Our MOM CHAT episodes are something special! Ever wonder what it’d be like if moms recorded the conversations they have when they get together? There’s just something so real about talking through things over coffee, a glass of wine, or while out on a walk. We wanted to bottle up that vibe and share it with you. So, we invited two of our amazing HER Circle friends, Courtney and Jennifer, to have an open, casual chat about a topic that matters.

In this episode, we discuss the topic of the Dark Side of Being a Stay at Home Parent. Together we untangle the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). We explore the emotional and financial dependencies on partners, the loss of identity, and the societal perception of SAHMs. Jennifer and Courtney share their experiences, highlighting the financial impracticality of daycare and the lack of tangible income for SAHMs. They discuss the emotional burden of managing household tasks and the guilt of not contributing financially. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of SAHMs' work and the need for better societal understanding and support.

• Deciding to Stay at Home: Jennifer's & Courtney’s Experiences (0:01)

• Financial and Logistical Considerations (3:23)

• Emotional and Identity Struggles (7:54)

• Household Dynamics and Workload (13:11)

• Loss of Identity and Societal Perceptions (15:02)

• Uplifting Messages and Final Thoughts (24:51)

Episode Notes and Resources:

HER Circle: https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Camellia Jade, a head stylist at Style Finder Boutique, discusses her Instagram series "Your Body's Not the Problem. Your Clothes Are," which empowers women to embrace their bodies through fashion. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and using clothing to enhance confidence rather than hiding perceived flaws. Camellia shares personal anecdotes about overcoming anxiety and the support of her loved ones. She advises women to try new styles, be vulnerable, and seek community support. Camellia highlights the role of self-talk and the impact of societal standards on body image, encouraging women to focus on feeling good in their clothes and to embrace their unique bodies.

• Camellia Jade's Introduction and Background (0:01)

• Camellia's Personal Story and Support System (1:37)

• Embracing Body Changes and Fashion Choices (5:46)

• The Power of Self-Talk and Positive Reinforcement (8:21)

• The Role of Clothing in Boosting Confidence (11:42)

• Common Fashion Mistakes and Overcoming Them (18:04)

• The Importance of Vulnerability and Community (25:27)

• The Role of Perfection and Self-Criticism (31:50)

• Final Thoughts and Gratitude (33:49)

Episode Notes and Resources:

HER Circle: https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Style Finder: https://shopstylefinder.com/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Erin Jones, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, discusses anxiety and OCD, emphasizing their prevalence and impact. Anxiety affects over 40 million adults, and OCD impacts 1 in 100 children and 1 in 40 adults. Erin explained the differences between general anxiety and OCD, noting that OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. She highlighted common signs in children, such as physical complaints and avoidance behaviors. Erin recommends exposure and response prevention therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy as effective treatments. She also addresses the importance of early intervention and the role of family support in managing these conditions.

• Introduction and Welcome (0:01)

• Getting to Know Erin (1:32)

• Understanding Anxiety and OCD (5:08)

• Identifying Signs of Anxiety and OCD in Children (7:26)

• Diagnosing and Addressing Anxiety and OCD in Children (13:40)

• First Steps for Parents to Address Anxiety and OCD (15:10)

• Effective Strategies for Managing Anxiety and OCD (18:25)

• Addressing Conflicting Advice and Stigma (26:02)

• Understanding the Causes of Anxiety and OCD (29:56)

• Balancing Personal Mental Health and Parenting (33:56)

• Addressing Comorbidities and Seeking Professional Help (34:35)

Episode Notes and Resources:

HER Circle: https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Bull City Anxiety: https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.