Jill and Bobby get real about a topic that many moms feel but few talk about—what if you don’t feel connected to your baby during pregnancy? In this open-hearted episode, they unpack Jill’s personal story of navigating the emotional disconnect she felt while pregnant with Declan, the expectations that built up around bonding, and the guilt and confusion that came with it. They also reflect on how their birth experience shaped those early days and share a surprising professional insight from Jill’s background as a licensed funeral director. This episode is both validating and vulnerable, a true invitation to any mom who’s ever whispered, “What if I don’t feel it yet?” In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why Jill wondered if her baby had a soul yet—and how that shaped her expectations around bonding
• How societal and peer pressure made her question her own instincts and feelings
• The role Jill’s background in funeral care played in her thinking about life, soul, and connection
• How postpartum expectations can add layers of guilt if bonding doesn’t happen instantly
• Why “the golden hour” after birth mattered so much—and what happened instead
• What helped Jill begin to process her feelings and eventually bond with Declan
• Why it’s okay if connection takes time—and how support groups and community can help

Not every mom feels an instant bond during pregnancy—and that doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you human. If this is your experience, know that you’re not alone. The Mama Outspoken Village is here to hold space for your story, without shame or pressure. And if this episode helped you feel seen, we hope you’ll share it with a friend who might need the same reminder.

💛 Join Team Mama Outspoken for the Hope is Here 5K! 💛

This June 21st, I'm lacing up my sneakers—not because I’m a runner, but because I believe no mom should walk through postpartum struggles alone. The Hope is Here 5K supports the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, an organization that’s been part of my story and a lifeline for so many families.
Whether you’re a parent, partner, friend, or supporter, you can make a difference:
👟 Walk or run with us in-person. Register here https://postpartumny.org/25hope/
🤝 Donate to support moms in need here https://www.zeffy.com/team/mama-outspoken
📣 Share this message to help spread hope Every step, every dollar, every share matters.
💥 Join or support Team Mama Outspoken because hope is here—and together, we can help a mama find it. 💛

We hope you'll join us next time! —Jill & Bobby

You are invited to find community with us—check out the Mama Outspoken Village here. To learn more or grab your copy of the book, head here. Remember, you’re not alone in this. One of our favorite resources is the Postpartum Resource Center of New York—you deserve support that sees you.