ME + MOTHERHOOD with Benita Bensch Benita Bensch

“Is this decision serving me to my greater good?”

This is one of the questions I want to leave you with as I take a break from this podcast.

I have found making the decision to put the podcast, and other parts of my business on hold to be incredibly difficult, and I understand that readjusting your priorities can be hard, but you are important and your health is important.


Adam and I are off to forge our own path in our farming business and as we make plans and decide what that will look like for us and our family I want to be there for all of it by having the headspace and capacity to be fully present, and to be emotionally available for my family.


My deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to you for tuning into ME + MOTHERHOOD over this year and for joining in on the conversations.


Benita x



Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch

Dr Sophie Brock is a motherhood studies sociologist and mother living in Sydney, Australia. She provides analysis of motherhood in our culture and the ways individual experiences of mothers are shaped by broader social constructs.


Sophie's work contributes to changing the cultural conversation on motherhood and the individual experiences of mothers to create a world where mothers feel empowered, supported and valued.


In this episode we cover:
Dr Sophie’s Fish Tank of Motherhood analogy for understanding social constructThe power of rewriting the narrative around motherhood, shifting from victimhood to agency and the concept of the “good enough mother”The impact of societal constructs and culture on experiences of motherhood and the need for questioning of societal norms and expectationsThe “perfect mother myth” and addressing anger, understanding triggers and finding productive ways to respond

As you navigate your own motherhood journey and the challenges of being a mum, it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone. Together, we can debunk harmful narratives, validate our experiences and work towards a society where mothers feel supported and valued.


The wisdom and practical experience that Dr Sophie shares in this episode is going to be incredibly impactful on your motherhood journey


Benita x



Connect with Dr Sophie Brock:
The 'Fish-Tank' of Motherhood Model
The Good Enough Mother Podcast



Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch

“Our challenges now will be their strengths in the future” shares Steph Schmidt on navigating her motherhood journey.


Steph is a psychologist working in farmer mental health and grassroots and community based strategies. She is also a mother to 3 boys and alongside her husband runs a sheep and cropping farm in South Australia.


Steph openly admits that she has found motherhood to be the hardest thing she has ever done, and has navigated raising 3 sparkler boys on a busy farm whilst battling postnatal depression. 


In this episode we cover:
Navigating the ups and downs of motherhood and embracing the different seasons that come with itThe challenges and joys Steph has experienced balancing farmwork, solo parenting and prioritising what is most important in lifeEmbracing authenticity while sharing personal experiences and respecting the privacy of othersWhat Steph knows about motherhood now that she wishes she knew back at the beginning of her journeySteph’s experience with postnatal depression

Steph is incredibly open and honest about the challenges and joys that she has faced on her motherhood journey so far and I know that you will take so much of her wisdom with you.


Benita x



Connect with Steph’s Story: https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/stories/stephanie-schmidts-story




Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch

“I am”


Have you ever thought about the power and potency of these words?


What we impress on our subconscious mind is what comes to reality for us.


The power that words hold for us can easily be overlooked or thrown to the side, and in the last 18 months I have become aware that since I was a teenager I have been managing a tendency towards anxiety and made the conscious decision to never say “I am anxious”.


Why?

Because when I say those words, I feel my heart skip a beat and the anxiety within me.


This is a short episode to help you understand the importance of these two powerful words and how you can use everyday language to empower yourself and be the person you want to be.


Benita x



Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch

Sunny Roberts is deeply passionate about helping women return to their feminine energy. Born and raised in Germany and working in a corporate career she spent her 20s operating in masculine push mode and burnt out at 28 which led her to become a yoga and mindfulness teacher. 
Becoming a mum of two boys she found herself struggling in her own marriage of 7 years and was ready to give up when she discovered that embracing her feminine energy was the key to lasting connection and love in her relationship.
Today she is on a mission to help other women have the same awakening. Sunny deeply believes that every woman deserves to feel loved and cherished in her relationship. What separates Sunny from others in this space is that she actually lives what she talks about. 
In this episode we cover:
Navigating the challenges of parenthood and maintaining a healthy relationship amidst the chaos.How Sunny rediscovered and embraced her femininity as a means of improving personal satisfaction and relationship dynamics.The importance of prioritising your time and effort in nurturing the relationship between partners as parents.Seeking help and support from professionals to facilitate important conversations and navigate relationship difficulties.The transformative journey of self-discovery and identity redefinition in the context of motherhood and partnership.This is a beautiful conversation focused around the stages of relationships and challenges faced by parents and how you can navigate through these seasons.
I know you will love getting to know Sunny and our conversation.
Benita x


Connect with Sunny:
Instagram: @wholehearted.woman
Join the Wholehearted Woman Facebook Community 



Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch

**Themes of mental health, pregnancy loss, medical trauma and women’s health issues.
**This is not an episode for little people's ears. Pop your headphones on, or listen to it when you're alone.


“I’ve really learned that the best parents, and the best mums that I know are the ones that become the parent that their child needs them to be” shares Kate Fisher on her motherhood experience.


Kate is a fierce blood donation advocate and is the creator of the Milkshakes for Marleigh blood donation movement and podcast. She is also a child centre play therapist working with children and families who have experienced medical trauma


Kate and her husband Geoff have four children, three of those living, with her youngest having autoimmune encephalitis and accompanied by their additional family member, Patty the seizure response and autism assistance dog.


In this episode we cover:
How Kate sums up her motherhood experience and her road to welcoming children into the worldGratitude, permission and the role of support networks for infertility and motherhoodNavigating a pandemic with an immunocompromised childNavigating family life with three children with various neurodevelopmental disabilities and a critical health conditionLeaning in and leaning out, navigating survival mode and finding what serves Kate as a mum through difficult times

This is a deep and heavy conversation in parts and there is so much more that we cover than what is written here.


I know that there are mother’s out there that will benefit from hearing about Kate’s motherhood story.


Benita x



Connect with Kate:
Hear more about Marleigh’s story on the Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast: Spotify or Apple
Join the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team: 131 495
Instagram: @katefisherplaytherapy and @milkshakes_for_marleigh
Website: milkshakesformarleigh.org



Be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If this, or any, ME + MOTHERHOOD podcast episode ‘triggers you’ or raise issues for you, I urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines: 


Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306Work with me: Illuminate Group Coaching
Work with me: GLOW - A Motherhood Immersion Membership
Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me
Subscribe: Join my mailing list
Website: http://www.benitabensch.com
Freebie: Affirmation Email Series
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch