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Katie, Certified Nurse-Midwife, brings the laughs and the energy as she gives us expert tips on navigating new motherhood and postpartum life and also opens up about her own journey through motherhood - from her unexpected battle with preeclampsia to the day her daughter declared "me llamas mujer" at the dinner table. This episode peels back the curtain on what happens when even the experts struggle with postpartum emotions, breastfeeding challenges, and the identity transformation that comes with becoming a mom.

Finding Yourself in Motherhood

Katie shares her surprisingly delayed connection to her maternal identity, revealing how it took until her second child to truly feel like a "mom" rather than just "a person who had a kid." With refreshing honesty, she discusses how postpartum mood disorders and trauma can disconnect us from the transformation of motherhood, and how proper treatment opened the door to experiencing real joy in her maternal journey.

When the Expert Becomes the Patient

Despite being a nurse midwife, Katie found herself downplaying serious symptoms during pregnancy until she was literally "coughing up blood." Her story highlights how women often gaslight themselves about their own health concerns, and offers practical advice about recognizing preeclampsia symptoms that don't fit the textbook description. Her professional insight combined with personal experience creates a powerful reminder of why women need to advocate for themselves.

Rebuilding Relationships After Baby

From "mom rage" over mismatched baby socks to struggling with a partner's cereal-crunching habits, Katie gets real about how pregnancies and newborns test even the strongest relationships. She shares the wisdom gained through her own marital challenges: "Overlook the shortcomings and compliment the strengths." This episode offers solidarity to any mom who's wondered if she's the only one whose relationship hasn't magically improved after having children.

Links & Discount Codes:

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15

Forward Beverage Co: REALMOMHUB10 (valid April 29-May 29, 2025)

Postpartum Support International (PSI): Kat

Links & Discount Codes:

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together.

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

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Episode 31: The One that Validates Us All with Katie V, CNM: Designer Pacifiers, Preeclampsia & Identifying Coping Vs. Suffering

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