Home | The Power of Birth

“In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.”
– Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn

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Can We Talk About This?! Podcast

Host Amber-lee Buendicho

By sharing stories and insights from both experts and those with lived experiences, we empower you to advocate for your own health and wellbeing. Expect practical tips, education, and a fresh perspective on perinatal health and modern motherhood.

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Here you’ll find spaces to learn, connect, and feel supported - whether you’re seeking evidence-based information, real-life stories, practical tools, or opportunities to collaborate. Each part of this website is designed to nurture you through birth, postpartum, and beyond.

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What No One Told You

The truths about birth and motherhood we all deserve to hear.

Free Tools for Your Wellbeing

Worksheets, guides, and gentle practices you can start today.

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Stories That Heal

Read and share real birth and postpartum experiences - because your story matters too.

Work With Me

Invite me to share my expertise and passion for perinatal mental health as a guest speaker, podcast guest, workshop presenter, or panel contributor. I love partnering with conferences, podcasters, events, mother’s groups, and fellow professionals to create meaningful conversations and impactful education.

A phrase that sounds caring, but for so many mothers it lands like a cloak of invisibility. The moment those words are spoken, her pain, her body, her mind, her story… vanish.It makes them invisible in the very moment they most need to be seen.

But mothers are not collateral damage.
A healthy baby at the expense of a broken mother is not success... and a healthy baby is not the standard.
When we erase mothers, we weaken the very foundations of family and society.

A truly healthy baby requires a mother who is whole, respected, and alive in every sense of the word.

Have you ever felt invisible?

#childbirth #motherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #birth #birthtrauma #supportformothers #humancentredcare #womenshealth #invisiblewomen #thepowerofbirth #allthatmattersisahealthybaby #postpartum #pregnancy

BEDTIME HACK!!

By the end of the day, we've all had it. Kids are tired, mum and dad are exhausted and then you have to put the kids to bed! It takes 462737 years for them to actually go to sleep, even with me sitting in there with them, reading books, playing meditation music, cuddles, pats on the back... you know the drill.

Of course I've done this "hack" before, but it looked different, I wasnt on their level, it wasnt individual but more of a group thing, sharing and stretching myself to make everyone feel happy, safe and loved while also just wanting everyone to go to damn sleep!

But doing it this way - connecting with them one on one, in their bed, dim lights, having a laugh, talking about whatever they wanted, it somehow made bedtime THAT much easier. Cutting it down from an hour to 20 mins.

It seems so simple. When you're the default parent, opportunities for connection can be missed, we may even miscue our kids because we are busy, exhausted, with a never ending to do list and at the end of the day we just want to kids to go to bed so we can have a few hours to ourselves. But pouring in just a little bit more at bedtime, surrendering to the stage of life you are in, you can just watch the transformation.

I've been doing this every night for a few weeks now and its now one of my favourite parts of the day. From dreading the bed time battle, to looking forward to it - it really can be that good.

Whats your bedtime hack?!

#motherhood #bedtime #puttingkidstobed #sleep #kids ##sleepdeprivation #surrender #mothering #perinatalmentalhealth #thepowerofbirth #bedtimehack #parenting

If you told my very anxious, traumatised self back in 2019 that this is where I would be in only a few years time BECAUSE of my struggles, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

But then again, she was still as determined as she is today to become well - now that determination is propelled into helping other mums feel well.

I'm working on some many things in the background and will announce more soon!!

Very exciting!!

See thepowerofbirth.net @thepowerofbirth

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#reelsofinstagram #brandingshoot #anxiety
#birthtrauma #birthinjury ##pelvicfloor ##rebuilding #womenshealth
#perinatalmentalhealth #thepowerofbirth ##matrescencesupport ##awareness #livedexperience #clinicalwork #psychologist #mother #mothering #motherhood #mama #supportformothers #depression #pregnancy #postnatal #postpartum

Hey mama, just FYI.
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#motherhood #mothering #matrescence #perinatalmentalhealth #ThePowerOfBirth #ambivalence #reminder #maternalambivalence #mama #baby #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #selfcompassion #womenshealth #enjoyeveryminute #lovingmum

I am in constant awe of mothers. Not only in the toll it takes to grow a baby, but to feed, live without sleep, and think about another human more than ourselves... but in the way we drag our tired bodies through days that never seem to end. In the way we love so fiercely it hurts, even when we are running on nothing.

Early motherhood is often not soft edges and glowing light, it is also bone deep exhaustion, spit up on shirts, tears in bathrooms and still finding the strength to keep going.

The best thing I ever did for my mental health was to speak up. Tell someone I'm not ok. That is the hardest part, after that, it gets easier.

If you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone and you can be well again.

Helplines
@pandanational 1300 726 306
@forwhenhelpline 1300 24 23 22
@gidgetfoundation
@cope.org.au
@mumsmatterpsychology
@postpartumsupportinternational
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#motherhood #mother #mothering #matrescence #perinatalmentalhealth #pnd #pna #birth #pregancy #postpartum #allmumswork ##parenting #depression #anxiety #mothersupport #womenshealth

Birth bias isn't only in our systems - homebirth and hospital birth, midwifery and obstetric care, private and public systems - it's within us. It shows up in our conversations at baby showers, in how professionals speak to birthing women, and in how our stories are shared (or dismissed).

When we carry our own birth bias into these spaces, even without meaning to, we add to the divide. And worse, we can add to birth trauma.

The best thing I have ever done for my own 'birth bias' was listening to other women's stories. Understanding that people are different and want different things, AND THAT'S OK. (Shout out to @thepowerofbirth community for allowing me to learn from you!)

I wrote my recent blog on "birth bias" to call this out - not to shame anyone, but to invite awareness. Because the way we talk to about birth matters. The way we listen (or don't) matters. And its only when we confront our own bias that we can begin to change the system for the better.

🩷 Read the full piece at thepowerofbirth.net - LINK IN BIO.

#blog #birthbias #ThePowerOfBirth
#perinatalmentalhealth #awareness #selfreflection #reflectivepractice #compassion #supportformothers #shame #birthtrauma #midwiferycare #obstetriccare #humancentredcare #birth #postpartum #pregnancy

Just here to be that little voice to tell you that it feels hard because it is hard. You were never meant to mother alone.

