Motherhood is a profound journey filled with joy, love, and fulfillment, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, including pervasive feelings of guilt and societal pressures. Many of us call this feeling "mom guilt," a phenomenon where self-doubt and inadequacy arise as mothers strive to meet both personal and societal expectations.

As caregivers we already wear too many hats to meet all household or workplace demands–administrative assistant, cheerleader, chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, financial planner, etc. etc. That’s part of our multitasking superpower. But these roles get strained, fatigued, overworked.

Perinatal mood disorders encompass a range of emotional and mental health issues that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These can include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The prevalence of PMDs highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for new mothers. Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding, while beneficial for both mother and baby, can sometimes exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression if not adequately supported.

Grief is a universal experience, yet its expression and impact can vary greatly among individuals, particularly for those who are neurodivergent.

When it comes to reproductive health, everyone’s journey is unique, filled with its own set of decisions and experiences. The role of a pro-choice doula is to provide non-judgmental support for all pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, adoption, and parenting. A pro-choice doula is inclusive of all. They respect and affirm each individual’s right to make decisions about their own body and future.

I've been sharing my approach to working with mothers on my social media page, Feminist Mom Therapist, for a few years now. In therapy, I believe it's crucial to use not only a psychological lens but also a systemic one. Our thoughts and feelings are shaped not only by our personalities, life experiences, and family of origin but also by the broader political and societal context. This perspective is particularly important when working with mothers because of how undersupported mothers are in our society.