More Than Mom With Dr. Nichelle Haynes

Have you ever felt like you finally caught a glimpse of yourself again — only for life to pull you right back into old patterns? In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom of two, helps you move from awareness to action by learning how to live in alignment with your values, needs, and true identity.

You’ll explore what it really means to integrate the inner work of self-discovery into daily life — from aligning your calendar with your priorities to creating systems that support the woman you’re becoming. Nichelle shares how small, intentional shifts can reduce resentment, prevent burnout, and help you feel more grounded, authentic, and at peace in motherhood.

💬 You’ll Learn:

• What “integration” and “alignment” actually mean for moms
• How to recognize when your inner and outer worlds are out of sync
• Practical ways to bring your values and needs into your daily life
• Why living in alignment is the antidote to resentment and overwhelm

If you’re ready to stop talking about who you want to become and start living like her — this episode will show you how.

✨ Keywords: motherhood identity, postpartum mental health, rediscovering yourself, mom burnout, motherhood overwhelm, finding yourself after kids, intentional living, self-compassion, alignment, personal growth for moms

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Moms are experts at meeting everyone else’s needs—but when was the last time you did something just for you? In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, board-certified perinatal psychiatrist and mom, dives into why carving out time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

You’ll learn:

• Why guilt and cultural expectations keep moms from prioritizing themselves.
• How doing things for your own joy protects against caregiver burnout and resentment.
• Small, realistic ways to reclaim time for yourself (without money, guilt, or elaborate planning).
• How modeling self-care teaches your kids to value their own needs.

Whether it’s choosing the music in the car, signing up for a pottery class, or finally giving yourself permission to read that novel, this episode helps you break free from guilt and reconnect with the parts of you that matter most.

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Feeling lost in motherhood? This episode helps you find yourself again. Dr. Nichelle Haynes—perinatal psychiatrist, mom, and host of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes—guides you from “I value” and “I need” to “I am,” so you can rebuild a confident identity in and beyond motherhood.

You’ll learn:

• How to connect your core values and real needs to clear “I am” statements
• Why identity often blurs after baby (matrescence) and how to reclaim it with intention
• Simple, realistic practices to feel like yourself again—even with limited time
• Ways to resist perfectionism, mom guilt, and outside expectations
• A journaling prompt to craft your personal “I am” anchor

This is for any mom navigating postpartum identity, burnout, or the mental load and craving self-discovery, clarity, and confidence. If you’re asking, “Who am I now?”—start here.

Keywords: motherhood identity, finding yourself after baby, postpartum identity crisis, matrescence, mom burnout, mom mental health, self-discovery for moms, values and needs, mindfulness, self-compassion.

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Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I should be doing more. I’m not enough. I’m screwing this up”? If so, you’re not alone — and today’s episode is for you.

In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, dives into the life-changing practice of self-compassion. You’ll learn:

• What self-compassion really is.
• Why being kinder to yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential for your mental health and resilience.
• How self-compassion helps reduce mom guilt, perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout.
• Simple, practical ways to start treating yourself with the same kindness you show your children.

If you’ve been stuck in cycles of self-criticism, or constantly feel like you’re not enough, this episode will help you understand how self-compassion can be the bridge between knowing your needs and actually honoring them — without shame or guilt.

Kristin Neff's book on Self Compassion: https://amzn.to/47jxrqL (affiliate link)

Follow me on IG/Threads: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nichellehaynes

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Do you ever feel like everyone else’s needs come first and yours barely make the list? You’re not alone. In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, breaks down why meeting your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Together, we’ll explore:

• The difference between wants and needs (and why it matters for your wellbeing)
• The hidden cultural messages that tell moms their needs don’t count
• How unmet needs show up as exhaustion, irritability, or resentment
• Simple steps to identify and voice what you actually need—without guilt

You’ll also get a reflective journaling prompt to help you practice saying “I need” and begin cracking the foundation of mom guilt.

If you’ve been stretched thin, running on empty, or secretly wondering when your turn comes—this episode is for you.

✨ Share this episode with another mom who needs the reminder: your needs matter too.

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Motherhood changes everything — but have you stopped to think about whether the way you’re living truly reflects what matters most to you? In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, guides you through the essential (and often overlooked) work of defining your core values.

