Postpartum Is Forever - with Keturah Stoltenberg

In this episode I chat with down to earth mother of 3, freelance journalist and gentle human, Laura Aubusson.I became acquainted with Laura when she writing for the popular Parenting website Kidspot. It was her third pregnancy, and she was busy researching postpartum care practices from around the world and decided to reach out to engage my postpartum support. Some of the topics that we cover are:The Importance of Postpartum CarePreparing for a New Baby and introducing siblingsSupport Systems in MotherhoodThe Role of Partners in asking for their support, not permission to engage paid helpCultural Perspectives on Postpartum CareNavigating Life with Three ChildrenNew ways to look at self-careEmbracing Self-Compassion in MotherhoodThis conversation feels more like a coffee-catchup and it feels like a warm embrace from the village. Enjoy!https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/https://www.instagram.com/laura.aubusson/

Trigger Warning: This episode contains content related to homicidal and suicidal ideation due to postpartum psychosis.Please note that this conversation is very candid and raw and the content may be distressing to some. Please exercise care when listening and use discretion when deciding if this episode is for you at this time. Always seek professional support where needed. Today, I speak Aisha Alvi who grew up in a loving family and always envisioned becoming a mother. From an Indian cultural background, she received premium postpartum care from her family and had not previously struggled with depression. However, early in postpartum, Aaisha began to experience anxiety, violent intrusive thoughts, delusions and hallucinations, that felt both terrifying and isolating. She would later discover that what she was experiencing had been the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, a postpartum mental health disorder that might not be as rare as we actually think, but requires immediate medical attention. This episode is not designed to frighten, but rather bring awareness, remove the stigma and debunk some of the myths relating to the reasons behind this potentially life-threatening, yet completely treatable illness. Thank you Aisha for being so brave in sharing your story. Aisha's story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that no mother should feel ashamed of her struggles.It's also a reminder to welcome support systems, including family and healthcare providers, during the postpartum period.And, if you, or anyone you know are experiencing any of the behaviours detailed in this episode, please seek medical attention immediately. Take carehttps://www.instagram.com/aaishaalviwrites/https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/

In this episode of the Postpartum is Forever podcast, host Keturah Stoltenberg shares her personal journey with migraines, a condition she has battled for over 30 years. She discusses the complexity of migraines, their triggers, and the misconceptions surrounding them. Keturah reveals how she discovered electrolysed reduced water, which has significantly reduced her migraine frequency and severity. If you suffer with migraines, or any chronic health or auto-immune condition, and would like more information about the solution mentioned in this episode, please reach out https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/Please note: This is not medical advice and is not designed to replace the recommendations of your health care provider. The treatment for specific health conditions will vary from person to person. Takeaways:Migraines are often misunderstood as just bad headaches.They can be triggered by various factors including hormonal changes and stress.Keturah tried numerous treatments before finding relief.Electrolysed reduced water has unique properties that can help migraine sufferers.Hydration on a cellular level is crucial for managing migraines.Keturah experienced a significant reduction in migraine frequency after using this water.Finding the right tools for relief can take time and persistence.Sharing experiences can help build a supportive community.Invisible illnesses like migraines can greatly affect quality of life.There is hope for those struggling with chronic health conditions.

In this episode, I speak with psychologist and cognitive analytic therapist, Dr. Joanna Harvey who discusses the complexities of motherhood, focusing on maternal mental health.We dive deep into the impact of social media on a mother's individual experience, and the emotional challenges mothers face. She highlights the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and understanding the influence of childhood experiences on parenting. The discussion also gives context to the reasons behind maternal rage, understanding 'good girl conditioning' and the need for open conversations about the realities of motherhood. Joanna emphasises that motherhood is not only a challenging journey but also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.This episode is jam-packed with value, validation and real talk, you're going to get a lot out of it. Maternal mental health is a significant issue that affects many women.Social media can create unrealistic expectations for mothers.Intensive parenting leads to anxiety and comparison among mothers.Maternal rage is a common but often unspoken experience.Childhood experiences shape how mothers respond to their own children.Support systems are crucial for new mothers.Motherhood is an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.Good girl conditioning impacts women's ability to express anger and needs.Finding one's voice is essential in motherhood.Open conversations about motherhood can reduce feelings of isolation.https://www.instagram.com/dr_joanna_psych/https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/

