Dear Mama Project

In todays episode I speak to Julianne Boutaleb about grief and growth through motherhood, exploring the expectations we have of ourselves, our children, and motherhood and what happens when our expectations don't match our lived experiences.Julianne is the Clinical Director and Founder of the Parenthood In Mind practice. She is a passionate and highly experienced perinatal psychologist who has worked for over 15 years in the NHS and private practice with parents-to-be, parents, and their babies. Julianne is a member of the Birth Trauma Association and the Association for Infant Mental Health. She specialises in working therapeutically with birth trauma, PTSD, and tokophobia (fear of giving birth) as these issues impact the mother, the couple's relationship, and parent-infant attachment.In addition, she is also affiliated with BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association) and offers therapy to individuals and couples who are pregnant or parenting following ART (IVF, ICSI, donor conception, surrogacy), or adoption. In her practice, Julianne draws on a range of perspectives including psychodynamic and attachment models, CBT, integrative work, ACT, and compassion-focused work. She also engages in couples' work and can offer parent-infant sessions using the Watch, Wait & Wonder model.You can connect with Julianne here:https://www.instagram.com/parenthoodinmind/https://www.parenthoodinmind.co.uk/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Today we talk with Fiona Weaver from Mama Matters. Fiona is a social worker turned infant sleep specialist. She provides attachment-centred, real-life parenting and sleep support to responsive parents and their renegade babies & kids. Fiona is passionate about busting through the missed truths of the mainstream sleep industry. She aims to empower parents in alignment with their values, with evidence-based, biological normal sleep advice and relationship-centred approaches to optimising sleep and well-being for families. In this episode, Fiona and I discuss what being a highly sensitive person (HSP) means. Fiona shares how high sensitivity can manifest for both children and adults and how this can impact our experiences as mothers who are highly sensitive ourselves or who have children who have high sensitivity. She shares the gifts and challenges of high sensitivity and offers some practical self-care strategies. Connect with Fionahttps://www.mamamatters.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/mamamatters.au/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

