Jill and Bobby open up about the emotional complexity of early pregnancy, especially the disconnect between outward joy and inward uncertainty. They reflect on how happiness and doubt can coexist, why the “shoulds” of pregnancy can feel so heavy, and how those early feelings can ripple into the postpartum experience. From buyer’s remorse to divine timing, this episode reveals the vulnerable side of expecting a child that often goes unspoken—even to ourselves.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why early pregnancy doesn’t always feel as joyful as expected
• Jill’s raw description of “buyer's remorse” and how it mirrored past decisions
• How Bobby noticed the emotional disconnect and supported Jill through it
• The tension between being “happy because others were happy” and personal uncertainty
• What it meant to miss out on a certain kind of emotional connection during pregnancy
• How Jill found healing and peace in her bond with Declan now
• The role of divine timing in their story—and how faith reframed their experience

Pregnancy can be both a milestone and a minefield of unexpected emotions. If you’ve ever questioned your feelings or felt disconnected during a time when everyone expected joy, you're not alone. These honest conversations remind us that healing starts when we give ourselves permission to tell the truth.

Join us at the Vision Board Party, April 28, 7pm EST! Whether you're dreaming big for your personal growth or just need some inspiration, this event is all about community, connection, and manifesting your goals. We’d love to have you there—come create, connect, and feel inspired! RSVP Here (Don't worry if you missed it, we host this party quarterly!)

We hope you'll join us next time!
—Jill & Bobby

You are invited to find community with us—check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. To learn more or grab your copy of the book, head here. One of our favorite resources is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York—you deserve support that sees you.

Jill and Bobby dive into a raw conversation about their challenges with feeding their son, Declan, and how they struggled to get the proper care and attention from medical professionals. They share their experience of advocating for their child when his tongue tie and lip tie went undiagnosed, leading to hours of frustrating and exhausting nursing sessions. This episode is a candid reflection on how trusting your instincts as a parent, even in the face of dismissal, is crucial for ensuring your child’s health and well-being.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• The importance of trusting your parental instincts, even when professionals dismiss your concerns
• How undiagnosed tongue and lip ties can affect breastfeeding and long-term development
• The challenges of getting proper medical attention and support as a first-time parent
• The impact of tongue ties on a baby’s growth and why early intervention matters
• The journey of navigating difficult conversations with healthcare providers
• How a lactation consultant's intervention led to a breakthrough in breastfeeding struggles
• The potential long-term effects of untreated tongue and lip ties in children

Jill and Bobby reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of realizing their son’s feeding struggles were not normal and their journey to get the proper help. They discuss how the system sometimes fails new parents, but they also stress the power of persistence and seeking second opinions. Ultimately, they encourage parents to advocate for themselves and their children, knowing that their instincts can be the key to unlocking answers that the system may miss.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

Jill and Bobby reflect on their experience attending the premiere of Behind the Joy, a powerful film directed by Jamal Smart that highlights the reality of postpartum mental health struggles. They discuss the film’s impact, key moments that resonated deeply, and how it can serve as a tool to spark conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. They also open up about their own parenting highs and lows, sharing personal insights into the emotional journey of raising a toddler.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How Behind the Joy sheds light on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
• The importance of recognizing signs of postpartum struggles in new moms
• Why conversations about perinatal mental health are critical for families
• The role of a supportive partner and community in postpartum healing
• How media and storytelling can help break the silence around postpartum challenges

Postpartum struggles are real, but they don’t have to be faced alone. By sharing stories and starting conversations, we can create a stronger, more informed village for new parents. Learn more and find where to watch Behind the Joy by Jamal Smart HERE.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

In This Episode:
Jill and Bobby dive deep into their personal experiences with childbirth and the emotions surrounding their first cesarean birth. They reflect on Bobby’s fears during Jill’s C-section, their growing knowledge about birth options, and their considerations for a future home birth. As they prepare for baby #2 (eventually!), they openly discuss the fears, hopes, and lessons they've gathered along the way.

Topics Covered:

• Bobby’s perspective on Jill’s C-section and the fears he never shared
• The physical and emotional toll of an unexpected birth experience
• How knowledge and research have shifted their views on birth
• The possibility of a home birth and the concerns that come with it
• Preparing for multiple birth scenarios and the importance of flexibility

Jill and Bobby invite listeners into their raw and honest conversation about navigating parenthood, past birth experiences, and future plans. Whether you're preparing for your first baby or considering a different birth experience for the future, this episode offers insight, reflection, and support.

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

In this episode of the Mama Outspoken podcast, hosts Jill and Bobby share their experiences as first-time parents navigating toddlerhood. They begin with their highs and lows of the week, discussing the challenges they faced, such as dealing with snowstorms and car troubles, as well as highlights like attending a monster truck event with their child. The main focus of the episode is their insightful discussion on the movie 'Night Bitch', which opened their eyes to the realities of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Through watching the film, they reflected on their own experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage, and emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting new moms. They advocate for the necessity of awareness and dialogue around these issues, encouraging both parents and their support networks to watch films that depict these challenges to foster better understanding and support.

• Discussion on the movie 'Nightbitch'
• Insights on postpartum experiences
• Bobby shares how the movie shifted his understanding of Jill’s postpartum experience
• The silence around postpartum struggles
• The need for community and open discussions about postpartum mental health

The audio clip is from the official Nightbitch trailer, sourced from Searchlight Pictures' YouTube channel. We do not own the rights to this content. All rights belong to Searchlight Pictures and the respective copyright holders. This clip is shared for discussion, commentary, and educational purposes under fair use.

Check out episode episode 16 - The Courage to Ask: Conversations About Parenthood and Support to learn more about the Behind the Joy film.

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

Join Jill and Bobby, hosts of the Mama Outspoken Podcast, as they share their highs and lows of the week, recount experiences of their first pregnancy during the COVID-19 lockdown, and discuss the value of prenatal classes. They delve into personal stories about adjusting to parenthood, encountering unexpected realities like having 'a frog in the throat,' and dealing with family dynamics and social isolation during the pandemic. Offering practical advice and insights, they emphasize the importance of prenatal education, especially in areas like first aid and safety, while also touching on the intricacies of medical interventions during labor. This episode is a blend of heartfelt reflections and informative discussions perfect for first-time parents and those looking to better prepare for their own journeys into parenthood.

• Ringo the Resident Cat
• Prenatal Classes and Education
• Navigating Pregnancy During COVID-19
• The Importance of Prenatal Classes

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

In this week’s episode, hosts Jill and Bobby dive deep into the realities of parenting, sharing their highs and lows as first-time parents navigating the challenges of toddlerhood. They remind us that it's okay to struggle and that every parent is doing their best in their unique journey. They are joined by special guest Jamal Smart, a filmmaker debuting his new movie 'Behind the Joy', which focuses on mental health and postpartum depression. Join them as they talk about encouraging conversations around mental health and the importance of community support in parenting.

• Real Talk About Parenting
• Finding Your Village
• The Importance of Asking the Question
• Celebrating Small Wins
• Embracing the Journey
• Behind the Joy: Jamal's Journey and Film
• The Importance of Mental Health Conversations

As you listen to this episode, remember that you are not alone in your parenting journey. It's essential to lean on your community and to talk openly about the challenges you face. Keep doing your best, and don’t forget to celebrate your successes, however small they may seem. Tune in next time for more encouraging and insightful conversations on the realities and challenges of parenthood! To learn more about Jamal Smart, check him out on Instagram @behindthejoyfilm, and for more information on the film Behind the Joy visit Jamal here. You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need. We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby

In this heartfelt episode, Jill and Bobby dive into the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and early parenthood. They candidly share their personal highs and lows, offering an encouraging message for fellow parents who might be navigating similar experiences. The conversation sheds light on the often untold challenges of hormonal changes, both during pregnancy and postpartum, with a touch of humor and honesty.

• The unpredictability of hormonal changes
• The challenges and surprises of pregnancy, it wasn't like the movie "Knocked Up"
• Intense emotional shifts that can occur after childbirth
• The potential role of a doula
• Building a supportive network during pregnancy and postpartum

Jill and Bobby remind listeners that they are not alone in their parenting journey. Whether you're dealing with pregnancy mood swings, postpartum challenges, or the everyday ups and downs of raising a child, their message is clear: you're doing a great job.

You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. For more information or to purchase your copy of the book, you can go here. Our favorite resource is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, finding the help you need.

We hope you'll join us next time! Jill & Bobby