The Momma’s Lounge with Camille Perkins

I am back with Chapter 2 of my conversation with Addy! Addy and I dive right into adjusting to motherhood—specifically, the mental and physical transition of having two under two.Going from one child to two is a completely different ballgame, and Addy opens up about the feelings of being “outnumbered,” the mental battles of the early postpartum weeks, and how she learned to navigate the chaos. We talk about the stigma around asking for help, how to have compassion for moms who are genuinely not loving motherhood right now, and the reality of postpartum recovery. Whether you’re currently in the thick of it, pregnant with your second, or just need to hear that you aren't alone, this episode is a reminder that you can do this.Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:The Reality of Two Under Two: Addy shares her honest experience adjusting to life with two littles, and how to survive when you feel outnumbered.The Power of Asking for Help: Why it is so hard for mothers to ask for help, how to accept it even if you are feeling like a burden, and a sneak peek at a new planner I am working on to help moms coordinate their support village!Compassion for the Struggle: Discussing the Reddit threads of moms who hate motherhood—how we can create safe, non-judgmental spaces for moms to vent and feel appreciated for their thankless work.Taking Care of Your Body Postpartum: Rejecting the toxic "bounce back" culture. Addy and I share what we are actually doing to move our bodies in a healthy way (from her morning walks and yoga to my return to the swimming pool).Dividing Your Attention: Realizing that the way you parented your first child won't be the same way you parent your second—and why it’s okay if one baby has to cry for a minute while you help the other.A Word of Encouragement: Addy’s heartfelt advice to moms who are currently pregnant with their second baby and feeling terrified.Quotes to Remember:"It’s okay to get help. It takes you out of isolation, you get restful time, and you become a better mother.""You are only one person. You can do the best you can, but you can't expect yourself to duplicate.""Just as we want to go serve people, we need to help others have the opportunity to serve."Connect With Me:Listen to Chapter 1: https://youtu.be/X04Gz4rMG2A?si=6gAUM__HsMppj2cL Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themommaslounge/ @themommasloungeShare Your Story: Are you a mom who has struggled to love motherhood? I would love to talk to you and understand your experience better. I want to create a safe space to talk about it on the podcast, so please send me a message!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review! It helps other mamas find the community here at The Momma's Lounge.

Welcome to Chapter 1 of our three-part interview series with Addy! In this episode of The Momma’s Lounge, Addy opens up about her two wildly different birth stories—welcoming her daughter Eliza and her son Joshua just 13 months apart.We discuss the challenges of being pressured into an early induction for high blood pressure, the physical and emotional realities of pushing for three hours versus seven minutes, and how holistic approaches (like acupuncture and "witches brew") played a massive role in her second labor. We also touch on the power of placenta encapsulation for postpartum mental health and finding time for your own hobbies while raising babies.In This Episode, We Cover:03:05 Intro & catching up: Navigating 2 under 2 while balancing a husband in full-time work and school.05:00 Entering the "Grandma Era": Finding yourself in motherhood through crafting, audiobooks, and taking mental breaks.08:10 Eliza’s Birth Story: White coat syndrome, advocating for yourself during a frustrating 37-week induction, and surviving a 3-hour pushing marathon.14:30 Joshua’s Birth Story: Prodromal labor, maternal acupuncture, the "witches brew," and a lightning-fast 7-minute delivery!18:45 Postpartum Healing: Why Addy swears by placenta encapsulation for stabilizing hormones and avoiding the baby blues.24:20 Preparing for next week: A sneak peek into Chapter 2 (adjusting to two under two and avoiding roommate syndrome in your marriage).Links & Resources Mentioned:Follow Addy on Instagram: @LearnWithAddy for practical mom tips and easy meals.Listen to Addy’s Podcast: Learning From Our Mistakes Pod (Available wherever you listen to podcasts!)Book Recommendation: Divine Rivals by Rebecca RossDoula Shoutout: Rachel Fike (If you are in the Wyoming area and looking for an incredible doula, email us at themommaslounge@gmail.com to get connected!)Connect With Us! If you thought of a momma while you were listening today, go ahead and give her a text to tell her you've been thinking of her.Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, or click follow on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss Chapter 2 next week!Follow along on Instagram: @TheMommasLounge

