What does it mean to balance identity and parenthood? As a parent, we often find ourselves struggling to keep our individuality while catering to the never-ending demands of our tiny humans. In this enlightening episode, my chat with Catherine O'Brien, founder of happywithbaby.com, and a licensed marriage and family therapist, leads us down a path where we examine this challenge and more.The journey of parenthood is a rollercoaster ride - it's exciting, it's exhausting, and it's definitely transformative. Catherine walks us through her own journey from a family of two to four, and how that affected their relationship. We discuss the importance of self-care, sleep deprivation, and dealing with the added stress that comes with parenthood. Catherine also lays bare the obstacles that often prevent modern parents from reaching out for help. We talk about the pressure of being present with our children all the time and how it can lead to feeling isolated. With Catherine's valuable insights, we explore how to articulate a call for help, deal with rejection, and most importantly, make time for self-care.In the absence of nearby family, building a supportive community becomes essential. Catherine shares practical advice on finding and accessing support systems, the benefits of joining support groups, and how our hobbies and interests can be a medium of connection. Wrapping up our discussion, we delve into how we can change our perception of ourselves as parents. It’s okay to ask for help. It's okay to not be perfect. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step towards being the best parent you can be. Join us for a refreshing perspective on parenthood and self-care! Let's dive in!Today's Guest: Catherine O'BrienCatherine O'Brien, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of HappyWithBaby.com.Catherine's mission is to provide new parents with valuable advice and support, drawing from her own experiences as a parent. She understands the challenges that come with parenting, and her insights have been a source of guidance for many. Catherine lives in Sacramento, California, and enjoys paddle boarding and rowing with her husband and two children.Links:www.happywithbaby.comwww.facebook.com/happywithbabywww.instagram.com/happywithbabywww.twitter.com/happywithbabyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineobrien/Your Host: Kimberly Beam Holmes, Expert in Self-Improvement and RelationshipsKimberly Beam Holmes has applied her master's degree in psychology for over ten years, acting as the CEO of Marriage Helper & CEO and Creator of PIES University, being a wife and mother herself, and researching how attraction affects relationships. Her videos, podcasts, and following reach over 200,000 people a month who are making changes and becoming the best they can be.Website: www.kimberlybeamholmes.comThanks for listening!Connect on Instagram: @kimberlybeamholmesBe sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and leave a review!