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Do you want the truth?
Welcome to Do You Want The Truth? where we dive deep into the real raw stories from parents in the trenches of parenthood.
Season 2 is brought to you by Sam Strom and Freelance Journalist Zara Hanawalt, along with guest co-hosts such as Jaime Fisher.
Season 1 is brought to you by Paige Connell & Sam Strom. They bring you candid conversations with parents who share their experiences of parenthood and what they wish they knew before having kids. You'll hear the real stories. The stories that are typically reserved for best friends. The stories with TMI. We believe in the power of truth telling because when someone asks, do you want the truth? We always say yes. Join us as we explore the highs and lows and everything in between so you can feel less alone on your journey.
Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms
Do you want the truth?
Talking Pregnancy, Postpartum & Parenting with a new mom Julie Main (@selkie11127)
Becoming a mom is one of the most life-changing experiences—but what happens when it's nothing like you expected? In this conversation, we sit down with Julie, a former pharmacist turned stay-at-home mom, as she shares her raw and unfiltered journey through pregnancy, postpartum anxiety, and the realities of leaving behind a career to raise her daughter. From debilitating migraines to sleepless nights, from unexpected guilt to overwhelming love—Julie opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
We also discuss the stark contrast between maternity leave policies in Canada vs. the U.S., the pressure of "hustle culture" on moms, and the challenges of building a new support system while raising a baby. Whether you’re a new mom navigating the trenches or a seasoned parent who’s been there, this conversation is real, relatable, and reassuring.
If this episode resonates with you, let us know! Share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear this, and don’t forget to leave a review. Your support helps us reach more moms who need these real conversations. 💛
Learn more about Julie here> https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com/our-guests/julieEpisode
Highlights:
[00:57] Julie’s first year of motherhood—stressful, fulfilling, and full of growth
[02:18] The difference between maternity leave in Canada vs. the U.S.
[07:55] Struggling with postpartum anxiety & the fear of leaving her baby
[18:08] The sleep deprivation battle—why sleep training was a game-changer
[25:25] Considering a second baby after a tough pregnancy: fears & decisions
[28:29] Why pregnancy was nothing like she expected & what she wishes she knew
[41:27] The one thing that brings unexpected joy every single day
Links & Resources:
📚 Raising Bébé – The book that explores French parenting philosophies
🍼 Looking for support? Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net
Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com
Connect with Sam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms