Undefining Motherhood with Katy Huie Harrison, PhD

About Undefining Motherhood with Katy Huie Harrison, PhD

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice constantly hurled at moms, or heck, even the assumption that being a woman means you’ll become a mom one day? If you audibly groaned while reading that question, then Undefining Motherhood is the podcast for you, friend. In a world quick to comment on everything from the timing of motherhood to the ‘right’ way to do it, it’s no wonder we often feel overwhelmed, judged, guilty, and shamed. Hosted by Katy Huie Harrison, mom to two littles and four angel babies, along with co-host Sarah Creel, aunt and hopeful future mama, this podcast unravels all the conflicting advice and validates the tricky experience of being a woman, future mother, or mother. With PhDs and over a decade spent unraveling how cultural narratives shape the experiences of being a mother (Katy) and being a woman in a marginalized position (Sarah), we’re here to shred the rule books and the relentless tide of expectations they bring. That, friend, is exactly why we’re here. We’re pushing back against the social commentary that complicates moms’ experiences. In this safe space, the complexities of motherhood find a candid, unfiltered voice. We bring decades of research, years of experience, fun tidbits of history, and some serious feminism to our conversations about how, and why, we need to undefine motherhood. No dogmas, rule books, parenting styles, or mom overwhelm here. Just solidarity from two friends who get how hard it is and are working tirelessly to make life better for you. We’re undefining motherhood--one conversation at a time. Show Website: https://undefiningmotherhood.com/podcast/

Publisher

tentwentytwo

Category

kids & family · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jan 2024

Latest episode

24 Apr 2024

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Apr 2024

   S1 EP16: Why It’s Essential to Prioritize Yourself, Even When It’s Hard (Season Wrap-Up)

   It’s essential to prioritize yourself, even when it’s hard. In this wrap-up episode to Season 1, Katy & Sarah get really personal. From conversations about fertility to being part of the sandwich generation, they reflect on Season 1, chat about recent struggles they’ve faced personally, and share how those struggles have impacted this season. Plus, find out what’s to come next season, and how you can help shape the future of Undefining Motherhood! Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

2. 

   17 Apr 2024

   S1 EP15: Here’s the Thing About Abortion Both Sides Are Getting Wrong

   Abortion—a loaded word we’re actually getting all wrong. Reproductive rights have become so hot button that we have protests, rallies, and entire political campaigns based on a word that doesn’t actually mean what we think it does. I’m a scholar of words who also happens to have “habitual aborter” written on her medical chart. (I’ve lost 4 wanted pregnancies, in case you were wondering.) So it’s no wonder I became fascinated with this word that has us all shouting but never listening. Where did it come from? What does it really mean? How is it possible that it’s used to describe my history of recurrent miscarriages AND by protestors shouting words like “murderer”? Good questions, and we’ve got the answers. Listen up, friend. In this episode, we’re getting really personal, really deep, and also, a little bit nerdy. And it’s really important.

3. 

   10 Apr 2024

   S1 EP14: What to Eat During Pregnancy & When TTC – with Cara Everett, MSN, RDN, and LDN

   Ever felt like you’re not living up to the healthiest standards when deciding what to eat during pregnancy, preconception, or postpartum? Here’s the good news, friend. What’s best for me may not be best for you. It’s all individual, and today, we’re chatting with genetic nutritionist Cara Everett to learn how to find out what *you* need to make the best prenatal nutrition choices! Cara’s actionable advice is easy to follow and backed by science. In fact, this episode also features one of her clients, Sarah, who’s also our Marketing Director here at Undefining Motherhood. After meeting with Cara to discuss her Genate Test results, Sarah texted me that the session was “incredible” and “should be part of standard prenatal care.” That’s when I knew I had to bring Cara’s empowering knowledge directly to you. In this episode, you’ll learn →.the top 5 foods for pregnancy & trying to conceive →.simple nutrition hacks that make a big difference →.how you can learn about your own specific needs so you can pick the best foods & supplements to support your baby’s development. A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. By the end of this episode, you’ll be as excited as I am about their test and prenatal vitamin bundle. Snag it at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A and use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

4. 

