29| From Struggles to Strength: MacKenzie Bradke's Journey with Adoption and Parenthood

MacKenzie Bradke shares her powerful story of becoming a mother through adoption after facing years of infertility struggles, including IVF and IUI treatments. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, the grief of not being able to conceive, and the challenges that came with adopting her daughter. MacKenzie also discusses the dynamics of motherhood, including the mental load, navigating complicated relationships with children, and the emotional weight of being the "bad guy" at home. As a therapist, she brings a unique perspective on balancing motherhood with her professional life, as well as the importance of supporting moms through difficult moments. Finally, MacKenzie talks about her TheraMama group, a community she created for therapist moms who need support, understanding, and connection with others who understand the struggles of balancing both worlds.Key Takeaways: Infertility and Adoption: MacKenzie reflects on her journey of infertility and how adoption became the answer for her to become a mom. The Mental Load of Motherhood: Many mothers, particularly those who are also therapists, face a unique mental load, balancing professional and personal lives while carrying the responsibility of home management. Embracing the Imperfections: Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, even on the tough days, and giving yourself grace for not having it all together. Building a Support System for Therapist Moms: MacKenzie’s creation of the TheraMama group is a safe space for therapist moms to connect, vent, and receive support without judgment. Navigating Complex Parent-Child Relationships: The realities of parenting, especially in adoption, are complex and sometimes filled with challenges. MacKenzie opens up about the evolving relationship with her daughter and the emotional ups and downs that come with it.Key Quotes: “It’s really hard when you’re the ‘bad guy’ in the house, but you’re the one keeping everything together.” – MacKenzie “Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when you feel like you’ve failed.” – MacKenzie “As therapist moms, we can’t be afraid to ask for support and take a break from always being the one who’s ‘got it all figured out.’” – MacKenzie “You can still love your child deeply and not like them every single day.” – MacKenzie “Motherhood is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time, no matter how messy it feels.” – MacKenzieResources Mentioned: TheraMama Group: A community for therapist moms to connect, support, and understand each other. [Link to TheraMama Group]About Mackenzie BradkeMacKenzie is a mental health therapist who is passionate about supporting other moms navigating the complexities of motherhood. After an eight-year infertility journey, MacKenzie became an adoptive mom and has since dedicated her career to helping mothers in the thick of their parenting struggles. With a deep understanding of both the emotional challenges and joys of motherhood, MacKenzie combines her professional expertise with her personal experiences to offer invaluable guidance and support to women striving to balance self-care, mental health, and the demands of family life.About Your Host:As a licensed therapist, Amy Grace supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and through a variety of services and products for moms. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.For More Info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook visit www.everydaysupermoms.com Never Miss an Episode: Join the email list to receive weekly updates including podcast episode summaries, tips for moms and more. Sign up HereAmy Grace has courses designed for moms to help them thrive in motherhood and be the best mom they can be. Check out her Courses and Love your Motherhood!