The Mama Circle

This topic gets people fired up: co-sleeping vs sleep training. Which is better? Which is “right”? In today’s episode, I dive into the real conversation around these parenting choices, sharing my personal experience and the bigger picture that often gets missed.

We explore:

• The problem with black and white thinking in motherhood
• Why guilt-based messaging can do more harm than good
• What happened when we transitioned from co-sleeping to a crib
• How to make the right decision for your family without shame

As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all in motherhood. This is a space for nuance, for sharing, and for reminding yourself that you’re doing your best.

📲 What has YOUR sleep journey looked like? Share with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: [email protected] 

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

Becoming a mother is one of the biggest transformations a woman can go through, and yet, it’s rarely acknowledged as the profound identity shift that it is. If you’ve been feeling lost, struggling to recognise yourself, or grieving the freedom of your pre-mum life, this episode is for you.

I’m diving into the archetypes of the maiden and the mother: what they represent, why it can feel so hard to let go of the maiden, and how we can move through this transition with more ease and acceptance. We’ll explore how to honour the identity shift of motherhood, ways to keep your inner maiden alive, and how to integrate her into this next chapter of your life.

Resources & mentions:
🎶 My Inner Maiden Playlist

🤯 Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo Sheet subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle

👋🏽 Come say hello!

Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
Facebook: Motherhood and Empowerment

Love the podcast?
⭐ Please rate & review—your support helps other mums find this space!

Self-care looks different for everyone, and I wanted to hear from YOU! In this episode, I’m sharing real self-care ideas from mums just like you, because let’s be honest, finding time for ourselves as mums isn’t always easy.

From quick morning routines to spa days, movement, and reconnecting with friends, these are real-life self-care practices that work. If you’ve been struggling to make time for yourself, this episode is packed with ideas to help you recharge in ways that feel doable and enjoyable.

What does YOUR self-care look like? Share with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: [email protected] 

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

If you feel like motherhood has completely rewired your brain since giving birth, you're right! Science proves that pregnancy and postpartum change your brain in ways that affect memory, emotions, and even your sense of self. This transition, called matrescence, is as real as puberty, but no one talks about it.

In this episode, I dive into the real, biological shifts that happen in your brain after having a baby, why you might feel different (or even unrecognisable to yourself), and how to navigate this identity shift with more self-compassion.

What we cover in this episode:
✔️ Why your brain is scientifically different after motherhood
✔️ How these changes impact your emotions, memory, and identity
✔️ Why society expects mums to ‘bounce back’ when that’s impossible
✔️ How to embrace matrescence instead of resisting it

👉 Let’s chat! Did matrescence hit you hard, or did you ease into it? Comment on the episode or DM me on Instagram @natalie.kmartin

Resources & mentions:
📌 Research on how pregnancy changes the brain https://www.science.org/content/article/pregnancy-resculpts-women-s-brains-least-2-years

🤯 Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo Sheet subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle

👋🏽 Come say hello!

Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
Facebook: Motherhood and Empowerment

Love the podcast?
⭐ Please rate & review—your support helps other mums find this space!

If you’re pregnant right now and feeling like you’re stuck in a weird inbetween space where your old life doesn’t quite fit anymore but you’re not yet a mother, this episode is for you. This transitional phase can feel unsettling, but what if it’s actually preparing you for what’s to come?

In this episode, we dive into:
✔ The emotional and physical shifts of pregnancy that feel like a loss but are actually a soft landing into motherhood.
✔ Why pregnancy can make you feel disconnected from your old passions and interests.
✔ How to embrace this liminal space instead of resisting it.
✔ The role of support and guidance from those who’ve walked this path before you.

This is part one of a three-episode arc. Next up, we’ll dive into matrescence - the identity shift that happens when you become a mother. And after that, we’ll explore how to honour the maiden version of yourself as you step into this new chapter.

If you'd like to submit your own topic idea  share with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: [email protected] 

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

Whether it's on Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Mumsnet, or elsewhere, the judgment and cruelty some mothers experience online is shocking. From breastfeeding choices to sleep training, house cleanliness, and even how someone becomes a mother, the internet seems to think it has a say in it all. In this episode, I break down why this needs to stop, the damage it causes, and why we need to support each other instead of tearing each other down.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• The surge of online mum shaming and why it’s so harmful

• The recent backlash against Lily Collins and the wider implications of judging mothers

• The brutal comments mothers receive about breastfeeding, sleep training, and parenting choices

• Why no one has the right to judge another mother’s experience

• The power of stopping and reflecting before shaming others

• Why “let them be wrong about you” is a phrase to live by

Resources, Links, & Mentions:

🤯 Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo Sheet subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle

👋🏽 Come say hello!

Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
Facebook: Motherhood and Empowerment

Eeek! The Mama Circle Podcast is a little over a month old and I am sending a HUGE thanks to you. 

I truly value your support with this show! Please do get involved with any topic ideas or anything else you'd like to share with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

In this raw and unfiltered episode, I open up about one of those nights where everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. From Jackson’s acrobatic nursing routines to the overwhelming mix of exhaustion, anger, and guilt, I share the honest reality of a mom struggling to hold it all together. 

This episode isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about acknowledging that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re human.

Links & Resources:
Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet with 25 quick, fun tips to turn things around

Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com

Come say hello!

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
• Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

If you loved this episode, please leave a review—it really helps!

What if I told you that grappling on the floor with bulky men and trying to flip them over is the BEST thing I've found to help relieve stress in my motherhood journey so far? Yep, I'm talking about BJJ - Brazilian Ju-Jitstu. And it might just help you too. 

Have you ever tried BJJ? What are the best things you've found so far to help manage your stress as a mum? Share  your thoughts and tips with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment

Here's where I'm practicing BJJ: Anonymous Ju-Jitsu Addicts

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

In this first episode of my new series, I sit down with my long-time friend, Rebecca Hurtrel: yoga teacher, occupational therapist and mum to two boys. We talk about her transition from a free-spirited life of world travel to motherhood, the cultural contrasts of having babies in France vs. Australia, and how she navigates parenting with two energetic kids.

We also dive into:

• Adjusting from one child to two - what changes?
• How motherhood shifts your identity and priorities
• The challenges of balancing personal time, work, and parenting
• The unexpected lessons of motherhood, from unsolicited advice to letting go of ‘mum guilt’

This episode is full of real, honest reflections and a good dose of inspiration. Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned parent, or just curious about different motherhood experiences, you won’t want to miss this chat.

Links and Resources:

♥️ Follow Becca on Instagram: @rebecca_hurtrel
🧘‍♀️ Becca’s website: https://rebeccahurtrelwellness.wordpress.com

If you're feeling overwhelmed with parenting right now

Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet with 25 quick, fun tips to turn things around

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com

Come say hello!

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
• Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

If you loved this episode, please leave a review - it really helps!

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work I go. Eek! I'm feeling allllll the feels as my maternity leave draws to a close, so help a girl out! 

How are you managing the return to work? Share  your thoughts and tips with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

After last week's deep dive into the tougher side of parenting, this episode is all about the magic of having children. Yes, motherhood is challenging but it’s also full of incredible, heart-melting moments that make it all worth it. I’m sharing my personal reflections on why having kids is amazing, plus contributions from my Instagram community. We’ll talk about transformation, time management, compassion, personal growth, and those unexpected little joys that make parenthood so special. If you're in the thick of a rough parenting season, this one’s for you.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with parenting right now

Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet with 25 quick, fun tips to turn things around

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com

Come say hello!

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
• Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

Okay so this voice note feels kinda vulnerable to share but it really struck me as a sign of needing more me-time and self care so....here goes.

What have YOU noticed about yourself slipping since becoming a mama? I'd love to hear! Share it with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

 

Welcome back to The Mama Circle podcast. This episode dives into a topic that’s spicy, controversial, and might make some listeners squirm: why having kids (and parenthood in general) is sometimes awful.

I’m not here to scare anyone off parenthood or bash motherhood, but to get real about the tough parts no one talks about enough. From constant messes to sleep deprivation, shifting identities to endless explaining, this episode opens up the dialogue about the harder truths of parenting. And don’t worry. Next week, we’ll explore the joys and beauty of motherhood. For now, let’s dive into the challenges.

Resources, Links, & Mentions:

• Study on maternal brain changes

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com

Come say hello!

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
• Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

The moment when your little one falls is HEART-STOPPING! But I found a surprising antidote to the blood and tears, and wanted to share it with you. 

What do YOU do when your little one hurts themselves? I'd love to hear! Share it with me here in the comments or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

 

 

Ever wondered why some days you're the Pinterest-perfect mum, and other days you’re hiding in the bathroom, dreaming of a solo trip to Hawaii? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how your menstrual cycle impacts your parenting, from the highs of ovulation to the lows of PMS.

Discover practical tips to honour your cycle, create more self-compassion, and adapt your parenting to each season of your cycle. Whether you’re bleeding, breastfeeding, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you feel more in tune with your body and your emotions as a mum.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What menstrual cycle awareness is and how it affects your life.
• The seasonal framework of the menstrual cycle: Inner Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
• How hormones like oestrogen and progesterone impact your mood, energy, and parenting style.
• Practical ways to honour your cycle, even as a busy mum.

