Year One of Motherhood: the struggles and the blessings

Erin Bagwell was raised in a household that encouraged artistic expression. Her mother never fit in the traditional army mom image, wearing tie-dye clothing and driving a red convertible, she stood apart.  While her parents supported both she and her brother  to express themselves through art, they assumed Erin would get married and therefore be cared for by a husband. As a result, they allowed her to more openly to pursue arts.

Visiting us today is Erin Bagwell, documentary filmmaker, blogger, and mom. Her first feature-length film - Dream, Girl - premiered at the White House under the Obama administration in 2016 and was recognized by Oprah on her SuperSoul100 list. In 2018, Erin became a mother and started filming her new documentary, Year One. The film is an intimate look at the first year of motherhood through Erin's eyes. It addresses the identity shifts, the challenges of experiencing postpartum depression, and the everyday extraordinary moments of being a new mom.

On her daughter's first birthday, Erin's mind was flooded with memories of the day she became a mother. She experienced firsthand the physical and emotional strength women are capable of; since then, Erin is in awe of us, women, and of our power, patience, and our ability to carry on like we are not also carrying another world on our shoulders. Those early days made her remember her motherhood experience wasn't unique; women have been doing this since the beginning of time. 

In this episode, we had a soul-touching conversation about how pregnancy and motherhood affect women and the mixed feelings and sensations they provoke. Erin shared her own experiences with PPD (postpartum depression) and how raising her hand and asking for help literally saved her life. We also talked about shame that lies underneath mental health issues,  gratitude and the importance of finding our voice to express our feelings. 

Tune in, and hear Erin's inspiring story of resilience, love, and art-induced salvation. 

Some Questions I Ask:

• Before experiencing postpartum depression, have you ever had any mental health issues or depression? (7:18)
• Do you think that denial was a sense of shame that you should not be depressed as a mother? Or do you think you just didn't recognize the symptoms? (8:32)
• What would you say would be the things people could do to start to own their voice? (23:47)
• What's your biggest challenge right now for yourself? For you as a stay-at-home mom, and for you as a very creative woman? (27:21)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Whether you are a mom or you are trying to mother yourself (3:27)
• Erin talks about the opportunities motherhood offered her and the choices she made (6:22)
• How pregnancy made Erin feel gratitude for her body (8:47)
• Raising her hand and asking for help. One of the most impactful and extraordinary moments for Erin (12:25)
• Erin talks a bit about the remarkable journey of Dream, Girl (19:46)

Resources:

• Year One movie
• Dream, Girl movie
• Erin Bagwell blog

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram
• Email: [e-mail]