Becoming a Mother

Dayna Ferrer - Mom to 2 toddlers, shares her journey to motherhood, including her struggles with infertility, IVF, pregnancy, birth experiences, and postpartum challenges. Dayna discusses her deep desire to become a mom, her emotional roller coaster during infertility treatments, and the eventual success of IVF.. She also recounts her surprise second pregnancy, which occurred naturally after IVF, and her contrasting birth experiences—a traumatic emergency C-section for her first child and a redemptive “gentle” cesarean for her second. Dayna opens up about postpartum challenges, including breastfeeding struggles, colic, and dairy allergies in both her children. She reflects on the emotional toll of weaning and the importance of adapting plans for the well-being of her family. She also shares insights into the challenges of being a working mom, balancing two young children, and navigating the changes in her identity and priorities after becoming a mother. Throughout the episode, Dayna emphasizes the transformative nature of motherhood, the importance of advocating for oneself, and the need to embrace flexibility. She offers advice to other moms, encouraging them to prepare for unexpected changes, prioritize family time and recognize the rewarding aspects of motherhood, despite its challenges. Instagram: Brittany Olson: @becomingamotherpodcast Dayna Becker: @daynerr157

Talia Tomoleoni - Mom of 2 boys (pregnant at time of recording) shares her journey to motherhood and the radical acceptance of the life changes that come along with it. Our conversation explores the emotional complexities of becoming a mom, the identity shift and the challenges of balancing expectations with reality. Talia reflects on her first pregnancy and birth story. She discusses the physical and emotional toll of postpartum recovery and the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt during the early days of parenting. She shares lessons learned, such as letting go of rigid expectations, simplifying parenting approaches, and focusing on love and stability for the child. She also discusses her current pregnancy, the differences compared to her first, and how she is preparing her toddler for the arrival of a sibling. The episode concludes with advice for new moms to trust themselves, relax, and embrace the journey of motherhood without succumbing to external pressures or unrealistic standards. Instagram: Brittany Olson: @becomngamotherpodcast Talia Tomoleoni: @talia_tomo

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

Hi All - Updating you guys and also masking for help with social media management. Email: becomingamotherpod@gmail.com Instagram: @becomingamotherpodcast

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

Courtney Cartier - Mom to her 20 month old daughter and HR Manager from Sacramento shares pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience including colicky evenings, hormonal shifts and the emotional toll of new parenthood. Courtney also talks about relationship changes after baby, the impact of generational differences in parenting, and the importance of self-care. We highlights the ups and downs of motherhood, the importance of flexibility, and the need for open conversations about the realities of parenting. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Courtney Cartier: @ccartier

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.

Arielle Morrow - Bay area Mom to her 19 month old son and Tech Agency Program Manager. Arielle shares her journey into motherhood, discussing her experiences with pregnancy, miscarriage, and postpartum life. She talks about her initial ambivalence towards having children, her unexpected first pregnancy, and the emotional and physical challenges of experiencing a miscarriage. Arielle also details her second pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of her son, and her positive experience with a planned induction at 39 weeks. Arielle reflects on the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of a strong support system and the challenges of breastfeeding, which did not go as planned for her. She discusses the emotional impact of transitioning from having a baby to a toddler and the anxiety that can accompany this change. Throughout the episode, Arielle emphasizes the importance of flexibility and not obsessing over data and schedules, advising new moms to go with the flow and enjoy the moments with their babies. ​ The episode aims to provide a cathartic experience for Arielle and offer valuable insights and support to other moms navigating similar experiences. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Arielle Morrow: arielle.morrow

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

Looking forward to connecting with all of you and bringing awareness to matrescence in 2025.

