This is the second episode in our perinatal mental health mini series - these episodes will drop over the next few months 👀
Louisa is a perinatal child and family psychologist. She's also a Mum to 2 boys. She specialises in perinatal anxiety and mood, attachment and bonding and emotions in motherhood. I was drawn to Louisa's IG page Mama Psychology because of the realness. Louisa talks about the challenges and wonders of being a Mum. She normalises that Motherhood is amazing but insanely hard at the same time. The constraint, burnout, guilt, feelings of wanting to escape, frustration, rage, anxiety, overstimulation, intrusive thoughts and relentlessness of early motherhood. I love that she normalises that if you are finding it hard - you aren't doing it wrong, it's simply because it is HARD.
Some stats for you:
1 in 5 women will struggle with depression and anxiety postpartum.
For 40% of these women, symptoms begin in pregnancy. For first time mothers, depression, stress and anxiety PEAK at 4-5 years POSTpartum
This signifies that mental health challenges are not well supported for women (and men) in the early years of parenting and this continues and even WORSENS over time.
The questions covered in today's chat have come directly from the Let's Sleep community.
In today's episode we cover:
🌵 What are some strategies to deal with 'judgement' from others about the choices you make as as a parent (eg choice around sleep, managing behaviour, parenting styles etc?)
🌵 Comparing your child or parenting style with other peoples experiences.
🌵Strategies for when we find ourselves comparing our lives to others.
🌵 What are some ways we can support our partners with this 'new baby' change?
🌵 How can we overcome 'partner jealousy' especially around breastfeeding?
🌵 Is there any preparation parents can do in pregnancy or the newborn period to set up expectations / discuss what is important to each other?
Connect with Louisa over on IG at @wattlepsychologyConnect with Jazz:
4-24 month sleep guide
Follow Let's Sleep on Instagram @lets__sleep
Keen to chat with Jazz about 1:1 sleep support either in-home or online? Book a free 15 min discovery call here.
My favourite black out blinds:
Mahalo Eco Blinds (use code LETSSLEEP5 for 10% off)
**Jazz Kostov is a Family Sleep and Wellness Coach and Founder of Let's Sleep. She has a 10 year background as a Midwife, Nurse and MCHN and has supported 1000's of families to sleep well. Jazz gets such a thrill seeing parents confidence grow so they can have off-routine days, take trips and see parents fit in the things they love to do while navigating their baby’s sleep needs. That is what life is all about. Jazz is the Host of The Let's Sleep Podcast and Co-Host of Beyond Biz Podcast. She has been featured by Mamamia in their Baby Sleep audio series.**