Host Lina Forrestal brings you the New Mamas Podcast, a space created to give first time moms a voice and to have honest and raw conversations about motherhood. Lina and her guests are normalizing conversations around traditionally taboo topics: post-partum depression, post-partum anxiety, surviving the newborn phase, body image issues, co-parenting, divorce, and more. This podcast is meant to feel like a big virtual hug for moms everywhere. Instagram: @linaforrestal @newmamaspodcast Contact: lina.forrestal@gmail.com
Send a text I don’t think we talk enough about how making close friends as a mom is weirdly hard. Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive material around self-harm. Please listen with care. In this episode, I break down my thoughts around mom friendships, dig deep into my own past to understand why I view some things the way I do. Listen to the full episode of "The Real Reason Adult Friendships Are So Hard" on the Mel Robbins podcast featuring Danielle Bayard Jackson. Stats referenced: In a Harvard study… 51% of mothers with young children reported feeling lonely. Loneliness is linked to early mortality and a wide array of serious physical and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. Full article link here. Research shows that up to 90% of moms feel lonely after giving birth, and more than half say they feel like they have no friends. Full article ink here. Research involving 270,000 people found that friendships were as important—if not more so—to our overall well being as our relationships with our spouses and family. The same researcher also looked into whether the quality of those friendships mattered—it does. People who had strong friendships reported being happier, while people without quality friendships reported more chronic illness. Full article link here. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
HOT TAKES: Screen time a cop out? Do we love or hate birthday parties?
Send a text In this episode, I’m diving into the spiciest parenting opinions you sent me over Instagram and let’s just say… y’all did not hold back. 😅 Listen to Part 2 here on my Substack From “Screen time is a cop out” to “Birthday parties actually the worst” to the never-ending saga of potty training, we’re unpacking the hot takes that secretly live in every mom group chat. I react in real time and share my honest thoughts (as a working mom in the thick of it), and explore the gray areas we don’t always talk about. This episode is equal parts funny, relatable, and “wait… are we allowed to say that out loud?” If you’ve ever: Handed over an iPad and felt judged Dreaded a 3-hour kids’ birthday party Questioned your entire existence during potty training …this one’s for you! Come for the hot takes! Stay for the solidarity! Mentioned in this episode: Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working (And What Parents Need Instead) with Parenting Coach Danielle Linder Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
The Last 8 Months Have Been HARD: Weaning, Terrible 2s, and Two Kids In Different Schools
Send a text Subscribe to my Substack for exclusive podcast episodes: https://circlebackafterbedtime.substack.com/ The lollipops I used for weaning: YumEarth Organic Lollipops Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Apparently We're Not Supposed To Tell Our Kids We're Proud Of Them Anymore
Send a text In this episode, I am fired up! Here's what I'm sounding off on in this episode: Being a "pro-screen time, anti-tablet" parent Being a millennial and growing up in AOL chatrooms "Raw-dogging" summer break Questioning whether to go to kindergarten or skipping straight to 1st grade Homeschool vs public school, hot take home school kids have a lot of opportunities for socialization Celebrating my son's 5th birthday! Struggling having a small house with no storage Sounding off on "therapy speak" Sounding off on the whole "not telling our kids we're proud of them" Fostering a summer of independence for my 5-year-old What do you think? Leave me a comment or send me a DM on my Instagram if you have any strong feelings about my hot takes. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
In-Laws, Boundaries, and Breastmilk: Grab Bag Solo Episode
Send a text In this grab bag episode of topics, I'm taking you on a rollercoaster ride of all my inner thoughts: Boundaries with in-laws (I have some hot takes that might piss you off) In the body positive movement, no one should shame you for wanting to lose weight Saying no to business travel at the moment How disappointing people sucks but you have to do it sometimes Spicy thoughts around The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (we all need a little pop culture therapy, okay?) ...and other things! If you're a new mom, toddler mom, or just a woman figuring out how to juggle it all, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone. PS. Check out my episode on my other podcast, Can I Be Honest , all about marriage and relationships ! Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
The Baby-to-Toddler Transition: She Has Entered Her Villain Era (ps. Send Help)
Send a text I’m keeping it real about life with a toddler in this audio journal style solo episode. My 17-month-old daughter has officially entered her villain era, and I’m feeling all the challenges of the baby-to-toddler transition. Tantrums, power struggles, the emotional rollercoaster of weaning, I’m talking about why this baby/toddler stage feels SO HARD! If you’re a new mom navigating toddlerhood and just trying to survive the chaos, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest, unfiltered take on motherhood and learning to love (OR NOT LOVE) this messy, wild, unpredictable season. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
I Hate My Dogs After Becoming A Mom...And Other Things I'm Not Supposed to Say
Send a text This episode is a voice note-style vent sesh from one mom to another. I’m sharing the unfiltered truths I never thought I’d say out loud: I resent my dogs after becoming a mom (hello, postpartum rage!) I want to quit breastfeeding cold turkey (breastfeeding burnout!) I went from in-law drama to actually having a healthy relationship with them (yes, it’s possible!). Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, rage-cleaning, or hiding in your car for five minutes of peace — this one’s for you. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Creepy Easter Bunny, Doing Less, and Mom Guilt About Feeling Annoyed By My Kids
Send a text In this episode, I chit chat about: Why does Easter feel so commercialized now Wanting to give my kids the childhood I never had Introducing chores and piggy bank to my almost 5 year old Mom guilt about feeling annoyed with my kids sometimes Mindset shifts that help my day-to-day Weaning update Poking fun at "sad beige moms" ...and more! Let me know if you liked the car voice memos or if the audio quality was so bad it was hard to listen to. Until next week! Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Are We In Hell? Reacting to Chappel Roan's Comments About Motherhood
Send a text Pop singer Chappell Roan is going viral for going on the Call Her Daddy Podcast and saying all her friends with kids are in hell and that she doesn’t know anyone who’s happy and has children. Let's talk about it. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
I'M BACK! Is Exclusively Breastfeeding the WORST Decision I Ever Made?
