The stereotype of mushy “mommy brain” is a reality for many of us, full of brain fog and forgetfulness. But is it really a fair assessment, or one steeped in gender norms? What if mommy brain doesn’t mean we’re less sharp—what if it’s our body telling us we’re at capacity? Today, I’m joined by neuroscientist Dr. Jodi Pawluski, author of Mommy Brain, to break down the factors at play behind maternal brain fog, the connection to mental health, and the role of the invisible load. Show notes: https:...
Jan 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 208
When we enter motherhood, hormonal shifts can take a toll. We often find ourselves struggling with fatigue, mood swings, and irritability and wonder about our hormone health and wellness. But how do we separate out hormonal causes, mental health concerns, and sheer mom overwhelm? How do we know what’s fact and what’s online misinformation? Today, I’m joined by OBGYN and NYT bestselling author Dr. Jen Gunter to bust myths, analyze the research, and unpack the impact of hormones on health and well...
Jan 10, 2024•57 min•Ep. 207
Parenting with a world of information at your fingertips isn’t always easy. Conflicting information, inflammatory headlines, and a sea of articles can lead to information overload and leave us feeling less confident as parents. Today, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Cara Goodwin, founder of Parenting Translator. Learn how to cut through the online noise, avoid information overload, and build confidence and trust in yourself. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4aFdGJu Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom...
Jan 03, 2024•52 min•Ep. 206
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, ...
Dec 27, 2023•55 min•Ep. 205
Today we’re reaching back into our vault to revisit one of our most popular episodes! 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/41zEpD6 Book a Free 15 min...
Dec 20, 2023•49 min•Ep. 204
Today we’re reaching back into our vault to revisit one of our most popular episodes! The mental 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 li...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 203
Many new parents struggle with different sex drives after having a baby. Sleep deprivation, body changes, and a lack of time to prioritize our relationships all have an impact on our libido. But when we understand the factors affecting sex drive, we can navigate those differences and stay connected. Today, I’m joined by psychologists and authors Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy and Dr. Jennifer Vencill to discuss how to navigate different sex drives in parenthood. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/481mAi7 Book a...
Dec 06, 2023•56 min•Ep. 202
Prioritizing the invisible load of motherhood is hard. How can we handle all the labor when it feels like we have to do it all? When we can learn how to see our own worth, value our time, set boundaries, and determine what matters most, we can start to let go of some of the mental labor. Today, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares, founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to discuss how to prioritize the invisible load of motherhood. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4111hLh Book a Free 15 min Consult wi...
Nov 29, 2023•57 min•Ep. 201
The Momwell Podcast is celebrating 200 episodes! And today, we have a very special guest joining us—my husband, Frenel, co-founder of Momwell. Along my journey of postpartum depression, understanding the invisible load, and being diagnosed with ADHD, Frenel has been with me every step of the way. We’ve challenged gender norms, unpacked the invisible load, and learned to share labor in a way that might be viewed as non-traditional, but that feels right to us and our family. Join us as Frenel and ...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 200
When we become moms, we often find ourselves struggling with our past. Wounds and childhood trauma may begin to resurface, shaping the way we parent. Breaking generational cycles of trauma isn’t easy—but we can be the ones to create change. Today, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Mariel Buqué to discuss how moms can break generational cycles, free ourselves from our past, and show up as the moms we want to be. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49y11qW Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom ther...
Nov 15, 2023•53 min•Ep. 199
Perfectionism in motherhood can be harmful, keeping moms held to unrealistic standards. But is there such a thing as healthy perfectionism? Today, I’m joined by psychotherapist Katherine Shafler to discuss how to reframe our thinking on perfectionism and harness the tendency without the negative side. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/40v0iD4 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...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 198
Do you ever feel like you’re the default parent for everything in your home? You’re not alone. Many moms find themselves being the go-to for physical, mental, and emotional needs of their child. This can leave them feeling alone, frustrated, unseen, and resentful. Today, I’m joined by Erin and Stephen Mitchell, founders of Couples Counseling for Parents, to unpack why moms become the default parent and what we can do to shift the patterns in the home. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3tR1unU Book a Fr...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 197
Our postpartum physical health often goes hand-in-hand with our mental health. But in many ways, it feels taboo to talk about the physical changes we experience after having a baby. And finding answers about postpartum fitness isn’t always easy. What’s safe? What’s effective? And how do we keep a healthy mindset? Today, I’m joined by Amy Kiefer & Krystle Howald, co-founders of Expecting and Empowered, to redefine what postpartum fitness means and learn how we can let go of unrealistic goals ...
