If I Knew Then: Mom Edition

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Maria and Alecia dive into the raw realities of motherhood—unexpected pregnancies, infertility struggles, PCOS, hysterectomy recovery, emotional healing, and the self-advocacy women desperately need in the medical system. Alecia opens up about her journey from multiple false pregnancies to rebuilding confidence and becoming a life coach who...

In this episode of the If I Knew Then, Mom Edition podcast, host Maria Moreno and guest Lara Bokovay delve into the complexities of motherhood, exploring themes such as childhood memories, the impact of parenting on children, and the importance of conscious parenting. They discuss the challenges of maternal instincts, the journey of self-awareness in parenting, and the significance of accountabili...

In this Dad’s Edition Special of the If I Knew Then, Mom Edition podcast, host Maria Moreno sits down with Nathaniel Gallant , founder of BirthBridge , to explore the beautiful and complex journey of fatherhood. Nathaniel shares his personal experiences as a dad, his inspiration for creating BirthBridge, and his mission to build a community-driven platform where new parents can easily access the s...

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , host Maria Moreno sits down with Becky Clark , a Nervous System & Somatic Regulation Coach , to explore the link between emotional overwhelm, stress, and the body’s natural need for safety and regulation. Together, they unpack the hidden effects of motherhood on the nervous system — from constant overstimulation and burnout to the guilt that com...

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Dr. Sandra Fernandes, a mother, wife, physician, and certified life coach, to unpack the realities of modern motherhood: the pressure to “do it right,” emotional overload, breastfeeding expectations, and the deep need for self-care and mental rest. Together, they share personal stories, professional insights, and prac...

👩‍💻 About the Guest: Julia Jerg is a mother, digital nomad, and advocate for mindful living. She has embraced a lifestyle of relocation and minimalism, moving from Germany to Thailand and then Bali, while learning the art of listening to her intuition, involving her children in decisions, and finding freedom in simplicity. Her journey is a testament to personal growth, embracing change, and disc...

Being a mom can come with unexpected challenges, especially when navigating health issues that impact fertility and well-being. In Episode 12 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Lizzie joins me to share her personal journey through infertility, endometriosis, and the transformative experience of motherhood. We dive into the importance of understanding women’s health, the impact of diet and lifestyle...

Being a mom comes with endless challenges and surprises, but what if the lessons we learn along the way could completely change the way we parent? In Episode 11 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Stephanie Henderson joins me to share the unfiltered realities of motherhood—from pregnancy struggles and labor stories to the joys and challenges of raising two daughters. Stephanie and I dive deep into ca...

Being a mom comes with endless decisions, but what if some of the choices we make without knowing could actually put our babies at risk? In Episode 10 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Lindsay from Soothe Beginnings joins me to talk about the unfiltered realities of parenting, baby preferences, and the critical but often-overlooked topic of pacifier safety . She breaks down what parents really need...

Being a dad comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the postpartum stage, a time when many fathers feel overlooked and disconnected. In Episode 9 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , host Maria Moreno sits down with Alex to explore the emotional side of fatherhood, from navigating grief and jealousy to finding ways to bond with a newborn. Alex shares his journey of becoming a dad, the...

Being a single mom is challenging, but facing financial struggles on top of it can feel overwhelming. In Episode 8 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Maria Moreno talks with Monica, a personal finance coach and author, about navigating single motherhood, divorce, and money challenges while building financial independence. Monica shares her story of moving to North Carolina with no family support, th...

Being a single mom is hard enough, but what happens when you’re also surrounded by toxic, narcissistic family relationships? In Episode 7 of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Catalina shares her brave journey of raising her son while navigating the emotional weight of narcissism, family toxicity, and the struggle to protect her peace. She opens up about the pain of not being emotionally present during...

Welcome back to If I Knew Then: Mom Edition — episode 6. Today, we share a deeply honest conversation about mom burnout, guilt, and the myth of doing it all . Karolina opens up about the heavy weight of societal and self-imposed expectations placed on mothers. From the pressure to “have it all”, to work or stay home, to be the perfect parent and provider, burnout becomes an almost inevitable conse...

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , host Maria Moreno sits down with Michelle , a devoted mom of two, medical professional, and fierce advocate for children with complex needs. Michelle shares her journey through a high-risk, “geriatric” pregnancy, the trauma of delivering her son at 32 weeks with no amniotic fluid, and the terrifying reality of premature birth. She opens up about the...

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , I sit down with my friend Andrea, a proud boy mom of three neurodivergent children, for an honest, deeply human conversation about parenting, advocacy, and the moments that change everything. Andrea opens up about the joy and challenges of raising boys with unique needs and strengths, the ongoing frustration of navigating school systems tha...

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , I sit down with Robyn Flynn: an IVF mom, podcast producer, and former radio host—for an honest conversation about the parts of motherhood no one really prepares you for. Robyn shares her deeply personal fertility and IVF journey, the emotional weight of waiting to become a mother, and how that journey shaped the way she now sees parenting. We talk a...

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition , Maria sits down with Asha Puthran, a holistic wellness coach and mother, to have an unfiltered conversation about postpartum depression, birth trauma, the emotional toll of being a mother without support, and the complex journey of finding yourself again. Asha shares her experience navigating the early days of motherhood in a new country, d...

In this emotional and honest first episode, Maria Moreno shares her raw journey through motherhood from the heartbreak of miscarriage to the challenges of gestational diabetes, a traumatic birth, and a NICU stay she never saw coming. She opens up about: • Her postpartum depression and rage • Breastfeeding guilt and switching to formula • Advocating for her and her baby’s health • How working with...

This is the teaser for If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, a podcast I created for moms who are figuring it out in real time. I’m Maria, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood life coach, and a mom who’s been through the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of motherhood. In this short intro, I’m sharing why this space matters, why I needed it, and why I think you might too. This podcast is a...