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

Destiny Clement is 30 and is from Louisiana. She has 2 daughters who are 3.5 and 11 months old and she is also a licensed insurance producer. Destiny shares her story of infertility and diagnosis with PCOS. She shares her first birth story in depth which was an elective induction which resulted in a C-section. She opens up about her experience through pregnancy and birth as a plus size woman. Destiny also exclusively pumped both her daughters and so she shares many tips and tricks for being successful through that journey. Destiny approaches motherhood with a calm attitude and encourages women to surrender to the unknown and relinquish control over expectations in birth and in motherhood. Instagram: Brittany Olson: Becomingamotherpodcast Destiny Clement: destinyclement_

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

Christina Spoehr is 35 and is from Rhode Island. She has a 15 year old stepson and a 2 year old daughter. In addition to being a mom she works in public relations. On this episode Christina shares her heartfelt journey to motherhood opening up about her lifelong desire to be a mom, becoming a stepmom, and the difficult and emotional experience of pregnancy loss due to an incompetent cervix. She discusses the steps she took to ensure a healthy pregnancy, including the decision to get a transabdominal cerclage (TAC). Christina also talks about the anxiety during pregnancy after loss, the realities of postpartum life, and the joys and struggles of raising her daughter. ​ Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope, and the joy and struggles of motherhood. Instagram: Brittany Olson @Becomingamotherpodcast Christina Spoehr: @csoave

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

Rebecca Garner is 34 years and is from the suburbs of Chicago. She is a mom of two with a 5 year old daughter and 1 year old son. Rebecca had two C-sections and went through a period of unexplained infertility when trying for her second. She got back into writing during this time to help cope. She reflects on the importance of self-care and maintaining personal identity alongside motherhood. She shares her innermost thoughts regarding becoming a mother to each of her children and how each experience was different for her. In addition to being a mom she is a teacher and a published author. Her debut young adult fiction novel is called “Why won't my boobs grow…and other Annoyances”. The sequel in the series is being released on October 8th 2024 and is titled “Dear Boyfriend… and Other High School Dilemmas.” Preorder the Ebook at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC6WHCKT Go to https://www.rebeccagarnerauthor.com/ for more information Instagram: @Becomingamotherpodcast Brittany Olson @b_pepeolson Rebecca Garner @rebeccagarner_author

Gabrielle Bosnic - Mom to her 2 year old daughter and founder of Serene Moms. Gabrielle shares her journey to motherhood from self image & confidence changes, postpartum anxiety, embracing your new life after becoming a mom and holistic lifestyle choices. We discuss the ongoing process of self-discovery and healing when you become a mom. Gabrielle shares her positive induction birth story and opens up about living with an autoimmune disease "Hashimoto's" which she was diagnosed with during her pregnancy. We discuss the challenges and transformations of early motherhood and share tips to empower new moms in embracing motherhood with self-compassion. and care. "Serene Moms" provides online yoga sessions, mindfulness courses & is a community space tailored to moms' needs. For more information go to serenemoms.com. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast & b_pepeolson Gabrielle Bosnic @serenemoms

Haley Travalgia - Mom of 2 kids ages 3.5 & 1. She candidly shares her journey navigating motherhood and the transition from one child to two. From the challenges of pregnancy to the realities of postpartum experiences, Haley opens up about mom guilt, relationship dynamics, and the evolving landscape of raising multiple children. Dive into the raw and relatable conversations about balancing work, mental health, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a mother of two. Tune in for a touching exploration of the joys and struggles of expanding a family and finding harmony in the chaos of motherhood. Instagram Brittany Olson: @becomingamotherpodcast Haley Travalgia: @haleytravalgia To collaborate or be a guest on the podcast, please email becomingamotherpod@gmail.com

Alyssa Terlizzi - Mom to an 18 month old - shares her journey to motherhood. Her story begins with her first pregnancy which was a chemical pregnancy. During her second pregnancy she had gallbladder issues early on and had to have her gallbladder removed at only 5 weeks postpartum. She was diagnosed with Preeclampsia and induced at 37 weeks. Her multiple day labor ended in C-Section and the birth of her baby boy. She shares her postpartum experience involving postpartum anxiety which was triggered at night. She shares how she got her son to become a better sleeper and the parenting choices she made to get through baby blues and postpartum struggles. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becommingamotherpodcast, Alyssa Terlizzi @lyss_terlizz

