A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast - Christian Motherhood, Postpartum Planning, Birth Prep, Mental Health & Routines

Danielle Bruner
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast helps Christian moms navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with practical, evidence-based support and faith-filled encouragement. Hosted by Danielle Bruner—mom of two and birth & postpartum doula—this podcast offers honest conversations, expert insights, and simple strategies to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in early motherhood. From postpartum planning and birth recovery to mental health, routines, and relationships, each episode blends real-life motherhood with biblical truth—reminding you that your identity is rooted in Christ, not perfection. You’ll learn how to:  Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy  Heal physically and emotionally after birth  Support your mental health (postpartum anxiety & depression)  Build routines, boundaries, and support systems  Strengthen your marriage and family rhythms  Grow in your faith during motherhood  If you’re looking for practical guidance, encouragement, and a Christ-centered perspective on motherhood—you’re in the right place. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and start thriving in motherhood—without the pressure to do it perfectly. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your unique needs.

  1. Jul 21

    70. What the Church Gets Wrong About Supporting Postpartum Moms

    Postpartum moms need more than a meal train and a quick “How’s the baby?” They need to be seen, supported, and cared for, too. In this episode of the A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast, Danielle talks about some of the ways the church can unintentionally make postpartum motherhood harder—including expecting moms to return to “normal” too quickly, asking them to serve before asking what they need, and sometimes offering spiritual answers to problems that also require practical support. Because postpartum moms may need prayer and sleep. They may need Scripture and a meal. They may need to trust God and ask for help. These things are not opposites. Supporting a postpartum mom is spiritual ministry—and the church has an opportunity to become a place where mothers don't have to pretend they're okay or carry the weight of motherhood alone. And while we don't want to place unrealistic pressure on moms to maintain a perfect spiritual routine, we also don't want mothers to believe that their relationship with God has to disappear during this season. So what does it actually look like to spend time with God when you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and barely have time to shower? In This Episode: Why postpartum moms shouldn't be expected to return to “normal” immediatelyThe difference between spiritual encouragement and spiritual pressureWhy practical support is spiritual supportWhat moms may need beyond “just pray about it”Why the church should ask what postpartum moms need—not just what they can doHow supporting mothers can be a powerful form of ministryAn invitation to join the upcoming workshop Staying Close With God Postpartum: Spending Time with Him When You Barely Have Time to ShowerJoin the FREE LIVE Workshop: Staying Close to God Postpartum: Spending Time with Him When You Barely Have Time to Shower 📅 Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 6 PM Eastern If motherhood has made it difficult to maintain the spiritual rhythms you had before kids, you are not alone—and you don't have to figure out what comes next by yourself. 👉 www.abridgetomotherhood.com/workshop  Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  2. Jul 16

    69. Postpartum Encouragement: Stop Carrying What God Never Asked You to Carry

    Have you ever felt like everything in motherhood depends on you? The feeding. The sleep. The schedules. Your marriage. Your mental health. Your identity. It's easy to believe that if we just learn enough, research enough, or try harder, we'll finally feel like we're doing this motherhood thing "right." But that's not what God asks of us. In today's solo episode, Danielle shares a personal reminder the Lord placed on her heart during worship: Stop striving. Stop trying to do motherhood in your own strength. Together, we'll explore what Scripture says about relying on God's strength instead of our own, how to renew our minds when we're overwhelmed, and why surrender is actually the beginning of wisdom—not giving up. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or navigating the early years of motherhood, this episode will encourage you to lay your burdens at Jesus' feet and trust that His grace is enough. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why so many moms fall into the trap of strivingWhat 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches about God's strength in our weaknessHow to seek God's wisdom before turning to everyone else's opinionsPractical ways to renew your mind with Scripture during postpartumWhy surrender isn't weakness—it's the pathway to peaceScriptures Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 12:9Isaiah 41:10Nehemiah 8:10Psalm 84:51 Chronicles 16:11James 1:5Join the Postpartum on Purpose Community Motherhood was never meant to be lived alone. If you're looking for a Christ-centered community where you can bring both your practical questions and your spiritual struggles, I'd love to invite you to join the Postpartum on Purpose Community. Each week we gather to study Scripture, pray together, worship, encourage one another, and renew our minds with God's truth. It's a place where you can be honest about the challenges of motherhood while continually being pointed back to Jesus with biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and supportive community. Learn more and join us at: https://abridgetomotherhood.com/community Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  3. Jul 7

    68. Intimacy After Baby: Navigating Sex, Connection, and Communication in Marriage with Angela Griffith, The Christian Sexpert