In this episode, Melissa Mai shares her story of rebuilding her work life, whilst prioritising her own health and presence with her daughter, and what it took to find true choice in how she earned, lived and mothered, by cultivating a life that reflects her deepest priorities.From yoga teacher to heart-led entrepreneur, Melissa’s story is a reminder that feminine sovereignty starts with choosing what matters most — and letting go of what doesn’t.For mothers craving more presence, more flexibility, and more alignment — this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. This episode might just offer you the gift that you never thought possible in living a life true to your values - without regrets.This is part two of a conversation with Melissa. If you haven't already, go back to the previous episode for Melissa's recount and reflection on early mothering, the additional challenges of solo mothering in the pandemic. It's raw, it's honest, and I'm sure many of you will relate in some way in your own mothering journey. If you'd like to know more about the content of this episode, please reach out, our details are in the show notes and I've also included a free training that you can watch to find out more about the business model and income that can bring you closer to your life goals. Check it out:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yi1FkeWDUUfMlIazbskwR?si=7oAQSJSYTkOGPps0AFyyVghttps://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/https://www.instagram.com/_melissa_mai/

Welcome back to the podcast. Today’s conversation takes us into the heart of what it means to mother through crisis.Melissa Mai knows firsthand the weight of navigating motherhood during the pandemic—while the world stood still, she was moving through sleepless nights, the impact of isolation, and the crushing silence of doing it all alone.She shares how anxiety took root in her body, how daily panic attacks became part of her rhythm, and what it really looks like to regulate a nervous system under constant strain.Together, we question the expectations society places on mothers—and explore what happens when those expectations meet the reality of unprecedented times.This is a raw emotional & honest reflection on the unspoken truths of mothering in isolation.It also highlights the courage, resilience, tenderness of a soul-aligned woman and the love she brings to herself, her child and the world. Please note: this is part one of this nourishing conversation. https://www.instagram.com/_melissa_mai/

In this conversation, I bring back Courtney Hawkins from Mamalinc for a Q & A session to discuss common concerns faced by mothers regarding breastfeeding. We delve into topics such as low milk supply, the favoured breast, mastitis, tongue tie, and the introduction of bottles and formula. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding breastfeeding dynamics, recognising challenges, and seeking support from professionals. Courtney is as kind & generous as always and shares her personal experiences and insights as a mother of 4, and lactation consultant, providing valuable advice for new mothers navigating the complexities of breastfeeding.If you haven't already done so, please listen to Episode 40 in which I have a more in depth chat with Courtney around the challenges and joys of motherhood and her very helpful APP for parents. https://www.instagram.com/mamalinc/https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/TakeawaysMothers often perceive low milk supply based on various factors.Cluster feeding is a normal behaviour in infants during growth spurts.Breastfeeding can be a trial and error process, requiring patience and adjustment.Top-ups should be approached cautiously to avoid affecting milk supply.Mastitis symptoms include fever, chills, and localised breast tenderness.Tongue tie and lip tie may not always require surgical intervention.Introducing bottles should be done carefully to maintain milk supply.Breastfeeding techniques can vary based on individual comfort and baby’s needs.Support from lactation consultants can be crucial for breastfeeding success.Joining mother support groups can provide emotional and practical help.

Danielle Brooker is a Mama, Joy Activation Coach, writer, and author of Freedom from Busy. Through her private coaching, digital courses, writing, and her podcast Mama Joy, she teaches ambitious, always-on Mamas how to move from the mess to the magic of this season of life. Her work centres on the ‘forgotten season’ of motherhood—beyond traditional postpartum—blending neuroplasticity-based coaching, somatic principles, emotional context work, and soul practices to support Mamas in building the foundations to thrive. She’s written for and been featured in Forbes.com and Breathe, and is on a mission for Mamas to reclaim this powerful season and live in their fullness. Danielle lives in Sydney with her daughter and partner, always dreaming up their next adventure.www.daniellebrooker.com@mamajoymovement

In this episode, I chat with Amy Riedel, an experienced Chiropractor of adults & babies, Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, Kinesiologist and mother of 3. This episode provides clarity on the role and approach that chiropractic treatments, from a specialised practitioner, can have on babies and children and the benefits that gentle hands-on work can have on improving the developmental stages of the child, especially if there are delays in reaching milestones. It can also facilitate shifts in babies who may be experiencing birth trauma, or birth processing, and subsequent tension in their bodies. Amy reveals how specialised tactile work can even assist with feeding difficulties, retained reflexes and inability of babies to adopt various positions, such as on their back or in the car. Amy works with pregnant women and throughout their journey. She is focused on a holistic approach and endeavours to look 'outside the obvious symptom' for more subtle ways in which pain patterns have developed. This is a great episode. Enjoy!https://www.instagram.com/balancedbumps/

Courtney is a mother of 4 children under the age of six. She is a NICU nurse, IBCLC AND Paediatric Sleep Expert. Courtney is also the proud owner of an APP named Mama Linc (with a C) to give mamas the answers to commonly asked questions and concerns 24/7. Whether you're in the newborn trenches feeling so alone and overwhelmed as a result of the lack of preparation your antenatal classes provided, if you're dealing with cracked nipples, nipple thrush, mastitis, vasospasm, tongue tie or are craving some sleep support but horrified by the sleep training culture and methods, Courtney has been there. She has supported many mothers and babies, and she can help you. We address other less talked about subjects like Gender Disappointment, a very real and sometimes crippling grief to process.We also flip the mindset on infant regression, and share just how much your child is 'progressing' during these developmental mindsets. This is an educational, fun & easy listen with a vibrant mother, and a caring professional. I know you'll get a lot out of it. https://www.instagram.com/mamalinc/https://mamalinc.com/

Today I chat with mother of 5, Marlain. Marlain describes the individual joys & challenges she faced with the arrival of each baby. Some of the topics include: JaundiceDeath of a father figure at the time of going into labourThe physical pain of perineal damageBreastfeeding difficulties and Too many visitorsMarlain speaks from the heart and is a wise and nurturing women with a lot of compassion for other mothers. This has led to her starting a product-based business named Noosh Noosh, all designed to make the life of a Postpartum mother all the more comfortable, especially to support the aftermath of childbirth with peri spray, sitz bath, breast tenderness tools and the like. Her own experiences in childbirth has driven her to think of everything a woman needs to set her up for physical recovery. Marlain doesn’t wish any mother to feel critised or judged for her choices, especially around how she feeds her baby. Enjoy this encouraging conversation. https://www.instagram.com/nooshnoosh_thelabel/

In this episode, Keturah Stoltenberg reflects on the emotional journey of parents, particularly mothers, as their children start school. She discusses the mixed feelings of pride, relief, and sadness that accompany this milestone, emphasiSing the often-overlooked emotional transition that mothers experience, known as matrescence. This process involves a continuous evolution of identity as mothers navigate their changing roles alongside their children's growth.TakeawaysStarting school is a significant milestone for both children and parents.Mothers experience a range of emotions during this transition.Matrescence is an ongoing process of becoming a mother.The focus often remains on the child's experience, neglecting the mother's feelings.Mothers may feel a sense of loss as their children gain independence.Matrescence involves identity shifts and self-discovery.Every milestone in a child's life marks a transformation for the mother.It's valid to feel pride, relief, sadness, and grief during transitions.Mothers and children grow and shift together through these experiences.Acknowledging the mother's journey is essential in the parenting narrative.https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/

