Pandemic Mama

Welcome! Parenting in Hard Mode is a community and safe space for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and differently-abled parents who are raising Gen Alpha kids (born 2010-2024) and nurturing social justice-minded families—all while taking care of our mental health. Allies welcome, too. Please subscribe to connect with fellow parents through empathy and compassion. Let's build our virtual village together.Growing up, I always felt like I was “different” than other kids. I don't know if it's because I'm an immigrant (my family came to the U.S. just after my 8th birthday), have a unique background (half Russian, half Cuban), or if even back then I had a subconscious understanding that I'm queer and neurodivergent. Or perhaps it's just a little bit of childhood trauma due to being parented by a narcissist who early on called me “weird,” the “black sheep of the family,” and often wondered why I couldn't be “normal.” As a teen, I rebelled against those labels thrown on me by the people who supposedly love me unconditionally (hint: not a possibility for narcissists) by instead embracing my weirdness, the things that made me unique, and constantly saying that normal doesn't exist. I even came out as bisexual to my family and friends when I was 16 years old in 2002, something that my friends embraced and my parents got angry about and then pretty much ignored. (I wouldn't know I'm neurodivergent until age 35.)Basically, all the positive things I said about the things that made me “different” fell on deaf ears at home, but I embraced them nonetheless. As soon as I could, I escaped my hometown of southwest Florida to go to college in New York City—and I found my people and myself there. Being different was a strength there, and finding community with other Latinx people, with other queer people, with other different people was easy. It's where I felt most at home and still do. But life circumstances took me out of the city that I'll always call home after 12 happy years, and it's now been eight years since I truly felt like I belonged where I lived. Leaving New York was the right decision but one that still pains me—especially because living in another big city isn't an option either. For a while, I lived in my suburb-without-an-urban-area-nearby hometown in Florida—where I met and fell in love with my husband and had our child—and now live outside of Denver. Close enough that it's not difficult to visit but far enough that going to the city needs to be planned out and, well, I kinda need a good reason to do. “I'm stuck in the burbs” is something I've often said to my closest friends, most of whom still live in NYC. Or “I'm in suburban hell” when I'm having a particularly frustrating day feeling not quite like myself. My feelings about leaving New York are still complicated and there are still many things I grieve about my life there—many of which involve the diverse communities I was a part of while living there. Whether it was singing karaoke at Marie's Crisis while spotting Danny Strong joining in nearby or attempting to try every single burger at Burger Bash during NYC Wine & Food Festival back when it was hosted by Bobby Flay or taking the N train through three boroughs to visit Flushing Chinatown and my favorite panaderia in Sunset Park all in one day, there is just something about the city that I haven't found anywhere else. And as I recently realized in therapy, NYC was probably a spectacular place to live in as someone with undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are a million things I can think of off the top of my head that made my life in my 20s pretty perfect for my ADHD brain—and almost all of those things are not possible in my life today. I don't regret where my life has taken me or the way my chosen family changed over the years, but I still miss the things that made me feel the most “me” back then. Even more so, I miss living in a place where I felt safe, loved, and understood for all of the things that made me “different.” It's places like this where belonging feels like a part of the city's DNA, and it seeps deep into your soul. Even for all of the hardships that come with living in one of the most expensive places in the world (and trust me, there are many), I left my heart in New York City. Parenting in Hard Mode is supported by readers like you. Become a paid subscriber to grow our community and nurture the connections we make in this virtual village.As I'm sure you can imagine, living in the suburbs in my 30s has been a completely different experience. It's not like it has been a nightmare or anything. But the older I get, the more I realize that the reason life has been just fine for me in the ‘burbs is because I can easily pass. I can pass as straight since I am in a heterosexual relationship. I can pass as white because I am a very light-skinned Latina. I can pass as neurotypical since I spent my entire life masking without knowing it. But after living so much of my life embracing all of my weirdness, passing as just another stereotypical white working mom living in the suburbs is just plainly killing my soul a little bit. I know that not everyone needs to live their truth, their identities, their life out loud, but I do. I didn't go to school for journalism, work my ass off for the last 18+ years as a storyteller, and leave the city of my heart in order to get (and stay) sober just to end up the black sheep of the family again. Which brings me to this shirt… I found this shirt a couple of weeks ago when I was browsing through funny Mother's Day gifts (yes, really). Lately, I've been discussing in therapy some of these issues related to me being triple marginalized and invisible on all sides, and today I mentioned this shirt to my therapist. “Well, you'll need to figure out if you want to work on adjusting to your current reality and where you live or if you want to work on integrating more of your unicorn self into your life in the suburbs,” they said. “Oh, I definitely want to be a unicorn in the suburbs,” I replied. I don't yet know what this'll mean or how I'll accomplish it, but one of the reasons that I started Parenting in Hard Mode is to connect with fellow parents who live “outside the norm,” those of us who are “different” (aka those of us who come from historically underrepresented communities) as we parent our kids—and especially as we help our kids grow into wonderful little human beings. Personally, I want to raise a little feminist who's anti-racist, queer-friendly, embraces neurodiversity, and generally is loving, kind, and accepting of the wonderful differences in all of us. To do that, I need to remember to show myself that love, kindness, and acceptance. And to do that, I need to also remember who I am and be proud of these facets of my identity—and for me, I feel the most proud when I can visibly and loudly express who I am. So… I guess I'm ready to be a unicorn in suburbia. That shirt's already on the way.Everyone's experience of living their identities out loud is different. How do you express yourself and your individuality/uniqueness at home, at work, in your community? I'd love to hear from all of you!Abrazos,Your friendly neighborhood bisexual Latina mom with ADHD raising a Gen Alpha kid Get full access to Parenting in Hard Mode at irinagonzalez.substack.com/subscribe

