In this episode of This Is Parenting Podcast I am joined by Erin Heger. Erin is a freelance writer and health care advocate covering issues related to reproductive justice, health care policy, maternal mental health and parenting.

Erin shares her journey with post partum mood disorder and how it defined her parenting as well as her passions around reproductive freedom and access to healthcare.

She talks about how writing about how her depression helped get her the help she needed to recover as well as her experience working at Planned Parenthood in Kansas City. She was able to connect with so many women who were able to share stories how difficult it used to be for women who needed healthcare assistance while pregnant.

She also shares her labor plans for baby number two (who is due any day now!) based on her experience with baby number one and the challenges of breastfeeding. We dive in to how her relationship with her husband has changed since having kids and the differences in parenting philosophies between the two of them.

She touches on what she feels are challenges in mom-culture today and how shaming and judging can really impact a mom's confidence. And she explains the notion of parents being afraid of what someone else may say about their parenting decisions.

And her advice to new moms or moms-to-be is so spot on!

Show notes:

Some of Erin's writing-

Erin's website and portfolio

When Postpartum Depression Doesn't Go Away-The Atlantic New Moms Aren't Getting Enough Sleep But That Can (And Should!) Change-Motherly Why I Embrace Selfishness in Motherhood, Refinery29

Find Erin on Instagram!