Episode 196: Going From Corporate Workaholic to Fulfilled Mother with Karin Freeland
Hey Mamas!
In this episode of Entering Motherhood, the host engages with Karin Freeland, a life reinvention coach, author, and podcast host, who shares her deeply personal journey into motherhood. Karin discusses her experiences with miscarriage, the challenges of early motherhood, and her transition from a corporate workaholic to a more family-focused life. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and seeking support. The conversation highlights societal pressures on mothers and the need for open discussions about the realities of motherhood. Karin also shares insights on balancing personal fulfillment with parenting responsibilities, encouraging mothers to stay connected to their motivations.
Motherhood is often described as transformative, and Karin Freeland’s journey into it is no exception. As a life reinvention coach, author, and podcast host, Karin brings a unique perspective on balancing the joys and challenges of parenthood. In a recent episode of Entering Motherhood, she shared her deeply personal experiences, from navigating miscarriage and early motherhood to redefining her priorities and transitioning from corporate workaholic to family-focused mom. Her story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing your unique path as a mother.
Karin’s journey began like many others—with excitement and anticipation about starting a family. However, her story quickly took a heartbreaking turn when she experienced a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy. The physical and emotional toll of this loss was immense, leaving her grief-stricken and feeling isolated. Like so many women, she struggled with the silence surrounding miscarriage and the societal stigma attached to it. For Karin, writing about her experience in her book, The Ins and Outs of My Vagina: A Penetrating Memoir, became a way to process her emotions and heal. Breaking the silence about miscarriage and fertility struggles has been a cornerstone of her journey, and she encourages others to share their stories to create a sense of connection and understanding.
As Karin moved forward and eventually entered motherhood, she was met with the overwhelming realities of caring for a newborn. Sleepless nights, breastfeeding challenges, and the emotional toll of parenting a baby brought both joy and exhaustion. Despite her excitement to become a mother, Karin found herself struggling to adjust to the demands of early motherhood. Along the way, she realized the importance of setting realistic expectations and seeking help when needed. Hiring a caregiver to lighten the load was one of the ways she found balance, allowing her to embrace motherhood on her own terms.
Karin also reflected on the immense societal pressures placed on mothers—the expectation to be perfect, to do it all, and to meet every standard. Over time, she learned to trust her intuition and make choices that aligned with her family’s needs, rather than trying to live up to external expectations. This realization helped her establish boundaries and say no to responsibilities that didn’t serve her priorities. Karin’s story is a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood and that every journey is unique.
Her evolution from a corporate workaholic to a more family-focused lifestyle was another turning point in her life. After 15 years of chasing promotions and paychecks, Karin began to reflect on what truly mattered to her. She realized she wanted to spend more time with her family and pursue a more fulfilling, balanced life. While the transition wasn’t easy, it taught her the importance of self-advocacy and communicating boundaries at work and at home. Letting go of the fear of judgment allowed her to prioritize her well-being, and in doing so, she found greater fulfillment in both her personal and professional life.
Karin also opened up about the physical and emotional realities of childbirth and the postpartum period, including her struggles with postpartum depression. She emphasized how important it is to acknowledge these experiences and seek help when needed. The stigma surrounding mental health in motherhood often prevents women from reaching out, but Karin’s openness serves as a reminder that asking for support is a sign of strength.
One of the most poignant parts of Karin’s story is how she found closure after her miscarriage by naming her lost baby. This deeply personal act of honoring her child’s memory helped her heal and move forward. For Karin, creating rituals to process grief and loss was a powerful way to find peace, and she encourages others to do the same. Sharing her story has allowed her to connect with others who have faced similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Karin’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of mothers and the importance of supporting one another. By breaking the silence around topics like miscarriage, mental health, and societal pressures, she creates space for more honest conversations about the realities of motherhood. Her journey emphasizes the importance of embracing your unique path, finding connection in shared experiences, and giving yourself permission to prioritize your own needs.
For more insights from Karin Freeland, visit her website at karenfreeland.com. Her book, The Ins and Outs of My Vagina: A Penetrating Memoir, offers a comedic yet heartfelt glimpse into her journey and has received glowing recognition for its honesty and humor.
This episode of Entering Motherhood is a tribute to the strength and perseverance of mothers everywhere. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can navigate the complexities of motherhood together.
Connect more with Karin Freeland:
Website: www.karinfreeland.com
Instagram: @karinfreeland
LinkedIn: @Karin Freeland
Facebook Group: Successful Working Women Rocking Reinvention
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>> Birthworker Doula Training Program
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