In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by Nicole Foulkes, host of the Squiggly Motherhood podcast, for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about a side of motherhood that isn't talked about nearly enough: grief.

Together, they explore the many forms grief can take after becoming a mother. From the loss of identity and career aspirations, to shifts in friendships, relationships, and personal freedom, motherhood often brings emotional changes that women aren't always prepared for.

Natasha and Nicole discuss how societal expectations of "perfect motherhood" can make these feelings even harder to acknowledge. Many women experience love for their children alongside sadness, anger, or longing for parts of their pre-motherhood life — emotions that can feel confusing or guilt-inducing.

The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of birth experiences, the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave, and how relationships can shift during this transition.

This episode is a compassionate exploration of what it means to hold love and grief at the same time, and why acknowledging these feelings is an important step toward healing, self-acceptance, and connection.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Grief in motherhood can include the loss of identity, freedom, and former aspirations.
• Women often feel guilt for experiencing grief while also deeply loving their children.
• Returning to work after maternity leave can trigger complex emotions and a sense of loss.
• Birth experiences can have a lasting impact on a mother's emotional wellbeing.
• Many women feel pressure to present a "perfect" version of motherhood.
• Friendships and relationships often shift significantly after becoming a parent.Acknowledging grief is an important step toward emotional wellbeing.
• Community and honest conversations can help mothers feel less alone.
• Parenting with intentionality can help women reconnect with their values and identity.

🕒 Episode Chapters

00:46 — The Hidden Grief of Motherhood
06:44 — Navigating Career Changes
12:46 — Resentment and Relationship Dynamics
18:49 — Making Choices in Motherhood
24:50 — Grieving the Loss of Freedom
31:52 — Expectations vs Reality in Motherhood
41:48 — Birth Experiences and Maternal Identity
48:48 — The Ongoing Journey of Grief and Acceptance
55:47 — Building Community Through Honest Conversations

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🌿 Connect with Dr Natasha Wallace
Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist
Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk
Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk

✨ Connect with Guest: Nicole Foulkes
Instagram: @squigglymotherhood
Website: squigglymotherhood.com
Email: squigglymotherhood@gmail.com

In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace is joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr Susan Zink to explore the powerful connection between hormonal changes and women's mental health.

Together, they unpack how hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause can affect mood, anxiety, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Dr Zink explains why many women feel confused or unsupported when these changes occur, and why symptoms like postpartum depression, prenatal anxiety, and maternal rage are far more common than many people realise.

The conversation explores the difference between "baby blues" and postpartum depression, the role sleep deprivation plays in mental health, and why women often blame themselves for experiences that are actually rooted in biological and hormonal changes.

Natasha and Susan also discuss the importance of recognising symptoms early, seeking support without shame, and building communities where mothers feel safe talking openly about their mental health.

This episode is a compassionate and reassuring conversation for any woman navigating the emotional and physical transitions of motherhood.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause can significantly affect mood and mental health.
• Postpartum depression affects around 1 in 5 women, yet many mothers suffer silently.
• "Baby blues" are common and temporary, but postpartum depression lasts longer and requires support.
• Prenatal anxiety and depression are more common than many people realise.
• Sleep deprivation can intensify hormonal shifts and worsen mood symptoms.
• Maternal rage and irritability can be symptoms of postpartum depression and deserve attention and support.
• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.
• Understanding the biological and psychological factors behind these experiences can help women feel less alone.
• Community support and open conversations about maternal mental health are essential.

🕒 Episode Chapters

00:46 — Introduction to Hormonal Shifts and Mood
03:34 — How Hormones Influence Mental Health
07:44 — Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
12:36 — Recognising Prenatal Anxiety and Depression
17:28 — The Connection Between Sleep and Hormones
24:36 — Seeking Help and Support
30:57 — Understanding Maternal Rage and Irritability
35:16 — Navigating Perimenopause and Mental Health

💛 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: Dr Susan Zink
Instagram: @elemental_integrative_psych
Website: https://www.elementalintegrativepsych.com/
Email: drzink@elementalintegrativepsych.com

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

Instagram: @drtasha_psychologist
Website: www.drnatashawallace.co.uk
Email: support@drnatashawallace.co.uk

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