logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2023
38 m

Optimal Motherhood

REACH OUT AND READ
About this episode

New parents are often encouraged to ask for help. But the source of that help, and how we provide it — whether it’s physical or emotional - has changed drastically over the years. Instead of turning to close friends and family, many modern mothers turn to social media – sometimes with unexpectedly harsh results. Jessica Clements and Kari Nixon, co-authors of Optimal Motherhood and Other Lies Facebook Told Us, join us to talk about modern motherhood, how groups meant to support and uplift mothers somehow tear them down — and how we can do better.

Up next
Oct 2
Questions (from young children) Without Answers
There are loads of poetry books for children but not too many by children. Sarah Manguso, author and curator of the new book "Questions Without Answers", joins us to talk about children's deep (and often unknowingly) philosophical questions—and that though kids may yet be develop ... Show More
37m 3s
Sep 18
One-on-One with Dr. Lynette Fraga, Reach Out and Read's New CEO
Dr. Lynette Fraga, Reach Out and Read's new CEO, joins us to talk about the lived experience she brings to this role, and her plans to accelerate our mission, scale impact, advance equity, and, of course, strengthen families. 
37m 10s
Sep 4
"Listening In" and "Not Knowing"
We don't know what we don't know. And when it comes to relationships, approaching others from the perspective of not knowing can often make those relationships stronger. Dr. Claudia Gold, a pediatrician and writer with over 20 years experience in the field, joins us to talk about ... Show More
37m 4s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
A Thankful Motherhood Mindset
The mental load of motherhood is enormous. As mom, you are teacher, nurturer, childcare, nurse, doctor, chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, boundary enforcer, and so on. It's easy to feel tired (at best) and completely overwhelmed and frustrated (at worst). In this podcast, I (Natalie) ... Show More
26 m
Jul 2023
181: What Millennial Moms Need, with Jill Koziol, Co-founder and CEO of Motherly
When it comes to maternal mental health, moms are struggling. But the more we become aware of that, the more we can collectively offer better support for moms. Today, I’m joined by Jill Koziol, co-founder and CEO of Motherly, to unpack the company’s annual State of Motherhood sur ... Show More
47m 30s
Nov 2022
Thriving Moms, Thriving Families: Jill Koziol of Motherly
The expectations put upon parents, and mothers, specifically, have changed a lot over the years, but one thing is certain: it’s never been easy. Whether we’re washing clothes in a river with a baby tied to our backs, or managing quarterly reports while soothing a crying child, wo ... Show More
36m 9s
Aug 2023
186: The Roller Coaster of Becoming a Mom with Catherine Birndorf, Co-Founder and Medical Director of The Motherhood Center of New York
Becoming a mom changes you in so many ways. But we are often not prepared for the shift. Matrescence, or the transition into motherhood, is complex—full of ups, downs, struggles, and a roller coaster of emotions. Today, I’m joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Catherine Birndo ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2022
Maternité et parentalité
Le tabou de la maternité commence peu à peu à se fissurer en France. Entre l’envie d’être mère et le non-désir d’enfant, les réalités d’une grossesse et d’un accouchement ou encore l’angoisse d’être une bonne mère, les femmes subissent une pression folle.Quant à la parentalité, e ... Show More
38m 14s
Jan 2024
311: When Your Family Isn't Supportive with Dr. Kat
Is there anything more complex than family relationships? Our family members can run the gamut from the most loving and reassuring people in our lives to the absolute worst and most difficult people we encounter. One of the major reasons people seek out therapy is to deal with th ... Show More
27m 49s
Mar 2023
Am I A Good Mom?
As moms, we care so much about how we're doing and often wonder "am I a good mom?". We end up comparing ourselves to other moms, thinking we're not good enough, and even worse, looking to our kids happiness to define our value and worth. Instead of using standards that lead to mo ... Show More
30m 35s
Jun 2023
179: Navigating Working While Pregnant with Stephanie Kramer, Author
Between physical symptoms, wondering when to share, and juggling emotional changes, working while pregnant can feel overwhelming. But we can learn how to find our footing and navigate the changes that come our way. Today, I’m joined by Stephanie Kramer, author of Carry Strong: An ... Show More
45m 41s
Jan 2021
052: Mindfulness for Mommy Rage with Psychiatrist Dr. Diana Korevaar
As a parent, we are stretched and transformed in ways that we never expected. Think about all the ways we are pushed beyond our capacity in ways that we never could have imagined. It’s important for us, as parents, to gain new skills to help us during this demanding time. If we l ... Show More
1h 6m