The Good Enough Mother

I explore the emotional complexity that motherhood brings in the context of post-Mother's-Day – and how we can feel both deep love and deep exhaustion, often in the same breath. I speak to the invisible labour mothers carry, the craving to be seen, and the cultural expectations that shape how we think we “should” feel. You'll hear some of my own reflections about ambivalence, overwhelm, tenderness, identity, and what it means to take up space as a mother. . . . If this conversation resonates with you and you're curious about what it looks like to bring this lens into your current or future mother-care work, tune in to the previous episode: Ep 121 - A Free Training + A Final Invitation: The Next Wave of Motherhood Studies. I share details about the free Missing Piece training and the final days to join The Motherhood Studies Certification - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies

Get your free training: https://motherhoodstudies.newzenler.com/courses/the-missing-piece-in-mother-care-work/buy?coupon=missingpiecefree Enrol in the certification: https://motherhoodstudies.newzenler.com/courses/thenextwave/buy/plan/150986 Enrolment for the certification closes this Wednesday, May 14th. . . . In this episode, I'm giving you a short and clear overview of the Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification - a globally recognised training that equips you with the frameworks, language, and tools to transform the way you support mothers (and see your own motherhood, too). We are in the final days of enrolment – with the certification beginning May 19th In this episode you'll hear what makes this certification truly different (and why it's still so rare), how it supports your personal growth and your professional work, and some of the outcomes you can expect - from increased clarity and confidence to ready-made client resources. I've also created a free training for you to explore this work: The Missing Piece in Mother-Care Work: An Introduction to Motherhood Studies and the Sociological Lens. You'll learn the foundational models and paradigm shifts we explore inside the certification.

Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Professor Andrea O'Reilly, the internationally renowned pioneer who founded the field of Motherhood Studies. In this powerful episode, Dr O'Reilly shares her 40-year journey from questioning motherhood's absence in Women's Studies as a pregnant undergraduate to establishing an entire academic discipline dedicated to mothers' experiences. She discusses the creation of the Journal of the Motherhood Initiative, Demeter Press (which has published nearly 200 titles), and concepts like "Mother Outlaws" and Matricentric Feminism. Key themes explored include the difference between patriarchal motherhood and empowered mothering, the ongoing struggle for legitimacy in academia, raising "outlaw children" against patriarchal norms, the vital importance of community for resistant mothers, and her vision for making mothers "the before thought, not the afterthought." Andrea reflects on the costs and joys of feminist mothering, the need for a mother-centered lens in all disciplines, and why mothers need their own feminism. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding how motherhood shapes our world and how we can create more supportive spaces for all mothers. Demeter Press Website: https://demeterpress.org/ In (M)otherwords (Prof O'Reilly's essays) book: https://demeterpress.org/books/motherwords The Mother Wave collection: https://demeterpress.org/books/the-mother-wave Journal of the Motherhood Initiative, open access: https://jarm.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/jarm For those inspired to dive deeper into this field, you can be trained in the sociology of motherhood through the Motherhood Studies Certification. The next wave of this certification has been directly inspired by my chapter in "The Mother Wave" book, helping to contribute to Dr O'Reilly's ground-breaking work, and turning Motherhood Studies concepts into practical application for professionals working with mothers - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies Listen to free training on The Missing Piece in Mother-Care Work here: https://motherhoodstudies.newzenler.com/courses/the-missing-piece-in-mother-care-work/buy?coupon=missingpiecefree

Content note: perinatal suicidality In this episode Sophie speaks with midwife and Research Fellow Dr Laura Biggs, and CEO of PANDA Australia, Julie Borninkhof about the Making Sense of the Unseen partnership between the Stronger Futures CRE and the Murdoch Children's REsearch Institute, PANDA Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, and James Cook University. In the episode you'll hear discussed key findings from ground-breaking research conducted by the team on experiences of perinatal suicidality, the first study of its kind ever to be carried out. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in Australia and other high-income countries and yet so far, we've known little about women's experiences of suicidality at this time in their lives. As discussed in this episode, the research identified that perinatal suicidality is driven by experiences of shame, and feelings of being disconnected and ‘defective' as a mother. We talk about how societal pressures and the perfect mother myth narrative profoundly impact women's mental health, and share stories from the research that demonstrate the profound importance of compassionate care and rehumanising relationships and care experiences for mothers. This episode is an especially important listen for all of those who work in healthcare and/or with mothers. We want to acknowledge the 139 women who shared their experiences of perinatal suicidality with the research team, as without their generosity, this research and this conversation on the podcast sharing these important findings would not be possible. … Episode webpage: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast119 Connect with Laura on Twitter @l_biggs Follow PANDA on Facebook at facebook.com/pandanational and Instagram @pandanational Laura Biggs' email: laura.biggs@mcri.edu.au Learn more about Making Sense of the Unseen: https://www.strongerfutures.org.au/making-sense-of-the-unseen Read the journal article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497323231164278 Support lines Australia - www.panda.org.au/ - 1300 726 306 @pandanational @lifelineaustralia @13yarn UK - pandasfoundation.org.uk/ - 0808 1961 776 USA - www.postpartum.net/ - Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN) The EU/EEA - Mental health helpline - 116 123

I share some updates and some talks I'm giving soon, along with the recording I took of when I was practicing my talk for the Matrescence Festival, organised by Claire Tonti and Lizzy Humber. In the talk I share about where the ‘perfect mother myth' often starts in our own lives, what it is, how it connects to the broader ‘tank' of motherhood that we're all ‘swimming' around in, and how mothering can be a catalyst for our own growth and development. Here are the links mentioned in the episode - Parental Brain Summit - presenting on “Understanding the Care Career Conundrum: A Sociological Approach for Professionals" - https://info137--newbornparents.thrivecart.com/the-parental-brain-summit/ Breastfeeding Conference (May 9, 2025) presenting on "Beyond 'Good Mothers' and 'Good Babies': Sociological Insights on Cultural Ideals" https://www.breastfeedingconferences.com.au/about/Broken-Sleep-Insights-and-evidence-based-approaches-to-infant-sleep?ref=XARAHE Publications - Journal of Motherhood Initiative - 25th Anniversary Issue https://jarm.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/jarm/issue/view/2324 https://jarm.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/jarm/issue/view/2324#:~:text=Maternal%20Legacies,Marie%20Porter%2C%20AM The Mother Wave - https://demeterpress.org/books/the-mother-wave-theorizing-enacting-and-representing-matricentric-feminism/ The Next Wave of The Motherhood Studies Certification - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies email info@drsophiebrock.com ‘enrolment' if you're interested in enrolling and would like the enrolment link

In this episode, I speak with mother of two and writer Tehla Bower about her book, "A Mother's Space: Permission to Pause." Tehla candidly shares her experience of disconnection after becoming a mother and her journey to shed both external and internal expectations, ultimately drawing on her maternal experience to reclaim space and redefine herself. She describes pivotal health events affecting her and her children that prompted a significant life shift. Tehla reflects on her formerly career-centric identity and how motherhood surprisingly reconnected her with forgotten parts of herself. We discuss societal judgment of mothers, including the dismissive "what a waste" comment she received while pregnant after completing her MBA, and examine how institutions reinforce oppressive structures impacting mothers. Tehla's story illustrates how mothers live within the 'tank,' subject to rules, expectations, and judgment, but can learn to 'mother against motherhood' (O'Reilly; Rich) and reclaim a space of their own. Learn more about Tehla and get your copy of “A Mother's Space” here – www.tehlajane.com https://www.instagram.com/tehla_jane/ https://www.facebook.com/tehla.jane/

