More Than Mom With Dr. Nichelle Haynes

Have you ever felt like you finally caught a glimpse of yourself again — only for life to pull you right back into old patterns? In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom of two, helps you move from awareness to action by learning how to live in alignment with your values, needs, and true identity.You’ll explore what it really means to integrate the inner work of self-discovery into daily life — from aligning your calendar with your priorities to creating systems that support the woman you’re becoming. Nichelle shares how small, intentional shifts can reduce resentment, prevent burnout, and help you feel more grounded, authentic, and at peace in motherhood.💬 You’ll Learn:What “integration” and “alignment” actually mean for momsHow to recognize when your inner and outer worlds are out of syncPractical ways to bring your values and needs into your daily lifeWhy living in alignment is the antidote to resentment and overwhelmIf you’re ready to stop talking about who you want to become and start living like her — this episode will show you how.✨ Keywords: motherhood identity, postpartum mental health, rediscovering yourself, mom burnout, motherhood overwhelm, finding yourself after kids, intentional living, self-compassion, alignment, personal growth for momsSend a text

Moms are experts at meeting everyone else’s needs—but when was the last time you did something just for you? In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, board-certified perinatal psychiatrist and mom, dives into why carving out time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.You’ll learn:Why guilt and cultural expectations keep moms from prioritizing themselves.How doing things for your own joy protects against caregiver burnout and resentment.Small, realistic ways to reclaim time for yourself (without money, guilt, or elaborate planning).How modeling self-care teaches your kids to value their own needs.Whether it’s choosing the music in the car, signing up for a pottery class, or finally giving yourself permission to read that novel, this episode helps you break free from guilt and reconnect with the parts of you that matter most.Send a text

Feeling lost in motherhood? This episode helps you find yourself again. Dr. Nichelle Haynes—perinatal psychiatrist, mom, and host of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes—guides you from “I value” and “I need” to “I am,” so you can rebuild a confident identity in and beyond motherhood.You’ll learn:How to connect your core values and real needs to clear “I am” statementsWhy identity often blurs after baby (matrescence) and how to reclaim it with intentionSimple, realistic practices to feel like yourself again—even with limited timeWays to resist perfectionism, mom guilt, and outside expectationsA journaling prompt to craft your personal “I am” anchorThis is for any mom navigating postpartum identity, burnout, or the mental load and craving self-discovery, clarity, and confidence. If you’re asking, “Who am I now?”—start here.Keywords: motherhood identity, finding yourself after baby, postpartum identity crisis, matrescence, mom burnout, mom mental health, self-discovery for moms, values and needs, mindfulness, self-compassion.Send a text

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I should be doing more. I’m not enough. I’m screwing this up”? If so, you’re not alone — and today’s episode is for you.In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, dives into the life-changing practice of self-compassion. You’ll learn:What self-compassion really is.Why being kinder to yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential for your mental health and resilience.How self-compassion helps reduce mom guilt, perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout.Simple, practical ways to start treating yourself with the same kindness you show your children.If you’ve been stuck in cycles of self-criticism, or constantly feel like you’re not enough, this episode will help you understand how self-compassion can be the bridge between knowing your needs and actually honoring them — without shame or guilt.Kristin Neff's book on Self Compassion: https://amzn.to/47jxrqL (affiliate link)Follow me on IG/Threads: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nichellehaynesSend a text

Do you ever feel like everyone else’s needs come first and yours barely make the list? You’re not alone. In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, breaks down why meeting your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential.Together, we’ll explore:The difference between wants and needs (and why it matters for your wellbeing)The hidden cultural messages that tell moms their needs don’t countHow unmet needs show up as exhaustion, irritability, or resentmentSimple steps to identify and voice what you actually need—without guiltYou’ll also get a reflective journaling prompt to help you practice saying “I need” and begin cracking the foundation of mom guilt.If you’ve been stretched thin, running on empty, or secretly wondering when your turn comes—this episode is for you.✨ Share this episode with another mom who needs the reminder: your needs matter too.Send a text

Motherhood changes everything — but have you stopped to think about whether the way you’re living truly reflects what matters most to you? In this episode of More Than Mom, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, guides you through the essential (and often overlooked) work of defining your core values.You’ll learn:What values really are (and how they differ from things you like or goals you have)Why many moms feel disconnected, resentful, or restless when they’re living out of alignmentHow to identify your top 3–5 values and use them to make confident, guilt-free decisionsSimple ways to bring your values into your daily life — without adding more to your already full plateThis conversation is about more than self-discovery — it’s about reclaiming your identity, creating clarity in your decisions, and finding more joy and fulfillment in motherhood. Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of parenting, or simply craving more intentional living, this episode will help you take the first step toward a life that feels like yours.Grab your journal and join me — you’ll leave with a clearer picture of who you are, what matters most, and how to start living in alignment today.Send a text

