The Moms Are Alright

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Jessica Zucker shares her personal experiences and how they have shaped her professional work, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and normalizing difficult conversations about women's health issues. The episode focuses on miscarriage and the cultural stigma surrounding it. The discussion highlights the need for open dialogue to combat feelings of shame and isolation, and the role of st...

Summary
In this episode, Dr. Shara Brofman discusses the complexities of pregnancy and reproductive loss, exploring its impact on identity, mental health, and relationships. The conversation delves into the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating grief and loss, anxiety, and expectations surrounding family planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging loss, coping strategies, and the need for s...

Summary

In this conversation, Hila and Caroline reflect on last week’s episode with Dr. Phindile Chowa. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, particularly focusing on the medical system's tendency to invalidate mothers' concerns. They emphasize the importance of holistic care in postpartum health, the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, and the need for accessible support services for postpartum moms. Th...

Summary
In this conversation, Hila and Caroline discuss the importance of postpartum medicine with Dr. Phindile Chowa. They explore Dr. Chowa's journey into medicine, the gaps in traditional postpartum care, and the systemic issues that contribute to inadequate support for new mothers. The discussion emphasizes the need for better information, emotional support, and community-based solutions to improve maternal health outc...

Summary

In this conversation, Hila and Caroline explore the concept of matrescence, specifically the psychological and emotional changes that occur during motherhood. They discuss the importance of awareness and acceptance in navigating these changes, the ambivalence that often accompanies motherhood, and the relentless nature of parenting. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and support during this transformative...

Summary

In this episode, Hila and Caroline explore with Sam Hall the concept of Matrescence, the transition to motherhood. Sam shares her personal journey and insights into the challenges and transformations that come with becoming a mother. The conversation delves into the cyclical nature of matrescence, the various factors influencing each woman's experience, and the importance of acceptance in navigating this journey. Sam em...

Summary

In this conversation, Caroline and Hila discuss the complexities of transitioning to parenthood and its impact on relationships. They explore themes such as accountability, the mental load, the importance of reinforcement in relationships, and the acceptance of imperfection in parenting. The discussion also touches on the effects of surprise pregnancies and the influence of social media. 

Takeaways

• The transition to parent...

Summary
In this conversation, Caroline and Hila welcome  Melissa Fairhurst to discuss the complexities of marriage after having a baby. They explore the challenges couples face during the transition to parenthood, including communication issues, the mental load on mothers, and the impact of societal expectations. Melissa shares her insights from both personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of vulnerabi...

Summary

In this conversation, Hila and Caroline reflect on their discussion with Molly Millwood, exploring the emotional complexities of motherhood. They delve into themes of ambivalence, the need for connection versus autonomy, and the importance of acknowledging feelings. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating identity loss and postpartum grief while emphasizing the significance of psychological flexibility and a...

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Molly Millwood, a clinical psychologist and author, discusses with Hila and Caroline the complexities of motherhood, particularly focusing on the emotional ambivalence women face during this transformative phase. The show highlights how new mothers often experience conflicting emotions, which can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. Millwood advocates for a shift in societal perceptions of ...

Summary

Caroline and Hila explore the multifaceted nature of anxiety, in the context of pregnancy and motherhood. They discuss how anxiety manifests differently in individuals, the importance of acceptance, and the role of compulsions and avoidance in managing anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the shared experiences of mothers and the significance of emotional communication in understanding and coping with anxiety.

Takeaways

• An...

Summary
In this episode, Hila and Caroline welcome Dr. Julia Birt, licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety expert, to talk all things anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. They explore the complexities of anxiety, its components, and how it manifests in new parents. The conversation includes practical tips for managing anxiety, understanding it as a normal feature of significant life transitions, and the importance of rec...

Summary
In this conversation, Caroline and Hila delve into the complexities of 'mom rage.' The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the biopsychosocial model of anger, the impact of social dynamics on emotional health, and the significance of recognizing triggers that contribute to anger responses. They also provide insights on navigating the anger cycle and making effective choices in emotional situa...

Summary
In this episode of 'The Moms Are Alright,' Caroline and Hila welcome Dr. Alice Pickering, a clinical psychologist specializing in maternal mental health, to discuss the often stigmatized topic of mom rage. They explore the complexities of this emotional experience, the anger cycle, and the societal pressures that contribute to feelings of inadequacy among mothers. Dr. Alice shares insights on how to recognize ...

Summary

In this conversation, Hila and Caroline discuss insights from Dr. Whitney's episode on achieving balance in motherhood and life. They explore the importance of identifying personal values over goals and practical strategies for managing daily life. The discussion emphasizes the significance of intentional decision-making and cognitive diffusion techniques to navigate challenges and maintain a centered life.

Takeaways

• ...

In this episode of TMAA, Hila, Caroline & Dr. Whitney Casares (@modernmommydoc) discuss the challenges new moms face in balancing career and motherhood. They explore  the impact of societal expectations and mental health on new moms. Dr. Whitney introduces her 'Centered Life Blueprint' as a framework for prioritizing what truly matters in life, while also addressing the importance of equitable partnerships in parentin...

In this episode, Caroline and Hila  discuss the intricate relationship between sleep, anxiety, and mood during pregnancy and the postpartum period with Dr. Natalie Solomon, a licensed clinical sleep psychologist and expert in behavioral sleep medicine. The conversation explores how sleep changes throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and highlights practical strategies for new parents to improve their sleep quality. The episode also ...

Summary

In this conversation, Caroline and Hila discuss the critical role of sleep in mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. They explore practical strategies for improving sleep and the challenges of insomnia. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating healthy sleep associations and finding ways to rest even when sleep is elusive. They also address the societal pressures surrounding sleep expectations and the ne...

Caroline and Hila discuss the often overlooked topic of pelvic floor health in relation to mental health and postpartum experiences. They emphasize the importance of understanding pelvic floor issues, the stigma surrounding them, and the need for community support. Personal anecdotes (disclosure alert!) highlight the challenges women face, and the conversation encourages open dialogue and seeking help for pelvic health concerns.

Tak...