Ready for some real talk about navigating mental health as a parent? In episode 2 of the new Mommy Needs Therapy podcast, journalist Irina Gonzalez tackles the difficulties that parents face in trying to follow the "put your oxygen mask on first" advice. Let's face it: It's not easy to steal a moment of alone time when your toddler is clinging to your leg and demanding attention. But as parents who need a little time away to be our best selves, what can we do to show our kids we love them... while also finding time to breathe. Follow host Irina Gonzalez @msirinagonzalez on Instagram for more.

Ready for some real talk about navigating mental health as a parent? In episode 1 of the new Mommy Needs Therapy podcast, journalist Irina Gonzalez takes you on the journey of how she received her mental health diagnosis at age 29 — in the worst way possible. Tackling taboo issues like alcohol use disorder, dealing with societal stigma, and what it means to have a co-occurring disorder. Plus, we introduce two new segments: "Mom Guilt" Moment of the Week and Realistic Self-Care Tip for Parents. Follow host Irina Gonzalez @msirinagonzalez on Instagram for more.

Are you ready for some real talk about navigating mental health as a parent? In season 3, journalist Irina Gonzalez says goodbye to the podcast formerly known as Pandemic Mama and introduces Am I Loca?. In this weekly mental health podcast, we'll explore how stigma keeps us from seeking help and hear from other parents about their own mental health ups and downs. Let's discover that we're not alone, together. First episode coming on Monday, July 18th! Follow host Irina Gonzalez @msirinagonzalez on Instagram for more.

Irina Gonzalez, journalist, toddler mom, and the host talks with three-time return guest Kelly Fitzgerald Junco. She is a writer and sobriety advocate. In her previous two episodes, she talked with us about pregnancy anxiety and postpartum grief. This time, she comes on to give us an update about what the past year of the pandemic has been like while living in Florida, the difficulty of finding a daycare that fits her family's safety requirements, and what it's like to work on accepting your postpartum body during a pandemic. Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more. Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

March 11, 2022, officially marks the two-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. In this special retrospective episode, host Irina Gonzalez, a journalist and toddler mom, catches up with some of our favorite podcast guests to see what they have been up to in 2021. Check out how parents who had babies in 2020 are feeling today, whether we've all been able to avoid getting COVID, how our pandemic toddlers are doing, the exhaustion and isolation that still exists for many of us, and who had a second baby in 2021! Plus, check out previous episodes with these guests: S1, EP2: Welcoming a Third Baby During the Pandemic with Lauren Wellbank S1, EP3: How the Pandemic Changed this Adoption Story with Jesus Triviño S1, Ep4: Pregnancy Anxiety During the Pandemic with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco S1, EP 27: The Grief of Postpartum in the Pandemic with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco S1, EP11: The Grief of Having a Baby During a Pandemic with Kaitlyn S1, EP13: Escaping New York City During the Partner Ban with Hannah Howard S1, EP14: The Long-Term Trauma of Giving Birth Without Your Partner with Elaine S1, EP18: The Freak-Out Moments Happened Postpartum with Amanda McCracken S1, EP19: The Importance of Size Inclusion in Birth and Postpartum with Emily Goodstein S1, EP24: Finding Normal in the Chaos of a Pandemic with a 5th Baby with Nancy Sanchez S1, EP25: How We Parent in the Pandemic One Year Later Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more. Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Season 2 of Pandemic Mama is here! Irina Gonzalez, journalist, toddler mom, and the host gives us an update on why the podcast disappeared for almost an entire year and what she's been up to since. In this episode, Irina discusses moving cross-country during the pandemic, feeling hopeful about the vaccine and then hopeless as COVID variants struck, and the mental health struggles of a parent with a child under five years old. Plus, a look at what Season 2 is all about. Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more. Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Our first return guest! Irina talks with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco, a writer and blogger behind The Sober Señorita, and a new mom who first appeared in Episode 4 of Pandemic Mama. They talked about her birth story, figuring out breastfeeding, and the many forms of grief she is dealing with today. Plus, how she is getting used to her postpartum body after being an athlete for the past several years. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Adam, an engineer, amateur podcast editor, new dad, and her husband! They talked about the stress he felt in the last weeks of pregnancy, what happened during the birth from his perspective, and how this last year has been with their baby Rio. Plus, all of the decision fatigue and how they have conquered baby sleep issues. Sort of. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

