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.

Hannah O’Brien sits down with Tanya Galvez and Rose Wilson from Operation Homefront to explore the financial challenges faced by military families. From frequent relocations to unpredictable deployments, military life comes with unique stressors that can quickly lead to financial strain.

Together, they discuss:

• The root causes of financial hardship for military families
• How inflation has deepened existing economic pressures
• The role of open communication about finances within relationships
• Key resources available to military families through Operation Homefront
• The power of community support in overcoming financial obstacles

Whether you’re part of a military family, work with veterans, or simply want to better understand the realities they face, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Operation Homefront
• Financial assistance programs for military families
• Tips for improving financial wellness and communication

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