In the thirty-eighth episode of The Motherwhelm, I’m joined by Rachel, a mother whose journey into parenthood took an unexpected turn when her daughter Milla was born prematurely. Rachel shares with honesty and heart what it meant to navigate those early, fragile days - and how the experience reshaped her understanding of motherhood.

Together, we talk about the importance of slowing down, learning to surrender when life doesn't follow the script, and honouring your own path, even when it doesn't match the expectations around you.

Sources mentioned in the show

On Instagram: @miraclebabiesfoundation

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Ariane Beeston - author, psychologist, perinatal mental health advocate, and survivor of postpartum psychosis - to talk about maternal mental illness, recovery, and the healing power of storytelling.

Ariane shares her extraordinary journey through postpartum psychosis, reflecting on the devastating impact it had on her sense of self, the long road to recovery, and the courage it took to tell her story publicly. Together, we explore the silence that so often surrounds maternal mental illness, the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed care, and how healing can begin when women feel truly seen and understood.

We also discuss Ariane's memoir, Because I'm Not Myself, You See, and the role that writing played in helping her make sense of her experience. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, that vulnerability can create profound connection, and that sharing our stories has the power to change lives.

If you or someone you love has been affected by postpartum psychosis, perinatal mental illness, or you're searching for stories of hope and recovery after becoming a mother, I hope this conversation offers comfort, understanding, and reassurance that you are not alone.

Resources mentioned

• Because I'm Not Myself, You See: A Memoir of Motherhood, Madness, and Coming Back From the Brink by Ariane Beeston

• COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence

• Perinatal Stories Australia podcast

• Karen Kleiman & The Postpartum Stress Centre

Topics discussed: postpartum psychosis, maternal mental illness, perinatal mental health, recovery, memoir, storytelling, identity after motherhood, psychology, trauma recovery, advocacy, motherhood.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Madeline, a mum of two, cosplayer, gamer, and passionate maths teacher, to talk about motherhood identity, creativity, and honouring your own needs.

Madeline shares how she has navigated the ever-changing landscape of motherhood while holding onto the passions that make her who she is. Together, we explore the importance of making space for creativity, embracing hobbies without guilt, and recognising that caring for ourselves is an essential part of caring for our children.

We also discuss identity, self-acceptance, neurodivergence, and the ways motherhood can challenge us to redefine success on our own terms. Madeline offers a refreshing perspective on pursuing joy, celebrating individuality, and showing our children what it looks like to live authentically.

If you've ever wondered who you are outside of motherhood, struggled to make time for the things you love, or you're learning to embrace your own unique way of thinking and parenting, I hope this conversation reminds you that your passions are still worthy of your time and attention.

Resources mentioned

• TikTok: @domesticblisters

• Instagram: @biglittlefeelings, @responsive_parenting

• Facebook: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids

Topics discussed: motherhood identity, creativity in motherhood, honouring your needs, self-acceptance, cosplay, gaming, neurodivergence, ADHD, twice-exceptionality, motherhood, authentic parenting.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jess, a mum of three, to talk about separation, co-parenting, motherhood identity, and the courage it takes to rediscover yourself.

Jess shares with remarkable honesty the emotional journey of her marriage breakdown, the transition into co-parenting, and the resilience she discovered while rebuilding her life. Together, we explore the often-overlooked challenge of losing yourself in motherhood, and the empowering process of reconnecting with the parts of yourself that existed long before you became a parent.

We also discuss perinatal mental health, counselling, and how understanding herself—including her experience with ADHD—helped shape the woman and mother she is today. Jess's story is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn't always mean returning to who you were before motherhood; sometimes it means becoming someone entirely new.

If you're navigating separation, co-parenting, solo parenting, or you're trying to find yourself again after becoming a mother, I hope Jess's story leaves you feeling hopeful, encouraged, and reminded that it's never too late to begin again.

Topics discussed: marriage separation, co-parenting, solo parenting, motherhood identity, self-discovery, perinatal mental health, ADHD, counselling, resilience, motherhood.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Polly to talk about IVF, self-acceptance, and the life-changing impact of finding a supportive community in motherhood.

Polly shares her journey to motherhood through IVF, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatment and the resilience it required. Together, we explore how motherhood challenged her relationship with herself, the ongoing practice of self-acceptance, and the importance of surrounding yourself with women who truly understand what you're going through.

We also discuss strength, femininity, and the powerful influence mothers have in modelling body confidence and self-worth for the next generation. Polly's story is a beautiful reminder that motherhood isn't about striving for perfection—it's about learning to embrace yourself with compassion and allowing others to walk alongside you.

If you've experienced IVF, you're navigating your own path towards self-acceptance, or you're searching for a genuine sense of community in motherhood, I hope Polly's story leaves you feeling encouraged and a little less alone.

Topics discussed: IVF, fertility, assisted reproduction, motherhood community, self-acceptance, body confidence, strength and femininity, motherhood identity, maternal wellbeing, connection.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Alyce to talk about miscarriage, postnatal anxiety, body image, and becoming a young mother.

Alyce shares her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, twin pregnancy, and the transition into motherhood at a young age. She reflects on navigating postnatal anxiety, finding the courage to seek support, and learning to care for her mental health while adjusting to the enormous changes that come with becoming a mother.

Together, we also explore the complexities of body image after birth, the importance of a supportive community, and the grace it takes to accept ourselves through every stage of motherhood. Alyce's story is an honest reminder that healing isn't linear, and that vulnerability can become a powerful source of connection.

If you've experienced miscarriage, postnatal anxiety, you're navigating body image after pregnancy, or you're looking for reassurance that asking for help is a strength, I hope Alyce's story helps you feel seen and supported.

Topics discussed: miscarriage, pregnancy loss, twin pregnancy, postnatal anxiety, maternal mental health, postpartum support, body image, body image after pregnancy, young motherhood, church community, motherhood.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Yara Heary, psychologist, mother, and host of the Life After Birth podcast, to talk about reparenting, self-compassion, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and letting go of the perfect mother myth.

Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own experience of motherhood, Yara explores the profound intersection between healing ourselves and raising our children. Together, we discuss reparenting, the pressure to live up to the perfect mother myth, and how cultivating self-compassion can transform not only our parenting, but our relationship with ourselves.

Yara also shares practical tools—including breathwork and principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS)—to help regulate the nervous system, respond to difficult emotions with curiosity, and create lasting change. This is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation about breaking old patterns, embracing imperfection, and finding confidence in your own way of mothering.

If you're interested in reparenting, Internal Family Systems, self-compassion, or you're learning to release unrealistic expectations of yourself as a mother, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling lighter, more hopeful, and deeply understood.

Connect with Yara

• Instagram: @lifeafterbirthpsychology

• Website: lifeafterbirth.com.au

Topics discussed: reparenting, Internal Family Systems, IFS, self-compassion, perfect mother myth, motherhood identity, nervous system regulation, breathwork, emotional wellbeing, psychology, maternal mental health, breaking generational patterns.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Rachel to talk about motherhood, community, identity, and creating a life that aligns with your values.

Rachel shares how making a tree change transformed her experience of motherhood, allowing her family to embrace a slower pace of life and a stronger sense of connection. Together, we explore the friendships that sustain us, the ongoing evolution of motherhood identity, and what it means to intentionally build a life that feels true to who you are.

We also discuss the challenges of staying politically engaged while raising children, and how activism can take on new meaning through the lens of motherhood. Rachel offers a thoughtful perspective on balancing family life with the desire to contribute to meaningful change, reminding us that motherhood can deepen—not diminish—our sense of purpose.

If you're navigating a season of change, dreaming of a different way of living, or wondering how motherhood can reshape your priorities and identity, I hope Rachel's story leaves you feeling inspired to create a life that reflects what matters most to you.

Rachel shares her empowering VBAC story on the Australian VBAC Stories podcast in Episode 8.

Topics discussed: motherhood identity, tree change, country living, community, friendship, activism, political engagement, intentional living, VBAC, motherhood.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Adelle to talk about birth trauma, postpartum rage, EMDR therapy, and the journey of healing after a traumatic birth.

Adelle shares her deeply personal experience of recovering from birth trauma and reclaiming confidence in herself after a difficult start to motherhood. She reflects on the role of reparenting, EMDR therapy, and perinatal counselling in helping her process her experiences, move through postpartum rage, and develop greater self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Together, we explore how healing isn't about forgetting what happened—it's about creating space for a different future. Adelle also shares her HBAC (Home Birth After Caesarean) journey and the empowering experience of approaching birth again after trauma with knowledge, support, and trust in herself.

If you've experienced birth trauma, postpartum rage, you're considering EMDR therapy, or you're preparing for a VBAC or HBAC after a difficult birth, I hope Adelle's story reminds you that healing is possible and that your story doesn't have to end where it began.

Topics discussed: birth trauma, traumatic birth, postpartum rage, EMDR therapy, reparenting, self-compassion, self-acceptance, perinatal counselling, HBAC, home birth after caesarean, VBAC, healing after birth trauma, motherhood.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Natalie, a hypnobirthing educator and mum of two, to talk about hypnobirthing, positive birth experiences, home birth, and the lasting impact birth can have on motherhood.

Natalie shares how hypnobirthing transformed not only her birth experiences, but also the way she approached breastfeeding, parenting, and emotional regulation long after her babies were born. Together, we explore how preparing for birth can influence confidence, connection, and the way we respond to ourselves and our children throughout motherhood.

We also discuss the role of breathwork, the importance of a supportive birth partner, and why a woman's birth experience extends far beyond the birthing room. Natalie's perspective is a powerful reminder that birth isn't simply a single day—it's an experience that can shape the way we enter motherhood and the relationship we build with ourselves.

If you're preparing for birth, considering hypnobirthing or home birth, or you're curious about how birth experiences can influence the postpartum period and beyond, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling informed, empowered, and supported.

Resources mentioned

• @evidencebasedbirth

• @thegreatbirthrebellion

Connect with Natalie

• Instagram: @preparedtobirth

• Website: preparedtobirth.com

Topics discussed: hypnobirthing, positive birth, positive birth experience, home birth, birth preparation, birth education, breathwork, emotional regulation, breastfeeding support, supportive birth partner, postpartum wellbeing, motherhood.