Matrescence and the Emotions that we Experience as Mothers

Due to the sensitive nature of some of the information covered in this conversation, please note the following:Dr Caroline Boyd and Kendra start the call with a discussion concerning Intrusive Thoughts. It's important to make a distinction between the kinds of intrusive thoughts Caroline talks about and the kinds of thoughts arising in postpartum psychosis. Signs of postpartum psychosis can include mania, delusions and hallucinations - Action on Postpartum Psychosis offer more information & resources. If you're having an overwhelming sense or intention to hurt yourself or your baby, and making plans to do so, please seek help immediately, by calling 999 or visiting your local A&E.In this episode of MamaThrive, I have the privilege of being joined by Caroline Boyd, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working to support parents perinatally. Together we explore how our experience of motherhood is driven by the patriarchal society we live in, and the internalised beliefs we hold around what makes a “good girl” and “good mother”. We discuss the effects this has on our expression of our emotions - especially anger - and how we can best care for ourselves within our very human experience of being mamas. If you have found yourself struggling with feelings such as anger, shame or guilt in motherhood then I’d love to invite you to listen to this episode. Dr Boyd has a gentle, validating and affirming manner to her approach to emotions in motherhood - and it’s a must listen! I’d love to hear your experience of this episode, please feel free to drop a comment below with any of your thoughts and share the link with anyone whom you think might benefit from giving this episode a listen!As always, we continue this conversation over onInstagram. Come join us there. Resources: WebsiteInstagramAbout Caroline BoydCaroline Boyd is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working in the NHS and mental health settings. She specialises in supporting parents perinatally - from pregnancy to childbirth and all aspects of the transition to parenthood. She is the author of Mindful, New Mom: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood’ and offers a range of courses and resources to support parents at all stages of their parenting journeys.If this episode raises any concerns for you please talk to a trusted healthprofessional such as your GP.You can also reach out to the services below:UK: PANDAS - 0808 1961 776Samaritans – 116 123US: Postpartum Support International - 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)For emergency help - call 999 or visit your local A&E department