In the final chapter of Naomi’s interview, we tackle the reality of navigating gender roles in modern parenting. We discuss the transition from working full-time to having a parent stay home, the challenges of maintaining an equitable partnership during the newborn phase, and why flexibility will always beat out rigid expectations. We wrap up our conversation by sharing the spiritual insights that have anchored us postpartum, exploring how raising kind children brings peace to a chaotic world, and how small, intentional moments of prayer can transform your daily mothering.Key TakeawaysThe Reality of Equal Partnership: Why equal partnership in a marriage doesn't always mean the division of labor looks exactly the same, especially when navigating breastfeeding and newborn sleep.Flexibility Over Rigidity: The danger of trying to rigidly adhere to societal ideals of "equality" rather than doing what actually brings happiness and connection to your specific family.Societal Structures: An honest look at how modern work culture and insurance needs restrict parents from finding ideal work-life balances, like a 20/20 hour work split.Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: How focusing on the direct influence we have over our babies—teaching them to be kind, loving, and generous—can combat postpartum anxieties about the state of the world.Inviting God into Motherhood: Practical ways to be intentional with daily prayer, including using simple, everyday moments to model faith for toddlers.Memorable Quotes"There's a point where we benefit from an equal partnership in the sense that we look the same. But then there are also gender roles that we benefit from being equal, but looking different.""What's important is, are you happy as a family? Are you both getting a relationship with your kid? Are you getting a relationship with each other?""I just marvel at the influence we have over our babies... teaching them to be kind, respectful, and generous is directly making the world a better place."00:18 Gender Roles Setup00:37 Struggles with Night Feeds And Fairness03:05 Rigid Versus Flexible Roles04:19 The Dream Work/Life Balance 05:31 Keep Renegotiating Together06:37 What Works In Real Life07:38 Spiritual Peace Postpartum09:16 Intentional Prayer With Kids10:25 Thanks And Next EpisodesComing Up NextIn October, Addi Ruiz joins the lounge! We will be diving into the reality of raising two children under two and sharing practical advice on how to stay close as a couple when you are drowning in work, school, and childcare. Addi’s interview will be released in chapters every Friday throughout the month.

Welcome back to The Momma's Lounge for Part 3 of my conversation with Naomi! Today, we're breaking down a topic that catches many couples off guard and often goes unaddressed: paternal perinatal anxiety (PPA). We shift the spotlight to the very real mental health shifts fathers go through, as Naomi opens up about her husband Cameron’s intense worry—from Titanic-induced stress right before her water broke to those first sleepless nights.I also share my own vulnerable 32-hour marathon birth story, detailing how my husband, Drew, reached a breaking point under the heavy weight of providing for a new family, only to face a dismissive hospital social worker when we tried to seek support. Together, we discuss our partners' battles with panic attacks, validate the overlooked struggles fathers face, and share where to find resources. Tune in to learn how couples can support each other through the unpredictable postpartum trenches, and remember that you are absolutely not alone in this journey.(Stay tuned: In a few days, we will release Part 4, where we discuss the complex challenge of navigating gender roles in modern parenting and the spiritual insights that have brought us peace!)Chronological Audio Markers00:37 Welcome back! Introducing the unexpected reality of husbands getting postpartum anxiety.01:05 Transitioning to fatherhood: What Cameron’s PPA looked like05:00 Naomi’s reaction to her husband's Anxiety06:57 The statistics: Exploring the reality that 10% of husbands experience perinatal depression alongside their wives.08:06 Camille’s birth story: A 40-week induction, epidural stalls, and 3-hours of pushing during an all-nighter. 14:00 Anxiety from pulling a 32+ hour wake window & Drew’s postpartum panic: Facing job uncertainty, housing loss, and the dismissal of a hospital social worker.16:30 The postpartum duality: Experiencing overwhelming anxiety and profound love at the exact same time.17:10 Mental health resources for dads and a sneak peek into Chapter 4.Resources MentionedPostpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net

