In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Dr Rachel Bushing, mother of three and lead clinical psychologist/ owner of @poppsychologyclinic + @threelittlebirdspsychology. Dr Rach shares her insights on perinatal mental health from 20 years of professional practice as a family/ child focussed psychologist as well as her own journey into motherhood which started with adjusting to the complexities of pregnancy and parenthood with twins. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with Dr Rach

• @dr.rachelbushing on Instagram
• Three Little Birds website: https://threelittlebirdsperinatal.com/
• Pop Psychology website: https://littleshopofpop.com/
• Seeds of sunshine training website: https://seedsofsunshine.com/

Trigger warnings

This episode discusses child protection, fertility treatment, HG, birth trauma and a range of mental health challenges. 

In this episode we chat with father of two, sports performance coach, nutritionist and owner of Rebuild Health and Fitness - James Batey. James and I chat all things health and fitness in early parenthood, including James' own journey. From playing national representative rugby in Wales to owning performance gyms in Brisbane, hear all about what James has learnt about setting yourself up for health and fitness success in the chaos of early years parenthood. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with James

• @coachjames_rebuild on Instagram
• Rebuild website: https://rebuildhealthandfitness.com/

Trigger warnings

This episode discusses miscarriage.

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Terri who is a mother of two, emergency response worker and previous owner of kids clothing company Little Bloom Collective. Terri and I discuss her journey into motherhood and the whirlwind experience of being a surrogate for one of her best friends in between having her own two boys. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with Terri 

• @raisingthejohnss_ on Instagram

Surrogacy resources 

https://www.facebook.com/surrogacyforaustralians/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ftsaust/

https://www.instagram.com/sarah_surrogacylawyer/

Trigger warnings

This episode discusses ease of conception, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, birth injuries and fertility challenges. 

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are so lucky to be joined by Amber-lee @thepowerofbirth to talk all things HG. Amber-lee is a final year Master of Psychology student who experienced HG in both of her unexpected pregnancies. I love the way Amber-lee so eloquently describes the complexity of living with HG both during and after pregnancy as we chat through HG's biological, psychological and social impacts and the importance of systemic change for those who experience HG.

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with Amber-lee

• @thepowerofbirth on Instagram
• Or via her website https://www.thepowerofbirth.net/

HG resources 

https://www.hyperemesis.org/our-foundation/

https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/

Trigger warnings

This episode discusses ease of conception, maternal suicide, mother and infant health risks with HG and abortion. 

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode I chat with life and mindset coach Sarah Kate about her tricky transition to parenthood during COVID and how she uses her psych science/ counselling background in her coaching work with mothers. Specifically, Sarah Kate and I focus her unique framework for working with mothers experiencing guilt. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with Sarah Kate 

• @sarah.katecoaching on Instagram
• Or via her website https://www.sarahkatecoaching.com/

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are joined by Yara Heary, principal psychologist and owner of @lifeafterbirthpsychology. Yara and I spoke about her poignant journey to this work through motherhood, the concept of matricentric feminism and how it applies to our lived experiences as women and mothers. There are so many beautiful reflections in this episode, particularly around the sacredness of connections between women. I'm certain you'll enjoy this one. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today

Connect with Yara 

• @lifeafterbirthpsychology on Instagram
• Or via her website https://www.lifeafterbirth.com.au/

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

Welcome back to our first episode of 2024! 

We are so happy to be back with our first chat series episode for the year - all about feeling 'stuck' and working through it. We chat about what we've found challenging recently, how we know when we are getting stuck and what things help us the most (plus the bonus things that most certainly do not help in retrospect but are good for a laugh). 

A quick reminder I am now available again for face to face counselling for the first time in several months. Booking details are in the link below - I'd love to help you get un-stuck in 2024 if it's been a challenging one so far/ if you've been holding on to a heap of stuff you'd love to finally put down this year. Let's make it happen. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Kathryn 

- @_motherup on Instagram 

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In the very first episode of my new 'Chat series' on the podcast - I team up with guest co-host Kathryn @_motherup to chat through a big end of year topic for many early years parents - preparing for daycare, kindy (pre-school) or primary school parenthood. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Kathryn 

- @_motherup on Instagram 

Trigger warnings

This episode discusses chronic illness, fertility complications, pregnancy loss, significant perinatal mental health challenges and infant hospitalisation/ illness. 

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode I explore the many ways new and expectant parents might feel isolated in the perinatal period. This includes discussion around isolation: 

• Physically/ geographically
• From experiences/ hobbies
• Within relationships
• Regarding purpose

I also share several top mental health and connectivity tips/ things to try when feeling isolated during this time. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

As discussed in the episode:

Insight Timer App

COPE groups and resources

PANDA helpline and resources

Gidget virtual village

Online mother's group for rural mothers

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are lucky to hear from Steph Trethewey. Steph is a mother of two, journalist, author, podcast host and the founder of @motherlandaustralia, a national charity supporting and connecting rural mothers. In this episode Steph and I chat about her: 

• Journalism career pre-children  
• Very challenging first postpartum experience  
• Feelings of isolation that deepened upon moving to rural Tasmania as a new mother 
• Creation of the Motherland podcast and online mother's groups for her own mental health and to help others
• Journey as Motherland has grown, writing her first book and soon to be hosting the first Motherland national conference in March 2024. 

Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Steph 

- Website: https://motherlandaustralia.com.au/

- Instagram: @motherlandaustralia

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.