THE GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER PODCAST
Mindful mothering and internalised mothering myths
August 8, 2022
MINDFUL MUM, MODERN MOTHERHOOD, MOTHERING MYTHS, GENTLE PARENT, MODERN PARENTING, PODCAST EPISODE, SHOW NOTES
with clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd
In today’s conversation I talk with perinatal clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd, discussing the topics in her recent book ‘Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood’.
We explore the pressures of modern motherhood and the impossible expectations mothers face. In doing so, we consider how we can reevaluate some of the patterns and beliefs that we have internalised about what it means to be a mother.
What are some ways we learn to tolerate our feelings, without self blame, without criticism, and hold both joy and grief at the same time? Can we be a gentle parent, yet also give ourselves permission to be angry?
We also discuss how the pandemic illuminated the gaps in care and the harsh reality of modern parenting without the support systems required to thrive.
“A recent study showed that anger was found to be prevalent than postpartum depression. The researchers concluded that this is a perinatal mood problem that needs to be taken seriously.”
— Dr Caroline in conversation with Sophie Brock, Ep #78 The Good Enough Mother Podcast
Meet dr. caroline boyd
Caroline is a perinatal clinical psychologist who works with parents around all aspects of the transition – from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. With over 10 years’ experience in the NHS and mental health settings, Caroline specialises in supporting new parents in her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub.
Caroline's published research explores mothers’ experiences of intrusive thoughts about their babies. Knowledge is power: Caroline speaks at conferences, and shares psychology ideas on Instagram, her blog, and podcasts such as Motherkind to help parents feel more connected – to themselves and their children – and less alone.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
From birth to your baby's first steps, this soothing book will support you to open your heart to the highs and lows of mothering and adjust to your new role. It offers everyday meditations and visualisations, postnatal yoga, natural remedies, and nutritional advice to help you care for yourself with the same love and commitment you give your precious baby.
As a new mum, you may secretly wonder: "Am I up to the job?" With pressure on mums to parent perfectly and "bounce back" effortlessly and unsupported, all amid sleep deprivation, and brain, body, and relationship changes, it's no surprise women struggle. You are not alone.
Compassionate, evidence-based psychological ideas from clinical psychologist and mum, Dr Caroline Boyd, will ground you amid the storms, enhancing everyday connections to you, your baby, and the world around you both.
This holistic book will help you understand:
Significant brain, body, and identity shifts during this transformation known as "matrescence".
The intense, emotional rollercoaster of this first year - explaining what can shape your ideas of the "good" mum, and why experiencing feelings such as anger and anxiety doesn't make you a "bad" mother.
Why it's important to learn to self-soothe, with practical psychological strategies to help you nurture yourself, as well as soothe your baby.
Why couple dynamics shift with the arrival of a baby, and ways to stay connected.
How to use your values to guide your decision-making, making choices that fit for your family.
connect with dr caroline
Explore more of Caroline’s work: https://drcarolineboyd.com
Follow her on Instagram @_drboyd