In this conversation, Eliza, a GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, discusses her expertise in Neuroprotective Developmental Care, an evidence-based practice of working with the biology of our children to understand the ways in which we can support our family. She emphasises the importance of an individualised approach, understanding infant sleep needs, and the significance of co-regulation in parenting. The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about sleep training and the need for flexibility in parenting. In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of baby sleep, addressing common concerns such as early waking, the witching hour, and the challenges of managing sleep with multiple children. Eliza is the founder of a Perinatal GP clinic in Sydney's Inner West and, along with her team, offer comprehensive care for Perinatal women, babies, including lactation and sleep support focus on the possums approach. There is a wealth of knowledge, expertise and empathy from Dr Eliza and I recommend you pass this episode on to as many parents as you can as it offers ways in which you can take the guess work out of supporting your child's needs and encourages reassurance for parents and the very undervalued backstage labour of raising our little humans. The discussion also highlights the significance of mental health for parents and the need for support during challenging sleep phases.Eliza is a GP and lactation consultant with a focus on perinatal care.Neuroprotective developmental care aims to protect a baby's optimal development.The approach emphasizes individualized care based on a baby's unique needs.Sleep is a biological need, not a learned skill.Families often face conflicting information about infant care.It's important to acknowledge varying sleep needs among babies.Co-regulation is beneficial for a baby's development.Parents should feel empowered to follow their baby's cues.Routine can be beneficial for parents, but flexibility is key for babies.Understanding a baby's biology helps alleviate parental pressure. Babies communicate their needs, not manipulate.It's okay to seek help if sleep is unmanageable.Experimenting with sleep arrangements can help.Understanding your baby's natural body clock is key.The witching hour is a common phenomenon for babies.Catnapping is normal and not harmful.Sleeping through the night varies for each baby.Letting go of control can ease parenting stress.Support from professionals can be beneficial.Finding what works for your family is essential.https://www.instagram.com/dr.eliza.hannam/https://www.nurturedmedical.com.au/https://ndcinstitute.au/https://possumsndc.com/https://possumssleepprogram.com/when-baby-cries-a-lot-brief-and-simple/the-baby-who-cries-a-lot-in-the-first-3-4-months-of-life-possums-5-domain-approach/about-the-discontented-little-baby-bookhttps://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/

In this conversation, I sit with Nathalie Biviano, a relationship coach, to explore the complexities of motherhood, the impact of societal and individual expectations on women's roles, and the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies in relationships. It all starts with a Disney depiction she so beautifully the one that romanticises the couple but doesn't guide us on what happens 'after the kiss', or in this case, after the baby is born. Some of the themes we cover are:Resentment, Nat explains three contributing reasons why this feeling is so common, and how to approach it from a different lens. The importance of self-worth, communication, and breaking the cycle of hypermasculinity as a way to connect and validate one another. The way our broken system has let us down and the unreasonable load that is placed on families today that sets us up for disconnection. Self-ownership and empowerment to aid in fulfillment as women and ultimately as a couple.This is a very honest and practical conversation and the way Nat offers expresses her wisdom with transparency and real-life practical examples, will have you wanting to write notes to implement in your own life and relationship.Enjoy, forward this episode on to your mama friends and we'd love to know what your key takeaways were. https://www.instagram.com/spinetinglingmarriage/Would you like to know the details of Nat's up & coming retreat? Here they are:https://spinetinglingmarriage.com/thrive-retreathttps://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/

In part two of this series of episodes on my personal motherhood journey, I discuss the feelings that come up in early motherhood, such as feeling as though we are 'failing' as a mother, simply because our baby is not 'behaving' or fitting into the expectation that we had for him/her. In my opinion, even if we are unaware of it, we may believe this story that our role as mothers should be completely consuming and self-sacrificing, leaving us with no time to even think of our own interests, needs and desires. Along with that, we may link being this self-sacrificing, consumed mother with being a ‘good mother’. And this thinking  starts so early. I explore the themes of mother guilt, mother anger, the perfect mother myth, co-regulation, the mother-baby dyad and the basics of a human relationship. It also offers some real life examples of what I hear mother's say in conversations when holding a measuring stick towards their own mothering. Please reach out if you'd like to share, or get some clarity around this topic. Much love, Keturah xxhttps://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/

