Becoming a Mother

Katie Reed - Mom of 2 boys, ages 2 and 4 months shares her journey to motherhood while navigating the grief of loser her grandmother/best friend suddenly from cancer not long after giving birth. Katie had gestational diabetes for both of her pregnancies and navigated colic, silent reflux and a tongue tie with her first son. She shares the differences from going from 0-1 and then 1-2 kids and how she manages being a breastfeeding working mom of 2. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamootherpodcast Katie Reed: @katiereed15

Jillian Williams-Coffee: Mother, Cancer Survivor, Paralympian USA Sitting Volleyball Tokyo 20' Gold Medalist shares her inspiring journey to motherhood. After her unexpected diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma at 19 and amputation of her left leg Jillian recounts the following challenges she faced regarding fertility, undergoing chemotherapy, and being diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. ​ Despite being told she might never have children naturally, Jillian is now a proud mother to her 16-month-old son named Major who was in fact conceived naturally. Jillian opens up about her chemical pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy, including a subchorionic hemorrhage and developing severe preeclampsia, which led to an early induction and C-section. She candidly shares her initial struggles with breastfeeding, the decision not to revise her son's tongue and lip ties, and the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood. Jillian emphasizes the importance of support, patience, and self-care for new moms, offering valuable advice and insights from her own experiences. This episode is a heartfelt and empowering story of resilience, faith, and the joys and challenges of becoming a mother. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Jillian Williams-Coffee @jk_williams_07

Abby Hock - Mom of 2 boys - 2 years old and 2 month shares her experience of being diagnosed with severe diminished ovarian reserve, undergoing multiple rounds of IVF, and the emotional and physical challenges she faced along the way. She talks about her 43-hour induction, complications with epidurals, and eventual C-section for the birth of her first son. ​ Abby provides valuable insights into the IVF process, the mental toll of infertility, and the importance of self-care. Tune in to hear Abby's candid and inspiring story, as well as her advice for other moms navigating similar paths.

Carson Pennypacker - Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Florida, and mom of 3 shares her multifaceted journey into motherhood. Carson became a mom earlier than expected when she started dating her now-husband, who had a four-year-old son. They later expanded their family, having another son and a daughter. Carson discusses the challenges and joys of becoming a mom, the impact of losing her mother, and the complexities of parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also delves into her experiences with postpartum anxiety and depression, the difficulties of breastfeeding, and the importance of setting boundaries and self-care. Carson's story highlights the resilience required in motherhood and the importance of seeking support and understanding during challenging times. Instagram: Brittany: @becomingamotherpodcast Carson: @cpennypackink

Kara Kushnir – Mom to her 3 year old son, Psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health, Postpartum Support International NJ Chapter Chair of the Board and Author of “Mama’s Thoughts” shares her story on today’s episode. She had Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) throughout pregnancy. Her scheduled C-section did not go as planned and led to a traumatic birth which affected her into postpartum. She dealt with PTSD, POCD and PPA. This episode provides informative and expert insight from a mental health professional on how to get help in postpartum when suffering through mental health issues and exactly what women can do to combat them. She also gives insight on how birth trauma survivors can heal. Resources: Book (Mama's Thoughts) - https://a.co/d/c7envmQ Website- www.aworkofheartcounseling.com Postpartum Support International- postpartum.net Instagram: Brittany Olson: @becomingamotherpodcast / b_pepeolson Kara Kushnir: @aworkofheart_Counseling / @karakushnir_therapist / @psinjchapter

Rachele Macera - Mom to 2 and expecting her 3rd this month is a Birth & Postpartum Doula - Founder of Safe Haven Doula and childbirth educator. Rachele's birth experience impacted her so strongly that she decided to get into birth work and to support moms women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and with breastfeeding. She also experienced some unexplained infertility and in her story she explains how she worked through those issues and have 3 children. Go to: https://www.safehavendoula.com/ Free monthly postpartum support group the first Wednesday of every month. Rachele's Virtual childbirth education course out now! https://www.safehavendoula.com/new-page Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Rachele Macera @safehaven.doula

Natalie always wanted to be a mother and decided to start trying after eloping with her husband, David, due to family health issues. She became pregnant quickly, which was a surprise. She experienced severe preeclampsia, leading to an emergency C-section at 35 weeks. Despite the complications, her daughter was born healthy and has been thriving. Natalie shares her breastfeeding journey which involves pumping in order to monitor intake. Natalie has struggled with the physical and emotional demands of motherhood, including postpartum weight loss and balancing time for herself. She also dealt with the anxiety of returning to work and the challenges of maintaining her milk supply. She emphasizes the importance of support from family and friends, the unpredictability of motherhood, and the need to remind oneself of the good times during challenging moments. She also highlights the unspoken bond among mothers and the importance of validating each other's experiences in motherhood. Instagram: Brittany Olson: @Becomingamotherpodcast Natalie Cooper: @nataliecooper