Description

🎙️ Mindful Sobriety with Jane Ballard (stay tuned for more episodes with Amanda Cable coming soon!!)

Episode: Why Parents Are Embracing the Sober-Curious Movement

Host: Jane Ballard, LCSW-S, CEDS, PMH-C

In this solo episode, Jane shares her answers to questions from health journalist Melissa Daly for TheBump.com about why today’s parents—especially millennials and Gen Z—are drinking less and embracing the sober-curious lifestyle.

Jane explores how cultural shifts, mental health awareness, and the realities of parenting are influencing a generation to rethink alcohol. With warmth and clinical insight, she breaks down the science behind alcohol’s effects on stress, mood, and attachment—and why choosing to live alcohol-free may be one of the most powerful gifts you can give your children.

🌿 Key Topics

• Why “mommy-wine culture” is losing its appeal
• How alcohol affects attachment and emotional presence in parenting
• The physiological and emotional cost of alcohol on stress, mood, and sleep
• The rise of alternative connection and wellness practices (like breathwork and sound healing)
• Practical strategies for decompressing without alcohol
• What it really means to parent with presence, patience, and self-compassion

🧠 Jane’s Clinical Insights

• Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen (in the same category as tobacco and asbestos). There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
• For parents, alcohol dulls emotional attunement—making it harder to be responsive, accessible, and engaged (R.A.R.E.), the foundation of secure attachment.
• Choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol supports emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and deeper connection with your children.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn

1. Why the sober-curious movement is more than a trend—it’s a cultural shift toward health, connection, and clarity.
2. How to find your community of alcohol-free or sober-curious parents online and in person.
3. Simple ways to decompress in the moment (breathing, movement, fresh air, rest).
4. How to recognize and respond to intrusive thoughts and other perinatal mental health challenges.

📚 Mentioned Resources & Recommendations

Quit-Lit (Books for the Sober-Curious)

• We Are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen
• Push Off from Here by Laura McKowen
• Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker
• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

Wellness Practices Jane Mentions

• Sound Healing & Breathwork: Look for local events or facilitators in your city (try searching “sound healing + [your city]” on Instagram)
• Insight Timer App: Free meditations and guided breathwork (Jane mentions Taylor Somerville’s work, praised by Elizabeth Gilbert)

🌍 Global Perinatal Mental Health Resources

No matter where you are, support is available. Below are trusted organizations offering help for postpartum anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts:

United States

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) — Free helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (text “HELP” to 800-944-4773)

Canada

• Postpartum Support Canada — Directory of mental health professionals across provinces

United Kingdom

• PANDAS Foundation — Free helpline and peer support for perinatal mood disorders
• Mind – Perinatal Mental Health — Information and support options for pregnancy and postpartum

Australia & New Zealand

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — Helpline: 1300 726 306
• Mothers Helpers NZ — Postnatal depression programs and online support

India & South Asia

• Postpartum Support Network India — Education and local counselor directory
• The Mindful Life Practice — Yoga and mindfulness programs for alcohol-free women (founded by Alexandra McRobert)

Global & Online

• Postpartum Support International Global Directory — Find certified perinatal mental health providers worldwide
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance — International nonprofit advancing maternal mental health awareness and policy

🕊️ Closing Message

“Being alcohol-free isn’t deprivation—it’s liberation. It’s the freedom to show up calm, consistent, and emotionally present for yourself and your family.” — Jane Ballard

🔗 Connect with Jane

• Instagram: @janewballard
• Website: janewballard.com
• Email: jane@janewballard.com
• Podcast: Mindful Sobriety with Jane & Amanda

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to like, rate, and review Mindful Sobriety wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women and parents who are curious about living with greater clarity, connection, and purpose. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.