Mumposter Syndrome Episode 18 — The Hidden Grief of Motherhood with Nicole Foulkes

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 18 — The Hidden Grief of Motherhood with Nicole Foulkes

In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Nicole Foulkes, host of the Squiggly Motherhood podcast, for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about a side of motherhood that isn't talked about nearly enough: grief. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take after becoming a mother. From the loss of identity and career aspirations, to shifts in friendships, relationships, and personal freedom, motherhood often brings emotional changes that women aren't always prepared for. Natasha and Nicole discuss how societal expectations of "perfect motherhood" can make these feelings even harder to acknowledge. Many women experience love for their children alongside sadness, anger, or longing for parts of their pre-motherhood life — emotions that can feel confusing or guilt-inducing. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of birth experiences, the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave, and how relationships can shift during this transition. This episode is a compassionate exploration of what it means to hold love and grief at the same time, and why acknowledging these feelings is an important step toward healing, self-acceptance, and connection. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Grief in motherhood can include the loss of identity, freedom, and former aspirations. * Women often feel guilt for experiencing grief while also deeply loving their children. * Returning to work after maternity leave can trigger complex emotions and a sense of loss. * Birth experiences can have a lasting impact on a mother's emotional wellbeing. * Many women feel pressure to present a "perfect" version of motherhood. * Friendships and relationships often shift significantly after becoming a parent.Acknowledging grief is an important step toward emotional wellbeing. * Community and honest conversations can help mothers feel less alone. * Parenting with intentionality can help women reconnect with their values and identity. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:46 — The Hidden Grief of Motherhood 06:44 — Navigating Career Changes 12:46 — Resentment and Relationship Dynamics 18:49 — Making Choices in Motherhood 24:50 — Grieving the Loss of Freedom 31:52 — Expectations vs Reality in Motherhood 41:48 — Birth Experiences and Maternal Identity 48:48 — The Ongoing Journey of Grief and Acceptance 55:47 — Building Community Through Honest Conversations 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending mental load, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready for deeper support? Join The Thrive Circle — my supportive community for working mums who want to find calm, balance, and confidence again. 🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk [http://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk]Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk [support@drnatashawallace.co.uk] ✨ Connect with Guest: Nicole Foulkes Instagram: @squigglymotherhood Website: squigglymotherhood.com Email: squigglymotherhood@gmail.com

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 17 – Hormones, Mood & Maternal Mental Health with Dr Susan Zink

In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr Susan Zink to explore the powerful connection between hormonal changes and women's mental health. Together, they unpack how hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause can affect mood, anxiety, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Dr Zink explains why many women feel confused or unsupported when these changes occur, and why symptoms like postpartum depression, prenatal anxiety, and maternal rage are far more common than many people realise. The conversation explores the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, the role sleep deprivation plays in mental health, and why women often blame themselves for experiences that are actually rooted in biological and hormonal changes. Natasha and Susan also discuss the importance of recognising symptoms early, seeking support without shame, and building communities where mothers feel safe talking openly about their mental health. This episode is a compassionate and reassuring conversation for any woman navigating the emotional and physical transitions of motherhood. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause can significantly affect mood and mental health. * Postpartum depression affects around 1 in 5 women, yet many mothers suffer silently. * "Baby blues" are common and temporary, but postpartum depression lasts longer and requires support. * Prenatal anxiety and depression are more common than many people realise. * Sleep deprivation can intensify hormonal shifts and worsen mood symptoms. * Maternal rage and irritability can be symptoms of postpartum depression and deserve attention and support. * Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure. * Understanding the biological and psychological factors behind these experiences can help women feel less alone. * Community support and open conversations about maternal mental health are essential. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Hormonal Shifts and Mood 03:34 — How Hormones Influence Mental Health 07:44 — Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression 12:36 — Recognising Prenatal Anxiety and Depression 17:28 — The Connection Between Sleep and Hormones 24:36 — Seeking Help and Support 30:57 — Understanding Maternal Rage and Irritability 35:16 — Navigating Perimenopause and Mental Health 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/overcome-overwhelm-guide] Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/WMRC-Join-Now] — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and in control again. 🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk] Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk [support@drnatashawallace.co.uk] ✨ Connect with Guest: Dr Susan Zink Instagram: @elemental_integrative_psych Website: https://www.elementalintegrativepsych.com/ [https://www.elementalintegrativepsych.com/] Email: drzink@elementalintegrativepsych.com [drzink@elementalintegrativepsych.com]

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 16 – Sleep, Attachment & Letting Go of "Perfect" Bedtimes with Dr Ali Tonks