In this episode with leadership facilitator and founder of Matermorphosis, Babette Lockefeer, we explore the powerful intersection of motherhood and leadership. Drawing from her experience in corporate leadership development and as a mother of three young boys, Babette shares her journey of discovering how matrescence mirrors the path of authentic leadership. The conversation explores how the changes that come with becoming a mother can create unique opportunities for growth and learning, and we discuss the importance of reclaiming our role as mothers as an asset rather than a liability in professional spaces. Babette reflects on the power of mothering as a catalyst for transformation in both our personal and professional lives. Connect with Babette: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babette-l-85693326 Babette's leadership development company: https://www.theoryy.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matermorphosis/ Resonated with Babette's 'mountains' analogy from the episode? Check out her program - The Mother Mountain: https://www.matermorphosis.org/ . . . Ready to transform how you support mothers in paid work through their biggest challenges? Join Dr Sophie's professional development training - Mothers at Work - a program that equips coaches, consultants, and leaders with evidence-based sociological frameworks and practical tools to help mothers navigate guilt, the mental load, and workplace challenges while building lasting confidence in both their careers and mothering journeys. https://drsophiebrock.com/mothersatwork Use coupon code - podcastmothersatwork - for a 10% discount. Coupon code valid until Feb 7th 2025

Julia Jones has over 15 years of experience as a postpartum doula, educator, and best-selling author and has trained over 1500 postpartum professionals in over 60 countries through her worldwide leading education training for postpartum professionals. In this episode Julia shares about her entry into the space of postpartum support, differences in postpartum support practices around the world, and the development of her long-term vision in revolutionising postpartum care practices through Newborn Mothers. Julia's initial interest in ayurvedic practices led her down the path of offering postpartum care, but there was a lack of formal training options when she started 15 years ago. Julia shares her journey in filling this gap through her business and community. We talk about boundaries, working from data rather than assumptions, and making intentional choices. We discuss the professionalisation of postpartum care and hear Julia's vision of a world where postpartum care is understood as integral to the health and wellbeing of families, and postpartum care professionals are given the recognition, support and respect that they deserve. Connect with Julia: Website: https://newbornmothers.com/ Postpartum Education and Care Professional Training: https://newbornmothers.com/training Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbornMothers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbornmothers/ ..... If you work in mother-care and have trained in any of Dr Sophie's professional development programs or would like to, check out her upcoming in-person event: Evolve 2025 on Saturday February 22nd: https://drsophiebrock.com/evolve2025

In this solo episode, I share the story of how an accidental footnote in my sociology degree led me to discover my life's work and create the world's first Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification. Before its evolution in 2025, I'm offering this Legacy Edition of the certification with its foundational curriculum one final time - and at a $1,000AUD discount. In this episode I share what I'm doing differently next year, my thoughts on the current and future landscape of mother-support, and what makes this Legacy Edition special. Note: The Legacy Edition special offer is closing soon. The program is in complete self-study mode to complete at your own pace, is discounted by $1,000AUD, and is available on a 12 month payment plan. If you want to be part of creating real change in how we value and support mothers, this is for you. Learn more and join here: https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/ Resources Mentioned: The Fish Tank of Motherhood animation - https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood Graduate stories and transformations - https://drsophiebrock.com/clientfeedback Legacy Edition enrollment details - https://motherhoodstudies.newzenler.com/courses/legacyedition/buy/plan/150974

In this episode, I have a personal and powerful conversation with Suzy Reading, a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. Suzy shares her profound journey of becoming a mother while simultaneously losing her father, exploring how this experience shaped her understanding of "energetic bankruptcy" and the vital importance of self-care. Through her story of navigating new motherhood amidst grief and challenge, Suzy challenges cultural narratives around motherhood that demand endless sacrifice. She offers gentle yet powerful insights about the incomplete nature of kindness when it doesn't include ourselves, and provides practical wisdom for anyone navigating loss, change, or the demanding journey of motherhood. Suzy is the Psychology Expert for wellbeing brand Neom Organics and is a founding member of the ‘Nourish' app. She figure-skated her way through her childhood, growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, and now makes her home in the hills of Hertfordshire, UK. Connect more with Suzy's work and grab a copy of her latest book, Self-Care for Winter. Website: www.suzyreading.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyreading/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzyReadingPsychologyAndYoga/ Twitter: @SuzyReading . . . Doors are now open for The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification: Legacy Edition. Including lifetime access to the full classic curriculum, which has provided the cornerstone for Motherhood Studies professional development and continuing education for practitioners, professionals and business owners worldwide. Also included is a bonus module packed full of resources for you to use in your mother-supporting work, equipping you with templates, worksheets, speaker documents, client-facing materials and other resources. The Certification is discounted by $1,000AUD for a limited time only. Learn more here: https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/ . . . *Language warning for this episode

In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Montei, the author of "TOUCHED OUT: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, & Control." Amanda's work, which spans from The New York Times to ELLE, brings a critical eye to the experiences of motherhood under the weight of societal expectations. We talk about the line between the institution of motherhood and our experience of mothering, referencing back to Adrienne Rich's work and trace some of Amanda's experience of mothering as transformational, creative, and even radicalizing. Amanda's work explores the body and consent, and the ways in which parenting is not just an arena where we may pass on beliefs about our bodies, but also for learning about them. Motherhood as an area for self-inquiry and discovery, as well as social and political activism and exploration, is something we discuss - moving between both the broader social and cultural institution and intimate lived experience. Amanda shares her insights on boundaries, good girl conditioning, consent, maternal ambivalence and maternal identity, and motherhood as a source of both constraint and power. Tune in to explore how motherhood can serve as both a refuge and a form of rebellion, reshaping identity and challenging societal norms. Follow Amanda's ongoing exploration of motherhood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amontei/ or read a copy of her book https://www.amandamontei.com/

*Download your free checklist here: https://drsophiebrock.com/checklist *The Mothers at Work program starts August 26th, 2024. Learn more here: https://drsophiebrock.com/mothersatwork What is the Care Career Conundrum, and how does it impact mothers in paid work? How can understanding this concept transform our approach to supporting mothers? Download a free tool I've developed called The Care Care Career Conundrum Checklist and see how many indicators you or your clients tick off. This checklist is part of my broader Mothers at Work program, a 5 week Training program for coaches, facilitators, consultants and leaders to drive change for working mothers. In this episode you'll learn about the social construction of motherhood and the 'fish tank' analogy, the perfect mother myth and its impact on 'working mothers', a reflection on the language we use to describe mothers in paid work, and what the Care Career Conundrum is.

In this conversation, I speak with digital creator, speaker and mental health advocate Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom, whose work has touched millions of women worldwide. I ask Libby about her journey and we talk candidly about some of the challenges that come up in opening honest conversations about modern motherhood. We speak about what it's like to ‘go against the grain' of normalised motherhood, and how this impacts our experiences of relationships and finding a sense of belonging within communities. Libby also shares about the complexities of working within this space of motherhood-support, and the sometimes amplified pressure we can place on ourselves as advocates. Libby emphasises the complexities that socioeconomic factors can bring to the mothering experience through sharing some of her own life journey, and we reflect on the ways that motherhood can be a force for connection through shared experience, AND is also such a profoundly individual journey unique to each of us. We hope you enjoy this authentic conversation about all things ‘honest motherhood'. Libby has been recognized as a mental health advocate by TikTok and her best-selling guided journal, "The Honest Mom Journal: The Struggling Mom's Guide to Struggling Less," has been a lifeline for countless mothers. You can connect with her further below. Libby Ward - https://diaryofanhonestmom.com/ @diaryofanhonestmom on TT and IG . . . Register to listen to free private podcast training for current and aspiring mother-care professionals and practitioners, '10 Ways Patriarchal Motherhood Can Show Up in Your Clients' - https://drsophiebrock.com/patriarchal-motherhood-register

In this episode I speak with Dr Sam Casey, an integrative child therapist who specialises in play therapy, trauma informed practice and maternal mental health. Sam shares her journey into play therapy, which started from an interaction when she was working at a childcare centre, and saw her through to gaining a PhD. You'll come away with interesting insights and strategies from this episode, regardless of whether you're a parent who has never heard of play therapist before, or whether you're a registered play therapist yourself. We talk about the ‘play prescription' model that Sam has developed that can be used by both parents and professionals to bring the power of play into their lives, relationships and work, to facilitate healing and growth. You'll hear me share some reflections from my own mothering for us to explore as examples of the power of play in both connecting with our children, that goes beyond the ‘shoulds' of intensive mothering that are so culturally pervasive. Connect with Dr Sam Casey further at https://www.drsamcasey.com/ follow her @drsamcasey on Instagram, and check out her upcoming free webinar here - https://www.drsamcasey.com/registration-page

In this episode, we speak to the PhD-qualified Neuroscientist, psychotherapist, meditation teacher, maternal mental wellbeing consultant, international speaker, author, and host of the podcast ‘Mama, Unleashed!', Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson. Within this conversation we delve into the fascinating world of neuroplasticity, the maternal brain, and how all of this information can be relevant in practical ways to our daily lives as mothers. Dr Jen explains how our brains continuously adapt and change in response to both internal and external stimuli. We explore the concept of self-directed neuroplasticity, and how we can begin to reshape our neural pathways. In this episode you'll hear personal insights and stories that are shared to help explore the practical application of tools shared to help us as mothers in reshaping our experience of mothering and what it means to be a mother, to help us reclaim and push back against the normative ‘shoulds' and structures of motherhood. Purchase the mini-course ‘Harness Your Motherhood Brain to thrive: A science-informed introduction to matrescence and the brain' by Dr Jennifer Hacker Pearson and Dr Jodi Pawluski here - https://matrescencebrain.drjen.com.au and for 10% off, use the discount code SOPHIE - exclusive to The Good Enough Mother podcast listeners. Website - www.DrJen.com.au Email - jen@DrJen.com.au Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjenhackerpearson/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-hacker-pearson-phd-60293452

*The Motherhood Studies Certification 2024 is open for enrolment until April 19th* What possibilities exist beyond patriarchal motherhood? How can sociological understandings of motherhood liberate our individual experience and contribute to broader social change? These are the sorts of questions I'll reflect on in this episode, considering the transformative potential of motherhood, liberated from patriarchal norms. I mention an upcoming article examining the outcomes of participants who completed the Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification in the context of matricentric feminism. I talk about some of the differences between 'empowered mothering' and feminist mothering, and share the term that I use to guide me in my mothering, business, and other aspects of 'self'. I share one benefit I've received from engaging in Motherhood Studies work that I've been hesitant to talk about, talk about maternal ambivalence and mothering as an art and a practice. I finish by sharing some of my favourite quotes on motherhood, liberated. If you're interested in diving further into this work for both yourself and your current career or future work aspirations, join us in The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification, enrolment for this live round is open until April 19th, 2024 - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/ Here is the other link mentioned in the episode: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood

In this episode I speak with Dr. Emma Svanberg, an award-winning clinical psychologist and author of the recently released, "Parenting For Humans." Dr. Emma is the founder of The Psychology Co-operative and co-founder of Make Birth Better CIC. She also facilitates a vibrant parenting community on Facebook called The Village – A Parenting Community For Humans. I ask Dr Emma about the key themes from her book, exploring the beautiful analogy she uses of understanding children as ‘mapmakers' whose maps are shaped by their temperaments, environments, context, and how we as parents can guide and connect with our children - through understanding our own stories. We talk about the role of play in connection with our children, as well as boundaries in the context of technology. Dr Emma reflects on the pressures parents face today in an information-rich and distracted society, and how we can try to navigate these contexts drawing on a sense of agency and power, and calling in opportunities for presence both for ourselves and our children. You'll hear us reflect on the role of disappointment and the ruptures that inevitably occur between us and our children, and reflect on ‘good enough' and Winnicott's work as part of our parenting practice in fostering connection and growth. Website - https://dremmasvanberg.com/ Email - emma@dremmasvanberg.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mumologist Buy Emma's Book: https://ebury.lnk.to/ParentingForHumans Show notes page: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast106

In this episode, you'll hear from Jessie Ann Elliot and Mary Sotiropoulos who share their personal journeys through early motherhood and postpartum in building community, finding their power, and collaborating together to birth a book into the world. Jessie and Mary met through a mother-membership I facilitated called Liberated Motherhood. They share their experience of connecting with the work of the sociology of motherhood early on in their mothering journeys, and the passion they each developed in making the world a better place for mothers. Together, they started a kickstarter, and raised over $8,000 to create the children's book, "The Mom Who Found Her Sparkle”, a testament to their shared experiences encapsulating a mother's quest to rediscover purpose, identity, and joy. The inclusion of prompts and activities within the book encourages families to engage in meaningful discussions about what brings them joy and makes them feel alive. In this episode, we explore embodiment, presence, connection, and creativity. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themumwhofoundhersparkle https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-mum-who-found-her-sparkle-jessie-ann-elliott/book/9780646886831.html https://www.amazon.com.au/Mum-Who-Found-Her-Sparkle/dp/0646886835/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=30Z8QMJPRS7VS&keywords=the+mum+who+found+her+sparkle&qid=1700598921&sprefix=the+mum+who+found+her+sparkl%252Caps%252C227&sr=8-3 Show notes: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast105

I share a brief life update of what's been present for me over the last few months, talk about transitions, honouring the stage we're in, taking our time, and orient to what will come this year for The Good Enough Mother podcast. This is the free training I mention in the episode: https://drsophiebrock.com/patriarchalmotherhood Here is a link to join the waitlist for The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification for 2024 - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/

