The Motherwhelm

Bronwyn Senn
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Motherwhelm is an interview-style podcast for women to safely share the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, shed light on taboos and celebrate everyday victories.

  1. 6d ago

    53 | The Motherwhelm with Tara | Birth Trauma, Postpartum Anxiety & Building Proud Poppy

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tara, a mum of two, former emergency nurse, and founder of Proud Poppy, to talk about birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, and rebuilding yourself through motherhood. Tara shares her journey through a difficult first experience of motherhood, including a traumatic birth, postpartum anxiety and depression, infant feeding challenges, and the weight of trying to create the "perfect" family life she never had growing up. Together, we explore the pressure so many mothers place on themselves, the realities of maternal mental health, body image after children, and the lifelong work of healing childhood wounds while raising children of your own. We also discuss how motherhood became the catalyst for creating Proud Poppy, the clothing brand and community that grew from Tara's desire to help women feel seen, comfortable, and confident in their bodies. From fertility struggles and motherhood guilt to entrepreneurship, self-acceptance, and letting go of impossible standards, Tara's story is a powerful reminder that motherhood can become the beginning of finding yourself—not the end of who you are. Please note: This conversation was recorded around two years ago, so some details of Tara's business and family life have naturally changed since then. The heart of this conversation, however, remains just as relevant. If you've experienced birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, or you're navigating the challenge of healing while raising your own children, I hope Tara's story reminds you that growth is possible and that you're not alone. Topics discussed: birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, childhood trauma, healing childhood wounds, body image after pregnancy, entrepreneurship, Proud Poppy, self-acceptance, motherhood identity, maternal mental health, motherhood.

  2. Jul 5

    52 | The Motherwhelm with Elizabeth | Pregnancy After 40, Miscarriage & Fertility

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Elizabeth, a fertility coach and mum of three, to talk about pregnancy after 40, miscarriage, fertility, and the many unexpected turns on the path to motherhood. After years of building a successful career, freezing her eggs, and believing motherhood would happen when the time was right, Elizabeth found herself navigating fibroids, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, and ultimately welcoming three children after the age of forty. She shares the emotional reality of becoming a mother later in life while continuing to grow two businesses and redefine what success looked like for her. Together, we explore the often-overlooked emotional impact of infertility, the experience of miscarriage, difficult caesarean births, and the challenge of balancing ambition with the demands of motherhood. Elizabeth also reflects on why pregnancy loss deserves to be spoken about more openly, the importance of finding the right support, and how motherhood reshaped her identity in unexpected ways. Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, hope, and trusting that life's timeline doesn't always unfold as planned. It's a reminder that motherhood isn't about doing everything perfectly—it's about showing up, adapting, and allowing yourself to receive support along the way. If you're navigating fertility after 40, pregnancy after 40, egg freezing, miscarriage, or trying to balance career and motherhood, I hope Elizabeth's story leaves you feeling informed, encouraged, and less alone. Connect with Elizabeth Instagram: @theofficialelizabethking Topics discussed: pregnancy after 40, fertility after 40, infertility, miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, egg freezing, fertility treatment, fibroids, career and motherhood, motherhood identity, caesarean birth, fertility coaching.

  3. Jun 26

    51 | The Motherwhelm with Sophie | Postpartum Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder & Recovery

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sophie, a mum of two, to talk about postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, recovery, and finding hope after severe perinatal mental illness. Just days after the birth of her first baby, Sophie experienced postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe mental health condition that completely changed the course of her motherhood journey. What followed were multiple hospital admissions, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a long road to recovery, and the heartbreaking question of whether she could safely have another child. Together, we explore what it felt like to lose touch with reality, the trauma of being separated from her newborn, and the extraordinary support Sophie received through a specialist Mother and Baby Unit. She also shares her experience of navigating a second pregnancy after postpartum psychosis, the return of intrusive thoughts after birth, and the ongoing process of parenting while living with bipolar disorder. This is an honest conversation about perinatal mental health, resilience, advocacy, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Sophie's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, that motherhood and serious mental illness can coexist, and that no mother should ever have to navigate these experiences alone. If you or someone you love has experienced postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe perinatal mental illness, I hope Sophie's story offers hope, understanding, and reassurance that recovery is possible. Topics discussed: postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, Mother and Baby Unit, perinatal mental health, psychiatric admission, intrusive thoughts, recovery, motherhood after psychosis, maternal mental health, advocacy.

  4. Jun 20

    50 | The Motherwhelm with Sharon | Birth Trauma, Home Birth & Medical Advocacy

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sharon, a mum of two, to talk about birth trauma, home birth, informed consent, and finding your voice as a mother. Sharon shares two very different birth experiences. The first was a long and difficult hospital birth that left her physically and emotionally depleted. The second was a planned home birth that unfolded beautifully before a severe postpartum haemorrhage led to emergency surgery and a challenging hospital admission. Together, we explore the complexities of birth trauma, navigating the maternity system, medical advocacy, and what happens when parents don't feel heard. We also discuss informed consent, postnatal depression, raising children without nearby family support, building a village from scratch, ADHD and motherhood, balancing work and caregiving, and the ways motherhood has transformed Sharon's confidence, resilience, and sense of self. This is a conversation about trusting yourself, asking questions, advocating for your family, and recognising that healing often begins when mothers feel informed, supported, and empowered to use their own voice. If you've experienced birth trauma, are considering a home birth, want to better understand informed consent in maternity care, or you're rebuilding after a difficult postpartum experience, I hope Sharon's story reminds you that your voice matters. Topics discussed: birth trauma, home birth, postpartum haemorrhage, informed consent, medical advocacy, maternity care, postnatal depression, ADHD, motherhood identity, community, postpartum recovery.

  5. May 22

    49 | The Motherwhelm with Tess | Matrescence, Perfectionism & Maternal Wellbeing

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tess, a mum of two and women's health occupational therapist, to talk about matrescence, perfectionism, maternal wellbeing, and the profound identity shifts of motherhood. Tess's work centres around matrescence, maternal mental health, postpartum wellbeing, and supporting mothers through one of the biggest transitions of their lives. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own lived experience, she shares a thoughtful perspective on the emotional, physical, and relational changes that accompany becoming a mother. Together, we explore perfectionism, people-pleasing, sensory overwhelm, postpartum recovery, changing relationships, and the pressure so many women feel to live up to the impossible expectations of the "perfect mother." Tess speaks openly about the assumptions she carried into motherhood, the realities she encountered, and the deep self-reflection that has shaped both her parenting and her work. We also discuss birth experiences, preparing for the postpartum period, the importance of community, and why mothers need other mothers. This is a conversation about letting go of perfection, embracing the ongoing process of becoming, and recognising that maternal wellbeing matters just as much as infant wellbeing. If you're navigating matrescence, struggling with perfectionism, or trying to find yourself again after becoming a mother, I hope this conversation helps you feel understood and reminds you that you don't have to carry motherhood alone. Connect with Tess Instagram: @_ostara_ot Resources mentioned Instagram @mamamatters.au @seasonsofmatrescence @coreandfloorrestore @raisedgood Books The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson Raising a Secure Child by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry Motherwhelmed by Beth Berry Body Full of Stars by Molly Caro May Podcasts & programs The Great Birth Rebellion Circle of Security Parenting Program Mama Matters Academy Raised Good Summit Topics discussed: matrescence, maternal wellbeing, maternal mental health, perfectionism, sensory overwhelm, people-pleasing, postpartum wellbeing, motherhood identity, occupational therapy, community, relationships after children, motherhood.

