The Empowered Woman

This season was all about matrescence, because we need to talk about the monumental transition women go through when they become mothers. Women have been birthing and mothering children for as long as humanity exists. So matrescence has existed for as long as humanity exists. But the word only entered the dictionary this year.

That might surprise you and it might not considering women have been largely ignored, belittled, oppressed and controlled for so long.

These episodes are my contribution to giving voice to what we need to hear. 

I will forever be grateful to all of the incredible women who spoke to me for matrescence season. Their knowledge, wisdom, real and raw honesty was shared so generously for the benefit of us all.

In this episode, I sit down with Motherhood Studies Sociologist Dr. Sophie Brock to explore how social constructions such as the institution of motherhood and the the 'good mother' myth shape women’s experiences of mothering. We discuss the historical roots of these myths, their impact on maternal mental health, and how women can reclaim their agency and power within these societal expectations. From the myth of the perfect mother to maternal ambivalence, Dr Brock offers a sociological lens to understand and reclaim maternal identity.

Dr Brock explains how a mother's identity can be shaped by these social constructs and how this identity formation begins in childhood when we are subjected to gendered social ideals and cultural or societal narratives of womanhood.

This episode invites mothers and supporting professionals alike to reflect on societal influences, challenge restrictive myths, and embrace a multifaceted reality of motherhood. It emphasises community, awareness, and reclaiming agency amidst social constraints.

I was joined by a woman who has made it her mission to secure better supports for mothers postpartum. Aolish Gormley suffered form postpartum depression after her second baby was born. It prompted her to set up a community group called Ardú, for mothers to meet up and connect.

After hearing the many struggles that mothers face postpartum, Aolish decided she would to advocate for better care and supports for mothers postpartum. The Year of Care Campaign was born.

You'll find the campaign on instagram: @yearofcarecampaignor at www.yearofcare.ie

In this really interesting interview, Dr Laura Bambrick discusses the historical and societal factors shaping work-life balance in Ireland, the impact of gender roles and how those gender roles came about as well as the need for policy reforms to support families and workers of all ages. 

Laura outlines how and why working hours were structured the way they are in Ireland and highlights how the roles traditionally held by women in the workforce are historically lower paid. She warns of sectors becoming 'feminised' as she said that generally leads to the lowering of terms and conditions too and says a much bigger cultural shift in how we view and men in the workplace is needed.

In this episode academic, former head of Women's Studies at UCD, feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, Ailbhe Smyth joined me for a life affirming conversation about motherhood. Ailbhe reflects on having never heard the term matrescence and what the word means to her.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable conversation that moves through her experience of becoming a mother and mothering in a society that doesn't value mothers. Ailbhe highlights the patriarchal structures that influence women's roles in society.

In her words, if you take anything form this podcast let it be that men are people and are what we are all measured against. Women are gendered and judged and devalued in and by their gender.

If you're curious about matrescence, or indeed any other life transition you are experiencing, and how I can support you as a coach take a look at my website below:

www.beyoucoaching.ie

www.beyoucoaching.ie/the-womens-collective

In this insightful interview, doula nd doula trainer Krysia Lynch shares her profound journey into motherhood. Krysia talks about how she was always a doer before becoming a mum and that motherhood completely changed that for her.

Krysia is a fierce advocate for more supports for mums both before and after birth and says societal support should be improved for new mothers.

Krysia takes us through the emotional, physical, and spiritual transformations involved in becoming a mother and describes matrescence as a rite of passage.

You'll find Krysia at krysia.ie

If you want to know more about matrescence and supports that re available then contact me at [email protected]. My website is www.beyoucoaching.ie

In this episode I am joined by Aisling Fox, a nutritional therapist and herbalist. Aisling shares insights on women's health, the lack of education that all women come up against around our bodies and our health as well as nutrition in postpartum recovery.

Aisling stresses the importance of looking after the mother once baby comes along and says that she believes that blood testing for new mums should be a priority.

In this episode psychologist and perinatal specialist Rebecca Reddin talks to me about the "clunky" parts of motherhood; the parts we don't talk about enough and that when we understand matrescence it can give us space to process the difficult parts. She highlights the importance of having your village but also acknowledges the difficulties around having that village in the way we live our lives today.

We also discuss the issue around the expectations that are placed on mothers and how in our efforts to do everything we become depleted and angry.

Rebecca highlights when it might be time to seek support for mental health challenges in motherhood.

Parentline
Phone: 01 873 3500

Cuidiú-Irish Childbirth Trust
Phone: 01 872 4501

In this episode Dr Aurélie Athan explains the origins of the word matrescence, society and cultures role in shaping our view of motherhood and how matrescence gives us a new framework to explore the real experiences of motherhood.

Matrescence is a transformative life transition for women akin to adolescence. Dr Athan explains the implications this has for understanding motherhood and how we can create a new space for understanding every mothers experience.

Dr Athan emphasises how the research stage is still in its infancy and that we have some way to go to laying down all of the research.

In this incredibly honest conversation, Emma shares her journey through matrescence, the transformative process of becoming a mother. She discusses the challenges and emotional upheavals that accompany this transition, emphasising the importance of self-compassion, community support, and the need for open conversations about motherhood.

Emma reflects on her personal experiences, the role of her art in expressing motherhood, and the significance of understanding one's mental health during this period.

This discussion highlights the cultural shifts needed to honor the complexities of motherhood and the importance of sharing experiences to foster understanding and compassion among mothers.

If you have been affected by anything by anything in this episode please do seek help or support. Here are some numbers you might find useful:

Parentline
Phone: 01 873 3500
www.parentline.ie

Cuidiú-Irish Childbirth Trust
Phone: 01 872 4501
www.cuidiu-ict.ie