#297 | EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN MATRESCENCE | WITH KELLY THISTLETHWAITE

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Gayane Aramyan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health.With warmth, wisdom, and lived experience, Gayane helps us explore what’s really happening beneath the surface of anger, conflict, and overwhelm in early parenthood and how we can begin to heal and reconnect.We get deep into the weeds:The Calling Shaped by Experience:How Gayane’s journey into therapy began in her teens, and how her early exposure to anger management and mentorship shaped her path into perinatal mental health.The Wake-Up Call of Postpartum:Why becoming a mother during the pandemic—and navigating exhaustion, depression, and an unexpected diagnosis—deepened Gayane’s understanding of what new parents truly need.The Urgency of Prenatal Preparation:Why so many parents seek help only after things unravel—and how shifting the timeline to include mental health preparation before birth can change the postpartum experience entirely.Naming the Overwhelm:What emotional flooding really is, why it’s so common in early parenthood, and how naming and normalising these states can help parents feel less alone and more empowered.The Silence Around Postpartum Struggles:How cultural silence, unrealistic expectations, and internalised fear keep new parents from speaking up—and why so many mothers later say, “I wish someone had told me.”ABOUT GAYANE ARAMYAN:Gayane Aramyan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, specializing in perinatal therapy. She helps individuals and couples navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, offering compassionate support through these profound life transitions. Drawing from her own experiences—marrying her high school sweetheart and balancing working parenthood—Gayane brings a deeply personal understanding to her practice.She earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and has advanced training in Anger Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Grief Processing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).Known for her nurturing and validating approach, Gayane creates a safe space for healing and personal growth. Her expertise has been featured in Women's Health, CNBC, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, and HuffPost, where she shares insights on relationships and self-development. Whether guiding young women through life transitions or supporting couples in parenthood, Gayane is dedicated to helping clients build fulfilling, resilient lives.RESOURCES:Instagram: @therapywithgayaneWebsite: www.therapywithgayane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this Light-filled episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by the remarkable Amy Molloy—an award-winning journalist, editor, author, and the creative force behind the hit podcast The Space, which has garnered over 6 million downloads. Amy's dedication to "words that move the world forward" has led her to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.In Our Conversation, We Explore:The Wisdom of Children: Reflecting on the emotional and spiritual sensitivity of the current generation of kids.Ways of supporting Sensitive Children: Tangible strategies to develop energy awareness and emotional autonomy.The Role of Parents: Encouraging mothers to do the inner work, re-parenting themselves and clearing inherited shame and trauma so they can better support their children.Empathy and Relearning: how we were raised versus the way of parenting highly sensitive and intuitive kids.Soul Contracts and Spiritual Connection: From past lives, shared chakra systems, inherited karma, and soul-level healing.The Courage of This Generation: How children today are seen as truth-tellers and catalysts, demanding accountability, healing, and truth.About Amy Molloy:Amy Molloy is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author dedicated to producing uplifting content that supports emotional well-being. She is the creator of The Space podcast and the founder of LightWriter Media, where she mentors writers in sharing their personal stories with courage and clarity. Amy's upcoming book, Wise Child, explores a radical approach to parenting by tapping into children's innate wisdom and is set to be published by Hay House in March 2025.Connect with Amy:Instagram: @amy_molloyLinkedIn: Amy MolloySubstack Newsletter: The LightWriter™ LetterResources Mentioned:The Space Podcast: Listen on SpotifyLightWriter Media: Learn MoreWise Child by Amy Molloy: Pre-Order HereI hope this episode offers you valuable insights and inspiration. If it resonates with you, please share it with fellow mamas who might benefit from Amy's wisdom and experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!In this heartfelt talk, Melissa Blum, the founder of Into Full Bloom, a coaching service dedicated to supporting mothers takes the mic and shares with us her story.Melissa is a Mama Rising Facilitator, a soon-to-be certified life coach, an engineer, and a mother herself. She brings a rich blend of experience in environmental engineering, psychology, and grief work to her practice, helping mothers navigate both the joy and the loss that can come with motherhood.Melissa discusses:The gap between the expectations of motherhood and its realityHow discovering the word “matrescence” felt like coming homeThe life-altering transformation that motherhood bringsThe power of creativity as a tool for emotional explorationHow Melissa holds space for mothers processing griefI hope this conversation brings you comfort and clarity. If it resonates, please share it — the more we talk about the realities of motherhood, the more we can support one another through the journey.ABOUT MELISSA BLUM: Melissa Blum is the owner of Into Full Bloom, a coaching service supporting mothers through every stage of their experience. A Mama Rising Facilitator and soon-to-be certified life coach, Melissa's work is shaped by her background in environmental engineering, psychology, and grief work. She is passionate about helping mothers find space for themselves, use creativity to explore their emotions, and feel seen and supported in their grief. Melissa is rediscovering her own femininity and spirituality, walking alongside mothers as they navigate the profound transitions of matrescence.Find Melissa on Instagram: @intofullbloomcoachingWebsite coming soon: www.intofullbloom.com.auLet me know if you’d like me to refine anything or add more detail! ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

