In the ninth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Danielle, a first-time mother from Canada, who gave birth to her son, Jack, at 24 weeks. Danielle shares her experience of co-parenting with a medical team, the importance of listening to her intuition, and the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with a community of fellow NICU mums who truly understand.

Instagram accounts mentioned in this episode:

@nicu_experience

@miraclemoonuk

@preemiehood

In the eighth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Laura, a mum of three boys, James, Reuben, and Luca. Laura shares openly and beautifully about the loss of her son, James, who passed at 8 weeks of age due to a rare genetic mutation. Laura's is a story of resilience, courage, and a deep, deep love for all of her children.

“Every year, around 110,000 Australians have a miscarriage. 2,200 more endure the pain of stillbirth, 600 lose their baby in the first 28 days after birth and many more face the grief of termination for medical reasons. October is a time for Australia to break the silence and acknowledge the heartbreak happening too often right now.”
🎈Information sourced from Red Nose Australia, who provide bereavement support for anyone affected by a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or a child.
@rednoseaustralia
🐘You can also find connection and support through miscarriage from The Pink Elephants Support Network
@pinkelephantssupport

In the seventh episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by my beautiful friend Ariadna, who shares her journey of co-parenting and discovering that sometimes, the best path is to transition from partners to friends. She delves into the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between her work life and family life, offering valuable insights for other mothers striving for balance.

Ariadna also opens up about her empowering experience of choice and autonomy during childbirth, advocating for women's rights and their ability to make decisions that feel right for them during this transformative moment. She emphasises the significance of taking control of the birthing process, adding a unique perspective to the discourse on motherhood.

Ariadna shares with us the realisation that her daughters will experience a different type of childhood compared to her own. She reflects on this transformation, sharing the lessons she's learned and the beautiful moments she's created for her children.

Join us for this powerful episode, where Ariadna's story serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that define the journey of motherhood. It's a narrative of choices, boundaries, and the unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing environment for her family.

Instagram accounts mentioned in this episode:

@boobtofood

@tinyheartseducation

In the first episode of Motherwhelm Bites, I speak with Madeline, a counsellor for millennial women from Melbourne. She shares some easy-to-follow advice on how we can approach moments of anger, guilt, and shame throughout our motherhood journeys.

You can connect with Madeline on Instagram under the handle @sitwithself

She is currently accepting new clients online and in-person!

In the fifth episode of The Motherwhelm, I speak with Leah, a mother of two from Indiana, USA. She shares openly and vulnerably about the breakdown of her marriage, the courage she got from the birth of her son which enabled her to leave a toxic relationship, and the joy and love she found in a supportive partnership.

Through this conversation, it becomes clear that sometimes when life takes an unexpected turn, it can be exactly what you needed. Leah's story is an authentic reflection on finding your identity within and alongside motherhood, adjusting expectations of what motherhood looks like, working hard to achieve your goals, and valuing quality friendships.

You can find out more about Leah and her vision for mothers on her Instagram account @the_empowered_mama

In the fourth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Chelsea, the host of the Definitely Baby podcast, and second-time mum on her VBAC journey. She shares with us the difficulties of facing off against societal expectations, coming to terms with the unpredictability of birth, and the importance of reconnecting with her intuition.

Chelsea's story of an unplanned first pregnancy on an IUD speaks to the idea that sometimes the Universe can deliver exactly what we need, when we least expect it.

The podcasts recommended in this episode are:

Definitely Baby

Ready or Not

Stories of Motherhood

After Birth Pod

Beyond the Bump

Australian Birth Stories

Australian VBAC Stories

VBAC Birth Stories

Positive Birth Australia

Home Birth After Caesarean

You can find out more about Chelsea and her podcast on Instagram @definitelybabypodcast

In the third episode of The Motherwhelm I am joined by Georgia, a creative, resilient, and determined mother, who walks us through her hard-fought and hard-won breastfeeding journeys, the loneliness of new motherhood during a global pandemic, and the importance of building a community of like-minded mums.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of positive, genuine, and consistent support for mothers as they navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and early postpartum.

Georgia discusses the support and camaraderie she found among fellow mums, highlighting the difference a network of understanding and empathetic women can make to your mothering journey.

Georgia is a birth and postpartum doula servicing the Hawkesbury, Hills, Western Sydney, and surrounding areas. You can contact her on Instagram @georgiasleedoula and via her website: georgiasleedoula.com.au

Georgia is one of the co-hosts of the soon-to-be released Australian VBAC stories podcast @austalianvbacstories

In the second episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with my eldest sister, Liesel, who has embarked on a remarkable journey as a solo mother by choice. Liesel candidly shares her story, from the unique path to motherhood through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to the breakdown of her relationship after the birth of her first son.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Liesel’s deeply personal experiences, her unwavering commitment to her children, and her steadfast belief in following the cues of her little ones. She explores the challenges and triumphs of raising her sons on her own, emphasising the importance of being a present and supportive mother and meeting her children where they are.

Throughout this conversation, Liesel’s story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone considering or navigating the path of solo motherhood. Tune in to this inspiring episode as we delve into the joys, struggles, and lessons of choosing solo parenthood and raising children with unwavering love and dedication.

The recommended texts from this episode are:

Book/s

'Your baby, your birth' by Hollie de Cruz

https://rb.gy/o70q4

Social Media Account/s

Lael Stone

https://laelstone.com.au/

Instagram: @laelstone

Shug CM

Instagram and TikTok: @lackofimpulsecontrol

In the first episode of The Motherwhelm, I welcome my younger sister, Kirsten, to share her journey of motherhood so far. The episode covers a range of deeply personal and challenging experiences, providing a raw and authentic look at the highs and lows of becoming a mother during extraordinary circumstances.

Kirsten recounts her preeclampsia diagnosis, a turning point that added unexpected complications to her pregnancy. She reflects on giving birth during the chaos of a global pandemic, highlighting the isolation and loneliness she felt during her daughter’s SCN stay. 

Kirsten discusses the unique challenges that come with being a young mother, from societal expectations to personal doubts. Listeners will gain insight into how she found her stride as a mother, embracing her own path and learning to ignore external pressures. Kirsten offers valuable advice on setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, shedding light on how she manages to stay present in the more difficult moments of motherhood.

This episode of The Motherwhelm is a tribute to resilience, sisterhood, and the strength that can be found in sharing one's story. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a heartfelt connection with the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. Tune in to hear Kirsten’s remarkable journey as she navigates the complex terrain of motherhood with grace and determination.

Welcome to The Motherwhelm, the podcast that dives headfirst into the rollercoaster ride of motherhood. Join us for brutally honest and vulnerable conversations with real mums who aren’t afraid to spill the messy, funny, and sometimes hard truths about parenting.

In this trailer, you will get a sneak peek into what the podcast is all about. Our guests share their unfiltered experiences, from total overwhelm to moments of sheer joy and triumph. Expect raw and candid discussions about the challenges that come with being a mum, all while finding humour in the chaos.

The Motherwhelm is your safe space to feel understood, laugh out loud, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Whether you’re a seasoned mum or just starting your journey, this podcast is your companion in navigating the unpredictable world of motherhood. Subscribe now on Spotify or wherever you find podcasts, and get ready for a dose of real talk, vulnerability, and a whole lot of laughs!