Oct 25, 2023•52 min•Ep. 196
It’s common for relationships to struggle after having a baby. Between a lack of time and the invisible load, we might find ourselves feeling resentful and disconnected. But if we can become intentional and curious, we can rebuild connection and emotional intimacy after baby. Today, I’m joined by Aaron Steinberg, MA, co-founder of Babyproofing Your Relationship, to discuss how we can foster teamwork and emotional intimacy after having a baby. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3M10O5q Book a Free 15 min...
Oct 18, 2023•56 min•Ep. 195
Mom life is often synonymous with exhaustion. It starts with sleep deprivation and continues for years into the future. It feels like we always have more to do, and never enough time to do it. And even when we do carve out time for ourselves, we often end up feeling just as exhausted as before. But what if it’s not about the amount of time we spend resting, but the type of rest we’re getting? Today, I’m joined by board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to unpack the ...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 194
Understanding our baby’s needs can be confusing. Are they tired? Hungry? Do they just need a cuddle? Babies don’t come with an instruction manual. But when you understand newborn hunger cues and sleepy signs, it becomes much easier to learn from and communicate with your baby. Today, I’m joined by Sharon Mazel, author of Bite-Sized Parenting: Your Baby’s First Year, to unpack newborn hunger cues and sleepy signs and learn how to tune into your baby’s needs. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45fLbOg Boo...
Oct 04, 2023•58 min•Ep. 193
If you’re experiencing more conflict in your relationship after having a baby, you aren’t alone—67% of couples report a decline in satisfaction in the first three years of a baby’s life. There are many reasons why this happens—including an underfunctioning and overfunctioning relationship dynamic. Today, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and couple’s counselor Dr.Tracy Dalgleish to unpack what overfunctioning looks like in relationships and how we can break away from this dynamic and regain ba...
Sep 27, 2023•50 min•Ep. 192
“Mom anxiety” often extends far beyond the postpartum period. It feels like we’re living in a scary world. We often respond by overparenting or withdrawing from experiences. But that might not be the best approach to help us learn to live with our fears and manage our anxious thoughts. Today, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Lauren Cook, author of Generation Anxiety, to unpack mom anxiety and learn how to keep our fears from holding us and our kids back. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3PlIQM8 Book a F...
Sep 20, 2023•50 min•Ep. 191
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 appl...
Sep 13, 2023•50 min•Ep. 190
Many moms struggle with body image and a lack of self-esteem—and we don’t want to pass those things on to our children. But understanding how to raise confident kids isn’t easy. How do we break patterns fueled by diet culture, people-pleasing, and generational cycles? Today, I’m joined by parenting educator and author Dr. Vanessa Lapointe to discuss how to raise confident kids. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3P3QISj Book a Free 15 min Consult with a mom therapist: momwell.com Follow Momwell on Insta...
Sep 06, 2023•51 min•Ep. 189
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.c...
Aug 30, 2023•51 min•Ep. 188
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 Momw...
Aug 23, 2023•55 min•Ep. 187
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 Follo...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 186
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 Fre...
Aug 09, 2023•59 min•Ep. 185
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 Consul...
Aug 02, 2023•57 min•Ep. 184
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: mo...
Jul 26, 2023•57 min•Ep. 183
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 mo...
Jul 19, 2023•54 min•Ep. 182
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/...
Jul 12, 2023•48 min•Ep. 181
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: ...
Jul 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 180
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: ...
Jun 28, 2023•46 min•Ep. 179
