In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Dr. Sandra Fernandes, a mother, wife, physician, and certified life coach, to unpack the realities of modern motherhood: the pressure to “do it right,” emotional overload, breastfeeding expectations, and the deep need for self-care and mental rest. Together, they share personal stories, professional insights, and practical takeaways on:Relearning emotional regulation in motherhoodWhy stress and overwhelm have become “normalized”How expectations shape our guilt and identity as momsBeing present without burning yourself outProtecting maternal mental health while raising humansThis conversation is a reminder that every child — and every mother — is different… and you are not failing just because it feels hard.
⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Stories04:12 The Journey to Motherhood12:07 Relearning Coping Mechanisms20:53 Embracing the Unexpected in Parenting23:38 Navigating Breastfeeding Expectations27:22 The Pressure of Motherhood31:30 Mental Health and Maternal Well-being35:23 Finding Balance in Parenting38:00 The Importance of Presence47:57 Redefining Normal in Motherhood
👩‍💻 ABOUT THE GUEST — Dr. Sandra FernandesEmail: [email protected]/Threads/TikTok: @SandraFernandesMDWebsite: http://www.sandrafernandes.com/Dr. Sandra is a mother, wife, certified life coach, and family medicine physician. After witnessing how often women’s overwhelm and stress are dismissed as "normal," she launched a coaching practice helping women break free from chronic overwhelm and reclaim what she calls “time wealth,” the ability to spend their time and energy on what matters most.🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria MorenoCertified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.Work With Me + Resources: https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/freeconsultationhttps://www.mindfulmother.biz/Sleep plans • eBooks • CoachingIG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcastFacebook: Mindful Mother • TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleepYouTube: If I Knew Then PodcastProducts & Partnerships:Blankets — Tumago ▶ https://www.etsy.com/shop/TumagoPacifier — Soothe Beginnings: https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHESavings — Sofi: https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=falseBudgeting- Monarch: https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · GoodpodsIf this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a mom who needs to hear this.⚠ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/if-i-knew-then-mom-edition--6692545/support.