In this heartfelt conclusion to the It’s a Mother series, host Hannah O’Brien invites listeners into her deeply personal journey through the postpartum experience after welcoming her second child. Hannah shares the raw realities of recovery, sleep deprivation, and navigating the emotional and financial toll of early motherhood. From breastfeeding challenges and body image struggles to balancing career and childcare, she offers an honest reflection on the joys and hardships of raising two young children.

This episode shines a light on the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and community for mothers everywhere, especially those in military and veteran families.

Resources & Call to Action

• Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find resources for military and veteran families.
• Catch up on earlier episodes in the It’s a Mother series for insights into pregnancy and early motherhood.
• If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us next month for more stories and resources designed for military and veteran families.

In this heartfelt continuation of her “It’s a Mother” series, Hannah opens up about the deeply transformative experience of giving birth.

Episode Highlights

• Hannah shares her birth stories with honesty and vulnerability, offering a real look at the fears, challenges, and surprises of labor and delivery.
• A candid discussion of the emotional and physical journey of childbirth—from the anxiety of not being in control, to induction, to making decisions around pain management.
• Reflections on the societal pressure and judgment surrounding birth choices—hospital vs. home, epidural vs. natural—and why it’s essential to do what’s right for you.
• Postpartum realities: the ups and downs of hospital stays, breastfeeding struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mother.
• Practical advice for expectant moms and their support systems on boundary-setting, self-advocacy, and tuning out outside opinions.

Key Takeaways

• Every birth story is unique—there is no single “right” way to welcome a child into the world.
• Support, compassion, and non-judgment are vital for mothers navigating childbirth and postpartum.
• Hannah’s goal is to remind every listener that no woman should feel alone in her journey.

Next Episode Preview

Part 3 of It’s a Mother will explore the joys and challenges of postpartum life—don’t miss it!

Resources

Learn more about the Veteran Spouse Network and find support for military and veteran families: veteranspousenetwork.org

Thank you for listening and holding space for these important stories.

Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of two
• The emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhood
• How military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisions
• Honest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceive
• Navigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downs
• The power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support system
• Unique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancy
• A call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard parts
• Military life adds unique layers to family planning decisions
• Support, communication, and self-advocacy are essential
• Listening and showing up for the women in our lives matters

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.org
• Stay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey

🎧 Thank you for tuning in!

This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.