#motherhood #modernmotherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #thepowerofbirth #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #dailyreminder #village #mother

I’ve worked on this piece on and off for two years. It started as a rant but as I grew, so did the writing.

This week, I finally shared it. Not because it’s perfect, but because I need this conversation to happen.

It’s part personal reflection, part professional insight, written from years of listening to women’s birth stories and confronting my own biases.

I hope I’ve said enough to get you thinking.
To help you recognise your own birth bias.
To see how your views, no matter how well-intended, can either support or silence the women around you.

Blog excerpt:
“...I used to think it was my job to open women’s eyes to the flaws in the system. But that mindset isn’t empowering, it’s paternalistic. My job is to respect a woman’s autonomy. Her story. Her body. Her decisions...”

Read it with an open heart. Then ask yourself: how are you showing up in birth spaces and conversations?

Link in bio xx

#birthtrauma #birthbias #humancentredcare #mothercentredcare #maternitycare #thepowerofbirth #blog #blogpost #pregnancy #birth #birthingwoman #postpartum #perinatalmentalhealth

I thought it was about time I reintroduced myself and great timing with my new branding shoot photos!

Hiiii 👋 I'm Amber-lee!

I am a mum of two, who are now 5 and 6 years old which seems crazy to say. I'm a charcuterie board enthusiast, pilates lover, podcaster, provisional psychologist and a passionate perinatal mental health advocate.

Here are some fun facts about me!
1. I have 5 siblings 😎
2. I was a flight attendant for nearly 10 years 🫡
3. I am an extrovert and love bringing people together 🥳
4. I used to tell my primary school friends to call me Britney Spears the 2nd 😝
5. I HATE coffee - yes I was a shift worker then a mum and I survived without caffeine 🤣

My journey began after experiencing traumatic pregnancies, birth injuries and a ragey postpartum during covid, all while learning how to be a mum. Over and over I would say, "why didnt anyone tell me?!" Referring to sleep, birth recovery, breastfeeding, the mental load, vaginas, pelvic floor, and mental health. These experiences ignited a passion to understand and challenge our birthing culture and women's health, even inspiring my psychology honours thesis on birth trauma.

Over time, I've built this space using a blend of lived experience and clinical experience, through a feminist lens and love connecting with different people! If you'd like to collaborate, send me a DM!

Alongside this community, I host Can We Talk About This podcast- raw, honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, postpartum and beyond. You'll also find free resources, support coordination, blogs, events - all created to inform, validate, and support you! (I am currently in the middle of an upgrade 😝)

I have big plans for @thepowerofbirth and I'm currently working on some exciting projects that offer different ways to support you.

Whether you're a mum or work supporting mothers, or both! - I'm so glad you're here 🩷

#perinatalmentalhealth
#psychologist #perinatal #mother #mothering #motherhood #anxiety #birthtrauma #birthinjury #supportformothers #shame #pregnancy #birth #postpartum

Every single initial session I have had with a new mum, I pulled out this book. Every single person has said, "omg this is me". My response is always, "yes and it's not just you 🩷🙏". And then we begin the therapeutic journey together.

If we could hand out a book to new parents in the hospital, this would be the one.

If there could be a standard gift at baby showers, this would be the one.

If there could be one book in all new parent households, this would be the one.

This is not an ad or promotional material - this is pure passion and Karen Kleiman hits the nail on the head with this one, an oldie but a goodie.

This book not only provided me with validation, support and hope - I now get to see that reflected in my clients.

Have you read it?!

@artofholding
@postpartumstress

#perinatalmentalhealth #intrusivethoughts #postpartum #newparents #mother #mothering #motherhood #babybrain #perinatal #postnatal #baby #birth #pregnancy #therapy #psychologist #matrescence #thepowerofbirth

Just a gentle nudge to be kind to yourself 🩷
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#motherhood #mother #matrescence #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #perinatalmentalhealth #psychology #supportformothers #findingjoy #kids #womenshealth #comparison #compassion #mothering

Joy in motherhood isn’t automatic. Here’s how to make space for it...

Noticing the small “glimmers” can train your brain to spot more of them: a warm cup of tea, your baby's breath, sunshine on your face.

These simple practices - pausing on purpose, music + movement, getting outside, engaging your senses, celebrating small wins aren’t about faking happiness. They’re about giving joy a place to land, even in the middle of the chaos. You can find joy again, bit by bit, by letting it in 🩷

Save this for the days when joy feels far away. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹
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#postpartumjourney #matrescence #motherhoodmentalhealth #mumlifeaustralia #mindfulmotherhood #postpartumwellness #motherhoodtruth #motherhood #postpartumcare #mumssupportingmums #findingjoy #glimmers #mothering #parenting ##perinatalmentalhealth

Joy in motherhood at times, a controversial topic because it sits right in the tension between idealised expectations of mothers and the complex, often contradictory realities of the role.

For much of Western history, mothers have been told explicitly and implicitly that joy is the natural, even *required*, state of good mothering. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cultural norms framed motherhood as a woman’s highest calling, and joy was treated as proof of moral worth. Women who spoke of fatigue, frustration, or regret risked being labelled unloving or unfit.

By the mid-20th century, media images (the smiling 1950s housewife with her perfect children) amplified this pressure. Feminists began challenging the idea of compulsory joy, showing how it erased women’s struggles and contributed to isolation. This history matters, because even today, joy can feel complicated. On social media, curated images of constant bliss can deepen the gap between expectation and reality, leaving many mothers feeling “wrong” if joy doesn’t come easily.

The truth is, joy and difficulty can co-exist. Our brains are wired to scan for threats, a survival instinct, but in the seasons of sleepless nights, toddler meltdowns, and endless lists, that wiring pulls our focus toward what’s hard. The glimmers of joy slip by unnoticed.

When we *consciously* look for joy, we’re not denying reality, we’re balancing it. Over time, this practice trains our brain to spot small, grounding, beautiful moments even in chaos.

Some of my favourite glimmers in motherhood:
☀️ The smell of your baby’s head after a bath.
☀️ A toddler belly laugh that makes you forget how tired you are.
☀️ Warm sunshine on your face.
☀️ Tiny fingers wrapped around yours during a feed.
☀️ The quiet moment after your kids are asleep, when the house finally exhales.
☀️ A hot drink you actually get to finish.
☀️ Listening to rain.

