Becoming a Mother

Ep. 34: Susan Elizabeth's Motherhood Journey: Finding Purpose, Navigating Challenges, and Embracing Imperfection

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, I sit down with my friend Susan, Mom of 2 and Licensed Social Worker, to explore her journey into motherhood. From discovering her nurturing instincts at a young age to navigating the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, Susan opens up about her struggles with health conditions, SIBO and endometriosis, the emotional toll of losing her father, and the transformative experience of becoming a mom. She reflects on the complexities of balancing her identity, overcoming mom guilt, extended breastfeeding and marcescence. Susan’s story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of seeking help during the most vulnerable moments of motherhood This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. Tune in to hear 2 New Jersey moms get deep and real about what motherhood is all about. “Pain shared is pain lessened. We don’t have to do this alone.” Social Media: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Susan Elizabeth @sueshineee

Postpartum Decoded: Supporting Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities

In this episode of my Postpartum Decoded Series I sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, to discuss parenting children with learning and developmental disabilities. Dr. Levy, an expert in special education with a doctorate in education, shares her insights on common learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, including signs to look for and when to seek evaluations. Dr. Levy also explains her multi-sensory approach to tutoring, which engages visual, auditory, and tactile modalities to help children learn effectively and build confidence. She offers practical advice for parents navigating behavioral challenges and addresses concerns about children potentially being overlooked in the education system. Tune in for an empowering and informative conversation that aims to remove the stigma around learning disabilities and provide parents with tools to help their children thrive. Connect with Dr. Emily Levy: Website: www.eblcoaching.com Instagram: @EBLCoaching

Ep 33. Chelsea Lamb's Motherhood Journey: Navigating Infant Loss after Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) & Finding Healing Through Advocacy

Chelsea Lamb - Mom of 2 earthside children and 1 angel, shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, from navigating the challenges of postpartum with her first who experienced "BRUE" (Brief resolved unexplained event) and the loss of her second child, Miles, due to a rare congenital heart defect. Chelsea opens up about her her struggles with postpartum anxiety, the emotional toll of making life-altering decisions for her son and how she coped with his passing as well as becoming pregnant with her third after the loss of her son. She discusses the healing process after losing a child, the importance of finding support in community, and how she channeled her grief into creating a nonprofit, Miles of Love, to support families affected by congenital heart defects. Chelsea's story is one of resilience, love, and hope as she continues her motherhood journey with her two other children, Barrett and Wren. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of mothers and the importance of finding connection and purpose in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear Chelsea's inspiring story and learn how she is making a difference in the lives of other families. Please visit https://milesoflove.org/ to learn more or to donate.

Ep. 32: Courtney Campbell's Motherhood Journey: Postpartum Challenges, Baby Sleep Struggles, and Becoming a Certified Sleep Consultant

Courtney Campbell - Mom of 2 boys, 3 & 5 years old of Indiana, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and owner of Counting Sleep with Courtney. shares her journey into motherhood and her experiences with postpartum challenges, baby sleep, and breastfeeding. She discusses her struggles with her first child during the pandemic, including complications with nursing, sleep issues, and postpartum anxiety. She emphasizes the individuality of each baby and the need for flexibility in parenting. Courtney also explains how she transitioned into becoming a sleep consultant after her second child, offering insights into baby sleep misconceptions, sleep training, and the importance of feeding in relation to sleep. Courtney provides tips for new moms and highlights her services for families struggling with sleep issues. Instagram: @countingsleepwithcourtney Website: countingsleepwithcourtney.com

Ep. 31 Brittany Olson on Journal Entries Podcast: What is Matrescence?

Recently I has the pleasure of being a guest on Samantha Hawley's podcast "Journal Entries." This week I am sharing my conversation with her on everything matrescence. We got real about what those first months of motherhood actually look like and the struggles we both faced. I spoke about what matrescence is and what you can do in postpartum if you are struggling through this transitional period. Our conversation covers what nobody warns you about - like how your brain literally restructures itself when you become a mom, why you might feel guilty for being excited about time away from your baby, and how grief shows up even when you desperately wanted this. We also get into practical things that actually help, like finding your "designated postpartum person" who can handle appointments when your brain feels like mush. If you've ever wondered why becoming a mom felt so much harder than you expected, or if you're still figuring out who you are in this role, and you’re seeking some relief…this conversation is for you! Let's dive in...