How Society is Failing Us in New Motherhood, with Nikki Matthews
You aren't failing mama, but society might be failing you.
In this episode, I'm joined by Nikki Matthews who shares her experience preparing for pregnancy/birth and navigating postnatal depression and anxiety after becoming a mom. She discusses the societal taboo surrounding maternal mental health and the struggle to seek support. This is part 3 of a 3 part series on Matrescence (tune into episodes 12 and 13 to hear other matrescence stories)
In this episode, Nikki and I also discuss:
- The differences in healthcare, parental leave, and childcare in the UK, Canada, and the US
- How society is failing in preparing mothers for the emotional changes and identity shift that come with motherhood
- The importance of exploring personal values and why self-discovery should be prioritized instead of fitting into traditional metrics
- The pressure to bounce back and return to pre-baby life and how this adds to the struggle of understanding one's new identity as a mother
- Navigating feelings of isolation and inadequacy in new motherhood
Nikki shares the importance of understanding matrescence and normalizes some of the hardships so many of us face in early motherhood. Tune in and join the conversation as we dissect the need for societal change to better support mothers.
A note from Nikki:
"I'm a Brit, currently living in the USA away from friends and family. I'm married to my wonderful husband James, I have a rambunctious 2 year old little boy, and I also have a non-stop 4 year old pup called Dora. Our house is loud, high energy and messy (just to keep things in perspective!) I used to work in the corporate HR space for 14+ years, but recently took a career break to spend time with my son & explore some of my creative passions... Which brings me on to the.maternally .... an idea that I had when in the throes of postnatal depression and anxiety, and realised so much more needed to be done to support mums as they transition into and throughout motherhood. When I first stepped into the role of mum, I really needed an ally in my corner ... hence the.maternally was born! I'm a motherhood ally, a matrescence educator, a fierce supporter of maternal mental health, a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist and a HUGE croissant lover! I'm just getting the.maternally off the ground and very much learning as I go, but I'd love for you to join my community!"
Connect with Nikki on IG (@the.maternally)
Connect with Nicole (@nicolepasveer)
Apply to be a guest on the show here
Connect with Nicole on IG (@nicolepasveer)
Want to be a guest on the podcast? Fill out this form
