Fourth Trimester Podcast Episode 181: Becoming a Mom of Two Without Doing It All Yourself
Becoming a mom of two can sometimes be harder than the first time around. For lots of reasons. Learn how to ask for specific help, share everyday care, and make room for your own needs and one-on-one time with your older child.
Emily Adler Mosqueda, pediatric speech-language pathologist and author of Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir, joins Sarah Trott and Esther Gallagher to explore what can feel different the second time around. We discuss letting go of unrealistic expectations, accepting help even when others do things differently, and planning support beyond the newborn weeks.
Episode chapters
- 00:00 Why the transition to two children deserves more support
- 01:53 Bring professional and parenting experiences together
- 09:07 What to expect when your second child changes the family dynamic
- 16:07 How to soften self-judgment
- 17:33 How to create room for shared care
- 20:56 How to ask family for support
- 24:41 How mindfulness helps you notice your own needs
- 41:46 Where to find Emily and her work
“Planning for postpartum looks different the second time around.”
Emily Adler Mosqueda, Speech-Language Pathologist and Author
Speech-Language Pathologist and Author
What to Put in Your Postpartum Plan
Emily wishes she had made a postpartum plan that looked beyond the early weeks. Her suggestion is to think through the first year, including your older child’s changing needs, your friendships, time for yourself and, if you’re partnered, your relationship.
- Name the practical help. Think about who could take on a school pickup, prepare food or care for your older child while you rest.
- Keep a small moment with your older child. Emily talks about naming your time together so they know it matters, even when it’s five minutes with a book or over breakfast.
- Leave room to change the plan. What you need may become clearer as you get to know your baby and settle into life together.
Start with one ordinary part of the day that you expect to be hard to manage. Put the help you’d like into words, and talk it through with someone who may be able to offer it. Our free Fourth Trimester Plan can help you get that conversation started.
Selected links
Connect with Emily Adler Mosqueda emilyadlermosqueda.com | Instagram | Postpartum365
Read Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir
Learn more Preparing For Your Second Baby | Postpartum Identity With Andrea Ford | Building Your Postpartum Support System | Dr Sophie Brock’s The Good Enough Mother Podcast
Resources FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection
Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram
Partners HIRO Diapers | Prenatal & Postnatal Vitamins | Every Mother | Affiliate Disclosures
The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.