1. When Motherhood Doesn’t Look Anything Like You Expected

Reproductively Speaking

Motherhood was always something I looked forward to. I dreamed about it, romanticized it, and thought I knew exactly what to expect.

But…when it actually happened, it was NOTHING like the picture I had in my head. I loved my baby so much, but I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

I soon had two kids under two, and outwardly, I probably looked fine. On the inside though? I was drowning.

As a licensed therapist, I knew the signs of anxiety and depression, yet no one ever asked how I was really doing. I wasn’t offered a screening or support, and I convinced myself I just needed to “try harder” or maybe I wasn’t really cut out for motherhood afterall.

That experience cracked something open in me. It’s what led me to the work I do today - supporting women through the emotional earthquake that is motherhood. We deserve to talk honestly about what we’re feeling, and the messy, complicated emotions that come with being a parent.

I created Reproductively Speaking so we DO have a space for the very real, unfiltered conversations about motherhood, identity, and mental health. I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I’m here to walk with you. You’re NOT on this journey alone, friend!

Episode Recap:

• The emotional “earthquake” that happens when motherhood looks nothing like you expected
• My raw story of navigating early motherhood with two babies just 13 months apart
• The loneliness & guilt that so many moms quietly experience beneath the surface
• Why mental-health professionals can struggle + how that inspired my mission
• The vision behind Reproductively Speaking

**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @tztherapy
• Check out my website