Ep 33 - The Unknowns of Parenthood — Nobody Tells You Everything
In this episode of the Mama Outspoken Podcast, Jill and Bobby zoom in on the partner’s side of the story and talk about all the unknowns of becoming parents. Bobby shares a passage from the book about what it was like to find out Jill was pregnant and realize how much was “up in the air.” Even with some understanding of the birth process, nothing could fully prepare him for what it would actually feel like to step into fatherhood. Together, they unpack why it so often feels like nobody is completely honest about what to expect and why every story you hear still can’t predict your own. They reflect on the swirl of advice from “50 different people,” the gap between head knowledge and lived experience, and the emotional and mental shifts that happen for both parents when a baby enters the picture. If you’ve ever felt unprepared, blindsided, or like you somehow missed a memo everyone else got, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Bobby’s perspective on finding out Jill was pregnant and realizing how much he didn’t know
- Why even good childbirth education and well-meant advice can’t fully prepare you for parenthood
- The unpredictability of pregnancy, birth, and parenting, even when you “know the process”
- How each person’s experience is unique, no matter how many stories they hear ahead of time
- The emotional and mental shifts that come with becoming a parent for both the birthing and non‑birthing partner
You’re not behind because you feel unprepared. You’re just human, stepping into something no one can fully map out for you. If this conversation sounds like your life right now, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Explore the Mama Outspoken Resources, and check out postpartumny.org for support and community.
If this conversation hit home and you want to stand with moms in a real, practical way, join me for the Hope Is Here 5k. You can walk or run with Team Mama Outspoken, or donate from wherever you are. It’s one simple way to tell moms, “You’re not alone in this.” All the details are at www.mamaoutspoken.com/teammamaoutspoken.
We hope you'll join us next time!
—Jill & Bobby
You are invited to find community with us, check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. To learn more or grab your copy of the book, head here. Remember, you’re not alone in this. One of our favorite resources is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York - you deserve support that sees you.