It’s not about feeling joy every moment or forcing yourself to be grateful all the time. It’s about letting joy in when it shows up, allowing it to sit alongside the exhaustion, the frustration, and the mess and knowing that those moments matter just as much as the hard ones. 🩷

I didn’t expect to feel like a stranger in my own body after birth. Those early postpartum days, were HARD. Learning about my birth injury, navigating pain, and adjusting to my new reality was overwhelming.

Yoga and pilates became more than exercise, they became my anchor. To breathe deeply. To notice and connect with my body. To feel the tension and let it go.

It wasn’t about ‘getting my body back.’ It was about giving my body back to me.
Movement helped me heal. It reminded me I could feel lightness, joy, and strength even in the middle of recovery. It's been 5 years since my last baby, and pilates is something that stuck!

Maybe for you, it’s not pilates. Maybe it’s a walk outside, stretching on the lounge room floor, or dancing in your kitchen. Whatever it is I hope you find that little anchor.

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One day I'll buy a decent reformer machine, but for now this one does the job 😆

#postpartumbody #pelvicfloorrecovery #matrescence #postnatalhealing #perinatalmentalhealth #motherhood #mothering #findingjoy #movement #reformerpilates #birthinjury #pelvicfloor #rebuilding

Some days feel a little grey, so we go looking for colour. For us, that means finding a banger song with lyrics and beats you feel in your body - this one is my current favourite - turning it up loud, dancing in the lounge room, and singing (badly) at the top of our lungs. It’s not just fun, moving to music releases those feel good chemicals that lift mood and calm stress, and sharing those moments together builds a connection we both carry into the rest of the day.

I’ve learned that when I actively look for joy, I’m training my brain to notice more of it like opening the blinds to let more sunlight in. It doesn’t make the hard moments disappear, but it makes the grey feel lighter.

Proof that joy can be made, not just found.

Press play, move, breathe. 🎶

What’s your go to banger right now?!

#motherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #postpartum #pregnancy #birth #thepowerofbirth #parenting #mothering #matrescence #joy #findingjoy #glimmer #mother #connection #bonding #dancing #singing #findingjoyinthegrey #colour #mumlife #psychology

Yeah… I probably just needed a hug.

But instead, I got loud.

Because when you’re driven by lived experience,
When you’ve questioned every system that failed you,
When you refuse to shrink or stay silent you stop asking for permission or waiting for someone to see you.

Because sometimes what looks like “doing too much” is actually surviving. Rebuilding. Reclaiming.

It’s wild what you can create when you’ve got nothing but passion, fire, love (with a dash of rage) to give.

Fueled by self-determination.
No fear of rejection.
Refusal of outdated norms.
A fire for change.
And a deep belief that things can be different for me, for others, for the next generation.

Lived experience became my compass.
Change became my purpose.

So if you’re in the thick of it just know:
You can rewrite it all.
You’re allowed to burn it down and rebuild with gentleness, rage, vision, and love.

And one more thing, find your people. 😉

Of course none of it was possible without people who tirelessly supported me, listened to me, believed in me, gave me a chance. Forever grateful for them!

But yeah, probably just needed a hug TBH.

#perinatalmentalhealth #motherhood #psychologist #trending #reels #thepowerofbirth #matrescence #rage #vision #love #mothering #motherhood #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #justamum #supportformothers #awareness #mothering

Today I sat at a cafe and watched them play.
No one needed me to chase, carry, soothe, or entertain.
I was still close… but still.

And in that stillness, so many feelings came rushing in.
Peace… but also a quiet ache.
Pride… tangled with nostalgia.
Joy… with a trace of grief.

Because motherhood isn’t one feeling — it’s all of them, all at once.

If you're still in the season of constant doing, of never sitting, of stretched-thin days… I see you.

It changes. Slowly, then suddenly.

One day you’ll sit too. And sip your drink warm. ☕
And feel it all.

#motherhood #mothering #mother #parenting #matrescence #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #kids #baby #thepowerofbirth #perinatalmentalhealth #ambivalence #coexistingemotions #thepowerofand #reels #psychology

Just bringing you more Not So Fun Facts!

Motherhood is one of the most data erased, systemically penalised roles a woman can take on as it triggers a cascade of inequalities that affect every part of life from income, to career progression, to physical and mental health, due to a combination of outdated social norms, male centred systems, and a persistent failure to collect and apply gendered data. NOT just because being female or becoming a mother is inherently inferior or problematic, but because our systems were never designed with women or mothers in mind.

I often find data like this disturbing AND helpful - disturbing because it reveals just how deep systems fail women, and helpful because it gives language and evidence to what so many of us have felt but couldn't always explain.

I highly recommend reading Invisible Women: Exposing Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Do you have a Not So Fun Fact?

#invisiblewomen #notsofunfact #motherhoodpenalty #feminist #feminism #economics #mentalload #unpaidlabour #mothersmatter #makewomenvisible #postpartum #pregnancy #birth #matrescence #thepowerofbirth #motherhood #mothering #databias #racialhealthdisparities #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #endthegap

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is not morning sickness.

It’s not something a cracker will fix. It’s not anxiety. It’s not in your head. It’s a medical crisis, one that too many women are told to suffer through without diagnosis and adequate treatment.

I created this post to shatter the dismissive myths that surround HG because the ignorance is dangerous. They delay treatment, amplify trauma, and make mothers feel like they’re weak, dramatic, or broken.

The truth?
HG can steal your joy, your health, your ability to eat, move, connect, work, and care for your living children — even your will to continue. It’s relentless. And it’s real. And it's hell.

To anyone who’s ever been told “it’s just morning sickness” — I see you.
You deserved better care. You deserved to be believed.

Let’s stop normalising suffering in pregnancy. Let’s name it.
Let’s change it.

💛

Highly recommend these 2 incredible organisations for more resources, information and support.
@hgmoms
@hyperemesisaustralia

#HyperemesisGravidarum #HGawareness #PregnancyIsNotAlwaysBeautiful #MaternalHealthMatters #BelieveWomen #ThePowerOfBirth #PregnancyTrauma #NotJustMorningSickness #Motherhood #Pregnancy #HGpregnancy

You don’t have to wait for a breakdown to start questioning who you are.

For me, motherhood brought identity shifts I never saw coming.

It’s not depression.
It’s not burnout.
It’s the in-between.

The grey space where you’re still functioning, but you don’t quite feel like you.

