Episode 184: Is Mommy Wine Culture Hurting Us More Than Helping? with Celeste Yvonne
Hey Mamas!
In a compelling episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah sits down with Celeste Yvonne, a mother and author who has been sober for over six years. The conversation delves into the societal pressures surrounding alcohol consumption, particularly within the context of motherhood, and the pervasive "mommy wine culture." They also dig into societal pressures on mothers to consume alcohol, the stigma of sobriety, and the importance of supportive communities. Celeste emphasizes the need for inclusive environments that respect individual choices regarding alcohol and advocates for changing societal narratives around drinking and motherhood. Celeste shares her personal journey with alcohol, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for mothers navigating similar challenges.
Celeste's story begins with her early experiences with alcohol, starting in high school and continuing through college. She describes how her drinking habits, initially perceived as normal due to the heavy drinking culture around her, shifted dramatically after becoming a mother. The demands of motherhood and feelings of loneliness led her to use alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than for enjoyment. This change in her relationship with alcohol was alarming, prompting her to quit drinking cold turkey after a panic attack.
Key Takeaways from Celeste's Journey:
Recognize the Shift: Understand when drinking transitions from social enjoyment to a coping mechanism.
Seek Support: Although Celeste initially felt isolated, she emphasizes the importance of seeking help and building a support system.
Mindset Shift: It took Celeste about a year of sobriety to shift her mindset from feeling like a victim to recognizing the positive changes sobriety brought to her life.
The Impact of Mommy Wine Culture
Celeste's experiences led her to write a book exploring the prevalence of alcohol consumption among mothers and the cultural narrative that suggests wine is necessary for coping with motherhood. She and Sarah discuss the societal pressures that make it difficult for mothers to abstain from drinking, noting that alcohol is the only drug for which people feel they must justify their choice not to use.
Historical Context and Societal Pressures:
Historical Trends: Celeste traces the roots of "mommy wine culture" back to earlier drug use trends, emphasizing that the narrative has evolved to suggest that mothers need substances to cope with parenting challenges.
Cultural Expectations: The societal expectation for mothers to drink as a coping mechanism is deeply ingrained and needs to be challenged.
Stigma of Sobriety: Unlike smoking, where quitting is generally met with support, choosing not to drink often leads to scrutiny and the need for justification.
Navigating Social Situations Without Alcohol
Sarah shares her own experiences of not drinking, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the challenges she faced when friends and family assumed she had a problem or was pregnant again. Celeste empathizes, explaining that the pressure to drink is pervasive, and many people feel they need to explain their choice not to drink.
Tips for Navigating Social Situations:
Inclusive Environments: Create inclusive environments where non-drinkers feel welcome. Offer a variety of drink options—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—at gatherings.
Bring Your Own Drinks: Ensure you have something enjoyable to consume by bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks to social events.
Open Communication: Encourage open, judgment-free communication. Let loved ones know you are available to talk without judgment.
Changing the Narrative Around Alcohol
Celeste reflects on how her sobriety has influenced her family dynamics, noting that her husband drinks less now that she has stopped. She appreciates that family gatherings have started to include non-alcoholic options, creating a more inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Steps to Change the Narrative:
Share Personal Stories: By sharing personal stories and experiences, we can work towards changing the narrative around alcohol consumption and motherhood.
Foster Acceptance: Encourage a culture of acceptance where people can choose not to drink without feeling the need to justify their decision.
Mindful Conversations: Be mindful of how we talk about alcohol and the impact our words can have on others.
Supporting Moms in Recovery
Celeste suggests that one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to show support is to create inclusive environments. For instance, when hosting gatherings, offering a variety of drink options can help those who are abstaining feel included without putting them on the spot.
Practical Support Tips:
Offer Choices: Provide guests with a choice between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Be an Accountability Partner: Offer to be an accountability partner or simply be there for a quick distraction during moments of temptation.
Judgment-Free Zones: Create spaces where open, judgment-free communication is encouraged.
Advice for New Mothers
Celeste shares a crucial piece of advice for new mothers: alcohol is a depressant. She stresses that for mothers who may be vulnerable to postpartum depression or anxiety, consuming alcohol can exacerbate these feelings.
Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially during the postpartum period.
Healthier Coping Mechanisms: Consider healthier coping mechanisms that do not involve alcohol.
Self-Awareness: Understand the impact of alcohol on mental health and recognize whether drinking habits are serving positively or negatively.
This episode of Entering Motherhood offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of motherhood and alcohol consumption. Celeste's journey and insights encourage listeners to foster supportive environments and engage in open conversations about sobriety and mental health. By challenging societal norms and creating inclusive spaces, we can support mothers in their choices regarding alcohol and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding.
Connect more with Celeste Yvonne:
Book: "It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture"
Instagram: @theultimatemomchallenge
Relevant Links:
>> Unmedicated Birth Preparation Guide
>> First Trimester Nutrition Guide
Don't miss out on our comprehensive Birth Preparation Workbook covering topics from mindset, movement, and what to expect.
Hypnobabies is a great tool to use hypnosis when preparing for childbirth. Use the code MOTHERHOOD20 to receive 20% off today!
Truly fuel your body with FOND Bone Broth a verified regenerative by land to market company dedicated to serving you rich and handcrafted items. Use code ENTERINGMOTHERHOOD for 10% off.
Looking to become a doula yourself and get into birthwork? Check out the Online Doula Training Program to get started on your path today.
Become certified through Postpartum University and help clients learn more about how to nourish their bodies in the postpartum period.
Want a baby carrier you can snuggle your baby tight in? Check out LoveHeld for their handwoven ring sling carrier you'll be sure to love.
In need of nursing tops and postpartum items? Kindred Bravely is the place to shop for all of your attire needs and more.