Lexi Kenoyer - Mom to a 15 month old daughter and Realtor - shares her journey to motherhood which is centered around her becoming a mother after the tragic and unexpected death of her own mother at 5 months postpartum. *Content warning* Lexi's story begins with her first pregnancy which ended in miscarriage. She discusses her 2 year journey to becoming pregnant involving male factor infertility.. She had a planned C-Section due to her baby measuring “big” and unfortunately a traumatic birth. We discuss having hard conversations in marriage when it comes to infertility. Spirituality and motherhood. Reconciling challenging parts of childhood after becoming a parent and riding the waves of grief as she navigated life as a newly postpartum mom. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Lexi Kenoyer @leximkenoyer becomingamotherpod@gmail.com

Lexi Kenoyer - Mom to a 15 month old daughter and Realtor - shares her journey to motherhood which is centered around her becoming a mother after the tragic and unexpected death of her own mother at 5 months postpartum. *Content warning* Lexi's story begins with her first pregnancy which ended in miscarriage. She discusses her 2 year journey to becoming pregnant involving male factor infertility.. She had a planned C-Section due to her baby measuring “big” and unfortunately a traumatic birth. We discuss having hard conversations in marriage when it comes to infertility. Spirituality and motherhood. Reconciling challenging parts of childhood after becoming a parent and riding the waves of grief as she navigated life as a newly postpartum mom. Instagram: Brittany Olson @becomingamotherpodcast Lexi Kenoyer @leximkenoyer

Alex is 30 years old and is from the suburbs of Philadelphia. She has an 8 month old daughter. Alex explains how her first pregnancy which ended in miscarriage shaped how she experienced her second pregnancy. She shares her birth story and postpartum journey which includes breastfeeding, sleep training and mom guilt, as well as the daily joys of getting to be her daughter's mother. I hope you enjoy listening to her story.

Sarah Elizabeth a.k.a SE is 32 years old and is from Pennsylvania. She has a 3 year old son and works in corporate retail. SE went through IVF, not because of fertility issues but because she is a carrier for Fragile X Syndrome. SE was induced and delivered early due to preeclampsia, which ended up affecting her into postpartum. SE shares her birth story and discusses her postpartum experience. She was dealing with grief from losing her dog which contributed to her PPD. We discuss not bonding with your baby immediately and insecurities we hold as mothers. Getting help through therapy/medication and the judgment that sometimes goes along with that. Being a working mom and parenting struggles along with other mama related topics. I hope you enjoy listening to her story.

Ep. 3 Jackie has a 10 month old daughter. She is a SAHM and music teacher. After multiple pregnancy losses Jackie and her husband worked with an adoption consultant agency before meeting with a Reproductive immunologist. Her RE discovered that she had an autoimmune disorder known as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) which was causing her recurrent pregnancy losses. After treatment for APS, Jackie became pregnant with her daughter. She was diagnosed with Vasa previa at 20 weeks which led to an early delivery through a planned C-Section and a NICU stay for her daughter. She discusses being a stay at home mom, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation amongst many other new mom related topics. I hope you enjoy listening to her story.

Cailie is mom to her 11-month-old son. She suffered from severe Preeclampsia and delivered early, which resulted in a 56-day NICU stay for her son. She is going to discuss how that experience shaped her life and how she slowly claims her life back after struggling in postpartum.. We discuss handling judgment and mom shame and regaining confidence in yourself after becoming a mother.

Breanne is a mom to an almost three-year-old boy . She discusses struggling with anxiety and depression throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. She shares her birth story as well as her postpartum journey, which involved a hospital stay with her son for presumed meningitis. We discuss all things motherhood and the struggles we both faced during this transition. I hope you enjoy listening to her story.