Mumposter Syndrome

Dr Natasha Wallace

Mumposter Syndrome is the podcast about the real, raw, and often messy reality of navigating motherhood while building a career and a life of your own. Hosted by Dr. Natasha Wallace, clinical psychologist and mum, what has overcome postnatal depression and burnout herself. This show explores all sides of modern motherhood - from pre and postpartum, identity shifts, boundaries, and guilt, to IVF journeys, career changes, and finding yourself again beyond the roles you play. Each week, Natasha shares honest solo reflections and sits down with powerhouse guests for open, unfiltered conversations that go beneath the surface of "having it all." Together, they bring relatable stories, emotional insights, and practical strategies to help you feel calmer, more confident, and less alone in the chaos. If you're ready to ditch the guilt, ease the overwhelm, and redefine what it really means to thrive in motherhood and work, you're in the right place.

  1. 3D AGO

    Mumposter Episode 16 – Sleep, Attachment & Letting Go of "Perfect" Bedtimes with Dr Ali Tonks

    In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Dr Ali Tonks, a child and educational psychologist and holistic sleep coach, for an honest and reassuring conversation about sleep in the context of parenting. Together, they explore the complex and deeply individual nature of children's sleep. Dr Ali explains why sleep isn't just about routines or schedules, but about biology, emotional regulation, attachment, and connection. They discuss the pressure many parents feel to "get sleep right," and how unrealistic expectations - often shaped by social media - can create unnecessary stress and self-doubt. This episode unpacks common misconceptions around sleep associations and "bad habits," offering a more compassionate, trial-and-error approach that prioritises what works for each family. Natasha and Ali also discuss the importance of quality connection, understanding your child's emotional needs, and adapting sleep strategies as children grow or transition into childcare settings. It's a grounding and empowering conversation for any parent navigating broken nights, bedtime battles, or the fear that they're doing it wrong. 🔑 Key Takeaways Children's sleep is influenced by biology, temperament, and emotional connection. Expectations around "perfect" sleep often create unnecessary stress for parents. There are no bad habits — focus on what feels right for your family. Quality connection can significantly support healthy sleep patterns. Trial and error is a normal and necessary part of finding what works. Children can adapt to different sleep associations with different caregivers. Regular routines help, but flexibility is equally important. Social media can distort realistic expectations about children's sleep. Understanding love languages can deepen parent-child connection. Clear communication between partners about sleep responsibilities is essential. 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Parenting and Sleep Challenges 03:44 — What Holistic Sleep Coaching Really Means 06:49 — How Sleep Impacts Emotional Regulation 09:34 — Challenging Expectations Around Children's Sleep 12:51 — Advice for New Parents Navigating Sleep 15:42 — Quality Connection and Love Languages 18:53 — Sleep as Working Parents 21:44 — Practical and Compassionate Sleep Strategies 24:38 — Adapting Sleep Routines for Childcare 27:38 — Final Reflections and Encouragement   💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again.   🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Dr Ali Tonks Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.dralitonks.co.uk Email: hello@dralitonks.co.uk Instagram: @dr.alitonks

    35 min
  2. FEB 23

    Mumposter Episode 15 - Creativity, Identity & Letting Go of Expectations with Lyric Montgomery Kinard

    In this episode of The MumPoster Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Lyric Montgomery Kinard, a mother of five and creative entrepreneur, for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, identity, and finding yourself again after feeling lost. Lyric shares her experience of early motherhood - including postpartum depression, the pressure of societal expectations, and the grief of giving up her own dreams to meet an ideal of what a "good mother" should look like. She speaks candidly about what it was like to feel unsuited to caregiving, and how unmet expectations fuelled frustration and self-doubt. As the conversation unfolds, Lyric reflects on how creativity and entrepreneurship became a lifeline,  helping her reconnect with herself, reclaim her voice, and build a business in the quilting industry alongside motherhood. Together, Natasha and Lyric explore the importance of community, letting go of perfection, and allowing motherhood to look different than expected. This episode is a powerful reminder that there is no single right way to be a mother, and that individuality, creativity, and connection matter just as much as caregiving. 🔑 Key Takeaways Motherhood can bring a profound loss of identity Postpartum depression is often shaped by pressure and expectations Creativity can be a powerful path back to self Frustration often comes from unmet expectations Community matters more than doing things "right" Letting go creates space for freedom and balance Motherhood doesn't need to fit a traditional mould Knowing your children are loved matters more than perfection Connection with others helps mothers feel less alone It's possible to honour both motherhood and individuality 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Lyric Kinard 02:15 — The Reality of Early Motherhood 05:16 — Feeling Unsuitable for Caregiving 10:46 — Losing Identity and Finding Creativity 18:47 — Building a Support Network 30:45 — Why Community Matters 40:47 — Balancing Motherhood and Business 50:40 — Lessons Learned and Looking Forward 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again   🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Lyric Kinard Website: https://www.academyforvirtualteaching.com https://www.lyrickinard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrickinard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyricMontgomeryKinard

    58 min
  3. FEB 16

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 14 – Mindfulness, Self-Trust & the Power of the Pause with Carolina Gonzalez

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 14 – Mindfulness, Self-Trust & the Power of the Pause with Carolina Gonzalez In this episode of The MumPoster Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Carolina Gonzalez, a mindfulness teacher and self-trust coach, for a grounding conversation about mindfulness in real life - especially for parents carrying a heavy mental and emotional load. Together, they explore what mindfulness actually looks like outside of meditation cushions and quiet rooms, and how small, intentional pauses can help regulate the nervous system, improve communication, and deepen connection with both ourselves and our children. Carolina shares simple, accessible grounding practices that can be woven into busy days without becoming another thing to "do right". This episode also looks at the role of mindful listening, emotional regulation, and boundaries, and why self-compassion is a vital part of parenting and personal growth. It's a gentle reminder that meaningful change doesn't require huge shifts, just a willingness to slow down and notice what's happening within you.   🔑 Key Takeaways Mindfulness is about presence, not perfection Grounding techniques can help calm the nervous system in everyday moments Pausing before responding can transform communication Listening to understand fosters deeper connection Mindfulness can fit into busy lives without adding pressure Boundaries are a key part of self-care Self-compassion supports emotional regulation Small changes can create meaningful shifts in wellbeing Mindfulness helps reconnect us with ourselves Intentional pauses can strengthen relationships   💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If life feels full and your nervous system rarely gets a break, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle — my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and more like themselves again.   🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Carolina Gonzalez Website: www.carolinagonzalezmindfulness.com E-mail: carolina@carolinagonzalezmindfulness.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carolinagonzalez   🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Mindfulness and Self-Trust 03:56 — What Mindfulness Really Is 06:54 — Grounding Techniques for Busy Lives 09:39 — Mindfulness in Parenting and Communication 12:45 — The Power of the Pause 15:52 — Communicating with Children Mindfully 18:53 — Mindfulness in Adult Relationships 21:49 — Boundaries and Self-Care 24:52 — Reconnecting with Yourself 27:31 — Final Reflections

    43 min
  4. FEB 12

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 13 - Hormonal Health & Menstrual Cycles: How Stress, Birth Control, and Lifestyle Affect Women with Emma Goff

    In this episode of The MumPoster Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Emma Goff, a certified fertility awareness educator and miscarriage doula, for an eye-opening conversation about menstrual cycles, fertility awareness, and hormonal health. Together, they explore why so many women grow up without truly understanding their cycles, how hormonal birth control can mask underlying issues rather than regulate them, and why cycle awareness is about far more than fertility alone. Emma shares her deep knowledge of how stress, lifestyle, nutrition, and life stages can impact menstrual health, and why learning to listen to your cycle is a powerful form of self-care. This conversation also looks at the importance of open, honest communication with children about puberty and menstruation. Natasha and Emma discuss how early education can reduce shame, foster body trust, and help both girls and boys grow up with a healthier, more informed relationship to women's bodies. This episode is a compassionate invitation to reconnect with your body, question what you've been taught about menstrual health, and feel empowered to make informed decisions - for yourself and the next generation.   💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle - my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and in control again. 🌿 Connect with Dr. Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Emma Goff Website: https://emmamma.com Email: info@emmamma.com Instagram: @cyclicaldoula 🔑 Key Takeaways Understanding your menstrual cycle is a vital part of overall health. Hormonal birth control may mask symptoms rather than regulate cycles. Stress can significantly disrupt menstrual cycles and hormonal balance. Education about cycles and puberty should start early with children. Open conversations about menstruation help reduce shame and stigma. Recognising cycle-related symptoms can support better health outcomes. Nutrition plays a key role in menstrual and hormonal health. Teaching boys about menstruation fosters empathy and understanding. Menstrual cycles change across different life stages. It's never too late to learn, reconnect, or educate yourself and others. 🕒 Podcast Chapters: 00:46 — Understanding Fertility Awareness and Cycle Tracking 03:47 — Navigating Menstrual Changes Through Life 06:48 — The Impact of Hormonal Birth Control 09:50 — Talking to Children About Menstruation 12:49 — Recognising Signs of Hormonal Imbalance 15:47 — The Effects of Stress on Menstrual Cycles 27:01 — Understanding Stress and Hormones 29:07 — The Menstrual Cycle and Conception 34:31 — Empowerment Through Knowledge of Cycles 37:51 — Communication and Relationships 40:37 — Changing the Narrative for Future Generations 41:20 — Puberty and Early Signs in Girls

    46 min
  5. FEB 2

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 12 - Why "Just Breathe" Isn't Enough: Breathwork Tools for Stress, Sleep & Burnout Prevention with Liz Melville

    In this episode Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Liz Melville, an experienced business coach and breathwork coach, to explore how breathwork can support women who are overwhelmed, anxious, and carrying a heavy mental load. Liz shares why breathwork isn't "just breathe", how many of us breathe dysfunctionally without realising, and the simple shifts that can help regulate the nervous system in everyday life. Together, they discuss practical breath tools for stress, sleep, and decision-making, and why small, accessible practices can make a powerful difference, whether you're running a business, working a 9–5, or navigating family life. What You'll Hear in This Episode  What breathwork actually is (and why it's not "just breathe")  How breathing patterns affect the nervous system, stress, and wellbeing Simple breathing principles: nose breathing, belly breathing, and slowing the breath "Email apnea" and why everyday stress triggers fight-or-flight A practical breath tool for calming overwhelm in real time A helpful breathing technique for getting back to sleep after waking at night Why working with a trauma-informed breathwork practitioner matters How breathwork can build resilience and reduce the risk of burnout over time Liz's message to her younger self about judgement, bullying, and self-acceptance 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle - my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and in control again. 🌿 Connect with Dr. Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk  Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Liz Melville Website: https://lizmelville.com Email: liz@lizmelville.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_lizmelville

    43 min
  6. JAN 26

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 11 - Beyond Bouncing Back: Redefining Health & Identity After Motherhood with Marlene Anderson

    In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Marlene Anderson, a women's health and mindset coach, for an honest conversation about the identity shifts, body changes, and emotional challenges that come with motherhood. Marlene shares her personal journey from being a high-level athlete to navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the realities of becoming a mum. Together, Natasha and Marlene unpack the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers, particularly around "bouncing back," fitness, and body image — and how social media often amplifies these pressures. This episode explores why redefining health and fitness after motherhood is essential, the role of self-care and emotional release in supporting mental health, and why unlearning harmful narratives around productivity, perfection, and appearance is a crucial part of personal growth. It's a compassionate, empowering conversation for any mum learning how to reconnect with herself in this new chapter of life.   💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle - my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and in control again. 🌿 Connect with Dr. Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Marlene Andersson Website: https://the-mighty-moms.mn.co/ Email: andersson.marlene.a@proton.me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightymomscommunity    🔑 Key Takeaways Motherhood often brings a profound identity shift, which can feel disorientating and challenging. Unrealistic societal and social-media expectations add pressure for mums. Self-care is not selfish — it models healthy behaviour for children. Strength training supports long-term physical and mental health for women. Emotional release is an important part of wellbeing and stress regulation. Mothers deserve to prioritise their own health and needs. It's never too late to pivot or redefine what health looks like for you. Letting go of perfection creates more sustainable wellbeing. Kindness and self-compassion are essential during motherhood. What matters most is finding what works for you, not what looks good externally. 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Motherhood and Identity 03:50 — The Journey of Transformation 06:52 — Navigating Postpartum Changes 09:51 — Societal Expectations and Pressure 12:32 — Breaking the Cycle of Diet Culture 15:25 — The Role of Self-Care in Motherhood 18:20 — Redefining Health and Wellness 21:12 — Embracing the New You 24:27 — Finding Balance in Motherhood 27:38 — Mindset Shifts and Growth 31:42 — Navigating the Chaos of Motherhood 35:48 — Identity Shift: From Athlete to Mother 40:51 — Redefining Fitness Goals as a Mum 46:08 — Emotional Release and Mental Health 50:54 — Parenting Ourselves with Self-Compassion

    58 min
  7. JAN 19

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 10 - Energy, Alignment & Abundance with Kanika Vasudeva