In this very special episode of the Pandemic Mama podcast, Irina asked some of the past guests to share what they have been up to since their episodes aired and reflect on the last year of parenting as we recognize and mourn a full year of living in the COVID-19 pandemic. But not all the stories are sad! There are stories full of grief, longing, some happiness, renewed hope, and even a silver lining or two. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Nancy Sanchez. She is a stay-at-home mom of five girls. They talked about her induction on the day after the pandemic was announced last year, how up and down the fourth trimester was, and how it's been difficult to enjoy this past year. Plus, why homeschooling was the right choice for her and her girls this year. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Jenn Chowdhury. She is a journalist, writer, and new mom They discussed the crazy story of how she moved in with her boyfriend, celebrated her birthday, went into lockdown, and found out about her unexpected pregnancy — all within a few weeks! Plus, the difficulty of balancing being a working mom with spending time with your baby and your own self-care needs. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

The Pandemic Mama herself Irina Gonzalez joins for a very special bonus episode to make some quick announcements about the future of the podcast, a change in episode timing, and a VERY special new segment! You won't want to miss this. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Shamiko Reid. She is a first-time mom, blogger, and podcaster. They discussed her history of depression and why it was difficult to feel happy about her pregnancy at first, missing out on a baby shower and seeing family, and how much therapy has helped her during this difficult time. Plus, the coping skills she has learned to deal with her perinatal depression. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Blaire Briody, a freelance writer, author, and soon-to-be new mom. They discussed her multiple miscarriages, getting a hypothyroidism diagnosis, and why she thinks everyone should get preconception counseling. Plus, how her pandemic worries have taken over all other pregnancy anxieties. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Nathalie Walton, a new mom and the CEO of Expectful, the leading meditation app for hopeful, expecting, and new parents. They discussed the struggle to get into a routine with a new baby, how common breastfeeding challenges are in the first week of a baby's life, and how Nathalie found better rest and more sleep through meditating. Plus, how she developed a warrior mentality when she became a mom! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Emily Goodstein, a new mom and the owner of the digital marketing agency Greater Good Strategy. They discussed how having a baby in a pandemic forced her to slow down, her postpartum preeclampsia, and what it is like to live in a larger body and, more importantly, advocate for yourself when society and the medical establishment tells you that your body is wrong. Plus, her very committed breastfeeding story. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Amanda McCracken, a freelance writer and new mom. They discussed her induction at 39 weeks, how new parents can feel anxiety over simple things like leaving the house or the baby's breathing, and trying to be as present as possible in this moment. Plus, how "anything can be a first worth celebrating". Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Maria Piedrabuena, a full-time mom, journalist, and the editor and publisher at Tu Prensa Local (a Spanish-language publication in Long Island). They discuss feeling like they are failing all the time, how setting a routine for her family is helping her survive the pandemic, and why all moms need to find their thing. Plus, a fun self-care tip! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Kristin Diversi, a freelance writer, new mom, and host of the Macabre Traveler podcast. They discuss her long fertility journey that ultimately included IVF, an embryo adoption, and selective reduction. They also talked about struggling with the identity shift of motherhood and how to define motherhood for yourself. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Whit Taylor, a cartoonist, comics editor, and new mom. They discuss feeding issues, the work/life balance, and cultivating gratitude during a difficult year. It's something that we could all use a little more of as we wrap up 2020. They also get into Whit's work, including the "Having a Baby in Quarantine" comic she created for The New Yorker and the must-read comic that she created for The Nib: Black Mothers Face Far Worse Health Outcomes. How Do We Fix It? Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Elaine, a civil engineer and first-time mom in New York City. Her story is an important one as Elaine gave birth just a few hours after the partner ban went into effect back in March, and she's still dealing with the long-term trauma associated with that. They also talk about loneliness, guilty, and impostor syndrome... You do NOT want to miss this one! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Hannah Howard, a new mom, food writer, and author of Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen. In this episode, they discuss how Hannah and her husband left New York City when the partner ban was enacted, her emergency C-section, and dealing with breastfeeding issues after breast reduction surgery. Plus, experiencing FOMO! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Carmen Perez, a mom of two, social justice activist, and co-founder of the Women's March. They get into the sadness of not having any baby bump photos with her 2nd pregnancy, the loneliness of spending this pregnancy in a pandemic, and how she learned to advocate for herself during these difficult times. Plus, how getting to spend more time with her baby in the postpartum period has been a silver lining. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Kaitlyn, a new mom and reading specialist in Northern Illinois. They talk about how a third trimester scare forced her to slow down at work, how difficult it is when things don't work out as you planned, and the grief of having a baby during a pandemic. Plus, how fun it was to not know the sex of the baby before they were born! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Dr. Erin Watson — aka Dr. Pandemic Mom! She is a family medicine and emergency medicine physician currently working in the ER. She is also a fellow new mom and the author of Pregnancy During A Pandemic, We Can Survive This Together: A Pregnant Doctor's COVID-19 Survival Guide. They discuss the inspiration behind her book, how she has managed to get exercise outside during the pandemic, and finding joy in the new normal. Plus, the good doctor has some great tips for all of us pandemic mamas as we head into winter. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Jacqui Hathaway Levin, a stay-at-home mom and writer based in Orlando, about setting boundaries as a new mom. They discuss how she found comfort with fellow sober moms, all of that new mom and pandemic guilt, and how this time has brought her and her husband closer together. Plus, why crying is the best self-care! Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Jenny, a teacher in NYC and a mom to a brand new baby girl, about dealing with the fourth trimester during the pandemic. They discuss what it was like to be pregnant during the lockdown, how she ended up in the hospital with post-partum preeclampsia, and the difficulty of making mom friends during this time. Plus, how she's preparing to go back to work. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Conz Preti, author of Too Pregnant To Move: A Pregnancy Journal, editor at Motherly, and a mom of 3 under 3. They discuss how Conz prepared for possible postpartum anxiety, what it was like to leave New York City in the middle of the pandemic, and the difficulty of not having help with not one but two babies. Plus, how this city girl finally found peace in the countryside of Maine. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Casey, a former professor and stay-at-home mom-of-3, about what it's like to be welcome a new baby during the pandemic when you've already got two little ones running around. We discuss how giving birth during the pandemic unexpectedly brought her closer to her neighbors, making new and staying connected to mom friends, and her very useful tip for releasing tension during these stressful times. Plus, she gives some insight on how to transition from being a working mom to a stay-at-home mom. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with mother, yogi, entrepreneur, and model Bre Scullark about what it was like to be exiting the fourth trimester just as the entire world shuts down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how she has embraced motherhood after a tough pregnancy, standing up for herself when she knew breastfeeding was not a part of her parenting journey, and being a Black mom during this summer's Black Lives Matter protests over the killing of George Floyd and the continued police brutality faced by Black and Brown communities. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with writer and head of marketing at This Naked Mind, Kelly Fitzgerald Junco, about what it's like to experience her first pregnancy during the pandemic. They talk all about her pregnancy anxiety after experiencing a miscarriage last year, the stress of figuring out how to celebrate milestones with her family (a pandemic baby shower?!), and what it's really like to be sober and pregnant during the pandemic. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with Latinx pop culture expert and dad Jesus Triviño about what it was like to adopt his daughter just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss his and his wife's 9-year struggle to have a baby and how it all finally came together in just 9 weeks. They also get into his "dad self-care" and what it was like to be quarantined with a newborn in New York City. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Irina talks with freelance writer and mom of three Lauren Wellbank about what it is like to welcome her third baby in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the positives of her high-risk pregnancy, how this postpartum period is different from her previous ones, and Lauren will even share a couple of self-care tips for new moms. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Journalist and new mom Irina Gonzalez shares her own pandemic birth and parenting story. She talks about her first-trimester miscarriage, the anxiety of her second pregnancy, and what it was like to suddenly find herself 36 weeks pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about experiencing the fourth trimester in quarantine, the stress of going back to work, and why she's starting the Pandemic Mama podcast. Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support

Welcome to Pandemic Mama — the podcast that brings you real conversations about having a baby during COVID-19 times. In this trailer episode, host Irina Gonzalez introduces the new podcast, who it's for, and why all fellow parents should listen. For more updates, head to www.pandemicmamapod.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pandemicmamapod/support