The Motherwhelm

49 Tess | Motherhood | Matrescence, maternal wellbeing, identity, perfectionism, women's health, occupational therapist, perinatal mental health, community

In the forty-ninth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Tess, a mum of two who is deeply passionate about supporting women through motherhood and the profound identity shifts that come with it. Tess is a women’s health occupational therapist whose work centres around matrescence, maternal mental health, postpartum wellbeing, and helping mothers navigate the enormous transition into parenthood with greater understanding and support. Together, we explore perfectionism, people-pleasing, sensory overwhelm, postpartum recovery, identity changes, relationships after children, and the impossible pressure of the “perfect mother” myth. Tess speaks openly about her own experiences of early motherhood — the expectations she carried into parenting, the realities she encountered, and the deep self-work motherhood has invited her into. We also talk about birth experiences, postpartum preparation, community, the importance of mothers supporting mothers, and why so many women feel the pressure to hold everything together while quietly carrying so much. This conversation is thoughtful, validating, and full of moments that made me feel deeply seen as a mother — and I think it will do the same for many of you. You can find Tess on Instagram: @_ostara_ot Resources mentioned in this episode: Instagram accounts: @mamamatters.au @seasonsofmatrescence @coreandfloorrestore @raisedgood Books: 'The Whole-Brain Child ' by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 'Raising a Secure Child' by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell 'The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)' by Philippa Perry 'Motherwhelmed ' by Beth Berry 'Body Full of Stars' by Molly Caro May Podcasts/Programs/Other Resources The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast by Melanie Jackson Circle of Security Parenting Program – Circle of Security International Mama Matters Academy – Fiona Weaver Raised Good Summit – Tracy Gillett

48 Julia | Motherhood | Postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, insomnia, perfectionism, identity shift

In the forty-eighth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Julia, a mum of two who shares her journey from a highly organised, perfection-driven pre-motherhood identity into the unpredictable reality of parenting. Julia speaks candidly about the shock of early motherhood, the pressure she placed on herself to “get it right,” and her experience of postnatal depression and psychosis. She opens up about the long road to recovery, the impact on her relationship, and how she rebuilt her confidence and sense of self. This is an honest and powerful conversation about surrender, healing, and finding joy in the small, everyday moments of motherhood.

47 Jen | Motherhood | Matrescence, intuitive parenting, birth trauma, delayed bonding, postpartum anxiety, sleep support

In the forty-seventh episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Jen, a mum of three who shares her journey from a highly organised, intuitive perfectionist into the realities of motherhood. Jen reflects on her difficult first pregnancy and emergency caesarean, a challenging postpartum period marked by pain, anxiety, and delayed bonding, and a distressing early hospital experience. As her family grew, she gained confidence through two planned caesareans, learning to trust her instincts, and adopting a more intuitive, cue-based approach to parenting. She also speaks openly about feeding challenges, relationship strain and growth, and the deep exhaustion of motherhood. These are experiences that led her to found Sleep Thrive Grow, where she now supports families with compassionate, individualised sleep coaching. This episode is an honest reflection on identity, healing, and learning to trust yourself as a mother.

46 Anneliese | Motherhood | Childhood trauma, abuse survivor, young mother, solo parenting, breaking cycles, ADHD, Autism, feminist storytelling

In the forty-sixth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by my Aunty Anneliese, a mother of three. In this raw and deeply honest conversation, we talk about motherhood through the lens of childhood trauma, survival, and the fierce determination to do better for the next generation. Anneliese shares her journey from becoming a mother at 21 while still healing from abuse, to raising three kids with ADHD and autism - largely on her own.  This conversation doesn't shy away from the hard truths about generational trauma, but it also celebrates the small victories - a son who's kind to women, a daughter with boundless imagination, a five-year-old math whiz getting the support his siblings never had. If you've ever felt alone in your struggles, if you're breaking cycles, if you're doing your best with what you have - this episode is for you.

45 Ciara | Motherhood | Ectopic pregnancy, IVF journey, perinatal mental health, l & d nurse, black maternity care, mama coach, postnatal depression

In the forty-fifth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Ciara to talk about the winding, often unseen road to motherhood. Ciara shares her experience of an ectopic pregnancy and the profound impact her loss had on her body, her mental health, and her sense of self. We explore her IVF journey, the hope, heartbreak, and resilience required to keep going when the path to becoming a mother is anything but straightforward. We discuss perinatal mental health and Ciara’s experience of postnatal depression, unpacking how it showed up for her, what helped, and what she wishes more people understood about the postpartum period. Ciara offers insight into the experience of black mothers within the maternity healthcare system, and explains its far-reaching impact on the maternal mortality rate in the US. Texts mentioned in this episode Books: 'The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby's Brain and Transform Their Mental Health through the Art of Nurtured Parenting' by Greer Kirshenbaum Instagram: @herblackwellness @antiracistnursecollective @thesleepdoctor @bundlebirthnurses