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

Loading player...
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.
28 Nov 2023 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

The pain we never name: Healing the mother wound

What happens when your first heartbreak is your mother? In this deeply personal episode, author and coach Moshitadi Lehlomela joins Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba to talk about the quiet pain many people carry --the mother wound. Moshitadi shares how she first recognised her own wound at university, when anxiety and depression began…
21 Oct 36 min

Let's talk about sex, AGAIN

* Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.* You wanted more candid conversations about sex, so here it is: Nozibele reconnects with gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo "Mpume" Zenda, aka Dr Gynae, for an open, no-holds-barred talk on everything from libido…
7 Oct 34 min

Gcina Mhlophe on embracing culture and tradition

In the latest episode, legendary storyteller, poet and author Dr. Gcina Mhlophe reflects on what it means to preserve culture in a fast-changing world. Dr. Mhlophe shares her journey from a childhood “house of song and prayer” to becoming one of South Africa’s most respected custodians of heritage. She explains…
23 Sep 29 min

Five simple habits to a healthier you

What does “healthy” really mean? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to fitness coach Kopano Mokhele, who deliberately gained 25 kilos — and is now losing it again — to better understand what his clients face. Kopano shares honest lessons about food cravings, mental health, and…
9 Sep 31 min

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Turn 35

When Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba revealed on the podcast that she’s turning 35 later this year, she admitted she was struggling with questions many women ask themselves: Have I achieved enough? Am I where I should be at this age? It was the perfect moment to bring in a mentor figure. Sitting…
26 Aug 38 min