Ep. 2: Guest Interview with Caity

Hello, thank you for being here.

I’m excited to have my friend Jeni joining me as co-host for this episode, a role she’ll take on from time to time. Jeni is also a middle-aged mama, giving birth in her 40’s to her now two-and a-half-year-old daughter. Welcome Jeni!

I hope you all enjoy this episode and thank you for bearing with us as we navigate the podcast learning curve.

Hosts: Shelley & Jeni

Guest: Caity

Episode Highlights:

· Introduction to Caity: 39 years old, expecting her first baby in November, sharing her journey as a middle-aged mother.

· We discuss experiences and expectations around pregnancy and delivery at an older age.

· Breastfeeding: Pressures, hospital resources, and the value of community advice.

· Navigating “geriatric pregnancy” label and how OBs present age-related risks and benefits in appointments.

· Generational perspectives: Gen X vs. Millennial experiences of motherhood.

· Mental health: The importance of proactive self-care, recognizing warning signs, and openness.

· Cravings, food restrictions, and funny anecdotes about pregnancy symptoms.

· The value of doulas and support systems during delivery.

· Reflections on the emotional journey: Anticipation, anxiety, and the reality of becoming parents later in life.

· Community and connection: The importance of sharing stories to support other women.

Key Topics Covered:

· 00:00 Welcome to Middle-Aged Mama Drama

· 00:30 Meet Our Hosts and Guest

· 00:52 Caity’s Pregnancy Journey

· 01:33 Hospital Experiences and Breastfeeding

· 05:19 Navigating Pregnancy as an Older Mom

· 14:42 Generational Perspectives on Motherhood

· 19:15 Mental Health Support During Pregnancy

· 20:45 Food Cravings and Restrictions

· 28:00 Birth Preparation and Delivery Plans

· 34:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

Resources Mentioned:

Book: “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster, available here.

Discussion of research on pregnancy risks and mental health for middle-aged mothers

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38540450/

Connect With Us:

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If you are a middle-aged mama and have a story you would like to share, or know someone you would like us to interview, please reach out to us at [email protected] you for being here. Our community is stronger and better because you are in it.

You belong here exactly as you are.

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