Send a text I'm back, YAY! I'm excited to catch up with all of you. In this episode I talk about: What it was like juggling a baby and working full-time My work trip in October where I brought my baby and my mom How I ended up exclusively breastfeeding The complicated emotions of weaning How I made the decision to wean The process of weaning and how it's going I'll be back at a limited capacity with weekly episodes! They'll be mostly shorter solo episodes to start off with because it's a lot of work scheduling guests, preparing for interviews, etc. so the podcast will be just me and you and the mic to start off with :) Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
It's Been Hard Lately + I'M TAKING A PODCAST BREAK!
Send a text In this episode, Lina elaborates on how hard it's been coming back from maternity leave and juggling her 4-month old daughter. She discusses the challenges of exclusively breastfeeding, childcare costs, quitting her job (and how it's not gonna happen), and a little bit about the behind-the-scenes of podcasting. The podcast is on a break but will be back soon! In the meantime, stay in touch with Lina on Instagram. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
On Losing a Mom to Cancer While Becoming a Mother with Niki DeConcini
Send a text Niki became a mother and motherless in the same breath. Her journey to motherhood was filled with uncertainty and trauma when we went through recurrent pregnancy loss and learning that her mom was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the same time. She is a wife and mom of two living in Minnesota. She is a business owner by day, a podcaster by night, and a dedicated mom 24/7. When she finally got her triple rainbow baby pregnancy, my mom’s cancer progressed and she lost her when she was just 5 weeks postpartum. Years of grief and loss shaped her motherhood journey and how she choose to put turn that pain to purpose. It’s one of the many reasons she started her podcast: Moms of the Night Connect with Niki: @momsofthenightpodcast Moms of the Night , is a space to help combat loneliness in motherhood. The podcast brings together moms to share stories, vulnerable conversations, and uplifting messages. Unlike many parenting podcasts, there's no experts, or advice to add to the overwhelm - just moments for all of us to sit in solidarity as we live out our motherhood journeys. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
What It's Like Having a Toddler and a Newborn with Linnea
Send a text Lina and Linnea gave birth around the same time and both have toddlers and newborns. They have a fun and dynamic friend catch-up about having two young kids. In this episode they talk about: Division of labor between partners Mom guilt Going back to work Childcare Hypnobirthing Breastfeeding Linnea's first pod appearance: Hypnobirthing and How To Hire a Doula with Newborn Mom Linnea Connect with Linnea: @linneakayak Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Coparenting After Divorce with Mikki Gardener
Send a text Almost 60% of marriages end in divorce. Mikki checked every box to guarantee a happy life- but what felt like an instant the life she thought she had was gone. Divorce was the healthiest option for their relationship. Parenting can be alienating with little ones and when you get divorced it's another level of alienation. Mikki is a mentor and coach for women who are currently going through this journey. In this episode, Lina and Mikki talk about: Talking to young children about divorce Letting go of the shame of divorce How to start a healthy co-parenting process Navigating holidays and birthdays Managing conflict Listen to Mikki on other shows: The Moms Moving On Divorce & Co-Parenting Podcast The Stepmom Diaries Podcast The Parenting Coach Podcast Mikki Gardner is a Conscious Parenting Coach, the host of Co-Parenting With Confidence Podcast, and a mom to her son! After learning how to navigate life post divorce & using it as a catalyst to her own transformation, Mikki now helps moms move past the divorce drama to become calm, confident co-parents. She is on a mission to help women navigate the emotional and practical difficulties of divorce and co-parenting while creating an intentional, joy + ease-filled life after divorce. Connect with Mikki: Website Instagram Facebook Mikki’s Podcast “Co-Parenting With Confidence” Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
My Postpartum Doula and I Recap the Last 3 Months of Working Together
Send a text Lina hired her postpartum doula, Katie, to aid her in her first few months postpartum with her second baby, Evelyn. In this episode, Lina and Katie have an informal chat on what it was like working together. This is a great episode for anyone who's considering hiring a postpartum doula! Connect with Katie on Instagram: @lifeinbloomwellness To learn more about my postpartum doula Katie, check out her website: https://www.lifeinbloomwellness.co/ Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Trad Wives, Faerie Smut, and The Sicilian Inheritance with Jo Piazza
