Can We Talk About This‪?‬ thepowerofbirth

*As always, please consider what you are consuming
Amber-lee is joined by Ariane Beeston, postnatal psychosis survivor, psychologist,  former child protection caseworker, and writer who courageously shares her journey through postnatal psychosis after the birth of her son over a decade ago. Ariane's harrowing experience, detailed in her memoir "Because I'm Not Myself You See: A Memoir of Motherhood, Madness, and Coming Back from the Brink," offers a raw, real, and devastatingly honest look into the some of the most taboo and stigmatised experiences in maternal mental health.
 
Postnatal psychosis is a severe form of perinatal mental illness that occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 mothers, typically within days to the first six weeks after childbirth. It is characterized by extreme confusion, hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of touch with reality, making it a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate treatment.
 
Ariane discusses the intense symptoms including seeing her baby as a dragon, thoughts of death and ending her life, the isolation of that time and shame around her experiences, the physical and emotional toll of depression, and the fears that kept her silent for so long. She reveals how a combination of expert psychiatric care, medication, and unwavering support from her husband helped her find a path to recovery. 
Amber-lee and Ariane explore the importance of acknowledging and addressing perinatal mental illness, the often-misunderstood nature of postpartum psychosis, intrusive thoughts, mandatory reporting and the vital role of support systems for both mothers and their families. This episode is a powerful testament to the importance of breaking the silence around maternal mental health struggles, and also the difficulties in bringing them to light.
 
Ariane's story is heartbreaking, but also carries so much hope for those who are currently struggling. Her book is shockingly relatable to any mother who has felt the weight of maternal mental illness and is brutally honest about that time and presentations of psychosis. I loved her book and hope the world accepts this beautiful and devastating poetic piece as it is.   
 
You can purchase her book here: https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/because-im-not-myself-you-see
 
Find Ariane on socials: @arianebeeston 
Read more of her work for COPE here:https://www.cope.org.au/author/ariane/
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, particularly related to perinatal or postpartum experiences, here are some valuable resources that can provide support and guidance:
www.cope.org.au
www.panda.org.au & National Helpline: 1300 726 306
www.lifeline.org.au  & 24/7 Crisis Support: 13 11 14
www.postpartum.net (global)

Do you feel different after having a baby? We've talked about matrescence but this episode is dedicated to understanding the biological changes and components of matrescence through a neuroscience lens. Host Amber-lee is joined by Dr. Sarah McKay, a renowned neuroscientist and author of Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better), to delve deep into the neuroscience of motherhood, debunking common myths surrounding 'baby brain' and the changes women experience during pregnancy and after childbirth. From the influence of hormones to the reorganisation of the brain, Dr. McKay shares groundbreaking insights into how motherhood impacts the female brain, challenging the stigma associated with postnatal cognitive changes. Alongside discussing the physiological changes, this episode explores paternal brain adaptations, the psychology behind maternal instincts, and the vital importance of mental health and support for new mothers. Join us as together we shed light on the beauty and complexity of brain changes in motherhood, advocating for a mother-focused approach in society's understanding and support of women's health. Don't miss this episode full of revelations that will change the way you think about 'baby brain' and the incredible adaptability of the human brain during the journey of motherhood!
 
Get Dr Sarah McKay's book here: https://drsarahmckay.com/books/
and find her on socials @drsarahmckay 
 
Transcript available www.thepowerofbirth.net 
 
 

In this enlightening episode, host Amber-lee, delves into the complex web of anger and rage in motherhood with guest Yara Heary, a dedicated psychologist from Life After Birth Psychology. They explore the nuances of anger as both a valid and misunderstood emotion, distinct yet connected to the journey of mothering. The conversation traverses the landscape of societal expectations, cultural contexts, and the barriers that mothers face, illuminating the intricate ways in which support systems, or the lack thereof, shape our experiences, while sharing their own mothering experiences with rage. Aimed at breaking down stigmas and navigating the turbulent waters of maternal emotions, this episode offers insights into reclaiming power, finding community, and the transformational paths through the protective emotion of anger.
This episode is a powerful listen and I hope it brings you some relief, but also the motivation to find support where you need it. 
 
Yara's Why Am I So Angry self paced course is available here: https://lifeafterbirthpsychology.podia.com/why-am-i-so-angry
 
Work with Yara or listen to her podcast: https://www.lifeafterbirth.com.au/ 
 
Transcript available www.thepowerofbirth.net 

In the final episode of the mental health mini-series, join host Amber-lee as she explores the transformative power of self-compassion. I delve into the concept of self-compassion with insights from leading researcher Dr. Kristen Neff and discover the key elements of self-kindness, shared humanity, and mindfulness as tools to nurture understanding and care towards oneself. Through relatable scenarios of fictional mothers Kate and Nora, listeners witness the impact of self-compassion on navigating the challenges of motherhood and emotional health. Practical strategies and insights are offered and backed by neuroscience to cultivate self-compassion and reshape inner dialogues. Tune in to uncover the importance of challenging societal stigmas and beliefs to embrace self-compassion as a form of self-love and empowerment, understand why self-compassion precedes gratitude and how practicing kindness with determination leads to personal growth. Self-compassion fosters resilience, enhances motivation, and promotes emotional wellbeing - compassion is not a weakness, in fact it is so powerful it can quite literally transform your brain for the better! 
Thank you for tuning into the mental health mini-series! Don't forget to leave a review on whatever podcast platform you are listening on. I appreciate you for being here!
 
Resources:
Dr Kristen Neff website: https://self-compassion.org/
Kristen Neff self-compassion test: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/
To find out more about the perfect mother myth mentioned in this episode see: https://drsophiebrock.com/
Grab your free self compassion based motherhood affirmations here: https://www.thepowerofbirth.net/
 
Finding Support in Australia:
PANDA.org.au 
1300 726 306
COPE.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Gidget Foundation
Black Dog Institute 1300 851 758
 
Disclaimer: While the content of this podcast is intended to provide support and guidance, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. The techniques and practices discussed here are general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are experiencing significant distress, mental health concerns, or trauma, I encourage you to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. Additionally, if at any point during this episode you feel overwhelmed or triggered, please turn it off and talk to someone or do something that is helpful to you.
 
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the last episode of the mental health mini series, episode six, make self compassion your superpower. There is actual power in self compassion. And if you were anything like me a couple of years ago, and you really lacked self compassion, I hope that this episode just plants the seed of self compassion today I first want to give you a good understanding of what self compassion is. So it's a concept that's gained a lot of attention, but thanks to psychologists like Dr. Kristen Neff, who is now the leading researcher in self compassion. She says it involves treating ourselves with the same kindness, concern, and support we'd offer a good friend when they're struggling. There are three key parts to this. Self kindness. Shared humanity and mindfulness. I did mindfulness a few episodes ago, so make sure that you go back and check that one out to help balance this out a little bit.
And as I have a focus on mothers in this podcast, women's health, motherhood, reproductive health, and perinatal mental health, or just mental health in general. That's because motherhood comes with these incredibly high unrealistic expectations, which then turn, harsh judgments, whether that be from yourself or from others. It's all perpetuated by the myth of this perfect mother, this perfect mother does not exist. And yet every mother to some degree will set her expectations up against her perception of what the perfect mother is. And this myth can make us feel like we are never enough and that we're a bad mom and that we're never measu

In this episode, Amber-lee, the host of the mental health mini-series, delves into the powerful concept of acceptance. Drawing from her training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she explores the importance of allowing emotions to be felt without judgment or resistance. Through a meditative exercise, Amber-lee guides listeners on a journey to accept and surf through their emotions like waves in the ocean, fostering a deeper understanding of emotional navigation and acceptance. Tune in to gain insights on embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and practicing acceptance in daily life.
Feelings Wheel available here: https://feelingswheel.com/
I encourage you to listen to the whole episode but if you would just like to enjoy the meditation start at 10:20.
 
Disclaimer: While the content of this podcast is intended to provide support and guidance, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. The techniques and practices discussed here are general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are experiencing significant distress, mental health concerns, or trauma, I encourage you to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. Additionally, if at any point during this episode you feel overwhelmed or triggered, please turn it off and talk to someone or do something that is helpful to you.
 
