Momwell

The invisible load of motherhood isn’t easy to see, define, or explain. We feel the weight of it, but we often assume that we are just failing or that our partner is the problem. But when we learn to let go of the beliefs that create this “Mother Load,” we can take the steps to release and redistribute the mental and emotional labor in our homes.  That’s why I wrote the book Releasing the Mother L...

When partners take an active role in the invisible load, everyone benefits. It reduces pressure and overwhelm on moms, and it empowers partners to make decisions and parent with confidence.  Today, I’m joined by Zach Watson, creator of Real Zach Think Share and invisible labor educator for men, to unpack why partners need to help carry the invisible load and how they can start. Show Notes: https:/...

Discussing the relationship between menopause and mental health is important. It gives us awareness of what we’re experiencing or what we might experience in the future—and it helps break the stigma, both around mental health and women’s health.  Today, I’m joined by Dr. Heather Hirsch , founder of the Menopause & Midlife Clinic and author of Unlock Your Menopause Type to talk about the relati...

Intrusive thoughts in motherhood can be scary. But they are not premonitions or signs of deep, hidden desires. They are just thoughts—and the more we try to bury them without understanding what they are, the more they tend to stick around. With awareness and the right plan of action, we can learn to move past these disturbing thoughts more easily.  This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by c...

Our careers can look different once we become moms—and that doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Many moms are embracing flexibility, considering career changes, and reevaluating what they want from their personal and professional lives.  Today, I’m joined by career and leadership coach Jess Galica , best-selling author of Leap: Why It's Time to Let Go to Get Ahead in Your Career , to discuss how moms...

The postpartum period is a vulnerable time for our mental health—and not just for the person who gives birth. Fathers or non-birthing partners and adoptive parents are all also at risk. And yet, postpartum depression in dads and partners is often overlooked and undersupported—even more so than for birthing moms.  Today, I’m joined by perinatal mental health advocate Mark Williams , co-founder of I...

There are so many factors at play in our sex life after baby, from resentment and conflict to the invisible load to a lack of time for emotional intimacy. But when we learn how to talk openly about sex we can overcome those factors and rekindle the spark in a way that feels good for both partners.  This week on The Momwell Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa and Xander Marin , hosts of the podcast Pill...

Research suggests that at least 32% of women struggle with pelvic floor health. But between stigma, a complex healthcare system, and a persistent myth that pelvic floor concerns are “just a part of life” after having a baby, many moms don’t seek the care they need.  Today, I’m joined by Carine Carmy, Co-Founder & CEO of Origin —a pelvic floor therapy startup—to discuss why pelvic floor health...

Overwhelmed moms often find themselves experiencing anger and irritability. But is this a sign of a mental health concern or a justifiable response to unreasonable social expectations?  Today, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Ashurina Ream , founder of Psyched Mommy, to unpack the differences between postpartum rage and parental anger due to societal pressure and expectations. Show Notes: h...

None of us set out to become angry moms. We likely envisioned responding with warmth, patience, nurturing, and understanding. So when we experience mom rage, we wonder if something is wrong with us. But maybe we’re not the problem. Maybe the problem is the unrealistic pressure, expectations, and overwhelm modern moms carry.  Today, I’m joined by Minna Dubin , author of Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisi...

The stereotype of mushy “mommy brain” is a reality for many of us, full of brain fog and forgetfulness. But is it really a fair assessment, or one steeped in gender norms? What if mommy brain doesn’t mean we’re less sharp—what if it’s our body telling us we’re at capacity?  Today, I’m joined by neuroscientist Dr. Jodi Pawluski, author of Mommy Brain , to break down the factors at play behind mater...

When we enter motherhood, hormonal shifts can take a toll. We often find ourselves struggling with fatigue, mood swings, and irritability and wonder about our hormone health and wellness. But how do we separate out hormonal causes, mental health concerns, and sheer mom overwhelm? How do we know what’s fact and what’s online misinformation?  Today, I’m joined by OBGYN and NYT bestselling author Dr....

Parenting with a world of information at your fingertips isn’t always easy. Conflicting information, inflammatory headlines, and a sea of articles can lead to information overload and leave us feeling less confident as parents.  Today, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Cara Goodwin, founder of Parenting Translator. Learn how to cut through the online noise, avoid information overload, and build confi...

Should I have another baby? Is my family complete? How will I know I’m done? For many of us, these questions begin soon after a baby is born. It can be hard to know if you want to add another baby to your family. While the decision is unique to every person and every family, there are some ways to make the decision easier.  Today, I’m joined by mental health counselor Kate McReynolds, founder of T...

Today we’re reaching back into our vault to revisit one of our most popular episodes! 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...

Today we’re reaching back into our vault to revisit one of our most popular episodes! The mental load of motherhood is a common vicious cycle for families. One parent (often the mom) becomes the default parent. That default parent takes on a disproportionate amount of labor in the home. They find themselves drowning in unpaid and unappreciated labor.  The resentment and overwhelming load lead to m...

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...

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 priorit...

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...

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 t...

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.co...

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 par...

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 E...

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 team...

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?  Tod...