In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Dr Ali Tonks, a child and educational psychologist and holistic sleep coach, for an honest and reassuring conversation about sleep in the context of parenting. Together, they explore the complex and deeply individual nature of children's sleep. Dr Ali explains why sleep isn't just about routines or schedules, but about biology, emotional regulation, attachment, and connection. They discuss the pressure many parents feel to "get sleep right," and how unrealistic expectations - often shaped by social media - can create unnecessary stress and self-doubt. This episode unpacks common misconceptions around sleep associations and "bad habits," offering a more compassionate, trial-and-error approach that prioritises what works for each family. Natasha and Ali also discuss the importance of quality connection, understanding your child's emotional needs, and adapting sleep strategies as children grow or transition into childcare settings. It's a grounding and empowering conversation for any parent navigating broken nights, bedtime battles, or the fear that they're doing it wrong. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Children's sleep is influenced by biology, temperament, and emotional connection. * Expectations around "perfect" sleep often create unnecessary stress for parents. * There are no bad habits — focus on what feels right for your family. * Quality connection can significantly support healthy sleep patterns. * Trial and error is a normal and necessary part of finding what works. * Children can adapt to different sleep associations with different caregivers. * Regular routines help, but flexibility is equally important. * Social media can distort realistic expectations about children's sleep. * Understanding love languages can deepen parent-child connection. * Clear communication between partners about sleep responsibilities is essential. 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Parenting and Sleep Challenges 03:44 — What Holistic Sleep Coaching Really Means 06:49 — How Sleep Impacts Emotional Regulation 09:34 — Challenging Expectations Around Children's Sleep 12:51 — Advice for New Parents Navigating Sleep 15:42 — Quality Connection and Love Languages 18:53 — Sleep as Working Parents 21:44 — Practical and Compassionate Sleep Strategies 24:38 — Adapting Sleep Routines for Childcare 27:38 — Final Reflections and Encouragement 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/overcome-overwhelm-guide]Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/WMRC-Join-Now] — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again. 🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk [http://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk] Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk [support@drnatashawallace.co.uk] ✨ Connect with Guest: Dr Ali Tonks Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.dralitonks.co.uk [http://www.dralitonks.co.uk] Email: hello@dralitonks.co.uk [hello@dralitonks.co.uk] Instagram: @dr.alitonks

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 15 - Creativity, Identity & Letting Go of Expectations with Lyric Montgomery Kinard

In this episode of The MumPoster Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Lyric Montgomery Kinard, a mother of five and creative entrepreneur, for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, identity, and finding yourself again after feeling lost. Lyric shares her experience of early motherhood - including postpartum depression, the pressure of societal expectations, and the grief of giving up her own dreams to meet an ideal of what a "good mother" should look like. She speaks candidly about what it was like to feel unsuited to caregiving, and how unmet expectations fuelled frustration and self-doubt. As the conversation unfolds, Lyric reflects on how creativity and entrepreneurship became a lifeline, helping her reconnect with herself, reclaim her voice, and build a business in the quilting industry alongside motherhood. Together, Natasha and Lyric explore the importance of community, letting go of perfection, and allowing motherhood to look different than expected. This episode is a powerful reminder that there is no single right way to be a mother, and that individuality, creativity, and connection matter just as much as caregiving. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Motherhood can bring a profound loss of identity * Postpartum depression is often shaped by pressure and expectations * Creativity can be a powerful path back to self * Frustration often comes from unmet expectations * Community matters more than doing things "right" * Letting go creates space for freedom and balance * Motherhood doesn't need to fit a traditional mould * Knowing your children are loved matters more than perfection * Connection with others helps mothers feel less alone * It's possible to honour both motherhood and individuality 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Lyric Kinard 02:15 — The Reality of Early Motherhood 05:16 — Feeling Unsuitable for Caregiving 10:46 — Losing Identity and Finding Creativity 18:47 — Building a Support Network 30:45 — Why Community Matters 40:47 — Balancing Motherhood and Business 50:40 — Lessons Learned and Looking Forward 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/overcome-overwhelm-guide]Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/WMRC-Join-Now] — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again 🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk [http://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk] Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Lyric Kinard Website: https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com [https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com] https://www.lyrickinard.com [https://www.lyrickinard.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrickinard/ [https://www.instagram.com/lyrickinard/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyricMontgomeryKinard [https://www.facebook.com/LyricMontgomeryKinard]

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 14 – Mindfulness, Self-Trust & the Power of the Pause with Carolina Gonzalez

Mumposter Syndrome Episode 14 – Mindfulness, Self-Trust & the Power of the Pause with Carolina Gonzalez In this episode of The MumPoster Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Carolina Gonzalez, a mindfulness teacher and self-trust coach, for a grounding conversation about mindfulness in real life - especially for parents carrying a heavy mental and emotional load. Together, they explore what mindfulness actually looks like outside of meditation cushions and quiet rooms, and how small, intentional pauses can help regulate the nervous system, improve communication, and deepen connection with both ourselves and our children. Carolina shares simple, accessible grounding practices that can be woven into busy days without becoming another thing to "do right". This episode also looks at the role of mindful listening, emotional regulation, and boundaries, and why self-compassion is a vital part of parenting and personal growth. It's a gentle reminder that meaningful change doesn't require huge shifts, just a willingness to slow down and notice what's happening within you. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Mindfulness is about presence, not perfection * Grounding techniques can help calm the nervous system in everyday moments * Pausing before responding can transform communication * Listening to understand fosters deeper connection * Mindfulness can fit into busy lives without adding pressure * Boundaries are a key part of self-care * Self-compassion supports emotional regulation * Small changes can create meaningful shifts in wellbeing * Mindfulness helps reconnect us with ourselves * Intentional pauses can strengthen relationships 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/overcome-overwhelm-guide]Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle [https://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk/WMRC-Join-Now] — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again. 🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk [http://www.drnatashawallace.co.uk] Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Carolina Gonzalez Website: www.carolinagonzalezmindfulness.com [http://www.carolinagonzalezmindfulness.com] E-mail: carolina@carolinagonzalezmindfulness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinagonzalez [https://www.instagram.com/carolinagonzalez] 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Mindfulness and Self-Trust 03:56 — What Mindfulness Really Is 06:54 — Grounding Techniques for Busy Lives 09:39 — Mindfulness in Parenting and Communication 12:45 — The Power of the Pause 15:52 — Communicating with Children Mindfully 18:53 — Mindfulness in Adult Relationships 21:49 — Boundaries and Self-Care 24:52 — Reconnecting with Yourself 27:31 — Final Reflections