Becoming a Mother
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A postpartum podcast for new and expectant mothers. Candid, deep, real conversations with moms sharing their journeys to motherhood. From deciding to become a mother, pregnancy and birth or adoption to postpartum and beyond. I want to take the shame and fear out of discussing the struggles that many women endure during this incredible, life-altering, momentous phase of life. The changes we go through as we transition into motherhood should be shared more openly in order to help fellow and future moms throughout their experiences. Join me as I speak with a different mom each episode and discuss what it is really like to become a mother.
Instagram: @becomingamotherpodcast
@b_pepeolson
Instagram: @becomingamotherpodcast
@b_pepeolson
41 Episodes
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Manon Berryman, star of 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way (Season 7), founder of Barry Brand Agency, wife and mom to her adorable son, Benjamin gets deep, real and raw and opens up about her journey into motherhood, the challenges of postpartum emotions, balancing work and family life, and her decision to move to France for a slower-paced lifestyle. She shares her struggles with mom guilt, mental health, and finding her identity as a mother, all while navigating the ups and downs of marriage and career.
Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about the realities of motherhood and the strength it takes to embrace the journey.
Catch Manon on 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way (S7) Airing now on TLC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Instagram:
Manon Berryman @manonberryman
Brittany Olson @becomingamiotherpodcast
In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, I sit down with my friend Susan, Mom of 2 and Licensed Social Worker, to explore her journey into motherhood. From discovering her nurturing instincts at a young age to navigating the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, Susan opens up about her struggles with health conditions, SIBO and endometriosis, the emotional toll of losing her father, and the transformative experience of becoming a mom. She reflects on the complexities of balancing her identity, overcoming mom guilt, extended breastfeeding and marcescence.
Susan’s story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of seeking help during the most vulnerable moments of motherhood
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. Tune in to hear 2 New Jersey moms get deep and real about what motherhood is all about. “Pain shared is pain lessened. We don’t have to do this alone.”
Social Media:
Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast
Susan Elizabeth @sueshineee
In this episode of my Postpartum Decoded Series I sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, to discuss parenting children with learning and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Levy, an expert in special education with a doctorate in education, shares her insights on common learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, including signs to look for and when to seek evaluations.
Dr. Levy also explains her multi-sensory approach to tutoring, which engages visual, auditory, and tactile modalities to help children learn effectively and build confidence. She offers practical advice for parents navigating behavioral challenges and addresses concerns about children potentially being overlooked in the education system.
Tune in for an empowering and informative conversation that aims to remove the stigma around learning disabilities and provide parents with tools to help their children thrive.
Connect with Dr. Emily Levy:
Website: www.eblcoaching.com
Instagram: @EBLCoaching
Chelsea Lamb - Mom of 2 earthside children and 1 angel, shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, from navigating the challenges of postpartum with her first who experienced "BRUE" (Brief resolved unexplained event) and the loss of her second child, Miles, due to a rare congenital heart defect. Chelsea opens up about her her struggles with postpartum anxiety, the emotional toll of making life-altering decisions for her son and how she coped with his passing as well as becoming pregnant with her third after the loss of her son.
She discusses the healing process after losing a child, the importance of finding support in community, and how she channeled her grief into creating a nonprofit, Miles of Love, to support families affected by congenital heart defects.
Chelsea's story is one of resilience, love, and hope as she continues her motherhood journey with her two other children, Barrett and Wren.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of mothers and the importance of finding connection and purpose in the face of adversity.
Tune in to hear Chelsea's inspiring story and learn how she is making a difference in the lives of other families.
Please visit https://milesoflove.org/ to learn more or to donate.
Courtney Campbell - Mom of 2 boys, 3 & 5 years old of Indiana, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and owner of Counting Sleep with Courtney. shares her journey into motherhood and her experiences with postpartum challenges, baby sleep, and breastfeeding. She discusses her struggles with her first child during the pandemic, including complications with nursing, sleep issues, and postpartum anxiety. She emphasizes the individuality of each baby and the need for flexibility in parenting.