In today's podcast I am speaking to Melanie Dimmitt, a writer, author, editor and broadcaster and mother of two young children. In 2019 Melanie released her debut book; Special: Antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child's disability after she was thrust into the disability space when her six-month-old son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.Special is an uplifting, candid companion for parents in the early stages of navigating their child's disability. Combining content from dozens of interviews with parents of children with wide-ranging disabilities (including Jocelyn Moorhouse, Chloe Maxwell and Ricky Stuart) alongside professional input from psychologists, researchers and specialists, it shares stories, advice and actionable coping strategies for parents not yet ready to sign up to ‘the special-needs club'. In this episode Melanie shares her journey of becoming a mother, her son Arlo's diagnosis with cerebral palsy, the challenges and joy of raising a child with a disability, her journey of writing her book Special and how this supported her to find acceptance and healing.  If you'd like to connect with Melanie you'll find all of her contact details and a link to purchase her book Special in the show notes. You can connect with Melanie here: https://www.instagram.com/the_special_bookhttps://www.melaniedimmitt.com.au/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Arden Cartrette is a Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula and Trauma Support Specialist who focuses on helping mothers navigate pregnancy loss and life afterwards. Following her personal journey with infertility and two traumatic miscarriages, she is passionate about breaking stigmas, providing education and validation to those who are suffering. Arden currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, two living children following her loss journey along with her four pets!In this episode, I speak to Arden about her own journey of loss, the role of a bereavement doula, our cultural stigma around grief and pregnancy loss and how to offer support to mothers and families who have experienced loss.  I hope you enjoy my conversation with Arden. If you'd like to connect with Arden or her team of bereavement doulas you'll find all of her contact details below.Connect with Arden here:themiscarriagedoula.coinstagram.com/themiscarriagedoula--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Today I'm speaking with Yara Heary from Life after Birth Psychology. Yara is a Perth Psychologist who works exclusively with women throughout conception, pregnancy & motherhood. Yara started Life After Birth Psychology following the birth of her first son, which started her on yet another journey of self-discovery. Her experiences throughout early motherhood sparked her passion to support other women as they navigate their own family-of-origin dynamics - the social programming of the good mother, relationship changes with those around them, identity shifts and role changes to find their place of balance and authenticity as mothers. Yara offers 1:1 and group coaching programs for mothers, including her group program 'The Re-Birth', alongside e-courses and workshops and her own podcast 'Life After Birth with Yara'. In today's episode, I speak with Yara about how mothering can be a time of re-experiencing and, in many ways, grieving our own experiences of childhood and how this can be both painful and an opportunity for growth and healing. We talk about exploring our triggers, reparenting ourselves and nurturing our own inner child. Connect with Yarahttps://www.lifeafterbirth.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterbirthpsychology/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Today's episode is with Sarah Ashton, Perinatal Occupational Therapist and graduate of the Seasons of Matrescence program.  Sarah focuses on supporting mothers both pre- and postnatally with the preparation, transition, adaptation, and transformation occurring with Matrescence. Sarah's particular interest is in perinatal mental health and nervous system regulation - helping new mums manage overwhelm in motherhood. As a mother of two children aged 3 and 5 years old herself, Sarah takes her knowledge from both personal experience as well as her training as an occupational therapist to give women the guidance they need on this journey. My discussion with Sarah centers around overwhelm in motherhoodWe unpack the sensory system and how our sensory system interacts with our nervous system We talk about identifying our sensory preferences and triggers Using what we know about our preferences and triggers to create practical strategies that support our wellbeingYou can connect with Sarah here:www.sarahashtonot.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/matrescencematters/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Today's episode is with Sarah Graham, founder of Matrescent Muse. Before welcoming her baby girl in May 2021, Sarah was a high school English teacher. During her maternity leave, Sarah found herself wanting to express the complex emotions she was feeling during her transition into motherhood.  With pandemic-related border closures separating her from family and friends, she turned to writing. On one of her slow afternoon pram walks, an attempt to get her baby to sleep, she started mentally forming a poem about her experience which became her first postpartum poem entitled ‘Two Hearts'.Sharing her poetry online has connected Sarah with a wonderful community of mothers with whom she has been able to explore the emotions, challenges and triumphs of motherhood. Now working in publishing, Sarah's writing gives voice to the complexities of motherhood and connects mothers through the shared experiences of matrescence and parenting. In this discussion with Sarah, we talk about her own journey of matrescence, her experience of isolation during the pandemic, the themes she explores in her writing and using creativity as a medium for self-expression, community and connection. Connect with Sarah here:https://www.instagram.com/matrescentmuse/https://www.facebook.com/matrescentmusehttps://www.matrescentmuse.com/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Today I'm speaking with Shelley Rahim. Shelley is a birth doula, Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiver, Postpartum chef and educator. Shelley has over 15 years of experience supporting mothers during their child bearing years. Shelley feeds, massages, loves and cares for postpartum mothers during their first 40 days after birth, and her journey of offering these services has now led her to create resources for teaching families to provide this love and care to the new mothers in their lives. Shelley offers this education to ensure families and communities can provide loving care and nourishment for postpartum mothers. enabling mothers to emerge from their first 40 days feelings strong, confident, healed and in love with their babies. Connect with Shelleyhttp://sacredbirthjourney.com/https://www.instagram.com/rahimshelley/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

We're back! With a new name and look and the same powerful conversations about matrescence, motherhood and personal development you've come to know.In this episode I'm catching you up on:Why I took a break from podcasting + why I've come back What I've been doing over the last 18 months Why the change of name from 'Dear Mama Project' to 'Seasons of Matrescence - the podcast'What you can expect from the podcast going forward My intention to make this collaborative and a two way conversationI'd love to know how this episode lands with you, send me a DM on my Instagram @nikkimccahon or via email hello@nikkimccahon.com - I'd love to hear from you I'd be so grateful if you could leave a written review for the podcast to help support the re-launch and ensure the podcast reaches more mothers who need to hear these conversations.--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

Catherine Counihan is an Integrative Psychotherapist with over 12 years of clinical experience, working in private practice in London. She specialises in complex trauma, perfectionism, nervous system healing, shifting dysfunctional patterns in our families and parenting. Cath had done a lot of personal trauma therapy prior to kids and, despite this, was set back to emotional ground zero by motherhood. One of her areas of expertise is exploring and understanding how our own childhoods impact our parenting journey.Cath also writes, teaches and hosts  the weekly podcast 'Grow Yourself Up' focused on how we can learn to tend to ourselves in adulthood when we have not had our needs met as children and the way that parenting can challenge our ability to do this.In this episode I sit down with Cath and have a very gentle, compassionate and open hearted conversation about the ways in which experiences of childhood trauma can shape and impact how we experience mothering and raising children. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, The ways in which childhood trauma can impact and shape our experience of mothering and raising children We talk about the nervous system and our window of tolerance and how trauma can travel through families and generations Why playing with your children can be feel overwhelming or dysregulating The power of rupture and repair for our children and ourselves We talk about how we can bring in more compassion in our mothering and our  journey of healing from childhood traumaThere is so much wisdom in this episode, and I know that it's going to be really supportive for you. Connect with Cath here:https://www.instagram.com/cathcounihan/https://www.psychotherapymum.com/--You can connect with me on Instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence Instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence.Website:https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

After an - unexpected - 18 month break the Dear Mama Podcast is coming back on Monday 17th July, with fresh new episodes and a brand new name - Seasons of Matrscence the podcast.Whilst the name is new, we'll be continuing to share the same honest, open and compassionate discussions about matrescence, motherhood and personal growth that you have come to know since 2019. Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast and who have  patiently waited for its return! We have been working hard to make sure it's worth the wait. I have been busy recording some really inspiring, informative conversations with incredible guests and I can't wait to share them with you. I'll be sharing more about the name change, and all that has happened over the last year and a half when we relaunch, but till then know that I am *so excited* to be back and I can't wait for you to hear the episodes we have lined up in the coming months. I'll meet you back here on Monday 17th July. Till then, you can connect with me on instagram @nikkimccahon and the Seasons of Matrescence instagram account @seasonsofmatrescence. Website: https://www.nikkimccahon.comhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.comFree Discover Matrescence e-bookhttps://courses.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceFree Seasons of Matrescence quizhttps://www.seasonsofmatrescence.com/quiz

In today's episode I'm chatting to Monique Harding - who is also known as the relatable therapist on instagram - about self esteem and self worth. Monique is the owner of Ritual Counselling & Family Therapy - a relationship focussed psychological counselling practice based in Burleigh Heads. She is passionate about taking a family of origin and early life experience lens to help people heal from limiting core beliefs, anxiety and trauma. In this episode we have an in depth discussion about self esteem and self worth, how they are formed, how wounding around self esteem and self worth is created and how we can nurture and foster deeper self esteem and self worth within our everyday lives. We take a particular focus on how becoming a mother can impact our self esteem and self worth. If you are looking to further explore your journey of matrescence, check out my free training - discover matrescence - it's a 20 minute free audio training that will help you begin to explore your own personal journey of change and transformation through motherhood. You'll find the links to join the training in the show notes. Join here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceConnect with Monique Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relatable.therapist/ Website: https://www.ritualcounselling.comCourse: https://makepeacewithyourpast.com.au Connect with NikkiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/Website: https://www.dearmamaproject.com

In today's episode I'm chatting to Dr Sophie Brock a Motherhood Studies Sociologist and single Mother to her 3yo daughter, living in Sydney, Australia. Sophie supports both mothers and professionals who work with mothers to understand the sociological construction of Motherhood and how this shapes individual mothers' lives. Sophie advocates for a reimagined version of Motherhood that sees mothers supported, valued, and empowered. She offers online courses, mentoring packages, and her Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification program. She hosts The Good Enough Mother podcast.In my chat with Sophie we talk about:How her experience as a sociologist specialising in motherhood impacted her own motherhood experienceHow collective society and cultural norms impact our individual experiences as mothersWhat the perfect mother myth is and how we can resist the allure of perfection and embrace good enough motheringConnect www.dearmamaproject.com www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon https://drsophiebrock.com/www.instagram.com/drsophiebrock 

In this mini episode I wanted to share with you a common challenge we can experience through Motherhood that centres around control. Pre-children we may have been used to having control over our daily schedule, personal space, homes, even noise level. When we become mothers our days can feel like they are ruled by nap times, teething, leaps and the unpredictable moods of a tiny human. You can feel like things are out of our control. You might see this manifest when you had plans for the day to see your friend, and suddenly your little one isn't well. Or maybe you wanted to get something done today, but your little one is cranky and making it impossible to do anything other than mumming. I offer a reframe from control to stability, and provide some tips on how you can create stability into daily life using rituals... this is a really healthy way that we can give ourselves a sense of more control. Listen as I ask you some simple questions to answer for yourself so you too can start to regain a sense of stability and anchoring in your life.Discover more over at: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescencehttps://www.dearmamaproject.comhttps://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/

In this mini episode I wanted to share with you three things that I believe really help to   support you in navigating the transition into motherhood, particularly in the early years around achievement and completion.In my personal experience and support of Mothers, I noticed that previously in the workforce we were focused on productivity, KPI's and completion outcomes. This is often not the case in Mothering, we make deposits into this tiny human that we may not see an outcome of until years later, leaving us with a feeling of tension because the loop of completion is never finished. Moving from a culture that really defines achievement and productivity and worth through the completion to finding opportunities that bring some of that sense of accomplishment into your daily life as a Mother, and viewing our worth differently. Discover more over at:https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescencehttps://www.dearmamaproject.comhttps://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/

In this episode I chat with fertility therapist, birth educator, menstruation ambassador, hypnotherapist, author and speaker Sharon Moloney.  Sharon was a benedictine nun, who left the monastery after experiencing major health issues, leading her to learn and embrace the female body as her path to spirituality. In this episode we talk about: - why it is more important that we're women rather than surrogate men- the sacred opportunity we have every month as women to bring our wisdom to our homes, families, communities and the world- the collective vision we can all hold together to radically shift the scales of power into a more harmonious balanceSharon has written a book called ‘Activate your Female Power' where she shares incredible wisdom about the female body, sexuality, childbirth and menstruation.This is a really juicy episode also covering women's studies, the patriarchy, embodiment, spiritual practice of menstruation, the medicalisation of menstruation, birth and menopause. Sharon website: https://sharonmoloney.comActivate your female power book: https://sharonmoloney.com/book/Discover Matrescence: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/

In this special mini episode I wanted to share with you a model I have developed, that I believe can help you navigate the many different transitions and transformations we will navigate in our lives as mothers; The Seasons of Matrescence™. I have developed the seasons of matrescence as a conceptual map for navigating the transition to and through motherhood, based on my experience supporting mothers, my own experience as a mother and through my knowledge and understanding of matrescence, adult development, rites of passage and the innate wisdom of seasons and cycles. I have been teaching the concept of cycles and seasons through my Alignment program and it forms a big part of my upcoming teacher training program (coming early 2022). I have created a little visual and some reflection questions to help you identify which season of matrescence you are currently navigating and begin reflecting on the gifts and challenges of the season you're in.  You can find the free guide here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/seasonsofmatrescenceTeacher Training waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/teachertrainingwaitlistInstagram: www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon 

In this episode I speak with Rach Condon nutritionist and women's health specialist,  after experiencing her own challenges with the contraceptive pill and absent periods, Rach went on a journey to understand and heal her hormonal issues. This resulted in huge shifts, leading her to support other women to do the same.In this episode we talk about:How to prepare your body for pregnancySome of the common challenges women experience with hormones, fertility and periodsThe MTHFR gene mutation and how this can affect conceptionShe offers 1:1 support for fertility and period problems, and works with women who are preparing for pregnancy, experiencing PCOS, endometriosis, hormone or conception challenges. She also offers menstrual education with her cycle charting courses. Find Rach here: https://www.rachcondon.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rachael.condon/Find Nikki here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescencehttps://www.dearmamaproject.com https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/

In this episode of the Dear Mama Project I chat with Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and  all round Early Parenting Support Wonder-Woman Jen Butler. At the time of recording Jen was 31 weeks pregnant with her third child so we dived into the reflections of becoming a first time Mum and how moving into it for a third time, hindsight has gifted her more love and compassion for the shifts that are about to happen.  Jen shares with us the validation she felt upon hearing about the word Matrescence for the first time and how it perfectly described her journey into Motherhood,  unpacking the issue of identity as a Mother and reflecting on how it impacted Jen's  sense of self, questioning her feelings of who she was as a woman, mother and wife. We also talk about the fact that the work of Mothers can feel utterly invalidating because the completion loop never reaches accomplishment... from this Jen shares the most liberating thing a Mum can come to realise.Jen Butler  https://www.jenniferbutler.com.au/home-pageJen Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenbutlerearlyparenting/Nikki instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/Discover Matrescence: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/discovermatrescenceAlignment https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignmentDear Mama website https://www.dearmamaproject.com 

In this episode I speak with Jodi Pawluski, a neuroscientist, psychotherapist and mother of 2. For more than 15 years, her research has focused on the neuroscience of motherhood and the effects of maternal mental illness and antidepressant medications on mother and offspring. She regularly speaks nationally and internationally about her research findings as well as the fascinating effects of motherhood on the brain. Dr Pawluski is passionate about increasing our understanding of the amazing things our brains do when we parent. You can find her talking more about this with other leading researchers in the field on her podcast Mommy Brain Revisited. In this episode we explore the way our brains are changed and shaped through pregnancy and parenting. I find this topic incredibly fascinating, and I hope that you enjoy it too! Jodi website  www.jodipawluski.comJodi Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mommybrain.revisited/Nikki instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/Alignment https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignment Morning ritual e-book https://www.nikkimccahon.com/morning-ritualDear Mama website https://www.dearmamaproject.com 

In this episode I share my favourite tips for managing tough days. We all have tough days, but it's much easier when we have strategies and practices we can call on to help us through. Register for the FREE Matrescence & Self Compassion Masterclass here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/freemasterclassShare your insights & takeaways from the episode here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkimccahon/Website: www.dearmamaproject.comAlignment waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignmentwaitlist

Dr Erin is a clinical psychologist and mother, who specialises in birth grief and trauma. Bowe speaks from her own experience of having two births that did not go according to plan and how this shifted her work and focus to help women and their families in this under-supported area.  In this episode Dr Bowe cleans up the confusion of what trauma actually means and even though she didn't want to be the poster girl for birth trauma she shares her unique perspectives on the importance of processing the grief. With alarming rates of up to one in three Australian women having experienced birth trauma and one in 10 women who emerge from childbirth with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) I delve into the impact experienced by our partners and support people, with Dr Bowe giving some key takeaways on how to hold yourself with compassion + love.  We also talk about Erin's new book 'More Than A Healthy Baby'. Dr Erin BoweWebsite: https://doctorerin.com.au/Book: More Than A Healthy Baby - Birth Trauma BookNikkiWebsite: www.dearmamaproject.comAlignment waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignmentwaitlistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject/ 

In this episode I chat to Kimberly Johnson about how women truly need to be supported in the fourth trimester, sex and intimacy after having children as well as her forthcoming  book Call of The Wild.Kimberly Johnson is a Sexological body worker, somatic body practitioner, yoga teacher, post partum advocate and solo Mama, author of The Fourth Trimester, she works hands on in women's integrative health helping women heal from sexual trauma and birth injuries.  Hear her passion for spreading awareness of Mothers putting their own needs first as well as opening up the conversation about sex and intimacy after children, Kimberly flips the paradigm to ask us what it actually looks like being able to receive sex that fuels and gives us more energy?A truly inspiring and expansive dicussion!Kimberly:Website: https://kimberlyannjohnson.comInner Jaguar course: https://kimberlyannjohnson.com/activate-your-inner-jaguar/Call of the wild book: https://www.booktopia.com.au/call-of-the-wild-kimberly-ann-johnson/book/9780062970909.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.ann.johnson/NikkiWebsite: www.dearmamaproject.com Alignment waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignmentwaitlistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject/ 