In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, gently guides you through what it means to rediscover your passions, reconnect with joy, and begin feeling like you again.We’ll explore:Why joy isn’t optional — it’s essential for your mental health (and your kids’ well-being too)What "glimmers" are — and how they help you reconnect with what makes you feel aliveHow to start start the work of finding yourself again, even when time is short and energy is low3 powerful journaling prompts to spark self-discoveryWhy this work protects you against burnout and the invisible load of motherhoodWhether you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or just unsure where to begin, this episode is your invitation to come back home to yourself — one small moment at a time.✨ It’s time to find what lights you up — and follow it.Be sure to DM Dr. Haynes on IG so she can cater episodes to YOU! https://www.instagram.com/dr.nichellehaynesSend a text

If you’ve felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you don’t even know what you’re feeling anymore — you’re not alone. In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a perinatal psychiatrist and mom, introduces one of the most powerful tools to help you feel like yourself again: mindfulness.You’ll learn:What mindfulness actually is (and what it’s not)Why it’s the first essential step to reconnecting with your identity after motherhoodSimple, doable practices you can start today — even if you're in survival modeHow mindfulness helps reduce mom guilt, improve emotional regulation, and shift burnout patternsA gentle mindset shift to help you stop judging your thoughts and start listening to themWhether you’re deep in postpartum, juggling toddlers, or just feeling disconnected, this episode will show you how paying attention — without judgment — is the first step back to you.💡 Journaling prompt included. 🎧 Listen now if you’re ready to start hearing your own voice again.Send a text

Self-care might sound like a luxury—but for moms, it’s a lifeline. In this powerful episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Nichelle Haynes explores why true self-care is not indulgent, optional, or selfish—it’s essential. And more than that, it’s foundational to your mental health, your child’s development, and the overall health of your family.Nichelle debunks common myths about self-care in motherhood, highlights the research linking maternal well-being to positive childhood outcomes, and shares practical ways to make self-care realistic—even in the chaos of daily life. Drawing from Dr. Pooja Lakshmin’s Real Self-Care (affiliate link), she reframes self-care as a form of radical self-respect and necessary nourishment.In this episode, we explore:Why maternal mental health matters for childhood development and emotional regulationThe difference between escapism (like wine time or scrolling) and real self-careHow your children learn to care for themselves by watching how you care for yourselfWhy rest, boundaries, and saying “no” are powerful tools for healing and growthHow to integrate micro-moments of self-compassion into your day (even if you’re overwhelmed)A journal prompt to help you begin showing up for yourself with intentionIf you've ever wondered how to take care of yourself as a mom—or felt guilty trying—this conversation is a compassionate invitation to start small, be messy, and come back home to yourself.Keywords: self-care for moms, maternal mental health, postpartum self-care, burnout in motherhood, how to take care of yourself as a mom, motherhood identity, mom guilt, emotional regulation, boundaries for moms, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, real self-care, postpartum depression support, mental load, parenting and self-care, mom podcastSend a text

Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mother, delves into the critical role of community and vulnerability in the journey toward finding yourself as a mom. Discover how building intentional relationships and embracing openness can actually improve your mental health.Key Topics Covered:The science behind social support as a mental health intervention for mothersThe impact of strong female friendships on longevity and emotional well-beingPractical steps to audit and cultivate your support network with intentionThe transformative power of vulnerability in forging authentic connectionsResearch indicates that perceived social support significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression, even more so than actual support received. Moreover, women with strong social ties have been shown to enjoy better mental health and increased longevity. Join Dr. Haynes as she offers insights and practical advice to help you build a village that not only supports your motherhood journey but also nurtures your personal growth.Send a text

You knew having a baby would change everything—but no one warned you it might change how you relate to everyone, too.In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Nichelle Haynes explores how motherhood transforms your relationships: with your partner, your friends, your parents, and even yourself.Backed by research (like why 66% of couples report lower satisfaction after baby), this conversation is honest, validating, and full of insights that will help you understand the invisible weight many moms carry. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner, hurt by a drifting friendship, or wondering where the old you went—this is the episode that puts words to what you’ve been feeling.💬 Topics include:What research says about romantic relationship strain postpartumGrief around friendships that no longer fitHow parenting changes your view of your own parentsWhy identity loss is real (and what to do about it)A journaling prompt + powerful affirmationThis isn’t just about “fixing” relationships—it’s about recognizing the deep shift happening in you, and learning to move through it with intention.📲 If this speaks to you, share it with a friend. You don’t have to go through these changes alone.Send a text

