In this episode, I’m sharing the real, raw, and surprisingly beautiful story of how I became a mom. From the final stretch of pregnancy to meeting my son for the first time, I walk you through what it was like becoming a first-time mom at 35.

I talk about everything from IVF, being labeled "geriatric," and that lovely thing called Group B Strep, to what it actually feels like when your water breaks, the induction process, and how a doula helped me stay grounded through it all.

This is the kind of birth story I wish I’d heard before giving birth—honest but encouraging. Because birth doesn’t have to be terrifying. You're doing amazing, and you deserve to hear stories that remind you of that.

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In this episode of the Mom Existence podcast, Ashley and her husband Jeff share their candid experiences of becoming parents. They discuss the challenges and unexpected realities of parenthood, the mental load often carried by mothers, and the importance of structure and routine in managing daily life with children. The couple reflects on their parenting styles, the impact of age on their perspectives, and the joys and struggles of raising a child. Their conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and relatable insights for anyone navigating the journey of parenthood. In this engaging conversation, Ashley and Jeff delve into the complexities of parenthood, reflecting on their experiences with age, communication challenges, and the relentless nature of raising children. They share humorous anecdotes from the newborn days, discuss the evolving dynamics as their child grows into a toddler, and express their concerns about the impact of parenting on their child's emotional well-being. The conversation also touches on the value of the podcast as a platform for sharing insights and experiences in parenting.

And remember, you are doing amazing!

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themomexistence.com

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Kayla Davis—known as @kdavis_fitness on Instagram—is a Halifax-based kinesiologist, personal trainer, and mother of three who inspires her audience by balancing fitness and motherhood. With over 28,000 followers, she shares workouts, family life, and motivational content that resonates with busy moms and fitness enthusiasts alike.

In this conversation, we discuss the journey of motherhood, the challenges of building an online presence, and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of parenting. Kayla shares her experiences with fitness, managing daily routines, and the identity shifts that come with motherhood. They also touch on the exhaustion that comes with parenting and the realities of raising multiple children, emphasizing the need for connection and support among mothers. In this conversation, Kayla and Ashley discuss the importance of community among mothers, the challenges of prioritizing health and fitness, the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood on social media, the pressures of parenting expectations, and the balance of children's activities. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating motherhood, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in the journey.

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Today on The Mom Existence, we're joined by the incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable Lauren Mackintosh—a fierce advocate for maternal mental health and a guiding light for women navigating pregnancy and postpartum.

Lauren helps us unpack what so many moms experience but don’t always talk about like delayed postpartum depression and how it differs from the early baby blues. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster that can come with everyday struggles, mom guilt, and when things just don’t go according to plan.

She’s made it her mission to support women through the messy, beautiful, overwhelming ride of motherhood—and today, she’s breaking down the truth behind anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the “prepare for the worst” mindset so many of us quietly carry.

Because as Lauren reminds us—two things can be true. You can be so in love with your baby and feel completely lost. You can be grateful and grieving the version of motherhood you imagined. This conversation is honest, validating, and needed.

Let’s get into it. And remember, you’re doing amazing <3

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https://brydgestherapy.com/

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@tb_counsellingtherapy

I’m getting real and opening up about my own experience with overwhelm and anxiety. Because let’s be honest, parenthood can flip your world upside down fast, and it’s not always easy to keep up. Sometimes, we need support, and for me, that means getting professional help.

In this episode, we’re diving into how disconnected and siloed the info is for new moms, how raising kids today is nothing like it was 30–40 years ago, and why setting boundaries with your partner before baby arrives is a game-changer. You’ll thank me later.

Let’s normalize the chaos of early motherhood and remember, you deserve to be treated like the absolute queen you are.

Don’t forget, you are doing amazing <3

Follow: @themomexistence

Visit: themomexistence.com:

FREE Mental health support

If you know, you know — MM&L was the YouTube duo that got us through our 20s with beauty tips, dry shampoo recs, and big bouncy curls. And yes, that Laura is here!

In this episode, I sit down with the always-honest Laura Armstrong — beauty guru, mom, and co-founder of Beauty Destination — to talk about the journey from viral content creator to motherhood, IVF, and surrogacy. We go deep on staying ambitious when life pulls you in every direction, what it’s like to rediscover your identity as a mom, and why she’s never stopped being real online.

We talk:

• The MM&L origin story with Bachelor star & bestie Michelle Money
  
  

• Meeting her now-husband and the early days of building a family
  
  

• The emotional rollercoaster of IVF and the decision to pursue surrogacy
  
  

• Mom guilt, ambition, and redefining success at every stage
  
  

• Why she started a podcast of her own — and what she’s not holding back on now
  
  

This one’s full of nostalgia, truth bombs, and a whole lot of heart.

Don’t forget, you are doing amazing <3

Follow: @lovebylaura

Visit: https://www.beautydestination.com/

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we’re teaming up with Halifax Shopping Centre and sitting down with our favourite mother-daughter duo—Vicky Mina and Amanda Nahas. We’re talking all things motherhood, how it’s shaped them both at different stages of life, and of course, their take on effortless style. From go-to shops at HSC to personal stories and laughs, this episode is full of heart, fashion inspo, and real mom moments. Don’t miss it!

This week, I’m flying solo and covering a lot. Inspired by Oprah’s chat with Jonathan Haidt, I reflect on the early days of social media (anyone remember ICQ and MSN Messenger?) and how different the digital world feels now—especially for our kids. I also touch on mental health, anxiety, toddler emotions (a rollercoaster), and why managing it all can feel like a full-time job. Plus, a peek into my skincare routine, thoughts on the Ruby Franke documentary, and microneedling updates.

Grateful for this community—thanks for being here. If you can, please rate this episode and leave a review! It all matters.

Don’t forget, you are doing amazing <3

Follow: themomexistence@gmail.com

Visit: themomexistence.com