‘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 »
What Does ‘Triggered’ Actually Mean? Being triggered means you’re experiencing a strong emotional and physical reaction in the present which is strongly linked to unprocessed past experiences. It’s a response that can happen in any situation where something feels similar to a previous traumatic experience. Essentially, you’re reliving the past in the present moment. The
Why Do I Feel So Triggered by My Kids? Read More »
In my experience, unsolicited advice and motherhood go hand in hand. It often starts in pregnancy when we share our hopes and desires, perhaps related to labour and birth. Imagine telling someone you’re planning a homebirth and they respond by reeling off a list of awful reasons you shouldn’t. You can even find yourself on
How to Cope with Unsolicited Advice as a New Mum Read More »
I’ve written extensively about your inner critic and how it can leave you feeling like a bad mum when really, you’re anything but. In this article, we’re going to explore the topic in more depth. As well as outlining three different types of inner critic, I’ll describe what each one sounds like and explain how
3 Types of Inner Critic and How They Might Show Up for Mums Read More »
Social Media & Motherhood – Let’s Look at the Positives Social media can definitely play a positive role in your motherhood journey. For example, it’s somewhere you can experience a sense of community. Making online mum friends through forums and support groups can be very beneficial, particularly for those who are isolated from family and
Is Social Media Making You Feel Like a Bad Mum? Read More »
Do you struggle to feel like a good mum? You’re not alone – it’s something I see time and time again in the therapy room. Negative or self-critical thoughts are something we all experience throughout our lives, and they’re very common during early motherhood. In fact, one of the most popular search terms new mums
3 Habits You Need to Ditch If You Want to Feel Like a Good Mum Read More »
Putting your baby in childcare can trigger lots of emotions, particularly guilt and anxiety. Whether your child is going to nursery or a childminder, or even staying with a trusted family member, it can be an emotionally difficult time. 3 Reasons You Might Be Apprehensive About Putting Your Baby in Childcare 1. You may be
Help – I Can’t Stop Worrying About Putting My Baby in Childcare Read More »
What Is Postpartum Anxiety? Postpartum anxiety, or PPA, is a mental health condition following childbirth characterised by excessive and persistent worry, stress, fear and tension. The focus of this worry is often your baby’s safety, your own ability as a parent, and/or potential catastrophic outcomes. Anxiety is an essential part of being human. It helps
What is Postpartum Anxiety? Read More »
What is Mum Burnout? ‘Mum burnout’ can be defined as intense physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion as a result of the relentless demands of caregiving. Burnout can leave you feeling overwhelmed, joyless, disconnected from your children, and as if you’re constantly failing as a mum. Sound familiar? I know I’ve felt like this at times
Mum Burnout – How to Spot the Signs and Recover Read More »