Friendships after motherhood can feel complicated. Before kids, hanging out with friends might have been as easy as grabbing brunch or planning a last-minute outing. But now? Time, energy, and support look very different.

In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships. Together, they break down why building and maintaining friendships as a mom feels harder—and how to approach it with more grace and intention.

Listen to the full episode.

You’ll hear about:

The three biggest reasons friendships fade after kids: lack of time, lack of practice, and lack of support

Why connection (even small, everyday moments) matters just as much as long-standing friendships

How to reframe expectations around old friendships that have shifted

Practical steps to nurture the friendships you want, from “autopilot” routines to finding weak ties that still bring value

The importance of reciprocity and how to express your needs without guilt

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