Kate was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN & graduated from IPFW with a bachelor's in General Studies and a minor in OLS. (Organizational Leadership and Supervision) She enjoys being in nature and going for walks. A nice, strong cup of coffee in the morning is a little way she starts her day with feeling joy. She’s a mother of two girls, 19 months apart. A two-year-old (almost 3) and a one-year-old. She quit her corporate job working in the financial field—specifically retirement/consulting after her second daughter was born & she enjoys being home with both of them now.    In this episode, Kate shares her journey of becoming a mother to her two daughters, Emerson and Mia.   Kate discusses her birth experiences with both girls, including her desire for a natural birth and the unexpected challenges she faced. She also opens up about her postpartum experiences, including postpartum anxiety and her journey with breastfeeding. Kate shares her decision to become a stay-at-home mom and the joy she finds in being present for her children.   Throughout the conversation, Kate emphasizes the importance of embracing the unpredictability of motherhood and finding support and understanding along the way. We   Takeaways Motherhood is unique and unpredictable, and each woman's experience is valid and valuable. Birth plans may not always go as expected, and it's important to be flexible and open to different outcomes. Postpartum experiences can be so different—but no matter what, you have to prioritize self-care and get support  Transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom can be a tough decision, and it's important to listen to your instincts and do what feels right for you and your family.  How motherhood can be a catalyst for personal healing and growth. Why having a support system, whether it be friends, family, or a partner, can greatly impact a mother's well-being. How the patience and understanding from loved ones can aid in the healing process. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Kate 03:19 Meeting Her Girls' Dad and Starting a Family 06:32 First Date and Getting Pregnant 09:29 Preparing for Pregnancy and Birth 12:02 Birth Experience with Emerson 18:13 Birth Experience with Mia 23:30 Postpartum Experience with Emerson 31:46 Postpartum Experience with Mia 36:07 Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Mom 39:29 Motherhood and Identity 40:26 Healing and Growth 41:22 Acknowledging and Communicating Feelings 41:51 The Importance of a Support System 42:12 Patience and Healing