Maternal Instinct & Other Stories We've Inherited

What if the idea of maternal instinct isn’t an inherent truth—but a cultural narrative that sets parents, especially mothers, up for self-doubt and isolation? In this episode, Dr. Becky invites us into a space of curiosity, questioning where our thoughts about parenting "naturally" come from, and why we might expect ourselves to figure it all out alone. Together with a close friend, she unpacks the quiet pressures baked into motherhood and challenges the comforting-yet-limiting binary of maternal instinct. What might parenting look like if we gave ourselves permission to learn, struggle, and seek support—just like we do in every other role?

In honor of Mother’s Day, save 25% on any Good Inside Membership - our biggest sale of the year! You deserve real support, expert guidance, and a community that gets it. https://bit.ly/4kpFEgr

Get the Good Inside App by Dr. Becky: https://bit.ly/4fSxbzk

Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside

Sign up for our weekly email, Good Insider: https://www.goodinside.com/newsletter

For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Midi. ****Two things are true: There are great things that come with age and there are some not-so-great things. If you’re a woman in mid-life, you know what I’m talking about: insomnia, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disruptions. It feels hard because it is hard, and you deserve resources and support through this phase of life. That's where Midi Health comes in. Midi Health clinicians are specialized perimenopause and menopause experts. They get it. They're not going to tell you it's "all in your head." They’re not going to dismiss your concerns or struggles. Instead, they offer real solutions: safe, effective, FDA-approved medications when needed, plus guidance on supplements, lifestyle changes, and preventative healthcare. Midi is covered by most major insurances —plus, you can connect with their clinicians through convenient telehealth visits and 24/7 messaging. You deserve to feel great. Book your virtual visit today at JoinMidi.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Great Wolf Lodge. As a mom of three kids, I’m always on the lookout for family adventures that offer something for everyone (including myself!). That’s why Great Wolf Lodge is high on our list of future destinations! They offer a world of fun, all under one roof, including water slides, a lazy river, a massive wave pool, arcade games, mini golf and nightly dance parties! With 23 locations all across North America, and more on the way, chances are there’s a Great Wolf Lodge just a short drive away from you. You can save up to 40% off on any stay at Great Wolf Lodge from now through August 31st when you book at participating lodges. Just visit GreatWolf.com and enter the promo code “GoodInside” – when you book.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.