Momwell
The Momwell podcast, hosted by psychotherapist Erica Djossa, addresses the mental health challenges of motherhood, such as mom rage, overstimulation, and intrusive thoughts. It provides strategies and expert interviews to help mothers cope with the emotional load and prioritize their well-being.
Episodes
268: How to Communicate Your Needs as a Mom with Author Mara Glatzel
Today, we’re revisiting a popular episode from the vault–How to Communicate Your Needs as a Mom with Mara Glatzel, author of Needy.
As moms, we’re often socialized to be selfless—to put everyone else’s needs above our own, leaving us on the backburner. But when we deplete ourselves and neglect our own needs, it often leads to mental health struggles, resentment, relationship conflict, an
267: Building Self-Awareness and Conscious Parenting With Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT
Breaking cycles isn’t always easy. But conscious parenting, tuning into yourself, your emotions, your needs, and your childhood, can help.
This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel, author of Parent Yourself First to discuss how conscious parenting and focusing on our own childhood, expectations, and patterns, can change the way we show up. Learn more
EP 266: Answers for Moms with ADHD With Neuropsychologist Dr. Jeanette Wasserstein
So many moms find themselves struggling with executive functioning and the mental load. It’s common for diagnoses of ADHD to come after having a baby. But there’s another component at play besides the unrealistic pressure–hormones.
This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by clinical neuropsychologist and ADHD specialist Dr. Jeanette Wasserstein, author of Adult Attention Deficit Di
265: Navigating the Medical System and Reproductive Care With Colleen Long and Rebecca Little
When women face pregnancy loss and complex medical complications, it can bring up a lot of emotional turmoil, along with medical and legal concerns that can leave them without the treatment they need. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Colleen Long and Rebecca Little, authors of I’m Sorry for My Loss, to unpack the current state of reproductive care and how women are being im
264: Navigating Friendships in Motherhood With Anna Goldfarb
It can feel hard to make and maintain friends as a mom–and we often don’t know where to even start. It seems like we should feel more connected than ever with the digital world–but it can just leave us feeling more isolated. Maybe looking at our friendships with a different mindset is the place to start. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by author Anna Goldfarb to discuss the w
263: From The Vault: Understanding Sensory Self-Care With Holly Peretz, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Today, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes from the vault–Sensory Self-Care. 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? On today’s vault episode, I’m joined by
262: Understanding Anger Management for Parents Through a Scientific Lens with Dr. Dan Siegel, NYT bestselling author
If we can understand the science behind why we’re experiencing anger, and what our anger is telling us, we can approach it not from a place of shame but from a place of productive problem-solving. Today, I’m joined by NYT bestselling author Dr. Dan Siegel, to discuss the science behind losing our cool and evidence-based anger management for parents. Show Notes: bit.ly/4i5JQRkBook a free 1
261: The Rise of Stay-at-Home Dads and “Lead Dads” with Paul Sullivan, founder of The Company of Dads
More dads are staying at home or taking a more active role in caregiving than ever before–and many more would like to if workplaces and society offered them more support. Find out how “lead dads” are changing the way families are structured.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3BUtdbQ Book a free 15 minute consultation: momwell.com/bookingFollow Momwell on Instagram: instagram.com/momwell Sign up f
260: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance with Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D., founder of At Peace Parents
If your child is extremely resistant to demands, you might have wondered if pathological demand avoidance–a nervous system dysregulation that results in intense resistance to demands and requests, could be at play. It’s commonly associated with autism, but it can also present with ADHD or anxiety disorders–and it is often considered its own neurological difference.This week on The Momwell
259: Handling Tricky Toddler Behavior with Dr. Cathryn Tobin, founder of Healthiest Baby
Knowing how to respond to tricky toddler behavior isn’t always easy. Separation anxiety, preferred parent struggles, impulsivity–it can feel overwhelming and frustrating! But when we understand what’s typical (and where these behavior come from) we can approach them differently.This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by pediatrician and author Dr. Cathryn Tobin, founder of Healthiest
258: From the Vault: Emotional Regulation Skills for Moms with Dr. Amber Thornton, host of Know & Grow Podcast
We’re wrapping up our holiday vault series with our top episode from the year! Today we revisit our #1 episode of 2024, “Emotional Regulation Skills for Moms” with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Amber Thornton, host of Dr. Amber’s Know and Grow Podcast. We discuss how we can strengthen our emotional regulation skills and the importance of setting realistic expectations.Show Notes: h
257: From the Vault: Postpartum Rage vs. Parental Anger with Dr. Ashurina Ream, founder of Psyched Mommy
We’re continuing our holiday series from the vault, revisiting our top 3 most downloaded episodes of the year!Today, we’re revisiting our second most popular episode of 2024, “Postpartum Rage vs. Parental Anger” with Dr. Ashurina Ream, founder of Psyched Mommy. We discuss the difference between mom rage as a symptom of depression or anxiety and maternal anger fueled by social pressure and
256: From the Vault: You’re Not an Angry Mom with Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood
As 2024 comes to an end, we’re diving into our vault to revisit our top 3 podcast episodes from the year!Today, we’re revisiting our 3rd most downloaded episode this year, “You’re Not an Angry Mom” with Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. We talk about why we experience Mom Rage, how to break away from the shame, and what we can learn from our anger.
