Unmasking Therapy (formerly Parenting in Hard Mode)

In this very special episode of the Pandemic Mama podcast, Irina asked some of the past guests to share what they have been up to since their episodes aired and reflect on the last year of parenting as we recognize and mourn a full year of living in the COVID-19 pandemic. But not all the stories are sad! There are stories full of grief, longing, some happiness, renewed hope, and even a silver lining or two.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Nancy Sanchez. She is a stay-at-home mom of five girls. They talked about her induction on the day after the pandemic was announced last year, how up and down the fourth trimester was, and how it’s been difficult to enjoy this past year.  Plus, why homeschooling was the right choice for her and her girls this year.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Jenn Chowdhury. She is a journalist, writer, and new mom They discussed the crazy story of how she moved in with her boyfriend, celebrated her birthday, went into lockdown, and found out about her unexpected pregnancy — all within a few weeks! Plus, the difficulty of balancing being a working mom with spending time with your baby and your own self-care needs.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

The Pandemic Mama herself Irina Gonzalez joins for a very special bonus episode to make some quick announcements about the future of the podcast, a change in episode timing, and a VERY special new segment! You won't want to miss this.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Shamiko Reid. She is a first-time mom, blogger, and podcaster. They discussed her history of depression and why it was difficult to feel happy about her pregnancy at first, missing out on a baby shower and seeing family, and how much therapy has helped her during this difficult time. Plus, the coping skills she has learned to deal with her perinatal depression.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Blaire Briody, a freelance writer, author, and soon-to-be new mom. They discussed her multiple miscarriages, getting a hypothyroidism diagnosis, and why she thinks everyone should get preconception counseling. Plus, how her pandemic worries have taken over all other pregnancy anxieties.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Nathalie Walton, a new mom and the CEO of Expectful, the leading meditation app for hopeful, expecting, and new parents. They discussed the struggle to get into a routine with a new baby, how common breastfeeding challenges are in the first week of a baby’s life, and how Nathalie found better rest and more sleep through meditating. Plus, how she developed a warrior mentality when she became a mom!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Emily Goodstein, a new mom and the owner of the digital marketing agency Greater Good Strategy. They discussed how having a baby in a pandemic forced her to slow down, her postpartum preeclampsia, and what it is like to live in a larger body and, more importantly, advocate for yourself when society and the medical establishment tells you that your body is wrong. Plus, her very committed breastfeeding story.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Amanda McCracken, a freelance writer and new mom. They discussed her induction at 39 weeks, how new parents can feel anxiety over simple things like leaving the house or the baby’s breathing, and trying to be as present as possible in this moment. Plus, how "anything can be a first worth celebrating".

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to [email protected].

Irina talks with Maria Piedrabuena, a full-time mom, journalist, and the editor and publisher at Tu Prensa Local (a Spanish-language publication in Long Island). They discuss feeling like they are failing all the time, how setting a routine for her family is helping her survive the pandemic, and why all moms need to find their thing. Plus, a fun self-care tip!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to [email protected].