Motherhood + Disability

7. Why you need a Postpartum Occupational Therapist. How OT can support you as a new Mother with Motherhood OT Amy Fitzell | Motherhood and Disability

Today I am bringing you an incredible chat with the amazing Amy Fitzell. Amy is an Occupational therapist who has primarily worked with families and children, but has recently moved into the postpartum space where she brings her Occupational knowledge and experience to serve new mothers as they navigate this new season of their lives. It was when Amy became a mother herself she realised where specifically her passion lay and has launched her business the motherhood OT. I really wanted to bring Amy onto the podcast because I just knew she would bring so much wisdom and practical things to consider as a new mum or mum-to-be. In the episode Amy shares with us: Some of the things we talk about in this episode are: How Amy got into Occupational Therapy and why she loves it. From working with families to working with new mothers.  Her experience after she herself became a mum and realised the transformation that occurs when women become mothers. Her identity, experience of her body etc. What OTactually is. Deep dive into how OT plays a role in postpartum space. What’s a life flow enabler? Why it’s important to consider engaging an OT for your postpartum season and how all new mothers can benefit. What can disabled mums-to-be think about and consider to empower themselves for when they are faced with unhelpful and disapproval from the medical professional. How we can use social media to find others who are experiencing similar challenges or lifestyle and who parent in the ways that feel aligned with you. We talk about our co-sleeping experience, and how it can be a great experience depending on your individual circumstances (as it isn’t for everyone). Ergonomics and new baby considerations and some really great practical tips. Transitions from woman to mother, Matresence deep dive.

4. Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance with Autistic and ADHD Counsellor Melanie Foulkes | Motherhood and Disability

I am so excited to be talking to Melanie Foulkes on the podcast today. Melanie is a counsellor for people living with chronic illnesses, Autism and ADHD. She herself is Autistic and lives with ADHD, having been diagnosed in her adulthood. She brings her lived experience into her therapy to support others.  In our conversation today, Melanie shares with us about being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism as an adult woman, learning to navigate the world in a way that works best for her, the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion.  We delve into the importance of equipping ourselves with tools and information when thinking about becoming a parent with a disability or chronic illness, and how the health system can be disapproving and discouraging.  Melanie shares with us some useful tools to help us be kinder to ourselves, and takes us through a self-compassion exercise.  We dive into so much more and I hope you enjoy the podcast.  It was so lovely talking to Melanie today. If you would like to find out more about Melanie Foulkes and her work, you can find her at:  Instagram: @melaniefoulkescounselling  [https://www.instagram.com/melaniefoulkescounselling/]

3. Five Ways to Streamline Your Life as a Disabled Mother | Mamabilty: Motherhood + DIsability with Vicky

In today's episode I talk about 5 ways or ideas on streamlining your home life so that you can focus your energy on where it matters most to you. This episode is based on a workbook I created which you can download and follow along with in this episode. Download your FREE Workbook HERE [//subscribepage.io/streamlineyourlife] I would love for you to share your takeaways, be sure to email me  Connect with me: Email: mamability.mentor@gmail.com

2. Three Things Learning to Drive with Hand Controls has Taught me about Life | Mamability: Motherhood + Disability with Vicky

In this episode I talk to 3 things that re-learning to drive with hand controls has taught me about life. I explore: * The fear and discomfort of learning a new skill and being in the process of change. * Confidence and self-belief, and coming out the other side of the messy and "hard" process (ie coming out of the thick of it). * How I don't feel disabled when I drive. * Embracing curiosity amidst a challenging time. And so much more! ~ I am looking for guests ~ >>> I am calling all disabled mums, women and entrepreneurs who have a story to share about disability and life (particularly motherhood). >>> Allied Health and disability support workers who work with disabled mums and families who may want to share some expertise and insight to motherhood and disability. Connect with me: Email: mamability.mentor@gmail.com Instagram: @mamability.mentor [https://www.instagram.com/mamability.mentor/]

1. Life as a Disabled Mother - Mamability, Motherhood and Disability with Vicky

Hello and welcome to the Mamability podcast. My name is Vicky. The creator and owner of Mamability. I am a life coach for mothers with disability, and I also mentor business and service providers who support mothers with disabilities. I'm super excited to be starting this new podcast where I'll be sharing with you stories from my own experience of living with a physical disability, as well as speaking about topics and issues such as ableism, accessibility discrimination and I'll be speaking to guests who will be sharing their stories, and expertise on various topics on disability and parenting. In this episode I share: * Who I support and how my business Mamability came to be. * My disability story and journey and living with a progressive disease. * Society's messaging. * Self-development and disability. ~ I am looking for guests ~ >>> I am calling all disabled mums, women and entrepreneurs who have a story to share about disability and life (particularly motherhood). >>> Allied Health and disability support workers who work with disabled mums and families who may want to share some expertise and insight to motherhood and disability. Connect with me: Email: hello@mamability.com.au website: www.mamability.com.au [//www.mamability.com.au] Facebook Mothers Group: Mamability Mothers Group | Motherhood and Disability | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/255874836691012] Instagram: @mamability.mentor [https://www.instagram.com/mamability.mentor/]