76 | Planning for Postpartum During Pregnancy + the Book "You're Not Broken, You're Postpartum" with Katherine Stephens from the Made for Birth Podcast

You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum: Redefining “Normal” in Early Motherhood

What if the problem isn’t you… it’s the expectations you were handed about postpartum?

In this powerful episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie sits down with mom of six, birth worker, podcaster, and author Katherine Stephens to talk about her new book: You Are Not Broken, You Are Postpartum.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not handling this better?” or “Everyone else seems to be coping… what’s wrong with me?” — this conversation is for you.

Katherine pulls back the curtain on what postpartum really feels like, from identity shifts to postpartum depression, from feeling isolated to realizing you were never meant to do this without a village.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why you feel “broken” postpartum (and why you’re not) How hormonal changes, birth trauma, lack of support, and sleep deprivation all collide and make you think you’re failing.

• The identity crisis of new motherhood Why you don’t “bounce back” to your old self — and how to start embracing the woman you’re becoming.

• The myth and reality of “it takes a village” What a true village used to look like, why so many moms don’t have one now, and practical ways to build support even if your family is far away.

• Asking for help without feeling like a failure Simple, practical ideas (like Catherine’s “power-up” exercise with your partner) to share the mental and physical load in postpartum.

• Postpartum depression vs. normal postpartum struggles Why feeling emotional does not automatically mean you’re broken — and when to seek extra support.

RESOURCES

FREE GUIDE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid

Made for Birth Podcast with Katherine

Get your copy of "You're not broken, You're Postpartum"

For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas