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: [email protected]

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

Courtney Cartier - Mom to her 20 month old daughter and HR Manager from Sacramento shares pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience including colicky evenings, hormonal shifts and the emotional toll of new parenthood. Courtney also talks about relationship changes after baby, the impact of generational differences in parenting, and the importance of self-care. We highlights the ups and downs of motherhood, the importance of flexibility, and the need for open conversations about the realities of parenting.

Instagram:

Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast

Courtney Cartier: @ccartier

Abby Hock - Mom of 2 boys - 2 years old and 2 month shares her experience of being diagnosed with severe diminished ovarian reserve, undergoing multiple rounds of IVF, and the emotional and physical challenges she faced along the way. She talks about her 43-hour induction, complications with epidurals, and eventual C-section for the birth of her first son. ​ Abby provides valuable insights into the IVF process, the mental toll of infertility, and the importance of self-care. Tune in to hear Abby's candid and inspiring story, as well as her advice for other moms navigating similar paths.

Arielle Morrow - Bay area Mom to her 19 month old son and Tech Agency Program Manager. Arielle shares her journey into motherhood, discussing her experiences with pregnancy, miscarriage, and postpartum life. She talks about her initial ambivalence towards having children, her unexpected first pregnancy, and the emotional and physical challenges of experiencing a miscarriage. Arielle also details her second pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of her son, and her positive experience with a planned induction at 39 weeks. Arielle reflects on the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of a strong support system and the challenges of breastfeeding, which did not go as planned for her. She discusses the emotional impact of transitioning from having a baby to a toddler and the anxiety that can accompany this change.

Throughout the episode, Arielle emphasizes the importance of flexibility and not obsessing over data and schedules, advising new moms to go with the flow and enjoy the moments with their babies. ​ The episode aims to provide a cathartic experience for Arielle and offer valuable insights and support to other moms navigating similar experiences.

Instagram:

Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast

Arielle Morrow: arielle.morrow

Carson Pennypacker - Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Florida, and mom of 3 shares her multifaceted journey into motherhood. Carson became a mom earlier than expected when she started dating her now-husband, who had a four-year-old son. They later expanded their family, having another son and a daughter. Carson discusses the challenges and joys of becoming a mom, the impact of losing her mother, and the complexities of parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also delves into her experiences with postpartum anxiety and depression, the difficulties of breastfeeding, and the importance of setting boundaries and self-care. Carson's story highlights the resilience required in motherhood and the importance of seeking support and understanding during challenging times.

Instagram:

Brittany: @becomingamotherpodcast

Carson: @cpennypackink

Looking forward to connecting with all of you and bringing awareness to matrescence in 2025.

Kara Kushnir – Mom to her 3 year old son, Psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health, Postpartum Support International NJ Chapter Chair of the Board and Author of “Mama’s Thoughts” shares her story on today’s episode. She had Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) throughout pregnancy. Her scheduled C-section did not go as planned and led to a traumatic birth which affected her into postpartum. She dealt with PTSD, POCD and PPA. This episode provides informative and expert insight from a mental health professional on how to get help in postpartum when suffering through mental health issues and exactly what women can do to combat them. She also gives insight on how birth trauma survivors can heal.

Resources:

Book (Mama's Thoughts) - https://a.co/d/c7envmQ

Website- www.aworkofheartcounseling.com

Postpartum Support International- postpartum.net

Instagram:

Brittany Olson: @becomingamotherpodcast / b_pepeolson

Kara Kushnir: @aworkofheart_Counseling / @karakushnir_therapist / @psinjchapter

Destiny Clement is 30 and is from Louisiana. She has 2 daughters who are 3.5 and 11 months old and she is also a licensed insurance producer. Destiny shares her story of infertility and diagnosis with PCOS. She shares her first birth story in depth which was an elective induction which resulted in a C-section. She opens up about her experience through pregnancy and birth as a plus size woman. Destiny also exclusively pumped both her daughters and so she shares many tips and tricks for being successful through that journey. Destiny approaches motherhood with a calm attitude and encourages women to surrender to the unknown and relinquish control over expectations in birth and in motherhood.

Instagram:

Brittany Olson: Becomingamotherpodcast

Destiny Clement: destinyclement_