Deep Dive
Why did Jess take a maternity leave and what was her experience like?
Jess took a maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter, Marlee Sky Moore Tolliver, on August 20th, 2024. She found motherhood to be very challenging, especially with breastfeeding and adjusting to the demands of a newborn. She also experienced postpartum depression, feeling overwhelmed and less confident than before.
Why did Jess decide to return to the podcast now?
Jess decided to return to the podcast to reconnect with her audience and share her experiences. She felt it was important to be transparent about her challenges and to continue her work of fixing messes.
Why is Jess's breastfeeding journey particularly challenging?
Jess's breastfeeding journey is challenging because she has to pump milk frequently, which is a full-time job. She also had to alter her diet, deal with the physical discomfort of pumping, and manage her milk supply. Additionally, she worries about not producing enough milk for her daughter.
Why did Jess choose to deliver her baby without an epidural?
Jess chose to deliver her baby without an epidural because her nurse waited until it was too late to administer one. Despite her initial hesitation, she ultimately felt grateful for the experience and was amazed by the power of women.
Why did Jess's partner, Chris, deliver their baby?
Chris, Jess's partner, delivered their baby because he asked the doctor if he could do it. The doctor agreed, and Chris was coached through the process, helping to guide the baby out of the womb.
Why does Jess feel more worried and insecure now compared to when she was younger?
Jess feels more worried and insecure now because she is more aware of her responsibilities as a grown woman. She overthinks things, feels less confident, and worries about her ability to provide for her daughter. She also notices more negative feedback online, which affects her mental health.
Why did Jess change her diet after her daughter was born?
Jess changed her diet to improve her milk supply and address her baby's gas issues. She stopped eating dairy, increased her intake of protein, vegetables, and fruits, and started using lactation cookies and supplements.
Why does Jess feel that she might have postpartum depression?
Jess feels that she might have postpartum depression because she cries a lot, feels like she can't do anything right, and is overly sensitive to negative feedback. She also feels less pretty and less confident than before.
Why does Jess appreciate single moms?
Jess appreciates single moms because she recognizes the immense challenges they face in raising children without a partner's support. Despite having help from her partner and family, she still finds motherhood to be a significant challenge.
Why did Jess's partner, Chris, play a significant role in her postpartum journey?
Chris played a significant role in Jess's postpartum journey by being supportive, helping her manage her emotions, and taking an active role in the delivery and care of their daughter. He also helps her stay grounded and positive during challenging times.
- Return from maternity leave
- Challenges of breastfeeding and pumping
- Importance of family support
- Balancing work and motherhood
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