Welcome back to If I Knew Then: Mom Edition — episode 6. Today, we share a deeply honest conversation about mom burnout, guilt, and the myth of doing it all.Karolina opens up about the heavy weight of societal and self-imposed expectations placed on mothers. From the pressure to “have it all”, to work or stay home, to be the perfect parent and provider, burnout becomes an almost inevitable consequence. She candidly discusses the exhaustion, shame, and isolation many moms face, and how these feelings fuel negative self-talk and unhealthy comparisons within mom communities.We explore the toxic cycle of mom guilt and mom shame, and the damaging effects of competitive parenting culture that distracts us from what truly matters: connection, self-care, and authenticity. Contrary to popular belief, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital daily practice of reclaiming your energy, setting boundaries, and nurturing yourself so you can show up fully for your children and your life.Our guest shares her personal journey of recovery from burnout, including practical lifestyle changes like honoring food sensitivities, creating clear boundaries with her teenage daughter, and embracing imperfection. She stresses the importance of listening to your intuition, trusting your gut, and stepping away from the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood on social media.In this episode, you’ll hear how:

• Burnout manifests subtly and deeply, affecting mental, physical, and emotional health
• Mom guilt and shame keep us trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and comparison
• True self-care means putting your wellness first, because you can’t pour from an empty cup
• Setting boundaries is an act of love, not cruelty, and kids need that stability
• Teens need space to grow, and healthy detachment benefits the whole family
• Social media often distorts reality, and detoxing can be life-changing
• Motherhood is messy, chaotic, and imperfect, and that’s perfectly okay
  

Whether you’re a new mom overwhelmed by expectations or navigating the challenging teen years, this episode offers compassion, validation, and a roadmap to healing and balance.Our guest is a wellbeing coach specializing in working moms. She helps simplify daily routines, reduce stress, and create personalized self-care strategies, because one size does not fit all. Connect with her to learn how to reclaim your energy and find joy in your motherhood journey.Connect with Karolina: Linkedin FacebookMini self-care handbook with some down-to-earth tools mums can use to reduce stress and improve wellbeing instantly - https://subscribepage.io/q9lwuvIf this podcast brings value to your life, please consider giving value back through sharing, kind words, or financial support. Every contribution helps keep the show alive and the mission growing.Ways to Support:⁠Venmo⁠⁠ChashApp⁠Hosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.Work with me + Resources:⁠ ⁠➤ Sleep training & parenting support⁠⁠Let's Stay Connected: 

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@tumago⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@ifiknewthenpodcast⁠
• Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠Mindful Mother⁠⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠

• YouTube:⁠ ⁠If I Knew Then Podcast⁠⁠
• Blankets: ⁠Tumago Blankets⁠
• ⁠⁠Pacifier: Soothebeginnings⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Savings & Investing: Sofi⁠⁠
• Budgeting:  ⁠⁠Monarch⁠⁠
  

Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms:Spotify:⁠ ⁠If I Knew Then on Spotify⁠⁠Apple Podcasts:⁠ ⁠Listen on Apple⁠⁠Amazon Music:⁠ ⁠Listen on Amazon⁠⁠iHeartRadio:⁠ ⁠Listen on iHeart⁠⁠Goodpods:⁠ ⁠Find us on Goodpods⁠⁠Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Michelle, a devoted mom of two, medical professional, and fierce advocate for children with complex needs.Michelle shares her journey through a high-risk, “geriatric” pregnancy, the trauma of delivering her son at 32 weeks with no amniotic fluid, and the terrifying reality of premature birth. She opens up about the years of advocating for her son’s health, navigating feeding issues, speech delays, ADHD symptoms, and an eventual rare genetic diagnosis affecting only around 200 people in the world.Through her story, Michelle highlights the critical importance of listening to your mama gut, even when medical professionals dismiss your concerns, when others label you “overreactive,” and when you feel like the “crazy mom” in the room.You’ll hear powerful conversations on:

• How to trust your instincts when something feels wrong with your child
• The emotional toll of being constantly questioned and doubted
• Why early intervention matters so much for long-term outcomes
• Practical tips for navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and the school system
• How to advocate for your child’s needs without apology