  6. Apr 15

    48 | The Motherwhelm with Julia | Postpartum Psychosis, Insomnia & Recovery

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Julia, a mum of two, to talk about postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, insomnia, and the long journey back to herself after becoming a mother. Julia shares how motherhood challenged the highly organised, perfection-driven identity she had built before having children. She speaks candidly about the shock of early motherhood, the relentless pressure to "get it right," and the devastating experience of postpartum psychosis and postnatal depression that followed. Together, we explore the role of insomnia in Julia's illness, the impact of severe perinatal mental illness on relationships and identity, and the courage it took to accept help and begin rebuilding her life. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't about returning to who you were before—it's about discovering who you are becoming. This is a conversation about surrendering perfectionism, healing after profound illness, and finding joy in the ordinary moments of motherhood once again. If you or someone you love has experienced postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, postpartum insomnia, or severe perinatal mental illness, I hope Julia's story offers reassurance that recovery is possible and that no one should have to face these experiences alone. Topics discussed: postpartum psychosis, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum insomnia, perinatal mental illness, perfectionism, identity shift, recovery, motherhood, maternal mental health.

  7. Apr 6

    47 | The Motherwhelm with Jen | Birth Trauma, Postpartum Anxiety & Intuitive Parenting

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jen, a mum of three and founder of Sleep Thrive Grow, to talk about birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, intuitive parenting, and learning to trust yourself as a mother. Jen reflects on her first pregnancy, an emergency caesarean birth, and a difficult postpartum period marked by physical pain, postpartum anxiety, delayed bonding, and a distressing early hospital experience. She shares with great honesty how those early challenges shaped her transition into motherhood, and how they ultimately led her to question perfectionism and reconnect with her instincts. As her family grew, so did her confidence. Through two planned caesarean births, Jen embraced a more intuitive, cue-based approach to parenting, discovering that there is no one-size-fits-all path through motherhood. We also discuss feeding challenges, the impact of motherhood on relationships, and the profound exhaustion that so many mothers carry. These experiences eventually inspired Jen to found Sleep Thrive Grow, where she now supports families with compassionate, responsive, and individualised sleep guidance. Her story is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn't happen all at once—it unfolds as we learn to trust ourselves, honour our children, and let go of impossible expectations. If you've experienced birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, delayed bonding, or you're looking for a more intuitive approach to parenting, I hope Jen's story leaves you feeling reassured, understood, and empowered. Topics discussed: birth trauma, emergency caesarean, postpartum anxiety, delayed bonding, matrescence, intuitive parenting, cue-based parenting, responsive parenting, infant sleep, motherhood identity, healing, Sleep Thrive Grow.

  8. Mar 8

    46 | The Motherwhelm with Anneliese | Childhood Trauma, Breaking Cycles & Solo Motherhood

    In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with my Aunty Anneliese, a mother of three, to talk about childhood trauma, breaking generational cycles, and raising neurodivergent children with love and intention. Anneliese shares her extraordinary journey of becoming a mother at just 21 years old while still healing from the effects of childhood trauma and abuse. Together, we explore what it means to parent differently from the way you were parented, the courage it takes to break generational cycles, and the resilience required to keep showing up for your children while continuing your own healing. We also discuss solo parenting, raising children with ADHD and autism, and the importance of recognising and supporting neurodivergent children in ways previous generations often couldn't. Through every challenge, Anneliese's story is one of fierce love, hope, and the quiet victories that come from choosing a different path for your family. If you've experienced childhood trauma, you're working to break generational cycles, raising neurodivergent children, or navigating solo motherhood, I hope Anneliese's story reminds you that healing doesn't require perfection—it begins with choosing a different way forward. Connect with Anneliese Substack: substack.com/@anneliesesenn Topics discussed: childhood trauma, generational trauma, breaking cycles, solo motherhood, solo parenting, ADHD, autism, neurodivergence, abuse recovery, motherhood, resilience, feminist storytelling.

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About

The Motherwhelm is an interview-style podcast for women to safely share the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, shed light on taboos and celebrate everyday victories.

Information

  • Creator
    Bronwyn Senn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bronwyn Senn
  • Show Website
    The Motherwhelm

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