Welcome back to The Mommas Lounge! In Chapter 2 of our interview with Naomi, we dive deep into a heavy feeling almost every mother carries: mom guilt. Whether it's the guilt of wanting a date night away from your toddler, trying to balance personal goals like exercising, or simply bumping your newborn's head, we've all been there.Join us as we share our own vulnerable (and sometimes hilarious) stories, break down why mom guilt happens, and discuss practical, psychological tools to help you finally give yourself a break.Timestamps00:00 Welcome Back and Water Break00:14 Mom Guilt Stories01:38 Work and Mom Identity03:20 The 5 Things Babies Really Need04:27 Self Care and Relationships06:35 Sleep Routines and Partner Bonding08:18 Tools to Manage Mom Guilt10:41 Wrap Up and Next ChapterKey Takeaways & Topics DiscussedThe Unwinnable Game: Why mothers often feel trapped feeling guilty for wanting time away, and then guilty for actually taking that time for date nights or work.The 5 Basics of Baby Care: A postpartum nurse's grounding advice to remind you that if your baby's core needs are met, you are already doing a great job.When Guilt Holds You Back: How feeling bad about prioritizing your physical health (like a morning yoga session) or letting your partner handle bedtime can actually hinder your family's growth.Practical Tools to Fight Guilt: How using mindfulness helps you accept—rather than judge—your feelings in the moment.The "Partner Flip" Test: A brilliant trick for neutralizing irrational guilt by saying your thoughts out loud and asking, "Would I judge my husband for doing this?"Next Week on The Mommas Lounge Make sure to tune in next Friday for Chapter 3! We are shifting the conversation to discuss perinatal and postpartum anxiety experienced by fathers, sharing stories of the anxiety our own husbands faced during our pre and postpartum journeys.

Welcome back to Season 2 of The Momma's Lounge! We are kicking off this season with a brand-new format designed specifically for busy moms: shorter, bite-sized chapters released every Friday. You now have a whole week to listen to a 20-minute episode, guilt-free!In Chapter 1 of our first interview, I sit down with my BYU friend and fellow mom, Naomi. Naomi opens up about her birth story, navigating placenta previa, and the moment at her 20-week anatomy scan when she learned she would be having a clubfoot baby.Naomi shares the emotional highs and lows of Lucy’s treatment journey at Shriners Children's Hospital, from the initial casting to the boots and bars phase. We get incredibly real about the crushing weight of mom guilt that comes when we accidentally cause our babies discomfort while trying to care for them. Finally, as an LDS mom podcast, we touch on the beautiful peace that comes from relying on Jesus Christ, knowing that He perfectly understands our children's pain and can carry the burdens we aren't meant to hold alone.In this chapter, we cover:00:00 - Welcome to Season 2! Why we are switching to a bite-sized chapter format.02:15 - Introducing Naomi: Marriage & Family studies, adjunct teaching, and romanticizing the present phase of motherhood.05:30 - Naomi’s birth story: Due dates, Pitocin, epidural delays, and a surprise arrival.10:45 - The 20-week anatomy scan: Receiving the clubfoot diagnosis and finding hope.15:00 - Treatment at Shriners: Casts, boots, and the intense reality of mom guilt.18:20 - Finding Grace: Leaning on the Savior when motherhood feels impossible.Connect with The Momma’s Lounge:Instagram: @TheMommasLoungeEmail: TheMommaslounge@gmail.com (Reach out if you’d love to be interviewed on the show!)Tune in next Friday for Chapter 2 of Naomi's interview, where we dive even deeper into navigating mom guilt!

This is my last episode for season 1! I have LOVED doing this season and can't wait to give you guys more this coming August!
In today's episode, I discuss my experience with Janie's allergies, dealing with gaslighting from a pediatrician, and the importance of trusting a mother's instinct. I share our journey from discovering unusual symptoms in Janie's diapers to finally identifying her milk sensitivity after numerous doctor visits. This episode emphasizes the significance of maternal intuition and persistent advocacy for your child's health. Also, I share my plans for the upcoming season, including pre-producing episodes, scheduling interviews, and creating better quality content. I end with a heartfelt message about the divine nature of motherhood and being wise stewards of our families. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more in August!
 