In this episode I speak with neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay about her latest book: Baby Brain - The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better). This conversation aims to debunk some of the myths about ‘baby brain' that exist in our culture, and we discuss the discrepancies between what the research says about the maternal brain and our memory, with what mothers say about their memory and experience of ‘baby brain'. We talk about societal expectations and patriarchal influences on motherhood alongside the cognitive changes that occur for women when they become mothers, and this intersection between the ‘social' and the ‘physiological'. The episode explores how pregnancy primes the brain for motherhood, the impact of thoughts on biological processes, the significance of brain-to-brain synchrony in mother-child interactions, and how motherhood contributes to resilience in the maternal brain. You'll learn about the fascinating phenomenon of foetal cell transfer and its potential benefits for women who have experienced miscarriage. Dr. Sarah simplifies complex brain science and sheds light on the profound connection between baby brain, pregnancy, and motherhood. See more on the show notes page here: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast104

The Motherhood Studies Certification 2024 is currently open for early enrolment, and in the context of launching next year's round of the course, I'm reflecting on some of the ways I think we can start to dismantle patriarchal motherhood that focuses on systems rather than individuals. I share some thoughts and reflections on what some structural and social changes could look like, ranging from areas including postpartum care, maternal mental health, economic policy, sex-based role stereotypes, and more. I also speak to the complexities of advocating for societal system change and the importance of remaining open minded, curious, humble, and keeping in mind historical, and cultural contexts. I refer to previous podcast episodes 98 (with Alecia Staines) and 34 (with Dr Oscar Serrallach). The next round of The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification program begins on April 29, 2024, and early enrolment is open until October 24th. Head here for more information https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/ or email me at info@drsophiebrock.com if you have any questions. See the Instagram post referred to here and feel free to comment with any further ideas or suggestions you have about promoting social change: https://www.instagram.com/drsophiebrock/

In this episode I am joined by Zoe Blaskey, founder of Motherkind and host of The Motherkind Podcast. Zoe is a transformational coach and a mother of two who knows firsthand the complexities of modern motherhood. Her journey into motherhood inspired her to create the Motherkind movement and podcast, where she shares wisdom from world-leading experts on topics ranging from self-care and mental health to career, nutrition, and parenting. Zoe and I dive deep into the intricacies of motherhood. Zoe shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a new mother, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, and the ever-present sense of not feeling 'good enough.' We explore how the journey for parenting knowledge can sometimes lead to self-critique and the complexities that arise when we're told to just ‘listen to our inner voice'. Zoe's insights shed light on the empowering, yet sometimes overwhelming, abundance of information available to mothers. We talk about how to come to a place where you can feel empowered and equipped, without feeling overwhelmed. Listen in to hear insights from Zoe's journey in creating a world-leading podcast and platform on Motherhood, and how to bring more compassion into your daily lived experience as a mother. Connect with Zoe Blaskey: Instagram: @zoeblaskey Website: www.motherkind.co Email: zoe@motherkind.co Podcast show notes: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast102

This conversation is with Tracy Gillett, passionate advocate of natural parenting and creator of the award-winning blog and community Raised Good. Tracy was a veterinarian for many years before starting Raised Good and we talk about how this orientation led her into diving into the science of parenting and finding ways to make it accessible for parents. We talk about countercultural parenting practices, parenting through connection, and the sometimes complex relationship we can have to parenting in a way that feels aligned and authentic while ‘breaking the rules' to live in our values. We both talk candidly about our own experiences of mothering and how information and making parenting decisions is filtered through the lens of our own lived experiences, interests, cultural context, and the individual needs and personality of our child. I ask Tracy about the journey she's been on in building her business and community, and if she has any advice for ways to nurture creativity and sustain energy and focus in the creation of a project and moving towards a vision as she's done in this space for almost a decade. Be sure to grab your FREE ticket to Raised Good Online Parenting Summit 2023, beginning September 21st here: bit.ly/3ZD3Ti1 You can also download a free guide to Five Natural Parenting Secrets That Make Kids Want To Cooperate (No Time Outs, Punishments or Threats Required) here: https://raisedgood.com/naturalparentingsecrets More information on safe infant sleep: https://raisedgood.com/sids-safe-sleep-babies-risk/ https://llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/ Connect with Tracy: Instagram: @raisedgood

I've created a free resource for mother-supporting professionals and those working in motherhood-support to learn what patriarchal motherhood is, and why understanding the social structure of motherhood is critical for mother-supporting professionals. Discover 10 ways that patriarchal motherhood can show up in your clients, through a training offered via an exclusive private podcast and an accompanying PDF companion. My hope is that this resource will empower you with enhanced awareness and sensitivity in seeking to provide more effective and holistic support to mothers navigating the challenges posed by patriarchal norms and expectations. Head here to register for free access: https://drsophiebrock.com/patriarchalmotherhood

In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "good enough mother" from the perspective of Dr Tanya Cotler, who is a Clinical Psychologist, author, and speaker specializing in reproductive mental health, infant mental health, and parent-child attachment. Tanya has studied the work of Winnicott (who is the creator of the concept of ‘the good enough mother') extensively and offers a unique lens and insight having expertise in BOTH child and adult psychology. We dive into unpacking what ‘good enough' actually means, the process of attunement mismatches and rupture-repair cycles in a child's development, and how intentional and unconscious repair contribute to building trust, resilience, and frustration tolerance in children. We centre the mother in our conversation to shift a child-focused lens, and I ask Tanya about her experience with what it's like to work with both adults and children in the context of reflecting on these theories. Tanya shares insights from her nearly 20 years of clinical and research experience, and she offers us a key takeaway we can put into practice as good enough mothers, for the benefit of both our children and ourselves. Episode show notes: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcotler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanya.cotler Website: https://drtanyacotler.com/

In this episode, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and I delve into the intricacies, beauty and challenges of mothering ‘beyond the early years', and share parts of our own personal mothering journeys to demonstrate the ongoing nature of matrescence. Amy's insights from her lived experience and work as a matrescence activist, cast a light on the imperative need for all-encompassing support systems that envelop mothers throughout their journey. We talk about the impossible ‘balancing act' when it comes to mothering children at different ages and stages, and how we continue to nurture ourselves and a sense of our own identity while trying to meet our children's varying and various needs. We hope that our conversation points to the vital significance of sharing stories among mothers and having spaces where we can be heard, as well as how we can learn from other mothers who are in different stages of motherhood than we may be. Amy articulates how storytelling can become a vehicle for healing, growth, and cultivating a profound sense of solidarity amongst mothers, and emphasizes the potential and possibility for matrescence as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, healing and transformation. If you're interested in supporting mothers on their matrescence journey, check out Amy's groundbreaking Mama Rising Offering, which encapsulates her unique coaching and support framework for mothers transitioning through matrescence. Amy's program is now open for enrolment until August 30th, 2023. Learn more by heading to - https://mamarising.net/open/ Connect with Amy on Instagram: @amytaylorkabbaz and @mamarisingmovement or email Amy at atk@amytaylorkabbaz.com Learn more about this episode and see key quotes at: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast99

*Please note that this podcast discusses obstetric violence, rape, and trauma. ** If you would like to lodge a submission to the Birth Trauma Inquiry via The Maternity Consumer Network, head here: https://form.jotform.com/231841360678864 To lodge directly, head here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/lodge-a-submission.aspx?pk=2965 . . . Alecia Staines is a passionate advocate for improving the maternity care system and has been working in this space of political advocacy for a decade. She is also a classroom teacher, childbirth educator, yoga teacher, founder of Maternal Consumer Network, and mother of 5. In this conversation Alecia provides an overview of some of the key problems she sees within the maternity system, how she works both within the system and outside of it, in order to advocate for institutional change. Alecia is active in working to address structural inadequacies, as well in supporting individuals through education, trauma-informed practices, and more. We talk frankly about the challenges in initiating structural and social change, and I ask for Alecia's insights as to how she's navigated these challenges and sustained herself over the course of her career and volunteer work. Alecia reflects on the bureaucratic obstacles that exist in the maternity system, the prevalence of birth and obstetric violence, the importance of respectful communication within healthcare, and the foundational role that birth plays in ‘setting us up' for motherhood. We talk about the ripple effects of birth trauma on relationships and society and discuss healing, the power of story-telling, vagal toning, social power dynamics, paternalism, hierarchies, and the need for reform. . . . Alecia has a range of online and face to face offerings, including her Vagal Toning for Birth Trauma Course. All available at www.aleciastaines.com.au https://www.instagram.com/alecia_staines/ Reach out to The Maternity Consumer Network: https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/maternity_consumer_network/ Australia's first consent training for maternity health professionals: https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/about-6 Better Births presentation from Alecia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7FQtT37XDU Check out Alecia's podcast: Birth, The Forgotten Feminist Issue Show notes for more links and information from the show: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast98 . . . If you find aspects of this podcast conversation raises difficult feelings for you, please reach out for support. Support lines Australia - https://www.panda.org.au/ - 1300 726 306 @pandanational @lifelineaustralia @13yarn UK - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ - 0808 1961 776 USA - https://www.postpartum.net/ - Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN) The EU/EEA - Mental health helpline - 116 123

In this episode I speak with Dr Greer Kirshenbaum - a neuroscientist, doula, educator, and author of her newly released book: "The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby's Brain and Transform Their Mental Health through the Art of Nurtured Parenting.” Greer shares with us revolutionary science about the power of nurturing in infancy - which is defined as the first 3 years of life. Throughout Greer's book and this episode, Greer dispels common myths surrounding the care and nurture of babies: including social narratives about self-soothing, sleep training, temperamental differences between our babies, and the level of control we really have over how our children behave, feel, and react. We dive into a discussion of epigenetics and how we are influenced by ancestral experiences. I share my favourite parts of Greer's work that have revolutionised my own understanding of childhood - and motherhood. In this episode you'll learn about the links between mental health, infancy, our stress-system, and nurture as a practice. We also discuss toxic cultures of ‘low nurture' and talk about Greer's concept of ‘nurtured empathy' for both our babies and ourselves. Please share this episode with anyone you know who is involved in the care and nurture of infants, and the care and support of parents, and check out more about the episode including key quotes and where to buy Greer's book. You can find more about Dr Greer here - https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ Instagram: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nurture_neuroscience_parenting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NurtureNeuroscience/ Episode show notes for quotes and where to find Greer's book: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast97

Are we being ‘duped' by our current cultural conception of what it means to be a mother? In this episode, I speak with Tess Wilkinson-Ryan who is a law professor and moral psychologist at The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Tess is the author of her recently released book: FOOL PROOF: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Ourselves and the Social Order―and What We Can Do About It. The book is on the psychology of feeling duped or betrayed, exploring the human experience of feeling like a ‘sucker', and we focus our conversation on one particular chapter of the book: Mothersucker. Tess shares how motherhood can be like playing a relentless public goods game (she explains what this is in the episode) in which a mother's job is to contribute, but everyone else gets to play whatever strategy they want and benefit from her work while she remains undervalued and taken for granted. We unpack the discrepancy between the cultural promise and social rewards of motherhood with what mothers then experience, and Tess shares research into the bias and discrimination that mothers face. This conversation explores the relationship between individualism and care-work, the ways mothers are socialized into patriarchal motherhood, collectivism, the allocation of resources, the economy of motherhood and more. We also explore the dynamic between an individual mothers' life, psychology and decision-making, with the broader social-cultural-moral context of motherhood that she is living within. You can find more about Tess here - https://twitter.com/tesswilkry or https://www.tesswilkinsonryan.com/ Purchase Tess's Book: Fool Proof: How Fear of Playing the Sucker Shapes Our Selves and the Social Order—and What We Can Do About It: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/fool-proof-tess-wilkinson-ryan?variant=40485173723170 Episode shownotes: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast96

In this episode I reflect on the context of Mother's Day and how cultural messages are communicated to us about motherhood and how this affects our sense of self and identity. I reflect on developing our skill of perceiving and picking up on the cultural messages we're sent, placing them within a broader social context, cultivating greater self-compassion to lessen guilt and self-judgement, and how this is key to reducing comparison, competition, and disconnection between us and other mothers. In the episode the research I reference when reflecting on differing interpretations of how feminism has treated mothers comes from Associate Professor Julie Stephens and her work on 'postmaternal thinking'. I refer to another episode of the podcast that I released on the 'fish tank' of motherhood model - go back and find this episode as number 89. You can find the 3min animation explaining the theory here: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood Find information on and the graphic of The Good Mother Bad Mother Binary concept here - https://drsophiebrock.com/conceptualmodels Find a replay of my talk at The Oath Summit on Maternal Anger here - https://youtu.be/epvnQKxI72I . . . The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification runs once a year and enrolment for the 2023 round of the course is open until Thursday 18th May. Email info@drsophiebrock.com if you have any questions and secure your place here: https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/

In this episode I speak with Emily, bilingual/bicultural mamá of two, pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Assistant Professor and Supervisor of graduate speech-language students, and the author of "Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir." Emily shares the challenges she went through in becoming a mother of two, and the journey she went on with her mental health, construction of identity, and exploration of what it means to mother. Emily completed The Motherhood Studies Certification in 2021 and shares how the context and content of Motherhood Studies and supported and expanded her understanding of her own experience of motherhood, and how this work is now integrated within her career. We talk about the socialization of mothers, examination of maternal expectations - particularly when transitioning from 1 to 2 children - and how to ‘speak back' to the inner critique we've internalised from patriarchal motherhood that polices our feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. From this conversation, you'll hear about the ways that big life transitions can usher in both disorientation but also potential for immense growth, self-learning, and expansion as we ‘undo' in order to ‘recreate'. Emily's book and work encapsulate both the grief and love, vulnerability and power, breaking down and breaking through that can be part of our experience of motherhood. Purchase Emily's book: https://www.emilyadlermosqueda.com/book Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir “Repeat mothers are assumed to know what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir is the moving, raw account of a second-time mother who finds herself struggling for the first time with postpartum depression, anxiety and motherhood itself. Only as a mother of two does Emily find herself unable to ignore the impossible tempo of motherhood. At eight-months postpartum, Emily finds motherhood to be punctuated with unexpected sensations of irritability and feelings of rage all lathered in immobilizing guilt and shame. Readers witness the author's personal evolution through her internal review and deconstruction of self and her examination of maternal expectations. It is through this journey of examining and feeling that truly opens up the unexpected possibilities of understanding and what it means to be content in motherhood." https://www.emilyadlermosqueda.com/ . . . Doors are now open for enrolment into the 2023 round of The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification, starting May 22nd. Head here for more info -https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/