This episode is not only a testament to a mother’s unwavering love but also a resource for parents of children with complex needs, disabilities, or undiagnosed challenges.Michelle now helps parents as a non-attorney special education advocate through her platform Wisdom for Complex Kids, empowering families to secure the support their children deserve in school and beyond.💬 “If I knew then what I know now… I would tell every mother: follow your gut. It’s there for a reason.”
📌 Connect with Michelle:
Website: wisdom4complexkids.com (Free Advocacy eBook available)

• Instagram: @michellechoairy
• Facebook: @michellechoairy
• Website: https://wisdom4complexkids.com
• Resources/ Freebie: 
  • Parents who are just starting their ride into this world: https://wisdom4complexkids.com/ultimate-advocacy-training 
  • Parents who want to check if they have a complex kid can take the quiz right here:  https://www.wisdom4complexkids.com/complex-kid-quiz
    

If this podcast brings value to your life, please consider giving value back through sharing, kind words, or financial support. Every contribution helps keep the show alive and the mission growing.
Ways to Support:VenmoChashApp
Hosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.
Work with me + Resources: ⁠➤ Sleep training & parenting support⁠
Let's Stay Connected: 

• Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠
• Instagram: @tumago
• Instagram: @ifiknewthenpodcast
• Facebook: ⁠⁠Mindful Mother⁠⁠
• TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep

• YouTube: ⁠If I Knew Then Podcast⁠
• Blankets: Tumago Blankets
• ⁠Pacifier: Soothebeginnings⁠
• ⁠Savings & Investing: Sofi⁠
• Budgeting:  ⁠Monarch⁠
  

Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms: Spotify: ⁠If I Knew Then on Spotify⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠Listen on Apple⁠ Amazon Music: ⁠Listen on Amazon⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠Listen on iHeart⁠ Goodpods: ⁠Find us on Goodpods⁠
Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, I sit down with my friend Andrea, a proud boy mom of three neurodivergent children, for an honest, deeply human conversation about parenting, advocacy, and the moments that change everything.Andrea opens up about the joy and challenges of raising boys with unique needs and strengths, the ongoing frustration of navigating school systems that expect neurotypical milestones, and the importance of celebrating neurodivergence as a gift rather than a problem.But the heart of this episode is the terrifying night her teenage son faced a sudden medical emergency: testicular torsion. With courage and vulnerability, Andrea shares how quickly everything unfolded, what she wishes she had known sooner, and why her son insisted she tell this story publicly, so no other family is left unprepared.We dive into:

• Raising three neurodivergent boys with love, humor, and resilience
• How to advocate for your child in a system that resists change
• The medical emergency every parent of boys should know about
• Transforming mom guilt into advocacy and empowerment
• Finding grace and self-kindness in the messiness of motherhood

Whether you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, navigating the medical system, or simply looking for an authentic motherhood conversation, this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and empowered.Show links:

• TikTok: @glowinganswers
• Instagram: @glowinganswers

If this podcast brings value to your life, please consider giving value back through sharing, kind words, or financial support. Every contribution helps keep the show alive and the mission growing.Ways to Support:VenmoChashAppHosted by Maria Moreno, I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.
Work with me + Resources: ⁠➤ Sleep training & parenting support⁠
Let's Stay Connected: 

• Instagram: ⁠@mindfulmother_sleep⁠
• Instagram: @tumago
• Instagram: @ifiknewthenpodcast
• Facebook: ⁠⁠Mindful Mother⁠⁠
• TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep

• YouTube: ⁠If I Knew Then Podcast⁠
• Blankets: Tumago Blankets
• ⁠Pacifier: Soothebeginnings⁠
• ⁠Savings & Investing: Sofi⁠
• Budgeting:  ⁠Monarch⁠

Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms: Spotify: ⁠If I Knew Then on Spotify⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠Listen on Apple⁠ Amazon Music: ⁠Listen on Amazon⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠Listen on iHeart⁠ Goodpods: ⁠Find us on Goodpods⁠
Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer:The health information shared on this podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on the content shared here.



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, I sit down with Robyn Flynn: an IVF mom, podcast producer, and former radio host—for an honest conversation about the parts of motherhood no one really prepares you for.Robyn shares her deeply personal fertility and IVF journey, the emotional weight of waiting to become a mother, and how that journey shaped the way she now sees parenting. We talk about the early days of pregnancy, the pressure around feeding choices, and how unsolicited advice can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already doing your best.We also dig into how motherhood changes your identity, how to handle comparisons, and why building a strong support system matters more than ever. Robyn shares what it was like to leave a career in radio and launch her own business while raising a daughter she fought so hard to have. Her story is full of warmth, honesty, and reminders that you’re not alone in this.Whether you’re a hopeful parent, a new mom, or someone deep in the trenches of toddlerhood, this conversation will resonate.We talk about:

• The emotional highs and lows of IVF
• What it’s really like to go through fertility treatments
• How motherhood looks different when you’ve waited so long for it
• Breastfeeding struggles and feeding choices
• Dealing with advice you didn’t ask for
• Finding joy in small, everyday parenting moments
• Robyn’s transition from radio to podcasting
• Creating a life that works for you as a mom

Want to start your own podcast? Download Robyn’s free guide:
https://robynflynn.com/store/p/how-to-start-your-own-podcastYou can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @robynlisaflynnYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rebelmomboss
Hosted by Maria Moreno
I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood life coach, educator, and founder of Mindful Mother. I help moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm, without guilt. From sleep plans and eBooks to coaching and community, my mission is to support the entire journey of motherhood, from newborns to the preschool years and beyond.Work with me + Resources:
➤ Sleep training & parenting support
Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram:

• @mindfulmother_sleep
• 
  
• 
  

Facebook: Mindful MotherYouTube: If I Knew Then PodcastSoothebeginningsSofiMonarch
Listen to the Podcast on All Platforms:
Spotify: If I Knew Then on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
Amazon Music: Listen on Amazon
iHeartRadio: Listen on iHeart
Goodpods: Find us on Goodpods
Thank you for listening. If this episode helped you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

In this powerful episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, Maria sits down with Asha Puthran, a holistic wellness coach and mother, to have an unfiltered conversation about postpartum depression, birth trauma, the emotional toll of being a mother without support, and the complex journey of finding yourself again.Asha shares her experience navigating the early days of motherhood in a new country, dealing with the grief of a traumatic birth, and feeling like she lost her voice. This is a deeply moving and honest reflection on the realities that many mothers face silently, and what it takes to heal.💛 Topics we explore:

• The invisible pain of postpartum depression
• What no one prepares you for in early motherhood
• Navigating cultural and emotional isolation
• How Asha began to reconnect with her voice and identity

The power of speaking your truth, even when it feels unsafeThis episode is a must-listen for any mom who’s ever felt alone in her experience. You are not broken, you are becoming.
Connect with Asha:https://payhip.com/b/CFUYu Programs: https://ashaputhran.comAsha's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/asha.puthran?igsh=MTBzbnlha29nNzd1cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/share/16b8xAmrAL/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://youtube.com/@therajasikyogi?si=ccrbkOot3NcTTD71
Learn more about Mindful Mother: Email: [email protected] Media:https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmother_sleep/https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmother1https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

In this emotional and honest first episode, Maria Moreno shares her raw journey through motherhood from the heartbreak of miscarriage to the challenges of gestational diabetes, a traumatic birth, and a NICU stay she never saw coming.She opens up about:
• Her postpartum depression and rage
• Breastfeeding guilt and switching to formula
• Advocating for her and her baby’s health
• How working with a sleep consultant changed everything
This episode is for the moms who’ve ever felt broken, overwhelmed, or invisible. You’re not alone, and healing starts here.
🎧 Listen now and join the community: real talk, real tools, real support for every stage of parenthood.Podcast IG:https://www.instagram.com/ifiknewthenpodcast/Sleep Consultation IGhttps://www.instagram.com/stories/mindfulmother_sleep/
Email: [email protected]


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.

This is the teaser for If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, a podcast I created for moms who are figuring it out in real time. I’m Maria, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood life coach, and a mom who’s been through the messy, beautiful, overwhelming parts of motherhood.In this short intro, I’m sharing why this space matters, why I needed it, and why I think you might too. This podcast is about the unspoken lessons, the moments that shape us, and the real stories we wish we’d heard earlier. If you’ve ever felt alone in the journey or wondered if you’re doing enough, this is for you.Follow along, share it with a friend, or reach out if you have a story to tell. We’re just getting started, and I’m so glad you’re here.Want to be a guest?Email: [email protected]: https://mindfulmother.biz/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmother_sleep/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmother1Book free consultation: https://calendar.app.google/RJFRz5EWiYE5xtfa8Tumago Blankets:https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.