In this powerful episode of The Doula and The Doc, we’re joined by psychologist Cath Corcoran to explore the messy, beautiful, and often overlooked realities of pregnancy and postpartum. From the emotional toll of assisted reproduction to the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent, we go beyond the glossy Instagram moments and get real about what this journey actually looks like.

We talk about the mental load—not just of new motherhood, but of the entire fertility-to-parenthood journey. For those navigating IVF or assisted reproduction, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster, relationship strain, and why it’s so important that both partners are supported and in good health, mentally and physically.

Topics include:

🧠 Postpartum mental health and unrealistic expectations

💬 Navigating identity changes and the pressure to “bounce back”

🧍🏽‍♀️ Doula strategies for preparing for the postpartum, not just the birth

💔 Raw listener stories that break the silence around postpartum recovery

Whether you’re on the path to parenthood, in the thick of it, or supporting someone who is—this episode is a reminder that it’s not just about the baby. It’s about you, too.

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