The Motherwhelm

Bronwyn Senn

The Motherwhelm is an interview-style podcast for women to safely share the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, shed light on taboos and celebrate everyday victories.

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30 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 57 min
English

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S3 · E70
Thursday · 1 hr 4 min
70 | The Motherwhelm with Claire | Matrescence, Birth Trauma & the Hidden World of Motherhood
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Claire, mother of two, singer-songwriter, filmmaker, and creator of the documentary Matrescence: The Hidden World of Motherhood, to talk about what really happens to women when they become mothers. Claire shares how years of working with children left her believing she was well prepared for motherhood, only to discover that nothing had prepared her for the enormity of the transition itself. We talk about her traumatic first birth, breastfeeding difficulties, the loss of autonomy she experienced within maternity care, becoming a mother again during COVID and the years of pushing through until her body eventually forced her to stop. It was through songwriting that Claire began making sense of what she had experienced — eventually discovering the word matrescence, and with it an entirely new way of understanding herself. Our conversation explores maternal ambivalence, identity, postpartum depletion, the cultural pressure for mothers to “do it all”, community and the village, pleasure and sexuality after motherhood, creativity, and what it means to find your voice again after becoming a mother. We also talk about Claire’s forthcoming documentary, Matrescence: The Hidden World of Motherhood, and her hope that giving women language for this enormous transition might help them feel less alone. Topics discussed: matrescence, maternal identity, expectations of motherhood, maternal archetypes, self-sacrificing motherhood, feminism, the mental load, birth trauma, autonomy in birth, caesarean birth, breastfeeding difficulties, postpartum depletion, maternal mental health, maternal ambivalence, motherhood during COVID, burnout, creativity, songwriting, finding your voice, mothers’ groups, community, the village, sexuality after motherhood, the erotic mother, pleasure, desire, being touched out, body connection, separation, co-parenting, boundaries, people-pleasing, perimenopause, becoming, and Matrescence: The Hidden World of Motherhood.
S3 · E18
September 20 · 1 hr 9 min
69 | The Motherwhelm with Michelle | Breaking Cycles, Birth Trauma & the Pressure to Be a Perfect Mum
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Michelle, a psychologist and mum in a blended family of five, to talk about breaking generational cycles, birth trauma, and letting go of the pressure to be the perfect mother. Michelle shares a complicated journey into motherhood that included pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, the breakdown of her relationship during pregnancy, becoming a single mum, and a difficult first birth. We also talk about finding love again, creating a beautifully connected blended family, her subsequent VBAC, and the significant birth injuries and physical recovery that followed. Along the way, Michelle reflects on how her own childhood has shaped the mother she wants to be, the relentlessness of parenting, repairing after we lose our patience, body image after babies, and learning that our children don't need perfection - they need connection. We also talk about how motherhood gave Michelle a sense of purpose she hadn't expected and ultimately led her to combine her work as a psychologist with her passion for pregnancy, birth, and motherhood through perinatal psychology. Resources mentioned: The Great Birth Rebellion The Mel Robbins' Podcast 'Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers' by Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté Topics discussed: motherhood expectations, perfectionism, good-enough parenting, social media, perinatal psychology, childhood trauma, family violence, breaking generational cycles, unconditional love, rupture and repair, miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, fertility treatment, IUI, relationship breakdown during pregnancy, infidelity, single motherhood, caesarean birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, blended families, co-parenting, VBAC, maternity care, birth trauma, forceps birth, third-degree tear, postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusion, special care, prolapse, pelvic-floor recovery, body image, stretch marks, subsequent pregnancy after loss, preparing for another birth, relationships after children, the mental load, maternal identity, self-care, career and motherhood, slowing down and being present.
S3 · E68
September 17 · 12 min
68 | Motherwhelm Moments | Four Mums on the Reality of Early Motherhood
In this mini episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with four mums - Nikita, Caitlin, Nicole and Aline - for an honest conversation about the early months of motherhood. They share what they imagined motherhood would be like, what surprised them once their babies arrived, and what they wish they could go back and tell themselves in those first few weeks. We talk about sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, trusting your instincts, accepting help, finding other mums and learning that there is no single right way to do motherhood. And finally, they share what they would want another mum to know if she were listening in the middle of the night, wondering whether she was doing any of it right. Topics discussed: new motherhood, first-time motherhood, expectations versus reality, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, formula feeding, maternal intuition, unsolicited advice, accepting help, asking for support, loneliness, mothers’ groups, finding community, comparison, trusting yourself, slowing down, the mental load, enjoying the little moments and how quickly the early months pass.