   3 Apr 2024

   S1 EP13: How Hurtful Medical Language Can Actually Dehumanize Women

   In this eye-opening episode, we're diving into a topic close to my heart: the impact of medical language on women's healthcare experiences. Have you ever noticed how some medical terms can make us feel less like individuals and more like a case study? It's a conversation we need to have. We're exploring how certain phrases and words in the medical world can unintentionally dehumanize and disempower women, especially when it comes to our reproductive bodies. Let's talk about why words matter. From terms that imply blame to those that evoke feelings of failure, the language used by healthcare professionals can deeply affect how we perceive our bodies and our self-worth. But here's the thing—it doesn't have to be this way. This episode is about more than just highlighting the problem; it's about envisioning a healthcare dialogue that uplifts and supports, rather than diminishes. Join us as we navigate the tricky waters of medical terminology, sharing stories and insights on how to advocate for language that respects and honors the complexity of women's health. Whether you've personally felt the sting of insensitive medical language or you're a healthcare professional looking to make a positive change, this conversation is for you. Together, we're paving the way for a more compassionate and empowering approach to talking about women's health. Because at the end of the day, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and understanding, especially in our most vulnerable moments. Let's change the narrative. Links: Peanut Renaming Revolution: Glossary of Terms: https://www.peanut-app.io/blog/renaming-revolution-glossary Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

5. 

   27 Mar 2024

   S1 EP12: How to Support a Postpartum Mom When Life Explodes, Featuring Ali Garfinkel

   Postpartum is one of the hardest periods of many women’s lives. From the sleep deprivation to the massive identity shift, to the healing and hormonal changes for birthing mothers, there’s a reason most new moms find themselves feeling completely unprepared. So what happens when you’re in this already life-changing time, and then the world shatters from underneath you? We talk a lot at Undefining Motherhood about how to support moms, and today’s special guest tells stories that take that support to a whole new level. Ali Garfinkel was still in the thick of those postpartum days when she received a devastating cancer diagnosis, and her story is one we all need to hear. It’s one of resilience and hope, but also one that teaches us how we can truly show up for one another when it’s needed most. How the act of just “being there”—be it physically or emotionally—can move mountains in people’s lives. Join me as we learn from Ali about walking through hardship, accepting help from our communities, and how to truly support each other in the hardest of times. If you feel moved to support other families like Ali’s, it’d mean the world to me if you could make a small donation here: undefiningmotherhood.com/lls The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) provides the kind of support Ali talks about receiving from her own community in this episode. I’ve connected with families who’ve received family support, patient advocacy, co-pay assistance, and funding for travel for medical care and clinical trials from LLS. Oh, and did I mention LLS has helped fund 70% of the FDA-approved blood cancer treatments since 2016? Donate now at undefiningmotherhood.com/lls

6. 

   20 Mar 2024

   S1 EP11: What You Actually Need to Know About Prenatal Nutrition & Vitamins, Featuring Dr. Camille Hoffman

   If you’ve spent even 5 minutes looking at pregnancy accounts on social media, then you know there’s a firestorm of conflicting information about prenatal nutrition and supplementation. And, well, I had a lot of questions I wanted answered from an actual expert. But who really is the expert? Is it the OBGYN who keeps up with research but doesn’t have much education about nutrition? The nutritionist who has degrees in how our body metabolizes different nutrients, but who doesn’t have training in obstetrics? Enter Camille Hoffman, OBGYN, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, and integrative health practitioner with special training and research interests in nutrition. In this episode, we talk about what you really need to know about prenatal nutrition and supplementation–from the food we put in our bodies, the prenatal vitamins we take, and how to make the best choices for our bodies. She also shares some groundbreaking new research she’s doing into choline, and how she’s using that research to lobby for overcoming racially based health disparities. This episode is chock full of incredible information for anyone preconception or expecting, so listen up! A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

7. 

   13 Mar 2024

   S1 EP10: How to Find Yourself In the Chaos of Motherhood with Alex Kornswiet

   There’s nothing one-size-fits-all about motherhood–either the path to it or through it. It's a messy, beautiful, and deeply individual journey. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Alex Kornsweit, talking about each of our unique struggles to find ourselves through the chaos of motherhood. We delve into heartfelt stories, quirky things we’ve found that really support us and our families, and what our journeys have looked like to finding personal fulfillment so we can really embrace who we are as individuals in motherhood. From the humorous to the heartfelt, we explore what it means to find your authentic self amidst the chaos and beauty of raising children. This episode is a reminder that it's okay to carve your own path, prioritize yourself, and find joy in the imperfections of parenting. Download Alex’s free guide, “9 Steps to Embracing Your Motherhood” at https://discovery.embraceyourmotherhood.com/, and find her on Instagram @ourbeautifulsurprise Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

8. 

