Episodes
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:...
Published 12/06/23
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...
Published 11/29/23
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...
Published 11/22/23
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...
Published 11/15/23
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:...
Published 11/08/23
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...
Published 11/01/23
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...
Published 10/25/23
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...
Published 10/18/23
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...
Published 10/11/23
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:...
Published 10/04/23
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...
Published 09/27/23
“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...
Published 09/20/23
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...
Published 09/13/23
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...
Published 09/06/23
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:...
Published 08/30/23
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:...
Published 08/23/23
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:...
Published 08/16/23
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...
Published 08/09/23
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...
Published 08/02/23
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...
Published 07/26/23
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...
Published 07/19/23
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:...
Published 07/12/23
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...
Published 07/05/23
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...
Published 06/28/23
From tantrums to defiance to trouble sharing, normal toddler behavior can frustrate us. But our mindset and approach play a bigger role than we realize—and if we can reframe our own outlook, we can start to see the positives in the toddler period. Today, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Cathryn Tobin, founder of Healthiest Baby, to discuss how to change the way we view normal toddler behavior and to bust some of the common myths about this stage. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/43MOUmK  Book a Free...
Published 06/21/23