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Mom brain isn’t just in your head—it’s real.

If you’ve ever put your keys in the fridge, forgotten why you walked into a room, or felt like your mind just can’t keep up since becoming a mom, you are not alone. I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can feel.

That’s why in this episode, I sat down with licensed marriage and family therapist Atara Parkinson to unpack what’s really happening when “mom brain” shows up.

We talk about:

• What mom brain actually is
• How hormonal shifts, stress, and the never-ending mental load affect your brain and memory
• The role minerals like magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium play in reducing brain fog
• Simple, practical ways you can support yourself through nutrition, nervous system care, and self-care that goes deeper than spa days

By the end of this conversation, you’ll feel reassured that mom brain doesn’t mean you’re broken—it’s your body asking for support. And when you give it what it needs, you can feel more grounded, focused, and present again.

Connect with Atara!

IG: @atara.parkinson

Website: www.ataraparkinson.com

Thanks for listening!

If you're ready to break the cycles you've noticed in your marriage, reach out by booking a clarity call to become a client! https://michellepurta.as.me/clarity

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage? Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!
  
  

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Tough conversations are not the same as confrontations and knowing the difference could change your marriage.

In this episode, I'm unpacking a common misconception that keeps couples stuck: the belief that speaking up about challenges is automatically “confrontational.”

Tune in to hear me share:

• The real definition of confrontation (and why it doesn’t belong in a healthy marriage)
• How to reframe conflict so it feels like teamwork, not a battle
• Why avoiding hard conversations creates bigger problems over time
• How to see conflict as “maintenance” for your relationship

If you’ve been avoiding hard topics because you don’t want to rock the boat, this episode will give you the clarity and courage to start communicating in a way that builds closeness instead of distance.

Download the Conflict To Connection Guide here!

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage? Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

Mom guilt and anxiety often show up hand in hand—and for many moms, it feels impossible to shake.

In this episode of The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast, I’m joined by psychotherapist Patrice Payment to talk about why anxiety can hit hard after becoming a mom, even if you never struggled with it before. We unpack the most common triggers, the thought patterns that keep you stuck, and the link between guilt and the pressure to “do it all.”

You’ll learn how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns like black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and “should” statements—and how to replace them with more compassionate, flexible perspectives. We also share practical tools to shift from feeling powerless to feeling in control of your choices, reduce burnout, and prioritize your own needs without guilt.

Whether you’re a new mom or years into motherhood, these strategies will help you navigate anxiety with confidence, protect your mental health, and enjoy motherhood without losing yourself.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why anxiety often starts after kids, even if you were fine before
• Common ways mom guilt and anxiety show up in daily life
• How “should” statements fuel guilt and burnout
• Strategies for challenging unhelpful thought patterns
• Practical tools to respond to anxiety instead of spiraling
• The surprising link between saying “no” and feeling calmer

Connect with Patrice!

Website: www.momlifewithp.com

IG: @momlifecounseling

Thanks for listening!

If you're ready to break the cycles you've noticed in your marriage, reach out by booking a clarity call to become a client! https://michellepurta.as.me/clarity

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage? Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!