S3 · E67
September 9 · 50 min
67 | The Motherwhelm with Kim | Motherhood, Loneliness & Building Mum Walk
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Kimberley, founder of Mum Walk, to talk about the reality of becoming a mother far from family during the pandemic, the isolation of early motherhood, and how those experiences eventually led her to build the community she had needed herself. Kim shares the shock of becoming a mother after years of being deeply career-focused, a difficult first birth in London, postpartum depression, and life with a colicky baby while separated from family in Australia. We also talk about her very different second experience of birth and postpartum, the identity shift of matrescence, and why connection with other mothers can make such a profound difference. We then trace Mum Walk from one local Facebook post to a growing grassroots movement creating free, accessible spaces for mothers to walk, talk, and build community together. This is a conversation about giving ourselves more grace, making motherhood visible, and recognising that if we want mothers to have a village, we have to build it together. Resources mentioned: mumwalk.org Topics discussed: Motherhood identity, matrescence, pregnancy, pelvic girdle pain, maternity care in the UK and Australia, birth during COVID, birth trauma, postpartum depression, colic, sleep deprivation, maternal isolation, second-time motherhood, positive birth, postpartum body changes, chronic pelvic pain, community, friendship, Mum Walk, mothers’ groups, social connection, the nuclear family, third spaces, maternal wellbeing, volunteer community leadership, the mental and unpaid load of motherhood, self-doubt, grace and building the village.
S3 · E66
September 2 · 1 hr 11 min
66 | The Motherwhelm with Rose | Birth Trauma, Postpartum Depression & Career Change
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Rose to talk about birth trauma, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, and finding her way back to trust in herself after a difficult beginning to motherhood. Rose shares how the premature birth of her first son and an unexpected caesarean left her feeling unheard, separated from her baby, and struggling with attachment and her mental health in the months that followed. We talk about the expectations we place on that first moment of becoming a mother, what happens when the bond isn't instantaneous, and the lasting impact birth experiences can have on the way we see ourselves and our bodies. Rose also opens up about experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, navigating pregnancy again after trauma, and eventually preparing for a home birth after caesarean. We explore informed decision-making, maternal intuition, advocacy, and what it can mean to approach birth again after your trust has been shaken. Beyond birth, we talk about identity, relationships, career, community, and the ways motherhood ultimately changed the direction Rose wanted her life to take. This is a conversation about trauma and loss, but also about rebuilding trust, finding support, and discovering that a difficult beginning doesn't have to define the rest of your motherhood story. Resources mentioned Gidget House The Great Birth Rebellion Ina May's Guide to Childbirth — Ina May Gaskin Zoe Blaskey The Birth Bag Topics discussed: birth trauma, postpartum depression, maternal-infant attachment, premature birth, caesarean birth, pregnancy loss, recurrent miscarriage, VBAC, home birth after caesarean, birth advocacy, informed decision-making, maternal intuition, matrescence, motherhood identity, relationships, career change, doula support.
