In this episode of If I Knew Then: Mom Edition, host Maria Moreno sits down with Dr. Sandra Fernandes, a mother, wife, physician, and certified life coach, to unpack the realities of modern motherhood: the pressure to “do it right,” emotional overload, breastfeeding expectations, and the deep need for self-care and mental rest.

Together, they share personal stories, professional insights, and practical takeaways on:

Relearning emotional regulation in motherhood

Why stress and overwhelm have become “normalized”

How expectations shape our guilt and identity as moms

Being present without burning yourself out

Protecting maternal mental health while raising humans

This conversation is a reminder that every child — and every mother — is different… and you are not failing just because it feels hard.

⏱ CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Stories

04:12 The Journey to Motherhood

12:07 Relearning Coping Mechanisms

20:53 Embracing the Unexpected in Parenting

23:38 Navigating Breastfeeding Expectations

27:22 The Pressure of Motherhood

31:30 Mental Health and Maternal Well-being

35:23 Finding Balance in Parenting

38:00 The Importance of Presence

47:57 Redefining Normal in Motherhood

👩‍💻 ABOUT THE GUEST — Dr. Sandra Fernandes

Email: sfernandes.coaching@gmail.com

IG/Threads/TikTok: @SandraFernandesMD

Website: http://www.sandrafernandes.com/

Dr. Sandra is a mother, wife, certified life coach, and family medicine physician. After witnessing how often women’s overwhelm and stress are dismissed as "normal," she launched a coaching practice helping women break free from chronic overwhelm and reclaim what she calls “time wealth,” the ability to spend their time and energy on what matters most.

🎙 ABOUT THE HOST — Maria Moreno

Certified pediatric sleep consultant, motherhood coach, educator & founder of Mindful Mother — helping moms reclaim rest, confidence, and calm without guilt.

Work With Me + Resources:

https://calendly.com/mindfulmother/freeconsultation

https://www.mindfulmother.biz/Sleep plans • eBooks • Coaching

IG: @mindfulmother_sleep · @tumago · @ifiknewthenpodcast

Facebook: Mindful Mother • TikTok: @mindfulmother_sleep

YouTube: If I Knew Then Podcast

Products & Partnerships:

Blankets — Tumago ▶ https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tumago

Pacifier — Soothe Beginnings: https://soothebeginnings.com/products/soothe-beginnings-pacifier-starter-kit?sca_ref=8172596.eF2ZuRFJfE&sca_source=M.M.SOOTHE

Savings — Sofi: https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=58790401-992a-4904-b797-84a2c3fc1835&isAliasGcp=false

Budgeting- Monarch: https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/3rgiubpwo8?r_source=share

🎧 Available on: Spotify · Apple Podcasts · Amazon Music · iHeartRadio · Goodpods

If this episode gave you a new perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe & share it with a mom who needs to hear this.

⚠ Disclaimer: This conversation is for support and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.