Exhale Podcast | The Many Hats of Motherhood

The Hats of Motherhood aren’t just symbolic—they’re real, heavy, and constantly changing. In our special Mother’s Day episode of Exhale: A Black Woman’s Guide to a Better You, I sit down with Dr. Sigrid Elston and Erien Dickens, founder of All Things Mommie, to explore what it truly means to carry the weight of being a caregiver, nurturer, daughter, partner, professional, and community pillar—all while trying to stay emotionally and mentally well.

We began by asking a powerful question: When did motherhood change you the most? For many women, the answer wasn’t a milestone—it was a moment of self-realization. The conversation uncovered how the definition of being a “good mother” has evolved, especially for Black women who are now breaking generational cycles while trying to preserve cultural legacies.

One thing was clear: wearing all the Hats of Motherhood comes with invisible labor and internal conflict. There’s the guilt for resting, the fear of not doing enough, and the pressure of upholding the “strong Black woman” image. We explored how to intentionally parent while also protecting your peace, and how to model emotional wellness for your children—even on the hard days.

Dr. Elston and Erien gave honest insight into setting boundaries that allow them to thrive, not just survive. Self-care, for them, looked like creating space to be more than a mother. Whether it’s scheduling therapy, honoring time alone, or simply allowing joy without explanation, their stories reminded us that identity doesn’t have to disappear beneath the Hats of Motherhood.

We also reflected on how relationships with our own mothers or maternal figures shape how we show up as parents today. Healing from childhood experiences—while parenting with intention—requires courage and compassion. What’s one lesson you’re passing down or changing for your children? The answers were filled with grace, truth, and a commitment to do things differently.

And perhaps most importantly, we asked: In what ways do you celebrate yourself outside of motherhood? Because wearing the Hats of Motherhood should never mean erasing your dreams, your joy, or your sense of self.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure if you’re doing this whole mom thing “right,” this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, that softness is not weakness, and that your well-being matters.

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