Why has "mommy wine time" become so normal and is it helping or harming moms?
In this powerful episode, host Madge Booth speaks with Elsa Van Der Watt, a clinical social worker and mental health board chair, about the rising influence of mommy wine culture.
Together, they unpack the fine line between enjoying a glass of wine and using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, burnout, and the mental load of motherhood.
You’ll learn:
How alcohol affects your mental health, parenting, and family life
The red flags that your glass of wine might be more than “just to take the edge off”
What substance use disorder actually looks like in moms
How to start the conversation if you’re worried about yourself—or a friend
Where to get affordable support and free recovery resources
Madge also shares her personal story of quitting alcohol after a health scare and how it changed her life.
This is a must-watch for any mom feeling overwhelmed, curious, or concerned about the role of alcohol in her life.
It’s not about judgment – it’s about real talk, awareness, and support.
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Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction to Mommy Wine Culture
00:01:10 – Defining Mommy Wine Culture & Stages of Use
00:03:11 – Emotional Reliance and Family Impact
00:05:28 – Challenges of Addressing Concerns
00:07:44 – Understanding Substance Use Disorders
00:10:03 – Recognising Numbing vs. Relaxing
00:12:48 – Impact on Children and Family Dynamics
00:14:13 – Personal Story: Quitting Alcohol
00:16:34 – Strength vs. Smart Choices
00:19:30 – Checklist for Red Flags & Recovery Timeline
00:22:32 – Social Drinking vs. Problematic Use
00:24:05 – Over-the-Counter Medication & Co-Occurring Issues
00:27:36 – Affordable Recovery Resources
00:30:35 – Stigma and Who Attends Support Groups
00:34:43 – Changing the Conversation for Future Generations
00:38:32 – Message to Moms & Finding Support
00:41:15 – COVID-19 and Increased Substance Use
00:42:23 – Final Five: Elsa’s Parenting Reflections
00:47:32 – Episode Wrap-Up