This isn’t failure.
It’s called matrescence — the process of becoming a mother.

It’s a psychological, emotional, and even neurological transformation.
Your roles, values, priorities, and sense of self are all in motion.
And yet the world keeps expecting you to stay the same.

Many mothers describe this phase as feeling lost, flattened, or like a shadow of who they were.
But that doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means you’re in transition.

We rarely make space to process these changes.
We’re taught to bounce back, not to evolve.

But identity isn’t static. And neither are we.

This phase is an invitation — not to go back to who you were,
but to gently meet who you are becoming.

Support helps. Community helps. Self-compassion is essential.

This is your story. You get to write the ending

#motherhood #matrescence #pregnancy #birth #mothering #postpartum #newmum #seasonedmum #perinatalmentalhealth #matrescencesupport #awareness #loneliness #identity loss #loss #transformation #evolve #psychology

I've been liking this trend and finally got around to doing one!

Here's the truth...
"All that matters is a healthy baby"
What about the mother? If mothers are supported, families and communities thrive.

"Martyrdom is the definition of a good mother"
Because sacrificing ourselves is easier to praise than actually supporting us.

"If you need help, you're failing"
No - pretending you're fine when you're not is more likely to make you fall apart.

"Mothering is instinctual"
No - our brains are rewired for learning! Not to know it all instantly.

"Motherhood is where your identity ends"
Its a big part of you, but it's not all of you.

"Bouncing back is the goal"
Yes, let's just pretend nothing happened 🙃

"Wanting space means you're ungrateful"
You can love your children AND have your own needs

"The perfect mother exists and its sustainable"
She doesn't. And trying to become her is destroying us.

"Domestic labour is women's work"
No. Its unpaid work required to live and its everyone's responsibility

"You carry the mental load because you choose to"
No. Girls and women are conditioned to think about others, help and care for others making us the default in families. In a true partnership the mental load is shared.

What would you add?!

#motherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #propaganda #motherhoodpropaganda #matrescence #Mothering #birth #pregnancy #postpartum #bounceback #reels #trendingreels #mentalload #thepowerofbirth #patriarchalmotherhood

The bravest thing you can do is to admit that you're struggling and need help.

Such a taboo topic that its even difficult for some clinicians to ask clients directly about suicide - but the more we talk about it the better!

Maternal suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the pregnancy and postpartum period in Australia. Each person leaves behind family, friends and community.

The perinatal period is highly complex and we know that passive suicidal ideation can quickly turn active but we currently do not understand suicide enough to predict the pathway from passive to active. This is why its important to talk about it!

Research shows that the postpartum period holds higher risk for suicide yet most postnatal support stops at 4-6 weeks. Parents are isolated, sleep deprived, anxious, exhausted during this time and the support tends to end.

Sadly, less is known about paternal suicide yet 3/4 of all suicides in Australia are men - we just dont collect the data for the perinatal period. Wild!!

What we do know thanks to important new research; shame is a significant feature of suicide, entrapment with "no escape", feelings of failure, loss of self, isolation, 'defective' talk, feeling unworthy and not belonging [even in their family], beliefs that they dont have what it takes - are all signs of suicidal ideation.
(Biggs et al., 2023)

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please consider reaching out to a trusted family, friend or mental health professional / helpline. I know it can be difficult to see beyond that darkness, but I promise you, there is light to come.

Let's continue to have the hard conversations together, it may just save a life ❤️🙏

@pandanational

#motherhood #maternalsuicide #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth ##pregnancy #birth #shame #postpartum #suicide #supportformothers #anxiety #pnd #pna #depression #mumsmatter

The perfect mothers day gift - from me to me 😆

I have been SO keen to read this since the launch. If you dont follow Neha from @motheruntitled you NEED to. I've been having lots of conversations about this since my return to work and its the reframe and revolution we've needed - The Power Pause.

Happy mothers day ❤️

Love love love.

#thepowerofbirth #thepowerpause #returntowork #stayathomemum #workingmum #allmumswork #paidwork #mentalload #careerbreak #maternityleave #thecomeback #notJUSTamum #justamum #mothering #motherhood #mother #parenting #parent #womenshealth #perinatalmentalhealth

The ambivalence is real 😅

What do you want for mothers day?!

#mothersday #mothering #motherhood #matrescence #ambivalence #maternalambivalence #mama #perinatalmentalhealth #pregnancy #postpartum #seasonedmama #newmama #birth

I love sharing small tips that can help you in those emotionally overwhelming moments. This is an effective yet basic grounding strategy that brings you back to the present moment.

You know when you feel incredibly busy, rushed, stressed and can literally feel the tension? Or when you feel low, helpless, hopeless, sad or numb? Or when the baby is crying and your flooded with emotions? Or when you can't fall asleep because of those racing thoughts? Or any time you're dysregulated...

Try this...
🩷 Slowly tune in to your surroundings, name 5 things that you can see, describe them; textures, colours, patterns.
🩷 Next name 4 things you can touch, if possible, touch them. Tune into what they feel like, notice them, how does that feel against your skin?
🩷 Now listen carefully, name 3 things you can hear. Maybe its your breath, maybe its cars in the distance, maybe you hear the birds or the breeze, maybe you hear little flutters from your baby. What can you hear?
🩷 Now take in a big inhale through your nose. What do you smell? I think you'll be surprised.
🩷 Next, one thing you can taste. This can be simply moving your tongue and saliva around for natural taste, or you can drink water, lick or eat something to heighten this sense.

Now how do you feel?

I've seen people use this exercise and go through it very quickly. The more intention you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Its not suppose to be super easy, you might struggle with some of it- this will actually help you lean into your senses more.

I love coaching people through this one! Seems so simple but it really can be beautiful and calming for our nervous system. And works great doing it with your kids when they get old enough!

How did you go?

#perinatalmentalhealth #mother #motherhood #mama #baby #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #matrescence #nervoussystemregulation
#depression #anxiety #grounding #mentalhealthtoolbox #supportformothers #PNA #PND #groundingtechnique

Karen Kleiman knows her shit. 🙌

@artofholding
@postpartumstress

#worldmaternalmentalhealthday

Suicide. An important yet taboo topic in motherhood. I personally know one too many mothers who have been very close to ending their lives.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for women in the year following childbirth. In Australia, 10% of pregnancy-related deaths are attributed to suicide, highlighting critical gaps in maternal mental health care. However this statistic only includes deaths that occur during pregnancy or within 42 days postpartum- the risk does not decrease after this time, in fact, up to one year after giving birth may carry an even greater risk of suicide. The gap here lies in how maternal mortality is recorded, leading to underestimating the true impact.

Since data does not reflect the total period of risk, screening and support may be front loaded to the first few weeks after birth, leaving many mothers without adequate support as they continue to navigate postpartum.

When I share statistics I often want to talk about the fact they are not just numbers- they represent mothers, partners, children, families whose lives have changed forever. The perinatal period is a time of immense transformation, and for some, it brings overwhelming challenges.

Some warning signs for suicide include:
❤️‍🩹 persistent sadness or low mood
❤️‍🩹 feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
❤️‍🩹 anxiety or excessive worry
❤️‍🩹 social withdrawal
❤️‍🩹 thoughts of self harm or ending life
❤️‍🩹 reckless or self destructive behaviours
❤️‍🩹 statements such as "my baby deserves a better mother" - 'defective' talk
❤️‍🩹 feelings of shame

Stigma and lack of awareness often prevent mothers from seeking help. We NEED to do better (by we I mean society, mental healthcare, maternal care, research, our gov)

Together, we can make sure there is no mother left behind ❤️ 🙏 I urge you to say the hard things out loud... it might just save you ❤️‍🩹

#motherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #maternalsuicide #maternalmentalhealth #pregnancy #postpartum #thepowerofbirth #endthestigma #supportformothers #anxiety #depression #mama #birth #maternalmentalhealthmatters #mumsmatter #PND #PNA #PMADs

Its official 🎓

I've completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, plus Honours with a published Thesis in Midwifery on birth trauma and birth debriefing, and now my Masters of Professional Psychology and have entered my provisional psychologist year to complete before sitting the exam for general registration. So, its not over, but the formal learning is and now I have the absolute privilege of working and learning alongside everyday people.

It has taken me almost 10 years (usually 6) because I worked full time, then had my 2 children in 2019 and 2020. Its been a long road, with many tears, very late nights, focus and discipline. I remember feeling like I'd never finish, and here I am. I dont want to sugar coat anything, studying with young children is HARD and I do not recommend 😅 a lot of my accomplishments have been completed in the dark of the night, while they were *asleep* and I have certainly felt burn out at times. Safe to say sleep is a priority now 😆

This year I accepted a role as a school psychologist, giving me the child lens I felt I was missing in my perinatal work. The thought of working with children actually terrified me, and I dove head first. If I have learned anything on my life journey, it is to do the things you fear. I love working with parents and when you work with children, you no doubt work with their parents and it is a pleasure to support families and the systems we are a part of.

I am always upskilling, researching, remaining curious, open and active and perinatal mental health is my passion so I'm not going anywhere! Just over here diversifying my experience so I can progress as a psychologist, so I hope you stick around! There is absolutely more to come.

Watch this space 🩷💛

Ps. Remember, don't compare yourself to someone who had support 😉

Say it louder for the people in the back!

I love the message @beauty_redefined share, and their book is one I want every woman to read.

"Your body is for living in, not looking at"
"Your body is an instrument, not an ornament"
YOU ARE MORE THAN A BODY

#reminder #perinatalmentalhealth ##motherhood ##pregnancy #mothering #matrescence #bodychanges #postpartum #thepowerofbirth #beautyredefined #comparison #postpartumbody #live #pelvicfloor ##pelvicfloordysfunction

I'll go first...

"I just put my baby down and they would fall asleep, what are you doing wrong?" - after 4 months of no sleep and becoming sleep obsessed trying all.of.the.things 🫠🫠

"Formula is poison" - a new mum who knew I fed my second with formula [after complete breast and oral refusal and 3 days of no milk at 8 weeks old]

"Have you tried ginger?" - 6 months deep into a Hyperemesis pregnancy

"Your first born is so little, you should just abort this pregnancy and try again later" - said by a GP confirming my second pregnancy

Should I keep going?? 😅🫠😅🫠😅🫠

#unhingedcomments #unsolicitedadvice #motherhood #mothering #parenting #parent #mother #pregnancy #birth #postpartum ##thepowerofbirth #perinatalmentalhealth #anxiety #depression #kids #baby #babysleep #reel

Taking a moment to check in with yourself before picking up your crying baby, before walking through the door of your house and greeting your family, before attempting to mediate a sibling disagreement, before going to bed, before getting out of the car, or in any moment we feel a little disconnected, apprehensive, low or irritated.

There are so many small ways we can regulate our nervous system throughout our day so we can keep riding those emotional waves- or float, instead of letting them drown us.
Its all about the in-betweens.

So while you're here scrolling, let's do something to help you regulate 🙏🩷💛

#thepowerofbirth #perinatalmentalhealth
#motherhood #matrescence #anxiety #depression #postpartum #pregnancy #birth #nervoussystemregulation

A reminder we all need sometimes ❤️

#thepowerofbirth #motherhood #mothering #pregnancy #postpartum #perinatalmentalhealth

Motherhood is NOT domestic labour and just meeting a child's physical needs. It is a deep transformation on a biological, psychological, social, political, and economic level. It's all the invisible, internal work that keeps you up at night. It's the relationship and connection with our children and ourselves. It's developmental and ever evolving.

This is why it feels hard. This is why it's life altering. Pushing and pulling you in different directions at the same time.

So, I agree with @motheruntitled (#repost) - it's a disservice to depict it as diapers and laundry. Mother, motherhood, and mothering are metamorphosis in human form.

#Mother #motherhood #mothering #perinatalmentalhealth #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #defaultparent #developmentalpassage #matrescence #identityinmotherhood #womanhood #emotionalhealth #realtalk ##rage #metamorphosis

In all honesty, I don't know what kind of psychologist I would be without my lived experience, yet it's something I am often told I have to hide. But what if I told you my lived experience is my superpower!!! It informs my practice in more ways than one.

I don’t just understand perinatal mental health academically—I *feel* the weight of what my clients are experiencing. My compassion has grown exponentially, and allows me to meet people where they are at as well as apply my clinical knowledge.

Because I’ve lived it, I can recognise subtle signs of distress, overwhelm, and isolation that might otherwise go unnoticed. I can see through the cracks.

I know what’s actually helpful during perinatal struggles and the most effective way of delivering treatment or guiding assessment.

I have this inner knowing of how to create safety, the right words to say, the way I listen, what I reflect back, the questions I ask, and what psychoed to deliver. My empathy grew 100 fold, and judgement melted away and I lean into curiosity.

My experience drives my passion for systemic change, pushing for better resources, awareness, and care for parents navigating perinatal mental health. Which often leads me to challenging research and practice.

Of course, there are still boundaries in place. My clients don't need to know my story, not everything I think needs to be said, and the client remains at the centre- my story just helps me be with them better and that's why I think it is a superpower.

I wish we acknowledged the power of lived experience more—because I know firsthand how much it matters. When I’m uncertain, I lean on the lived experiences of others, and I cannot even begin to explain how profoundly helpful that is. As clinicians, why wouldn’t we recognise its value in the work we do?

#perinatalmentalhealth #motherhood #matrescence #birth #birthtrauma #postpartum #pregnancy #thepowerofbirth #perinatalpsychologist #mentalhealthsupport #livedexperience #clinicalpractice #canwetalkaboutthis #podcast #psychologist #provisionalpsychologist #mothering #parenting #anxiety #depression

I've been working with children the past few weeks, and one of the most used words I hear from parents, staff, and even other clinicians is the word "attention" usually used as a negative connotation. The truth is, children (and adults!) don’t seek attention for no reason—they seek connection and it's a fundamental part of being human!

I thought a post about this was in order because it's only been a couple of weeks and I'm itching to change the language and ultimately the perceptions of behaviour 😆 because it's not accurate and can even be harmful. So, mamas in this community, I hope you can be part of that change and adopt 'connection seeking' perspectives.

Labelling someone as attention-seeking can be harmful because:

❌ It invalidates genuine needs—behind the behaviour is often a child/person longing for support, comfort, or understanding.

❌ It creates shame and self-doubt, making children feel like their emotions aren’t important.

❌ It reinforces negative self-perceptions—if a child is repeatedly told they are just looking for attention, they may believe their needs don’t matter.

❌ It can lead to emotional suppression, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating emotions.

❌ It damages healthy attachment—when children feel dismissed, they may struggle to trust others and form secure relationships.

❌ It overlooks the root cause of behaviour, focusing on judgment rather than understanding.

❌ It can lead to social rejection, reinforcing isolation, and making connections even harder.

❌ It perpetuates stigma around emotional expression, discouraging children from asking for help when they truly need it.

❌ It ignores our fundamental human need for connection—from infancy to adulthood, we all seek to be seen, heard, and valued.

Instead of dismissing behaviour, we should ask: What is this person trying to communicate?

A child who is 'acting out' is not attention-seeking—they are connection-seeking. When we meet that need with compassion, prescence , guidance, connection based responses, and boundaries instead of criticism, punishment, rejection, and frustration, we help build emotionally healthy and secure individuals.

Perinatal trauma is real, and its impact can linger long after the events that occurred. Often, we speak of birth trauma, but trauma is prevalent in preconception and fertility struggles, in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, even in the experience of breastfeeding.

1 in 25 women may experience perinatal PTSD.

It can be hard to recognise or accept that something isn't right, and knowing the signs and symptoms so you can get help is important.

SOME common symptoms are:

🔹 Flashbacks, re-experiencing or distressing memories of the event/s
🔹 Anxiety, panic attacks, or hypervigilance
🔹 Emotional numbness or detachment from baby/partner/life
🔹 Trouble sleeping or nightmares
🔹 Guilt, shame, or feelings of failure, powerlessness
🔹 Avoiding people, places, and/or things that remind you of the traumatic event/s

If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. A good place to start is through some of the wonderful organisations we have:
@pandanational
@postpartumsupportinternational
@gidgetfoundation
@peachyparents
@birthtrauma.org.au
@cope.org.au

I also encourage you to find a perinatal therapist and utilise your village if you have one.

🎙️ I have also created a podcast that covers a wide range of topics and support related to preconception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. Search Can We Talk About This? by The Power of Birth 🩷💛 link in bio xx

Sending you big love and healing, mama xx

#PerinatalTrauma #BirthHealing #CanWeTalkAboutThis #ThePowerOfBirth #MentalHealthMatters #perinatalmentalhealth #CanWeTalkAboutThis #birthtrauma #pregnancy #postpartum #motherhood #matrescence

Bounce back culture can go to hell.

Your body has been through a huge transitional developmental physical and emotional event/s being pregnant and birthing your babies.

For me, I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum in pregnancies 6 months apart. My first birth was 24-hour labour ending in a forcep delivery that left me with injuries. It was painful to sit, I shat myself in the hospital bed, I was rushing to the toilet any time I needed to wee, I couldn't walk more than 50 metres for months, I was in constant pain. I was terrified of my stitches coming open, having an infection, having a prolapse, or having this as my reality for the rest of my life.

My second birth was much kinder, but it still resulted in the 3B tear again. Slowly, over the years, I have been rebuilding my body. Hyperemesis and birth injuries felt like it had broken me. My body had been through hell.

So, there was no bouncing back. I just wanted to not be in pain and feel strong again.

This is what I did to rebuild :
No running or jumping for 12 months
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Wore a pessary when exercising for 2 years
Yoga and reformer pilates for core and pelvic floor strength
Listened to my body and adjusted accordingly
Naturopathy
Started lifting weights 2 years in

Now, I no longer have incontinence, no prolapse, no pain, and I love exercising and being able to move my body. I will never take this for granted.

Your recovery will look different to mine, and that's ok. We are allowed to be different ❤️ but we need to cancel bounce back culture.

#perinatalmentalhealth #motherhood #thepowerofbirth #matrescence #birthtrauma #pregnancy #postpartum #hyperemesisgravidarum #hg #birthinjuries #bounceback #maternalhealth

Let's talk about joy in motherhood.

In certain stages, it can feel hard to come by. And maybe what used to bring you joy doesn't anymore. I promise you joy will come again, and not feel so forced or fake.

When my babies turned 4+ life felt so much easier and joy became a normal part of my days. But I still look for ways to feel joy, especially when you're stuck in the hard days. I find my little family needs to be outside. We all feel joy there, and I'm a better mum for it too.

I remember the first time I got on a bike after babies, my son was 3. I didn't want to stop. I didn't want to get off. It felt so freeing, like I could go anywhere, no one was on me, no one needed me, it was just me and the bike and I was just going. I get that euphoric feeling every time. So lately, with these beautiful summer afternoons, we've been riding every day!

How often do you feel joy?

What have you rediscovered/discovered that brings you joy?

This needed a permanent place on my feed.

@_drboyd repost 🙏

What I would go back and tell myself as a new mum...

⭐️ give yourself permission to practice imperfection
⭐️ Allow your partner to do more, it's the only way they'll learn too
⭐️ postpartum doulas exist and they are an investment for your physical and mental health
⭐️ your body is for living in, not looking at
⭐️ you're not broken, youre becoming and that needs support too

I hope you offer the same kindness to yourself as you do others ❤️

#motherhood #matrescence #mother #perinatalmentalhealth #perinatalpsychology #maternalhealth #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #postpartumdays

Ella sat on the couch, staring at the mess of bottles, burp cloths, dishes, and laundry. The room felt small, suffocating. Theo lay in his bassinet, his soft breaths the only thing breaking the silence.

She should be happy. That's what everyone told her. But all she felt was... nothing. Life seemed to be in black and white.

A knock at the door startled her. She thought about ignoring it, pretending she was asleep, but then heard Leah's voice through the door. "Ella? Are you home?"

With a sigh, Ella pulled the door open. "I thought I'd stop by, I brought snacks!" They sat down on the couch, Leah setting down the coffees. "How are you?"

Ella gripped her cup a little tighter. "I'm fine."

Silence.

Leah just watched her, and Ella knew she saw it- the way her shoulders slumped, the spew on her clothes, the faded smile, the exhaustion, the emptiness, the heavy ache of pretending everything was fine when it wasn't.

Leah picked up a broken blue crayon out of her bag. "Ethan broke these yesterday. I almost threw them away. " She paused and then looked up. "But broken crayons still colour."

Her throat tightened. Looking down at the crayon- worn, snapped, imperfect. "I don't feel fine." The words barely a whisper.

Leah nodded in understanding. She reached for Ella's hand, squeezing it gently. "Even in pieces, you are still enough."

#brokencrayonsstillcolor

On the first day of 2025, my thesis "Perceptions of birth and wellbeing after birth debriefing among women who describe their birth as traumatic" is officially published in Midwifery - an internationally recognised scientific journal!!

I completed a thesis back in 2022, looking at the impact of birth debriefing among women who describe their birth as traumatic. Research only focused on clinical thresholds of trauma (PTSD), I wanted to include the subjective experiences of women and birth trauma.

I believe lived experience needs to be reflected more in research, support, training, education, and policies / guidelines. If we can purposefully weave lived experience and clinical experience together, perinatal mental health and maternity care will exponentially improve. Maybe that's a PhD? 😂

It took 18 months slowly drafting for publication (because how do you go from 8500 words to 4000, and also who has the time 😅) and another 7 months for the peer reviewed process. I need to give a huge shout out to my supervisor, Dr Kachina Allen at Southern Cross University for allowing me to develop a thesis from my passion and for challenging me so that we could produce something meaningful. Also for backing me when the ethics board challenged me, an honours student at the time, tackling such a heavy topic.

Also, a huge thank you to my own mother, who read every single proof and cheered me the whole way, and my husband VJ for supporting me through statistic woes and endlessly listening to my passionate rants haha!

Thank you to all of you who participated in this study, who shared their stories with me, and shared your perspectives on how birth trauma is acknowledged. None of it is possible without your input, and I will not take that for granted 🙏

Lastly, to the mamas who have suffered birth trauma but didn't feel it was "bad" enough and to those whose birth trauma was unsupported, dismissed or remains unacknowledged - this is for you!!! 🙏❤️

Buendicho et al. (2025) is available to read here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613824003504?via%3Dihub

The link is also in my bio if you're interested 🥰

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

It's been a quiet year here on socials, but in my growing professional life (and personal life) so much has been going on! Here's a recap for the past year for @thepowerofbirth

⭐️ My thesis on birth trauma, which many of you participated in, has been accepted for publication- more to come!!
⭐️ Wrote 4 blogs regarding perinatal mental health
⭐️ Completed my university placement at @threelittlebirdspsychology co locating at @peachyparents and it was the best!!
⭐️ Completed my masters degree in psychology
⭐️ Was a guest on @postpartumlikeaboss podcast sharing my lived experience with HG
⭐️ Continued connecting with so many of you who will forever inspire me and keep the passion flame burning
⭐️ Collaborated with Rebecca from @perinatalstoriesaustralia to raise awareness for HG
⭐️ Attended @gidgetfoundation perinatal mental health conference in Sydney
⭐️ Added 14 episodes to the podcast, including:
- six mini mental health episodes
- talking maternal anger and rage with Yara @lifeafterbirthpsychology
- debunking baby brain myths with Sarah @drsarahmckay
- understanding postnatal psychosis through lived experience with Ariane @arianejbeeston
- navigating prenatal diagnosis with Pieta @throughtheunexpected
- relationship after baby changes and challenges with Elly @ellytaylorauthor
- birthing again after trauma with Rosie @dr_rosie_psychologist
- sharing lived experiences by Amber @daughtersoflucina and Ebony
⭐️ Hit 14K+ listens for the podcast #CanWeTalkAboutThis
⭐️ Continued questioning, challenging, and debunking social norms, diagnosis and treatment in perinatal mental health, all while learning, growing, and evolving in my personal and professional life.

I appreciate all of you and look forward to seeing what 2025 brings!!

And that's a wrap 2024 🎉

Yes, these are all real disclosures I've had over the years, and I feel it's important for people to know these are real feelings in motherhood.

Working, volunteering, and advocating for better maternal and perinatal healthcare, I’ve seen the system fail mothers time and time again.

In my most recent experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the fear-mongering in the psychology profession—the looming threats of “licenses being revoked” or the haunting pressure of, “What would you say if you had to sit in front of the coroner?” - yes, those very words.

This fear drives some therapists away from truly meeting mothers where they are. It creates barriers to allowing hard, dark disclosures. It leads to breaking confidentiality in the name of safety—when, in reality, proper training in perinatal mental health would make all the difference.

