If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt.

Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares tips and strategies on how to navigate mum guilt when it appears using her GUILT method. 

Sarah shares practical tips for working mums to balance their careers and family life without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Sarah's insights highlight the significance of reframing one's mindset to foster a more positive outlook on their dual roles.

This is a great episode that you might want to bookmark and come back to when you experience mum guilt to help you work through the mindset and emotions. 

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Connect with Sarah via Instagram @sarahkate.coaching

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the free Working Mumma Community

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs.

I explore why these emotions arise and share practical strategies to manage and alleviate guilt. During the episode, I share practical strategies and tips to help you to reframe the drop-off experience, acknowledge the benefits of childcare for both your child and you, and implement self-care practices.

Please know that if you experience mum guilt, you are not alone - every mum experiences it. But, you can work through the guilt and see all the positives for you both. 

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NEXT STEPS:

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Join the free Working Mumma Community

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

The topic of 'me time' for working mums is important. Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode shares practical tips on managing your time, overcoming guilt, and building a sustainable 'me time' routine.

Whether you’re struggling to find a few quiet minutes in your busy day or feeling guilty about prioritizing yourself, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

Tune in to learn how 'me time' can help you become a more balanced, energized, and happy mum.

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NEXT STEPS:

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Join the free Working Mumma Community

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Are you about to return to work and still breastfeeding and wondering how you will navigate this part of the transition? This episode will help you navigate breastfeeding and return to work. 

I speak with lactation consultant, Sarah Thijs-Smit, who shares great tips, strategies, and practical advice to help you maintain breastfeeding and return to work after maternity leave. 

It is important to do what works for you and your child, and everyone has different circumstances and preferences when it comes to feeding and pumping. What is important is that you and your child are happy with your situation.

Please know that in Australia, there are requirements for all organisations to provide a suitable space for pumping and if required breastfeeding while you are in the office. Here are some link to support you and give you additional information:

RES-Breastfeeding and Work - Your rights at work

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Pumping at work - what do I need? resource

Connect with Sarah via Instagram @thebreasthelp

Connect with Carina and Working Mumma

Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

I chat with Mark Morris, a husband, father, and advocate for equity and inclusion with a special interest in gender equality. 

Mark shares his personal commitment to social justice and gender equality, highlighting his decision to take his wife’s surname and his active efforts to promote fairness in the workplace and at home.

Mark passionately speaks about the importance of challenging gender stereotypes from a young age, sharing insights on societal pressures, the impact of early messaging on children, and what we can do to change the perceptions.

We discuss the importance of having blunt, in-your-face conversations about gender biases to call out bad behaviour, and the need for more visible advocacy in public spaces, from billboards to social media.

Don't miss this episode if you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in gender equality. Mark’s practical suggestions and hopeful outlook will inspire you to take small yet impactful steps towards a more balanced and fair society.

How to Connect with Mark:

• LinkedIn: Mark Morris

Connect with Carina and Working Mumma

Follow us on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the Working Mumma Village and find your community of support to help you navigate the juggle of work/mum life 

Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to acknowledge that your return to work will be a transition over several months. Preparing for this transition mentally, emotionally, and physically over some time helps set yourself up for success. 

In this episode, I explore practical tips and insights to help you navigate this significant change with confidence and ease, to help you transition from parental leave back to work as smoothly as possible.

From managing mum guilt to defining your "why," and communicating effectively with your employer, we cover all the essential aspects of preparing for your return to work.

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NEXT STEPS:

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speaker, and advisor and previously held leadership roles in engineering, sales and operations across three continents.

We delve into practical strategies for challenging stereotypes and improving communication within families to achieve a more balanced division of labor, while also discussing tips for managing flexible work arrangements.

Topics we spoke about included: 

* Defining the mental load and how it contributes to gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace, affecting women's careers and overall well-being.

* The importance of effective communication and the use of systems and habits to reduce decision points and streamline family responsibilities.

* Tips for managing flexible work arrangements, including setting boundaries, using technology to stay organized, and communicating with employers and colleagues.

* The need to redefine relationships as a balance of deep care and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability within families.

* How to challenge societal stereotypes around motherhood and the mental load, advocating for a more balanced and equitable approach to family responsibilities.

* Maja reflects on her journey in challenging stereotypes, highlighting the discomfort and growth that come with shifting societal norms.

* The ripple effect of change within families and society, highlighting the importance of incremental progress and continuous communication.

This episode offers many great valuable insights and practical tips to help you as a working mother navigate the complexities of the mental load, manage flexible work arrangements, and advocate for gender equality within your family and community.

Connect with Maja via LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/majapaleka

Follow us on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 

Join the Working Mumma Village and find your community of support to help you navigate the juggle of work/mum life 

I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counselor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and managing the mental load of working motherhood.

Laura shares practical strategies for setting standards and expectations with your partner, effective communication techniques, and the importance of self-care.

Whether you're struggling with balancing work, family, and personal time or looking for ways to reconnect with your partner, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you navigate these challenges.

* Learn how to establish clear expectations within your family and with your partner to reduce stress

Connect with Laura via her website laurapresscounselling.com.au or via Instagram @laurapresscounselling

Follow us on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life. 

Join the Working Mumma Village 

Everyone has their own parenting journey and I had an inspiring conversation with Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson. She shares her journey from an elite athlete representing her country to a working mum. Brooke has 4 children, 3 earthside and one angel baby, Jack, after he passed away when he was 9 months old. 

She has faced my challenges in both her professional swimming career and throughout her motherhood journey, and Brooke shares how she often comes back to her "why" to help her determine what is best for her family at that time, and why we don't need to compare ourselves to others. 

[Trigger Warning] Brooke opens up about her experience with infant loss and how it has shaped her perspective on life and motherhood. She shares candidly about the challenges and emotions involved, providing insight and understanding for those who may have experienced similar losses. Brooke also shares how valuable the Starlight Children's Foundation is and the positive impact it has had on her life and family.

Listen to discover how Brooke's story can inspire you to navigate life's challenges with a positive mindset and find joy in the journey.

Brooke Hanson is a proud ambassador for Starlight Children’s Foundation. She is sharing her story in support of Starlight Day on May 21, which aims to raise $1 Million dollars by June 30 to help brighten the lives of 26,000 seriously ill children. To donate visit starlight.org.au

Connect with Brooke:

• Instagram: @brookehanson_oly_oam

Support Starlight Children's Foundation:

• Visit starlight.org.au to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.

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NEXT STEPS:

Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Get the free 'How to share the mental load' workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Many women meticulously plan their childbirth, but what about planning for the long journey of being a working mum? Parenting and balancing work can last 18+ years, spanning various stages from childcare to high school. Each phase brings unique challenges and chances to reflect on your desires for yourself and your family.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of creating a 'working mum plan,' exploring how to uncover your true desires and navigate the complexities of working mum life. Tune in to define your path and envision the working mum life you truly want.

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NEXT STEPS:

Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 

Let's connect on LinkedIn 

Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

Get the free 'How to share the mental load' workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/