Postpartum like a boss Gemma Smith

Welcome back to our first episode of 2024! 
We are so happy to be back with our first chat series episode for the year - all about feeling 'stuck' and working through it. We chat about what we've found challenging recently, how we know when we are getting stuck and what things help us the most (plus the bonus things that most certainly do not help in retrospect but are good for a laugh). 
A quick reminder I am now available again for face to face counselling for the first time in several months. Booking details are in the link below - I'd love to help you get un-stuck in 2024 if it's been a challenging one so far/ if you've been holding on to a heap of stuff you'd love to finally put down this year. Let's make it happen. 
Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Kathryn 
- @_motherup on Instagram 
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In the very first episode of my new 'Chat series' on the podcast - I team up with guest co-host Kathryn @_motherup to chat through a big end of year topic for many early years parents - preparing for daycare, kindy (pre-school) or primary school parenthood. 
Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Kathryn 
- @_motherup on Instagram 
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses chronic illness, fertility complications, pregnancy loss, significant perinatal mental health challenges and infant hospitalisation/ illness. 
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode I explore the many ways new and expectant parents might feel isolated in the perinatal period. This includes discussion around isolation: 
Physically/ geographically From experiences/ hobbies Within relationships Regarding purpose I also share several top mental health and connectivity tips/ things to try when feeling isolated during this time. 
Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

As discussed in the episode:
Insight Timer App
COPE groups and resources
PANDA helpline and resources
Gidget virtual village
Online mother's group for rural mothers
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.


 

In this episode we are lucky to hear from Steph Trethewey. Steph is a mother of two, journalist, author, podcast host and the founder of @motherlandaustralia, a national charity supporting and connecting rural mothers. In this episode Steph and I chat about her: 
Journalism career pre-children   Very challenging first postpartum experience   Feelings of isolation that deepened upon moving to rural Tasmania as a new mother  Creation of the Motherland podcast and online mother's groups for her own mental health and to help others Journey as Motherland has grown, writing her first book and soon to be hosting the first Motherland national conference in March 2024.  Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Steph 
- Website: https://motherlandaustralia.com.au/
- Instagram: @motherlandaustralia
Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Sarah Bolitho, a Master's qualified Child & Family Play Therapist, mother of three and founder of @securefoundations. In this episode we chat about: 
Sarah's work in child protection prior to parenthood and how this interacted with her early parenting experiences  Sarah's birth experiences, in particular her difficult first birth and subsequent challenging transition to infant parenthood  How Sarah's study of play therapy transformed the way she interacted with parenting challenges Examples of parenting challenges and solutions (with things such as: intergenerational parenting behaviours, reparenting, triggers from/ how to help difficult behaviours displayed by children) Sarah provides through her @securefoundations courses and community.  Why support for parents is key for thriving parent-child relationships, families and communities.  A big thanks to Sarah for her time and willingness to share her personal and professional experiences of successfully navigating the sometimes rocky terrain of early parenthood. 
Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Sarah: 
- Website: https://www.securefoundations.com.au/
- Instagram: @securefoundations
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses parental death, birth trauma and a raft of child protection issues such as child sexual abuse, neglect and removal. 
Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.

In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Sally, personal trainer of 17 years, mother of two and the owner of perinatal specific fitness providers @fitphilosophyau. In this episode I chat with Sally all about her:
Life as a PT in Europe pre-motherhood  Several year fertility journey Pregnancy losses Experience of motherhood after loss  Feelings of strength and connection gained from perinatal exercise.  Thank you Sally for your willingness to share so openly about a lot of challenging experiences. 
Resources:

1:1 Counselling support

– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today

Connect with Sally: 
- Website: https://fitphilosophy.com.au/
- Instagram: @fitphilosophyau
Also discussed: 
Dr Sophie Brock
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses multiple pregnancy losses, cervical cancer, postpartum depression and stillbirth. 

Disclaimer

Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.