S3 · E65
August 30 · 51 min
65 | The Motherwhelm with Taylor | Stepmotherhood, Pregnancy Loss & Learning to Ask for Help
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Taylor to talk about becoming a stepmother before she was ready for motherhood herself, navigating a complex co-parenting relationship, and how everything changed again when she welcomed children of her own. Taylor shares the rarely spoken-about reality of becoming a stepmum to a newborn, the loneliness of having no one around her who understood the experience, and the difficult emotions that surfaced after the birth of her first biological child. We talk about resentment, guilt, boundaries, therapy, and the pressure placed on stepmothers to take on a maternal role - even when nobody has asked what they are comfortable carrying. Later, Taylor shares her experience of an ectopic pregnancy, two subsequent miscarriages, and the anxiety of pregnancy after loss. She speaks candidly about knowing something was wrong, feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals, and the importance of advocating for yourself when you know your own body. We also discuss her eventual VBAC, the difference between a traumatic event and a birth that can still feel emotionally empowering, body image after motherhood, the mental load, toddlerhood, career flexibility, friendship, asking for help, and accepting that every family can look a little different. This is an honest conversation about the parts of motherhood and stepmotherhood we don’t always say out loud - and the relief that can come when someone finally tells us our feelings are allowed. Resources mentioned: The Great Birth Rebellion Pop Culture Parenting You can listen to Taylor's birth stories in Episode 44 of Australian VBAC Stories Topics discussed: Stepmotherhood, blended families, co-parenting, becoming a stepmum to a newborn, maternal expectations, postpartum mental health, resentment and guilt, therapy, boundaries, biological and step-parent bonds, motherhood identity, flexible work, occupational therapy, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, medical dismissal, self-advocacy, pregnancy after loss, perinatal anxiety, caesarean birth, VBAC, birth trauma, informed and respectful care, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, body image, exercise and mental health, relationships after children, toddlerhood, the mental load, friendship, self-care, asking for help and accepting that families can look different.
S3 · E64
August 26 · 1 hr 26 min
64 | The Motherwhelm with Sam | HELLP Syndrome, Baby Loss, Pregnancy After Loss & Finding Her Calling
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sam to talk about fertility struggles, HELLP syndrome, the loss of her twins James and Poppy, pregnancy after loss, premature birth, and the experiences that ultimately led her towards a completely new career. Sam shares the story of becoming pregnant with James and Poppy after discovering she had PCOS and endometriosis. At 24 weeks, severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome meant Sam became critically unwell and faced the devastating reality that her babies could not be saved. We talk about grieving her babies, the support that mattered, seeking psychological help when she was finally ready, and what it was like to become pregnant again knowing that the worst really could happen. Sam also shares the intrusive thoughts and anxiety she experienced during pregnancy and postpartum after loss. Sam went on to welcome Arthur at 30 weeks and Teddy at 35 weeks, and we talk about NICU, feeding, motherhood after loss, and the complicated experience of holding enormous gratitude alongside fear and grief. But Sam’s story also became the beginning of something she never expected. After years of being cared for by midwives, nurses and doctors during some of the most vulnerable moments of her life, she left her career as a paralegal and returned to university to study nursing, with plans to become a midwife. This is a deeply moving conversation about babies who remain part of a family even when they cannot come home, the way grief changes us, and how our most painful experiences can shape the way we choose to care for others. Resources mentioned Australian Birth Stories Motherland Australia Maggie Dent Raising Boys Jess Urlichs Topics discussed: PCOS, endometriosis, fertility treatment, twin pregnancy, severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, baby loss, James and Poppy, grief, psychological support, pregnancy after loss, anxiety and intrusive thoughts, premature birth, caesarean birth, medical intervention, NICU and special care, feeding and expressing, motherhood after loss, parenting after trauma, maternal identity, body image and gratitude, self-care, returning to study, career change, nursing and midwifery, compassionate maternity care, supporting mothers in NICU
S3 · E63
August 23 · 57 min
63 | The Motherwhelm with Carly | Home Birth, Career Reinvention & Being Cracked Open by Motherhood
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Carly to talk about home birth, identity, career reinvention, and the ways motherhood can crack us open and reveal parts of ourselves we didn't know were there. Before becoming a mother, Carly spent years travelling the world before training as a midwife and supporting women through birth. She entered motherhood feeling deeply confident in birth - and soon discovered just how different it is to experience something from inside it. Carly shares the stories of her three very different home births, including a third birth that unfolded in just 45 minutes, and the lessons each taught her about control, intuition, support and the relationship between a mother and her baby. Together, we explore the transition from one child to two, to three; the impossibility of meeting everyone's needs all of the time; and what it means to learn to ask for and receive support. We also talk about the family patterns motherhood can bring to the surface, reparenting ourselves while raising our children, and learning to meet the messiness of motherhood with greater self-compassion. Carly also reflects on how becoming a mother completely changed her relationship with work. After years of living and breathing home birth midwifery, she realised she no longer wanted a career that required her to be constantly on call, leading her to reshape her work around the life she wanted with her children. This is a conversation about surrendering the version of motherhood we imagined, learning from the children in front of us, and allowing motherhood to change us rather than fighting to remain who we were before. Resources mentioned: Marion Rose Aletha Solter Aware Parenting Alfie Kohn — Unconditional Parenting Hand in Hand Parenting Sophie Brock Seed Pod Families Topics discussed: home birth, midwifery, physiological birth,precipitous labour, postpartum, travelling with children, motherhood identity, transition from one to two children, asking for support, family of origin, reparenting, self-compassion, maternal self-care, career change, lactation support, aware parenting, slowing down, presence.
S3 · E61
August 19 · 1 hr 5 min
62 | The Motherwhelm with Amy | Young Motherhood, Birth Choices, Autism & Redefining Success
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Amy to talk about becoming a mother at eighteen, navigating single motherhood, raising an autistic teenager, and redefining what success looks like through the different seasons of motherhood. Amy reflects on the judgment she experienced as a young single mum, the determination it sparked to prove people wrong, and how those early experiences shaped both her parenting and her career as a social worker supporting families. Together, we explore the realities of raising children across vastly different ages, balancing career ambitions with family life, and the way motherhood continually asks us to adapt as our children grow. We also discuss birth experiences, informed decision-making, caesarean births, VBAC, breastfeeding, body image, parenting neurodivergent children, and the importance of finding confidence in your own voice amidst the opinions of others. Amy shares how becoming a mother inspired her life's work, why she believes families deserve support rather than judgment, and how motherhood has taught her to embrace both ambition and flexibility. This is an honest conversation about resilience, advocacy, parenting across different seasons of life, and discovering that there is no single "right" way to build a family or a meaningful career. If you've ever questioned your parenting, felt the weight of other people's opinions, navigated motherhood alongside career aspirations, or raised a child with additional needs, I hope Amy's story reminds you to trust yourself and celebrate the family you're creating. Resources mentioned Matrescence by Lucy Jones The Motherhood (edited collection of letters by Australian women) I'm Just Not Myself You See by Ariane Beeston Australian Birth Stories Podcast Australian VBAC Stories Podcast Ready or Not Podcast Safe Hands (maternal and child health resources) Topics discussed: young motherhood, single motherhood, family violence, birth stories, caesarean birth, VBAC, birth choices, informed consent, breastfeeding, body image, autism, neurodivergent parenting, career and motherhood, social work, matrescence, family support, parenting identity, motherhood and ambition.
S3 · E60
August 16 · 44 min
61 | The Motherwhelm with Alena | Recurrent Miscarriage, Motherhood After 40 & Somatic Healing
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Alena to explore recurrent miscarriage, motherhood after forty, the realities of single motherhood, and how becoming a mother can become a catalyst for healing, self-trust, and coming home to yourself. Alena reflects on becoming a mother after a life marked by parentification, instability, adversity, and a deep longing to create the family she had always imagined. She shares her experience of separating from her eldest son's father when he was a baby, navigating seven years of single motherhood, and experiencing a period of homelessness while trying to build a safe and stable life for them both. We also discuss Alena's ten pregnancies, including pregnancy termination, multiple miscarriages, IVF, and the four-year journey that eventually led to conceiving her youngest child naturally at forty-four. Alena speaks openly about the complexity of reproductive loss, why miscarriage and termination deserve compassionate and nuanced conversations, and the intuitive sense that helped her continue when others thought she should simply let go. Together, we explore the perfect mother myth, inherited family patterns, maternal rage, depletion, boundaries, and the importance of caring for yourself as a woman rather than continually abandoning your own needs. Drawing on her work as a somatic therapist, Alena shares how awareness, emotional expression, self-compassion, and reconnecting with the body can help women come home to themselves. Alena also reflects on raising children across very different seasons of her life, giving birth in her twenties and forties, the isolation of single motherhood, and the communities that helped her feel supported and understood. We talk about integrating motherhood with ambition, work, relationships, spirituality, physical strength, and the many identities a woman carries throughout her life. This is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, intuition, maternal depletion, and learning that motherhood does not magically heal us - but it can give us a powerful reason to pursue healing for ourselves. If you feel like you've lost touch with yourself while caring for everyone else, I hope Alena's story reminds you that support is available, your needs matter, and it is never too late to come home to yourself. Resources mentioned: Alena's podcast, Unboxable The Lion Life Roadmap Lael Stone Louise Hay Dr Oscar Serrallach Dr Zach Bush Pop Culture Parenting Alena's birth story on the She Births blog Topics discussed: recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy loss, termination, motherhood after forty, pregnancy in your forties, IVF, single motherhood, homelessness, motherhood after adversity, parentification, perfect mother myth, intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, intuition, somatic therapy, maternal depletion, postnatal depletion, maternal rage, boundaries, self-abandonment, self-compassion, emotional regulation, attachment parenting, motherhood identity, community, women's health, martial arts, birth experiences, postpartum support, healing and self-discovery.
