In this honest and deeply personal episode of Smashed Oranges, we open up about the unexpected and often taboo experience of gender disappointment. When Sarah found out her second baby was boy, she was surprised by a wave of grief—mourning the future she had envisioned of another little girl playing side by side with her older sister.

Today we explore what gender disappointment really is, why it’s more common than people admit, and how to navigate the guilt and grief that sometimes comes with it. We talk through the shame and confusion that can come with those feelings, the societal messages that fuel our expectations, and why it’s important to give ourselves permission to feel it all. From unpacking what we’ve internalized about raising boys vs. girls, to celebrating the joy and magic that come when you let go of the “shoulds,” this conversation is for every parent who’s ever had a reaction they didn’t expect.

Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or reflecting on your own journey, this is a space to feel seen, validated, and reminded that there’s no one “right” way to feel.

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