Courtney also explains how she transitioned into becoming a sleep consultant after her second child, offering insights into baby sleep misconceptions, sleep training, and the importance of feeding in relation to sleep. Courtney provides tips for new moms and highlights her services for families struggling with sleep issues.
Instagram: @countingsleepwithcourtney
Website: countingsleepwithcourtney.com
Recently I has the pleasure of being a guest on Samantha Hawley's podcast "Journal Entries." This week I am sharing my conversation with her on everything matrescence. We got real about what those first months of motherhood actually look like and the struggles we both faced. I spoke about what matrescence is and what you can do in postpartum if you are struggling through this transitional period.
Our conversation covers what nobody warns you about - like how your brain literally restructures itself when you become a mom, why you might feel guilty for being excited about time away from your baby, and how grief shows up even when you desperately wanted this. We also get into practical things that actually help, like finding your "designated postpartum person" who can handle appointments when your brain feels like mush.
If you've ever wondered why becoming a mom felt so much harder than you expected, or if you're still figuring out who you are in this role, and you’re seeking some relief…this conversation is for you!
Let's dive in...
Samantha Hawley - Mom to her 4 year-old son, Clarity Coach and Host of the “Journal Entries” Podcast shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, marriage, and self-discovery. Samantha opens up about her experiences with pregnancy during the isolating times of 2020, navigating postpartum challenges, and the emotional toll of an unsupportive partnership. She discusses how journaling became a transformative tool for processing emotions, gaining clarity, and ultimately making life-changing decisions, including her divorce. Samantha also introduces the concept of "strategic journaling" and how it can help others find clarity and courage in their own lives. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of trusting yourself, honoring your emotions, and creating the life you truly want. Perfect for moms and anyone seeking inspiration for personal growth and empowerment.
Connect with Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast
Connect with Samantha Hawley and access her FREE Calm Mind Blueprint for a look into her Strategic Journaling method for Clarity ay www.samantha-says.com and on Instagram @samantha.s.says
Ludivine Trentin - Mom to her 2 year-old daughter and founder of In Her Mother’s World (@inhermothersworld) - A community of mothers who wants to follow their instincts instead of following the society pressure - shares her journey to motherhood which was widely shaped by her unique experience navigating the cultural differences between Europe and the United States.
Raised in France and later living in the U.S., Ludivine shares how these contrasting approaches to pregnancy, postpartum care, and motherhood shaped her journey. From the relaxed, mother-centered care in France to the structured, often overwhelming healthcare system in the U.S., she reflects on the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way. Ludivine discusses the importance of trusting maternal instincts, building a supportive community, and embracing the beauty of motherhood without fear. Her story is a heartfelt exploration of how cultural perspectives can influence the way we experience and define motherhood. - For more on motherhood and to connect with Brittany Olson head to social media @becomingamotherpodcast
Episode 1 of the Postpartum Decoded Series is here! On this episode, I chat with Kristin Revere to learn more about everything "Doula." Kristen is the owner and founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is an elite certified birth & postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist, a childbirth educator, co-author of "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby" and host of Ask the Doulas Podcast. She is a mom of two and a bonus mom to one.
On this episode, we discuss topics such as what doulas do and how they can support women through birth and postpartum no matter what their birth plan, the best ways an expectant mom can prepare for bringing home her baby, as well as how women can get support in postpartum if they are struggling through a postpartum doula.
Connect with Kristin Revere on social media @goldcoastdoulas
Websites:
www.askthedoulas.com
www.goldcoastdoulas.com
www.supportedbook.com
Valentina Valencia of Florida - Mom to her 2.5 year old son shares her journey to motherhood which began with an early diagnosis of endometriosis. She became pregnant naturally despite being told it would be a struggle and may not even be possible. Valentina was induced due to high blood pressure and went through a traumatic birth due to an emergency C-Section where she had an intense seizure immediately after the birth of her son. This event caused her to develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also known as Lupus and Pulmonary Hypertension. She shares her struggles dealing with an autoimmune disorder during matrescence. She discusses the highs and lows of postpartum. having had to rely heavily on her village while not being able to take care of her son due to her health obstacles and the affect that had on her mental health. We also discussed having separation anxiety from your children, as it is usually the other way around.
