Do you feel emotional, heavy, or unexpectedly sad around your child’s birthday?

You’re not alone — and you’re not broken.

In this episode, I talk about the complex, tender feelings many mothers experience around their children’s birthdays: joy and gratitude, yes — but also grief, nostalgia, exhaustion, and even sadness.

This emotional wave is rarely talked about — especially when it’s not our birthday, but our child’s. And yet, so many mothers feel it deeply:

The end of a baby chapter

The challenge of letting go

The invisible labor of making birthdays magical

The longing to be seen, acknowledged, and held

🎧 This episode is here to normalize those feelings and to give you permission to feel whatever is coming up. You’ll also hear about a beautiful little practice you can do before or on your child’s birthday — to honor yourself, your journey, and the love you pour into motherhood.

💛 And starting June 18, 2025, you can also listen to a free guided meditation for mothers on their child’s birthday on Insight Timer. I created it just for you.

Whether you’re preparing for your child’s birthday or still feeling tender after it — this is your space to exhale.

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🧘‍♀️ Free Meditation on Insight Timer (from June 18):

“Birthing Day Meditation”

https://insighttimer.com/doulajohanna

Follow for more reflections, meditations, and support for mothers:

Instagram: @doulajohanna

Website: doulajohanna.com

Please share this episode with a mother who might need it today.