Deborah Graham speaks with Taby Taplin about the real, often messy transition into motherhood and how it reshapes identity, priorities, and career expectations. Taby shares her own matrescence journey, from newborn exhaustion and breastfeeding challenges to returning to work part-time and launching Mumentum Jobs, a flexibility-first platform for mums. We discuss what flexibility actually looks like in practice, why so many women feel pressured to choose between career and family, and how employers can do better by supporting mums with realistic policies and outcome-based work.

key topics

• Matrescence and its impact on women
• Balancing motherhood and career ambitions
• The importance of flexible work arrangements
• Challenges of returning to work postpartum
• Creating supportive workplace policies

Guest links

Instagram @tabytaplin

Instagram @mumentumjobs

Facebook @mumentumjobs

Matrescence at work

motherhood, work-life balance, flexibility, matrescence, career pivot, motherhood penalty, flexible work, women in workforce, momentum jobs

In this episode, Brooke Marie Bridges shares her inspiring journey from childhood acting to mental health advocacy and motherhood. She discusses the challenges of postpartum anxiety, redefining success, and balancing work and family life.

key topics

Brooke Marie Bridges' background in acting and mental health

Her journey into motherhood and postpartum experiences

The societal pressures of motherhood and success

Managing postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts

The importance of redefining 'all' in 'having it all'

Work-life balance and flexible careers for parents

The value of self-care and holistic well-being in motherhood

Guest links

Instagram @brookembridges

unearthingwellness.co

theletdownfilm.com

Matrescence at work

Motherhood, Mental Health, Postpartum Anxiety, Work-Life Balance, Holistic Well-being

In this episode, Mikaela shares her raw and honest journey through motherhood, mental health, career shifts, and finding balance. Her story highlights the importance of self-compassion, seeking help, and redefining success as a parent.

Ellen McGuigan shares her journey through motherhood, birth experiences, and how she supports women in processing their birth stories and navigating matrescence.

Key Topics

• Ellen's unexpected pregnancy and calm pregnancy experience
• Birth experiences: cesarean, VBAC, and healing
• Postpartum challenges and trauma responses
• The importance of birth debriefing and somatic therapy
• Supporting women in processing birth stories
• The impact of COVID-19 on birth and postpartum
• Balancing career and motherhood
• Community building for women in birth transition
• The role of empowerment and control in birth choices

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Instagram @morethatmatters__

Matrescence at work

Keywordsmotherhood, birth experiences, matrescence, postpartum, VBAC, birth trauma, women's health, pregnancy support

In this episode, Erin Henry, a perinatal psychologist, shares her personal journey through motherhood, her experiences with postpartum mental health, and practical strategies for supporting new mothers. We explore the importance of language, self-compassion, and community support in navigating the challenges of early motherhood.

Key topics

• Motherhood journey and personal experiences
• Postpartum mental health and intrusive thoughts
• The importance of birth stories and reflection
• Strategies for self-compassion and managing anxiety
• Support systems and community resources for mothers

Guest links

erinhenrypsychology.com.au

deardahlia.au

Instagram - @dear_dahlia.au

Instagram - @erinhenrypschology

Matrescence at work

perinatal psychology, postpartum mental health, motherhood journey, self-compassion, birth stories, maternal mental health support

In this episode, Kate shares her journey through motherhood, career transition from paramedic to dietitian, and her insights on body image, intuitive eating, and self-care. Discover practical tips for nurturing self-love and supporting young girls in developing a healthy relationship with their bodies.

Key topics

• Motherhood and identity evolution
• Career transition from paramedic to dietitian
• Body image challenges and solutions
• Introduction to intuitive eating principles
• Self-care strategies for busy moms
• Impact of societal beauty standards on women and girls
• Role modeling healthy behaviours for children
• Managing guilt and self-compassion in motherhood

Guest links

Instagram @fireflynutritioncoaching

Facebook @fireflynutritioncoaching

fireflynutrition.com.au

The Butterfly Foundation

Matrescence at work

motherhood, career change, body image, intuitive eating, self-care, women’s health, parenting, mental health, food relationship, motherhood journey

In this episode, Amy Clements shares her journey through motherhood, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the importance of self-care and support networks. She offers valuable insights for parents navigating the early years and beyond.

takeaways

• Prioritize self-care to maintain mental health.
• Build a support network of friends and family.
• Filter out unnecessary advice and trust your instincts.
• Accept that each stage of parenting is a phase that will pass.
• Recognize the importance of slow living and enjoying the moment.

Guest Links

Instagram @breathewomenshealth

breathewomenshealth.com.au

matrescenceatwork.com.au

motherhood, work-life balance, self-care, support networks, parenting tips

Motherhood journey and challenges

Work-life balance and career transitions

Impact of sleep deprivation and hormonal changes

Support networks and community importance

Self-care strategies for parents

In this episode, Vanessa Jennings shares her journey through motherhood, career pivots, and building her own brand. We explore the impact of matrescence, redundancy, and balancing family life with entrepreneurship.

key topics

• Impact of matrescence on career and personal life
• Navigating redundancy and career changes
• Balancing family life with entrepreneurship
• Building a personal brand as a mother
• The role of storytelling in marketing and connection

Guest link

Instagram @vanessaeves

Website bake-brands.com

LinkedIn - in/vanessa-eve-jennings

matrescenceatwork.com.au

motherhood, career pivot, personal branding, matrescence, redundancy, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, women in business