Mom and Mind

362: Behind the Sessions: The Guilt of Wanting Alone Time as a Mom


Listen Later

There are many different reasons that bring people into therapy. I often find myself angered by how societal impacts and pressures continue to haunt new moms to the point of making them feel bad about themselves. They can feel stuck and wonder if their feelings are normal or okay. One of the top things that bothers me is when moms feel guilty for wanting time alone. Doesn’t everyone deserve time for themselves? Moms get pressured like no other parent/guardian about wanting to take time for themselves in a guilt-free way. Moms should be supported in getting a break when they need it! Join me for a closer look at this topic.


Show Highlights:

  • Sources of this specific kind of mom-guilt
  • Myths around attachment parenting and other parenting styles
  • Is complete selflessness always the best thing?
  • The disservice we do to moms, kids, and partners when we expect a mom’s needs to be nonexistent
  • The effects of this pressure and guilt on a mom’s mental health
  • Wanting alone time does NOT mean you are selfish or that you don’t love your child.
  • The kind of support and normalization moms need to be more present with their kids and have mental stability in a guilt-free life
  • Ways moms judge themselves with internalized pressure, family pressure, and societal pressure
  • The truth: Every mom should be supported in shame-free and guilt-free ways to confidently take the breaks they need. 

  • Resources:

    Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services. 

    You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

    Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

    Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!



    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Mom and MindBy Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    208 ratings


    More shows like Mom and Mind

    View all
    ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

    ADHD Experts Podcast

    1,327 Listeners

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast by Bryn Huntpalmer

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast

    2,176 Listeners

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space by Christine Koh

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space

    515 Listeners

    10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

    10% Happier with Dan Harris

    12,722 Listeners

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast

    1,397 Listeners

    The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

    The Lazy Genius Podcast

    6,676 Listeners

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms

    1,003 Listeners

    Evidence Based Birth® by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

    Evidence Based Birth®

    1,010 Listeners

    Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

    Light Up The Couch

    337 Listeners

    Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

    Raising Good Humans

    1,891 Listeners

    Momwell by Erica Djossa

    Momwell

    298 Listeners

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast by Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast

    215 Listeners

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky

    4,518 Listeners

    We Can Do Hard Things by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle

    We Can Do Hard Things

    41,564 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    20,212 Listeners