Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of two
• The emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhood
• How military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisions
• Honest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceive
• Navigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downs
• The power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support system
• Unique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancy
• A call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard parts
• Military life adds unique layers to family planning decisions
• Support, communication, and self-advocacy are essential
• Listening and showing up for the women in our lives matters

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.org
• Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey

🎧 Thank you for tuning in!

This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.