If you've ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I just don't recognize myself,” this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes is for you. Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a perinatal psychiatrist and mother, explores the complex realities of postpartum body image, the harmful pressure to bounce back, and the deeper identity shifts that often go unspoken in motherhood.From hormonal fluctuations and physical changes like diastasis recti, weight redistribution, and hair loss, to the grief of not feeling at home in one’s body, this episode sheds light on how postpartum is a full-body transformation—not just a physical one, but emotional and neurological too.Listeners will learn:The science behind postpartum hormone crashes and how recovery can be difficultHow societal bounce-back expectations undermine both mental health and maternal identityWhy postpartum body changes (even at the same weight) can feel so destabilizingPractical strategies for reconnecting with the body—through gentle movement, touch, and mindful self-compassionHow mothers’ self-criticism can unintentionally shape their children’s body imageThis episode offers a gentle but honest reframing of postpartum changes as transformation, not loss. Dr. Haynes invites mothers to let go of the myth of bouncing back and instead move forward—with softness, respect, and a renewed sense of self. You don't need to participate in postpartum weight loss, you need postpartum compassion and self-love.Why Listen: A must-listen for anyone navigating the emotional and physical aftermath of childbirth—this episode validates the grief, challenges perfectionism, and helps mothers feel seen in the bodies they’re learning to love again.postpartum body image, bounce back culture, self-compassion, perinatal mental health, postpartum transformation, identity after birth, diastasis recti, postpartum hormone changes, mom identity, gentle motherhoodSend a text

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do, it still isn’t enough? Like you’re trying to be a good mom, partner, friend — maybe even trying to take care of yourself — and still feel like you’re falling short?In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mother, explores the role of perfectionism in motherhood — how it hides behind productivity, high standards, and guilt, and how it quietly disconnects us from ourselves.We talk about:The psychological roots of perfectionismHow perfectionism shows up in motherhood (and why it’s often mistaken for “doing it all”)The emotional cost of over-functioning, self-criticism, and tying your worth to performanceWhy modeling imperfection is a gift to your childrenThe link between burnout, resentment, and trying to be "the perfect mom"How to begin letting go — gently, imperfectly, and with self-compassionYou’ll also hear a personal reflection from Dr. Haynes on the irony of recording this episode while recovering from illness — a real-time invitation to show up, even when things aren’t polished.This episode ends with a simple but powerful journal prompt to help you name the unrealistic standards you’re carrying — and where they came from.Because your worth is not in your perfection. It’s in your presence.Send a text

If you’re constantly tired — not just physically, but mentally — there’s a name for that: the invisible load.In this episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, Dr. Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mom, explores the concept of the mental load of motherhood — the relentless stream of planning, remembering, anticipating, and emotionally managing that so many moms carry without acknowledgment.We talk about:What the invisible load actually is (and why it’s not “just part of being a mom”)Why it often goes unseen — even by our partners, families, and systemsHow this mental labor affects your identity, energy, and mental healthThe emotional toll of being the “default parent” — and how to begin shifting the patternWhy naming the invisible load is the first step toward redistributing itPractical tips for sharing the load of tasks in your homeYou’re not overreacting. You’re not failing. You’re carrying more than anyone realizes — and you deserve support.We briefly talk about Setting Boundaries, Finding Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab, you can find it here.Send a text

Have you ever thought, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” and wondered if something was wrong with you?In this first episode of More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, your host, Dr. Nichelle Haynes, perinatal psychiatrist and mother, introduces a concept that puts language to that feeling — matrescence. It’s not a diagnosis. It’s not a disorder. It’s a real, meaningful shift in identity that begins when you become a mother — and understanding it can change everything. Understanding it is the foundation for the growth we will be doing!In this episode, you’ll explore:What matrescence is and why it mattersHow it compares to other times of transitionThe grief, confusion, and growth that come with becoming someone newWhat actually changes in your brain, body, and identityYou’ll also hear a gentle journaling prompt to help you begin reconnecting with yourself — not who you used to be, but who you're becoming.This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of who she is now. You are not failing. You are becoming.Thank you for being here. Take care of yourself.In this episode we discuss therapy and finding someone with perinatal training. You can access the Postpartum Support International Directory here.Send a text

Dr. Nichelle Haynes is a perinatal psychiatrist, mother, and advocate for honest conversations about the mental and emotional transformation of motherhood. After years of supporting patients through the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent — and walking through her own — she created More Than Mom with Dr. Nichelle Haynes, a podcast for women ready to reconnect with themselves in and beyond motherhood.Because the journey into motherhood isn’t just about feeding schedules and milestones. It’s about grief, identity, change, and the quiet, powerful work of becoming someone new.With warmth, clinical insight, and deep compassion, Nichelle guides listeners through topics like matrescence, the invisible load, self-care, perfectionism, and rediscovering who you are — not just as a mother, but as a whole person.If you’ve ever felt like you’re unraveling and becoming all at once, this podcast is for you. Motherhood isn’t the end of your story — it’s the beginning of a deeper one.Send a text