Instagram:
Brittany @becomingamotherpodcast
Valentina @vale_lovee
Becky Nicholes of New Jersey - Wife and Mom to 4 boys, Elementary School Counselor and Adjunct Professor shares her journey to motherhood which began with her having her first 2 boys just 1 year apart and during the COVID Pandemic. Both were diagnosed with autism. She shares her experience navigating their diagnoses and being a mom to children with disabilities, the early intervention steps taken, mothering while worrying about the future and her children’s safety as they grow. She suffered a late term loss and then became pregnant for a 4th time which resulted in her having her twin boys via C-section due to Preeclampsia. She compares her postpartum experiences and what being a working mom to 4 boys under 5 is like. She cites poem “Welcome to Holland” - by Emily Perl Kingsley as a description to what it is like raising children with autism. It is a beautiful, positive and honest journey to motherhood. Connect with Becky on Instagram @rebeccacordisconicholes
Rachel Weitzel of Texas, Mom to her 4 year old daughter and founder of the Parenting Pontoon Mom Group @parentingpontoon, shares her experience becoming a mother. Her first pregnancy resulted in a late term miscarriage at 20 weeks and her planned DNC turned into the delivery of her son who is not earth side. Rachel shares how this affected her, mourning the loss of her son and being surrounded by friends and family becoming pregnant. Learning to navigate that was a challenge. This experience also affected her into the 2nd pregnancy with her daughter, who is now 4. She shares her birth story which started with a 38-week induction due to high blood pressure. We then discuss her postpartum experience, how mother hood changes you and about being on the fence about deciding to have more than one child. Tune in for this heartfelt, raw and honest journey to motherhood.
**This episode contains discussions of heavy emotional topics that some listeners may find distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is advised. **
Brandi Soileau of Dallas TX, Mother of 2 ages 4 and 1.5 and Life, Travel & Motherhood Influencer @Bandisoileau shares her experience becoming a mother after nonchalantly deciding to have a child. She then explains she was "hooked" and could not believe she waited so long. She shares her birth story and then subsequent experience getting pregnant which resulted in a partial molar pregnancy discovered in the 2nd trimester. That experience influenced her emotionally and physically into her next pregnancy. She shares her postpartum journey which was positive but included struggles due to some external life changes that many women go through including job loss, becoming a stay at home mom and moving to the suburbs. Listen for a heartfelt, genuine and uplifting story.
Pietrina Musumeci: Mom of 2 ages 5 and 2 shares her journey to motherhood, deciding to pursue IVF after facing challenges with infertility. She describes the 3-year process, including the emotional ups and downs and her successful first embryo transfer. Pietrina talks about her pregnancy experience, balancing work, and eventually transitioning to maternity leave. She shares her birth story and postpartum experience as well as the decision to grow her family at the start of the COVID pandemic which causes a huge delay in her journey for a multitude of reasons, her journey really was a wild ride! She shares such sound advice for women struggling with fertility, encouraging them to persist and seek solutions and advocate for yourself along the way.
Lisa Meyers of Bainbridge Island WA, Mother of 2 ages 11 & 7, Founder and CEO of Ceres Chill, retired attorney and political operative shares her journey to motherhood. Lisa delves into navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery and balancing a demanding career in a male dominated field with motherhood. She also shares the emotional highs and lows of breastfeeding and how she ultimately turned her challenges into innovation by founding Ceres Chill, inventing multiple breastfeeding storage products that simplify breastfeeding for moms such as an on the go breast milk chiller you can pump directly into!!
