Matrescence and navigating motherhood with Psychologist and mum of two Danielle Heavyside

Dani is a mum of two young children and has a Master’s degree in Psychology.

Dani has her own practice -  The Mother Cup Psychology here in South Australia and works a little differently from your average psychologist – she views her clients from a growth mindset perspective – utilising their strengths to help them better navigate the motherhood journey. She aims to remove some of the barriers influencing women’s ability to seek help offering in-clinic sessions, sessions out in nature, telehealth sessions for people across Australia and home visits for those who have less capacity to get to appointments.

She believes that motherhood, and the associated matrescence period, have multiple transition points where a women can either struggle, or grow and evolve with the correct support.

Dani assists women to find themselves again, regain confidence, and help them negotiate the significant changes that come with parenthood.

In this episode we discuss: 

• Matresence and the transformative change of your identity takes during motherhood 
• Post partum depression, anxiety and rage - what’s normal when discussing mental health?
• When to seek help?
• Signs to look out for and who might be more at risk
• Self reflection strategies and finding space for ourselves 
• Practical tips to help you cope; and 
• How to lean on your partner and be vulnerable in times of need

Useful links and resources:

PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - supports the mental health of parents in the first year of an infant’s life 

PANDA National Support line 1300 726 306

panda.org.au

Gidget Foundation Australia (Perinatal)- specialist support through face-to-face, telephone and telehealth counselling and group therapy for families suffering emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenting.

1300 851 758 

Gidgetfoundation.org.au

COPE  - Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Evidence based and timely helpful information available to parents by registration.

1300 726 306

Cope.org.au

Ready to Cope App – for antenatal mental health preventative support

Article on Matrescence https://www.npr.org/2021/08/08/1024674033/theres-a-name-for-the-ups-and-downs-of-new-motherhood-its-called-matrescence