#39: Navigating Mom Shame and Perfectionism in Motherhood

In this episode, I had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Christine Sterling, who is not only a mom herself, but is a board-certified OB-GYN, on a mission to ensure women get the maternal care and support they deserve - emotionally and medically. Her passion for supporting women to confidently and calmly navigate motherhood, postpartum and the fourth trimester, while challenging society's views of what a perfect mom should look like - is just the kind of support moms need. So, why are we expected to be perfect moms all the time? Who created this image of perfection in motherhood? Being a mom is the most rewarding job, but it can also be one of the toughest. It can seem like everything you do is constantly under scrutiny. There is so much mom shaming going on, which makes you constantly second guess if you're worthy. But guess what? YOU ARE! You are enough Mama! This episode is so powerful and inspiring! Here's what we'll be digging into today: >> Addressing mom guilt around how you choose to feed your baby >> Doable goals around breastfeeding and pivoting when it doesn't work out >> Handling those unhelpful criticisms that seem to be in plenty during postpartum >> Where our version of the "perfect mom" came from >> Why comparing yourself to other moms on social media isn't practical Grab a comfy spot, and listen in - and please share it with your friends! All moms need to hear this message! It’s up on the blog too, if you prefer to read in silence :) And, as always, if you get value from this episode please subscribe, rate and review it at Apple Podcasts! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: PREPARED POSTPARTUM E-COURSE: https://www.thesterlinglife.com/preparedpostpartum FLOURISH IN THE FIRST YEAR POSTPARTUM E-COURSE: https://www.thesterlinglife.com/rescueme PREVENTING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION WORKBOOK: https://www.thesterlinglife.com/preventing-ppd INSTAGRAM: @drsterlingobgyn FACEBOOK: @DrSterlingObGyn DR. STERLING'S BIO: Dr. Christine Sterling is a board-certified ObGyn and ‘mom on a mission’ dedicated to ensuring women get the maternal care and support they deserve. Dr. Sterling obtained her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Southern California, graduating summa cum laude. She then continued at USC for her medical degree. As the loyal BFF that all mommas need, it isn’t surprising that when residency colleagues were asked to pick who they would have as their personal physician, they chose Dr. Sterling. She supports modern women to confidently and calmly navigate their reproductive journey with fierce compassion and determination to challenge the status quo when it comes to women’s health. After becoming a mother herself, Dr. Sterling discovered firsthand how little support western medicine offers to women moving through the life-altering transition into motherhood. She has since made it her mission to further develop and share her signature Mind, Body, Heart model of care, informed by the thousands of women she has cared for and her long-standing meditation and mindfulness practice. Her unique blend of cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom aims to cradle women throughout their reproductive journey. Through her online community and leadership, Dr. Sterling gives voice and lends her warm-hearted, doctor-informed insights to the many physical and emotional changes women experience as they navigate pregnancy and motherhood. Join her free Facebook group, The Sterling Life Community, and follow her daily stories on Instagram. SKIP TO… Welcome Dr. Sterling! (0:52) The inspiration behind Dr. Sterling's mission of helping moms (1:52) Addressing mom guilt when it comes to breastfeeding or not (6:00) Setting goals around breastfeeding and not feeling guilty when it isn't working (8:59) Setting boundaries for tackling upsetting criticisms ...