59 | The Motherwhelm with Jenna | IVF, Birth Trauma, Emotional Regulation & Trusting Yourself

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jenna to talk about infertility, IVF, birth trauma, emotional regulation, and learning to trust yourself through motherhood.Jenna shares her long road to becoming a mother, from navigating endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and IVF during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, to welcoming her two boys after years of longing. She reflects on the heartbreak of infertility, the emotional toll of repeated setbacks, and the profound gratitude that followed becoming a mother.Together, we explore two traumatic birth experiences, the grief of an unexpected emergency caesarean, and the deep disappointment of preparing for a VBAC that ultimately ended the same way. Jenna speaks openly about birth trauma, postpartum mental health, infant feeding challenges, and the pressure she placed on her body after feeling it had "failed" her through infertility, birth, and breastfeeding.We also discuss motherhood identity, accepting help, raising emotionally secure boys, body image after motherhood, and the ongoing work of learning to regulate our own emotions while teaching our children to regulate theirs. Jenna shares how motherhood has transformed her confidence, strengthened her relationships, and taught her to trust her instincts above the endless noise of conflicting advice.This is an honest conversation about resilience, healing, letting go of perfection, and discovering that motherhood isn't about getting everything right, it's about showing up, repairing when we need to, and growing alongside our children.If you've experienced infertility, IVF, birth trauma, difficult postpartum emotions, or you've ever questioned whether your body has let you down, I hope Jenna's story reminds you that healing is possible, and that your worth has never been defined by how your motherhood journey began.Resources mentioned:Australian VBAC Stories PodcastAustralian Birth StoriesJess UrlichsMatrescent MuseRaising Boys – Maggie DentCatherine DennyEmma HeaphyTopics discussed:IVF, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, COVID fertility treatment, birth trauma, emergency caesarean, VBAC, birth debrief, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding challenges, formula feeding, body image, motherhood identity, emotional regulation, raising boys, gentle parenting, motherhood confidence, village, trusting your instincts.Resources mentionedTopics discussed: