108. #Babygate 2024: The Heretical Notion That Mothers Matter | Amy Sousa, Laura Haynes, & Robin Atkins

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

In response to a viral tweet that sparked a heated debate about the natural bond between mothers and babies, I’ve brought together a panel of wise women to delve into the controversial topic of motherhood, daycare, and child-rearing in the 21st century. My guests share personal experiences and expertise in reproductive mental health, child development, and embodiment, shedding light on the biological and cultural aspects of mother-child attachment.

The conversation explores the biological foundations of mother-baby bonding, emphasizing the critical role of early attachment in a child's development. We touch on the impact of daycare on children's emotional well-being and the importance of self-regulation in early childhood. We also examine generational shifts in parenting styles, from stay-at-home moms to working parents, highlighting the evolving dynamics of modern families.

As the discussion unfolds, the guests propose innovative solutions, including on-site daycare at universities and workplaces, and a reimagining of welfare systems to support postpartum parents. They challenge societal norms that undermine women's reproductive biology and advocate for a more holistic approach to childcare. The episode leaves listeners pondering questions about the ideal environment for children, the role of attachment in emotional development, and the need for systemic changes to support families. Tune in to discover how these experts navigate the complexities of motherhood and childcare in today's world.

Robin Atkins is a licensed mental health counselor with nearly 2 decades of experience overall and nearly a decade of experience in reproductive mental health. She speaks professionally regarding reproductive mental health, concerns with the current state of affairs in the mental health field, and ethical practice, particularly in regards to informed consent.

Website: www.charisetveritasllc.com

Twitter: @TruthAgape

Email: [e-mail]

Laura Wiley Haynes is a writer, a mother & grandmother, and a former CASA. Read her article on Wesley Yang’s Substack, Universal Early Childhood Daycare Has Been Proven to Damage the Children Who Have Been Through It.

Amy E. Sousa holds a MA in Depth Psychology. She is a women's rights activist, lecturer, and educator, with an expertise in embodiment. She holds one-on-one coaching, teaches classes, and facilitates workshops to help women strengthen their intuition. She also posts educational videos about embodiment & boundaries on her YouTube. Sousa has organized multiple rallies, protests, and free speech events on behalf of women/girls sex-based safeguarding provisions and against the unnecessary medicalization of children. For more about Amy follow her on Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok @KnownHeretic, on Substack theknownheretic.com, YouTube @KnownHeretic.

Books mentioned in this episode can be purchased in my bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate link below. Thank you for purchases that support the show!

• "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt

00:00 Start

[00:00:21] Babygate 2024- Controversy Over Daycare

[00:06:20] Emotional impact of daycare separation.

[00:10:47] Controversy around daycare comments.

[00:12:45] Centering children's well-being.

[00:15:47] Ideal parenting and societal norms.

[00:22:33] Ideal childhood development strategies.

[00:25:36] Mother's role in teaching self-regulation.

[00:30:41] Importance of attachment.

[00:33:00] Moms and babies designed connection.

[00:37:31] Importance of mother-baby bonding.

[00:39:27] Shifting Parenting Styles.

[00:43:11] Women's reproductive choices and support.

[00:46:22] Misogyny in parenting culture.

[00:50:24] Devaluation of mothers.

[00:55:32] Motion and emotion.

[01:00:00] Building self-trust in children.

[01:04:00] The role of bonding and trust.

[01:07:23] The normalization of separating babies.

[01:12:08] Therapists sharing opinions online.

[01:14:48] Therapist-patient dynamics and opinions.

[01:20:29] Unhinged behavior in adults.

[01:23:30] Gender movement values and daycare.

[01:25:44] Ego attachments and self-validation.

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and p...