One of the most common experiences I see as a therapist for new mums is feeling like a bad mum. Negative or self-critical thoughts are something we all experience throughout our lives, and they’re very common during early motherhood. I’m sure we’ve all been there! Parenting is hard work, and we all have days that […]
What to Say to Yourself When You Feel Like a Bad Mum Read More »
You’re not failing as a mum if your baby won’t sleep. You’re experiencing one of the most challenging aspects of motherhood – sleep disruption. It feels hard because it is hard. Sleep Disruption – A Universal Parenting Experience Sleep disruption and deprivation is a common and expected experience for new mums. In the first few
You’re Not Failing as a Mum if Your Baby Won’t Sleep – A Therapist’s Perspective Read More »
If you’ve landed here because you’re a mum struggling with intrusive thoughts, I want to start by reassuring you. These thoughts, even if they include hurting your baby, do not say anything negative about you as a mother. There is a big difference between intrusive thoughts and having an active intention or desire to harm
Intrusive Thoughts – What Kind of Mum Do They Make You? Read More »
What is Self-Compassion? In simple terms, self-compassion is the process of turning compassion inward. It’s about being kind and understanding rather than harshly self-critical. When we’re going through something difficult, it’s offering ourselves the same gentle, nurturing support we would give others when they are struggling. It’s acknowledging our own suffering and turning towards it,
How Therapy Can Help Mums Develop More Self-Compassion Read More »
I think most of us are familiar with the term ‘mum guilt’, the name given to the feelings of guilt women experience in relation to their children. I’m yet to meet a mother who hasn’t experienced it to some degree. I believe new mums are particularly susceptible to guilt. To counteract this, I’d like to
3 Things You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About as a New Mum Read More »
If you’ve experienced trauma in any format prior to becoming a mother, you are more likely to experience part {or parts} of your motherhood journey as traumatic too. This could include your journey to conceive, your pregnancy, birth or the postpartum period. Trauma and The Window of Tolerance Trauma is not what happens to us
Trauma and Its Impact On Your Journey into Motherhood Read More »
Unfortunately, it’s very common for mothers and partners to be misdiagnosed with postnatal depression when the real reason behind the symptoms they’re experiencing is childhood trauma coming to the surface. What is Childhood Trauma? Childhood trauma can occur when a child witnesses or experiences overwhelming negative events. These can occur interpersonally {between people) or as
Is It Postnatal Depression or Childhood Trauma? Read More »
Why Is Rest Important? Rest gives our bodies time to recover. It supports us physically, aiding muscle repair, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the immune system. Rest also helps us lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve our overall mood. Rest has never been more vital, especially for mothers. We live incredibly fast paced, busy lives.
Trauma and the Need for Rest Explained Read More »
What Is Self-Care? Self-care promotes our wellbeing in a holistic way. It’s subjective and personal to the individual. What you consider self-care may not be self-care for someone else. It depends on our life experiences and individual needs, but usually involves doing things to enhance our emotional, physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing. Despite the popular
Why Self-Care isn’t Always the Answer Read More »
What is Self-Blame? Self-blame is the process of attributing a stressful event or situation to yourself. Self-blaming thoughts are often self-critical and fault-finding. They can make us feel guilty, ashamed or regretful. How Does Self-Blame Impact Mums? Self-blame and motherhood are closely linked. If you have difficulty getting pregnant, it can even show up before
How to Stop Blaming Yourself as a Mum Read More »