Huge pressure on new moms to ‘be perfect’ (Sam Cowen)

Content creator, author, HIV activist, and “Don’t Hold Back” podcast host, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba, is a new mother, and she was taken aback by the sudden highs and lows of this new journey.

Many young women fight a silent battle against postpartum depression.

To help break the stigma surrounding the so-called ‘baby blues’, Nozi’s joined this time on “Don’t Hold Back” by radio personality, bestselling author, and life coach Sam Cowan, who recounts her own motherhood journey and struggles with depression.

“I wanted women to know they weren’t alone…There is such pressure on us to be perfect,” Sam tells Nozi in this second episode of Season Two of the award-winning podcast.

“It’s [motherhood] is the biggest thing you’ll ever do, and it’s the thing you get judged the most on,” says Sam.

“When people say, ‘What can I do to help?’, or, ‘I’ll do anything to help!’ – give them things to do!”

If you’re a new mom trying to come to terms with this new journey, this episode is a must-listen. It’s filled with lots of great, non-judgemental advice to help support new moms as they navigate this new journey; plus, of course, lots of Sam’s trademark humour. Catch up with our host Nozibele · More information about this podcast · The 77 Percent (DW Africa)