M.O.M. Files - Moments of Motherhood

Pregnancy Guilt: When You Don’t Feel the Glow

Do you feel guilty for not enjoying pregnancy? Today, Hav and Aleea explore why so many women feel pressure to love every moment of pregnancy—and the guilt that can show up when you don’t.They discuss navigating physical challenges, honoring your limits, and leaning on support systems during a season that can feel both beautiful and incredibly hard. Most importantly, they remind you that having complicated or conflicting feelings about pregnancy is completely normal—and it says nothing about the kind of parent you’ll be.Listen in for encouragement to adjust expectations, caring for yourself, and finding small moments of joy in the middle of it all.CONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Why pregnancy isn’t always magical — and why that’s okay01:55 Feeling guilty for not loving pregnancy like everyone says you should04:56 The uncomfortable truth about pregnancy symptoms and mental load07:34 Why every pregnancy feels completely different10:26 Looking for small moments of joy13:25 Why support and self-care matter more than ever during pregnancy16:13 Letting go of expectations and honoring your own pregnancy experience

Struggling After Your Gender Reveal? You’re Not Alone

Are you feeling anxious about finding out your baby’s gender? Or maybe you’re surprised by your reaction after finding out. In this chat, Aleea and Hav explore the often unspoken reality of gender disappointment.They unpack the mix of expectations, fear, grief, and guilt that can surface — and why those emotions don’t make you ungrateful or a bad mom. Together, they talk about how to process those feelings, how to move through them with compassion, and how to support someone else who might be quietly carrying the same weight.Listen in if this is something you’ve felt (or are afraid you might).RESOURCESAleea mentioned prenatal depression at the end, here are some additional resources if you’d like to learn more:Prenatal DepressionThe Messy Mom Podcast episode on this topicCONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 What gender disappointment really feels like13:07 Managing big emotions and unmet expectations23:35 Finding support and moving forward without shame

Protecting Your Baby Bubble from Family Pressure

Are you wondering how to set boundaries before the baby arrives—without blowing up your relationships? In this episode, Aleea and Hav dive into navigating family expectations during pregnancy and postpartum.They unpack why saying no to visitors can feel so loaded, how to protect your space during one of the most vulnerable seasons of life, and the emotional (and cultural) layers that make boundaries complicated. You’ll hear practical ways to manage visits, communicate clearly, and ask for the kind of help you actually need—without carrying guilt.Listen in for a reminder: protecting your peace isn’t selfish. It’s foundational for your mental health, your home, and your relationships in this (re)newed season.CONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Why saying no to family feels taboo04:45 Home visits and family dynamics08:08 Feeling judged as a new parent11:16 Boundaries: access versus real support15:41 Managing visitor expectations before baby arrives16:40 How to set boundaries with visitors19:44 Postpartum expectations and family pressure23:53 How to communicate your needs clearly29:00 Why boundaries protect your mental health30:18 Balancing visitors and your energy

Pregnancy Beyond the Aesthetic — Hannah’s Story

Are you finding that you don’t enjoy pregnancy the way you thought you would? In this episode, Aleea and Hav are joined by special guest Hannah for an honest conversation about the often-unspoken challenges of pregnancy—especially for working moms. Hannah shares her lived experience navigating two very different pregnancies.Together, they talk about isolation, fear, and the quiet pressure to meet societal expectations. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, mental health, self-care, and setting boundaries—while naming a truth that doesn’t get said enough: not every pregnancy is joyful.Listen in to feel seen, supported, and to honor your feelings—exactly as they are.RESOURCESMiss the episode on grieving your old self? ⁠Listen in here⁠CONNECT WITH USAny pregnancy questions (or any other thoughts)? ⁠⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreative Need podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Pregnancy isn’t what Hannah thought it would be05:41 Why Hannah’s second pregnancy felt so much harder11:27 The mental health side of pregnancy17:02 Finding support and taking care of yourself while pregnant

Thanks, I Didn’t Ask: Navigating Unsolicited Parenting Advice

Does it feel like everyone has an opinion when it comes to your parenting? In this conversation, Aleea and Hav explore the challenges of unsolicited advice that new mothers often face.They discuss personal experiences with advice from family, friends, and strangers, and how it can lead to feelings of self-doubt and confusion. They share strategies for handling unsolicited advice and the significance of self-advocacy in parenting.Listen in for reflections on the importance of recognizing that every family's journey is unique.RESOURCESCheck out Karrie on IG + websiteLooking for cute mom merch? Check out Karrie’s drops using our affiliate link!Miss the episode on grieving your old self? Listen in hereCONNECT WITH USAny pregnancy questions (or any other thoughts)? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreative Need podcast support? ⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Why unsolicited advice hits harder when you’re a new parent04:37 Cultural and generational differences in parenting advice10:47 Being watched, judged, and commented on in public14:44 What to say (and what to ignore) when advice isn’t what you asked for21:14 Trusting yourself and finding real support as a parent