In this episode, I talk with author and psychotherapist Dr Margo Lowy, exploring the concept of maternal ambivalence – an often-silenced but integral part of the mothering experience. Maternal ambivalence is defined as many conflicting feelings or contradictory feelings that can exist at the same time. In her book, "The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love", Dr Lowy further develops the concept of maternal ambivalence into being part of a new ‘language of maternal love' and explains how maternal ambivalence is an integral part of our mothering that can actually strengthen maternal love. Learn why this is the case, the reasons why maternal ambivalence remains a cultural taboo, and how to start embracing maternal ambivalence to connect more deeply with your child/ren and yourself. Connect with Dr Lowy's work further at www.drmargolowy.com and her Instagram @drmargolowy See show notes at - https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast93

Often, there can feel as though there is a conflict between the ways we would like to parent, and the social and structural forces that shape and influence our everyday lives as mothers. Amanda Connell from Spilt Milk Psychology joins me in this conversation to discuss the ways so often, our ‘needs' as mothers are framed as being in competition with the needs of our children. Negotiating this and finding space for our ‘selves' is therefore connected with the idea that we need to be separated from our children – to have time away from the to ‘come up for air'. We challenge this narrative and the pressure mothers face to always centralize our children and place their needs above our own. Amanda offers us examples and tools for how we can learn to build our own ‘oxygen tank' to ‘breathe under water', and honour the ambivalence that is part of mothering. We talk about toxic positivity, how to teach our children how to deal with disappointment, strategies to cultivate self-compassion, and much more. Amanda has a range of offerings for professionals and the general public which will be launching soon from her website spiltmilkpsych.com/

In this episode I speak to some criticisms of the concept and application of ‘good enough mothering' as an approach to parenting. Some of us can have a reaction of: 'good enough?, why would I want to be JUST good enough as a parent?'. For those who identify as perfectionists, who feel the 'high stakes' nature of parenting, who are feeling guilty and not enough, and pressure to constantly do/be more as a mother, this episode offers a reprieve and an invitation to consider a perspective shift that can lighten the load we so often feel as mothers. I share both some of the research and my own personal reflections as a mother on why I find 'good enough mothering' a valuable tool and perspective for both us and our children.

This episode takes sections from podcast episode 32 with Julianne Boutaleb – a consultant perinatal psychologist and Director of Parenthood in Mind. Julianne speaks about the processes of attachment between a mother and her baby, the early attachment needs of a baby, self regulation and co-regulation between carers and babies, and changes that happen in a woman's brain when she becomes a mother. Julianne offers advice about how we can move through these experiences with a sense of forgiveness, compassion, and gentleness, in order to use this time as an opportunity to settle into a new ‘maternal rhythm'. You can connect further with Julianne on Instagram @parenthoodinmind or through www.parenthoodinmind.co.uk/

There is a piecing-back-together that we are called to do after we go through a journey of pulling apart the version of motherhood we've been sold. To ask: well, what DO I want for my motherhood? If I understand the perfect mother myth, and how we're 'swimming' within a culture that sets us up for a certain experience of motherhood, what are the next steps I can take after unpacking these realizations? I speak to these types of questions in this episode and reflect on the process of what it means to go on the journey of unpacking how we have internalised the ‘perfect mother myth' and have been socialized into the expectations of what it means to be a ‘Mother'. The birth of a new awareness, and (re)creation of a new identity can feel alluring, exciting, liberating, and/or empowering. But it can also feel really unsettling, especially at first. This episode speaks to this experience and on how we can build new models of what it means to be a mother. I consider a model of ‘integrated' motherhood, and invite you to reflect on some questions about your own sense of self and identity. . . . Enrol in The Sociology of Motherhood Starter Bundle of 3 of my most popular self-study courses. I've converted these courses into a private podcast and you can receive 40% off until January 31st 2023 by entering the coupon code NEWYEARS at checkout. https://drsophiebrock.com/starterbundle

This episode is a training Sophie delivered, translating the predominant theoretical finding from her PhD research - the 'fish tank of motherhood' model. This model offers us a way of understanding what the 'social construction of Motherhood' actually is, how it shapes our experience as mothers, and what it really takes to claim and create opportunities for mothers to step into their power and be acknowledged for their importance. You'll hear a description of the 'rule book' of good motherhood, what happens when we don't fit within the rules, what maternal thinking is, and the exciting opportunity we currently have as mothers and motherhood-support professionals to make a difference. To see the fish-tank graphic referred to during the training head here: https://drsophiebrock.com/fishtanktraining If you work with mothers as a therapist, healthcare practitioner, in postpartum care, coaching, or any role where you support mothers or you're looking to transition into this field, join the waitlist to find out more about enroling in The Motherhood Studies Certification training - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/ with the next round beginning May 22nd 2023.

In this solo re-released episode I reflect on the ways the festive season brings with it an amplification of the perfect mother myth. I explain how and why the festive season and other celebrations intensify the pressures mothers face, and give voice to the often-invisible load that women carry at this time and the expectations on mothers, children, and the ‘family' unit to ‘perform'. I reflect on the mental load, but also on some of the challenges in having the only solutions suggested as ‘stepping back' or ‘delegating'. I pose questions to consider about the extent to which mothers are expected to sacrifice their wellbeing to facilitate the enjoyment of others, how we have been conditioned to want to ‘please' others, but also the complex dynamics involved when it comes to wanting to ‘give' to our children. This leads to a consideration of how our worthiness is measured, and purpose is defined. Ultimately, cultivating connection with ourselves as Mothers offers a precious gift of ‘presence' to ourselves and our family.

Today's conversation is with author, psychotherapist, speaker, and Mum of three, Anna Mathur. Anna and I dive into reflecting on the complexities of motherhood over the holiday season, and consider how we can prepare ourselves for the increase in emotional and mental labour that can come with this busy time. Anna shares her perspective on how to enjoy a magical yet simple Christmas, dealing with disappointment, tips on how to say ‘no' without feeling like we are letting people down, setting boundaries and more. Tune in to invite a sense of reflection, lightness and self-compassion for yourself during this holiday season. Listen to Anna's podcast The Therapy Edit Purchase Anna's most recent book The Little Book of Calm for New Mums Find links and more details about Anna and the episode on the show notes website here: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast86

This conversation is with psychologist and motherhood coach Yara Heary. Yara shares ways to come home to our bodies in those moments when mothering can bring up hard feelings, using somatic tools for nervous system regulation which can help to connect with ourselves and our children in a way that fosters intimacy and trust. We look at the process of repairing with our children after a rupture, what this feels like for children and for us as adults who may or may not have received repair as children ourselves. Read more show notes and key quotes here - https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast85 Connect with Yara - lifeafterbirthpsychology instagram.com/lifeafterbirthpsychology

This conversation on shame and perfectionism is with mother and psychotherapist, Catherine Counihan. Catherine and Sophie both share from their own personal stories of mothering their daughters to look at some lived examples of how the perfect mother myth, shame and perfectionism can play out in the day-to-day of mothering, and model a pathway through which we as mothers can interrogate our guilt, honour our values, release ‘shoulds', and offer self-compassion. You'll learn about the connection between perfectionism and shame, and how shame is created through stories of the ‘good girl' we experience as children. Catherine shares her approach of working with clients to gain an embodied sense of being good enough in their mothering, helping to shift dysfunctional patterns in our families. . . . Follow Catherine: @psychotherapy_mum www.psychotherapymum.com Listen to the Grow Yourself Up podcast Read episode show notes page: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast84 . . . EARLY enrolment for Sophie's course The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification 2023 ends Wednesday 23rd November. Early enrolment includes bonus masterclass and group calls, and capacity to join course on a 12 month payment plan. More information - https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies/

In this short episode I share some of my reflections about the creation of my latest program The Liberating Motherhood Experience. This is a program that I've been thinking about for many months but it's been within the space of a week that the program structure has landed with me (while listening to the audiobook of Gabor Maté's latest book, which I reference in the program). In this episode I share what WOULD be an 'easy' and 'appealing' selling point when it comes to the liberation of motherhood, but one that I believe is not actually possible.... I then share where I think our place of agency and power is in what we CAN do in the working towards the liberation of motherhood. Within this episode I walk you through the narrative arc of The Liberating Motherhood Experience and what you can expect from the program. Join The Liberating Motherhood Experience for $50AUD and joining before Saturday 12th November, 2022 gives you access to a live 90min group call + replay, where we come together in connection and reflection on how we witness/experience motherhood and what it means to ENACT a practice of liberation. Join here: https://drsophiebrock.com/liberatingmotherhood Watch fishtank animation here: https://drsophiebrock.com/thefishtankofmotherhood

Today I speak with doula, mentor and women's circle facilitator Rachael Rose. Rachael works to build community around motherhood, and is driven by a desire for mothers to feel less alone as they journey through rites of passage such as pregnancy, birth, postpartum, launching and running a business, and navigating the complexities of mothering in the modern world. She is a strong advocate for community making and re-villaging in ways that are practical, honest and simple. She's also very frank about the need for mothers to actively pursue and maintain relationships, and that community takes effort, time and a little discomfort. We discuss what she's learned from being a circle facilitator and mentor, and what she feels mothers are needing most right now. She shares her own experiences with mothering and business, and what she has learned since the birth of her first child. Rachael Rose is a mother of two, a pregnancy and postpartum doula and women's circle facilitator. Rachael wants mothers to be seen and celebrated, to feel loved and less alone. She is utterly obsessed with creating spaces of connection for women, through her circle work. Rachael has recently released Together, her online Women's Circle Facilitator Training and over 130 women from all over the world have joined. She would love to offer listeners a $50 discount off Together, with the coupon code GOODENOUGH, for the first 20 enrolments. https://www.rachaelrose.com.au/together?coupon=GOODENOUGH That brings the price to $349AUD. https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast83

Today I talk with doula, coach and mother, Jessie Harrold. Jessie is passionate about navigating the transition into motherhood with trust and confidence. Jessie talks to the experience of both losing and finding ourselves in motherhood, and how bounce-back culture overlooks the hard work of navigating huge identity shifts. She shares what happens after the first 40 days of motherhood, how to reorient our lives around newly defined values and priorities as parents, and ways to make sense of pivotal moments. We dive into the shifts that occur in our relationships, and how we can take responsibility for creating our place of belonging in our communities. Jessie shares her work supporting mothers to lean into the liminal nature of postpartum, understanding it as a slow yet profound process of stepping into our motherhood identity, with all the meaning, joy and grief that comes along with it. She encourages new mothers to ask themselves, at many points along the journey ‘who am I now'? And to continue asking questions of ourselves as we become, and continue to evolve, as mothers. Follow Jessie at @jessie.es.harrold and head to the show notes for episode highlights and links to Jessie's quiz and programs https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast82

Today's episode is with author and child activist Zoe Haack. We discuss Zoe's work supporting parents to navigate the critical period of birth to 5 years, as they learn what it means to become parents. Zoe's approach is to look at the intergenerational patterns of parenting we inherent, and how to bring awareness to the ways in which we would like to parent our children going forward, and to see them as unique individuals with value to share. Zoe explains the importance of reflecting upon the way we were treated as children, and to realise how we are seeing our own children through the lens of how we were raised. Zoe shares how the most important thing is being able to approach ourselves and our children with compassion and to have awareness of the language we use. We also ask, how can we be more free to enjoy our children? How do we parent the child in front of us, and not base our decisions on outside influences and education? How do we aim to meet the cultural demands of the society around us? And where could we let some of that go, to allow ourselves to be oriented towards joy? Because children are experts at following the joy and can teach us so much. https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast81 About Zoe: Zoe Haack is an author, child activist and thought leader on growth through osmosis. She sees a world where our natural rhythms are restored, and children lead. She recognises the innate wisdom of childhood and implores adults to see beyond the confines of societal structures to regain sovereignty. An avid researcher and remarkable storyteller, Zoe revolutionises the way educators prioritise trust, freedom, and autonomy for children. https://www.facebook.com/zoe.haack.childactivist https://www.instagram.com/zoe.haack.childactivist/ https://akunaconcepts.com

What does it actually mean to say that motherhood is 'social' or 'constructed' through our culture? Why should we care about motherhood-culture and how does it impact and influence individual mothers, and our children? What is the perfect mother myth, how does it show up in our lives, and what can we do about shifting how we feel about ourselves as mothers? What's the alternative? These are some of the questions I speak to in this episode. Find out more on the episode webpage here: https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast80 If you leave a review of the podcast, I'll send a little 'thank you' in the mail :) Pop your postal details in here - forms.gle/uaDvhtFYnUQvG69EA *Please note that this episode mentions suicidality.

Redefining our careers and purpose as mothers with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz In this episode I speak with best-Selling author, speaker, journalist, Matrescence Activist and Mama of three, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz. We examine the individual and social costs, consequences and challenges of mothers navigating and engaging in paid work and building/maintaining careers in a system that isn't set up for mothers. Amy shares her experience of this, the development of her business, and how the way we ‘work' shapes how we see and experience ourselves as women and mothers. We discuss some of the social and structural barriers that face mothers and what it can mean to contribute to the world through our mothering and a career. We reflect on re-valuing the role of the mother within our society, and the need for institutional and system change to better support and value women when we become mothers. Connect with Amy further by following @amytaylorkabbaz/ Check out Amy's Mama Rising® coaching certification training and enrol using Sophie's link here - https://bit.ly/3SaXXIz See full show notes and resources for the episode here - https://drsophiebrock.com/podcast79 If you leave a review of the podcast, I'll send a little 'thank you' in the mail :) Pop your postal details in here - forms.gle/uaDvhtFYnUQvG69EA

