Lunar Magic Business Podcast

One more day and it’s DECEMBER! Holiday season is upon us! The time we spend with our families and friends, enjoy good food and look back at this year, but it’s often also a time for stress and tension, right? In this week’s podcast I’ll teach you how to move the holiday madness to holiday calmness!

 

December is a beautiful and magical month but lots of people also freakout with all of their to-do lists. Especially as moms our lists of activities goes on and on. How do you stay grounded and present during this beautiful time?

When we approach the end of the year we often experience anxiety that we didn’t do as much as we wanted or our goals weren’t reached. But what if you started to see this years as cyclical, rather than a stop and go? What if we look at the end of the year, not as an end but as a continuous cycle. If you stop being too hung up about what needs to be finished and closed before moving into the new year but see it as a flow. What doesn’t get done in December can be easily moved to January! Be gentle and kind with yourself. If you can use some guidance in setting priorities, listen to this previous podcast about self-care.

 

 

 

Holiday Madness or Holiday Calmness

This time doesn’t have to be a hectic and overwhelming time! It comes down to prioritizing what is important to you and not looking at others to see what they are doing. This might mean that you have to turn down parties or events. It is important to keep the stress at bay and if that requires you to reset your priorities than that’s exactly what you should do!

Choose for your own family this holiday season. Make sure they are your top priority and let the rest flow from there. Make (new) traditions that work for you and your family. You might even create new traditions! Let your intuition guide you through the holiday madness to create calmness.

Listen to this podcast and find out how you can set your boundaries and how you can navigate through this hectic time with grace and love.

 

Mom guilt is something that every mother experiences at one point. The expectations we put on ourselves and the expectation of our surroundings feed into this guilt. This guilt can prevent you from fully embracing the moment and can paralyse your ability to surrender to the situation. The meditation helps you to get over this guilt and replaces it with gratitude, to create a mindset of Gratitude over Guilt.

 

I’ve got so many questions from mothers who were searching for meditations specifically for mothers. That’s why I’m going to offer a monthly meditation here on the Postpartum Support for Goddess Mamas Podcast. It’s an invitation for you to take that time for yourself. Each month the guided meditations will help to release, relief and reconnect.

I’ve been talking a lot about the importance of meditation and what the benefits are. If you have a daily meditation practice you’ll feel more grounded and conscious of yourself and the world around you. I have found that having my kids joining me takes my meditation practice to a whole different level. Even if they don’t want to sit down and be quiet with you, you can try some mantras with your kids to calm them in that way!

If you’ve never tried to meditate click on the link below and get instant access to an Energizing Morning Meditation video with downloadable audio!

 

 

Gratitude Over Guilt Meditation

This first meditation is something lots of mothers struggle with, mom guilt. It’s something that doesn’t serve you and it can really block you, in a physical way but also emotionally. Once you start moving away from the guilt and shift your mindset to gratitude, space opens up. Space that doesn’t need to be filled with negativity but space that can be filled with love and joy.

Go to a comfortable and quiet place and take this moment for yourself. Let go of all the guilt that you feel and let your inner light illuminate your dark corners. Let’s put gratitude over guilt!

If you have any suggestions for future guided meditations, please let me know and I’ll make sure to use your ideas to bring more peace into your live!

 

What does balance mean to you? Is it something you strive for on a daily basis? Balance is an always changing and evolving concept and if you ask me, something that can never be fully achieved. In the podcast episode I’m accompanied by Cara Mendez, a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur. She shares how she learned to create structure with grace.

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I already have my hands full with two kids and one business, but this week’s guest is truly a Goddess Mama! Cara Mendez is a mother of 5, homeschooling mom and an entrepreneur of not one but two businesses! Talking about being busy.

Cara runs her own coaching business House of Mendez for other homeschooling entrepreneurial moms and guides them to how to create a joyful and graceful life.

 

Homeschooling Mom

Cara had to learn to hard way that more isn’t always better. In a masculine driven society where we’re always pushed towards the next goal, it seems like the only thing that gives us social recognition is our results and even though you might understand that it’s not the main motivation in live it can be hard to break through this cycle.

Care talks about how, after hitting the wall, she had to slow down and reexamine her priorities. As a homeschooling mom of five, there’s always something to do. By putting her self-care, not on her priority list, but by seeing it as a desire, she was able to turn the tide and come into the flow of motherhood, while homeschooling and running two businesses!

As we were talking Cara expressed two really powerful mantras that I want to share with you before listening to the podcast! Read them and let them sink in!

* I’m open to there being an easier way of doing this

* I’m open and willing to be supported

If you want to learn more about how to do this yourself, listen to this week’s podcast and see how to bring grace and ease into your life.

Connect with Cara here on Facebook or join her private Facebook Group of Homeschooling Mompreneurs. Are you curious about her daily life, follow her on Instagram here!

Motherhood is about joy, happiness and bliss, right? Let’s be real, motherhood is hard! And it’s okay to say that out loud! Yes, we love your children but it’s not all butterflies, rainbows and unicorns. By embracing the struggle of motherhood you’ll be able to tap into that joyful place within.

 

 

You are not a bad mother if you speak up about how hard motherhood is! It’s quite the opposite, when you are accepting the struggles and admit that sometimes it’s freaking hard, you open up space to really be in touch with your true feeling. Nobody benefits from hiding your true feelings! I did for a long time which ended in a long postpartum depression (you can listen to the full story here).

Our children are a reflection of the way we interact with them. Our parenting is largely influenced by the way we’ve been raised and the community you grew up in. Even if you chose to go a different path, the underlying structure is often still the same. Becoming a mother is a great moment to go within and look at who you are and what you want. Once you know who you are and what you want it’s easier to start embracing the struggle of motherhood.

 

Embracing the Struggle of Motherhood

We are surrounded by (almost aggressive) masculine energy. We live in a goal driven society where there’s very little space for a softer approach. The feminine energy gives you so much more grace and ease. Because we grew up and still live in this masculine dominated society, this also reflects the way we parent. We should rule over our children and push them into the direction that we want and society expects.

Is there another way of guiding our children and to let go a bit more? Absolutely! Your children are always searching for more magic in their lives and we can guide them towards that. When you can let go of that overbearing control and start embracing the struggle of motherhood.

Listen to this episode and tune into this wisdom that we all have within us. Being a mother can be hard but there are many ways we can soften our energies and become more intune with the flow of life.

 

 

Do you feel like you hear too much about self-care and self-acceptance, then keep reading! Until we mothers all understand the importance of self-care of ourselves first, it’s a conversation that needs to happen. Every single mother should be able to have a moment for herself, to recharge her battery so she’s ready for the challenges that might come her way.

 

 

When you think about taking care of yourself do you think it’s something you should be doing or is it a priority? For the longest time I told myself that I was too busy and that my kids needed me so I couldn’t leave them. With my firstborn I easily found time for self-care without labeling it as such. I knew I needed to care for myself too.

When my second was born all of the caring for myself was thrown out the door. I don’t have time, they need me or that would be selfish, were thought that went through my head. I couldn’t possibly leave them alone (for like 10 minutes…) Even writing it down now makes me realise how silly that sounds.

I know I’m not alone and many mothers think they don’t have time or they don’t deserve it. It all boils down to self appreciation! You deserve it to take care for yourself! You don’t only deserve it, it’s essential!

 

 

Self-Care is Essential in the Fourth Trimester

 

 

Self-care is important for every human being but right after giving birth you are experiencing one of the most radical transformation of your life. It’s the perfect time to take a critical look at your life and your priorities. Newborns take up all of your attention but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take the time to care for yourself.

It shouldn’t be an option, it’s should be a standard part of your day. Even something like taking a shower by yourself is self-care. It doesn’t matter what you do or how you do it, as long as you set out some time to reconnect with what you truly want to do!

Listen to this week’s episode why it should be part of your postpartum care and how you can establish that. Don’t forget to download the self-care guide! Let me know in the comments what your self-care routine looks like!

 

 

 

 

We’ve been talking a lot about it takes a village and this episode goes into a part of that village, a postpartum doula. I’m joined by Sophie Davis who works as a postpartum doula. She shares her thought, ideas and visions on the fourth trimester. 

