A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - The New Mom Survival Guide for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - is your go-to resource for practical, honest, and empowering advice on navigating the early days of motherhood. Join us as we dive into tips, stories, and expert insights to help you feel supported, prepared, and confident through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Host Danielle Bruner is a mom of two, birth and postpartum doula, and your self-proclaimed nerdy millennial big sister, combines relatable stories, practical advice, and evidence-based tips to help you feel supported, prepared, and empowered. With a no-fluff, holistic approach, we’ll tackle everything from setting boundaries to sleep planning, healing after birth, and finding your identity as a new mom. This is your space to get real about the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum while embracing solutions that work for you. So grab a cozy blanket (or your baby’s burp cloth—no judgment here), and let’s dive into the topics that matter most to moms like you. Here’s what you’ll find in each episode: Preparing for postpartum during pregnancy Navigating birth and recovery with confidence Mental health topics like postpartum depression and anxiety Physical healing, nutrition, and sleep planning Setting boundaries and building a strong support system Partner dynamics and creating a thriving family unit Tips for balancing routines and self-care as a new mom Honest conversations about the ups and downs of motherhood New episodes drop weekly—subscribe now to take charge of your well-being and thrive in motherhood! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your unique needs.
Episodes
Have you found yourself comparing your motherhood journey to what you see on social media?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The impact social media can have on your mental health as a new mom.
- Why comparison can undermine your confidence and how to break free from it.
- How to curate your social media feeds to support your well-being.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready to stop the comparison game and embrace your...
Bringing a baby into the world changes everything—including your relationship.
In this episode, I had the honor of talking with Brittany Keating, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the real-life challenges couples face in the postpartum season—and the simple, practical ways to strengthen your relationship through it all.
Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner or just trying to survive th...
Have you considered how counseling could make a difference in your postpartum experience?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The key ways counseling can support your emotional well-being during postpartum.
- Why therapy helps new moms process the overwhelming changes of motherhood.
- How to find the right counselor who understands the unique challenges of postpartum.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready to learn how co...
What if you could create a feeding and sleep routine that feels right for both you and your baby?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why it's important to trust your instincts and find what works best for your family’s feeding and sleep needs.
- How to choose a feeding and sleep strategy that aligns with your values
- How to balance advice from others while staying true to your approach in motherhood.
- … and a whole lot m...
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of starting solids with your baby, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Alex King, founder of Baby Led Weaning Academy, who is passionate about helping parents feel confident, calm, and prepared when it comes to feeding their babies.
We break down what baby-led weaning really is, when to start, and how to keep it simple and safe. Alex also shares practical tips for managing...
What if preparing for postpartum during pregnancy could make all the difference in your recovery and peace of mind?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The essential steps to take during pregnancy to set yourself up for a smoother postpartum experience.
- Why thinking ahead about postpartum support and self-care is just as important as planning for birth.
- How to create a postpartum plan that prioritizes your healing, mental...
Have you ever wondered how mindfulness and meditation can support postpartum recovery and help new moms feel more grounded in the chaos of motherhood?
In this episode, we will cover:
- how mindfulness helps you stay present with both the joy and the hard stuff
- the sneaky way our thoughts try to “taunt” us—and what to do instead
- how to respond to our children’s big emotions without spiraling ourselves
- the power of simply ...
What if building mental resilience could help you feel stronger and more confident in motherhood?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why mental resilience is one of the most valuable tools for navigating motherhood’s challenges.
- The habits and mindset shifts that help you build your emotional strength.
- How cultivating resilience can help you find joy and balance, even in the hard moments.
- … and a whole lot more!
If yo...
What if discussing your expectations could set the stage for a smoother transition into motherhood?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why discussing postpartum expectations with your partner and support system is essential.
- The key topics to address so everyone is on the same page before your baby arrives.
- How to start these conversations without feeling awkward or overwhelmed.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready...
Could creating a flexible routine make life with a newborn feel less chaotic and more manageable?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why rigid schedules often don’t work for new moms—and what to do instead.
- The key benefits of a flexible routine for you and your baby’s well-being.
- How to build structure into your day while staying adaptable to the unpredictability of motherhood.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready...
Have you ever wondered how true connection can transform your motherhood journey and postpartum support?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why building real-life community is crucial for postpartum recovery and new mom support.
- How The Mom Walk Co is reshaping motherhood by making connection more accessible for every new mom.
- The powerful link between postpartum self-care and having a strong, supportive village around y...
What if maintaining your friendships as a new mom could be easier than you think?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The challenges new moms face in staying connected with friends—and how to overcome them.
- Why nurturing your friendships is vital for your mental and emotional health during motherhood.
- How to build practical habits that make maintaining friendships manageable in this busy season.
- … and a whole lot more!
What if you could feel empowered and in control of your postpartum recovery?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The three practical steps every new mom can take to prioritize her healing and recovery.
- Why taking an active role in your postpartum care can make a big difference in how you feel.
- How to create a recovery plan that supports both your physical and emotional well-being.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re read...
Have you ever wondered how your mindset can transform your fitness, nutrition, and overall postpartum recovery?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why a strong mom mindset is the foundation for effective postpartum fitness and nutrition.
- How shifting your mindset can empower your postpartum planning and boost your recovery.
- The role mindset plays in overcoming challenges and staying consistent with self-care after baby.
- ...
What if accepting help could make your journey through motherhood easier and more fulfilling?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why learning to receive help is a key part of thriving as a new mom.
- The barriers that make accepting support challenging and how to overcome them.
- How to build a support system that makes it easier to ask for and accept help.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready to embrace support and ma...
Have you ever wondered how understanding your cycle could transform your postpartum recovery and support your well-being as a first-time mom?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why syncing with your cycle can be a powerful form of postpartum self-care and long-term motherhood support.
- How your hormonal shifts impact your energy, emotions, and recovery during postpartum and beyond.
- The connection between birth recovery, b...
How would it feel to embrace self-compassion and let go of the pressure to be perfect as a new mom?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The importance of self-compassion in the early days of motherhood and how it impacts your well-being.
- The simple practices you can adopt to show yourself more love and patience as a new mom.
- How to let go of guilt and unrealistic expectations while embracing your new role.
- … and a who...
What if emotional preparation could make all the difference in your transition to motherhood?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why emotional readiness is just as important as physical preparation before baby arrives.
- The key steps you can take now to mentally and emotionally prepare for the changes ahead.
- How emotional preparation can help you navigate the highs and lows of new motherhood with confidence.
- … and a whole ...
Have you ever wondered how journaling can become a meaningful part of your postpartum self-care and motherhood journey?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why journaling can be a powerful tool for postpartum recovery and emotional well-being.
- How first-time moms can create a simple and sustainable self-care practice through writing.
- The ways journaling supports both pregnancy preparation and postpartum support.
- … and a w...
Do you ever wish you could filter out the noise and trust your instincts in pregnancy and postpartum?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The best strategies for filtering through the overwhelming advice you’ll hear during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Why setting boundaries around advice can help you feel more confident in your choices.
- How to trust your instincts while navigating the well-meaning opinions of others.
- … and a ...
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