    In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Kanika Vasudeva, an energy expansion coach who supports high-functioning women and mothers to create income, visibility, and impact without burning out. Together, they explore what it really means to live and work from energetic alignment, and why so many women feel disconnected from success, money, and visibility despite doing "all the right things." Kanika shares her deeply personal journey of transformation following loss, and how this became a catalyst for profound self-discovery, boundary setting, and authenticity. This conversation unpacks how societal conditioning shapes women's beliefs about success, self-worth, and money, and why reconnecting with your energy, values, and truth is essential for sustainable growth. Natasha and Kanika also discuss the link between energy work and abundance, the importance of examining money shame, and how visibility can become an act of self-expression rather than pressure or performance. This episode is a powerful invitation for women to stop pushing, start aligning, and build lives and businesses that feel expansive rather than exhausting. 💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're constantly juggling work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, download my free guide: 👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs Discover simple nervous system resets you can use anytime overwhelm hits. Ready to create lasting calm and balance? Join The Thrive Circle - my supportive community for working mums who want to feel grounded, confident, and in control again.   🌿 Connect with Dr. Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk ✨ Connect with Guest: Kanika Vasudeva Website: https://artoflifecenter.com Email: kanika@artoflifecenter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanikaenergycoach   🔑 Key Takeaways Kanika supports women to rebalance themselves through energy alignment. Operating from alignment allows creativity and abundance to flow more naturally. Success often feels misaligned due to societal and cultural conditioning. Women are conditioned to prioritise others over themselves, leading to burnout. Personal transformation often begins with clear boundaries. Loss can act as a catalyst for deep growth and self-discovery. Visibility is essential for authentic self-expression, not just business growth. Energy work can expand capacity for joy, creativity, and abundance. Unpacking money beliefs and shame is key to women's empowerment. Investing in yourself creates a ripple effect across life and work. 🕒 Chapters 00:46 — Introduction to Energy Expansion Coaching 03:53 — Finding Aligned Action as a Woman 06:53 — Success, Conditioning & Soul Alignment 09:40 — Authenticity and Self-Discovery 12:31 — Loss as a Catalyst for Transformation 15:47 — Growth, Visibility & Reframing Beliefs 18:15 — Understanding Energy Work 21:22 — Visibility as Self-Expression 29:22 — Boundaries, Saying No & Alignment 36:13 — Money Beliefs, Shame & Empowerment 49:10 — Messages of Love, Worth & Acceptance

    53 min
  8. JAN 12

    Mumposter Syndrome Episode 9: The Myth of Balance for Working Mums

    In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace challenges the idea that working mums should be striving for "balance", and explains why this pursuit so often leads to burnout, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy. Natasha explores how the pressure to be perfectly balanced across work, motherhood, relationships, and self-care is unrealistic and emotionally draining. Instead, she introduces a more sustainable and compassionate alternative: freedom over balance, and progress over perfection. Through practical examples and reflective questions, Natasha shares how managing your energy, rather than your time, can help you feel calmer, more in control, and more aligned with what truly matters in your life. This episode encourages working mums to embrace flexibility, self-compassion, and small intentional changes, without trying to do everything at once.   💛 Free Support for Overwhelmed Working Mums If you're feeling constantly on edge or emotionally drained, download my free guide:   👉 The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs  Learn practical nervous system resets to help you calm your mind and body when life feels too much. Want ongoing support and tools to find balance?  Join The Thrive Circle, a supportive community for working mums ready to find calm, connection, and confidence again.   🌿 Connect with Dr. Natasha Wallace Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist  Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk  Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk

    17 min

Trailer

About

Mumposter Syndrome is the podcast about the real, raw, and often messy reality of navigating motherhood while building a career and a life of your own. Hosted by Dr. Natasha Wallace, clinical psychologist and mum, what has overcome postnatal depression and burnout herself. This show explores all sides of modern motherhood - from pre and postpartum, identity shifts, boundaries, and guilt, to IVF journeys, career changes, and finding yourself again beyond the roles you play. Each week, Natasha shares honest solo reflections and sits down with powerhouse guests for open, unfiltered conversations that go beneath the surface of "having it all." Together, they bring relatable stories, emotional insights, and practical strategies to help you feel calmer, more confident, and less alone in the chaos. If you're ready to ditch the guilt, ease the overwhelm, and redefine what it really means to thrive in motherhood and work, you're in the right place.