All In The Mind
The baby decision — how to decide when you can't decide
Feb 8, 2025
Merle Bombardieri, a licensed clinical social worker and decision coach with extensive experience, delves into the complexities of the baby decision. She explores societal pressures and emotional challenges that couples face, especially in light of modern issues like climate change. Merle introduces a 'chair dialogue' exercise to help individuals reconcile conflicting desires about parenthood. The conversation also touches on the rising acceptance of child-free living and the increasing trend of one-child families, urging listeners to trust their instincts.
29:51
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Merle Bombardieri emphasizes the importance of open discussions and practical strategies to navigate the anxiety surrounding the decision of parenthood.
- Contemporary societal pressures and environmental concerns significantly influence individuals' choices about having children versus remaining child-free.
Deep dives
The Radical Choice of Child-Free Living
In the late 1960s, Merle Bombardieri faced a life-altering decision when her boyfriend proposed marriage, and she declined due to her desire to remain child-free. At that time, societal expectations heavily favored motherhood, making her choice radical and controversial, especially within her family and cultural background. Despite her deep love for Rocco, she recognized the importance of aligning their aspirations for the future, particularly regarding parenthood. This choice initiated a thorough exploration into her feelings about motherhood, reflecting a period of significant internal conflict as she navigated the societal pressures that women faced in that era.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