 

 

In episode 3 A Doula’s Perspective on the Fourth Trimester, I talked to a birth doula Hehe and how having a doula by your side already decreases the chances of any form of postpartum depression significantly. She explained that care doesn’t stop after birth and pointed out how the work of a postpartum doula can help to elevate any extra stress or worries you have.

After giving birth you already have lots of things on your mind and hands! Wouldn’t it be nice to have somebody with you who supports you without judgment? A postpartum doula is exactly that! In this episode Sophie Davis, a postpartum doula, shines her light on the fourth trimester and what she thinks can change in the current healthcare system.

Sophie lives and works in the Boston area, so if you’re pregnant or if you’ve just given birth and you feel like you can use some extra emotional, mental and physical support contact her on Alight Doula here or follow her on Instagram here.

 

Postpartum Doula

 

Sophie does amazing work with the families she guides through this beautiful and intense transition. Beside a postpartum doula she’s also a yoga teacher and she uses all of her knowledge to provide all round care for the mother and her family. She shares how new mothers (whether it is the first or the fourth baby) need to have support just for them. Often family members and friends want to help but also have (a well-meant) opinion which can prevent mothers to ask for the support they need.

Sophie focusses on nourishment for the whole body, the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. You go through so many changes as a new mom that it’s nice to know that you have an expert at your side. She points out that an important aspect is to make space for what is happening in your body. The focus is on reimagining your life with the new baby, not about going back to your life before you had your baby. To let go of your expectations and to find a new routine is so important for mother and baby. Sophie goes into how she does this.

 

Do you think you can’t afford a postpartum doula? Listen to the episode below and hear what solutions we give you so you can have a postpartum doula by your side after giving birth!

Did you have a postpartum doula by your side or do you wish to have one when you give birth?

 

 

As mothers we need to understand the significance of daily rituals and the effects on our wellbeing. In this episode I’ll take you through the concept of rituals and why it will help you to stay grounded and present with your baby and/or children. 

 

What is your first thought when you hear the word ritual? Does it sounds super spiritual and new-aged? Think again, because it’s a very powerful way to find some peace and calm among the daily chaos that we mothers can experience.

Specially right after giving birth you might feel like you’re in survival mode, running from one task to the other. During all this running it might be difficult to find time to stay connected to your inner voice. Hormones are racing through your body, you’re recovering and if you have older children, they also need their mother. The last thing on your mind might be to do rituals.

I’ve talked about my own postpartum journey before and how I was sabotaging my own happiness. Daily rituals have played a big role in reconnecting to my inner voice and listening to it again. It slowly made me realize that I was worthy and taking those few minutes for myself was essential to be the mother that I wanted to be. A grounded and fully present mother.

 

Daily Rituals for a Grounded Mama

In this podcast I explain why I think every mother should do a daily ritual. No worries, I’m not talking about rituals that last for at least an hour, I’m talking about rituals to connect with your inner goddess. A way to slow down and recharge that battery. We all need a moment where we sit down and quiet our mind.

I’ll go into what rituals are and why they play such a crucial role in keeping your emotional and mental body healthy.

 

Make sure you download the free Daily Ritual Guide below to start your own daily ritual or to make your ritual a daily practice!

Listen to the episode below and let me know what your daily ritual looks like!

 

This time I’m touching upon a sensitive and heavy subject, pregnancy and infant loss. October is the month of pregnancy and infant loss awareness month and I felt very strongly drawn towards creating a podcast about this subject. No lighthearted episode, but it’s a subject that needs to be told and heard.

 

 

When I started to unfold and uncover all the painful layers of postpartum depression, my feelings were brought back to a moment way before my pregnancy. My second pregnancy ended way too early, after just 9 weeks. In this episode I’ll go into the pain and guilt I felt. I’ll explain why it has contributed to my postpartum depression after I gave birth to my son, my rainbow baby.

 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

 

I’ve been through this myself so I couldn’t let this month pass by without giving it the attention it needs. We all need to let go of the shame and guilt. By talking about it and opening the conversation I hope to inspire other mothers to break the silence. It’s a conversation we need to have.

