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 struggled to find time for yourself after baby without feeling guilty?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why self-care is essential for your well-being as a new mom.
- How to carve out "me time" without compromising your responsibilities.
- The importance of overcoming mom guilt to prioritize your needs.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready to embrace guilt-free “me time” and take care of yourself as a...
Have you ever wondered how to balance birth preparedness with peace of mind as a new mom?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The role of birth preparedness in supporting positive outcomes for both moms and babies
- Why managing your birth space can make a huge difference in both labor and postpartum recovery
- How understanding common birth emergencies can help reduce fear and build confidence
… and a whole lot more!
If you’...
What if you could step into motherhood with more confidence than you ever thought possible?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why building confidence as a new mom starts with trusting yourself and your instincts.
- The steps to shift from self-doubt to self-assurance in your parenting journey.
- How to embrace your unique path in motherhood without comparing yourself to others.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready to str...
Have you ever wondered how pelvic floor physical therapy can support your fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery?
In this episode, we will cover:
- The myths and truths about pelvic floor physical therapy for new moms and moms-to-be
- Why understanding your pelvic floor is essential for fertility, pregnancy, and birth recovery
- How a first visit with a pelvic floor physical therapist really looks (and what you can expe...
What if setting goals could actually support your healing and growth during postpartum?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why creating realistic and compassionate goals is essential for a healthy postpartum recovery.
- How to set goals that honor your physical, emotional, and mental needs after baby.
- The steps to break down big goals into manageable tasks that won’t overwhelm you.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready t...
In this episode, I sit down with Maya Bailey, a licensed mental health counselor, mom, and private practice owner, for an honest conversation about the emotional layers of working motherhood.
Maya shares her personal journey—navigating prenatal depression, leaving traditional employment to start her own practice, and redefining what success looks like as both a mom and a professional. Together, we unpack the guilt, pressu...
Are you prepared for the mental health changes that come after having a baby?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why mental health challenges are common during the postpartum period—and how to navigate them.
- What to expect emotionally after baby arrives and how to be proactive in your self-care.
- The signs of postpartum anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles to watch for.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ...
In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Weinland Daughters, a passionate advocate for the power of handwritten letters. Together, we explore how writing or receiving letters can bring encouragement, emotional support, and a deep sense of connection during the often overwhelming postpartum season.
Amy shares her personal journey with letter writing and how it has transformed her relationships—and her own heart. Whether you’re w...
Ever wondered how your Type-A personality can actually make you a stronger mom?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why your organized, driven mindset can be a huge asset in motherhood, especially during postpartum.
- The ways to channel your Type-A strengths to create a routine that works for you and your baby.
- How to find balance and avoid burnout while still leveraging your natural tendencies.
- … and a whole lot more!
If ...
Motherhood is filled with love, joy, and beautiful moments—but it also holds frustration, guilt, and sometimes even resentment. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margo Lowy, author of Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood. Together, we explore the real, complex emotions that many moms experience but rarely talk about.
Dr. Lowy brings light to the concept of maternal ambivalen...
Could shifting your mindset before baby help you thrive as a high-achieving new mom?
In this episode, we will cover:
- Why high-achievers often struggle with the transition to motherhood—and how to overcome it.
- The mindset shifts that will help you find balance between ambition and self-compassion.
- How to redefine success and set realistic expectations for this new season of life.
- … and a whole lot more!
If you’re ready...
Do you ever feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself since becoming a mom? Like you’re constantly measuring yourself against an impossible standard?
In this honest and encouraging episode, Danielle sits down with parenting coach and mom of four, Nellie Harden, to talk about identity, self-worth, and the toxic trap of comparison in motherhood.
Together, they explore:
- Why so many moms struggle to recognize themselves after...
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 un...
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 the s...
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 couns...
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 more...
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 co...
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 he...
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 bei...
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 you’r...
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