   6 Mar 2024

   S1 EP9: The Unspoken Struggle of Motherhood After Infertility with Alex Kornsweit

   Walking through the fire of infertility, all you can hope for is to come out the other side with a baby in your arms. But we don’t often talk about struggles that come with motherhood after infertility–from the unexpected anxieties, unsupportive advice, and oh so much more. In this episode, we’re diving deep into these silent struggles Alex Kornsweit. From navigating societal expectations to finding personal peace, this episode is a raw look at the realities behind becoming a mom when the path is anything but straight. Having experienced infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, surrogacy, and so much more, Alex brings sage advice, tested wisdom, and much needed humor. If you’ve ever experienced infertility or loss, or if you love anyone who has, this episode is for you! Download Alex’s free guide, “9 Steps to Embracing Your Motherhood” at https://discovery.embraceyourmotherhood.com/, and find her on Instagram @ourbeautifulsurprise Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

9. 

   28 Feb 2024

   S1 EP8: How We Can Truly Support New Moms with Advice Beyond "Enjoy Every Moment"

   Oh, the infamous "enjoy every moment" advice. If you’re a new mom, you’ve probably heard this more times than you can count. And if you’re anything like me, it might make you feel a bit . . .  well, inadequate. In this episode, we're unpacking the well-meaning but often misguided advice new moms get bombarded with, focusing on the classic—enjoy every moment. Here’s the deal: becoming a new parent is a colossal shift. It's beautiful, yes, but it's also incredibly hard. And let's be real, not every moment is enjoyable. When I was deep in the new motherhood trenches, struggling more than I ever admitted, the advice to "enjoy every moment" felt more like a rebuke than a comfort. It made me wonder, was I the only one finding this so tough? Spoiler alert: I wasn’t, and neither are you. This chat is for anyone who's ever felt less-than because they weren't soaking up every second with their newborn with pure joy. We're diving deep into why this advice, though rooted in truth about the fleeting nature of babyhood, can make new parents feel isolated, guilty, and like they're failing at one of life's most significant roles. But it's not all heavy. We’re also exploring how to shift the narrative to offer support that truly uplifts and acknowledges the rollercoaster that is new parenthood. It’s about understanding that while, yes, the days are long and the years are short, it's okay not to cherish every diaper change or midnight feeding. So, whether you're navigating the choppy waters of new motherhood or you’re looking to support a new mom in your life more effectively, this episode is packed with real talk, empathy, and actionable tips. It's a conversation that might just change the way we think about and offer advice to new moms. Tune in, and let’s get real about the highs and lows of motherhood, together. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

10. 

    21 Feb 2024

    S1 EP7: "Just Relax" and Other Words of Comfort That Hurt More Than They Help

    In this episode, we’re tackling those well-intended but often hurtful words of comfort, like "just relax" that totally miss the mark for people navigating issues like infertility and miscarriage. But this episode isn’t just about reproductive struggles. In fact, it isn’t about that at all. It’s about language, history, culture, psychology, and why it’s so hard for us to look someone in the eye and sit with them in their grief. It’s about what actually happens when we say things to try to make it better, even though we can’t. This conversation is a deep dive into why advice to support can actually hurt, using the example of the all-too-common “just relax.” It’s not just about the words; it’s about the isolation and blame those words inadvertently cast. We’re unpacking the psychology and history behind this advice, equipping you with genuinely supportive ways to help those in the midst of reproductive grief. Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation full of laughter, learning, and a shift towards more empathetic support. It's one of my favorite episodes this season, offering insights and actionable tips for navigating these conversations with care. Let’s change the way we talk about fertility and loss, one honest word at a time. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

11. 

    14 Feb 2024

    S1 EP6: Losing Yourself In Motherhood Is Common. Avoid Parental Burnout with Eve Rodsky’s “Unicorn Spaces”

    Last week, New York Times Bestselling Author Eve Rodsky helped us understand how we can combat parental burnout by rebalancing domestic labor. I know the feeling of losing myself in motherhood all too well, and Eve’s systems have changed my life. Slowly, they’re helping me find more time and space to gift to myself–space she calls “Unicorn Space,” a mythical time for yourself that doesn’t exist, but she teaches us how to create anyway. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

12. 

