Annika O’Melia breaks through stigma to share her story about alcohol use in early motherhood and increase awareness about the impact of substance use for perinatal mothers. Annika is speaking out about her experience and has created a podcast, Mother Recovering, that focuses on supporting these mamas.
*She talks about the thought process that happens with substance use and how we sometimes can’t see how bad things are getting.
*Substance use is a way to cope, but ends up making things worse.
*Health care providers aren’t asking enough questions
*What “normal” drinking limits are for women and how to notice when it’s going beyond that limit.
*The social messaging to mothers that drinking is what get’s you through motherhood.
*Use compassion when talking with mothers, and mothers who are struggling with substance use.
*What we can do better to support mamas
*Safety concerns that we should consider for kids
*Getting past quitting and onto living
*What coping in a new way can look like
Connect with Annika:
Books & Resources mentioned in this episode by Annika:
“Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol”
“The Drunk Mom”
“Drinking: A Love Story”
She Recovers – http://sherecovers.co/
The Bubble Hour Podcast
Annika O’Melia Bio
