Postpartum Reality Check: Beyond the Baby Blues & Motherhood Truths
Release Date: 06/05/2025
The Mom Room: Balancing Motherhood, Work, and Self with Renee Reina
The Mom Existence
In this episode of The Mom Existence podcast, host Ashley Kielbratowski welcomes Renee Reina, the host of the Mom Room podcast, for an engaging conversation about the realities of modern motherhood. They dive into Renee's journey into motherhood, the emotional complexities of early parenthood, and the challenges of postpartum recovery. Together, they explore the pressures and guilt that often accompany being a working mom, the importance of authenticity, and the value of community—whether in fitness, parenting, or content creation. The conversation also touches on practical tips for...
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Reconnecting with Your Inner Self as a Mother
The Mom Existence
In this enlightening conversation, I speak with Dr. Molly and Michelle from The Vessel Village about the transformative journey of motherhood. We explore the importance of community, intuition, and creativity in navigating the challenges of being a mother. Our discussion emphasizes the need for women to reconnect with their inner selves, rewrite old narratives, and embrace their creative potential. We also highlight the societal pressures that mothers face and the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in fostering genuine connections. Through their shared experiences, Dr. Molly and...
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Cat & Nat Interview: The Dynamic Duo on Friendship, Mom Guilt & Raising Kids
The Mom Existence
In this fun, exciting and candid conversation, Cat and Nat—motherhood’s favorite dynamic duo—pull back the curtain on the real, messy, and joy-filled ride of parenting today. From finding the sweet spot between fun and structure during the summer to navigating the ever-shifting waves of mom guilt, they share their unfiltered insights with humor and heart. They talk about the friendships that keep moms afloat, the double-edged sword of social media, and the constant juggle of screen time and connection. With their signature blend of honesty and laughter, Cat and Nat remind us that...
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Moving, Sweaty, and Still Parenting
The Mom Existence
In this episode of The Mom Existence podcast, I’m sharing a much-needed life update—because things have been busy, sweaty, and a little chaotic. From moving (again) and building a new home to navigating the wild, unstructured days of summer with a toddler, I’m diving into what real life looks like right now. I also chat about health and wellness—yes, including some intense period stuff—and share a few current beauty and self-care faves. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at the juggling act of modern motherhood, trying to find balance while doing all the things. And remember, you're...
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More Than Just Sex: Reclaiming Intimacy, Desire & Self in Motherhood
The Mom Existence
Let’s talk about the thing so many of us aren’t talking about: intimacy after motherhood. This week, I’m joined by somatic sexologist Serena Haines for an honest, eye-opening conversation about what happens to our bodies, our relationships, and our sense of self when we become moms. We go deep on: – What intimacy actually looks like (hint: it’s not just about sex) – How to reconnect with your partner when you’re touched-out and drowning in motherhood – Why so many women feel shut down sexually & how to gently wake that part of you back up – Serena’s...
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From Baby-Led Feeding to Picky Eating: Edwena Kennedy on Parenting & Mealtimes
The Mom Existence
Pediatric dietitian and founder of My Little Eaters, Edwena Kennedy joins me to explore the evolving journey of motherhood. We discuss her personal experience as a mom alongside her professional expertise in feeding children—from the early days of introducing solids and baby-led feeding to managing picky eating well into the toddler years and beyond. Edwena offers compassionate, practical advice on creating positive mealtime experiences, understanding the difference between gagging and choking, and building confidence around feeding. We also dive into the shifts in parenting styles, the...
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Rewriting the Rules: Emily Bishop on Motherhood, Identity, and Career Reinvention
The Mom Existence
In this conversation, I chat with Emily Bishop about her powerful career pivot—from a decade-long career in biomedical engineering to becoming a transformational coach for ambitious moms. We explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood, the challenges of returning to work, and the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. Emily shares her experiences as a mother of two boys, how she found purpose beyond the corporate world, and the impact of social media on modern motherhood. We also dive into the concept of human design and how it can help individuals better understand their...
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My Birth Story: Becoming a Mom at 35
The Mom Existence
In this episode, I’m sharing the real, raw, and surprisingly beautiful story of how I became a mom. From the final stretch of pregnancy to meeting my son for the first time, I walk you through what it was like becoming a first-time mom at 35. I talk about everything from IVF, being labeled "geriatric," and that lovely thing called Group B Strep, to what it actually feels like when your water breaks, the induction process, and how a doula helped me stay grounded through it all. This is the kind of birth story I wish I’d heard before giving birth—honest but encouraging. Because birth...
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Jeff & Ashley: What Are We Actually Doing?
The Mom Existence
In this episode of the Mom Existence podcast, Ashley and her husband Jeff share their candid experiences of becoming parents. They discuss the challenges and unexpected realities of parenthood, the mental load often carried by mothers, and the importance of structure and routine in managing daily life with children. The couple reflects on their parenting styles, the impact of age on their perspectives, and the joys and struggles of raising a child. Their conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and relatable insights for anyone navigating the journey of parenthood. In this engaging...
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Kayla Davis: Routines, Identity Shifts & Raising Kids Online
The Mom Existence
Kayla Davis—known as @kdavis_fitness on Instagram—is a Halifax-based kinesiologist, personal trainer, and mother of three who inspires her audience by balancing fitness and motherhood. With over 28,000 followers, she shares workouts, family life, and motivational content that resonates with busy moms and fitness enthusiasts alike. In this conversation, we discuss the journey of motherhood, the challenges of building an online presence, and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of parenting. Kayla shares her experiences with fitness, managing daily...
info_outlineToday on The Mom Existence, we're joined by the incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable Lauren Mackintosh—a fierce advocate for maternal mental health and a guiding light for women navigating pregnancy and postpartum.
Lauren helps us unpack what so many moms experience but don’t always talk about like delayed postpartum depression and how it differs from the early baby blues. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster that can come with everyday struggles, mom guilt, and when things just don’t go according to plan.
She’s made it her mission to support women through the messy, beautiful, overwhelming ride of motherhood—and today, she’s breaking down the truth behind anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the “prepare for the worst” mindset so many of us quietly carry.
Because as Lauren reminds us—two things can be true. You can be so in love with your baby and feel completely lost. You can be grateful and grieving the version of motherhood you imagined. This conversation is honest, validating, and needed.
Let’s get into it. And remember, you’re doing amazing <3
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