    7 Feb 2024

    S1 EP5: How to Avoid Mom Burnout by Rebalancing the Load at Home, with New York Times Bestselling Author Eve Rodsky

    Are you feeling the weight of the mental load and struggling with mom burnout? You're not alone. In a world where gender roles are shifting, yet the bulk of domestic responsibilities still fall on women, it's time to find a sustainable balance. This week on Undefining Motherhood, we delve into a transformative conversation with New York Times Bestselling Author Eve Rodsky, the mastermind behind the revolutionary Fair Play system. Eve's groundbreaking book, Fair Play, not only topped the charts as a New York Times Bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick, but was also heralded as one of Forbes’s best books of 2020. Its profound impact has sparked a movement, leading to a card deck, a documentary, and an institute dedicated to helping families achieve a fairer division of labor. In this eye-opening episode, Eve shares her wealth of knowledge and practical, research-based strategies to help moms in our community. She offers insights on negotiating domestic tasks, balancing the physical and mental load, and initiating these crucial conversations with your partner. Drawing from her extensive research encompassing families of diverse sexualities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities, Eve's advice is universally applicable and life-changing for anyone in a partnered relationship. Get ready to learn how to rebalance your to-do list, reclaim your time, and prepare for a more manageable postpartum experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to alleviate the pressures of motherhood and find more space for personal joy and fulfillment. And don't miss next week's episode, where Eve returns to explore what women can achieve with less stress and more time – rediscovering the unique, interesting, and joyful aspects of themselves. Learn more about Fair Play at https://www.fairplaylife.com/ Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://thegenatetest.sjv.io/75O71A Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50.

13. 

    31 Jan 2024

    S1 EP4: “Who’s Watching The Kids?” Why Families Lose When We Think of Moms as Default Parents

    When we think of moms as default parents and dads as babysitters, everybody loses. And yet, the norm remains. When dads meet up for a golf day, no one asks who’s watching the kids. But when moms manage to leave the house without little ones in tow, it’s a question we hear constantly. In this episode, we talk about: How we got here How sick of moms and dads BOTH are of this double standard Why it’s a problem for parents of all gender identities and sexualities Institutional changes we desperately need to better support all parents This conversation is so important, and it’s also just the beginning. Today, we’re telling our own stories and talking about desperately needed social changes to better support parents. Then be sure to join us for the next two episodes, where we’re talking with New York Time Bestselling Author Eve Rodsky about active steps we can take in our homes today to make all of our lives better, happier, and more equitable. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/genate/ Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50. See full show notes at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/podcast/

14. 

    24 Jan 2024

    S1 EP3: “When Are You Going to Have a Baby?” & Other Questions We Don’t Ask Men

    For centuries, women have felt pressure to have a baby. Most adult women who don’t have children by their mid-late twenties have found themselves at parties, holidays, or family dinners where someone comments on their “biological clock” or asks that inevitable question–”When are you going to have a baby?” In this episode, we dive deep into our own stories, those of the Undefining Motherhood community at large, and pop in some fascinating tidbits of history as we try to answer this question–Why does our society feel so comfortable asking personal questions about women’s bodies? This conversation is riveting, so settle in, listen up, and let us know your thoughts on Instagram so we can continue to further this important conversation. A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/genate/ Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50. Check out The Mother ‘Hood Similac Commercial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUbGHeZCxe4 See full show notes at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/podcast/

15. 

    18 Jan 2024

    S1 EP2: What Is a Mother?

    What is a mother, really? There are so many different parenting types, books, and ideologies that tell us the definition of a good mother–or even a mother at all. After 15 years studying motherhood and 9 years as a mother myself, I have a very different perspective than most–and it’s the most empowering definition of motherhood you can imagine. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/genate/ Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50. Check out The Mother ‘Hood Similac Commercial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUbGHeZCxe4 See full show notes at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/podcast/

16. 

    17 Jan 2024

    S1 EP1: I Needed My Voice Back, and So Do All Moms

    Was your journey to motherhood harder than you thought it’d be? There are so many voices telling us how to be and become mothers, and for me, those voices set me up for feelings of failure when nothing went the way I planned. Here’s the story of my fertility and recurrent miscarriage journey – and why I think it’s time to undefine motherhood. Talk to us about this episode on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/undefiningmotherhood/ A huge thanks to our sponsor, Genate by SNP Therapeutics. Learn more about how they’re changing the future of maternal health care at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/genate/ Use code undefining10 for 10% off all orders over $50. See full show notes at https://undefiningmotherhood.com/podcast/

17. 

    16 Jan 2024

    Welcome To Undefining Motherhood

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

64 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

28 ratings