In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the pressures that new mothers often face to do it all on their own or with very little help and the significant role that a supportive community can play in supporting mothers’ feeding experiences. We wrap up with actionable reflections on how mothers can identify and build their own 'village' of support to improve breastfeeding outcomes and overall maternal well-being.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Mindfulness Exercise

02:15 Challenges of Breastfeeding

03:07 The Importance of Organized Community Support

03:45 Partner, Grandmother and Family Involvement

05:49 Reflection and Building Your Support Village

06:52 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

This episode has been brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence Community - a private online community, away from social media, alongside a library of content to support you through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Join us today!

In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, we explore the challenges and cultural influences surrounding breastfeeding, including how early life experiences and societal messages shape beliefs about motherhood and infant feeding. The episode encourages mothers to reflect on their own feeding intentions and seek algined support to navigate current (potential!) breastfeeding challenges effectively.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Mindfulness Exercise

02:15 The Beginning of Your Breastfeeding Journey

03:50 Challenges and Realities of Breastfeeding

04:56 Reflecting on Cultural and Ancestral Stories

05:17 Invitation for Reflection and Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence Community. a virtual space for pregnant and new mothers, including a wisdom-filled library and a private online community, away from social media. Root in for more connection, clarity and confidence. Join today! (Details HERE)

In this episode we explore the impact of oxytocin on health: supporting resilience, emotional regulation, and overall well-being through its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The episode highlights the hormone's role in social connection, the gut, wound healing, and the regulation of the mother-infant nervous system and practical tips are offered on nourishing oxytocin levels to enhance wellbeing throughout matrescence and beyond.00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:15 Exploring Oxytocin Beyond Birth and Breastfeeding

03:22 Oxytocin, Social Support, and the Nervous System

04:42 Oxytocin, the Gut, and the Nervous System

05:37 Oxytocin and Wound Healing

06:01 Stress and the Nervous System of the Breastfeeding Dyad

08:13 Nourishing Oxytocin: Practical Tips

09:54 Conclusion and FarewellThis episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media.⁠⁠Join today⁠⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode, I share my personal journey of learning to balance the gifts of my left brain planning and structure with the gifts of my right brain intuition and presence, as I faced the unexpected challenges of in my transition to motherhood. As I integrated these early mothering experiences, my approach to supporting women, prenatally and postpartum, evolved. I called it informed, intuitive mothering and it continues to nourish the foundation of my services and programs today.00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment02:19 Embracing Uncertainty in Motherhood04:25 The Power of Right Brain Nourishment06:22 Balancing Knowledge and Intuition08:15 Supporting Your Unique Mothering Journey08:45 Closing Thoughts and Connection

This episode is brought to you by the⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media.⁠Join today⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

In this episode we explore matrescence - the significant developmental transition into motherhood, including physical, mental, and emotional impacts, as well as the cultural pressures that new mothers face. Emphasizing the importance of inner wisdom and community support, the episode also provides insights on navigating the complexities of early motherhood with more confidence, clarity and certainty.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:16 Introduction to Matrescence

04:29 The Emotional Journey of Motherhood

06:05 Navigating the Challenges and Joys

06:29 Conclusion and Farewell

The episode is brought to you by theWell Rooted Matrescence membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media.Join today for $9/month or $97/year.

Episode Transcript

Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence—your space to rest

I’m Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation

I’m grateful you’re here. Let’s root in to today’s episode.