On this episode the ‘Geriatric’ Mamas explore three postpartum challenges that many new mamas face while taking care of their newborns, with insights and encouraging thoughts from moms who have felt the same! Sonia and Jessica also confront the major parenting elephant in the room, they’ve really been dragging their feet on this one; but they’re finally diving in to the new warning label that’s been placed on parenting. Crediting Dr. Becky, AKA ‘The Millennial Parenting Whisperer’, for reaching out to the man himself to put forth some solutions and actionable strategies to help parents survive… well… parenting; IYKYK. They also share one of Dr. Becky’s very insightful instagram reels to help you help your toddler through some big big feelings without the cortisol spike. Enjoy!

Topics discussed in this episode:

(3:44) Lala Kent Had Her Second Baby & Is Now Posting Her Postpartum Body On Instagram

(5:51) Jessica’s Exciting Announcement & Postpartum Bra Shopping

(6:27) The Unofficial Cliff Notes For This Episode

(9:00) Welcome To This Episode On Postpartum Life

(21:03) The Parenting Warning Label & What The Millennial Parenting Whisperer has to Say On the Matter

Mentioned in this episode:

The Sparkly New Warning Label On… Parenting?!…

There’s no doubt that parenting is extremely different than it was when our parents and grandparents were raising small children. In fact, last month, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a warning about the mental health and well-being of parents. (LOL)

In his widely shared report, he notes that parents feel higher levels of stress than other adults over issues such as economic anxiety, worries about their children’s well-being and social media. To which parents around the country collectively replied, “yes, obviously.”

One mental health professional not only raising awareness of this issue but trying to help parents through their tougher daily struggles is Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, more commonly known as "Dr. Becky." The clinical psychologist rose to Instagram fame during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Called the "millennial parenting whisperer."

Amy Shoenthal, from Forbes Magazine recently interviewed Dr. Becky and here’s what she had to say on the surgeon general’s warning:

Shoenthal asks: The Surgeon General came out with a warning that parenting is bad for our health. What are your thoughts on that?

Dr. Becky replied: On one hand, I’m so glad this is getting national attention. Parenting is hard. It affects our mental health. On the other hand, some of us have been screaming this from the rooftops for years so it’s not exactly news.

Parenting is the most important job in the world while being the most under supported, under-resourced, untrained job in the world. Of course parents are going to struggle.

As humans, we really like to understand things. While it's gratifying to understand things that previously confused us, that's not enough. Insight is a component of change, but insight does not bring change.

People need to know what to do. That’s why I offer the words to take an insight and turn it into an action. I hold myself responsible for never leaving someone with the question, ‘That’s so insightful, but what do I do?’ I always struggled with that in my Phd program. I remember going to talks with these brilliant thinkers on clinical psychology, and my colleagues would say it was so amazing. Maybe they made the connection better than I did, but I always needed the translation into concrete, actionable guidance.

So while I’m glad this is getting attention, I hope it's followed up with real action. There are so many things on the governmental level that can make parenting easier. I’m in touch with the Surgeon General's office to put forth some ideas about how we can take this from idea to concrete, actionable strategy.

Mom Reels For The Group Chat…

🤡 Mimi Gonzalez Shares Her Real Life Toddler Parenting Footage.

☁️ Meghan Purple Educates The Masses On The Science Of ‘Mom Brain’.

🤰 Still Wearing the Same Bra And Pair Of Leggings Since Before the Pandemic… But Now You’re ‘Geriatrically’ Pregnant?!

🤔 A Little Self Reflection For ‘Geriatric’ Preschool Drop Off Time!

⏰ Tell Us It Wasn’t A Mom Who Made School Schedules Without Telling Us!

Reminder… Listeners can receive 20% off services at Ageless Medical Aesthetics in Westbrook, ME with Code: MAMAS2024 when you follow them on instagram!

Also… Receive a Free First Swim Class at Goldfish Swim in Portland, Maine with same code: MAMAS2024; you’ll need to call them to schedule your little one’s first class.

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Have your journey to motherhood featured on the Geriatric Mamas podcast!

So many women have kept their fertility struggles a secret, and endured their pain alone. It doesn’t need to feel so isolating.

If you or someone you know is 35+ and struggled with fertility, experienced heartbreaking fostering or adoption challenges, endured a miscarriage, or were perhaps flat out told by a doctor that you will never conceive naturally, and eventually found your happy ending by becoming a mama, your story could be what keeps another woman going on her journey to her miracle baby!

Send us your story and it could be featured on the next HOPEisode! 

xx, Sonia and Jessica

Disclaimer:

Please consult your physician for personalized medical and health advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition, your pregnancy, birth plan and post-partum treatments.

Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have heard on the Geriatric Mamas podcast or website.