When Self-Care Meets Science: Mental Health Support That Actually Works for Mothers

Motherhood is transformative, joyful, and undeniably challenging. But what if supporting maternal mental health didn't mean adding another item to an impossible to-do list? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research that's changing how we think about accessible, practical mental health support for pregnant women and new mothers.

Dr Jackie Davis shares insights from the "Mums Minds Matter" study—research that goes beyond telling mothers what they should do, and instead discovers what actually works in the chaos of real life. We dive deep into evidence-based approaches including mindfulness, compassion training, and how these skills can be woven into the everyday moments of motherhood.

This Episode

Jackie, researcher behind the Mums Minds Matter study, reveals:

• Why variety matters: How three different stress reduction approaches (mindfulness, loving kindness, and progressive muscle relaxation) serve different women's needs
• The myth-busting truth about maternal mental health support during pregnancy and beyond
• Practical techniques that work with motherhood, not despite it—from mindful feeding to breathing exercises you can do anywhere
• What mothers actually need versus what they're being sold in the self-care marketplace
• How these skills benefit both mother and child, creating ripple effects through families
• Real stories from mothers who applied these techniques 12 months after learning them

Quotable Moments

"I think for me it was learning to take time out. No matter how busy your day gets, you sometimes need to just stop and pause." - Study participant

"Someone has to listen to you. Someone has to listen to your problems. Sometimes that is all you need." - Study participant

"You can't be the best parent for your child if you haven't addressed your mental health needs and wellbeing first." - Jackie

"Preparing your mind for this massive life changing event should be as important as preparing your body." - Jackie

"It's important for mothers to look at their wellbeing so they can support their babies and family's wellbeing." - Jackie

"Having a baby and being a parent is one of life's greatest joys. I think we can do better to support women." - Jackie

Resources Mentioned

• Mums Minds Matter research study
• Self-compassion practices and research
• Digital mental health interventions for mothers
• Box breathing technique (4-4-4 pattern)
• Mindful parenting practices

Connect With Jackie

Dr Jackie Davis is Co-Director of ORIGINS and researcher at the Kids Research Institute Australia based at the Perth Children’s Hospital.

I am passionate about cultivating wellbeing from the start of life, so my research has focused on women in pregnancy and in the postnatal period. 

I have three children – two girls and one boy. When I had them I didn’t have any family support – only my husband – but we just got on with doing the best job that we could. Looking back I wish I knew a bit more about what I’m going to discuss today. Regardless, they are adults now and living their own lives and I am still very connected to their everyday lives.

Connect With Us

• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com
• Listen to more episodes exploring women's wellbeing and self-care

A Note on Wellbeing

This episode discusses maternal mental health and the challenges of early parenthood. While