The Guilt of Motherhood

In this honest discussion with Dr. LaKesha Anderson of the National Communication Association about societal expectations of mothers, and self-imposed expectations about what mothers would like to be for their children, we talk about how it is very difficult to live up to either of these expectations. As a result, a nearly inevitable part of motherhood is taking on a certain amount of guilt about the difference between what is ideal in your mind versus what is possible in our busy lives. We discuss the importance of giving ourselves the permission to not be perfect. We need to all acknowledge that we are doing the best we can for the most part, and taking on and carrying the burden of guilt is not helpful in being an effective parent or mother.

Fertility, Technology, & Acknowledging Grief Part 1

In this important discussion with reproductive psychologist Dr. Julie Bindeman, we examine the issue of fertility and chasing parenthood. We review the current technology and options available to couples who desire to have a child, and very importantly, the psychological impact that is associated with difficulty in conceiving a child without intervention. Along with advanced reproductive technologies to assist couples come some very difficult choices, and the very real possibility that efforts may be unsuccessful. Often the inability to conceive is a grief that is not shared beyond the couple, sometimes because of a stigma associated with infertility, and a grief the depth of which is not fully appreciated.