Happy Mother’s Day

After a "little" break and seven months of navigating life postpartum with baby number three, I felt like this was the perfect moment to sit down, press record and reconnect with my mum village.

This episode is exactly what it sounds like, a proper catch-up. The kind you’d have over a cup of tea with the friends who just get it. I’m sharing a little about what the last few months have looked like behind the scenes, what motherhood feels like in this season of life, and why I felt it was time to bring Keeping on Top of Things (KOTOT) Motherhood back again.

With International Women’s Day just behind us, I’ve also been reflecting on the strength, resilience, and everyday magic that women carry, especially mums carry. Sometimes we’re so busy keeping everything going that we forget to pause and recognise just how much we’re holding.

This space has always been about real motherhood. Not the perfectly filtered version, but the honest one. The messy, beautiful, overwhelming, heart-expanding reality of it all.

So wherever you’re listening from, whether you’re doing the school run, folding laundry, feeding a baby, or grabbing five minutes of peace, I’m really glad you’re here.

And to every mum watching this today: Happy Mother’s Day. You are doing better than you think.

Let’s get back into it

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate us—the heart and soul of so many families. Motherhood is a beautiful, fulfilling journey, but it also comes with its twists and turns. That’s why today, we’re talking about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list: self-care.

We all give so much to those around you, and as hard as it can be sometimes, we need to remember, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a quiet cup of coffee, or a full day to yourself, taking time to recharge is not selfish—it’s essential!

Let’s take a moment for an honest reflection on how we’re managing self-care. How are we truly managing our self-care? Are we really setting aside time for ourselves amid the hustle of daily life? Are we giving ourselves the same love and attention we give to others?

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of checking in with ourselves, understanding that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And remember, it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re looking to add small moments of peace into your day or planning a complete lifestyle shift, every step toward caring for yourself counts.

Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and well-earned relaxation. Happy Mother’s Day!

In this incredibly open and honest episode, I am joined by the wonderful Sabrina, a first-time mum, as she opens up about the many changes and challenges she faced when she became a mother. Sabrina shares her personal journey, shedding light on the unexpected emotional and physical shifts that come with motherhood.

She talks candidly about the struggles of balancing her own identity with the demands of being a new mum, and how she's been working to better understand herself amidst the transformation.

Throughout the conversation, Sabrina touches on the things that often go unspoken in motherhood—the feelings of isolation, guilt, and the constant pressure to be perfect. We dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood, discussing the moments of self-doubt and the small victories that make the journey worthwhile.

We also dip into the taboo subject of sex after childbirth. We talk about the challenges, the changes in intimacy, and the complexities of navigating physical and emotional connections with a partner while adjusting to motherhood.

In this deeply moving episode, I welcome Hazvi to the KOTOT sofa, a courageous mother who shares her powerful story of healing from trauma during pregnancy and childbirth. She opens up about the devastating loss of her baby, the emotional toll it took on her and her family, and the journey of finding hope again.

Hazvi also speaks on the importance of listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and advocating for yourself when you know something isn’t right—especially when navigating the medical system. She sheds light on the strength it takes to seek help, the impact of grief on loved ones, and the resilience of a mother’s heart.

Whether you’ve experienced loss, know someone who has, or want to be empowered in your own motherhood journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice, your pain, and your healing all matter.

ITV Documentary:

https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-02/its-like-the-end-of-the-world-surge-in-new-mums-getting-mental-health-care

Pregnancy and Post Partum Support:

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/support/

https://apni.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/useful-contacts/

https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

It's been a month of KOTOT. In this episode, we take a heartfelt look back at the KOTOT podcast journey so far—celebrating the stories, insights, and connections that have shaped our supportive motherhood community. Reflecting is a key for growth so I take a moment to discuss the importance of continuing to uplift and empower one another on this incredible path of motherhood. Plus, I have some special news to share with you all that can’t wait for you to hear! 💛

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the wonderful Kristina who shares her remarkable journey as a single mother. She opens up about the challenges she faces, from healing from depression to finding the courage to always go on for herself and her children.

Through candid and uplifting anecdotes, she recounts how she transformed her struggles into a source of strength, embracing the small joys of everyday life and discovering the beauty in creating lasting memories with her children.

This episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the boundless love that fuels motherhood, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a single parent, know someone who is, or simply want to be inspired by a story of overcoming life's hurdles, this conversation is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of finding joy in small, meaningful moments
• How to prioritize mental health and self-healing as a parent
• Tips for building a fulfilling life despite limited resources or support
• Why resilience and love can help redefine challenges as opportunities for growth

Follow Kristina on TikTok

@kristinatrainauskaite

Support Organisations

MIND

NHS