ASK US ANYTHING: How to Decide to Expand Your Family as a Caregiver
Tue Feb 03 2026
Hello Brave Friends!
This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and - yes - ask us anything!
In this Ask Us Anything episode, #241, we’re responding to the question:
“Hi Zoe, Susanna, and Jessica. You all have been moms a long, long time, and I am a newer mom. My first child, now age 3, was born with a disability…and I just can’t decide if I should have more kids or not. How did you decide?”
In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe Shaw respond with honesty, compassion, and deep respect for how complex this decision can be. They talk about the emotional weight of choice through the lens of their own experience, the role of grief and hope, and how different phases of parenting call for different questions. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, they explore how to listen to your values, your capacity, and your support system- while giving yourself permission to take your time and trust that there is no “right” answer, only the one that is right for you and your family.
Keep the questions coming—we’re here to support you. Whether you’re a newer parent navigating big decisions, a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you.
Leave us a message here.
Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here.
Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here.
Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.
Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough
Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere.
JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.
Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.
Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube.
Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org
If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.
Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!
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Hello Brave Friends! This is an Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and - yes - ask us anything! In this Ask Us Anything episode, #241, we’re responding to the question: “Hi Zoe, Susanna, and Jessica. You all have been moms a long, long time, and I am a newer mom. My first child, now age 3, was born with a disability…and I just can’t decide if I should have more kids or not. How did you decide?” In this conversation, Jessica Patay, Susanna Peace Lovell, and Dr. Zoe Shaw respond with honesty, compassion, and deep respect for how complex this decision can be. They talk about the emotional weight of choice through the lens of their own experience, the role of grief and hope, and how different phases of parenting call for different questions. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer, they explore how to listen to your values, your capacity, and your support system- while giving yourself permission to take your time and trust that there is no “right” answer, only the one that is right for you and your family. Keep the questions coming—we’re here to support you. Whether you’re a newer parent navigating big decisions, a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs, or someone supporting a caregiving family, we would love to hear from you. We see you, and we love you. Leave us a message here. Find more information about Licensed Psychotherapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw here. Find Dr. Zoe’s book, Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame here. Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here. Find Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough Brave Together Podcast is a resource produced by We Are Brave Together, a global nonprofit that creates community for moms raising children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or complex medical and mental health conditions. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms everywhere. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here. Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here. Can’t get enough of the Brave Together Podcast? Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Youtube. Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.org If you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here. Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance! Disclaimer