Welcome to Chapter 1 of our three-part interview series with Addy! In this episode of The Momma’s Lounge, Addy opens up about her two wildly different birth stories—welcoming her daughter Eliza and her son Joshua just 13 months apart.

We discuss the challenges of being pressured into an early induction for high blood pressure, the physical and emotional realities of pushing for three hours versus seven minutes, and how holistic approaches (like acupuncture and "witches brew") played a massive role in her second labor. We also touch on the power of placenta encapsulation for postpartum mental health and finding time for your own hobbies while raising babies.

In This Episode, We Cover:

03:05 Intro & catching up: Navigating 2 under 2 while balancing a husband in full-time work and school.

05:00 Entering the "Grandma Era": Finding yourself in motherhood through crafting, audiobooks, and taking mental breaks.

08:10 Eliza’s Birth Story: White coat syndrome, advocating for yourself during a frustrating 37-week induction, and surviving a 3-hour pushing marathon.

14:30 Joshua’s Birth Story: Prodromal labor, maternal acupuncture, the "witches brew," and a lightning-fast 7-minute delivery!

18:45 Postpartum Healing: Why Addy swears by placenta encapsulation for stabilizing hormones and avoiding the baby blues.

24:20 Preparing for next week: A sneak peek into Chapter 2 (adjusting to two under two and avoiding roommate syndrome in your marriage).

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Follow Addy on Instagram: @LearnWithAddy for practical mom tips and easy meals.

Listen to Addy’s Podcast: Learning From Our Mistakes Pod (Available wherever you listen to podcasts!)

Book Recommendation: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Doula Shoutout: Rachel Fike (If you are in the Wyoming area and looking for an incredible doula, email us at themommaslounge@gmail.com to get connected!)

Connect With Us! If you thought of a momma while you were listening today, go ahead and give her a text to tell her you've been thinking of her.

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, or click follow on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss Chapter 2 next week!

Follow along on Instagram: @TheMommasLounge