Episode 28

Preparing for Postpartum: What No One Tells You

In this candid mini episode, Dr. Sterling and co-host Claire share their personal stories of being shockingly unprepared for postpartum. After a listener reached out through their new broadcast channel asking how an OB-GYN could be unprepared, Dr. Sterling breaks down the reality of postpartum preparation in 2024 versus her first experience in 2017.

Quick Listen Highlights [25 mins]

00:00 - Introduction and listener question 03:45 - Dr. Sterling's 2017 postpartum experience 08:30 - The Pinterest-perfect nursery trap 12:15 - What actually matters postpartum 16:40 - Physical vs emotional preparation 20:30 - Critical life skills for new parents

Real Talk Takeaways

  • Why physical prep isn't enough
  • The mental load no one talks about
  • How social media has changed postpartum expectations
  • Why nursery decoration shouldn't be your priority
  • Essential emotional preparation strategies

What Actually Matters

"Challenging doesn't have to mean terrible. There are ways to prepare ourselves with life skills, but they're not things you can learn at 32 weeks from a blog." - Dr. Sterling

Sterling Parents Tips

  • Start emotional preparation early in pregnancy
  • Focus on your bedroom setup over nursery decoration
  • Build critical life skills before baby arrives
  • Create a healing, calming space where you'll actually spend time
  • Invest in support systems over aesthetic items

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About the Podcast

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Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast
The baby making years are hard. I’m here to help.

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About your host

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Christine Sterling

As an OB/GYN, I’ve helped hundreds of mothers bring babies into the world. Time and again, the mothers I’ve cared for expressed frustration and overwhelm at all of the conflicting information and advice.

Women don’t need more information to sift through, they need one trusted resource they can rely on for medical advice as well as strategies for having a calm and confident journey.

I started Sterling Parents so that overworked, stressed moms can relax. I want to provide the expert advice they are looking for SO they can stop digging for answers and get in touch with their own inner wisdom.

I want to lighten your load so you can thrive as the mom you are meant to be.