Listen "It's a Mother - Fertility & Pregnancy"
Episode Synopsis
Welcome back to the Veteran Spouse Network Podcast! In this heartfelt solo episode, host Hannah O’Brien, veteran spouse and program manager for the Veteran Spouse Network, opens up about her deeply personal journey through fertility, pregnancy, and the decision to grow a family while navigating life in a military and veteran household.
🔍 In This Episode:
Hannah’s return from maternity leave and becoming a mom of twoThe emotional, physical, and societal realities of pregnancy and motherhoodHow military life and her husband’s PTSD impacted their family planning decisionsHonest reflections on fertility struggles and the emotional toll of trying to conceiveNavigating morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy's emotional ups and downsThe power of communication, self-advocacy, and having a strong support systemUnique challenges faced by military and veteran families during pregnancyA call to break the silence around fertility, women’s health, and postpartum experiences
💡 Key Takeaways:
Every path to motherhood is different — and it’s okay to talk about the hard partsMilitary life adds unique layers to family planning decisionsSupport, communication, and self-advocacy are essentialListening and showing up for the women in our lives matters
📌 Resources & Links:
Learn more and access support: VeteranSpouseNetwork.orgStay tuned for Part 2, where Hannah dives into her childbirth and postpartum journey
🎧 Thank you for tuning in!
This episode is brought to you by the Veteran Spouse Network, in collaboration with Coming Home Well.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help other veteran and military-connected families feel seen, heard, and supported.
More episodes of the podcast Veteran Spouse Network
It's a Mother Part 3_ Postpartum
10/10/2025
It's a Mother Part 2 - Birth
08/09/2025
Navigating Grief & Loss with Chantel Dooley
07/05/2025
Community-Focused Entrepreneurship
10/01/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.