In this episode I’m back after an unplanned break sharing a life update. The last few months have felt heavy. Mental health has taken work. Money has felt tight. The cost of living is no joke and juggling our small business, nanny shifts and school logistics has been a lot.

The kids are in big seasons too. Jamie’s riding those intense leap phases that flip the whole house upside down, Sophie is deep in her independent two year old era, and the sibling bickering is next level. I’m trying to be intentional with one on one time and keep everyone afloat.

There are good things coming. A mum’s retreat. Bali. A date night. More gym. More us time. And I’m ready to properly lean back into the podcast with more guests and an honest chat with T Squiz about mental load, resentment and intimacy.

Let’s stay connected 🤍

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You can find me over on Instagram at @doulamarley where I share all things motherhood, birth, relationships and the behind the scenes of real life. You can also connect with the podcast page at @becomingboth.

Prefer email? Reach me anytime at marley@motheringthemama.com.au — I genuinely love hearing your thoughts, feedback and story.

Thanks for being here. It means more than you know 🤍

Hi friends!

Tonight I’m talking about something that has been on my mind every single blooody day... whether we should have a third baby.

My heart feels so clucky.. I love the idea of another little person, another sibling for Jamie and Sophie, and growing the family I've always imagined. Buuuuut my head keeps reminding me of everything that comes with that decision..

In this episode I'm unpacking the constant back and forth between what my heart wants and what real life looks like. I chat about finally reaching a stage where life feels easier now that Sophie is two, and whether we're willing to jump back into pregnancy, birth, postpartum and all the hard, beautiful chaos that comes with starting again.

I also share the things that genuinely make me hesitate, from my really difficult second pregnancy and birth experience, to running my own business, not having much of a village, finances, travel, school fees, and wondering whether we have the capacity to give another child the life we'd want for them.

But I also talk about the other side of it. The excitement of meeting another little soul. Watching another personality grow. Seeing Jamie and Sophie become older siblings again. The family I always pictured, and why closing the door on that dream feels much harder than I expected.

If you've ever felt torn between what your heart wants and what makes the most sense on paper, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone.

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love if you left a review or shared it with someone who might need to hear it.

CONNECT

Instagram: @becomingboth @doulamarley @counsellormarley

Hi friends!

After an unexpected three-week break, we're back! In this episode of Becoming Both, I convince Tyron to join me with about five minutes' notice before we head off to Bali for a family holiday.

We start with a little life update.. how we're surviving winter, finally getting a little more sleep, Sophie's determined personality, and the reminder that every stage of parenting is just that: a season.

From there, we dive into a conversation that comes up in almost every family at some point: the mental load.

We chat openly about how we divide responsibilities in our own home (we'd probably call it a 60/40 split), what has worked for us, and where we've had to learn along the way. We explore why it's often not the big jobs that create resentment, but the constant stream of invisible tasks that keep a household running.

As someone with diagnosed ADHD, I also share how constant interruptions from young children can leave me feeling mentally overloaded, and why practical support isn't just about "helping".. it's about sharing responsibility.

We also unpack topics like weaponized incompetence, micromanaging, differing standards around housework, and why expressing appreciation for each other's efforts can go a long way.

This isn't about blaming mums or dads. It's an honest conversation about building a partnership where both people feel seen, supported, and valued.

In this episode we discuss:

• The mental load of parenting
• Sharing household responsibilities
• Parenting as a partnership
• Invisible labour and resentment
• ADHD and overstimulation in motherhood
• Weaponized incompetence
• Different standards and priorities at home
• Communication around domestic labour
• Appreciation and gratitude in relationships
• Why motherhood is work, even when you're at home

Whether you're the parent carrying most of the mental load or you're trying to better understand your partner's experience, I hope this conversation encourages more empathy, more teamwork, and a few practical takeaways you can use in your own home.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Come and continue the conversation over on Instagram @doulamarley @becomingboth

Appreciate the support and feedback as usual!