**Trigger warning this episode talks about pregnancy loss**In this episode I update you on everything that has been happening both professionally and personally, as 2020 was really a year for me to navigate personal challenges. I vulnerably share about my grief after losing a pregnancy and how this triggered a domino effect of grief, change and ultimate healing of my relationships.I open up about why I decided to take a step back over the last 12 months to focus on doing my own inner work so as to be in integrity with leading Alignment and how moving through this process has really shaped a more potent and transformative program for women. Coming out of the fog of such a deeply personal shift gifts immense clarity around what is fulfilling + lights up my soul, this is what I will be carrying forward into Dear Mama Project.. announcing a teacher training to come in 2022 as well as other exciting programs also, let's do this! https://www.nikkimccahon.com/alignmentwaitlisthttps://www.nikkimccahon.com/teachertrainingwaitlist

This episode is from a chat I had with Jen Butler from the Early Parenting Podcast, check out Jen's podcast here and here website here. Alignment my group coaching program is open now - you can find all the details and join here.

5 day Journaling Challenge - join hereAlignment group coaching program - waitlist here

5 day Journaling Challenge - join hereAlignment group coaching program - waitlist here

Full show notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/s2e15Dear Mama website: www.dearmamaproject.comDear Mama Instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject

Find the full show notes here: https://www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/s2e14

In today's episode I’m chatting with Kate Baer, Kate is an author and poet based on the East Coast of America, who has just released her debut book ‘what kind of woman’ which became an instant New York Times bestseller.Website: https://www.katebaer.comBooktopia (australia): https://www.booktopia.com.auMorning rituals e-book: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/morning-ritual

Full show notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/43Dear Mama website: www.dearmamaproject.comCocooned postpartum guide: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/cocooned

Full show notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/42Find Steph here: the motherland podcast.Cocooned waitlist here: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/cocoonedwaitlist

For the full show notes visit the website: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/41"Cocooned" waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/cocoonedwaitlist

Full show notes: https://www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/40

Todays episode is a matrescence tale with Sarah Marie Fahd. Sarah Marie is a make-up artist and commentator on Channel Ten’s Googlebox and during the episode I chat to Sarah Marie about her own transformation and growth through becoming a mama.Sarah Marie and her husband welcomed her son Malik in 2019, and little Malik makes a special appearance in the episode. You can find Sarah Marie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmariemakeup/?hl=enDear Mama Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject/?hl=enDear Mama Website: https://www.dearmamaproject.com

**Trigger warning** discussion of intrusive, unwanted and distressing harm thoughts about baby.In today’s episode I’m interviewing Dr Caroline Boyd, a clinical psychologist and expert on intrusive harm thoughts experienced by mothers. Dr Caroline has completed research on the prevalence of unwanted, intrusive harm thoughts amongst new mothers, and found accidental harm thoughts (something happening to baby) are almost universal amongst new mothers and 1 in 2 mothers experience unwanted intentional harm thoughts.Dr Caroline Boyd’s research showed that whilst these thoughts are incredibly common, talking about it isn’t, and that can add to the distress experienced. My intention in sharing this episode is to open up a conversation about this in the hope that doing so will help break the stigma and allow you to start talking about this within your own support networks and with the mothers you know.In the episode I talk to Caroline about her research including:What intrusive/harm thoughts areCarolines research regarding the prevalence of unwanted harm thoughts amongst new mothersThe ‘perfect mother myth’ and how this contributes to our experience of unwanted harm thoughtsHow to manage harm thoughts and intrusive thoughtsWhen and how to seek helpYou can reach Dr Caroline Boyd at https://drcarolineboyd.com/ where she offers video therapy or through Instagram @_drboyd where she writes about harm thoughts and parenting.Dear Mama Project website can be found here: https://www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/38Caroline also wanted to mention that dads also experience intrusive thoughts, at a slightly lesser degree than mothers.If this episode has brought up any concerns for you, or if you are of help and support, please visit your GP or contact:Australia: PANDA Hotline: 1300 726 306 and website: https://www.panda.org.au United Kingdom: PaNDAs - 0808 1961 776 and website: https://pandasfoundation.org.ukUnited States of America: Postpartum Support International: 1800 944 4773(4PPD) and website: https://www.postpartum.netIn case of emergency:Australia: 000United Kingdom: 999United States of America: 911

In today's episode I chat to Tahyna MacManus about her new documentary 'Misunderstandings of Miscarriage' - available now on STAN. Full show notes: https://www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/37

Find the full show notes here: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/36Dear Mama Project websiteConnect with me on Instagram

Find the show notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/35

Show notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/34

Becoming waitlist: https://www.nikkimccahon.com/becomingwaitlistShow notes: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/33Connect with me over on instagram @dearmamaprojectWebsite: www.dearmamaproject.com

In today's episode I chat with Relationship expert Trish Purnell-Webb about all things relationships. For the full show notes visit: www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/32Connect with me over on instagram @dearmamaproject

In today’s episode I’m chatting to Bridgett Warne who is the founder of PCOS to Wellness her popular instagram page and blog, and the creator of Cysterhood and Mamahood teas.In this episode Bridget and I talk about her experience with PCOS and how it led her to embarking on a journey to better understand hormone health and wellbeing. We also chat about the hormone health, the pill, period positivity, fertility and the common things on our plates and in our homes that can disrupt our hormones.Enjoy listening to this week's podcast, grab a screen shot and tag me @dearmamaproject and Bridgette @PCOS_to_wellness and let us know what you took away from the episode.www.dearmamaproject.comwww.instagram.com/dearmamaprojecthttps://www.pcostowellness.comwww.instagram.com/pcos_to_wellness

In today's episode I’m chatting to Laura Callea also known as Physio Laura, a women's health physiotherapist the owner and founder of the Pregnancy Posse.I asked Laura to come on the podcast and chat to me about some of the sides of pregnancy and postpartum that aren’t talked about - like changes to sex and sensation and pelvic floor weakness. This episode is full of lot’s of practical advice on postpartum recovery, what to do if you are experiencing incontinence or weakness of pelvic floor muscles and tips for intimacy post babies.Our bodies do so much for us, and our little ones and I hope that this episode helps you to remember that looking after our physical bodies is a much needed act of self care and a way of looking after your future self.Dear Mama Project website: https://www.dearmamaproject.comDear Mama Project instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmamaprojectPhysio Laura website: https://physiolaura.comPhysio Laura instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physiolaura/

In today’s episode we’re exploring the mother wound with Bethany Webster. Bethany is a writer, transformational coach and international speaker. Her work has filled a crucial gap in our understanding of women’s lives by blending cutting-edge research on intergenerational trauma, feminist theory, and psychology to comprehensively define the Mother Wound.Bethany’s website:https://www.bethanywebster.comBethany’s book - ‘Discovering the Inner Mother’ pre-order:https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062884442Inner Mother Coursehttps://www.bethanywebster.com/inner-mother-course/Please get in touch and let me know what you took away from today's episode - you can find me @dearmamaproject on Instagram and my website is dearmamaproject.com

In todays episode I'm chatting to Dr Oscar Serrallach, a functional medicine doctor and leader in maternal care. Dr Oscar is the author of "The Postnatal Depletion Cure - A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers of Newborns, Toddlers, and Young Children". We chat about Postnatal depletion, how to support new mothers, maternal values and COVID.Check out the book + Dr Oscar's website here. Connect with Dr Oscar on Instagram here.Today's episode is sponsored by Dockatot, With thousands of 5-star reviews, the patented DockATot is specially shaped to reinvent the wombDear Mama listeners can enjoy 15% off by using the code "DEARMAMA" at checkout.If you'd like to connect with me you can check out the Dear Mama Project website and Dear Mama Project Instagram.

In today’s episode I’m chatting to Cass Dunn, a clinical psychologist and coach about strategies and tools we can use for dealing with the current COVID situation. We talk about how people might be feeling, ways we may try to cope and helpful tools we can use to support ourselves as we navigate these unchartered waters.I hope you enjoy today’s episode, and if it does help you I’d love to hear from you - you can find me @dearmamaproject on instagram.Here are the links to find Cass and her programs:Website: https://cassdunn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassdunn_xoBeyond Happy monthly program: https://cassdunn.com/beyondhappy-waitlist/If you’re enjoying listening to the podcast it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to leave a quick written review on iTunes. Leaving a written review really helps the podcast get seen by more mums who need to hear these conversations and I really appreciate your help in spreading the word. If you do leave a written review, grab a screen shot and DM it to me on instagram and I will send you a little gift as a thank you.