You’ll learn:

• What values really are (and how they differ from things you like or goals you have)
• Why many moms feel disconnected, resentful, or restless when they’re living out of alignment
• How to identify your top 3–5 values and use them to make confident, guilt-free decisions
• Simple ways to bring your values into your daily life — without adding more to your already full plate

This conversation is about more than self-discovery — it’s about reclaiming your identity, creating clarity in your decisions, and finding more joy and fulfillment in motherhood. Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of parenting, or simply craving more intentional living, this episode will help you take the first step toward a life that feels like yours.

Grab your journal and join me — you’ll leave with a clearer picture of who you are, what matters most, and how to start living in alignment today.

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In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, gently guides you through what it means to rediscover your passions, reconnect with joy, and begin feeling like you again.

We’ll explore:

• Why joy isn’t optional — it’s essential for your mental health (and your kids’ well-being too)
• What "glimmers" are — and how they help you reconnect with what makes you feel alive
• How to start start the work of finding yourself again, even when time is short and energy is low
• 3 powerful journaling prompts to spark self-discovery
• Why this work protects you against burnout and the invisible load of motherhood

Whether you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or just unsure where to begin, this episode is your invitation to come back home to yourself — one small moment at a time.

✨ It’s time to find what lights you up — and follow it.

Be sure to DM Dr. Haynes on IG so she can cater episodes to YOU! https://www.instagram.com/dr.nichellehaynes

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If you’ve felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you don’t even know what you’re feeling anymore — you’re not alone. In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a perinatal psychiatrist and mom, introduces one of the most powerful tools to help you feel like yourself again: mindfulness.

You’ll learn:

• What mindfulness actually is (and what it’s not)
• Why it’s the first essential step to reconnecting with your identity after motherhood
• Simple, doable practices you can start today — even if you're in survival mode
• How mindfulness helps reduce mom guilt, improve emotional regulation, and shift burnout patterns
• A gentle mindset shift to help you stop judging your thoughts and start listening to them

Whether you’re deep in postpartum, juggling toddlers, or just feeling disconnected, this episode will show you how paying attention — without judgment — is the first step back to you.

💡 Journaling prompt included.
 🎧 Listen now if you’re ready to start hearing your own voice again.

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Self-care might sound like a luxury—but for moms, it’s a lifeline. In this powerful episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Nichelle Haynes explores why true self-care is not indulgent, optional, or selfish—it’s essential. And more than that, it’s foundational to your mental health, your child’s development, and the overall health of your family.

Nichelle debunks common myths about self-care in motherhood, highlights the research linking maternal well-being to positive childhood outcomes, and shares practical ways to make self-care realistic—even in the chaos of daily life. Drawing from Dr. Pooja Lakshmin’s Real Self-Care (affiliate link), she reframes self-care as a form of radical self-respect and necessary nourishment.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why maternal mental health matters for childhood development and emotional regulation
• The difference between escapism (like wine time or scrolling) and real self-care
• How your children learn to care for themselves by watching how you care for yourself
• Why rest, boundaries, and saying “no” are powerful tools for healing and growth
• How to integrate micro-moments of self-compassion into your day (even if you’re overwhelmed)
• A journal prompt to help you begin showing up for yourself with intention

If you've ever wondered how to take care of yourself as a mom—or felt guilty trying—this conversation is a compassionate invitation to start small, be messy, and come back home to yourself.

Keywords:
self-care for moms, maternal mental health, postpartum self-care, burnout in motherhood, how to take care of yourself as a mom, motherhood identity, mom guilt, emotional regulation, boundaries for moms, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, real self-care, postpartum depression support, mental load, parenting and self-care, mom podcast

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Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mother, delves into the critical role of community and vulnerability in the journey toward finding yourself as a mom. Discover how building intentional relationships and embracing openness can actually improve your mental health.

Key Topics Covered:

• The science behind social support as a mental health intervention for mothers
• The impact of strong female friendships on longevity and emotional well-being
• Practical steps to audit and cultivate your support network with intention
• The transformative power of vulnerability in forging authentic connections

Research indicates that perceived social support significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression, even more so than actual support received. Moreover, women with strong social ties have been shown to enjoy better mental health and increased longevity. 

Join Dr. Haynes as she offers insights and practical advice to help you build a village that not only supports your motherhood journey but also nurtures your personal growth.

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