Moms are frequently expected to wear many hats. While juggling the numerous responsibilities, mothers must also deal with the cognitive overload many refer to as “Mom Brain”. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, Ph.D., author of Mom Brain, is a clinical psychologist specializing in working with moms struggling with the overwhelm that comes with parenting young children. On this episode of POTC, Yael and Ilyse discuss evidence-based strategies mothers can use to overcome some of the innumerable challenges of parenthood. Listen in today for expert-approved strategies to managing feelings of overwhelm, clarifying your newfound values as a parent, and much, much more!

Listen and Learn:

Yael and Debbie’s personal experiences using their values and evidence-based strategies to juggle the different stressors that come with parentingWhy Ilyse’s book focuses on exclusively on momsIlyse’s response to criticisms about focusing on the individual, working parent rather than society at largeAn evidence-based, expert approved definition of mom-brainTips and tricks (read: evidence-based behavioral strategies) for managing when you’re feeling tired and overwhelmedRecommendations for clarifying your values as they change throughout parenthood Expert-approved strategies for approaching difficult conversations with your partnerHow to distinguish between the “big stuff” and the “small stuff” when it comes to disagreements with your partner

Resources:

Buy Dr. DiMarco’s book, Mom Brain: Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood--And Relax Into Your New Self Read Dr. DiMarco’s blog! Everything you need to know about The Gottman InstituteLearn about the DEAR MAN strategy  The Bullseye worksheet for clarifying valuesGrab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych.Check out Debbie, Diana, Yael, and Jill’s websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more! 

About Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco:

Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in working with stressed moms. She received her B.A. from Yale University and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She has received extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As Dr. DiMarco navigated her own personal parenting journey and worked with other moms in her practice, it occurred to her that she had the tools—cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies—to help herself and other moms face the everyday challenges of motherhood. She also came to understand that moms often won’t make time to see a therapist, but will make time to read their favorite mom blog on their phone. So she decided to create DrCBTMom.com, a site combining the expert advice of a CBT self-help book with the warmth and readability of a mommy blog. Since starting the blog, she has written a book, Mom Brain and other, shorter pieces for numerous publications (including The Washington Post, Parents.com, Today Parents, Motherwell, Scary Mommy, Psychology Today, The Week, and Motherly). Check out her work for strategies for managing all kinds of motherhood stresses, from how to cope when you feel like a hot mess to how to cope with your neighborhood “hot moms;” from dealing with pressure from overzealous PTA reps to dealing with pressure from meddling in-laws, and much more! Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.    

Related Episodes:

Episode 33. Couples with Young Children: Relationship Challenges and Strategies with Yael SchonbrunEpisode 86. Mom Brain with Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco ​​Episode 87. Cribsheet with Emily OsterEpisode 137. The Complexities of Motherhood with Daphne de MarneffeEpisode 149.