A glass of wine while making dinner, a joint after the kids have gone to bed, micro-dosing on mushrooms while folding laundry - these are just a few of the ways that moms are getting through the day.

The stress of parenting has never been more real and for a lot of women, a little help to let go, keep calm, and make it to bedtime is becoming increasingly common. It’s certainly nothing new - the mommy martini of the 50s became so culturally iconic that you probably know someone with a depiction stuck to their refrigerator.

In truth, moms absolutely need a break and the demands of work, parenting, and managing the household are more difficult and exhausting than they ever have been. But at what point does something that offers the occasional bit of breathing room start to become a real problem? Where do you draw the line between a release and an addiction? How can we strike a balance to ensure we’re taking care of ourselves and our families in a way that’s healthy and safe? And if we’re feeling like we are getting a bit too substance dependent, what can we do about it? That’s what we are going to talk about today.

Back with us is one of my favorite guests. Jessica Vanderberg is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of The Alliance Center, a Connecticut-based mental health center that’s solely focused on supporting mothers through life’s major transitions. As a full-spectrum doula, childbirth educator, social worker, and mom, Jessica has dedicated her life to the mental health of women as they navigate pregnancy, motherhood, and parenting.

From mental health and managing relationships to raising changemakers and advocating for support, freemom is a podcast dedicated to ensuring that every mom feels heard. You can find us on the gram at @freemomcast or on the web at www.freemomcast.com. You can also support the show and help fund production with a sweet little five-dollar donation right here. Thanks for listening!