Mommy Needs Therapy with Irina Gonzalez

Follow host Irina Gonzalez @msirinagonzalez on Instagram for more.

Follow host Irina Gonzalez @msirinagonzalez on Instagram for more.

Irina Gonzalez, journalist, toddler mom, and the host talks with three-time return guest Kelly Fitzgerald Junco. She is a writer and sobriety advocate. In her previous two episodes, she talked with us about pregnancy anxiety and postpartum grief. This time, she comes on to give us an update about what the past year of the pandemic has been like while living in Florida, the difficulty of finding a daycare that fits her family's safety requirements, and what it's like to work on accepting your postpartum body during a pandemic.

Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more.

Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

March 11, 2022, officially marks the two-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. In this special retrospective episode, host Irina Gonzalez, a journalist and toddler mom, catches up with some of our favorite podcast guests to see what they have been up to in 2021. Check out how parents who had babies in 2020 are feeling today, whether we've all been able to avoid getting COVID, how our pandemic toddlers are doing, the exhaustion and isolation that still exists for many of us, and who had a second baby in 2021! Plus, check out previous episodes with these guests:

• S1, EP2: Welcoming a Third Baby During the Pandemic with Lauren Wellbank
• S1, EP3: How the Pandemic Changed this Adoption Story with Jesus Triviño
• S1, Ep4: Pregnancy Anxiety During the Pandemic with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco
• S1, EP 27: The Grief of Postpartum in the Pandemic with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco
• S1, EP11: The Grief of Having a Baby During a Pandemic with Kaitlyn
• S1, EP13: Escaping New York City During the Partner Ban with Hannah Howard
• S1, EP14: The Long-Term Trauma of Giving Birth Without Your Partner with Elaine
• S1, EP18: The Freak-Out Moments Happened Postpartum with Amanda McCracken
• S1, EP19: The Importance of Size Inclusion in Birth and Postpartum with Emily Goodstein
• S1, EP24: Finding Normal in the Chaos of a Pandemic with a 5th Baby with Nancy Sanchez
• S1, EP25: How We Parent in the Pandemic One Year Later

Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more.

Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Season 2 of Pandemic Mama is here! Irina Gonzalez, journalist, toddler mom, and the host gives us an update on why the podcast disappeared for almost an entire year and what she's been up to since. In this episode, Irina discusses moving cross-country during the pandemic, feeling hopeful about the vaccine and then hopeless as COVID variants struck, and the mental health struggles of a parent with a child under five years old. Plus, a look at what Season 2 is all about.

Please take the Pandemic Parenting in 2022 survey to share what's been going on in your life and don't forget to sign up for the Pandemic Mama newsletter for more.

Plus, make sure you follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents who have had a baby in the past couple of years, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Our first return guest! Irina talks with Kelly Fitzgerald Junco, a writer and blogger behind The Sober Señorita, and a new mom who first appeared in Episode 4 of Pandemic Mama. They talked about her birth story, figuring out breastfeeding, and the many forms of grief she is dealing with today. Plus, how she is getting used to her postpartum body after being an athlete for the past several years.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Adam, an engineer, amateur podcast editor, new dad, and her husband! They talked about the stress he felt in the last weeks of pregnancy, what happened during the birth from his perspective, and how this last year has been with their baby Rio. Plus, all of the decision fatigue and how they have conquered baby sleep issues. Sort of.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Nancy Sanchez. She is a stay-at-home mom of five girls. They talked about her induction on the day after the pandemic was announced last year, how up and down the fourth trimester was, and how it’s been difficult to enjoy this past year.  Plus, why homeschooling was the right choice for her and her girls this year.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Jenn Chowdhury. She is a journalist, writer, and new mom They discussed the crazy story of how she moved in with her boyfriend, celebrated her birthday, went into lockdown, and found out about her unexpected pregnancy — all within a few weeks! Plus, the difficulty of balancing being a working mom with spending time with your baby and your own self-care needs.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

The Pandemic Mama herself Irina Gonzalez joins for a very special bonus episode to make some quick announcements about the future of the podcast, a change in episode timing, and a VERY special new segment! You won't want to miss this.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Shamiko Reid. She is a first-time mom, blogger, and podcaster. They discussed her history of depression and why it was difficult to feel happy about her pregnancy at first, missing out on a baby shower and seeing family, and how much therapy has helped her during this difficult time. Plus, the coping skills she has learned to deal with her perinatal depression.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Blaire Briody, a freelance writer, author, and soon-to-be new mom. They discussed her multiple miscarriages, getting a hypothyroidism diagnosis, and why she thinks everyone should get preconception counseling. Plus, how her pandemic worries have taken over all other pregnancy anxieties.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Nathalie Walton, a new mom and the CEO of Expectful, the leading meditation app for hopeful, expecting, and new parents. They discussed the struggle to get into a routine with a new baby, how common breastfeeding challenges are in the first week of a baby’s life, and how Nathalie found better rest and more sleep through meditating. Plus, how she developed a warrior mentality when she became a mom!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email your questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Emily Goodstein, a new mom and the owner of the digital marketing agency Greater Good Strategy. They discussed how having a baby in a pandemic forced her to slow down, her postpartum preeclampsia, and what it is like to live in a larger body and, more importantly, advocate for yourself when society and the medical establishment tells you that your body is wrong. Plus, her very committed breastfeeding story.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Amanda McCracken, a freelance writer and new mom. They discussed her induction at 39 weeks, how new parents can feel anxiety over simple things like leaving the house or the baby’s breathing, and trying to be as present as possible in this moment. Plus, how "anything can be a first worth celebrating".