Send a text In this episode, Lina invites bestselling author and podcaster Jo Piazza on to discuss trad wives and why they are problematic for our nation's youth. In this episode, they talk about: The definition of a trad wife: how is she different than a stay-at-home-mom Why glamorizing the lifestyle of a trad wife through social media is creating a false narrative Feminism, financial independence, and what we really want out of a marriage Working motherhood and decision fatigue The problem with Disney princesses (why does everything end in a wedding!?) Booktok: specifically, A Court of Thorns and Roses The book of the year: The Sicilian Inheritance, written by Jo herself! You can pre-order The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza right now: https://amzn.to/43jvUg3 It comes out April 2, 2024 Meet Jo in person and come to the book launch in Philly: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jo-piazza-the-sicilian-inheritance-tickets-822933234457?aff=oddtdtcreator Connect with Jo Piazza: @jopiazzaauthor Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Just Chatting: Thoughts on Going Back to Work, Childcare ($$$), & How I'm Managing as a Mom of 2
Send a text In this episode, Lina gives a 3 month postpartum update. Just Chatting episodes are meant to emulate a your mom bestie leaving you a long voice note. In this episode Lina talks about: How her maternity leave is ending and her thoughts on going back to work Transparency on the costs of childcare and what she can realistically afford Public versus private school How she's managing as a mom of two, specifically around the nights when she has to solo parent Baby-wearing and brands she loves Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Trad Wives and Feminism with Katie DeGroot
Send a text Katherine is a creative homemaker and mom of four. While she doesn't identify as a "trad wife", she believes that by other people's standards she would be considered one. Lina and Katherine have a thoughtful discussion how the criticism of trad wives can be demeaning towards SAHMs and domestic labor. They also have a candid discussion about feminism, racism, and the complexity of raising children in today's society. Connect with Katie on Instagram: @katherinelouisedegroot Subscribe to her Substack: @katherinelouisedegroot Visit her website: https://katherinedegroot.com/ Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Discriminated by American Airlines for Breastfeeding in Public with Ashley Copperstone
Send a text Have to breastfeed on American Airlines? Think again. When first-time mom Ashley Copperstone was flying out of Grand Rapics, MI she didn't think twice when she was breastfeeding her daughter at the gate. It's something a lot of us moms do, especially trying to soothe a cranky baby. A crew member from American Airlines felt the need to publicly approach and shame Ashley and tell her to cover up for breastfeeding her 15-month old daughter. When Ashley complained to American Airlines for the interaction, their response was less than acceptable. Shame on you, American Airlines! Connect with Ashley @joyfulhopevirtualservices As of August 2021, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have laws that allow breastfeeding in public or private settings. Additionally, 31 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands exempt breastfeeding from public indecency laws. Learn more about Breastfeeding State Laws here . Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
Take BACK Control of Your Life After Losing Yourself in Motherhood with Former Superior Court Judge Shelyna Brown
Send a text "Life is not happening to you but FOR you." A lot of us lose ourselves in motherhood. In Lina's conversation with former Superior Court Judge Shelyna Brown , they discuss how you can come back to yourself and how to find that purpose and passion again. Connect with Shelyna: @svbconsultingpreside Check out Shelyna's book, Preside: Biblical Principles for Personal Growth and Taking Command of Your Life—A Judge’s Verdict In Preside, you will learn how to: Discover your authority as a steward over your life Master the stewardship mindset Banish unproductive thought patterns and limiting beliefs Understand your jurisdiction so you know when to exercise your authority and when to wait on the Lord Experience the abundance God has ordained for your life Watch Shelyna's TEDx Talk here . Shelyna Brown: Visionary Leader and Advocate for Justice Spanning two decades, Shelyna Brown's career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice and community empowerment. Her journey from a passionate public defender to a respected Superior Court Judge in Santa Clara County is a narrative of determination and impact. Armed with a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University and a degree from the University of California, Davis, Shelyna has been pivotal in reshaping the legal narrative. Her influence extends beyond the courtroom, notably as a co-founder of the Equality and Social Justice Committee and an advisor at San Jose State University. Here, she mentors the next generation of leaders, championing progressive change. Renowned as a charismatic TEDx speaker, Shelyna's eloquence on leadership and justice has resonated on both national and international platforms. With the upcoming release of 'Preside,' Shelyna is set to ignite a new spark of inspiration. This book is a call to action, encouraging readers to take the helm of their lives with purpose and passion. Shelyna’s story, emblematic of resilience and visionary leadership, makes her a true role model in every sense. As we introduce 'Preside' to the world, we are not just sharing a book; we are sharing Shelyna Brown's legacy – one that inspires each of us to embrace empowerment, pursue justice, and lead with conviction. Support the show Connect with Lina on @linaforrestal on Instagram Follow the @newmamaspodcast on Instagram Read Lina's Blog: www.linaforrestal.com Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newmamaspodcast)
