Depleted Mother Syndrome: Why Moms Burn Out, and How to Recover with Jan Hanson
Summary
Forrest Hanson hosts his parents, Dr. Rick Hanson and Jan Hanson, to discuss their new book, *A Happy Healthy Mom*. They explore "Depleted Mother Syndrome," detailing how cumulative physical, psychological, and social stresses often peak years after childbirth. The episode covers Jan’s personal health struggles and offers strategies for mothers to rebuild resources, improve partner communication, and prioritize self-care to restore well-being.
Topics discussed
Introduction with guests Rick and Jan Hansen
Jan's experience of feeling depleted after having children
Identifying physical causes: minerals and parasites
The biopsychosocial nature of maternal depletion
The 'Mask of Motherhood' and societal expectations
Defining Depleted Mother Syndrome (DMS)
Cumulative stress and the timeline of depletion
Sponsors: LinkedIn, Zocdoc, and SimplePractice
Lack of social support and structural pressures
The importance of saying yes to help
Holistic treatments: acupuncture, nutrition, and placebo
Relationship dynamics: parenting from the same page
Navigating intimacy and sexual desire after kids
Sponsor: LinkedIn Hiring Pro
Communication and gendered expectations in relationships
Small gestures and the 80/20 rule for couples
Taking agency and risking vulnerability in communication
The high stakes of relationship breakdown and self-care
Conclusion: Summary of DMS and final thoughts
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