In our latest podcast episode, I’m honored to host Dr. Melissa Reilly, a clinical psychologist and mom without a mom, who sheds light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by mothers who are raising children without the love and guidance of a maternal figure. Whether due to loss, distance, or strained relationships, Dr. Reilly’s insights provide understanding and hope for moms navigating this journey.
🌱 In This Episode, We Explore:
The Unique Challenges of Being a Motherless Mother
Dr. Reilly shares how not having a mother to turn to for guidance impacts a mother's confidence and parenting experience. Learn about the common struggles of shame, grief, and identity issues that arise when raising children without maternal support, and why recognizing these feelings is essential.
The Role of Grief and How It Manifests
Discover how grief and longing for maternal support can appear in unexpected ways, from irritability to feelings of emptiness. Dr. Reilly explains how acknowledging these emotions can help mothers process them more effectively.
Creating Your Own Support System
Dr. Reilly emphasizes the importance of building a network of people to support different needs. Learn about the four types of people every mom needs in her community and how to identify them to create a reliable network of support.
Small Self-Care Practices with Big Impact
Dr. Reilly shares practical self-care strategies for moms who don’t have a built-in support system. From guided imagery to mindful affirmations, these practices help moms recharge and model healthy self-care for their children.
💡 Key Takeaways for Moms Without a Mom:
➡️ Recognize and Name Your Emotions: Identifying grief or feelings of shame is the first step to addressing them. Dr. Reilly encourages moms to explore these emotions without judgment.
➡️ Find Your Support Network: You don’t need to rely on just one person for everything. Look for wise advisors, emotional supporters, go-getters, and friends who can be there during late hours when needed.
➡️ Practice Self-Care, No Matter How Small: Small moments of self-care can be powerful. Whether it's a quick guided meditation, journaling, or making a simple choice that reflects your needs, these acts remind you that you matter.
If you’re a mother navigating parenthood without maternal support, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and hope to strengthen your journey and enhance your resilience.
👉 Listen now to learn how to build your own support system, navigate complex emotions, and parent with confidence and care.
Want more support on your healing journey?
If you’re a mom carrying the weight of trauma and feeling ready to find real healing, I wanted to remind you about Dr. Reilly’s Empowered Emotional Healing Workshop, co-hosted by Emilie Berkman, Dr. Melissa Reilly and Savannah Miller, happening soon from November 12-14. This workshop is all about giving moms like you the tools to release trauma, cultivate inner peace, and reconnect with ourselves—all in a supportive, understanding space. Click below to learn more.
To learn more about Dr. Melissa Reilly:
https://www.momswithoutamom.com/
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