255: Navigating Loneliness in Motherhood with Dr. Jody Carrington, Psychologist and Author
Navigating isolation in motherhood isn’t easy—and it can take a toll on our relationship satisfaction, happiness, and mental health. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington, author of Feeling Unseen, to discuss what causes loneliness in motherhood and how we can communicate, create change, advocate for our needs, and stop feeling unseen and invisib
254: Pain Management During Shots for Kids with Dr. Jody Thomas, founder of Meg Foundation
The medical community isn’t always trained on pain management for kids—and we might not know where to begin with advocating for it. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jody Thomas, founder of Meg Foundation, to discuss needle phobia, medical trauma and anxiety, and how to support our kids and advocate for pain management during shots and other procedures. Show Notes: https
253: Fed is Best and Formula Can Save Lives with Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, Co-Founder of Fed Is Best Foundation
There was a time when moms weren’t supported on their breastfeeding journey. Now, things have changed a lot—but in some ways, the pendulum has swung too far. Not only are moms shamed for using formula—but the pressure to exclusively breastfeed can also lead them to miss important signs that they need to supplement. The Fed is Best foundation wants to change that and empower moms with know
252: Making Evidence Based Birth Decisions with Dr. Rebecca Dekker, Founder of Evidence Based Birth
Navigating evidence based birth isn’t easy. Should you move around during labor? Are water births beneficial? What about ongoing electronic fetal monitoring and the glucose drink? There’s a lot of misinformation and conflicting advice out there. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence Based Birth, to discuss what evidence based birth is and
251: Changing the Way We Value Care Work with Blessing Adesiyan, Founder & CEO of Mother Honestly Group Inc.
Moms are overworked, undervalued, and burnt out. And being defaulted into the care work in the home is a large part of why. But if we can learn how to push back, create change, and advocate for more value on care work, we can find a different way forward. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Blessing Adesiyan, Founder & CEO of Mother Honestly Group Inc., to discuss the valu
250: The Mental Load of Deciding What to Pack for School Lunch with Megan McNamee, MPH, RDN, Co-Founder of Feeding Littles
Deciding what to pack for school lunch can be hard. There’s so much pressure and perfectionism, interwoven with our own fear and insecurity. It’s no wonder so many moms feel overwhelmed by it.This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by dietician Megan McNamee, co-founder of Feeding Littles, to discuss how parents can reduce the mental load around what to pack for school lunch, embrace
249: A New Approach to Developing Secure Attachment with Dr. Ann Kelley, co-founder of Therapist Uncensored
Secure attachment isn’t created by moms who carry everything on their shoulders and put their needs last. In fact, our children might benefit from a different approach. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Ann Kelley, co-founder of Therapist Uncensored and co-author of Secure Relating, to talk about attachment research, what our children actually need, and how to create sec
248: From the Vault: Setting Boundaries with In-laws and Family Members with Dr. Ashurina Ream, Founder of Psyched Mommy
This week on The Momwell Podcast, we’re revisiting an episode from our vault. Setting boundaries with in-laws and family members isn’t always easy—especially when it comes to our kids. But boundaries aren’t a bad thing—they’re a valuable part of healthy relationships. In this vault episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashurina Ream, founder of Psyched Mommy, to talk about the importance of setting
247: The Stressed-Out Mom with Dr. Molly Dickens, Founder of The Maternal Stress Project
Maternal stress is so overwhelming that the surgeon general recently released a warning about it. Stressed-out moms need more support. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Dickens, founder of the Maternal Stress Project, to discuss what leads to stressed-out moms and how we can identify the real factors and create change.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48as1fRBook a free 1
246: Understanding Options for Birth Control After Childbirth with Dr. Fran Haydanek, DO, FACOG
There are many options for birth control after childbirth—from short-term contraception to long-term or permanent options. Determining the right choice is hard—we have to weigh out factors like whether we want more children, whether or not we’re breastfeeding, and how our body responds to hormones. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by OB-GYN Dr. Fran Haydanek, founder of Paging
245: How to Get Paid During Maternity Leave in the US with Daphne Delvaux, Founder of Delvaux Law and the Mamattorney
Parents in the United States often have a difficult time navigating parental leave. Complex laws, a lack of federal protection, and common misunderstandings leave them unsure about their rights and options. But when you are empowered with knowledge and the right plan, you can discover how to get paid during maternity leave and protect both your job and postpartum experience. This week on
