This week we're chatting about the huge transition of becoming a parent, and how this can impact your mental health and sense of self. We have Psychologist Sahra O'Doherty on the podcast to talk about the feeling of losing your identity after having children, why this is so common and some tools and tips to work through this stage.

In this episode we also chat about perinatal mental health in general and the huge pressures put on parents which can easily lead to needing support for our mental health. We share our own different experiences and Sahra shares some incredible insights from a psychological perspective. 

Sahra has been a registered Psychologist for over 12 years, is co-owner of Mindscape Psychology and Allied Health, and is President of Australian Association of Psychologists inc. Sahra works with a lot with issues concerning identity, showing up in a lot of clients after they've become a parent. This can include "mum guilt", work as part of identity, reconciling expectations for yourself once you've had a child, cultural and societal norms and expectations, self-esteem and self-care. Sahra is a feminist psychologist and is passionate about issues such as the mental load, gender norms and expectations with kids.

To learn more about Sahra, head to www.mindscapepsychology.com.au/meet-the-team 

or www.aapi.org.au

If you feel like you need further support, below is a list of amazing organisations that assist with perinatal mental health:

www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
www.tresillian.org.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.lifeline.org.au

This week's sponsor:

This week is sponsored by Pure Mama, the highest quality natural skincare range for pregnant women and new Mums. Pure Mama embraces the raw and real beauty of pregnant and postpartum bodies through the use of naturally luxurious and highly efficacious skincare products. 

The belly oil is a nourishing blend of antioxidant-rich Almond, Rosehip, Vitamin E & Raspberry seed oils to promote dermal elasticity, deeply hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and can be used in pregnancy and beyond.
Their new magnesium rub has been a life saver for sleeping at night and restless legs during pregnancy.

To get your hands on this incredible natural range of skincare , head to puremama.com or check them out on instagram @puremama_skincare . You can also purchase the Pure Mama range online at Mecca.

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