Knowing the distinction between an intrusive or suicidal thought and intent to harm is critical. Because here’s the truth: by allowing a mother to say the hard things out loud—the ugly, scary truths—we help her heal.

When a mother can share that big, overwhelming, shameful thought/s with her therapist (or anyone) and explore what’s really happening, she can begin to understand it—and that thought loses its power. This can happen without the shadow of child safety involvement hanging over her. Being curious, compassionate, empathetic, and knowledgeable when working with the perinatal population is so crucial because otherwise, therapists can actually cause harm.

We need more specialised training for mental health clinicians working with perinatal clients and less fear-mongering for the sake of the families we work with.

💡 What changes do you think would help improve support for mothers in mental health care?

#PerinatalMentalHealth #SupportMums #MaternalMentalHealth #EndTheStigma #PostpartumSupport #TherapistsWhoCare #PostpartumDepression ##birthtrauma #postnatalocd #breastfeeding #pregnancy ##antenatalanxiety #postpartum #sleepdeprivation #pelvicfloprdysfunction #griefandloss #lossofidentity #matrescence
#intrusivethoughts #perinatalhealth #perinataltrauma #perinatalpsychologist #specialisedtraining #phd? 🤣

Just leaving this here.

Can we eradicate the super mum myth now? 💀🙏

#perinatalmentalhealth #motherhood #expectationsofmothering #mother #mothering #pregnancy #birth #postpartum ##anxiety #burnout #sleepdeprivation #matrescence #supermum #realtalk #rage #mumrage #mentalload #primarycaregiver #allmumswork ##parenting ##parenthood ##womenshealth #motheringalone

"How do you do it all?"
"Because I have help."

We need more acknowledgment of the unpaid labour someone is doing in the home through recognition, appreciation and gratitude to help us all understand that one person cannot do all of the things and that we all need support in our roles and responsibilities.

You read that right, you can't do it all, and you shouldn't be expected to.

Let's normalise acknowledging and appreciating care giving roles because without it, no one could do what they do!

What's been your experience?

#motherhood #career #allmumswork #parenting #perinatalmentalhealth #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #thepowerofbirth #matrescence #mother #caregiver #defaultparent #feminist #realtalk #relationshipchanges #relationships #success #identity #ittakesavillage

Last day in the chair.

My masters placement has come to an end and it was my last day in the chair @peachyparents saying goodbye to clients who I have LOVED working with. This marks the end of the piloted clinical pathway at a 100% peer led organisation that so generously shared their space with me to offer additional brief psychological intervention for parents. It's been a wild time but a great time, and I will forever be grateful to Viv, founder of Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness, and my supervisor Dr Rachel Bushing, who believed in me and gave me a shot at this. It's been absolute magic!!

I can not describe how much of my love for perinatal mental health has grown throughout these past few months. It has been everything I thought AND SOME!

Tomorrow, I wrap up with the private practice, and it's officially over. Big feelings right now!!

On to a new chapter!

#psychologist

Routine #perinatalmentalhealth screening is essential, but it cannot succeed without addressing the underlying fear and stigma that prevent many mothers and parents from being honest. Far too often, screenings rely on impersonal questionnaires, that feel more like a checkbox exercise than a genuine attempt to understand a parents mental health.

Many mothers remain silent or answer dishonestly, fearing judgement or even separation from their baby. Many attempt to conceal their struggles to avoid being labelled unstable or incompetent or having their children taken away.

This fear isn't irrational- it reflects a broader failure in how we approach perinatal mental health. Screening must go beyond standardised forms to build trusting relationships between care providers and parents (which means we also need continuity of care in maternity and postpartum care). Parents need to feel that disclosing their struggles will lead to support, not condemnation or punitive actions. Without this cultural shift, mental health screening risks alienating the very people it's meant to help, perpetuating struggling in silence.

No parent should feel that seeking help puts them at risk.

#pmhweek #thepowerofbirth #motherhood #parenthood #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #postnataldepression #postnatalanxiety #perinatalhealth #maternalsuicide #healthymum #mentalhealthscreening #mentalhealth

Becoming a mother changes everything about you- including your brain. We don't talk enough about these changes, and many new parents are caught off guard by scary, unwanted intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can range from random images to disturbing ideas and may feel distressing and overwhelming. I'm here to remind you that they are just thoughts, not a reflection of who you are or your intentions as a mum.

Intrusive thoughts are so common, in fact up to 100% of mums experience them, including 50% of purposeful harm. They are egodystonic, meaning they go against your values and intentions as a parent.

I like to explain the brain changes that occur in pregnancy as we go from "me" thinking, to "we" thinking. Your pre baby self only had to think about herself... your new mum self is neurobiologically wired to think of both of you and the baby, it's almost impossible for you not to!

What comes with these changes is 'threat detection'. Your brain is responsible for detecting threat to protect your baby and we have to help our brains understand what is threatening and what is not. Cue the intrusive thoughts.

It's important to recognise that in some cases these thoughts can be unmanageable, leading to OCD, depression and anxiety that is interfering with your daily life, or if they no longer feel unwanted or distressing, or if you are struggling to care for yourself or baby because of them, this is when we need help.

Let's talk about intrusive thoughts because you are not alone, you are not crazy and they don't define you as a mother.

#intrusivethoughts #perinatalmentalhealth #pmhweek #anxiety #postnatalanxiety #postpartumocd #postnataldepression #thepowerofbirth #matrescence #motherhood #birth #pregnancy

Karen Kleiman and her team capture the inner experience of having a baby and struggling with your mental health perfectly.

Do you see yourself here?

I find I am constantly pulling out this book in therapy sessions to help identify, describe and explain what's happening in our minds after having a baby- and it resonates with every single mum I have showed it to. I wish this was the book you were given as a baby shower gift or when leaving the hospital because we need to talk about this! And it's important we see our experiences reflected in the motherhood literature.

Big shout out to @postpartumstress

Book: Good Mums Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman & What About Us? By Karen Kleiman

#perinatalhealth #perinatalmentalhealthweek #pmhweek #intrusivethoughts #anxiety #scarythoughts #postpartumocd #postnataldepression #maternalsuicide #postpartumdays #postnatalpsychosis #pregnancy #birth #birthtrauma #postnatalanxiety #thepowerofbirth #motherhood

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Gold Coast, Queensland Australia

thepowerofbirth@outlook.com

“In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.” – Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn