Resources for New Mamas: Podcasts

“There is divine beauty in learning.... To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps.” - Elie Wiesel

Anyone else temporarily lose their ability to read while pregnant and/or postpartum? We know there are some significant brain changes that start in pregnancy and continue up to two years postpartum. These changes are shown to enhance the parts of our brains that will help us attune to our children (evolution, she is a beauty!), and perhaps the reading parts are not part of that system (that part is not tied to the solid studies linked, just my theory).

Lucky for us, podcasts are more popular than ever, and are an excellent way to gain knowledge in a more conversational way...well, more like an eavesdropping on an informative, interesting conversation way, but you catch my drift.

Below are some excellent options, for your new mama listening pleasure:

Mom and Mind is Maternal Mental Health-focused podcast hosted by Dr. Katayuni "Kat" Kaeni. Having listened to several episodes and shared in many maternal mental health cyber spaces with Kat, I want to say this: Kat is not f&%king around when it comes to MMH. She takes it seriously, and has dedicated so much time to getting great information out there. This is the end of my editorial for this hole post (thanks for humoring me). 

The actual description of Mom and Mind says this: 
"This podcast focuses on the Maternal Mental Health struggles related to becoming pregnant, being pregnant, birth and early parenthood. We talk about all of the stuff that you wish someone would have told you BEFORE you tried to be pregnant or have a baby. Postpartum depression is only part of the story. The goal of this podcast to put all of this info out in the open. There’s no need to hide these very human experiences…so many people deal with these struggles. So, the podcast provides real life stories of moms, dads and family AND we will talk with experts, leaders and advocates in the field of maternal mental health and maternal health. You deserve to be informed!!!!"

Honest Mamas - "supporting women emotionally & spiritually on the motherhood journey. Three psychotherapists, moms, and friends share stories & interviews about pregnancy, fertility, parenting, motherhood and much more"  - is another great option, with dialogue about everything from birth planning to anger to coparenting and beyond.
 
For those experiencing high risk pregnancy and/or postpartum life, there is Delivering Miracles, which  is "a podcast on the real, raw side of family-building including infertility, loss, high-risk pregnancy, bed rest, prematurity and healing after baby comes home.

For all things birthing  related, there's Motherbirth, which seeks to provide "vivid, inspiring birth stories . . . meaningful advice from guest experts . . [and] honest exploration of what it means to become a mother.

Last, but certainly not least, is The Longest Shortest Time, which features "stories about the surprises and absurdities of raising other humans—and being raised by them. The Longest Shortest Time is a bold, daring podcast about parenthood in all of its forms." I can't recommend this podcast without noting the episode I think all new parents or parents-to-be must hear: The Weird History of Judgy Parenting. You're welcome. 

So there's a start! Hopefully at least one of these speaks to YOU!

​Yours in wellness, self-care and compassion,
​
Shana

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Think I may be the right fit for you or a loved one? Feel free to email me at contact@shanaaverbach.com or call 415-963-3546 for a free 20-minute consultation call.