Negative thoughts can feel like an endless loop, especially in early motherhood. You’re exhausted and overwhelmed, and suddenly, your brain is telling you things like "I’ll never sleep again" or "I’m failing as a mom." But are these thoughts really true? In this episode of Let’s Thrive Postpartum, Kelly Siebold and Ashley Moore dive deep into negative thought patterns, why they happen, and how you can start shifting them.

Ashley breaks down Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how understanding the CBT Triangle—thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—can help you disrupt the cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and guilt. We also unpack common cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, and "should" statements that make motherhood feel even harder.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking the worst or feeling stuck in a negative spiral, this episode will give you the tools to reframe your thoughts, regain control, and build healthier mental habits—one small step at a time.

Learn how negative thoughts impact your emotions and actions, the CBT Triangle and why it’s key to changing your mindset, the biggest cognitive distortions that trip us up as moms, a simple "thought log" exercise to help you shift your thinking, and why rewiring your brain is like driving on a muddy road.

You are not your thoughts. And with practice, you can train your brain to think in a way that supports you, not holds you back.

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

In this episode of Let’s Thrive Postpartum, Kelly Siebold and Ashley Moore dive into the reality of tough parenting days—those tough moments when everything feels overwhelming, patience runs thin, and nothing seems to go right. Whether you're struggling with your child’s big emotions, feeling like you’re barely holding it together, or wondering how to ask for help when you need it most, we’re here to talk through it all.

Ashley shares her expertise as a therapist, offering practical ways to navigate these challenging moments, from reframing how we see our children’s struggles to recognizing when our own emotions are making things harder. We’ll also explore the power of reconnecting after tough moments, repairing relationships with our kids, and modeling emotional resilience. Plus, we’ll break down simple steps to start asking for help—especially if it feels uncomfortable.

Hard days happen, but they don’t define you as a parent. Tune in for real talk, encouragement, and actionable strategies to move through the difficult moments with more self-compassion and connection.

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

As a mom, have you ever wondered what a doula does and how they can support your mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum? In this episode of Let's Thrive Postpartum, you’ll learn how doulas can be an essential part of your support system, helping to ease the mental load of motherhood. Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas and host of Ask the Doulas podcast, shares her expertise on how doulas provide personalized care, education, and advocacy to support moms emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Kristin explains how doulas can help identify signs of perinatal mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and connect moms to trusted resources and support. You’ll also discover how having a doula can ease feelings of isolation, improve postpartum recovery, and create a foundation of rest and self-care to support your mental health. This episode offers practical advice on preparing for birth, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself, helping you navigate this transformative time with confidence and clarity.

Whether you’re looking to better understand your options or seeking ways to feel more supported mentally and emotionally, this episode is filled with insights to help you thrive. Visit Gold Coast Doulas for expert support and grab your copy of Kristin’s book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Louise Harkins, founder of Mapping Matrescence and a coach with over a decade of experience in mental health. Louise introduces the concept of matrescence—the transformative journey of becoming a mother—and why it’s a critical yet often overlooked aspect of motherhood.

Discover how matrescence compares to adolescence, the importance of honoring identity shifts, and how rituals and community can support moms through this transition. She also shares actionable steps to help moms navigate the push and pull of societal expectations while embracing the layers of change that come with motherhood.

Whether you’re expecting, adjusting to life with a newborn, or years into your journey, this episode provides insights and tools to help you thrive in your evolving role.

For more information about Mapping Matrescence and the resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.mappingmatrescence.com

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Ready to step into 2025 with intention and clarity as a mom?

In this special New Year’s episode of Let’s Thrive Postpartum, we’re rethinking the usual New Year’s resolutions. Instead of focusing on external goals, we’re exploring New Year’s intentions—a more compassionate and meaningful approach to creating positive change in your life as a mother.

Motherhood can make it easy to lose yourself in the chaos of caring for others, and resolutions often add more pressure to an already full plate. That’s why we’re focusing on intentions—helping you connect with your “why” and identify what truly matters to you as a mom. Whether it’s finding time for self-care, fostering stronger family connections, or simply feeling more like yourself, we’ll guide you through exercises tailored to the realities of motherhood.

Join us as we share simple ways to reflect on how you want to feel in this season of motherhood, and the small, intentional steps you can take to get there—without guilt or overwhelm.

Let’s make 2025 the year you honor your journey as a mom, nurture your mental health, and create a life where you can thrive, both as a parent and as the incredible person you are.

Happy New Year from all of us at Let’s Thrive Postpartum!

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Feeling overwhelmed this Christmas? You’re not alone.

In this special holiday episode of Let’s Thrive Postpartum, we’re holding space for the mix of emotions moms feel during the holidays—joy, stress, or even sadness when things don’t go as planned.

Join us for a short, guided meditation to find calm in the chaos, even if you’re sneaking a moment alone. This quick exercise will help you breathe, reflect, and remember that it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling today.

We also share honest stories from our own first Christmases as moms, offering reassurance that it’s okay if the season isn’t perfect. Things can—and do—get better with time.

Take a moment for yourself and tune in. You deserve it.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Let’s Thrive Postpartum!

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

What if you had a roadmap to guide you through the uncharted territory of becoming a parent? In this episode of Let’s Thrive Postpartum, Kelly Siebold and Ashley Moore sit down with Colleen Imler, who created just that. As a mom who faced postpartum depression, Colleen turned her struggles into insights, capturing the truths and lies she learned in her book, Becoming a Parent: 16 Truths and a Lie.

Colleen opens up about the realities of transitioning into motherhood, the power of sharing stories, and the importance of finding community during an isolating time. She also shares her hard-won advice on navigating postpartum challenges, building self-awareness, and embracing the messy, beautiful duality of being a mom.

Whether you’re preparing for motherhood or already in the thick of it, this episode is packed with relatable moments and actionable tips to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered. Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation that reminds you—you’re not alone in this journey.

You can follow Colleen on Instagram or purchase a copy of Colleen’s book on Amazon!

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Imagine heading into labor equipped with knowledge, tools, and confidence for a positive birth experience. In this episode of Let's Thrive Postpartum, Kelly Siebold and Ashley Moore talk with Sara Holt, a midwife with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Byenveni Baby. Sara has supported over 3,500 births and is dedicated to empowering families through informed, patient-led decisions.

Sara shares four must-know tips for a better birth. Learn why spontaneous labor leads to smoother outcomes, how midwifery care improves birth experiences, and the transformative impact of doula support. Plus, discover the TENS machine—a game-changing tool to reduce labor pain and improve outcomes.

Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, avoiding unnecessary interventions, or just seeking confidence, Sara’s practical advice will help you feel prepared and empowered.

Tune in to gain insights that set the stage for a better birth and a stronger postpartum start!

Support is just one click away - check out these additional resources designed to support your postpartum mental health:

• Download our free Postpartum Mental Health Plan https://wethrivepostpartum.com/postpartum-plan/
• Learn more about Thrive Postpartum’s virtual support for pregnant and postpartum moms, including virtual support groups, education, expert-led events, and a supportive community of moms who understand your journey https://wethrivepostpartum.com/join
• Email us with a question or postpartum topic you want us to discuss at podcast@wethrivepostpartum.com
• Hit subscribe to never miss an episode.