    Pregnancy and postpartum can shift so much in a marriage—including intimacy. And yet… this is a conversation that often goes unspoken. In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Griffith, also known as The Christian Sexpert, to have an honest, faith-centered conversation about sex, intimacy, and connection in marriage during pregnancy and postpartum. We talk about the real challenges couples face—like mismatched sex drives, feeling touched out, exhaustion, and the struggle to even talk about intimacy without awkwardness or shame. Angela shares practical, Christ-centered guidance to help couples build deeper connection, communicate more openly, and approach intimacy in a way that honors both partners. This episode is not just about sex—it’s about cultivating true intimacy in a season where it can feel hard to stay connected. 💛 In this episode, we cover: How pregnancy and postpartum impact intimacy in marriageNavigating differences in sex drive with grace and understandingPractical ways to communicate about intimacy without shameChrist-centered ways to bring fun, connection, and intentionality back into your relationshipIf you’ve been feeling distant from your partner or unsure how to navigate this area of your relationship, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped with next steps. Connect with Angela: Visit her website: www.thechristiansexpert.com Schedule a Consult with Angela Follow her on TikTok: @thechristians_xpert Follow her on Instagram: @thechristiansexpert Follow her on Facebook @TheChristianSexpert  Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  4. Jun 23

    67. When Motherhood Doesn't Go as Planned: Finding God in the Unexpected with Kendall Mariah

    Motherhood doesn't always unfold the way we expect. In this episode, I'm joined by Kendall Mariah, author of This Little Fire of Mine, for a deeply honest conversation about infertility, adoption, anxiety, neurodivergence, faith, and learning to trust God when life takes unexpected turns. Kendall shares her journey of discovering infertility before marriage, navigating diagnoses of PCOS and endometriosis, and ultimately pursuing adoption. We talk about the grief that can come with unmet expectations, the courage it takes to embrace a different path, and how God often meets us in the places we least expect. We also dive into topics that are often left unspoken in Christian circles—including ADHD, autism, anxiety, sexual assault, purity culture, and the shame many women carry as a result. Kendall shares how becoming a mother led her to better understand her own neurodivergence and why breaking generational cycles of shame and silence matters for the next generation. Whether you're navigating infertility, struggling with anxiety, questioning your identity, or simply walking through a season that looks different than you imagined, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that God is still at work in your story. Inside this episode, you'll learn: Kendall's infertility journey and path to adoption Living with PCOS, endometriosis, ADHD, and autismThe intersection of faith, anxiety, and shameHow purity culture can impact women's mental and emotional healthBreaking generational cycles of silence and shameThe realities of military spouse life and solo parenting during deploymentFinding community during difficult seasonsLearning to trust God when life doesn't go according to planConnect with Kendall Mariah: Instagram: @kendallmariah Visit her website: https://kendallmariah.com/ Grab a copy of This Little Fire of Mine wherever books are sold. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who may need the reminder that God is present even in the unexpected chapters of her story.  Resources Mentioned: Joined Postpartum on Purpose Bible Study here Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  5. Jun 16

    66. Beyond the Baby Registry How to Prepare for the Transition to Motherhood with Nina Spears, The Baby Chick®

    Are you preparing for a baby—or preparing to become a mother? So many expecting moms spend months researching baby gear, creating registries, and planning for birth. But one of the biggest transitions often gets overlooked: the transition into motherhood itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Nina Spears, founder and CEO of Baby Chick®, certified baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy. After supporting more than 800 families in person and thousands more virtually, Nina has seen firsthand how many women prepare extensively for their baby's arrival but feel unprepared for the emotional, physical, and identity shifts that come with becoming a mom. In our conversation, Nina shares practical ways to prepare for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood so you can feel more confident, supported, and equipped for this life-changing season. 💛 In This Episode, We Cover: Why preparing for motherhood is just as important as preparing for babyThe biggest surprises many women experience after becoming a momHow to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for postpartumThe identity shift that often accompanies motherhoodBuilding a support system before your baby arrivesCommon misconceptions about pregnancy, birth, and postpartumWays partners can prepare for the transition into parenthoodHow to create a more positive pregnancy and postpartum experienceWhether you're expecting your first baby or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and reminders that you don't have to navigate motherhood alone. 📚 Resources Mentioned The Baby Chick Guide to Positive PregnancyEnter the Giveway when you preorder the book Closes 6/29/2026🤝 Connect with Nina Spears Baby Chick® WebsiteFollow Nina on InstagramIf this episode encouraged you, share it with an expecting mom who is preparing for more than just baby's arrival—she's preparing for motherhood, too. 💛 Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  6. Jun 9

    65. Why Postpartum Moms Deserve Beautiful, Supportive Essentials with Courtney Boylan

    We spend so much time preparing for baby… but what about preparing for you? In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney Boylan, founder of Le Lolo Postpartum Essentials, a brand on a mission to make postpartum recovery feel more supported, beautiful, and empowering for new moms. After her own experiences as a mom of three, Courtney saw a major gap in the postpartum space—products were functional, but they didn’t make moms feel seen, valued, or cared for. That’s where Le Lolo was born. In this conversation, we talk about why postpartum essentials matter so much, how small things can make a big emotional impact, and why moms deserve products that reflect their worth—not just their needs. This episode is a powerful reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential, especially in the postpartum season. 💛 In this episode, we cover: The inspiration behind Le Lolo and Courtney’s postpartum journeyWhy beauty and design matter in postpartum productsThe most important postpartum essentials to prepare ahead of timeHow to shift your mindset to prioritize your needs tooWhether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting a new mom, this episode will encourage you to prepare for postpartum with intention and care. Connect with Courtney Boylan & Le Lolo: Visit the Website: https://wearelelolo.com/ Instagram: @wearelelolo TikTok: @wearelelolo Facebook: LeLoLo Postpartum Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  7. Jun 2

    64. The 3 Things Every New Mom Needs Postpartum (And None of Them Are on a Registry)

    When you're preparing for a baby, it's easy to focus on the tangible things: the stroller, the bassinet, the swaddles, and the baby monitor. But what if the things you need most postpartum can't be purchased from a registry? In today's episode, we're talking about the three essentials every new mom needs after birth—needs that are often overlooked but have a massive impact on your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of who you are now that you're a mom, this episode is for you. Inside this episode, you'll learn: Why postpartum preparation needs to go beyond baby gearThe emotional support every new mom deservesHow practical help can protect your mental healthWhy staying connected to God matters more than perfection during this seasonSimple ways to prepare for your own needs before baby arrivesWhether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting a mom in this season, this conversation will help you rethink what it really means to be prepared for life after birth. Resources Mentioned Join my FREE live workshop: Spending Time with God When You Barely Have Time to Shower Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST In this free workshop you'll learn: 5 simple ways to make time for Bible study as a busy momHow to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment to spend time with GodA simple Bible study method you can use in just a few minutes a dayHow to stay consistent even when life feels chaoticPlus we'll study Scripture together live and have time for Q&A. Click here to register today! Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

  8. May 26

    63. How to Support a Mom with Postpartum Depression: A Grandmother’s Perspective on Mental Health

    This episode is a special and meaningful close to our Maternal Mental Health Month series—a series that has been deeply personal, honest, and rooted in the hope that no mom feels alone in her struggle. Throughout this month, we’ve had important conversations around postpartum mental health: With Brittany Keating of Cocoon and Bloom Collective, we talked about the difference between baby blues and perinatal mental health disorders—what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek support.I shared my own story—openly and vulnerably—about my experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.My husband joined me to share what it looked like to support a partner through postpartum mental health struggles.And today, we’re closing this series with a perspective that doesn’t get talked about enough—a mother watching her daughter walk through it. In this episode, I sit down with my mom, the first person I opened up to about my intrusive thoughts, to talk about what that experience was like from her side. We talk about how she knew something wasn’t right, how she helped me find support, and what it looked like to walk alongside me without trying to take over. She shares honestly about the emotional weight of that season, how she educated herself on postpartum mental health, and how she supported not just me—but my husband, too. This conversation is for the moms, the grandmothers, the partners, and the support people—the ones who want to help but may not always know how. 💛 In this episode, we cover: Recognizing when something more serious is going on What it’s like to hear your daughter share intrusive thoughtsNavigating getting professional help for a loved oneSupporting both mom and partner during postpartum strugglesLearning how to step in—and when to step backEncouragement for family members supporting a mom in needThis episode—and this entire series—is a reminder that postpartum mental health matters, and no one is meant to walk through it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that support is available and healing is possible. 💛 If this series has encouraged you, share it with a mom or support person who needs to hear it.  Resources Mentioned: Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields Support the show Connect with Danielle Website: https://abridgetomotherhood.com Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood Shoot me an email: danielle@abridgetomotherhood.com  Leave a Review If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review? Your support helps more Christian moms discover the podcast and find hope in Christ during pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.  After you review the show — take a screenshot and upload it here — so I can send you some happy mail with a little surprise as a thank you. Your feedback means so much to me and helps us reach new moms who desperately need to hear that they are worthy of support! Disclaimer: Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for supporting the show!

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About

A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast helps Christian moms navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with practical, evidence-based support and faith-filled encouragement. Hosted by Danielle Bruner—mom of two and birth & postpartum doula—this podcast offers honest conversations, expert insights, and simple strategies to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in early motherhood. From postpartum planning and birth recovery to mental health, routines, and relationships, each episode blends real-life motherhood with biblical truth—reminding you that your identity is rooted in Christ, not perfection. You’ll learn how to:  Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy  Heal physically and emotionally after birth  Support your mental health (postpartum anxiety & depression)  Build routines, boundaries, and support systems  Strengthen your marriage and family rhythms  Grow in your faith during motherhood  If you’re looking for practical guidance, encouragement, and a Christ-centered perspective on motherhood—you’re in the right place. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and start thriving in motherhood—without the pressure to do it perfectly. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your unique needs.

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