In this episode, I’m excited to be joined by Emily Harrington, one of the most successful and versatile professional climbers in the world. Emily discusses the pressure of failure and perfectionism in motherhood, pregnancy, and postpartum, which are common experiences among mothers. Join us to hear this beautiful conversation about life at the intersection of motherhood and elite athleticism in a largely male-dominated sport.

Emily Harrington is a five-time US National Champion, has completed numerous first female ascents of 5.14 routes, summited Mt. Everest, and made a complete ski descent of Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-tallest peak. She made history when she became the first woman to free-climb “Golden Gate on El Capitan in under 24 hours. The movie about Emily’s career, Girl Climber, is screening at IMAX theaters and various cinemas through the end of the year. It will be available on JOLT starting on October 15 and will be available for full streaming in November. Emily currently resides in Tahoe City, CA, where she spends her time training, climbing, and skiing with her husband and young son. 

Show Highlights:

Common assumptions about what moms “can/can’t” do

Emily’s journey as a climber, which started at age 10

Thinking about having a baby as a natural part of life

The 7-year plan to climb El Capitan—and then have a baby

A plan for modified climbing and running as her pregnant body changed

Approaching pregnancy from a place of curiosity

Feeling unprepared for what came after childbirth

Breastfeeding and sleep challenges—and dealing with unsolicited advice

Emily’s way of dealing with others’ judgments and comparisons

Parallels between climbing and motherhood

Letting go of perfection to find more peace

“Enjoying the struggle and embracing failure”

Girl Climber: how it tells the story that we all go through failure, and we can show that with honesty and vulnerability

Climbing: a sport that is growing in popularity and accessibility

What Emily wants other moms to know

Resources:

Connect with Emily Harrington: Instagram and the screening schedule for Girl Climber

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

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 more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and 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! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. 

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