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Maria Piedrabuena, a full-time mom, journalist, and the editor and publisher at Tu Prensa Local (a Spanish-language publication in Long Island). They discuss feeling like they are failing all the time, how setting a routine for her family is helping her survive the pandemic, and why all moms need to find their thing. Plus, a fun self-care tip!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Kristin Diversi, a freelance writer, new mom, and host of the Macabre Traveler podcast. They discuss her long fertility journey that ultimately included IVF, an embryo adoption, and selective reduction. They also talked about struggling with the identity shift of motherhood and how to define motherhood for yourself.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Whit Taylor, a cartoonist, comics editor, and new mom. They discuss feeding issues, the work/life balance, and cultivating gratitude during a difficult year. It's something that we could all use a little more of as we wrap up 2020. They also get into Whit's work, including the "Having a Baby in Quarantine" comic she created for The New Yorker and the must-read comic that she created for The Nib: Black Mothers Face Far Worse Health Outcomes. How Do We Fix It?

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Hannah Howard, a new mom, food writer, and author of Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen. In this episode, they discuss how Hannah and her husband left New York City when the partner ban was enacted, her emergency C-section, and dealing with breastfeeding issues after breast reduction surgery. Plus, experiencing FOMO!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Carmen Perez, a mom of two, social justice activist, and co-founder of the Women's March. They get into the sadness of not having any baby bump photos with her 2nd pregnancy, the loneliness of spending this pregnancy in a pandemic, and how she learned to advocate for herself during these difficult times. Plus, how getting to spend more time with her baby in the postpartum period has been a silver lining. 

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Dr. Erin Watson — aka Dr. Pandemic Mom! She is a family medicine and emergency medicine physician currently working in the ER. She is also a fellow new mom and the author of Pregnancy During A Pandemic, We Can Survive This Together: A Pregnant Doctor’s COVID-19 Survival Guide. They discuss the inspiration behind her book, how she has managed to get exercise outside during the pandemic, and finding joy in the new normal. Plus, the good doctor has some great tips for all of us pandemic mamas as we head into winter.

Irina talks with Jacqui Hathaway Levin, a stay-at-home mom and writer based in Orlando, about setting boundaries as a new mom. They discuss how she found comfort with fellow sober moms, all of that new mom and pandemic guilt, and how this time has brought her and her husband closer together. Plus, why crying is the best self-care!

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Conz Preti, author of Too Pregnant To Move: A Pregnancy Journal, editor at Motherly, and a mom of 3 under 3. They discuss how Conz prepared for possible postpartum anxiety, what it was like to leave New York City in the middle of the pandemic, and the difficulty of not having help with not one but two babies. Plus, how this city girl finally found peace in the countryside of Maine.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Casey, a former professor and stay-at-home mom-of-3, about what it's like to be welcome a new baby during the pandemic when you've already got two little ones running around. We discuss how giving birth during the pandemic unexpectedly brought her closer to her neighbors, making new and staying connected to mom friends, and her very useful tip for releasing tension during these stressful times. Plus, she gives some insight on how to transition from being a working mom to a stay-at-home mom.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with mother, yogi, entrepreneur, and model Bre Scullark about what it was like to be exiting the fourth trimester just as the entire world shuts down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how she has embraced motherhood after a tough pregnancy, standing up for herself when she knew breastfeeding was not a part of her parenting journey, and being a Black mom during this summer’s Black Lives Matter protests over the killing of George Floyd and the continued police brutality faced by Black and Brown communities.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with writer and head of marketing at This Naked Mind, Kelly Fitzgerald Junco, about what it's like to experience her first pregnancy during the pandemic. They talk all about her pregnancy anxiety after experiencing a miscarriage last year, the stress of figuring out how to celebrate milestones with her family (a pandemic baby shower?!), and what it's really like to be sober and pregnant during the pandemic.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with Latinx pop culture expert and dad Jesus Triviño about what it was like to adopt his daughter just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss his and his wife's 9-year struggle to have a baby and how it all finally came together in just 9 weeks. They also get into his "dad self-care" and what it was like to be quarantined with a newborn in New York City.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.

Irina talks with freelance writer and mom of three Lauren Wellbank about what it is like to welcome her third baby in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the positives of her high-risk pregnancy, how this postpartum period is different from her previous ones, and Lauren will even share a couple of self-care tips for new moms. 

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com. 

Journalist and new mom Irina Gonzalez shares her own pandemic birth and parenting story. She talks about her first-trimester miscarriage, the anxiety of her second pregnancy, and what it was like to suddenly find herself 36 weeks pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about experiencing the fourth trimester in quarantine, the stress of going back to work, and why she's starting the Pandemic Mama podcast.

Join the Pandemic Mama Podcast Facebook group to connect with other parents having babies in 2020 and 2021, follow us on Instagram at @pandemicmamapod for updates, and email you questions to pandemicmamapod@gmail.com.