S2 · E56
August 12 · 1 hr 9 min
60 | The Motherwhelm with Jess | Birth Trauma, NICU & Building Your Village
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jess to talk about two vastly different birth experiences, the power of community, and how motherhood transformed not only the way she parents, but the woman she has become. Jess shares her journey from a fast-paced corporate career to unexpectedly becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on preparing for an empowering physiological birth, experiencing the uninterrupted stillness of postpartum lockdowns, and later facing a completely different reality when a hidden placental haemorrhage led to an emergency caesarean birth at just 33 weeks and a NICU stay with her second baby. Together, we explore birth trauma, premature birth, the emotional complexity of having a baby in NICU, and the importance of processing difficult birth experiences rather than carrying them alone. Jess speaks candidly about rebuilding after trauma, trusting her intuition, and why every mother deserves access to compassionate birth trauma support. We also talk about the profound identity shift that comes with motherhood, leaving behind a successful corporate career, embracing slower seasons of life, and discovering a new passion for supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. One of the most beautiful parts of Jess's story is how loneliness led her to create the village she longed for - quite literally introducing herself to mothers walking past her house until a thriving community began to grow. This is a conversation about birth, healing, matrescence, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It's a reminder that while motherhood rarely unfolds the way we imagine, it often leads us exactly where we were meant to be. If you've experienced birth trauma, a NICU journey, the loneliness of early motherhood, or you're longing to find your village, I hope Jess's story reminds you that healing happens in connection, and sometimes all it takes is one brave conversation to change everything. Resources mentioned Books Ten Moons – Jane Hardwicke Collings The First Forty Days – Heng Ou Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding – Ina May Gaskin Books by Sarah J. Buckley Authors & Educators Jane Hardwicke Collings Ina May Gaskin Sarah J. Buckley Topics discussed: physiological birth, birth trauma, emergency caesarean, placental abruption, retroplacental haematoma, NICU, premature birth, postpartum recovery, birth debriefing, breastfeeding, postpartum planning, motherhood identity, matrescence, career change, postpartum support, village-building, community, women's circles, motherhood friendship, intuition, COVID pregnancy, home birth planning, healing after birth trauma.
S2 · E58
August 9 · 56 min
59 | The Motherwhelm with Jenna | IVF, Birth Trauma, Emotional Regulation & Trusting Yourself
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jenna to talk about infertility, IVF, birth trauma, emotional regulation, and learning to trust yourself through motherhood. Jenna shares her long road to becoming a mother, from navigating endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and IVF during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, to welcoming her two boys after years of longing. She reflects on the heartbreak of infertility, the emotional toll of repeated setbacks, and the profound gratitude that followed becoming a mother. Together, we explore two traumatic birth experiences, the grief of an unexpected emergency caesarean, and the deep disappointment of preparing for a VBAC that ultimately ended the same way. Jenna speaks openly about birth trauma, postpartum mental health, infant feeding challenges, and the pressure she placed on her body after feeling it had "failed" her through infertility, birth, and breastfeeding. We also discuss motherhood identity, accepting help, raising emotionally secure boys, body image after motherhood, and the ongoing work of learning to regulate our own emotions while teaching our children to regulate theirs. Jenna shares how motherhood has transformed her confidence, strengthened her relationships, and taught her to trust her instincts above the endless noise of conflicting advice. This is an honest conversation about resilience, healing, letting go of perfection, and discovering that motherhood isn't about getting everything right, it's about showing up, repairing when we need to, and growing alongside our children. If you've experienced infertility, IVF, birth trauma, difficult postpartum emotions, or you've ever questioned whether your body has let you down, I hope Jenna's story reminds you that healing is possible, and that your worth has never been defined by how your motherhood journey began. Resources mentioned: Australian VBAC Stories PodcastAustralian Birth StoriesJess UrlichsMatrescent MuseRaising Boys – Maggie DentCatherine DennyEmma Heaphy Topics discussed: IVF, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, COVID fertility treatment, birth trauma, emergency caesarean, VBAC, birth debrief, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding challenges, formula feeding, body image, motherhood identity, emotional regulation, raising boys, gentle parenting, motherhood confidence, village, trusting your instincts. Resources mentionedTopics discussed:
S3 · E58
August 7 · 18 min
