Although perfectionism is often celebrated, there is a darker side to this pattern of behaviour. For many, it isn’t simply about wanting everything to be perfect. Healthy striving and attention to detail are one thing – unrelenting high standards are another. Where Does Perfectionism Come From? Perfectionism typically has its roots in our early life […]
How Perfectionism Can Negatively Impact Your Motherhood Journey Read More »
In my work with mothers, I hear of mums being triggered by their kids all the time. I really want to normalise this experience – it’s an understandable and expected part of motherhood. If you have a history of childhood trauma, you are even more likely to feel triggered by your kids. In this article,
What to Do When You Feel Triggered by Your Kids Read More »
Parts work is a fascinating therapeutic approach that can help you build a deeper understanding and awareness of yourself. Recognising your different ‘parts’ or ‘modes’, and how they show up in your life, can help you manage them, break negative patterns and function better. It can also empower you to nurture and look after the
What is Parts Work in Therapy? Read More »
What are ‘Sunset Scaries’? ‘Sunset scaries’ or ‘sundown scaries’ are terms that are sometimes used to describe a wave of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm in postpartum that tends to hit in the late afternoon or early evening as baby’s bedtime approaches. This nighttime anxiety is really common, especially among new mums who are in the
‘Sunset Scaries’ – Why Do New Mums Feel So Anxious at Night? Read More »
If you’ve previously struggled with your mental health during pregnancy or postpartum and you’re expecting another baby, being scared it’ll happen again makes perfect sense. Your fears aren’t unfounded – research shows you are more at risk of developing perinatal anxiety or depression if you have a previous history of these conditions. In this article,
Mum Stress – Why Are We So Susceptible? ‘Mum stress’ is a term used to describe the chronic mental, emotional and physical exhaustion mothers can experience. It stems from the relentless demands of caregiving, running a home, working, and living up to society’s ideals around what it means to be a ‘good mum’. There are
Mum Stress – A Therapist’s Tips for Coping with Overwhelm Read More »
Self-compassion is a powerful and effective tool that I believe should be part of everyone’s motherhood journey. It’s about being kind and understanding rather than harshly self-critical – offering yourself the same gentle, nurturing support you would give others. It’s acknowledging your own suffering and turning towards it, rather than away from it, to alleviate
3 Daily Habits to Help You Build More Self-Compassion as a New Mum Read More »
What Does Overwhelm Feel Like? Overwhelm tends to feel like you’re being stretched to your limits. You might feel more irritable than usual, or even angry. It can feel like your own needs aren’t being met because there’s just so many other things to organise, sort out, and do. Even if you’re aware of things
Why Do I Feel So Overwhelmed as a New Mum? Read More »
‘Mum guilt’ is such a common experience, I probably don’t even need to describe it. I would go so far as to say all mums experience it to at least some degree, at some point in their motherhood journey. In my experience, mums tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves and have very
Is Self-Compassion the Antidote to Mum Guilt? Read More »
When we’re preparing for the arrival of a new baby, we tend to focus on practicalities. You might have a nursery to decorate, and you’ll probably spend some time researching the best pram to buy. You’ll also think about the type of birth you’d like and maybe you’ll book on to some kind of antenatal
An Emotional Self-Care Plan for New and Expectant Mums Read More »