knowledge and want to be empowered through the expertise of some badass professional women. Whatever the reason, there is a place for you here. The Happy as a Mother Podcast has something valuable to offer each of you.
Get your show notes here: https://bit.ly/2moVvnu