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What happens when you spend your entire pregnancy “preparing for battle” only to have the reality of motherhood still knock you off your feet? I’m connecting with Kendall Concini, a Mental Health advocate and author who knew her history with depression meant she couldn’t just “go with the flow.”
Kendall opens up about the “ick factor” of sensory processing issues during pregnancy , the long six months it took to finally bond with her daughter due to silent reflux and feeding Trauma , and why she decided to have a second child almost immediately, before her brain could talk her out of it.
We also dive into Kendall’s beautiful new book, which uses the analogy of a “cloud” to help children understand that Mom can be sad without it being their fault. This is a masterclass in self-advocacy, breaking generational cycles, and realizing that you are a worthy parent, even when you are facing mental Health challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Pre-Pregnancy Planning: Kendall didn't wait for a crisis; she built a “team” including a therapist and supportive friends while she was still pregnant.
- Sensory Overload is Real: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can be overstimulating for those with sensory processing sensitivities; it’s okay to acknowledge the “ick”.
- The “Delayed” Bond: It took six months for Kendall to feel a bond with her daughter due to medical challenges like silent reflux and tongue ties.
- The “Cloud” Analogy: Teaching children that mental health is like weather—it's something that happens to Mom, not something caused by the child.
- Advocacy Over “Glow”: Rejecting the pressure to “glow” and instead demanding empathy and the space to be miserable when things are hard.
Links:
This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.
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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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Chelsea is a nonbinary, disabled/chronically ill stay-at-home parent. As a passionate advocate for those too often unheard, Chelsea is always eager to dive into honest and open conversations with other moms about the messy, challenging, and unexpected realities of parenthood. Chelsea hosts Quiet Connection: Postpartum Mental Health podcast and is a panel member on the Odd Moms On Call podcast.
Chelsea worked for 10 years in intensive-needs special Education and is still passionate about advocating for neurodiverse families. They also volunteer at a pediatric oncology camp as the planner & facilitator of their quarterly playgroup, serving the families of their youngest campers.