In today's conversation I talk with perinatal clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd, discussing the topics in her recent book ‘Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood'. We explore the pressures of modern motherhood and the impossible expectations mothers face. In doing so, we consider how we can reevaluate some of the patterns and beliefs that we have internalised about what it means to be a mother. What are some ways we learn to tolerate our feelings, without self blame, without criticism, and hold both joy and grief at the same time? Can we be a gentle parent, yet also give ourselves permission to be angry? We also discuss how the pandemic illuminated the gaps in care and the harsh reality of modern parenting without the support systems required to thrive. . . . Links: Buy a copy of Caroline's book here - https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241531365-mindful-new-mum/ Follow her on Instagram @_drboyd Explore more of Caroline's work: https://drcarolineboyd.com . . . If you leave a review of the podcast, I'll send a little 'thank you' in the mail :) Pop your postal details in here - https://forms.gle/uaDvhtFYnUQvG69EA

In this episode I'm speaking with matrescence educator Nikki McCahon about her work, journey into motherhood, and framework for understanding and navigating matrescence. Nikki shares about her postpartum and her experience of an ‘identity death', and how she made sense of her transformation through the framework of the four seasons. As part of our conversation Nikki speaks to how a seasonal and cyclical lens can provide a framework for navigating times of transition and challenge in our mothering journeys, helping to orient us. This approach can provide us with more space for self compassion and identity expansion, when we are able to name and challenge the limitations in place when life experiences - and the journey through mothering - are framed as linear processes. We explore the importance of leaning on others to provide support and how to fully be in the seasons of receiving as a mother. We discuss the disjuncture that exists between this desire and an honouring of our matrescence journeys, while living within a society that glorifies bounce-back culture. The ‘endless summer' that is placed on a pedestal of constant growth minimises the complexity and the gifts that can be within sitting in the truth of whatever season we're currently navigating. Nikki uses some beautiful analogies from the natural world to make sense of life's big moments, seeing ourselves beyond what we can do for others, and to value the opportunity to meet ourselves in deeper ways as we journey through motherhood. ... BIO: Nikki McCahon is a matrescence educator, women's life cycle guide, podcast host and mother to her six year old son. As a matrescence educator and guide, Nikki helps mothers navigate the often unexpected changes and challenges of becoming and being a mother, whilst simultaneously supporting mothers to explore the opportunities that mothering can provide for their own personal growth and expansion. Her model - the seasons of matrescence - applies a seasonal and cyclical lens to matrescence, providing a map for mothers to use when navigating times of change and transition and support to explore their matrescence journey within the context of their broader life cycle and rites of passage. Nikki is passionate about creating community and normalising the physical, psychological, and emotional changes women go through during matrescence. In 2017 Nikki founded Australia's largest meet-up community for mums, which grew to 40,000 members in three years, before it was acquired by a national not for profit, the centre of perinatal excellence (COPE) in 2020. Her work now focuses on providing matrescence guidance and education to mothers through her podcast and group programs, and supporting those who work with mothers to integrate matrescence education, guidance and support into their practice through her Seasons of Matrescence teacher training program. Connect with Nikki - @nikkimccahon / and join the waitlist for the 2023 intake of the Seasons of Matrescence training - https://courses.nikkimccahon.com/som

In today's podcast conversation with Kat River, we explore the question of ‘how can we disrupt our ideas of what motherhood means, to redefine it for ourselves, through our creativity?' Kat is a retreat facilitator, former couples coach, and speaker who talks about her transition from maiden to mother, drawing on tools of creativity to honour and traverse self transformation through becoming a mother. Kat shares her insights on how motherhood has encouraged her to deepen and change her relationship to her work, her creativity, her relationships, and her identity. This involves navigating boundaries and priorities, examining inner fears and beliefs around a loss of independence and taking 'time out', and learning how to facilitate opportunities for our life and work focusses to evolve, change and shift. We reflect on how the postpartum period has the potential to be an invitation for deeper self knowledge, the importance of self-witnessing and honouring ourselves in a transitional time, and how it can be a training ground for our lives. We also look at relationships and codependency, fulfilment, and navigating the unexpected sides of motherhood with ‘leaps of faith'; relinquishing a sense of perceived control, while also recognising the structural and contextual challenges mothers also face. This is a conversation that speaks to the possibilities of exploring a life of integration between mother, woman, and creator, and allowing fluidity in how we see ourselves and the world. Kat River lives in the Noosa hinterland with her husband Tully & two year old son Rafi. Kat is a multicreative expressionist, and hosts a slow podcast "Mother Maker" centered towards mother creatives, mother entrepreneurs, mother mystics and intuitive motherhood. Those who are finding their own harmony (And often not harmony) between motherhood, and creative/work/career pursuits. She supports mother creatives in their magnificence through Mother Maker, as it evolves from a podcast, to events, retreats and a festival to cultivate community and reimagining the modern village of motherhood... though above all else, navigating the slow days of motherhood, and raising a little wildling. You can find Kat on her instagram: @the.kat.river and turn on post notifications if you want to keep up with everything she shares. Her podcast is "Mother Maker" and available on spotify, Apple Podcasts & Anchor. Email is Hellokatriver@gmail.com

This podcast episode is an unpacking and discussion of the recent Netflix production The Lost Daughter, based on the novel of the same name by the pseudonymous Italian novelist Elena Ferrante and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film explores the textured, complex, nuanced, challenging parts of the mothering experience and positioning of motherhood culturally. The themes explored shine a light on the shadow side of being a mother, the boundaries of maternal ‘transgressions', and the experience of maternal ambivalence. To reflect on the film, I'm joined in conversation by Julianne Boutaleb, a passionate and highly experienced perinatal psychologist who has worked for over 15 years in the NHS and private practice with parents and parents-to-be and their babies. Julianne and I discuss the importance of this film in exploring the complex and raw portrayal of motherhood on our screens, something we so rarely see examined in such a demanding and articulate way. We look at mothering and the experience of maternal violence, peacemaking and repair, and explore the gap between the idealised version of motherhood versus what is real. We ask and explore questions such as - what do we do with the loss of the imagined future we had before having our children? What are ‘maternal transgressions' of the ‘bad mother' and who defines these? Who decides which are acceptable and which ones aren't? What stories and rules have we internalised as mothers, and where have these come from? What standards are we holding ourselves to as mothers? We look at the possibility of self-erasure and self-surveillance, and explore why it could be helpful to start with the basic premise that we are never going to always meet our child's emotional needs, and why perhaps that's not our job. This is a powerful episode full of interesting discussion on the cultural, social and deeply personal experience of mothering and the sacrifice, tension and fierce love involved. Acknowledging that this film can raise challenging, fraught, and sometimes painful responses in viewers, if you find aspects of this podcast conversation raises difficult feelings for you, please reach out for support. Support lines Australia - https://www.panda.org.au/ - 1300 726 306 UK - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ - 0808 1961 776 USA - https://www.postpartum.net/ - Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN) Podcast notes: Cultured magazine: ‘In the lost daughter mums are people too' - Mariah Kreutter. https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2022/01/13/in-emthe-lost-daughter-em-moms-are-people-too The Guardian: ‘How The Lost Daughter confronts one of our most enduring cultural taboos' - Adrian Horton https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jan/05/the-lost-daughter-elena-ferrante-maggie-gyllenhaal-motherhood Winnicott's theory of A Good Enough Mother Sara Ruddick; Feminist philosopher and the author of Maternal Thinking: Toward a Politics of Peace Foucault and Jeremy Bentham's panopticon Melanie Klein; Austrian-British author and psychoanalyst known for her work in child analysis.