#32: Parenting, Postpartum Depression & Reinventing Oneself at 40, ft. Shweta Kawaatra

10/06/2025 1h 7min Temporada 1 Episodio 32

Listen "#32: Parenting, Postpartum Depression & Reinventing Oneself at 40, ft. Shweta Kawaatra"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, we sit down with the actor and wellness advocate Shweta Kawaatra to talk about motherhood beyond the highlight reel. You may know her as the iconic Pallavi from Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, but here, she steps in not as a celebrity, but as a mother, partner, survivor, and seeker.With unflinching honesty, Shweta shares her raw experiences of postpartum depression, the emotional rollercoaster of raising a teen, and how she navigated early menopause—and remarkably, reversed it. From notes in lunchboxes to questions about how to smile in selfies, she brings to life what it means to mother in a world that often demands perfection.This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, gentle strength, and transformation.💡 Why You Should ListenYou're a parent wondering, "Am I doing it right?"You’ve struggled with postpartum depression, burnout, or identity lossYou’re seeking stories of resilience, healing through wellness, and embracing the messy beauty of motherhoodYou’re curious how public figures parent behind the scenes (spoiler: it’s not glamorous)You want to raise your child without defaulting to controlWhether you're a new parent, a seasoned one, or somewhere in between, this episode offers wisdom without preaching, and vulnerability without shame.⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps[2:00] — The love story behind a name: How Shweta and Manav independently chose “Zahara” for their future daughter—before marriage![9:30] — Parenting under public gaze: How Shweta shielded her daughter from the spotlight, and what happened when Zahara-Tabeetha found out her parents were celebrities.[14:00] — That ‘fake smile’ in selfies? Zahra-Tabeetha calls her out—and Shweta explains the intention behind it with profound grace.[17:40] — “We never fight in front of her. Maybe we should.” The pros and cons of a peaceful home with no visible conflict.[24:30] — The power of connection: Why she leaves handwritten notes for her daughter and husband—and how it helps bridge separation.[32:00] — Postpartum depression and 5 years of silence: Shweta shares the emotional and physical toll of isolation, OCD, and guilt—and how she found help.[46:00] — “I decided to reverse menopause. And it worked.” Acupuncture, Ayurveda, mindset shifts, and the radical power of belief.[55:00] — Motherhood as revolution: “To become a mother is the mother of all human revolutions.” Shweta redefines parenting as a sacred, transformative practice.[59:00] — Her message to struggling parents: Educate yourself. Accept yourself. But don’t justify ignorance in the name of acceptance.📚 Resources & ReferencesDr. Laura Markham – Aha! Parenting: https://www.ahaparenting.com (A parenting philosophy rooted in connection over control. Shweta credits Laura’s work as life-changing in her early parenting years.)Nichiren Buddhism & Chanting (SGI): https://www.sgi.org (More on Shweta’s spiritual practice for grounding and daily alignment.)Understanding Postpartum Depression: Mayo Clinic: Symptoms and Treatment🧘‍♀️ About the GuestShweta Kawaatra is an award-winning Indian television actor, known for her roles in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, C.I.D., and reality shows like Nach Baliye. Beyond acting, she is a passionate wellness advocate, mother, and spiritual seeker. Her journey has taken her from the spotlight of entertainment to the quiet (but no less heroic) world of conscious parenting.Connect with her on Instagram: @shwetakawaatra💬 Join the Conversation🔔 Review & Subscribe: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family!💖 Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/☕ Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.

More episodes of the podcast Parenthoot with Neha