04 | Maternity Leave Around the World and the Cost of Motherhood

04 | Maternity Leave Around the World and the Cost of Motherhood

This episode is not just about numbers. It’s about truth. In this Episode of the No Taboo Mom Podcast, we take a hard look at maternity leave around the world and what it really says about how societies value women and mothers. Some countries offer over a year of paid leave. Others offer nothing at all. Zero paid days. But maternity leave isn’t just about time off work. It’s about recovery from birth. Mental health. Bonding. It’s about whether mothers are supported or expected to disappear, cope, and carry the cost alone. We break down the differences between maternity leave, parental leave, and allowances, and compare systems across countries including Estonia, Norway, Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, China, the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, and more. Both of us gave birth in Germany, one of the countries with the most generous parental leave systems in Europe, and we share our personal experiences alongside the data. Because behind every policy is a real woman. A real family. And a real cost. This episode is a call for open conversation and real change. Raising future generations should never come with a penalty. If governments want healthier families, stronger societies, and real equality, they need to start listening to mothers.

03 | Endometriosis: The Silent Epidemic Ignored for Decades

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women globally — yet most wait up to a decade for a diagnosis. How is this still happening in 2025? In this powerful episode, Ewa Gillen speaks with Shannon Farguson from Canada about her decades-long battle with endometriosis — a disease she was told was “just a bad period.” Shannon opens up about being dismissed by doctors, denied treatment, and made to feel as if her pain was imaginary. We talk about: How Shannon first recognized something was wrong Why it took decades to get diagnosed How endometriosis impacted her work, relationships, and daily life The emotional toll of being repeatedly dismissed The treatments that finally helped — and what didn’t What needs to change in the healthcare system Advice for women currently fighting to be heard This is a raw and honest conversation about medical neglect, female pain, and why change is urgently needed. Because this isn’t just about one woman — it’s about millions. Real stories inspire real change.

02 | Embracing the Chaos of Early Motherhood

Early motherhood is beautiful and brutally chaotic. In this episode, Ewa and Julia talk candidly about the emotional overwhelm, constant shifts, and invisible labor that come with raising small children. From forgotten coffee to missed parties, they reflect on the moments that often go unseen and unspoken. At No Taboo Mom, we empower women by telling the truth. Through unfiltered conversations and real stories, we offer support, solidarity, and a reminder that you’re not alone. This episode dives into: • The shifting dynamics of identity and relationships after becoming a mom • How even the smallest tasks can feel like mountains • The emotional cost of “losing yourself” and finding a new version • The reality behind mom guilt, time imbalance, and letting go of control • How presence, patience, and humor can carry you through the madness Whether you’re in the thick of toddler life or just starting your motherhood journey, this conversation is for you. Tune in and embrace the mess with us, because sometimes, chaos is where the real growth begins.

01 | So This Is Motherhood? The Love, the Madness, and the Identity Shift No One Warned Us About

What does it really mean to become a mother? In this raw and honest first episode, we—Ewa and Julia—share the unfiltered truth about the love, the chaos, and the complete identity shift that comes with motherhood. We talk about how unprepared we actually were, how much society sugarcoats the realities of parenting, and why the hardest part often begins after the birth. This is not a how-to guide or another polished version of motherhood. It's a conversation between two moms who are still figuring it out—and who want to say, out loud, the things many women feel but don’t always say. Whether you're a mom, a mom-to-be, or someone wondering if you're the only one struggling—this episode is for you. No filters. No taboos. Just real talk. NoTaboo.mom

Welcome to No Taboo Mom Podcast – Real Stories Inspire Real Change

Welcome to the No Taboo Mom Podcast! We’re Ewa Gillen, Founder & Creative Professional, and Julia Kolbe, Psychiatric Nurse & Healthcare Educator—but above all, we’re moms. Motherhood changed everything for us, and we quickly realized that too many important conversations around women’s health, motherhood, and identity are still overlooked or sugar-coated. That’s why we’re here. In this short intro episode, we introduce ourselves and share why we started this podcast—because we believe that real stories inspire real change. So grab a coffee, hit play, and join us on this journey. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you! No filters. No taboos. Just real talk.