If I Hadn't Said Yes...

Ep 12: Birth & The NICU (Trigger Warning)

Summary In this episode of 'If I Hadn't Said Yes', Marisa Switzer shares her personal and emotional journey through pregnancy and childbirth, detailing the challenges she faced, the decisions she made, and the lessons learned along the way. From the anticipation of birth to the unexpected twists during labor, Marisa emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and trusting one's instincts in the face of medical uncertainties. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of motherhood and the resilience required to navigate them. This conversation delves into the emotional and physical challenges faced during and after childbirth, particularly focusing on the unexpected journey through the NICU. The speaker shares personal experiences of shock, fear, and the struggle to bond with their newborn amidst medical emergencies. The narrative highlights the importance of family support, faith, and resilience in overcoming these challenges, ultimately leading to a hopeful outlook for future experiences in motherhood. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:52 The Anticipation of Birth 06:08 The Induction Experience 09:01 The Challenges of Labor 11:56 The Pushing Phase 14:49 The Emergency Situation 18:11 The Aftermath and Reflection 26:09 The Surreal Experience of Birth 28:30 Facing Unexpected Challenges in the NICU 32:43 The Emotional Toll of Medical Emergencies 36:26 Navigating the Unknown: Diagnosis and Prognosis 40:12 The Journey Through the NICU 44:58 Adjusting to Life After the NICU 49:13 Reflections on Birth and Future Hope

Ep 11: Pregnancy (& Miscarriage)

In this episode, Marisa shares her personal journey through motherhood, focusing on her experiences with pregnancy, miscarriage, and the emotional challenges that accompany these life events. She discusses her initial fears about becoming a mother, the joy of her second pregnancy, and the importance of support systems during difficult times. Marissa emphasizes the possibility of having a positive pregnancy experience, even after loss, and encourages listeners to embrace their own journeys with hope and positivity. Takeaways Motherhood can be both challenging and rewarding. Fear of pregnancy is common but can be overcome. Miscarriage is a painful experience that many endure. Support from loved ones is crucial during difficult times. Pregnancy can be a joyful experience despite past losses. It's important to acknowledge and process grief. Every pregnancy journey is unique and valid. Finding joy in pregnancy can be a transformative experience. Emotional reactions to pregnancy can vary greatly. Sharing both triumphs and traumas can help others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Personal Journey 02:58 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Pregnancy 05:51 The Journey of Miscarriage and Grief 12:04 The Joy of Pregnancy and Support Systems 18:07 Navigating the Second Pregnancy Experience 23:58 The Gender Reveal and Emotional Reactions 29:52 Reflections on Pregnancy and Positive Experiences 39:02 Conclusion and Encouragement for Future Mothers

Ep 10: If I Hadn't Said Yes to Motherhood (with Marisa Switzer)

In this episode, Marisa shares her personal journey to motherhood, reflecting on her initial reluctance to have children and how her perspective changed over time. She discusses the importance of sharing her testimony, the role of her husband in her decision to become a parent, and the transformative love that motherhood brings. The conversation also touches on the fears and anxieties surrounding pregnancy and the reality of timing when it comes to starting a family.   Takeaways The journey to motherhood can be filled with trials and triumphs. It's important to share personal testimonies to help others. Changing perspectives on motherhood can lead to unexpected desires. Partnership plays a crucial role in parenting decisions. Experiencing close relationships with children can shift one's view on motherhood. Dreams can serve as powerful indicators of future desires. Overcoming fears is essential to embracing motherhood. There is no perfect time to have children; planning can be unpredictable. The love for a child can outweigh all fears and anxieties. Motherhood can transform one's understanding of love and self.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Motherhood Series 03:03 The Journey to Motherhood: A Personal Testimony 06:11 Changing Perspectives: From No Kids to Baby Fever 08:58 The Role of Partnership in Parenthood 11:50 Dreams and Desires: The Call to Motherhood 15:09 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Motherhood 18:05 The Reality of Timing and Planning for Parenthood 20:47 The Transformative Love of Motherhood Keywords motherhood, parenting, personal journey, motherhood series, baby fever, fears of motherhood, partnership in parenting, transformative love, personal testimony, motherhood challenges

Ep 09: Boundaries & Living a Peacefully Productive Life with Jess Massey of Hustle Sanely

Today, I sat down with the Founder of Hustle Sanely, Jess Massey. We talked about boundaries, routines, and leaving hustle culture behind to live a peacefully productive life. This conversation is full of so much great information about scaling back the chaos in your life, and building routines that are the best fit for your real life. Jess Massey is the host of The Hustle Sanely Podcast, a planner creator, and founder of the community-centered productivity brand Hustle Sanely®. She uses her framework The Hustle Sanely Planning System™ to teach ambitious women how to live peacefully productive lives by creating harmony between their work, well-being, & relationships no matter what season they’re in.

Ep 08: Disappointment, Identity Shifts & Moving Forward in Fear

This week's episode is nothing like I planned. When some hard news last week left us feeling disappointed, I decided to show up for this episode regardless and be honest about where I'm at currently, and the path moving forward. In this episode we talk about Identity Shifts, experiencing disappointment, and moving forward despite being fearful of what's to come, or what you're being called to. I hope this episode helps you feel seen & supported if you're in the midst of an identity shift. I also share my heart behind the future of this podcast, and hope that you'll continue along the journey with us.