Tune in for an honest conversation about the joys, struggles, and triumphs of motherhood, and learn how Lisa turned her challenges into a mission to support moms everywhere.
Check out www.cereschill.com and connect with Lisa on Instagram @cereschill
Connect with me your host- Brittany Olson on Instagram @becomingamotherpodcast
Dayna Ferrer - Mom to 2 toddlers, shares her journey to motherhood, including her struggles with infertility, IVF, pregnancy, birth experiences, and postpartum challenges. Dayna discusses her deep desire to become a mom, her emotional roller coaster during infertility treatments, and the eventual success of IVF.. She also recounts her surprise second pregnancy, which occurred naturally after IVF, and her contrasting birth experiences—a traumatic emergency C-section for her first child and a redemptive “gentle” cesarean for her second.
Dayna opens up about postpartum challenges, including breastfeeding struggles, colic, and dairy allergies in both her children. She reflects on the emotional toll of weaning and the importance of adapting plans for the well-being of her family. She also shares insights into the challenges of being a working mom, balancing two young children, and navigating the changes in her identity and priorities after becoming a mother.
Throughout the episode, Dayna emphasizes the transformative nature of motherhood, the importance of advocating for oneself, and the need to embrace flexibility. She offers advice to other moms, encouraging them to prepare for unexpected changes, prioritize family time and recognize the rewarding aspects of motherhood, despite its challenges.
Instagram:
Brittany Olson: @becomingamotherpodcast
Dayna Becker: @daynerr157
Talia Tomoleoni - Mom of 2 boys (pregnant at time of recording) shares her journey to motherhood and the radical acceptance of the life changes that come along with it. Our conversation explores the emotional complexities of becoming a mom, the identity shift and the challenges of balancing expectations with reality. Talia reflects on her first pregnancy and birth story. She discusses the physical and emotional toll of postpartum recovery and the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt during the early days of parenting.
She shares lessons learned, such as letting go of rigid expectations, simplifying parenting approaches, and focusing on love and stability for the child. She also discusses her current pregnancy, the differences compared to her first, and how she is preparing her toddler for the arrival of a sibling. The episode concludes with advice for new moms to trust themselves, relax, and embrace the journey of motherhood without succumbing to external pressures or unrealistic standards.
Instagram:
Brittany Olson: @becomngamotherpodcast
Talia Tomoleoni: @talia_tomo
Katie Reed - Mom of 2 boys, ages 2 and 4 months shares her journey to motherhood while navigating the grief of loser her grandmother/best friend suddenly from cancer not long after giving birth. Katie had gestational diabetes for both of her pregnancies and navigated colic, silent reflux and a tongue tie with her first son. She shares the differences from going from 0-1 and then 1-2 kids and how she manages being a breastfeeding working mom of 2.
Instagram:
Brittany Olson @becomingamootherpodcast
Katie Reed: @katiereed15
Hi All - Updating you guys and also masking for help with social media management.
Email: becomingamotherpod@gmail.com
Instagram: @becomingamotherpodcast
Jillian Williams-Coffee: Mother, Cancer Survivor, Paralympian USA Sitting Volleyball Tokyo 20' Gold Medalist shares her inspiring journey to motherhood. After her unexpected diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma at 19 and amputation of her left leg Jillian recounts the following challenges she faced regarding fertility, undergoing chemotherapy, and being diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Despite being told she might never have children naturally, Jillian is now a proud mother to her 16-month-old son named Major who was in fact conceived naturally.
Jillian opens up about her chemical pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy, including a subchorionic hemorrhage and developing severe preeclampsia, which led to an early induction and C-section. She candidly shares her initial struggles with breastfeeding, the decision not to revise her son's tongue and lip ties, and the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood. Jillian emphasizes the importance of support, patience, and self-care for new moms, offering valuable advice and insights from her own experiences. This episode is a heartfelt and empowering story of resilience, faith, and the joys and challenges of becoming a mother.
Instagram:
Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast
Jillian Williams-Coffee @jk_williams_07
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