58 | Motherwhelm Memos | What No One Prepared Me For
In the very first episode of Motherwhelm Memos, mothers from around the world answer one simple question: What is something about motherhood that no one prepared you for? The answers are raw, funny, heartbreaking, validating, and deeply honest. From navigating mum guilt, advocating for sick children, coping with sensory overload and the relentless mental load, to grieving the loss of certainty, parenting neurodivergent children, and living with the physical realities of pregnancy and postpartum, these voice notes capture motherhood exactly as it's being lived. These aren't polished interviews or carefully crafted stories. They're real voice notes, recorded in cars, backyards, kitchens, and the small moments mothers could carve out for themselves. Because sometimes we don't need advice. We just need to hear another mother say, "Me too." If you've ever wondered whether you're the only one carrying the invisible weight of motherhood, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone.
S2 · E57
August 5 · 55 min
57 | The Motherwhelm with Tahlia | Matrescence, Identity, Community & Self-Compassion
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tahlia to talk about identity, community, and the often-contradictory emotions that come with becoming a mother. Tahlia shares her experience of becoming a young mum, navigating breastfeeding challenges, and the overwhelming transition into motherhood after expecting it to come naturally. Together, we explore the loneliness of being the first mother in your friendship group, the guilt of not instantly loving motherhood, and the relief of discovering that joy and struggle can exist side by side. We also discuss the pressure mothers place on themselves, the impact of birth interventions and early separation after birth, finding confidence in your own parenting, and why asking for help is one of the bravest things a mother can do. Tahlia reflects on how motherhood transformed her relationships, her career, and her sense of self, eventually leading her to create women's circles that foster the connection and community she longed for in her own postpartum journey. This is a thoughtful conversation about matrescence, identity, self-compassion, community, and learning that motherhood isn't about becoming the "perfect" mother, it's about becoming more fully yourself. If you've ever struggled with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, loneliness, or wondered why motherhood felt so different from what you expected, I hope Tahlia's story reminds you that you're not failing, you're becoming. Resources mentioned All About Love by bell hooks Held by Tahlia (@held.bytahlia) Women's Circles facilitated by Tahlia Topics discussed: breastfeeding challenges, formula feeding, birth interventions, early separation after birth, matrescence, motherhood identity, young motherhood, postpartum support, mothers' groups, community, women's circles, self-compassion, body image, relationships after children, postpartum intimacy, parenting confidence, mental health, village, motherhood expectations.
S2 · E55
August 2 · 1 hr 2 min
56 | The Motherwhelm with Sarah | Preeclampsia, Birth Trauma & Late-Diagnosed Autism and ADHD
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sarah to talk about severe preeclampsia, birth trauma, and being diagnosed with autism and ADHD after becoming a mother. Sarah shares her experience of a high-risk pregnancy that ended in a traumatic emergency caesarean birth at 35 weeks, a stay in ICU, and a long physical and emotional recovery. Together, we explore what it was like to begin motherhood while recovering from a near-death experience, navigating postpartum PTSD, and learning to bond with her baby while fighting to recover herself. We also discuss the guilt of not loving stay-at-home motherhood in the way she expected, the importance of having an identity beyond motherhood, and why advocating for yourself during pregnancy can be lifesaving. Sarah speaks candidly about missed warning signs, weight bias in healthcare, recognising the symptoms of preeclampsia, and the lasting impact pregnancy complications can have long after birth. Later in the conversation, Sarah shares how motherhood led her to seek an assessment for autism and ADHD, opening the door to a completely new understanding of herself. We explore sensory overwhelm, masking, late diagnosis in women, and why so many mothers discover their neurodivergence after having children. This is an honest conversation about surviving birth trauma, rebuilding after medical complications, embracing neurodivergence, and learning that motherhood can reveal parts of ourselves we never knew existed. If you've experienced preeclampsia, birth trauma, postpartum PTSD, or you've found yourself questioning your own neurodivergence since becoming a mother, I hope Sarah's story helps you feel seen and reminds you that you're not alone. Resources mentioned Say Hooray Perinatal mental health support Topics discussed: preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, pregnancy complications, emergency caesarean, birth trauma, ICU, postpartum PTSD, postpartum recovery, premature birth, advocacy in pregnancy, medical bias, maternal mental health, motherhood identity, returning to work, autism in women, ADHD in women, AuDHD, late diagnosis, sensory overwhelm, masking, neurodivergent motherhood.
