Episodes
-
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Dr Rachel Bushing, mother of three and lead clinical psychologist/ owner of @poppsychologyclinic + @threelittlebirdspsychology. Dr Rach shares her insights on perinatal mental health from 20 years of professional practice as a family/ child focussed psychologist as well as her own journey into motherhood which started with adjusting to the complexities of pregnancy and parenthood with twins.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with Dr Rach
@dr.rachelbushing on Instagram Three Little Birds website: https://threelittlebirdsperinatal.com/ Pop Psychology website: https://littleshopofpop.com/ Seeds of sunshine training website: https://seedsofsunshine.com/Trigger warnings
This episode discusses child protection, fertility treatment, HG, birth trauma and a range of mental health challenges.
-
In this episode we chat with father of two, sports performance coach, nutritionist and owner of Rebuild Health and Fitness - James Batey. James and I chat all things health and fitness in early parenthood, including James' own journey. From playing national representative rugby in Wales to owning performance gyms in Brisbane, hear all about what James has learnt about setting yourself up for health and fitness success in the chaos of early years parenthood.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with James
@coachjames_rebuild on Instagram Rebuild website: https://rebuildhealthandfitness.com/Trigger warnings
This episode discusses miscarriage.
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
Missing episodes?
-
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Terri who is a mother of two, emergency response worker and previous owner of kids clothing company Little Bloom Collective. Terri and I discuss her journey into motherhood and the whirlwind experience of being a surrogate for one of her best friends in between having her own two boys.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with Terri
@raisingthejohnss_ on InstagramSurrogacy resources
https://www.facebook.com/surrogacyforaustralians/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ftsaust/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah_surrogacylawyer/
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses ease of conception, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, birth injuries and fertility challenges.
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are so lucky to be joined by Amber-lee @thepowerofbirth to talk all things HG. Amber-lee is a final year Master of Psychology student who experienced HG in both of her unexpected pregnancies. I love the way Amber-lee so eloquently describes the complexity of living with HG both during and after pregnancy as we chat through HG's biological, psychological and social impacts and the importance of systemic change for those who experience HG.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with Amber-lee
@thepowerofbirth on Instagram Or via her website https://www.thepowerofbirth.net/HG resources
https://www.hyperemesis.org/our-foundation/
https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses ease of conception, maternal suicide, mother and infant health risks with HG and abortion.
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode I chat with life and mindset coach Sarah Kate about her tricky transition to parenthood during COVID and how she uses her psych science/ counselling background in her coaching work with mothers. Specifically, Sarah Kate and I focus her unique framework for working with mothers experiencing guilt.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with Sarah Kate
@sarah.katecoaching on Instagram Or via her website https://www.sarahkatecoaching.com/Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are joined by Yara Heary, principal psychologist and owner of @lifeafterbirthpsychology. Yara and I spoke about her poignant journey to this work through motherhood, the concept of matricentric feminism and how it applies to our lived experiences as women and mothers. There are so many beautiful reflections in this episode, particularly around the sacredness of connections between women. I'm certain you'll enjoy this one.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today
Connect with Yara
@lifeafterbirthpsychology on Instagram Or via her website https://www.lifeafterbirth.com.au/Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
Welcome back to our first episode of 2024!
We are so happy to be back with our first chat series episode for the year - all about feeling 'stuck' and working through it. We chat about what we've found challenging recently, how we know when we are getting stuck and what things help us the most (plus the bonus things that most certainly do not help in retrospect but are good for a laugh).
A quick reminder I am now available again for face to face counselling for the first time in several months. Booking details are in the link below - I'd love to help you get un-stuck in 2024 if it's been a challenging one so far/ if you've been holding on to a heap of stuff you'd love to finally put down this year. Let's make it happen.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Kathryn
- @_motherup on Instagram
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In the very first episode of my new 'Chat series' on the podcast - I team up with guest co-host Kathryn @_motherup to chat through a big end of year topic for many early years parents - preparing for daycare, kindy (pre-school) or primary school parenthood.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
- Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Kathryn
- @_motherup on Instagram
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses chronic illness, fertility complications, pregnancy loss, significant perinatal mental health challenges and infant hospitalisation/ illness.
