11. Without a Village: Isolation, Honesty, and the Paradoxes of Modern Motherhood

We evolved raising children in clans of 50 or more other humans; today we live in homes with just a few other people. It goes against our very biology to raise children in isolation. It's really hard and really lonely, and it's not your fault.

In this episode I ramble into the microphone about my parenting journey. I am brutally honest and don't paint a rainbow over everything at the end. If you're already a parent, this episode will comfort you. If you're not and want to be, it'll give you a glimpse of your possible future and also maybe terrify you. If you're not and plan to keep it that way, you'll learn how to better understand and support the parents in your life.

I talk about:

-How our fractured, nuclear family living hurts families and relationships

-Emotional labor, women's invisible work, and the endless To Do list

-The very different experiences I had with my daughters, born ten years apart

-Sleep: I've both co-slept and sleep trained (also- SIDS and entrainment)

-Realistic self care- does it exist? Kinda. Here's what I do

-Building community

-Herbs for mamas & kiddos

-When does postpartum end?

-Anxiety & motherhood

-Choosing not to have kids

-How the Maiden to Mother transition is different for everyone

-The bone deep depletion of mothering

-Being envious of non parents

-Failing every day 

-Come gather around this fire with me

Links:

• Medicine Stories Patreon & my favorite parenting resources
• Medicine Stories Facebook Group
• Music by Mariee Sioux (from the song Wild Eyes)
• Take my fun Which Healing Herb is Your Spirit Medicine? quiz