Welcome to episode 26. Now is really the time to practice self compassion, and self-care, and empathy, and kindness.As parents, we might be feeling a lot of feelings right now, things might be changing around us right now in terms of our daily routines, we might be supporting vulnerable others around us like grandparents or friends in vulnerable groups, it’s really, really important that we are taking care of ourselves as much as we possibly can right now. The little people around us don’t know or really understand what is going on in the world, and they pick up on our energy, so trying to make sure we’re looking after ourselves, looking after our nervous system and really practicing all of the things we have been talking about on this podcast - mindfulness, self love, self compassion, self-care, empathy, kindness, seeing ourselves as all connected will help all of us get through this.I’m going to make sure I share lots of self-care and self-compassion tips over on Instagram in the coming weeks, so be sure to head over to instagram to stay connected - I am @dearmamaprojectI feel like today’s episode is really fitting, I’m talking to Nicola Laye a breathwork faciliator, pregnancy wellness and womens health coach. In this episode we chat about Nicola’s own motherhood journey, breathwork and how we can use breath to move through emotions, we chat about anger, finding your tribe of friends and how tricky this can be sometimes. I feel like you will love the tips on how we can use breath to move through challenging emotions and experiences and the open discussion around anger.Nicola Laye:www.instagram.com/nicola_layehttps://www.nicolalaye.comDear Mama Projectwww.dearmamaproject.comwww.instagram.com/dearmamaproject

In today’s episode I speak to Sophie Walker, the founder and host of Australian Birth Stories.In the episode we chat about Sophie’s experience becoming a mother of 3 beautiful boys, what her transition into motherhood has been like, what inspired her to create Australian Birth Stories and the ups and downs of starting and running a business whilst raising a little family. I absolutely loved chatting to Sophie, and we have some really awesome chats about emotions, self-care and anger.I hope you enjoyed listening to this week's episode, and if you did I would love to hear from you, you can find me @dearmamaproject on instagram - I’d love to hear from you.Australian Birth StoriesAustralian Birth Stories website : https://www.australianbirthstories.comPostpartum Life After Birth: https://www.australianbirthstories.com/postpartum-life-after-birthPostpartum - Discovering Motherhood: https://www.australianbirthstories.com/postpartum-discovering-motherhoodABS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/australianbirthstories/Dear Mama ProjectDear Mama Project website: www.dearmamaproject.comDear Mama Project instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject

In today’s episode I’m chatting to Marcia Leone, the founder of @notsomumsy a community for modern mothers and @notsomumsythelabel - a gorgeous lounge wear and accessories line designed to give back.Today marks the official launch of Marcia’s book, aptly named “Not So Mumsy” - The book was created to honour the journeys of women as they progress through motherhood, and focuses on empowering mamas to do things their way. The book includes a collection of stories, witty quips and illustrations, expert tips and helpful links that cover pregnancy, birth and the first year all tackled from our perspective as mothers and the journey we are going through.In today’s interview Marcia chats to us about her on motherhood journey and experience of Matrescence, the ups and downs of having a social media profile whilst navigating her own motherhood challenges and the process of creating the book and her business. I hope you enjoy listening to this weeks Matrescence Tale, as always I love continuing the conversation over on Instagram, so grab a screenshot of the episode and tag me I am @dearmamaproject or send me a DM - I love hearing from you!Links to Marcia's new book "Not So Mumsy":Booktopia linkBook depository linkNot So Mumsy website: https://www.notsomumsy.comNot So Mumsy Instagram: www.instagram.com/notsomumsyDear Mama Project instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmamaprojectDear Mama Project website: www.dearmamaproject.com

In today’s episode, I wanted to share a really simple, but super powerful concept that has helped my mental and emotional health, but also had a really positive impact on the people around me - intention, and specifically setting intentions for your day, and creating intentions throughout the day as you move between tasks and roles. This is a tool that has really helped me, and continues to be something I consciously work on and I think you’re going to love it too.Instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmamaproject Website: www.dearmamaproject.com