S2 · E55
July 26 · 1 hr 9 min
55 | The Motherwhelm with Bianca | Pregnancy After Loss, TFMR & Maternal Mental Health
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Bianca, a clinical psychologist and mum of two, to talk about pregnancy after loss, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), and the lasting impact of grief on motherhood. Bianca shares her extraordinary journey through an early miscarriage, the devastating loss of her daughter following a prenatal diagnosis, and the anxiety of navigating pregnancy after loss. Together, we explore the often-silenced reality of termination for medical reasons (TFMR), the complex grief that accompanies making an impossible decision, and why these experiences deserve greater understanding and compassion. We also discuss the anxiety of pregnancy after loss, navigating repeated high-risk pregnancies, advocating for yourself during birth, and the impact that difficult postpartum experiences can have on identity, perfectionism, and the mother-child relationship. Drawing on both her lived experience and her work as a psychologist, Bianca shares the strategies that helped her survive overwhelming anxiety, including the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the importance of making space for difficult emotions rather than fighting against them. This is a deeply moving conversation about grief, healing, self-compassion, and learning that motherhood is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about showing up, allowing yourself to be supported, and trusting that even after unimaginable heartbreak, joy and hope can exist alongside grief. If you've experienced miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), birth trauma, postpartum challenges, or you're navigating the pressure of perfectionism in motherhood, I hope Bianca's story helps you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone. Connect with Bianca Instagram: @drbiancamastromanno Topics discussed: miscarriage, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), pregnancy after loss, prenatal diagnosis, recurrent pregnancy anxiety, birth trauma, postpartum recovery, perfectionism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, maternal mental health, grief, motherhood identity.
S2 · E54
July 19 · 1 hr
54 | The Motherwhelm with Michelle | Miscarriage, Surrender & Intentional Parenting
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Michelle to talk about miscarriage, motherhood after loss, surrender, and the unexpected lessons motherhood teaches us about letting go. Michelle reflects on becoming a mother after three miscarriages, navigating an emergency caesarean birth, and discovering that babies cannot be managed like projects. Together, we explore the tension between ambition and stillness, the pressure to parent perfectly, and the profound shift from living only for yourself to making decisions for your family. Michelle shares how pregnancy loss shaped her gratitude for motherhood, why community and mothers' groups became essential during the postpartum period, and the lessons she inherited from both her mother and grandmother. We also discuss raising an only child, parenting through the teenage years, creating meaningful family rituals after loss, and why surrender may be one of motherhood's greatest teachers. Motherhood also inspired Michelle to build Stella Says, a business that has grown from a thoughtfully developed head lice product into a mobile head lice removal service supporting families across Melbourne and Geelong. Her entrepreneurial journey is another reminder that motherhood can open unexpected doors, allowing women to combine purpose, creativity, and practical support for other families. This is a thoughtful conversation about grief, intentional parenting, community, and learning that motherhood isn't something we master through control - it unfolds through presence, surrender, and the courage to grow alongside our children. If you've experienced miscarriage, motherhood after loss, or you're learning to let go of perfection and embrace a more intentional way of parenting, I hope Michelle's story leaves you feeling encouraged and deeply understood. Resources mentioned Meshel Laurie (@meshel_laurie) Stella Says – stellasays.com.au Topics discussed: miscarriage, pregnancy loss, motherhood after loss, surrender, intentional parenting, family rituals, grief, emergency caesarean, career and motherhood, entrepreneurship, community, motherhood identity.