244: The Importance of Emotional Learning as a Mom with Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen, Co-Founders of Slumberkins
Many of us want to foster emotional learning for our kids and support them as they navigate their big feelings—but we don’t always have the right tools in our toolbox. In fact, we’re often learning these skills for ourselves while we try to teach them to our children. That’s why I’m so grateful for Slumberkins—a brand committed to supporting parents and offering them tangible tools and re
243: The Relationship Between Menopause and Mental Health with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Menopause can have a strong impact on your mental health. Unfortunately, not all providers are trained in hormone nuances or how to support moms when they struggle. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, author of The New Menopause, to unpack how menopause can impact mental health and how we can advocate for ourselves and seek effective treatment options.Sh
242: Navigating Stress and Relationship Conflict as Parents with Liz Earnshaw, Family and Marriage Therapist
Parenting can take a toll on our relationship with our partner, leaving us feeling resentful or falling into common arguments. But what if our partner isn’t the problem? What if stress is causing the conflict–not the other way around? And what if we can learn how to get back on the same page and navigate it together? This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by family therapist Liz Ear
241: Raising Securely Attached Kids with Eli Harwood, Licensed Therapist and Author
As moms, we think a lot about our children’s emotional wellbeing. How can we be sure that we’re raising securely attached kids? How can we form strong bonds and relationships? How can we support our children and ourselves emotionally–especially if we were never supported that way growing up? This week on the Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by licensed therapist and author Eli Harwood, founder
240: From The Vault: Navigating After School Restraint Collapse with Dr. Kristyn Sommer, Ph.D.
This is the final part of our back-to-school series that revisits some of our old favorites from the vault! Whether you have heard the phrase “after school restraint collapse” or not, if you’ve experienced it, you know exactly what it is—when your child starts melting down as soon as you pick them up from school. If your child behaves wonderfully at school but falls apart when they see yo
239: From The Vault: How to Support a Child Going Through Transitions with Jess VanderWier, Founder and CEO of Nurtured First
This is part 3 of a 4-part back-to-school series that revisits some of our old favorites from the vault! Transitions can be overwhelming for our children and for us. As moms, we want to know how to support a child going through transitions. We might experience our own anxiety, deal with mom guilt, or question whether they are capable of navigating big changes. But with the right strategie
238: From The Vault: How to Help a Child With School Anxiety with Dr. Becky Kennedy, Founder of Good Inside
This is part 2 of a 4-part back-to-school series that revisits some of our old favorites from the vault! Starting school can be very exciting for many kids—but it can also be scary. We want to protect our kids, so when we see them worrying or anxious, we want to support them. But how do you help your child with school anxiety? Today, I’m revisiting my episode with clinical psychologist Dr
237: From The Vault: Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten? with Susie Allison, Founder of Busy Toddler
Is my child ready for kindergarten? What should I do to prepare? What skills do they need? More than ever, parents are scrambling to make sure their children have “kindergarten readiness.” But the skills our children really need for kindergarten are far different than we might think they are. Today, I’m joined by Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, to break down how to really prepare
236: Approaching Infant Feeding with Flexibility with Sarah O'Leary, CEO of Willow and Andrea Ippolito, CEO & Founder of SimpliFed
The pressures around breastfeeding are strong, but systemic support doesn’t always allow moms to feed the way they want to. That’s why I was so excited to hear about The State of Feeding, a research-driven report designed to shed light on the real feeding experiences moms are going through. Created as a partnership between Bobbie, Willow, SimpliFed, and Emily Oster, this report reveals so
235: Emotional Regulation Skills for Moms with Dr. Amber Thornton, Clinical Psychologist
Developing our own emotional regulation skills isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes a lot of work, learning, and unlearning. The more awareness we can build about what triggers our dysregulation and how it shows up for us, the better we can become at responding and regulating our emotions. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Amber Thornton
234: Overcoming Anxiety About Introducing Solids to Baby with Jenny Best, Founder & CEO of Solid Starts