Resources, Links, & Mentions:

💍 Femometer Cycle Tracking ring to track your cycle for pregnancy or contraception 
🩸 Free Menstrual Cycle Tracker via my mailing list: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
🎙️ The FemmePowered Podcast for all things menstrual cycle

Don't forget...

🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle

Come say hello!

Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
Facebook: Motherhood and Empowerment

My loves, something MOMENTOUS happened! And I just had to share it with you. For the first time in a while, I woke up before Jackson. And it's been continuing (mostly) ever since. So this  episode is about those small wins that feel like a big deal in motherhood. It’s a reminder to celebrate all the wins, no matter how small, and an invitation for you to do the same. What are you celebrating this week? Share it with me here in the comments or: •Instagram: @natalie.kmartin  •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment Don't forget... 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com 👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 
    

😡 Let's talk RAGE! In this powerful episode, Nat is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Turner to unpack the topic of mum rage. Together, they explore the hidden roots of rage in motherhood, why it’s not just a "mum problem," and how unmet needs play a pivotal role in these intense emotional moments. With 15 years of experience supporting mothers, Dr. Jenny shares invaluable insights on how societal expectations and isolation contribute to the "volcanic rage" many mothers experience. This is part one of a two-part conversation. In this episode, they discuss: •Why the term “mum rage” might be unhelpful •The link between rage and unmet needs •How unmet needs contribute to the experience of rage •Why rage often shows up later in motherhood, not just in the early postpartum period •The profound impact of disconnection from our authentic selves on modern motherhood Nat shares her own experiences of mum rage, and Dr. Jenny’s reflections are both validating and eye-opening. This conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to approach these feelings with compassion rather than shame.

 Resources, Links, & Mentions: 🌀 Want to join a real-life Mama Circle? Check out Nat’s website for upcoming in-person and online circles  www.nataliekmartin.com. 👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 

 Come say hi! •Jenny’s Website: https://www.mindbodysoulpsychology.co.uk/  •Jenny’s Instagram: @drjennypsychologist •Nat's Instagram: @natalie.kmartin  •Nat's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment •Nat's Website: www.nataliekmartin.com  

😡 Let's talk RAGE! In this powerful episode, Nat is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Turner to unpack the topic of mum rage. Together, they explore the hidden roots of rage in motherhood, why it’s not just a "mum problem," and how unmet needs play a pivotal role in these intense emotional moments. With 15 years of experience supporting mothers, Dr. Jenny shares invaluable insights on how societal expectations and isolation contribute to the "volcanic rage" many mothers experience. This is part one of a two-part conversation. In this episode, they discuss: •Why the term “mum rage” might be unhelpful •The link between rage and unmet needs •How unmet needs contribute to the experience of rage •Why rage often shows up later in motherhood, not just in the early postpartum period •The profound impact of disconnection from our authentic selves on modern motherhood Nat shares her own experiences of mum rage, and Dr. Jenny’s reflections are both validating and eye-opening. This conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to approach these feelings with compassion rather than shame.

 Resources, Links, & Mentions: 🌀 Want to join a real-life Mama Circle? Check out Nat’s website for upcoming in-person and online circles  www.nataliekmartin.com. 👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 

 Come say hi! •Jenny’s Website: https://www.mindbodysoulpsychology.co.uk/  •Jenny’s Instagram: @drjennypsychologist •Nat's Instagram: @natalie.kmartin  •Nat's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment •Nat's Website: www.nataliekmartin.com  

When you became a mum, you probably spent hours thinking about your baby, but how much time did you spend thinking about your experience of motherhood?

Here’s the truth: Your wellbeing is the foundation your family grows from and research shows that a caregiver’s mental health plays a crucial role in a child’s development, especially in those first 5 years. But with all the demands of motherhood, it’s easy to put yourself last.

In this episode, I’m flipping that script. We’ll explore 3 powerful questions to help you shape a motherhood that feels good to you. You’ll also hear why it’s so important to centre your well-being, not just for yourself but for your child’s long term development.

 Resources, Links, & Mentions: •The Royal Foundations Research Report on Early Childhood: https://royalfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Ipsos-MORI-SON_report_FINAL_V2.4.pdf •Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo Get Involved:
What’s resonating with you? What topics would you like me to cover in future episodes? Send me a message on Instagram at @natalie.kmartin or drop a comment in the episode thread. Your feedback means the world.

 Come say hi: •Instagram: @natalie.kmartin  •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment •Website: www.nataliekmartin.com