When "You've Got This!" Hurts: Naming and Navigating Toxic Positivity in Postpartum

In this heartfelt episode of Whispers of Milk and Motherhood, Suzanne sits down with Hannah Johnson to explore a rarely named but deeply felt part of the postpartum experience: toxic positivity.

Together, they gently unpack how well-intended phrases like "stay positive," "be grateful," and "you've got this" can unintentionally dismiss the very real exhaustion, anxiety, grief and identity shifts that many new mothers experience after birth.

Hannah shares her honest postpartum journey, including the emotional cost of hiding her true feelings, the pressure to perform gratitude and how postpartum anxiety and depression can hide behind a smile.

In this episode, we talk about:

- When encouragement stops feeling supportive

- How toxic positivity impacts postpartum mental health

- Postpartum anxiety and depression in new mothers

- The emotional and identity shifts of matrescence

- What authentic postpartum support actually looks and sounds like

We also spotlight Hannah's meaningful work at No Filter Postpartum

www.nofilterpostpartum.com

This episode is a reminder that you don't need to be more positive, you need to be more supported.

Suzanne Nicklas, RN, IBCLC, Ayurvedic Doula

www.suzannenicklas.com

IG: @suzannenicklaswellness

FB: @suzannenicklaswellness

Music: Sweet Life (Luxury Chill) track

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