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Boundaries in Motherhood: Why You Feel Controlled (and How to Take Your Power Back) | #161

Season 11 Episode 161 Published 1 month ago
Description

What if the tension you feel in motherhood isn’t about your decisions… but about your boundaries?


In this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked skills women need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood: setting boundaries with family, friends, and outside opinions.


From pressure around home birth to unsolicited advice from parents and in-laws, this conversation unpacks why boundaries feel so hard, what they actually are (and aren’t), and how to confidently take your power back without damaging your relationships.


If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by opinions, pressure, or expectations around motherhood… this episode will shift how you see it.


00:00 Trailer & Introduction

01:33 Why Boundaries in Motherhood Feel So Hard

02:54 What a Boundary Actually Is (and What It’s Not)

06:42 Why Most Women Misunderstand Boundaries

07:38 The Power of Controlling Your Response (Not Others)

09:22 Real-Life Example of Healthy Boundaries

11:07 Why Boundaries Protect Relationships (Not Damage Them)

13:37 Should You Communicate Boundaries Ahead of Time?

16:29 Handling Strong Disagreements (Vaccines, Parenting Choices)

18:24 Why Parents Struggle to Let Go of Control

21:16 What Happens When You Set Boundaries for the First Time

22:36 Why Consistency Is Everything

24:48 Becoming a “New Version” of Yourself in Relationships

28:40 Communication Frameworks That Actually Work

30:10 Birth Choices and Family Pressure Explained

33:26 Real Story: Shifting Beliefs Around Home Birth

34:51 How to Respond to Extreme Pushback

37:43 Who Gets to Be at Your Birth (and Who Doesn’t)

41:30 How to Communicate Firm Boundaries Clearly

44:46 Why Waiting for Birth Can Create Stress

48:37 Postpartum Boundaries and Baby Handling

51:38 Scripts for Setting Boundaries Respectfully

53:18 Why Women Struggle with Boundaries More Than Men

56:30 The Deeper Root: Fear of Rejection and Losing Connection

57:37 The Role of Intuition and Safety (Gift of Fear Insight)

01:00:00 Final Thoughts: Boundaries as Empowerment


Resources Mentioned In This Episode:


Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store


Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website


Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morga

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