Replace Parenting Perfectionism and Other Myths With Self-Trust

Many parents enter pregnancy and postpartum believing they can prepare enough, plan enough, or perfect their way through uncertainty. But becoming a parent often challenges the very patterns we once relied on to feel safe. In this episode, learn how self-trust, emotional flexibility, and even storytelling can help parents navigate the identity shifts of the fourth trimester with more resilience, compassion, and confidence.Britta Bushnell, PhD is a childbirth educator, author, and expert in mythology and psychology who has spent more than 25 years supporting families through birth and early parenthood. Her work explores the cultural myths around control, perfection, and certainty, and how parents can move through major life transitions with greater self-awareness and emotional grounding.Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.comConnect with Britta Bushnell, PhD brittabushnell.com | Transformed by Birth Podcast | InstagramBritta’s book Transformed by Birth: Cultivating Openness, Resilience, and Strength for the Life-Changing Journey from Pregnancy to ParenthoodOther books mentioned The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown | The Case against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic EngineeringLearn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | Prepare Your Body and Pelvic Floor for Birth and Recovery | Intimacy After Baby and Reconnecting With Yourself and Your PartnerResources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews CollectionConnect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | InstagramIf this conversation helped you feel more grounded, supported, or less alone in your parenting journey, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. These small actions help more parents discover the Fourth Trimester Podcast and support us in continuing to bring you evidence-based conversations that strengthen families.