Trigger warning: birth trauma & suicidal thoughts.

Today my friend and fellow therapist, Natalie Siegel discuss the intersection of motherhood and diet culture. We explore the pressures and expectations placed on pregnant women and new mothers, as well as the impact of social media and wellness culture. We highlight the importance of listening to one's intuition and rejecting external narratives that may not align with individual experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for acceptance and self-compassion in navigating the challenges of motherhood. We discuss the overwhelming influence of social media and the internet on new mothers. Natalie shares her experience of feeling vulnerable and constantly searching for answers online, which often led to feelings of inadequacy. We discuss the importance of tuning out the noise and listening to your baby's needs, rather than relying on external advice. The conversation also touches on the shame and judgment surrounding breastfeeding and formula feeding, as well as the pressure to meet societal expectations and milestones. We emphasize the importance of acceptance and trusting your own intuition as a mother.

Takeaways

• Pregnant women and new mothers often face intense pressure to conform to societal expectations and ideals.
• Diet culture infiltrates the experience of motherhood, with messages about the 'right' way to eat, exercise, and care for oneself and the baby.
• The intersection of motherhood and diet culture can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and a constant search for external validation.
• Tuning inward, trusting one's intuition, and accepting the challenges of motherhood can help navigate the noise and find a sense of peace and self-compassion. Social media and the internet can be overwhelming for new mothers, leading to feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy.
• Tuning out the noise and listening to your baby's needs is crucial for finding what works best for you and your family.
• There is shame and judgment surrounding breastfeeding and formula feeding, but it's important to make the choice that feels right for you.
• Acceptance and trusting your own intuition are key to navigating the challenges of motherhood and finding peace amidst societal expectations.

Natalie Siegel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado. She is the voice behind the Instagram account @KneadtoTalk. She is also a new mother and in her clinical work specializes in working with individuals with eating disorders, anxiety and relationship issues.

If you are interested in therapy or learning more about my practice, Therapy for Women Center, visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com. We currently serve 40+ states virtually and have three physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

I would love to connect with you, reach out to me on instagram and TikTok @therapyforwomen. To suggest a topic, buy my books, please visit www.amandaewhite.com.

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