S2 · E53
July 12 · 49 min
53 | The Motherwhelm with Tara | Birth Trauma, Postpartum Anxiety & Building Proud Poppy
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tara, a mum of two, former emergency nurse, and founder of Proud Poppy, to talk about birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, and rebuilding yourself through motherhood. Tara shares her journey through a difficult first experience of motherhood, including a traumatic birth, postpartum anxiety and depression, infant feeding challenges, and the weight of trying to create the "perfect" family life she never had growing up. Together, we explore the pressure so many mothers place on themselves, the realities of maternal mental health, body image after children, and the lifelong work of healing childhood wounds while raising children of your own. We also discuss how motherhood became the catalyst for creating Proud Poppy, the clothing brand and community that grew from Tara's desire to help women feel seen, comfortable, and confident in their bodies. From fertility struggles and motherhood guilt to entrepreneurship, self-acceptance, and letting go of impossible standards, Tara's story is a powerful reminder that motherhood can become the beginning of finding yourself—not the end of who you are. Please note: This conversation was recorded around two years ago, so some details of Tara's business and family life have naturally changed since then. The heart of this conversation, however, remains just as relevant. If you've experienced birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, or you're navigating the challenge of healing while raising your own children, I hope Tara's story reminds you that growth is possible and that you're not alone. Topics discussed: birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, childhood trauma, healing childhood wounds, body image after pregnancy, entrepreneurship, Proud Poppy, self-acceptance, motherhood identity, maternal mental health, motherhood.
S2 · E52
July 5 · 1 hr 1 min
52 | The Motherwhelm with Elizabeth | Pregnancy After 40, Miscarriage & Fertility
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Elizabeth, a fertility coach and mum of three, to talk about pregnancy after 40, miscarriage, fertility, and the many unexpected turns on the path to motherhood. After years of building a successful career, freezing her eggs, and believing motherhood would happen when the time was right, Elizabeth found herself navigating fibroids, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, and ultimately welcoming three children after the age of forty. She shares the emotional reality of becoming a mother later in life while continuing to grow two businesses and redefine what success looked like for her. Together, we explore the often-overlooked emotional impact of infertility, the experience of miscarriage, difficult caesarean births, and the challenge of balancing ambition with the demands of motherhood. Elizabeth also reflects on why pregnancy loss deserves to be spoken about more openly, the importance of finding the right support, and how motherhood reshaped her identity in unexpected ways. Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, hope, and trusting that life's timeline doesn't always unfold as planned. It's a reminder that motherhood isn't about doing everything perfectly—it's about showing up, adapting, and allowing yourself to receive support along the way. If you're navigating fertility after 40, pregnancy after 40, egg freezing, miscarriage, or trying to balance career and motherhood, I hope Elizabeth's story leaves you feeling informed, encouraged, and less alone. Connect with Elizabeth Instagram: @theofficialelizabethking Topics discussed: pregnancy after 40, fertility after 40, infertility, miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, egg freezing, fertility treatment, fibroids, career and motherhood, motherhood identity, caesarean birth, fertility coaching.
S2 · E51
June 26 · 33 min
51 | The Motherwhelm with Sophie | Postpartum Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder & Recovery
In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sophie, a mum of two, to talk about postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, recovery, and finding hope after severe perinatal mental illness. Just days after the birth of her first baby, Sophie experienced postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe mental health condition that completely changed the course of her motherhood journey. What followed were multiple hospital admissions, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a long road to recovery, and the heartbreaking question of whether she could safely have another child. Together, we explore what it felt like to lose touch with reality, the trauma of being separated from her newborn, and the extraordinary support Sophie received through a specialist Mother and Baby Unit. She also shares her experience of navigating a second pregnancy after postpartum psychosis, the return of intrusive thoughts after birth, and the ongoing process of parenting while living with bipolar disorder. This is an honest conversation about perinatal mental health, resilience, advocacy, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Sophie's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, that motherhood and serious mental illness can coexist, and that no mother should ever have to navigate these experiences alone. If you or someone you love has experienced postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe perinatal mental illness, I hope Sophie's story offers hope, understanding, and reassurance that recovery is possible. Topics discussed: postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, Mother and Baby Unit, perinatal mental health, psychiatric admission, intrusive thoughts, recovery, motherhood after psychosis, maternal mental health, advocacy.

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