We did it! We survived 2020 and we are still here to fight another year/day/minute! This is a podcast about survival, triumph, grief, joy and all the other feels that come with mothering in a once in a century pandemic. Please join Ali OConnell, mama to one sweet boy, nurse and former mental health therapist, in vulnerable and honest roundtable discussions with mamas from all different walks of life. We will cover topics such as anxiety, expectations, family boundaries, guilt, support, coping and grief with a focus on normalizing our experiences and empowering each other to fight another day.
The Dear COVID Mama podcast, hosted by Ali, is a remarkable platform that provides solace, understanding, and connection for mothers during the pandemic. Ali's warm and empathetic nature shines through as she offers a space for mamas to share their truth in these challenging times when community immersion is not readily available. The best aspect of this podcast lies in Ali's ability to ask relatable questions that resonate with all mothers, regardless of their profession, personality, or background. By bringing forth shared experiences and emotions, Ali creates a sense of unity and comfort among her listeners. Through her genuine and humble approach, she fosters an environment where women can openly speak from their hearts.
One of the standout features of The Dear COVID Mama podcast is its ability to inspire and uplift through real stories from women who are navigating the complexities of this unprecedented time. Ali establishes a safe space where vulnerable discussions take place, providing valuable insights into the everyday experiences that many mothers may relate to. This glimpse into various perspectives deepens our understanding of living through the pandemic and fosters connections between listeners who may feel isolated in their struggles. The podcast acts as a source of inspiration and camaraderie for those seeking solace during these trying times.
While The Dear COVID Mama podcast excels in many aspects, it is important to acknowledge that no production is without flaws. One potential drawback could be a lack of diversity in terms of guest selection or topics covered. Although the podcast aims to connect all mothers regardless of background, it would greatly benefit from including a wider range of voices representing different ethnicities, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. This expansion would enhance its ability to capture the varied experiences and challenges faced by mothers across different communities.
In conclusion, The Dear COVID Mama podcast stands out as an extraordinary resource for mothers seeking understanding, empathy, and hope amidst the stressors brought on by the pandemic. Ali's compassionate hosting style creates an atmosphere where vulnerability is welcomed, and listeners can find solace in knowing they are not alone. The podcast's ability to provide relatable content and foster connections between women is truly commendable. While there is room for growth in terms of representation and diversity, the overall impact and value of this podcast cannot be understated. Listeners can eagerly anticipate future episodes as Ali continues to cultivate insight, empathy, and inspiration during these challenging times.
In this previously recorded episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Cassie and Shawni about their childcare journey through the Covid pandemic over this past year. Cassie is a Nurse Midwife and became a new mama only a week before the first Covid shut down last March. She openly shares about the stress and anxiety of finding and keeping a childcare provider in the wake of Covid. Shawni, a senior project manager for a construction company and second time mama opens up about her experiences with judgment around childcare and her fierce desire to keep her family safe. We also candidly talk about: Some of the assumptions that have been made regarding personal choices during Covid. My ongoing road rage issues and my toddler's growing vocabulary. The things we are proud of as mamas. New found patients with our children. And, of course, what we are looking forward to as we move into a post-Covid world Email me at dearcovidmama@gmail.com with any questions or comments about this episode and with suggestions for future episodes. I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
This week I am taking the time to share why it is taking me so long to get out new podcast episodes! I will cover topics like: - Time scarcity - Avoidance - Fear of Judgement - The next phase of Covid... - And, ways that I am trying to manage all of these complexities (i.e. coping). Thank you for taking the time to listen to my ramblings. Email me at dearcovidmama@gmail.com with any questions or comments about this episode and with suggestions for future episodes. I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
In this weeks episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Shannon and Steph, two full-time nurses and first-time mamas. Steph works as a charge nurse on night shift on a cardiothoracic intermediate care unit and Shannon works swing shift in an Emergency Department. Both women courageously share their journeys of navigating motherhood in the wake of the Covid pandemic. More specifically, we dive into topics like: Returning from maternity leave at the start of the Covid pandemic into a constantly changing hospital environment. The fear of "bringing danger home" to our new babies. Anxiety and all the different ways that it manifests. The impact of the pandemic on available coping strategies/skills. Recognizing our privilege and reminding ourselves that "we are all doing the best we can with what we have available to us." The things we are proud of over this past year. And, of course, what we are looking forward to in our new new normal. Email me at dearcovidmama@gmail.com with any questions or comments about this episode and with suggestions for future episodes. I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
In this episode I have the opportunity to speak with my mama friends Miranda and Caroline, who are both Mental Health Therapists in private practice and mamas to school age children. Miranda opens up about her experience raising her two daughters over this past year while working remotely as a couples and individual therapist. And, Caroline shares the ups and downs in parenting her two sweet and strong-willed boys while working remotely with young children, teens and families in her therapy practice. We take the time to unpack and discuss: What the evolution of Covid has been like for our children and partnerships, and how we are working to support ourselves and those that we love. What impact Covid has had on their work as therapists and the biggest changes and challenges they have noticed for their clients. Both Miranda and Caroline share some of the strategies that they have employed to help clients and their children process Covid; i.e. talking about pre-pandemic versus post-pandemic self, identifying coping strategies, and trying to be more in the present moment. The things we are proud of over this past year, and why it can be hard to identify these things some times. Miranda's perfection of the sourdough bread loaf. And, of course, what we are looking forward to when Covid is in our rear-view mirror. Email me at dearcovidmama@gmail.com with any questions or comments about this episode and with suggestions for future episodes. I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
In this episode I have the opportunity to speak with my mama friend's Alcina and Andrea regarding their Covid pregnancy experiences. Alcina was only weeks away from giving birth when the first Covid lock down happened in the States, while Andrea was early in her pregnancy. Both mamas openly share about: Their experience and fears in learning about Covid and it's implications on their impending births. Deeper emotions around resentment, grief and expectations. The importance of giving space for our own needs where we can and feeling empowered to ask for help. Setting boundaries and managing guilt. Silver linings and what we are doing well. And, of course, what we are looking forward to in a Post-Covid world. Email me at dearcovidmama@gmail.com with any questions or comments about this episode and with suggestions for future episodes. I appreciate your feedback and words of wisdom. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with first time mamas Jenni Dingeldein and Maya Wright as we explore the experience of welcoming our first babies into the world only months before COVID washed over our lives. In conversational fashion, we had the opportunity to talk about: Our expectations about becoming mamas before and after our exposure to the Covid pandemic. Grief as it relates to Covid and some of the things that we have lost or missed out on. Jenni also relates grief to mom guilt in a skillful way. Silver linings. How we are coping and managing all of these complex feelings and balancing our own needs with those of our family. The things that we are proud of over this past year. And, what we are looking forward to as Covid becomes less present in our lives. Disclaimer: Please note that these episodes are conversations with individual mamas sharing their own personal journey, experience, struggles and triumphs. The stories shared are not meant to represent everyone's journey or experience. We definitely want to hold space and honor the fact that we may not be able to represent every mama's unique and personal journey. I am, however, very interested in hearing from anyone who would like to share what this past year has been like for you and how you have been navigating the Covid Era. Also, this podcast is not meant to be a substitute for mental health services or advice. If you, or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety during the postpartum period please refer them to Postpartum Support International at (800) 944-4773. Or, if you are concerned about your safety or of someone you know and love, you can get help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
In this episode, host Ali OConnell introduces her intention behind creating the Dear Covid Mama podcast. She also takes a moment to share her own personal journey to motherhood and how Covid has impacted that experience.
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