Postpartum Is Forever - with Keturah Stoltenberg

*** TRIGGER WARNING ***This episode includes topics and themes around forced arranged marriages of girls as young as 14, female genital mutilation, domestic control, gender-based abuse and poverty.Please use care when listening to the content.In this episode, I speak with a Kenyan-born woman named Gladys, who shares her deeply personal transition into motherhood. Gladys expresses the despair she felt around the circumstances of her life at the time, something she describes as "falling off a high cliff" and plunging into the depths of shame, grief and loneliness.With time, love and sheer determination, Gladys picked herself up after each hard fall, and found a way to move forward with resilience. Through self-discovery, she stumbled on a word that offered meaning and understanding to what she was feeling.This word is Matrescence.In this conversation, Glady's describes the significance of this word, and how understanding the transformational process of becoming a mother brings validation, peace, and empowerment to mothers worldwide.She couldn't hold back in talking about this and so as a maternal coach and matrescence activist, Gladys has made it her life's work, to help other Kenyan mums also receive this gift, through the power of community amongst women.However, what I found most eye-opening about this conversation was her recount of the unique challenges, and in fact, injustices that is the reality for many women from her home country, and so I share a trigger warning that this conversation includes topics and themes around forced arranged marriages of girls as young as 14, female genital mutilation, domestic control, gender-based abuse and poverty.This is hard to hear. But it has to be told. For the women that are suffering who do not have a voice that's listened to.But, I want to reassure that this episode is filled with heart, awareness, hope and determination to make a difference in the lives of mothers around the world.After listening to this episode, I invite you to journal your thoughts, what you are most grateful for in your own mothering, and please do reach out if you need to talk or receive support.Connect with Gladys:https://www.instagram.com/motherhood_unscripted/Postpartum is Forever Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/postpartum_is_forever_podcast/Mama rising ambassador foundation:https://mamarising.net/global-matrescence/#moreThank you for joining us in celebrating the incredible journey of motherhood and the transformational power of matrescence. Remember, you are never alone, and your experience is valid and vital.

FREE GUIDE: Five Steps to Reframe Mum GuiltIf this conversation has brought up some of your own feelings around mum guilt, I’ve created a gentle, practical guide to help you explore where that guilt may be coming from and begin reframing it in a healthier, more grounded way.Five Steps to Reframe Mum Guilt — Free GuideMum guilt can feel almost inseparable from motherhood—but what if the guilt you feel isn't always telling you the truth?In this solo episode, Keturah explores the deeper layers of mum guilt, from the biology of attachment and the protective maternal brain to identity, cultural expectations, generational patterns and the experiences we carry from our own childhoods.You'll discover why guilt can become so deeply intertwined with love, why mothers often feel responsible for far more than they can realistically control, and how to begin questioning where your guilt is really coming from.Because perhaps the goal isn't to eliminate guilt altogether, but to become curious about it, learning to recognise when it's asking for reflection and repair, and when it's simply the voice of an impossible expectation.This is a personal invitation to move away from perfection, self-criticism and constant questioning... and towards something far more sustainable: self-trust.Please share this with as many mothers as you can, because mum guilt is universal.*** From Mum Guilt to Self-Trust ***How can you put mum guilt in its place. Download your free guide.Five Steps to Reframe Mum Guilt — Free Guide

This is part two of a two part conversation with Gaea Chapman.Despite her early diagnosis of Juvenille-onset Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gaea is a vibrant mother of five who will inspire you to rethink what is possible when you combine faith, mindset and innovative science. Gaea shares her personal struggles with pain, fatigue, loss of function and aggressive treatment, and how this motivated her on her own research path beyond conventional medicine, to reclaim vitality and quality of life.Gaea discovered the surprising power of molecular hydrogen and alkalised water, and this advanced hydration technology & profound antioxidant effects revealing how these simple, accessible tools transformed her health.Gaea’s story highlights the importance of listening to your body, doing your own research, and advocating for solutions that truly support healing.Gaia’s journey proves that even the most daunting diagnoses can be softened through mind, body, and spirit and that a little scientific curiosity can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.Join us for a conversation that will challenge your assumptions about health, inspire your resilience, and encourage you to explore natural pathways that may just change your life.If you are facing autoimmunity, inflammatory or a chronic health condition, are health conscious, or curious about integrative approaches to wellness, this episode is for you.Please note: The information in this episode is not medical advice. It is based on the experience of one individual. No health claims are made or guaranteed. Please seek advice from your own health care provider before changing any form of treatment plan.

In this episode, I chat with Gaea. At the tender age of 15, Gaea was forced to give up all that she loved when faced with an unexpected diagnosis of juvenille onset idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis. As a talented runner, Gaea found herself barely even being able to walk and carry out the most basic of daily tasks. But, this story didn't end there. Gaea was not going to let this diagnosis define her. She desired to become a mother and live a full life.This conversation dives deep into the intersection of autoimmunity, motherhood, and natural health innovations. Gaea's honest reflections on managing her condition whilst raising five children will resonate with mothers juggling invisible illnesses and the unspoken struggles of chronic health.Beyond the science, Gaea's insights on emotional resilience, the spiritual side of motherhood, adaptations to the model of 'normal family life' and how self-awareness can bring peace in chaos offer a compelling call to embrace wholeness in all aspects of life. This episode will bring resonance to all mothers, with particular resonance on or women facing autoimmunity, health warriors, and anyone curious about integrative approaches to wellness.This is part one of a two part episode.Please note: The information in this episode is not medical advice. It is based on the experience of one individual. No health claims are made or guaranteed. Please seek advice from your own health care provider before changing any form of treatment plan.https://www.instagram.com/souloasis__/

In this episode, I welcome back woman's health physiotherapist, Winnie Wu to discuss the importance of women's health, this time focusing on menopause and perimenopause to share both the symptoms and lifestyle changes associated with these stages.Winnie shares the relationship between pelvic floor health in postpartum and the implications that can have on the menopausal years, the need for early prevention and treatment strategies, although its never too late to start, and exercise recommendations tailored for women in their 40s and 50s. The discussion also highlights the importance of a holistic approach to women's health, involving collaboration with various healthcare professionals and community engagement.Takeaways:Menopause is defined as 12 months without a menstrual cycle.Perimenopause can last from 35 to 50 years old.Symptoms of perimenopause include pelvic floor issues and hormonal fluctuations.Hyper-mobility increases the risk of pelvic floor symptoms.Early prevention and awareness are crucial for better outcomes.Exercise should focus on strength training for bone health.Cardio has a place but should be balanced with strength training.Holistic health requires a multidisciplinary approach.Collaboration with GPs and other health professionals is essential.It's never too late to seek help for pelvic health issues.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Women's Health and Menopause02:58 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause06:03 Pelvic Floor Health and Symptoms09:02 Impact of Hypermobility on Pelvic Health12:01 Prevention and Treatment Strategies14:58 Exercise Recommendations for Women in Their 40s and 50s17:57 The Role of Cardio and Strength Training21:00 Holistic Approaches to Women's Health23:59 Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals26:57 Resources and Community Engagementhttps://www.instagram.com/papayaclinic/https://www.instagram.com/movementlab.physio/https://www.papayaclinic.com.au/menopause-clinicKeywords: women's health, menopause, perimenopause, pelvic floor, hypermobility, exercise, holistic health, physiotherapy, postpartum, women's health physiotherapist