Today, I have a conversation with Justene Catchon, a mother of 3, Naturopath, Ayurvedic Facilitator and all round beautiful woman who cares about the way we practice Postpartum Care. Justene shares her personal experiences from preconception - postpartum and how women are held and supported in Malaysia after birthing a baby. Traditions such as a confinement nanny, massage, belly binding, herbs and specific foods are all normal practices, and the mother is revered for her role in bringing life into the world.In this conversation we delve deeper into the benefits and practice of traditional postpartum belly binding. We then introduce a special project that Justene and I are collaborating on, which is a Ayurvedic Postpartum Belly Binding online training aimed at both Birth & Postpartum Professionals as well as mothers & their partners, who would like to include this beautiful ancient practice into their care of the mother.To be kept updated on the progress of this offering, please reach out to either Justene or myself. We can't wait to share more. And, if you are are Sydney-based mother or mother-to-be and would like to experience belly binding first-hand, please reach out to me at @motherhoodwithketurah.Details in the show notes:https://www.instagram.com/ibuayurveda/https://ibuayurveda.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/https://www.motherhoodwithketurah.com.au/belly-binding-massage-package

Today, on the podcast, I speak with a delightful mother named Morgana. Morgana is the mother of three children, currently aged 7, 5, 3.I first met Morgana when she was pregnant with her first baby as she came to see me for pregnancy massages and stayed connected throughout all three of her pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences. Morgana speaks about the wobbly early days, and why having someone their to just focus their attention on you, as the mother, is vital. She talks to both the joy and the overwhelm and offers a great tool for when things get too much!I love that Morgana shares that she is 'proud of herself' as she has witnessed her own 'growing up' through and with her children and how she is finally able to see herself in or own wholeness and pursue some of her passions, outside of motherhood. Over the twenty years that I have been working with women, there have been countless mothers I have supported that have also taught me so much, by witnessing their dedication, courage and tenderness for their families. There are also those that leave a special place in my heart, Morgana is one. Enjoy!

I really believe that the catalyst for growth and transformation is when women and mothers own their experiences, process them thoroughly, do the inner work of healing and share their stories with other mothers. And this is exactly what my intention was for this podcast. So, today in this solo episode, and in a number of follow up episodes, I will share my own motherhood story, my journey through matrescence and how it all unfolded. If you’re resonating with the content, make sure you listen to the follow-ups episodes as part of this series. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/https://www.motherhoodwithketurah.com.au/

My conversation today is with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Winnie Wu.Winnie and I are doing a series of chats relating to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. In part one we talk about what could be a hindrance to a couple falling pregnant, and how a Woman's Health Physiotherapist can help even before a woman is pregnant. Other topics include:Possible reasons for painful sexual intercourse Pelvic girdle pain, including pubic, sacro-iliac, and side hip pain, and why this pain is common, but not normalHow to exercise during pregnancyWhat exactly is the pelvic floor and how to do those exercises properlyPerineal Massage as a way to prepare for birthThe various programs and services that Winnie's team can offer to couples at any stage of their journeyI'd encourage you to watch the Youtube version of this episode as Winnie offers a visual explanation of the pelvic organs, bones and surrounding tissue by use of her model pelvis. Please reach out to Winnie, or myself, if you have any questions around the content of this episode. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Show notes:https://www.papayaclinic.com.au/https://www.movementlaboratory.com.au/The Embrace Program:https://www.papayaclinic.com.au/pregnancy-postpartumVisual explanations:https://www.papayaclinic.com.au/patient-resourceshttps://www.instagram.com/papayaclinic/https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodwithketurah/

Today, I speak with Kimberley, a mother of a spirited 19 month daughter.We share a candid, yet light-hearted, conversation about the realities of bringing life into the world. There are many nuggets to take away from this conversation, such as shunning the term 'bouncing back' in favour of acknowledging the 'upgrade' you gain in your new role as a mother and that our children are not blank canvasses, they are born as whole people, with innate wisdom and character. Kimberley highlights to importance of self-care practices as not being selfish, but essential as a mother-child unit. When the mother is looking after herself, she is not taking away from her child, she is giving back. Kimberley also touches on her corporate work, AND Vedic Meditation, something she practices daily and teaches on a individual and group level. You can feel Kimberley's warmth and sincerity in her 'village' approach to motherhood. Enjoy the episode!https://www.kimberleychanmeditation.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/ms_kimberley_/