Jess and Kelly discuss what it would actually mean to start over with a baby at their stage of life — and why they're both firmly in the "no thank you" camp. They explore new research on postpartum hormones and the five-year timeline for hormonal homeostasis, and reflect on how that science reframes some of the harder seasons of early motherhood. Dr. Gabor Maté's work in The Myth of Normal comes up, particularly around how a mother's emotional state during pregnancy and early childhood shapes a child's long-term wellbeing. The conversation also touches on the unexpected gifts of older parenthood, the instinct to protect and over-worry, and the beautiful shift that comes when you finally start trusting your kids to figure things out.

And yes — there is a full dramatic reading of their kids' text messages. You will not be disappointed.

Resources & References Mentioned

• The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
• Chasing Brighter Newsletter: chasingbrighter.com/newsletter
• Follow Chasing Brighter on socials: @chasingbrighter

Connect With Us

Subscribe to the Chasing Brighter newsletter at chasingbrighter.com/newsletter and follow us on Instagram @chasingbrighter for behind-the-scenes glimpses into our lives and upcoming episodes.

Keywords & Search Terms

parenting in midlife, having a baby in your 40s, postpartum hormones, hormonal homeostasis after pregnancy, five years postpartum, Dr. Gabor Maté, Myth of Normal, Untamed Glennon Doyle, motherhood and marriage, real talk parenting, chasing brighter podcast, Jessica Colarco, Kelly, midlife women, parenting older kids, teen texts, kids and sports injuries, baseball injuries, letting go as a parent, parenting anxiety, postpartum science, women's hormones, midlife motherhood, parenting humor, sister podcast, authentic conversations, kids growing up, nostalgic parenting, family life podcast, women over 40, emotional health motherhood