Join host Elizabeth Teo as she shares raw, honest insights about the challenges of early motherhood that no one talks about. This essential episode covers the real struggles new parents face during their first year.

Breastfeeding Reality Check:

• Why breastfeeding is harder than expected
• Low milk supply struggles and guilt
• Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (affects 6% of breastfeeding parents)
• Pumping challenges and mental health impacts
• When and why formula supplementation is necessary

Sleep Deprivation Deep Dive:

• The science behind why sleep loss is devastating
• New parents lose 109 minutes of sleep per night for 12 months
• How lack of REM sleep affects decision-making and emotions
• Practical tips for managing sleep schedules with your partner

Financial Reality:

• $233,000 cost to raise a child to 18 ($13,000/year)
• Hidden first-year costs: diapers ($2,000-3,000), formula ($1,200-1,500)
• The "motherhood penalty" - mothers earn 4% less per child
• Planning strategies for financial stability

Relationship Changes:

• How partnership dynamics shift from romance to co-parenting
• Communication strategies for sleep-deprived couples
• Maintaining friendship and gratitude in relationships
• Why relationship satisfaction typically declines in year one

Mental Health & Support:

• Postpartum depression realities and coping strategies
• The importance of asking for help
• Cultural perspectives on postpartum care
• Building support systems before baby arrives

Perfect for: Parents-to-be, new parents, anyone considering having children, partners supporting new parents.

Resources mentioned: International Postpartum Support Line: 1-800-PPD-MOMS

Real stories, real struggles, real hope. Because parenting isn't Instagram perfect - it's beautifully messy.