Finding Support in Australia:
PANDA.org.au 
1300 726 306
COPE.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Gidget Foundation
Black Dog Institute 1300 851 758
 
Outside of Australia: Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net 
TRANSCRIPT
Hello, welcome back to another mental health mini series episode. Today I want to take you through the concept of acceptance. So accepting emotions probably sounds maybe a little vague or cliche, but I wanted to do an episode on acceptance because I have learned just how powerful this tool is. I recently completed some training in acceptance and commitment therapy, and while what we're going to do today is certainly not even close to it, I think the concept of acceptance is important and easy for everyone to understand practicing it may feel a little more difficult, but I just wanted to be able to give you a taste.
So firstly, I'll just take you through what I mean by acceptance, and then we'll do a brief meditative exercise to kind of help you incorporate the practice of acceptance in your life. Hopefully it'll just give you a good idea of what it means to accept all emotions.
So acceptance means to allow your feelings to be what they are without judgement or trying to change them and acknowledging your emotions no matter how uncomfortable they might be I want you to think about how often maybe you criticise yourself for feeling a certain way or maybe you avoid certain feelings, you tell yourself you're not allowed to feel them
Some emotions become so stigmatized, we feel even guilty for feeling them normal human emotions and we feel guilty or we suppress or we criticize or we avoid, we may have been told that certain emotions or thoughts were wrong or inappropriate. And maybe people are often uncomfortable around certain emotions for themselves, for others. So it's unacceptable for them to have them, but that also means everyone else can't have them. Now, when we talk about acceptance, a lot of people mix it up with thinking that we tolerate or put up with, or we give in or we're resigning ourself to it, but it's more about being able to drop the struggle with it and just making room, opening up for that emotion, that difficult emotion, letting ourselves feel The full range of the human emotions. If we open ourselves up to feeling the way that we do and just let it flow through us, giving it time to kind of dissipate in its own time, like all emotions do. This is actually really beneficial to our mental health. I like the analogy where if like you think about emotions like the weather, For example, sunny, cloudy, rainy, stormy, light, dark.
And

#4 of the Mental Health Mini Series focuses on mindfulness and explores the importance of being present in the moment. Your host, Amber-lee shares insights on the concept of mindfulness, its benefits, and guides listeners through two mindfulness exercises they can incorporate into their daily lives. The first exercise, '5-4-3-2-1 Senses Grounding,' helps listeners connect with their immediate environment using their senses, while the second exercise involves mindful eating that helps you practice being present. Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve self-awareness, and support your overall wellbeing, especially for busy mums, but anyone can do these simple exercises! Listeners are encouraged to practice mindfulness daily, when possible, and apply these techniques to their mental health toolbox.
 
5-4-3-2-1 Senses excercise begins at 10:43
Mindful Eating exercise begins at 16:32
 
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: While the content of this podcast is intended to provide support and guidance, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. The techniques and practices discussed here are general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are experiencing significant distress, mental health concerns, or trauma, I encourage you to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. Additionally, if at any point during this episode you feel overwhelmed or triggered, please turn it off and talk to someone or do something that is helpful to you
 
Finding Support in Australia:
PANDA.org.au 
1300 726 306
COPE.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Gidget Foundation
Black Dog Institute 1300 851 758
 
References:
Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125–143. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg015
Leng LL, Yin XC, Ng SM. Mindfulness-based intervention for clinical and subthreshold perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial. Compr Psychiatry. 2023 Apr;122:152375. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152375. Epub 2023 Feb 5. PMID: 36841089.
ACT Made Simple 2nd Edition by Russ Harris
 
TRANSCRIPT
Amber-lee (Host): Thanks for being here. Another mental health mini series episode. I'm so excited to share this one with you because today is all about mindfulness. And I promise mindfulness is not just a buzzword. Okay. So today I'm going to take you through two mindfulness exercises that are really easy to incorporate into your daily life as a busy mom who might struggle to be present, if you're anything like me. I love using mindfulness where I can in my life so I really wanted to share some techniques with you today. Firstly, I actually find it helpful to know what mindfulness is, how it's helpful. So I'll tell you a little bit about that. And then we'll get into the two exercises.
You can skip ahead if you want to as well. Mindfulness is actually just an ancient concept with a really wide range of spiritual and religious traditions dating back to at least 4, 000 years ago, or so we know. And Western mindfulness based approaches are mostly derived from Buddhism and many believe its basis is in meditation, but mindfulness can actually be used in many other ways.
So I'm not doing meditation today. I'm going to just purely focus on mindfulness.
There are lots of definitions, but to help kind of give an explanation of some of the practices you're going to be doing with me today, I wanted to give you a really good definition surrounding those practices. So, mindfulness is just all about living in the present moment. Accepting your current thoughts, feelings, what's happening around you, all without judgment.
It's a way to pay attention to the present what's happening inside you and outside of you with a kind and open attitude. So practicing mindfulness means you're aware of your thoughts, emotions, bodily feelings, and sensations and environment