Introducing solids to our babies can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to follow one strict guide. We can overcome anxiety and create an environment around food that establishes healthy long-term eating habits. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts, to discuss how we can rethink our approach to feeding and learn how to trust ourselves and our ba
233: How Intensive Mothering Creates Overwhelmed Moms with Jess Grose, Opinion Writer for The New York Times
Intensive mothering, unrealistic pressures, and gender norms have created an unattainable ideal of motherhood—one that is taking a toll on modern moms. If we want to break out of this mom overwhelm, we need to recognize those expectations and determine what works for us. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Jess Grose, author and opinion writer for The New York Times. We discus
232: Fostering Emotional Development in Our Children with Alyssa Campbell, CEO of Seed and Sew
Fostering emotional development goes beyond validating feelings or sticking to a set script—it takes inner work, nervous system regulation, and plenty of self-awareness and self-compassion. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Alyssa Campbell, CEO of Seed and Sew and co-author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the role our own up
231: A Deeper Look Into Mommy Wine Culture with Amanda White, Author and Founder of Therapy for Women Center
Mommy wine culture is often viewed as a lighthearted joke—with moms turning to wine or a mimosa to cope with stressful parenting moments. And plenty of moms can enjoy an alcoholic beverage without falling into unhealthy patterns. But alcohol use isn’t always lighthearted—for some moms, there are mental health concerns that are being overlooked and coping mechanisms that aren’t healthy. Th
230: Navigating Culture and Mental Health in Motherhood with Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Founder of Brown Girl Therapy
Our individual upbringing and the culture we were raised in impact the way we show up as parents and the way we approach our own mental health. It’s important to listen to voices in this area who understand firsthand the nuances of culture and mental health, breaking cycles, and carving out individual paths as moms. One of those voices is Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy—th
229: Understanding Brain Development in Children with Tammy Schamuhn, Psychologist
Meltdowns, defiance, and other behaviors are signals of needs—and if we can meet those needs proactively instead of punitively, we can support our children while still teaching and guiding them. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by psychologist Tammy Schamuhn, co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology to discuss how to approach our children’s behavior from a brain develop
228: Overcoming Gender Bias in Healthcare with Dr. Karen Tang, MD and author
Concerns like PMDD, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), endometriosis, or even universal experiences like menopause are still underresearched and underdiagnosed. The more we can understand these concerns—and advocate for doctors to take them seriously—the more we can help support women and moms everywhere. Today, I’m joined by gynecologist and reproductive health specialist Dr. Karen Tang
227: From the Vault: Encouraging Independent Play with Susie Allison, Founder of Busy Toddler
Today, we’re reaching back into the vault to revisit one of our most popular episodes! What if I told you that you didn’t have to play with your child all day? Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to entertain their kids. They believe that “good moms” play with their kids as much as possible. But when we learn how to encourage independent play, we not only remove that pressure—we also
226: Navigating Mom Shaming with Renee Reina, Host of The Mom Room Podcast
It isn’t easy to feel confident in a world full of mom shaming. When moms are already feeling lonely and unsupported, disconnected from their friends, and unsure about their abilities, this pressure and criticism can take a real toll on their self-esteem and their mental health. Today, I’m joined by Renee Reina, Ph.D, host of The Mom Room Podcast, to discuss mom shaming, toxic mom culture
225: Encouraging Healthy Screen Time Habits with Dr. Michael Rich
It can be hard to establish healthy screen time habits for our children. But with the right framework in place, we can let go of guilt and fear and foster a positive relationship with technology within a healthy balance. Today, I’m joined by pediatrician and author Dr. Michael Rich, known as “the Mediatrician,” to discuss how we can set kids up for digital wellness.Show Notes: https://bit
224: Breaking Away from Mom Guilt with JoAnn Crohn
Mom guilt is often fueled by intensive mothering ideology—the belief that moms should sacrifice every bit of their time, energy, and resources to their children (and find fulfillment only in motherhood), along with gender norms and social expectations. We can learn to manage mom guilt through awareness, anchoring ourselves in our values, and validating our needs and emotions. This week on
223: Busting the Dream Job Myth with Lauren McGoodwin, CEO of Career Contessa
Gender norms, social expectations, and motherhood all become wrapped up in our identities, often leaving us questioning our career paths. But perhaps the answer starts with breaking away from the idea of a “dream job” and focusing instead on empowering ourselves to make active decisions driven by our internal values. Today, I’m joined by Lauren McGoodwin, CEO of Career Contessa, to discus
222: Understanding and Implementing Responsive Parenting with Dr. Cindy Hovington, founder of Curious Neuron
As moms, we feel immense pressure to stay calm and peaceful even in the toughest, most triggering moments. And when we fall short, we often beat ourselves up and feel ashamed. But if we want to break this cycle, we need to move away from shame and find a way to offer ourselves the same compassion and understanding that we have for our children. Today I’m joined by Dr. Cindy Hovington, fo
221: How to Maintain Friendships (and Make Friends) as a Mom with Danielle Bayard Jackson, Author
Maintaining friendships or making new friends as a mom, takes skills, intention, and deliberation. The adjustment to motherhood changes us—and it makes sense that our friendships, along with our values, priorities, and other relationships, might change too. That doesn’t mean we have to leave our old friendships behind, and it doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to make new ones. Today, I’m jo
220: How Stressed Moms Can Cope with Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout
We don’t have to accept stress as our default state of being. When we can learn how stress shows up in our bodies, what our triggers are, and how to break away from the stress cycle we are trapped in, we can improve our well-being and show up the way we want for our children and for ourselves. Today, I’m joined by Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cy
219: From the Vault: Why Does a Messy House Give Me Anxiety? with KC Davis, Licensed Professional Therapist and Author
Why does a messy house give me anxiety? Why can’t I motivate myself to clean since I had kids? Am I just a lazy mom? Moms often worry about these things, feeling immense pressure to keep a clean house and experiencing shame when they fall short of those expectations. As moms, we can’t always buy ourselves more time to clean. But we can approach the concept of cleaning differently, learn t
218: Breaking Away from the Invisible Load of Motherhood with Carly Watters, Literary Agent
The invisible load of motherhood isn’t easy to see, define, or explain. We feel the weight of it, but we often assume that we are just failing or that our partner is the problem. But when we learn to let go of the beliefs that create this “Mother Load,” we can take the steps to release and redistribute the mental and emotional labor in our homes. That’s why I wrote the book Releasing the
217: How Partners Can Share in the Invisible Load with Zach Watson, Content Creator and Invisible Labor Educator for Men
When partners take an active role in the invisible load, everyone benefits. It reduces pressure and overwhelm on moms, and it empowers partners to make decisions and parent with confidence. Today, I’m joined by Zach Watson, creator of Real Zach Think Share and invisible labor educator for men, to unpack why partners need to help carry the invisible load and how they can start.Show Notes:
216: Understanding Menopause and Mental Health with Dr. Heather Hirsch, Founder of the Menopause & Midlife Clinic
Discussing the relationship between menopause and mental health is important. It gives us awareness of what we’re experiencing or what we might experience in the future—and it helps break the stigma, both around mental health and women’s health. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Heather Hirsch, founder of the Menopause & Midlife Clinic and author of Unlock Your Menopause Type to talk about the
215: Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts About Baby with Dr. Caroline Boyd, Clinical Psychologist
Intrusive thoughts in motherhood can be scary. But they are not premonitions or signs of deep, hidden desires. They are just thoughts—and the more we try to bury them without understanding what they are, the more they tend to stick around. With awareness and the right plan of action, we can learn to move past these disturbing thoughts more easily. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joi
214: How to Embrace Career Change as a Mom with Jess Galica, Career and Leadership Coach, Best-Selling Author
Our careers can look different once we become moms—and that doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Many moms are embracing flexibility, considering career changes, and reevaluating what they want from their personal and professional lives. Today, I’m joined by career and leadership coach Jess Galica, best-selling author of Leap: Why It's Time to Let Go to Get Ahead in Your Career, to discuss how
213: Understanding Postpartum Depression in Dads and Non-Birthing Partners with Mark Williams, International Advocate for Perinatal Mental Health and Author
The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for our mental health—and not just for the person who gives birth. Fathers or non-birthing partners and adoptive parents are all also at risk. And yet, postpartum depression in dads and partners is often overlooked and undersupported—even more so than for birthing moms. Today, I’m joined by perinatal mental health advocate Mark Williams, co-found
212: Rekindling Your Sex Life After Baby with Vanessa & Xander Marin, bestselling authors & hosts of the podcast Pillow Talks
There are so many factors at play in our sex life after baby, from resentment and conflict to the invisible load to a lack of time for emotional intimacy. But when we learn how to talk openly about sex we can overcome those factors and rekindle the spark in a way that feels good for both partners. This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa and Xander Marin, hosts of the podca
211: The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health with Carine Carmy, Co-Founder & CEO of The Origin Way
Research suggests that at least 32% of women struggle with pelvic floor health. But between stigma, a complex healthcare system, and a persistent myth that pelvic floor concerns are “just a part of life” after having a baby, many moms don’t seek the care they need. Today, I’m joined by Carine Carmy, Co-Founder & CEO of Origin—a pelvic floor therapy startup—to discuss why pelvic floor
210: Postpartum Rage vs. Parental Anger with Dr. Ashurina Ream, founder and CEO of Psyched Mommy, licensed clinical psychologist
Overwhelmed moms often find themselves experiencing anger and irritability. But is this a sign of a mental health concern or a justifiable response to unreasonable social expectations? Today, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Ashurina Ream, founder of Psyched Mommy, to unpack the differences between postpartum rage and parental anger due to societal pressure and expectations.Show No
209: You’re Not an Angry Mom with Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood
None of us set out to become angry moms. We likely envisioned responding with warmth, patience, nurturing, and understanding. So when we experience mom rage, we wonder if something is wrong with us. But maybe we’re not the problem. Maybe the problem is the unrealistic pressure, expectations, and overwhelm modern moms carry. Today, I’m joined by Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage: The Everyda
208: What Causes Mommy Brain? with Dr. Jodi Pawluski, neuroscientist, psychotherapist and author
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 behin
207: Hormone Health and Wellness for Moms with Dr. Jen Gunter, bestselling author, obstetrician, and gynecologist
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 au
206: How Parents Can Avoid Information Overload with Cara Goodwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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 bui
205: From the Vault: Should I Have Another Baby? with Kate McReynolds, Mental Health Counselor
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, foun
204: From the Vault: What Millennial Moms Need with Jill Koziol, Co-founder and CEO of Motherly
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
203: From the Vault: Carrying the Mental Load with Eve Rodsky, New York Times Bestselling Author
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 l
202: Navigating Different Sex Drives in Parenthood with Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy & Dr. Jennifer Vencill, Licensed Psychologists and Authors
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 Ven
201: Prioritizing the Invisible Load of Motherhood with Whitney Casares, Founder and CEO of Modern Mommy Doc
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
200: Erica’s Husband Reflects on Sharing the Invisible Load with Frenel Djossa, Erica’s Husband & Co-Founder of Momwell
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 w
199: Breaking Generational Trauma Cycles with Dr. Mariel Buqué, Psychologist and the author of the book Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
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
198: Is There Such a Thing as Healthy Perfectionism? with Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist and author
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: momwe
197: Breaking Out of the Default Parent Role with Erin & Stephen Mitchell, Founders of Couples Counseling for Parents
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 defa
196: Redefining Postpartum Fitness with Amy Kiefer & Krystle Howald, co-founders of Expecting and Empowered
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 Expecti
195: Rebuilding Connection and Intimacy After Baby with Aaron Steinberg, Co-Founder of Babyproofing Your Relationship
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 fost
194: Embracing the 7 Types of Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, Board-Certified internal medicine physician and award-winning author
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 gett
193: Interpreting Newborn Hunger Cues and Sleepy Signs with Sharon Mazel, author of Bite-Sized Parenting: Your Baby’s First Year
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 hung
192: Understanding Overfunctioning in Relationships with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert
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 unpa
191: Managing Mom Anxiety with Dr. Lauren, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
“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 a
190: Embracing Power as Moms with Claire Shipman, NYT Bestselling Author
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 be
189: How to Raise Confident Kids with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, Founder of The North Star Developmental Clinic
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:
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