The Motherwhelm

In this special episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by two deeply compassionate and knowledgeable guests, Ali Heppell and Bronte Taylor. Ali is a mother of two, a postpartum doula, matrescence educator, motherhood studies practitioner, and women’s circle facilitator. Her work centres around helping mothers reconnect with their stories, their needs, and their sense of self in the postpartum space. Bronte is a mother of one, an accredited mental health social worker, a motherhood studies practitioner, and a skilled EMDR and Schema therapist. She also facilitates group work supporting mothers in their healing journeys. Together, Ali and Bronte bring a unique, trauma-informed approach that weaves together the mind, body, and heart. They support mothers in making sense of their birth experiences, understanding how those moments shape identity and relationships, and navigating the emotional and physical imprints of trauma. In this conversation, we explore what birth trauma really is and how it can show up in ways that are often missed or misunderstood. We also talk about the cultural silence around maternal pain, what true healing can look like, and how we can better support mothers - not just in crisis, but in their everyday lives. Whether you’re a mother, a birth worker, or someone who simply wants to understand these conversations more deeply, this episode offers insight, compassion, and, above all, a sense of permission to honour what’s real. You can find Ali and Bronte on Instagram: @aliheppell_mothercare @bronte_heartfelttherapy

In this special episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel - therapists, authors, and mothers - who have both lived and worked through the complexities of NICU experiences in deeply personal ways. Their upcoming book, 'Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience', is more than a guide - it's a compassionate companion for families navigating the aftermath of a NICU stay. In this episode, we explore the emotional layers of NICU trauma, grief, healing, and what it means to hold space for conflicting emotions like gratitude and heartbreak. We also talk about the unique journeys of birthing parents, the often-overlooked experiences of partners, and how writing about trauma became a shared path to healing. Whether you’ve walked a NICU journey yourself, supported someone who has, or want to better understand what families truly need - this conversation is for you. You can find Emily & Mahaley on Instagram: @emily.souder.lscwc @mahaleypatel You can find updates about 'Your NICU Story' at www.yournicustorybook.com

In the thirty-ninth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Haley, as she shares about her experience with the isolation of postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing effort of staying true to her values as a new mother, and the importance of speaking honestly about both the highs and lows of motherhood.  Sources mentioned in this episode: Instagram Whole Body Pregnancy Life After Birth with Yara Heary Terra de mama The Breastfeeding Mentor Birth Resources The Bradley Method Books ‘Good Inside’ by Dr Becky Kennedy ‘The Whole Brain Child’ by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson ‘The Gardener and the Carpenter’ by Alison Gopnik

In the thirty-eighth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Ariane Beeston - a postpartum psychosis survivor, perinatal mental health advocate, trained psychologist, and author of the powerful memoir, 'Because I’m Not Myself, You See: A Memoir of Motherhood, Madness, and Coming Back From the Brink.' We talk about the unraveling and the rebuilding. The silence surrounding maternal mental illness. And how writing her memoir became part of the healing process - not just for her, but for the countless women who see themselves reflected in her story. This is a conversation about vulnerability, strength, and what it really means to come back from the brink. Sources mentioned in this episode 'Because I’m Not Myself, You See: A Memoir of Motherhood, Madness, and Coming Back From the Brink' by Ariane Beeston COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence https://www.cope.org.au/ Perinatal Stories Australia podcast https://www.perinatalstoriesaustralia.com/ Karen Kleiman & The Postpartum Stress Centre https://www.postpartumstress.com/about/media

In the thirty-seventh episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Madeline, a mother of two, cosplayer, gamer, and passionate math teacher. We talk about the highs and lows of navigating motherhood while honouring your own needs and passions, and the best ways we can show up for our children and ourselves.  This is an honest, affirming conversation about identity, self-acceptance, and finding joy in the little things. Sources mentioned in this episode TikTok: @domesticblisters Instagram: @biglittlefeelings @responsive_parenting Facebook: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids