In this honest and refreshing episode, author Jennifer Case opens up about the often-hidden realities of motherhood that many women experience but few discuss openly. If you've ever felt alone in your complicated feelings about pregnancy, birth, or motherhood – this episode is for you.
Key topics:
The profound isolation of early motherhood and why it's more common than you think
"I realize now that my daughter is three how profoundly isolated I felt as I transitioned into motherhood"
How our modern approach to pregnancy and birth differs from historical "social childbirth" practices
Finding community in unexpected places, including online spaces like BabyCenter
The rarely discussed experience of pregnancy ambivalence and unintended pregnancy
"The interesting thing about talking with other mothers in person is everyone seems so afraid of being judged, especially about the parenting choices they make when their children are young."
Navigating prenatal and postpartum depression while battling the stigma around these conditions
The importance of making space for all emotions during pregnancy – not just the "expected" ones
Featured insight: "The truth is half of the pregnancies in the United States are unintended... I think these kind of complicated reactions to pregnancy aren't nearly as uncommon as we initially think they are." – a striking reminder that you're not alone if your path to motherhood wasn't perfectly planned or immediately joyful.
Guest: Jennifer Case, author of We Are Animals: On the Nature and Politics of Motherhood, shares her personal journey through two very different pregnancies, including her experience with an unplanned second pregnancy and the complex emotions that followed.
Whether you're struggling with isolation, experiencing complicated feelings about motherhood, or simply seeking validation that it's okay to not always feel okay – this episode offers a judgment-free space to explore the full spectrum of maternal experiences.
Remember: Your feelings about motherhood, whatever they may be, are valid and shared by many others who may just be too afraid to speak up.
Jennifer Case is the author of We Are Animals: On the Nature and Politics of Motherhood (Trinity University Press, 2024) and Sawbill: A Search for Place (University of New Mexico Press, 2018). Her essays have appeared widely in journals such as The Rumpus, Orion, Ecotone, Literary Mama, and North American Review, among others. She teaches at the University of Central Arkansas and serves as an assistant nonfiction editor at Terrain.org. You can find her at www.jenniferlcase.com.
#MaternalMentalHealth #Motherhood #PregnancyTalk #PostpartumSupport #ParentingJourney
Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedIn
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.
Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology Today
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Dial 988 for mental health crisis support
SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.
The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.
Share this post