Movies & TV Shows to Watch If You’re Brave Enough to have Realistic Postpartum Expectations

I thought I was prepared. I mean, I did all the things. Baby registries? Check. Nursery set up? Check. I even took a baby care class and thought I was ready for whatever motherhood threw at me. But the reality of postpartum hit hard, and I was blindsided. I didn’t know what I didn’t know—about the routines I desperately needed, how unprepared my partner was for the level of support I required, or how to manage the anxiety that came with motherhood.

My postpartum anxiety didn’t show up as panic attacks or crippling fear—it looked like anger. Anger at my partner for sleeping and snoring while I was awake, nursing, and in charge of everything. Anger when he asked for help with the baby, even though I was alone with our newborn all day, every day. I had this deep-seated belief that I was supposed to do it all, and if I didn’t, I was failing. I didn’t even know I needed a break from the baby, but the guilt and anxiety kept me tethered to this invisible load that I couldn’t shake.

From the outside, it all looked fine. I was the attachment parenting, breastfeeding mom. I had the appearance of “doing it all.” But inside, I was unraveling. If I had only known what to expect and had better conversations with my partner about equitable parenting, things might’ve been different. Instead of suppressing the exhaustion and frustration, I could’ve addressed it head-on and gotten the support I needed.

Looking back, I now know that what I was missing was an understanding of postpartum mental health and realistic expectations. If I had known about the impact of unbalanced routines, emotional overload, and the unique challenges new moms face in our society, I would’ve been much more proactive in seeking help.

That’s why I’m here. I help families in South Jersey (and beyond) navigate these uncharted waters of postpartum life. I work with moms who crave information, who are ready to face the hard truths, and who want to build a life that’s manageable and intentional after birth.

If you’re ready to get real about your postpartum mental health, it’s time to stop relying on generic Pinterest plans or baby classes that don’t address the real challenges you’ll face. Instead, I’m offering personalized postpartum planning, mental health support, and mentorship to help you avoid the overwhelm and guilt that so many new moms face.

What to Watch So You’re Not Blindsided by Postpartum

If you’re brave enough to face postpartum reality head-on, here are some movies and TV shows that get it right:

TV Shows

• The Letdown
  This show is a hilariously raw depiction of new motherhood. It doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, including sleep deprivation, shifting identities, and the frustration that comes with it all. It’s fantastic. I highly recommend this one. If you’re only going to watch one of the tv show son my list, start here.

• Workin’ Moms
  If you’re juggling postpartum with work (or even just the idea of work), this series shows how hard it can be to balance all the things, from parenting to your career to your mental health. Spoiler alert: It’s messy, and that’s okay. FWIW, I waited a while to watch this one because since I don’t work for pay outside of my home, I didn’t think it would resonate. But it sure f*cking did.

• Catastrophe
  This comedy covers the chaos of unplanned pregnancy and parenthood. It’s hilarious and super real about the frustrations, emotional rollercoasters, and messiness that come with early motherhood.

• I’m Sorry
  This one gives a brutally honest look at parenting and touches on the realities of postpartum life and the challenges of raising a child while balancing your own identity and mental health.

• Breeders
  This dark comedy doesn’t hold back when it comes to the realities of parenting. It’s brutally honest about the resentment, exhaustion, and identity shifts that come with raising kids—especially in those early years when sleep is a scattered and patience is low.

Movies

• Nightbitch
  A dark, surreal film that explores the isolation and identity shifts of postpartum life. It’s a wild ride that gives insight into the deep emotional struggles that usually get overlooked. It’s based on the book of the same name by Rachel Yoder (which is fantastic — and I hate fiction).

• Motherhood
  This one pulls no punches when it comes to showing the mental and emotional toll that being a stay-at-home mom can have on us. It captures the constant juggle between self-care, responsibilities, and the overwhelming need for time alone.

• Fair Play Documentary
  This documentary isn’t just about postpartum but focuses on the unfair expectations society places on moms—mentally, physically, and emotionally. It’s a must-watch for understanding the broader societal issues new moms face. Most couples find Fair Play after they are already in the weeds. 

• I recommend that all pregnant couples watch this documentary and utilize the Fair Play Method from the beginning, or at least a version of it. This is something I help clients with when they reserve my More Than Just the Pills Package (which includes a money-back guarantee) or my Everything But the Pills Package for moms who aren’t local to me, don’t want placenta pills, or who are already struggling postpartum.

How I Can Help You Avoid the Pitfalls of Postpartum

I’m a realist. And I’m honest. And I wish people had been more real and more honest with me. So I speak the truth to my clients. And to you. Because we deserve to better prepared for what we’re signing up for. Too many people are too afraid to scare the pregnant lady. But guess where that gets us? It gets us a society in which at least 20% of us get hit with postpartum anxiety and/or depression.

Postpartum isn’t all giggles and sunshine. It’s a complex mix of physical healing, emotional recovery, and mental health. I know firsthand how being unprepared for the realities of postpartum can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

I work with moms who want to be proactive about their postpartum mental health, who understand that society’s idea of “perfect motherhood” is a myth, and who are ready to break free from those toxic expectations. Whether you’re in South Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware, or anywhere else, I’m here to help you navigate these tricky waters with a customized plan that works for you.

Don’t wait until you’re drowning in overwhelm—take control now and set yourself up for a smoother postpartum. You’ve got this. And if you need help along the way, I’m here.

Take the Postpartum Anxiety Risk Assessment

If you're serious about preparing for postpartum and want to take proactive steps to protect your mental health, I invite you to take my PPA Risk Assessment. This simple, yet powerful tool will help you understand your unique risks and needs, giving you the knowledge to create a more intentional and manageable postpartum plan. Knowing your risk factors empowers you to take control, set realistic expectations, and access the support you need before you even give birth. Don’t wait—prepare today for a healthier tomorrow.

Click here to empower yourself with knowledge.