Episode Overview

In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Sarah Belefontaine of Four Wings Psychology talks about the path of parenthood. She shares how each transition into parenthood—whether it’s welcoming your first baby or your fourth—brings its own identity shift, emotional landscape, and learning curve. Dr. Sarah reflects on the complexity of these seasons and how becoming a mother transformed both her life and her work.

Navigating the Shifts of Parenthood

Kianna and Dr. Sarah dive into the emotional, physical, and psychological toll parents experience as they enter each new chapter. They explore how no two postpartum experiences look the same, and why giving yourself permission to adapt matters. From preparing for parenthood before your baby arrives to finding support long after, Dr. Sarah outlines realistic tools and compassionate approaches that can help parents feel grounded during massive change.

Finding Your People (And Knowing You Can Change Them)

The conversation touches on the world of mommy groups, how helpful they can be, how overwhelming they sometimes feel, and why it’s completely okay to “trial” different communities. Dr. Sarah reminds listeners that the right support group can shift depending on the season you’re in, and leaving one that doesn’t serve you is an act of self-care, not failure.

Sleep Deprivation, Baby Blues & Postpartum Mental Health

With honesty and clarity, Dr. Sarah discusses the realities of sleep deprivation and how it intensifies feelings of anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, and irritability. She breaks down the difference between baby blues—a common, temporary postpartum phase—and conditions like postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression (PPD), which require deeper support. She also brings to light topics that are rarely talked about openly, including postpartum rage, emphasizing that these experiences are more common than people admit.

Breathing Room, Boundaries & “Mom Time-Outs”

This segment explores the importance of small, intentional moments of care. Dr. Sarah shares strategies like taking “mommy time-outs,” carving out small pockets of stillness, and noticing your emotional capacity before reaching burnout. She offers practical emotional regulation techniques any parent can use in the moment—whether you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply running on empty.

Building the Support System You Actually Need

Kianna and Dr. Sarah highlight how support systems look different for every family, and why comparison only adds pressure. Whether your village is a partner, a friend, an online community, or a paid professional, what matters is that it works for you. They also explore accessible, low- or no-cost resources available in most communities—from recreation centers to public libraries to free virtual tools—that can offer connection, education, and relief.

Follow Dr. Sarah online at @fourwingspsychology and @drsarahbellefonatine

Links:

www.fourwingspsychology.ca

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