Here with You, Mama

Why Your Inner Critic Gets Louder After Baby (And How to Quiet Her)

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Welcome back to Here With You, Mama. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a voice almost every new mom knows all too well, the inner critic. You know the one: the part of you that whispers (or shouts) that you’re not doing enough, being enough, or mothering "right."

If your inner critic has gotten louder since becoming a mom, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In fact, there are powerful psychological, cultural, and biological reasons why this happens in the postpartum period. The good news? There are gentle, evidence-based ways to soften that voice without trying to silence it or shame it away.

In this episode, I walk you through why the inner critic gets louder after baby, how to recognize it as a protective part of you (through the lens of Internal Family Systems therapy), and the exact tools you can begin using today to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
  • Why the inner critic becomes more intense in early motherhood
  • How perfectionism and vulnerability fuel critical self-talk
  • What Internal Family Systems (IFS) teaches us about our inner critic
  • 3 gentle steps to begin transforming your relationship with this part
  • A powerful 30-second practice: The Self-Compassion Pause
  • When to seek professional support for postpartum emotional struggles
  • Why your worth has nothing to do with productivity or perfection
    • 🧠 Key Takeaways:
    • Your inner critic is not your enemy—she’s a scared protector trying to keep you safe
    • You can feel two things at once: deep love for your baby and overwhelm, frustration, or resentment
    • Self-compassion isn’t selfish—it’s essential in navigating motherhood with resilience and grace
    • Awareness creates space: Simply noticing critical thoughts begins the process of healing
    • Good-enough motherhood is more than enough

      • 🛠️ Resources & Mentions:
      • Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Quiz
      • Postpartum Support International – for perinatal mental health support
      • Dina’s Here With You, Mama Coaching Program – Learn more here
        • ✨ Episode Quote:

        “What if you could meet yourself with the same tenderness you’re working so hard to show your little one?”

        📲 Connect & Share:

        If this episode spoke to you, I’d be honored if you’d share it with another mama who needs to hear it. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or DM me @herewithyoumama on Instagram to let me know what landed most.

        Until next time, mama, please be gentle with yourself. You’re doing incredible work, and I’m right here with you. 

        Warmly,

        Dina

         

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        Here with You, MamaBy Dina Tamres