Becoming a Mother

Mel Parent – Mom of 2, Nurse Practitioner and Functional Health & Fitness Coach for moms shares her inspiring journey into motherhood. From her lifelong dream of becoming a mom to navigating the challenges of pregnancy, balancing work, and coping with the loss of her own mother, Mel opens up about the highs and lows of parenting. She discusses the importance of self-care, adjusting expectations, and embracing imperfection as a mom. Mel also introduces her business, "Becoming Mom," and her transformative program, "The Hive Method," which focuses on holistic self-care through mindset, movement, and anti-inflammatory living. Tune in to hear Mel’s advice for new moms, her thoughts on finding balance, and the power of community in overcoming the loneliness of motherhood. This episode is a must-listen for moms and moms-to-be looking for inspiration, support, and practical tips to thrive in their parenting journey!

Ashley Lambert - mom of 2 boys and Faith-led Health Coach and Hots of the Fat Loss Momentum Podcast explores her transformative journey into motherhood and entrepreneurship. Ashley shares her candid story of navigating pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing gestational diabetes, and feeling unprepared for the realities of postpartum life. She opens up about the overwhelming challenges of early motherhood, including the loss of identity, feelings of guilt, and the struggle to balance her physical recovery, emotional well-being, and new responsibilities as a mom. Ashley also reflects on her second pregnancy, which came as a surprise, and how she learned to embrace the changes and prioritize her time and energy between raising two young children and growing her business. She discusses her breastfeeding journey and the evolution of her program, The Reinvention Factor, which helps women rediscover their identity, manage postpartum challenges, and find harmony in motherhood through faith, fitness, and nutrition. This episode is a powerful conversation about the realities of motherhood, the importance of giving yourself grace, and the beauty of finding strength and purpose in the midst of life’s transitions. Whether you’re a new mom or navigating the complexities of parenthood, Ashley’s story will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Tune in to hear Ashley’s journey and her advice for moms who are redefining themselves in the wake of motherhood. Connect with Ashley Lambert on Instagram @ashleyperrylambert

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with author, director, podcast host and postpartum doula - Foster Wilson to discuss her transformative journey into motherhood.. Foster shares her experiences of becoming a young mom, her decision to pursue a home birth with her first, and the unexpected challenges she faced, including a breech baby and a diagnosis of cholestasis that led to a cesarean delivery. She opens up about the devastating diagnosis of fetal hydrops for her son and second baby and the painfully difficult choice to end her pregnancy because of the diagnosis. Foster explains the emotional toll this took on her and her family and reflects on her healing process, the lessons she learned, and how creativity became a powerful outlet for her grief. The shared her story, formally announced her son's birth and death and let those around her know what she was going though. This ultimately led to the publication of her poetry book, Afternoon Abundance: Poetry for Wild Souls. She shares her rainbow baby pregnancy and redemptive VBAC of her second daughter and her postpartum experience now being a mom of 2. Connect with Foster and explore her work, including her poetry book at fosterwilson.com

The Postpartum Decoded Series is back with Dr. Sarah Doyle, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, dives deep into the challenges women face during postpartum and perimenopause. From hormonal imbalances, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and rage to thyroid dysfunction and Hashimoto’s, Dr. Doyle explains the science behind these struggles and offers actionable solutions. Learn how hormones impact mental health, libido, and energy levels, and discover natural remedies, supplements, and lifestyle changes to regain balance. Dr. Doyle also shares her revolutionary 7X Method for eating based on circadian rhythms, tips for managing postpartum thyroiditis, and the importance of testing for brain chemistry and hormone levels. Whether you're a new mom or navigating menopause, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel empowered, informed, and ready to take control of your health. Tune in for practical advice, expert knowledge, and hope for healing. Connect with Dr. Sarah Doyle on Instagram and TikTok at @drsarahdoyle and at www.drsarahdoyle.com. Her book, 7X Method, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers in physical, Kindle, and Audible formats. Vita-Fem, Dr. Doyle's postpartum & menopause supplement is available NOW https://a.co/d/4DskPQX

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