A new year is supposed to feel exciting. Fresh goals, new energy, a reset. But after becoming a mom, January can feel..heavy.

In this episode, we talk about the parts of motherhood no one really prepares you for when the calendar turns. The quiet identity shifts. The grief for who you used to be. The pressure to "have it all figured out" when you're still learning yourself in this new season.

This is an honest, reflective conversation for the mom who loves her child deeply but still feels unsure, slower, or different than she expected. If you're entering the new year without big resolutions, with more questions than answers, or just overwhelmed with where to start and how to move forward, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. How becoming a mom reshapes your identity in ways no one warms you about
2. The grief and guilt that canc ome with missing your pre-mom self
3. Why the New Year feels different after motherhood
4. Letting go of timelines, pressure, and "bounce back" culture
5. Redefining growth, success, and goals in this season
6. Entering the year gently, without forcing a reset

Reflective prompts:

1. What parts of myself am I still getting to know?
2. What expectations can I release this year?
3. What would it look like to move forward more gently?

Important reminders:

1. You are not behind
2. You are not broken
3. You are becoming

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Every parent knows the drill, just when you're finding your rhythm, the sniffles, fevers, and sleepless nights hit. In this episode, Juliana and Nathaly open up about the reality of caring for sick little ones while still trying to juggle work, home, relationships, and self-care.

From the emotional toll of seeing your child unwell to the logistics of rearranging schedules, we share out personal stories, the chaos behind the scenes, and the small strategies that keep us going. You'll hear about:

• The guilt and pressure parents feel when life can't pause
• How to manage work responsibilities when kids need you most
• Ways to prioritize your own health while caregiving
• Reminders that it's okay to ask for help (and say no!)

Whether you're in the thick of it right now or just want to feel seen and supported, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone.

Tune in for an honest, unfiltered (and emotional) conversation about motherhood in the messiest seasons.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Becoming parents changes everything—not just your daily routines, but also your relationship with your partner. In this episode, we talk about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming transition from being lovers to being parents. We dive into how intimacy shifts after kids, why communication becomes more important than ever, and how to balance romance with the never-ending demands of parenthood.

Whether you’re a new parent wondering why your relationship feels different, or a seasoned parent trying to rekindle that spark, this conversation is for you. We share our own raw experiences, the challenges we didn’t see coming, and the small things that help us stay connected as partners while raising little ones.

What we talk about:

• The emotional adn physical shift in relationships after kids
• Navigating intimacy and expectations post-baby
• The importance of open, honest communication
• Practical ways to keep the spark alive while juggling parenthood
• Why grace and patience matter more than ever

We’re breaking the silence on a topic many couples struggle with but don’t always talk about. By the end, you’ll feel seen, less alone, and hopefully inspired with a few ideas to nurture your partnership while growing as parents.

Let's keep the conversation going:

DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!