This Wasn't in the Manual

In this episode, we dive into the power of mindset in motherhood—what it really means, why it matters, and how it can shape your experience as a mom. From sleepless nights to moments of self-doubt, your mindset becomes the internal lens through which you interpret everything. While circumstances around us—our kids' behavior, our partner’s support (or lack of it), the mess, the exhaustion—are often out of our control, how we respond to them is not.

We explore how your past experiences shape your automatic interpretations and why it's so easy to fall into the “Why me?” spiral. But even when it feels impossible to shift your mindset, there’s power in pausing and asking, “What is this here to teach me?”

In this episodes we discuss:

• Ways that shifting your mindset can help you
• How Circumstances are often out of our control, but our mindset is not.
• How shifting your mindset doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means choosing how you make meaning from it.
• How your mindset can be your greatest support as a mother—not another thing to perfect, but something to nurture.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

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In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools we have as mothers: our intuition. We explore what intuition really is, why it's sometimes hard to trust, and why following it can make all the difference—especially when it comes to protecting, supporting, and advocating for our children.

We share personal stories about moments when intuition stepped in, particularly in situations involving doctors, teachers, and systems that don’t always get it right. We also talk about the tension between self-doubt and that gut feeling, and how societal conditioning can make us second-guess ourselves.

Topics discussed:

• What is intuition and how does it show up in Motherhood?
• Why it's so hard to trust ourselves sometimes
• Real-life examples of when listening to our gut mattered
• How to strengthen your connection with your intuition
• Ways to reframe doubt as a signal, not a stop sign
• Practices to help you tune in (instead of tuning out)

Your intuition isn’t something you have to earn—it’s already there. The more you listen to it, the louder and clearer it becomes. Especially as a mom, when you're the one who knows your child best, your inner knowing can be the strongest guide you have.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

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In this powerful and personal episode, we’re diving deep into the often uncomfortable—but completely necessary—conversation around boundaries in motherhood. As Latina moms ourselves, we know how complicated it can feel to start setting boundaries, especially with our own mothers who raised us with very different expectations.

We explore how boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges to healthier relationships, more energy, and a stronger sense of self. Whether it's saying no to your mom’s unsolicited advice, carving out time for yourself, or establishing clear lines with your partner, friends, or workplace, this episode is all about giving you the tools (and permission!) to do so.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to set boundaries with your mom
• Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and sanity as a mother
• How setting boundaries teaches your children self-respect and emotional intelligence
• The importance of respecting yourself
• Navigating boundaries with your partner, friends and how to advocate for yourself at work
• Simple, practical ways to start setting boundaries today - even if it feels awkward

Setting boundaries isn't selfish – it's self-respect. When you honor your own needs, you're not only modeling emotional strength for your kids, you're creating space for more authentic relationships across every part of your life.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

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In this episode, Juliana & Nathaly sit down to unpack the pressure-packed question: Is it really possible to do everything as a mom?

From juggling careers, relationships, parenting, self-care, social lives, and mental health - modern motherhood comes with a silent expetation to do it all, and to do it perfectly. But at what cost?

We get real about:

• The societal myths if the "supermom" and how they show up in daily life
• The guilt and burnout that can come with trying to meet unrealistic standards
• The power of redefining what "doing it all" means for each of us

If you've ever asked yourself, "how is everyone else managing this?" - this episode is for you. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

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In this powerful episode, Juliana and Nathaly dive deep into the all-too-familiar role many mothers unconsciously fall into: the motherhood martyr. From skipping meals to sacrificing sleep, hobbies, and identity—many moms are taught that good motherhood means self-erasure. But what if that’s a lie?

In this episode we discuss:

• How the pressure to "do it all" begins the moment we're pregnant - and how we're fed a long list of "shoulds" we may not even want
• The cultural conditioning that glorifies martyrdom in motherhood
• The hidden costs of repression - how denying your own needs can lead to chronic anger, burnout and even illness or autoimmune disease
• Why self-sacrifice isn't sustainable, or noble - it's a cycle that depletes everyone
• How to start rewriting the story: honoring your needs doesn't mean you love your child any less

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about permission—to rest, to ask for help, to take up space, and to mother from a place of wholeness.

Whether you're deep in the baby trenches or juggling school drop-offs and career demands, this episode is a loving call to stop setting yourself on fire to keep everyone else warm.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

In this powerful and vulnerable episode, we dive deep into the unconscious patterns we carry from our own childhoods—and how they sneak into our parenting, whether we realize it or not. From generational beliefs to emotional triggers, we unpack how childhood conditioning shapes the way we show up as moms. Most importantly, we explore how awareness, healing, and conscious choices can help break the cycle and create a new, healthier path for our children.

In this episode we talk about:

• What "childhood conditioning" really means and how it forms
• Personal stories of when our childhood programming surfaces in motherhood
• The difference between reacting and responding to our children
• Why certain moments with our kids trigger big emotions in us
• How reparenting ourselves impacts the way we parent
• Giving ourselves (and our parents) grace through the healing journey

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

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Motherhood doesn’t just change your schedule — it changes you. In this deeply honest episode, Juli & Nat unpack the often-unspoken grief that comes with becoming a mother: the grief of losing who you once were.

We explore how shedding your old identity, though painful, is also a profound invitation to grow — into a stronger, wiser, more aligned version of yourself.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Grieving the old you and why that’s not something to fear, but to honor
• How identity shifts in motherhood can open doors to new opportunities and self-discovery
• The bittersweet process of losing old friendships and filtering out what no longer serves your evolving self
• Grieving the passing baby phase — how fast time moves and what it stirs in us
• How motherhood can reshape your relationship with your partner, and what that transition can feel like

This episode is for the mama who looks in the mirror and sees someone different — and isn’t quite sure how to feel about it. It's for the woman sitting in the in-between — missing who she was, but not yet fully grounded in who she's becoming.

Let’s grieve together, grow together, and celebrate the beauty of becoming.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

In this episode, Nathaly & Juliana, discuss what we like to describe as "The Cocoon Stage" the messy, quiet, often lonely part. The part where everything feels like it’s shifting—your identity, your priorities, your relationships, even your body and mind. It’s the stage where you’re wrapped up in routines, doubts, sleepless nights, and the invisible labor no one applauds.

But it’s also where the transformation happens. Growth, healing, shedding old skin. It’s uncomfortable because you’re becoming. And no butterfly skips the cocoon.

So if you’re in the thick of it—wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—remember: You’re not stuck. You’re transforming.

This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of your wings.

Grab a cup of coffee, glass of wine or any beverage of your choice and join us for some truth, laughter, and solidarity.

Lets keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate and leave a review!

In this episode, Juliana and Nathaly dive deep into the contrast between what we thought motherhood would be—and what it actually is. From dreamy Pinterest nursery boards and peaceful baby cuddles to the sleepless nights, emotional rollercoasters, and unexpected identity shifts, they share personal stories and honest reflections on how motherhood has challenged, humbled, and transformed them.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby, in the thick of toddler chaos, or just looking for a little validation, this is the raw and relatable conversation you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Our pre-baby visions of motherhood
• Not being "kid" people and then becoming mothers
• Guilt and what no one tells you
• How motherhood reshapes your identity
• Learning to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace the messy beauty of real-life parenting

Grab a cup of coffee, glass of wine or any beverage of your choice and join us for some truth, laughter, and solidarity.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!