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode I explore the many ways new and expectant parents might feel isolated in the perinatal period. This includes discussion around isolation:
Physically/ geographically From experiences/ hobbies Within relationships Regarding purposeI also share several top mental health and connectivity tips/ things to try when feeling isolated during this time.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
As discussed in the episode:
Insight Timer App
COPE groups and resources
PANDA helpline and resources
Gidget virtual village
Online mother's group for rural mothers
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are lucky to hear from Steph Trethewey. Steph is a mother of two, journalist, author, podcast host and the founder of @motherlandaustralia, a national charity supporting and connecting rural mothers. In this episode Steph and I chat about her:
Journalism career pre-children Very challenging first postpartum experience Feelings of isolation that deepened upon moving to rural Tasmania as a new mother Creation of the Motherland podcast and online mother's groups for her own mental health and to help others Journey as Motherland has grown, writing her first book and soon to be hosting the first Motherland national conference in March 2024.Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Steph
- Website: https://motherlandaustralia.com.au/
- Instagram: @motherlandaustralia
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Sarah Bolitho, a Master's qualified Child & Family Play Therapist, mother of three and founder of @securefoundations. In this episode we chat about:
Sarah's work in child protection prior to parenthood and how this interacted with her early parenting experiences Sarah's birth experiences, in particular her difficult first birth and subsequent challenging transition to infant parenthood How Sarah's study of play therapy transformed the way she interacted with parenting challenges Examples of parenting challenges and solutions (with things such as: intergenerational parenting behaviours, reparenting, triggers from/ how to help difficult behaviours displayed by children) Sarah provides through her @securefoundations courses and community. Why support for parents is key for thriving parent-child relationships, families and communities.A big thanks to Sarah for her time and willingness to share her personal and professional experiences of successfully navigating the sometimes rocky terrain of early parenthood.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Sarah:
- Website: https://www.securefoundations.com.au/
- Instagram: @securefoundations
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses parental death, birth trauma and a raft of child protection issues such as child sexual abuse, neglect and removal.
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Sally, personal trainer of 17 years, mother of two and the owner of perinatal specific fitness providers @fitphilosophyau. In this episode I chat with Sally all about her:
Life as a PT in Europe pre-motherhood Several year fertility journey Pregnancy losses Experience of motherhood after loss Feelings of strength and connection gained from perinatal exercise.Thank you Sally for your willingness to share so openly about a lot of challenging experiences.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Sally:
- Website: https://fitphilosophy.com.au/
- Instagram: @fitphilosophyau
Also discussed:
Dr Sophie Brock
Trigger warnings
This episode discusses multiple pregnancy losses, cervical cancer, postpartum depression and stillbirth.
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are lucky enough to be joined by boudoir and branding photographer @jodiplumbleyphotography. In this ep Jodi and I chat all things:
- How Jodi's experience of becoming a mother influenced her choice to pursue her passion in photography
- How that passion evolved naturally into empowering women through boudoir work
- Common reservations about booking a boudoir shoot
- What a boudoir shoot is actually like before, during and after (including my experience of working with Jodi)
- Tips for feeling more comfortable in your skin
Thanks Jodi for being on the podcast, being a top notch human and for my beautiful photos!
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
Connect with Jodi:
- Website: www.jodiplumbley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiplumbleyphotography/
- List of Recommended Books + Inspiring People to Follow: https://www.jodiplumbley.com/resources
- "Embrace Documentary" by Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt can be viewed on Netflix and Seven Plus.
- Jodi didn't mention this in the pod, but Taryn has also written a book about helping foster positive body image for kids which is a great resource for parents. Also, here is some information on the Embrace Kids documentary currently in production - https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/embrace-kids/
- Gemma is currently listening to the 'Reclaiming the feminine' program by Kimberley Ann Johnson.
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are super lucky to have Leonie Akhidenor, host of the @parenthoodpod on to chat about the taboo subjects in parenthood - the things we don't talk about! Leonie started her podcast, which aims to take the stigma out of the hard parts of parenthood, in her second postpartum after experiencing pre and postnatal depression with both of her children. In this episode you'll hear all about:
- Leonie's differing experiences of pre and postnatal depression, her first ever experiences of diagnosed mental ill-health.
- Why Leonie decided to create a podcast where people could submit anonymous parenthood related questions.
- What questions people ask most on Leonie's podcast (aka what we want answers for but just don't talk about!)
Thanks Leonie for your humour and authenticity sharing so much about some really challenging topics!
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma’s 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Leonie
On instagram: @parenthoodpodTrigger warnings
This episode discusses ease of conception and Leonie's personal decision-making process around what treatment felt right, for herself as an individual, for her depression.
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are joined by psychologist Dr Elyse McNeil. After noticing the difference in household roles in her own partnership, Dr Elyse set out to learn more from academic literature about how to navigate sharing this better. Upon not finding anything particularly helpful, Elyse embarked on a PhD about mental labour to help others gain awareness and language to navigate sharing the household load more effectively. In this episode you will hear about:
What mental labour/ the mental load is Common challenges for partners managing household tasks How to navigate conversations about sharing the mental load with your partner Where to find resources and further learning about sharing the mental loadThanks Dr Elyse for sharing your time and expertise on this really important subject, particularly for those navigating this in parenthood.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma’s 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Dr Elyse
- On instagram: @sharetothrive
- On her website: https://mentallabour.sharetothrive.com/
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are joined by Lily Eid @launchmama_, career practitioner for mothers to talk all things career transitions in motherhood. In this episode we cover common:
Challenges in career planning for mothers Thoughts or feelings while on parental leave Questions about working motherhood Ways mothers can approach career transitions/ changes to your career pathwayThanks Lily for your insights and assistance navigating this inherently complex topic.
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma's 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Lily
On instagram : @launchmama_
You can get access to Lily's free Return to Work Factsheet here
You can get a 20% discount on a Career Consultation with Lily - simply email Lily to let her know you listened to this episode for your discount, then book here.
Check out Lily's favourite podcasts:
Female Start Up Club
Lady Start Up (Mamma Mia)
Do You F*King Mind
Trigger warnings
- This episode discusses ease of conception.
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode I chat with one of my mother's group besties Eleanor about all things travel with kids. Eleanor is a mother of three, works for an airline and has done lots of travel (domestic and international) with her husband little ones. We both chat about our travel experiences with kids including how we navigate:
- Different holiday types
- Packing for holidays
- Travelling/ transit
- Activities/ typical days on holiday
- Our own expectations of holidays with family
Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma’s 1:1 counselling sessions
Check out trip in a van
- On instagram: @tripinavan
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode I am lucky enough to be joined by the wonderful Danielle Rhodes. Danielle is a hypnobirthing practitioner, mother of two, former corporate businesswoman and 100% someone you want on your team if you're looking to have a positive birth (especially if it's after one you don't feel great about). In this episode Danielle shares:
Her two polarising birth experiences Her challenges with postpartum anxiety Key tips on planning for your pregnancy and birth More details about how she assists partners, support people and women to have positive birth experiencesResources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma’s 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Danielle
- On instagram: @your.sacred.space
- Via her website: https://yoursacredspace.com.au/
Trigger warnings
- This episode discusses birth trauma and postpartum anxiety.
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this snapshot episode - I am lucky enough to cohost with fellow Brisbane perinatal mental health professional, Courtney Wilton @nourished_psychology. Courtney and I both share our personal and professional experiences navigating:
Feelings about and experiences of anger across the lifespan The (many) triggers for anger in motherhood What to do with anger when it arises Repairing with others after anger Self-compassion in motherhoodResources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma’s 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Courtney
On instagram: @nourished_psychology
Other helpful accounts
@momwell
@drsophiebrock
Disclaimer
Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening.
-
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by one of my favourite humans - Talia Wells, owner of @everydaymums. Inspired by her own experience seeking social connection after moving to Ipswich during her first pregnancy, Talia has created a wonderful space for mothers, partners and young families in the Ipswich area and surrounds to connect. In this episode find out more about how Talia personally navigated:
Two completely different pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys with her two girls Parenting two under two with a higher needs second baby Starting and maintaining a mother-centric business during her second postpartum Connection and collaboration with other mothers and women in business Prioritising exercise for herself and other mothers Creating family friendly, inclusive programs to bring her local community together.Resources:
1:1 Counselling support
– Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma today
– Find out more about Gemma's 1:1 counselling sessions
Connect with Talia
On instagram: @everydaymums
Via her website: https://everydaymums.com.au/
Disclaimer
- Please read my full disclaimer prior to listening
- Show more
