In this episode of the Momma's Lounge podcast, host Camille welcomes her good friend Jolene to discuss the complexities of postpartum life, particularly when returning to work. Jolene, a mother of two, shares her experiences with severe preeclampsia, a challenging birth, and the subsequent emotional and physical struggles following the birth of her sons, Kiko and Lepa. She dives into her transition back to work, balancing motherhood with her professional responsibilities, and managing postpartum mental health issues like anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Throughout the conversation, both Camille and Jolene highlight the importance of asking for help, setting realistic expectations, and leaning on faith and community support. The episode concludes with Jolene offering advice for other moms facing similar challenges, emphasizing the value of self-care and seeking external support through therapy and open communication.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 Meet Jolene and Her Family

02:19 Jolene's Birth Stories

09:55 Postpartum Trauma and Anxiety

16:38 Working Postpartum: Jolene's Experience

23:39 Navigating Childcare Challenges

24:37 Emotional Struggles of Motherhood

27:19 Sleep Training and Night Weaning

29:34 Balancing Work and Motherhood

36:43 Legal Rights for Working Moms

39:52 Faith and Postpartum Struggles

45:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Momma's Lounge podcast, Camille and Brooklynn share the raw and real aspects of postpartum life, including traumatic birth experiences, coping with unexpected emotions like anger and frustration, and managing sleep deprivation. The discussion covers the importance of a support system, balancing work and motherhood, and finding mindfulness in daily life. Brooklynn also opens up about the overwhelming love she has for her baby, and how it grew over time. The episode concludes with reflections on the joys of seeing their partners as loving fathers and newfound appreciation for their own mothers.

In this heartfelt and spontaneous episode of The Momma's Lounge, I delve into the stigma surrounding the struggles of motherhood and the misconception that it equates to not loving one's baby. I highlight the importance of breaking the silence and sharing postpartum experiences to help erase this harmful notion. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Dr. Molly Millwood's book 'To Have and To Hold', the episode underscores that mental health challenges do not reflect a mother's love for her child. I aim to create a supportive village for mothers, advocating for openness and mutual support to combat feelings of isolation and shame.

In this episode of The Momma's Lounge podcast, I, your host Camille Perkins, am joined my friend Alli to discuss the challenges and joys of postpartum life. Alli shares her struggles with breastfeeding, the decision to exclusively pump, and how she managed her son’s sleep habits. We expound on night weaning, and I mention milk supply during periods. We also highlight the importance of faith, support, and self-care during the postpartum period.

Welcome to the Mommas Lounge: Starting the Postpartum Conversation.

In the inaugural episode of the Mommas Lounge, Camille Perkins introduces the podcast, sharing her motivations and vision for creating a relaxed and comforting space for moms to talk about their postpartum experiences. Camille emphasizes authenticity, the importance of community, and the role of faith in overcoming postpartum challenges. She reflects on her journey, reads meaningful scriptures, and outlines future topics. This episode sets the tone for a supportive, non-judgmental environment focused on validation, sharing different perspectives, and finding strength in Jesus Christ and each other.

Ever feel like postpartum is a wild, beautiful, and utterly confusing rollercoaster? You're not alone. Welcome to The Momma's Lounge podcast!