Episode 106: The Motherhood Shift: Embracing the Pain, Growth & Power

Motherhood is a transformation unlike any other. It is raw, powerful, and deeply personal—but in today’s world, many women find themselves lost in unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and the pressures of a society that undervalues mothers. In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott dive into the unspoken realities of motherhood—the pain, the growth, and the immense power that can come from this transition.

Why Motherhood Is Meant to Transform You

Becoming a mother is not just about bringing a child into the world; it’s about reshaping who you are. This journey carries important steps of challenge, discomfort, and even grief over the life you once had. But these emotions are not signs of failure—they are necessary pieces of the transformation.

Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan discuss how many women are left struggling through this shift because of:

• Lack of Support: The expectation to "do it all" without a strong support system leaves mothers feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Society often glamorizes postpartum or pressures women to "bounce back," ignoring the depth of the physical, emotional, and mental shifts occurring.
• A Broken System: From inadequate maternity leave to a medical model that overlooks the holistic needs of mothers, there are systemic failures that make this transition harder than it should be.

Pain & Challenge Are Not the Enemy

Pain in motherhood—whether it’s physical, emotional, or psychological—is often something we try to avoid. But Dr. Morgan and Dr. Leah emphasize that pain can be a catalyst for growth. When we allow ourselves to acknowledge the discomfort, rather than resist it, we open the door to deep transformation and healing.

Instead of fearing pain, what if we embraced it as part of the process?

How to Reclaim Your Power in Motherhood

Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan explore ways to shift the narrative around motherhood from one of survival to one of strength, including:

• Redefining success in motherhood: It’s not about perfection but about presence.

• Letting go of guilt: Embracing the reality that struggle is part of the journey, not a sign of inadequacy.

• Seeking support: Surrounding yourself with a community that values and uplifts you.

• Allowing yourself to feel: Giving yourself permission to grieve, grow, and evolve through the process.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Motherhood is supposed to change you—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

• Pain and challenges are not failures; they are part of the transformation.

• Lack of support and unrealistic expectations make this transition harder than it needs to be.

• Slowing down, tuning in, and finding support can help you step into your power as a mother.

Final Thoughts

Motherhood is not just a phase of life—it’s a profound metamorphosis. The struggles, the pain, and the raw emotions are not only valid but essential to the journey. By embracing this transformation and seeking the support we need, we can reclaim our power and create a new paradigm for motherhood—one rooted in strength, wisdom, and deep self-trust.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unseen in your journey as a mother, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and your experience matters.

Resources From This Episode:

• Watch the I Am Documentary here
• Check out @clairefagin on Instagram
• See @Lbreggy's post about postpartum

Stay Connected With Us:
Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.com
Instagram: @healthyasamotherpodcast
Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com
Instagram: @drleahgordon
Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com
Instagram: @morganmacdermott

This episode is sponsored by:

Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.

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