00:00 Introduction and Gaslighting Experience
00:51 Podcast Season Finale Announcement
01:26 Plans for Improving Podcast Quality
02:43 Introduction to Janie's Allergy Story
03:44 The 21 Pilots Concert Incident
05:52 First Signs of Allergy Symptoms
09:17 Struggles with Medical Professionals
13:11 Deciding to Seek Further Medical Help
17:26 Dietary Changes and Challenges
18:03 First Doctor Visit and Initial Results
19:45 Second Doctor Visit and New Insights
21:38 Confirming Milk Sensitivity
23:36 Managing Milk Sensitivity and Introducing Milk
25:29 Reflections and Lessons Learned
26:30 Season Finale and Future Plans
29:24 Spiritual Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Navigating My Postpartum Anxiety and Healing
 
In this episode, I share my personal journey with postpartum anxiety, detailing how it began even before my pregnancy. I discuss the lessons I've learned and offer insights to help you better understand postpartum anxiety, along with practical tips for managing it. I also continue from last week's episode, describing my experience with a painful nursing-related injury and the methods I used for healing. I wrap up with a spiritual message intended to help those dealing with anxiety or other struggles, highlighting the importance of seeking support and utilizing simple practices like prayer, moving your body, and spending time outdoors.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:22 Continuing Last Week's Nursing Struggles
02:14 Dealing with a Painful Nursing Injury
02:55 Seeking Medical Help and Self-Care
05:22 Effective Home Remedies for Nursing Wounds
09:36 Transition to Postpartum Anxiety
10:58 Experiencing Anxiety Before Pregnancy
19:04 Anxiety During Pregnancy
24:21 Coping with Prenatal Anxiety
27:24 Postpartum Care Routine
28:10 Postpartum Healing Routine
30:25 Dealing with Birth Flashbacks
34:37 Struggles with Asking for Help
36:01 New Parent Anxieties
40:07 Managing Postpartum Anxiety
43:29 Seeking Therapy and Support
45:55 Mindfulness and Chronic Pain
48:20 The Importance of Routine Help
50:38 Simple Steps for Postpartum Recovery
55:39 Spiritual Guidance and Final Thoughts
 

Navigating Postpartum Nursing: My Personal Journey, Challenges, and TipsIn this episode of The Mama's Lounge, I diverge from my usual interview format to share my personal postpartum experiences, specifically focusing on the intricacies of nursing. Highlighting the steep learning curve involved, I provide a candid account of my journey, from initial challenges in the hospital to dealing with tongue ties, milk blebs, and even a nursing strike when my baby was 11 months old. I discuss the importance of proper support, such as lactation consultants, and tools like the right nipple shields and silverettes. This episode aims to provide emotional support and practical tips for new moms facing similar nursing hurdles, while emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance.00:00 Welcome to The Mama's Lounge00:04 Introduction to Postpartum Series00:43 Nursing: The Biggest Learning Curve02:13 My Nursing Story Begins03:56 Hospital Experience and Lactation Consultants09:48 Dealing with Tongue Ties13:55 Coming Home and Milk Supply21:51 Pumping Insights and Tips30:39 Understanding Breastfeeding Pain31:56 Seeking Professional Help32:48 Diagnosing Tongue and Lip Ties33:54 Post-Procedure Improvements36:38 Using a Boppy Pillow Correctly38:04 Lactation Consultant Insights38:44 Controversies Around Tongue Ties40:46 Dealing with Milk Bleb43:31 Nursing Challenges with Teething51:29 Emotional Attachment to Nursing53:58 Handling Nursing Strikes57:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The Momma's Lounge: Postpartum Insights with Hannah Barclay - Part 2In this episode of The Momma's Lounge, Camille continues her discussion with Hannah Barclay about valuable postpartum experiences and advice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself, getting outside, and establishing personal routines for mental well-being. Hannah and Camille share stories about their postpartum challenges, including adjusting to motherhood and the emotional struggles of postpartum depression. They also discuss the significance of capturing moments with your child through photos and videos, and the impact of mindfulness and intentionality in parenting. The episode concludes with a reminder of the prestigious role of motherhood and the fulfillment it brings.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:19 The Importance of Self-Care00:32 Getting Out and Socializing01:05 Overcoming Postpartum Challenges05:19 Creating a Postpartum Routine09:08 The Role of Baby Monitors14:50 Capturing Memories with Your Child22:59 The Value of Motherhood25:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts