The Mama Struggle Podcast: Recent Episodes
Catharsis Media Group
Welcome to The Mama Struggle! Where we get real about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of motherhood! Some episodes are just me rambling about my own experiences navigating parenting two children under the age of three, going to nursing school, and healing from an autoimmune disease. In other episodes, I sit down and interview mothers about their birthing experience and how motherhood influences how they move in this world.
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm chatting with Hailey Gibbs from the Center for American Progress. Hailey and her team authored an amazing report that looks at maternal health from a holistic perspective. In this episode we discuss how federal policies around housing, neighborhood safety, food security, healthcare access, insurance affordability, and access to reproductive health all impact the long term health of families and communities.
Click here to read the full report authored by Hailey et. al.
Resources discussed in the episode:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Families: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
Other Center for American Progress Series on health-related topics:
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-economic-educational-and-health-related-costs-of-being-a-woman/
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/black-women-need-access-to-paid-family-and-medical-leave/
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/expanded-child-tax-credits-have-been-a-lifeline-for-many/
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This episode, I'm sharing a quick update about my IVIG (IV Immunoglobulin) treatments and their very real side effects. Life with a rare autoimmune disease is not fun. My dermatomyositis is improving but life has changed drastically.
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
TRIGGER WARNING: I discuss issues surrounding postpartum depression and anxiety and there is mention of suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourselves and skip this episode if that is a vulnerable space for you. Thank you.
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm sharing my breastfeeding journey story from top to bottom. I don't hold back so please use discretion while listening. This may not be appropriate for work or for little ears. Thank you!
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm chatting with doulas Stephanie Oliver and Ashaki Tobias of Maternal Love Baton Rouge about all things doula training, birth, and representation in birth work. To learn more about doula access in Baton Rouge, check out
https://www.maternallovebr.com/
Mentioned in the episode:
Divine Bailey: https://www.instagram.com/divinebirthwisdom/
Sista Midwife Trainings: https://www.sistamidwifedirectory.com/
"Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn" by Penny Simkins:
https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Childbirth-Newborn-Complete-Guide/dp/0738284971/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=penny+simkin+pregnancy+childbirth+and+the+newborn&qid=1660744526&sprefix=penny+sim%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1
Count the Kicks App (iOS):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/count-the-kicks/id844800332
Count the Kicks App (android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.healthybirthday.countthekicks&hl=en_US≷=US
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I chat with an old friend, Lonnie Dupree about her experience with ectopic pregnancy, IVF, and how having to advocate for herself during a medical emergency positioned her to be able to advocate for another family.
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Tdkb0CSonBqdS6faYVOgQ
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode this week! This week I'm rebroadcasting my 2020 chat with IBCLC (at the time of this recording she was still studying to take her exam, congratulations Chanelle!) Chanelle Andrews about breastfeeding, its importance, and how to ask for support. Chanelle is the owner of Hey Mama LPC supporting breastfeeding and chest feeding clients throughout Southern and Central New Jersey.
Chanelle can be reached on her website https://heymamalpc.com/
and via Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heymamalpc/
To learn more about The Mama Struggle, please feel free to visit us on
Our website: https://themamastruggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Instagram: @themamastruggle
Check out the interview archive on our YouTube Channel:
If you would like to share your stories and reflections on show topics, please shoot us an email at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after having a baby.
These feelings can make it hard to care for yourself, care for your baby, or even do basic daily tasks. Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions, if they last more than two weeks, are more serious and need treatment.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in to another episode. This week, I am giving a more in-depth update on my autoimmune disease and talking about everything from my latest prednisone taper to hair loss to my latest self care obsession. Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for coming back to another episode. Today is a solo episode where I get very candid about how hard it has been to be a mother with a chronic autoimmune disease. I touch on imposter syndrome and even feeling like a failure. I'd love to hear about your experiences! Thanks for listening!
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners, welcome back to another episode! Ever heard of cows milk protein intolerance? Infants with It are often mistaken for just being colicky. My daughter went from a calm, easy baby to a rashy, screaming child in the first days and weeks of her life earth side. Do you have a cow's milk protein intolerance story? Share it at thestruggleisreal@gmail.com.
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! This week, I have another solo episode for you during which I give my experience searching for and finding daycare/childcare and preschool for my little ones. I also give some tips at the end of the episode to help you with your childcare search. As always, thanks for listening and talk to you soon!
Hello, Mama Struggle Listeners! It is with a sad heart that I join you this week and share my reaction to the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe vs. Wade and the repercussions for reproductive rights in the United States. This is a short rant with my immediate reaction and is not as polished as an episode would normally be. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the matter. Thanks for listening!
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thank you for tuning in to this amazing episode with my friend and former colleague; Stephanie. In this episode, Stephanie gets real about the responsibility that white people have in shouldering the burden of healing from and remediating harm caused by racism in the United States. We talk about new motherhood, we talk about gestational diabetes, and what its like to experience a "fast" labor when giving birth. Sit back, relax, and take a listen!
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Welcome back to another throwback interview where I chat with educator, librarian, and wellness coach Maia about the transition to motherhood and her journey through birth trauma and postpartum depression. Sit back, relax, and take a listen to our conversation!
Hey Mama Struggle Listeners! Thanks for tuning in today for a wonderful episode with a former colleague, special education teacher, AND yoga teacher extraordinaire: Katlyn! We discuss everything from pandemic parenting, being pregnant (at the time we BOTH were!), and the nuances of maintaining a relationship after having children. Sit back, relax, and take a listen!
Hey Mama Struggle listeners! I'm taking it back to 2020 with an archived interview that I did with a former coworker and friend; Mika. In this interview Mika shares her birth story and discusses what it was like being raised by her grandparents in the face of her own mother's death. Sit back, relax and take a listen (or watch!) to our show!
In this throwback episode, I interview another former colleague who details how different her pregnancies were. She is honest and funny and really tells what it's like to have to leave your newborn in the NICU, and reveals just how much mothers sacrifice when it comes to providing for their children. We also discuss PCOS (Polycistic Ovary Syndrome), breastfeeding, and her blooming side hustle!
WOO WOO WARNING: You read that correctly. In this episode I talk about my spiritual life and journey. I get into it, y'all. If you are not here for the woo woo, I would encourage you to skip this episode. If this is your thing, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Check out this chat I had with my mom around her experience becoming a mother. We discussed how she did not receive adequate support in breastfeeding, as was common in the 80s as well as the importance of having a village.
This is truly a gem of an episode jam packed with advice from an incredible mom and my former colleague. Sit back and relax during my chat with LaToya about everything from epilepsy to having a child with special needs.
In this episode I parse through old notions of community. Listen as I reconceptualize the word and its meaning in my life.
I never really put much stock in dwelling on negative emotions; to my detriment. Check in as I detail what its been like to grieve the motherhood I thought I wanted. If you are experiencing grief in motherhood, send me a message on Instagram @themamastruggle or Facebook @themamastruggleisreal or at themamastruggleisreal@gmail.com and check out the website http://themamastruggle.com.
https://www.facebook.com/themamastruggleisreal
Ever wonder about how to protect the skin with dermatomyositis? Me neither! At least not until my diagnosis last fall. Now I spend my time reapplying sunscreen and looking for discounts on clothing with sun protection. Who would've thought?!? Tune in as I give a quick look into what it means to protect the skin.
Another solo episode where I go in depth into one of the most successful medicines that I have received throughout the process of me being diagnosed with dermatomyositis.
Here is a very informative TED Talk about how immunoglobulin is used to treat other diseases. Watch "How I Found My Way in the Dark | Alexandre Grant | TEDxMcGill" on YouTube https://youtu.be/j-SWQASvr18
Just a tiny look into what I went through while participating in a swallow study to look at my dysphasia.
At some point in your life you are probably going to take some sort of steroid. This is my experience on prednisone. Sit back and listen as I outline how this hot mess of a pill effected me personally.
Hey y'all! I'm back with another solo episode of The Mama Struggle. In this episode I take a deep dive into a recent diagnosis that flipped my world upside down. Motherhood is hard as it is. Throw in a rare autoimmune disease and it seems impossible. Listen in and gain some insight! Thank you for your support!
This interview with Tae gets down and dirty on everything from teenage pregnancy, to vulnerability, to raising a child with autism. We discuss healing while trying to parent littles and the benefits of therapy. There are a few moments when we experienced some technical difficulties that may be a little distracting, but overall, I don't think it takes away from the gems in this episode. Sit back, relax, and take a listen!
In this solo episode I ponder rest, rather, the lack of rest for mothers. We are tired. We need options. Rest when the baby rests is not viable advice anymore.
Mental gymnastics all day makes for one tired, irritated mommy. Listen to me reflect on both my experiences as a mom and at my own mother's struggle with the mental load required of moms attempting to manage their families and live their best lives.
I sit down for some happy hour drinks with my sister in early April 2020 to talk about how difficult it was managing covid. We were so young, so naive!