Beside sharing my story I’m also sharing what to say and how to react to a mother that just went through this heartbreak. Simply saying “It happened for a reason” or “At least you know you can get pregnant” is not done!!

Miscarriage Association in the U.K. launched a powerful campaign Simply Say in August this year. They want to raise awareness about this subject, whether you’ve had a miscarriage or know somebody who did, check them and their amazing work here.

 

 

After recording this podcast I came across this video from Melissa Rauch (the Big Bang Theory). She has opened up before about her miscarriage and this time she teamed up with other female celebrities to continue to raise awareness and let you know you are not alone. It’s a very powerful and strong message to all the mothers out there that so many other mothers go through this. Please take a moment to watch the video here.

 

 

This episode I had the honor to interview Hehe Stewart about her work as a birth doula. We talked about everything from pregnancy, to birth and the fourth trimester. Hehe shines her light on the topic and talks about how doulas play an important role in providing a safe and serene environment for both parents and baby. Let’s dive into this episode and hear a doula’s perspective on the fourth trimester!

 

This is absolutely an episode you don’t want to miss! Hehe has such a clear vision about her work and the necessity of it. If we decide the have a third baby I would love to have her by my side (although Boston – Thailand is a bit too far, but you get the idea!)

I was interested to hear from a professional about how support during and after birth affects mother and baby. Having a good support system during and after the birth was important but she explains exactly how and why it works. I know my perspective on the fourth trimester but I wanted a doula’s perspective on the fourth trimester.

Her goal with her doula service Tranquility by Hehe is to make the birthing experience a beautiful and calm one. Of course she can’t change the circumstance but she can be there to support and guide you, following your own wishes.

We talked about what support is and how the current support system can be improved. It all starts with small steps but by opening this dialogue and educating more women we can do it! You have many options when it comes to birth and the fourth trimester. As long as you know what your options are you can make more informed decisions that fit you lifestyle. You have more freedom than you think!

 

If you’re in the Boston area and pregnant, please contact this wonderful women. I honestly think every mother should have a doula by her side when giving birth and Hehe is an amazing doula with an amazing drive.

Find more about Hehe on her Facebook Page, Instagram or on her website Tranquility by Hehe here.

 

A Doula’s Perspective on the Fourth Trimester

Hehe explain her work with three metaphors;

* a wedding planner

* a personal trainer

* a sherpa mountain guide

Listen to the whole episode below and find out why she uses these professions to describe her work as a doula. Stick around for the end because you’ll learn what Hehe suggest to every mother out there.

 

 

 

Have you ever felt like all eyes were on you and you just can’t get the words out? Well that how I felt when I recorded this episode. I’ve written a blog post about my personal postpartum journey but that was safe and I could hide behind the words. In this episode you share the raw and vulnerable side of my postpartum depression.

After I finished recording I needed a moment to pull myself together. Why? Am I really going to publish this and spend out into the world? Speaking the words out loud, hearing myself talking about the darkest period of my life is very confrontating. Then again, my healing really started the moment I openly spoke about my postpartum depression so this only felt fitting to share my spoken word.

The number of mothers suffering from postpartum depression only grows. If new moms don’t have the support system to fall back on, they can get stuck in an endless stream of self-doubt and worries. I know because I was one of them!

This doesn’t just apply to new moms. I suffered from postpartum depression after my second was born and I was in BIG denial! I thought I knew everything there was to know about babies, but boy, was I wrong! I was so isolated that I started to drift further and further into my own world. It took me months to admit it to myself and then another few months to heal and recover from it.

 

My Personal Postpartum Journey

Talking about it was very healing and I continue to do so. Even when I mentioned the emotions and feelings that came up during that period I feel tears coming up again. And I know many more mothers are struggling after giving birth. Not necessarily a postpartum depression but many mother feel overwhelmed and lost.

I hope you’ll find inspiration in my postpartum journey because there is light at the end of the tunnel. Believe in yourself and find support Goddess Mamas! Listen to this episode below.