We're looking about parenting all wrong in today's world – and you're about to find out why.

This week, we're doing something a bit different and opening up a conversation about something that often overlaps with menopause, and we're seeing more and more of our audience talking about... motherhood!

We know that more and more women in the western world are parenting later in life, which means raising a family is often colliding with the oncoming storm of perimenopause / hormonal turbulence. So what's the secret to coping?!

Let's hear from the expert.

This week, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by parenting specialist, coach, and podcaster Zoe Blaskey to explore the hidden pressures mothers face during midlife and why so many women feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and guilty.

Zoe introduces us to the concept of matrescence – the psychological and physical transition into motherhood – and explains why this stage of life needs the same awareness and support as menopause. Together, they discuss practical ways to protect your energy, manage your mindset, and parent with more compassion towards yourself, even on the toughest days.

If you’re a busy, burnt-out mum wondering, “Is it just me?”, this conversation will leave you feeling seen and supported.

Stay up to date with Is It Hot In Here? podcast on Instagram: @hotinhere_podcast

Follow Zoe Blaskey below:

Zoe's Instagram: @zoeblaskey

Zoe's TikTok: @zoeblaskey

Zoe's podcast Motherkind: https://www.motherkind.co/podcast

Follow Dr. Naomi Potter below:

Naomi’s Instagram: @dr_naomipotter

Naomi’s TikTok: @dr_naomipotter

For more information and support about menopause, you can go to: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Introduction to Zoe Blaskey

01:47 – What is matrescence?

03:19 – Questioning identity after motherhood

04:29 – Why matrescence needs recognition

05:22 – Birth trauma and lack of support

06:14 – Sleep deprivation and confidence dips

06:48 – The need for paternity leave

07:22 – Managing energy as mothers

08:08 – Two-minute rule for energy

08:42 – The phone battery analogy

09:38 – Knowing what recharges you

10:11 – Why self-care isn't enough

10:49 – Energy management over self-care

11:31 – Please follow and share, and an intro to Motherkind

12:26 – Parallels with menopause awareness

13:44 – Backlash around menopause conversations

15:04 – Social media polarisation

15:31 – Criticism of working mothers

16:27 – Matrescence and perimenopause overlap

17:04 – Being a friend to yourself

18:15 – Using self-talk to shift perspective

19:37 – Practising self-compassion

20:11 – Negativity bias in motherhood

20:44 – Noticing what you’ve done

21:33 – Listener question: conflict with kids

22:09 – Why we snap at our kids

23:05 – Understanding anger triggers

24:16 – Recognising bodily cues

24:54 – Regulating in the moment

25:26 – It's normal to shout sometimes

25:48 – It's OK to feel annoyed

26:19 – Listener question: hormones and emotions

27:32 – Self-awareness before perimenopause

28:07 – Warning close ones about changes

28:38 – Recognising symptoms and seeking help

29:30 – Thank you and reflections

30:09 – Where to find more resources

#zoeblaskey #matrescence #naomipotter