A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - Christian Motherhood, Postpartum Planning, Birth Prep, Mental Health & Routines
A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast helps Christian moms navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with practical, evidence-based support and faith-filled encouragement.
Hosted by Danielle Bruner—mom of two and birth & postpartum doula—this podcast offers honest conversations, expert insights, and simple strategies to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in early motherhood.
From postpartum planning and birth recovery to mental health, routines, and relationships, each episode blends real-life motherhood with biblical truth—reminding you that your identity is rooted in Christ, not perfection.
You’ll learn how to:
- Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy
- Heal physically and emotionally after birth
- Support your mental health (postpartum anxiety & depression)
- Build routines, boundaries, and support systems
- Strengthen your marriage and family rhythms
- Grow in your faith during motherhood
If you’re looking for practical guidance, encouragement, and a Christ-centered perspective on motherhood—you’re in the right place.
New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and start thriving in motherhood—without the pressure to do it perfectly.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your unique needs.
A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - Christian Motherhood, Postpartum Planning, Birth Prep, Mental Health & Routines
67. When Motherhood Doesn't Go as Planned: Finding God in the Unexpected with Kendall Mariah
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Motherhood doesn't always unfold the way we expect.
In this episode, I'm joined by Kendall Mariah, author of This Little Fire of Mine, for a deeply honest conversation about infertility, adoption, anxiety, neurodivergence, faith, and learning to trust God when life takes unexpected turns.
Kendall shares her journey of discovering infertility before marriage, navigating diagnoses of PCOS and endometriosis, and ultimately pursuing adoption. We talk about the grief that can come with unmet expectations, the courage it takes to embrace a different path, and how God often meets us in the places we least expect.
We also dive into topics that are often left unspoken in Christian circles—including ADHD, autism, anxiety, sexual assault, purity culture, and the shame many women carry as a result. Kendall shares how becoming a mother led her to better understand her own neurodivergence and why breaking generational cycles of shame and silence matters for the next generation.
Whether you're navigating infertility, struggling with anxiety, questioning your identity, or simply walking through a season that looks different than you imagined, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that God is still at work in your story.
Inside this episode, you'll learn:
- Kendall's infertility journey and path to adoption
- Living with PCOS, endometriosis, ADHD, and autism
- The intersection of faith, anxiety, and shame
- How purity culture can impact women's mental and emotional health
- Breaking generational cycles of silence and shame
- The realities of military spouse life and solo parenting during deployment
- Finding community during difficult seasons
- Learning to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan
Connect with Kendall Mariah:
Instagram: @kendallmariah
Visit her website: https://kendallmariah.com/
Grab a copy of This Little Fire of Mine wherever books are sold.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who may need the reminder that God is present even in the unexpected chapters of her story.
Resources Mentioned:
Joined Postpartum on Purpose Bible Study here
>>To submit a question for future podcasts, click here.
>>Don’t forget to follow along over on Instagram at @abridgetomotherhood for more everyday life and postpartum doula tips
>>Visit our website: www.abridgetomotherhood.com
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