Surviving Postpartum: What's My New Identity?

Are you constantly losing your keys or finding things in odd places? Maybe you chalk it up to "mom brain." But is so-called “mom brain” — or "pregnancy brain" — real, or just something we tell ourselves to feel better? A researcher and moms weigh in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You remove your baby's diaper and see redness everywhere- perhaps even bumps and open sores! What's causing your baby's diaper rash? Could it be the diaper or some other form of allergy or irritation? How should you clean the area to reduce any discomfort for your baby? And how can you treat the rash and (hopefully) prevent it from happening again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As your baby grows, so does his ability to sleep for longer periods of time. So, how does this impact the naps you have scheduled throughout the day? How much sleep does your baby really need, and how does this change along with their overall development? How do you drop naps throughout the day and still make sure your baby isn't cranky or wide awake when it's nighttime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dealing with your baby's poop is just one of the many joys of new parenting. But besides being a bit gross, you can also learn a lot about your baby's overall health. So, what should you expect within the first few weeks of birth? What do the different colors mean? What should you do if your baby is constipated? Plus, our panelists share their most memorable poop surprises! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After you have your baby, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. If you're not feeling completely elated shortly after the birth of your baby- don't worry, that can be completely normal. It's called the baby blues, and it's a temporary condition many women experience within the first few weeks of birth. So, what are the common symptoms and how do you know if your condition is more severe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You recently had a baby and your transition into motherhood may leave you a little puzzled. Who are you, now that you're a mom? How do you shift between caring for yourself, your partner and this new little being that just came into the world? How do you discover your new identity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adoption can happen through many avenues and under a variety of circumstances. Each baby’s adoption story is uniquely beautiful and uniquely challenging. How do you know if adoption is right for your family? What are some of the challenges you may face when adopting a newborn? How do you overcome obstacles that may come your way? In this episode, moms of adopted newborns share their personal experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From your baby's first smile to his first steps, there are so many exciting milestones to look forward to. But sometimes, keeping track of them all can be a little overwhelming. And what if your baby’s not rolling by the time your friend’s baby did? Or what if she’s a late talker or walker? At what point should you actually seek help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes unexpected events during childbirth can wound a new mother. The physical scars fade, but emotional trauma can produce feelings of helplessness, shame, and defeat. How can a mother process these emotions and even embrace them as moments of courage and strength, rather than weakness? And how can loved ones support mom during this important transition? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New moms experience many new emotions after the birth of their baby, and some of those feelings may surprise you, such as anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is a common condition that is often overlooked because of the belief that new mothers are just naturally anxious. So, what are the symptoms, and how does it differ from other postpartum mood disorders? And how can this condition impact a mother's ability to care for her child if gone untreated? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices