Why do we say things like: At least the baby is healthy, it’s just a phase, it was meant to be, this too shall pass. It’s ok, it all worked out for the best?
The way we communicate with each other is so important, especially when the other person is in a vulnerable position, as often happens during pregnancy, birth and post-partum.
And why do these ready-made phrases, not only not help, but can actually make us feel worse?
The answer came when I saw Emily Flynn’s post on Instagram, and that's why she's this week's guest!
I’m so grateful for this conversation with Emily. It was incredibly educational, in very real and practical way.
In this episode, Emily breaks down the theory and the research behind Toxic Positivity. She goes into why this phenomenon happens, but also how both sides can manage it in practice.
Emily highlights the importance of this subject in the parenting world. She explains how these words, however well-intentioned they may be, can still hurt someone.
This episode will help us on both sides, how to avoid toxic positivity when speaking to someone, and also how to manage is when we’re on the receiving end.
Things we talk about:
Toxic Positivity: What it is and what it’s not
How to recognise toxic positivity in everyday conversations, especially during pregnancy, pregnancy loss and postpartum.
The difference between ‘’happy mother happy baby’’ and ‘’calm mother calm baby’’
Society’s messed up expectations of new mothers
Our role as listeners and care-givers
Advice for people who receive such phrases: how to recognise if it’s toxic positive to you and how respond to it.
Emily Flynn is a birth and postpartum doula, author, and researcher based in California, USA. She writes about reproductive technologies, maternal mental health, infant sleep, and postpartum fitness. You can find her writing through MUTU System and her substack, Doula Thinking.
If you’re interested in deepening your Prenatal or Postnatal Yoga, check out my brand new online membership. It’s designed to help embrace your journey into motherhood and feel empowered, calm and confident with Yoga, Coaching & Community.
Recommended books in this episode:
Thank you for listening!
Read the full blog post -> https://www.krishyoga.com/toxic-positivity-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum-with-emily-flynn/
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