300 Episodes of The Happy Mama Movement: A Reflection on Matrescence AwarenessWelcome to this very special episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast—our 300th episode!I can hardly believe we've reached this milestone. It’s been an incredible journey, and today, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, how much the awareness of matrescence has grown, and what this means for mothers everywhere.In This Episode, I Share:The Journey to 300 Episodes – How this podcast started and the incredible conversations we've had along the way.What Matrescence Means to Me – The moment I first discovered this life-changing word and how it transformed my own experience of motherhood.The Global Shift in Motherhood Awareness – The changes I’ve witnessed in the way we talk about and support mothers.Healing old wounds --- The deeper layers of suffering we mothers have experience over these last years.Where We Go From Here – My vision for the future of matrescence awareness and what’s next for The Happy Mama Movement.This podcast has always been about changing the way we see and support mothers, and reaching 300 episodes feels like a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to this work. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.Resources & Next Steps:Join the Movement: Mama Rising ProgramMore on My Work: amytaylorkabbaz.comHere’s to the next 300 episodes and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Nancy Reddy—writer, poet, and writing teacher—whose work explores the often messy, complex realities of motherhood and creativity. Nancy’s first book of narrative nonfiction, The Good Mother Myth, is set to be published by St. Martin’s in January 2025. She’s also the author of three books of poetry, including Pocket Universe, and co-editor of The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Her writing dives into the truths behind the glossy myths we’re told about motherhood, and she’s been featured in Slate, Romper, and Electric Literature, among others.We explore:The myth of the "Good Mother” and how it shapes our experiencesA New Description and re-definition: Motherhood as a RelationshipHow creativity can survive and thrive amidst the chaos of parentingGuilt, Struggle and Judgement of ourselves as women.Broadening the public conversation around motherhood and parenting.As always, I hope this conversation sparks something in you. If it does, please pass it along to the mothers in your life. We all deserve a little more honesty, support, and solidarity on this wild ride.ABOUT NANCY REDDY: Nancy Reddy is a writer and a writing teacher. Her first book of narrative nonfiction, The Good Mother Myth, is forthcoming from St. Martin’s in January 2025. She is the author of three books of poetry, most recently Pocket Universe, and the co-editor of The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Her recent writing includes pieces on the damaging mythology of the “golden hour” after birth for Slate, making mom friends for Romper, and review-essays on the whiteness of the motherhood memoir and the political nature of motherhood at Electric Literature. Nancy holds an MFA in poetry and a PhD in rhetoric and composition, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In a previous academic life, she published scholarly work on writing studies and materiality, creative writing pedagogy, and community literacy in journals such as Community Literacy Journal, Literacy in Composition Studies, and The Journal of Creative Writing Studies.Nancy currently teaches at Stockton University in New Jersey, and she also leads community writing workshops and lifelong learning courses, including at the Cooper Street Writing Workshops at Rutgers-Camden, the Stockton Institute for Lifelong Learning, Blue Stoop, and Murphy Writing. You can find her on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter, Write More, Be Less Careful, where she offers wisdom and encouragement on navigating the often-difficult writing life.RESOURCES:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.o.reddy/NANCY'S NEWSLETTER: Write More, Be Less Careful: https://nancyreddy.substack.com/Website: https://www.nancyreddy.com/BUY THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com.au/Good-Mother-Myth-Redefining-Motherhood/dp/1580055028UK SHOPPERS BUY THE BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Mother-Myth-Unlearning-Ideas/dp/1250336643OR HERE: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-mother-myth/nancy-reddy/9781250336644 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Kelly Thistlethwaite, an experienced Somatic and Matrescence Coach, to explore the transformative journey of motherhood. Kelly shares her profound insights on navigating the emotional landscape of motherhood, healing from birth trauma, and the importance of nervous system regulation in fostering resilience and well-being.We talk about:The life-altering transformation that comes with Matrescence and how it reshapes identitySomatic approaches to emotional regulation and why they matter for mothersNavigating the complexities of birth trauma and perinatal loss with compassionKelly's personal journey through loss, healing, and becoming a mother againI hope this conversation offers you comfort, insight, and a sense of connection. If it resonates with you, please share it widely so more mothers can access the support they need to thrive.ABOUT KELLY THISTLETHWAITE:Kelly Thistlethwaite is an experienced Trauma-Informed Yoga and Breathwork instructor, specializing in pre- and postnatal care, nervous system regulation, and neurosensory exercises. As a Matrescence Coach and Mama Rising™ facilitator, Kelly supports mothers through the profound transformation of motherhood. She has a particular focus on helping women heal from birth trauma and perinatal loss, using somatic practices rooted in the Polyvagal Theory to promote safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Kelly is also the Co-Founder of FLY Mama, a pioneering digital maternity support platform that collaborates with NHS trusts and bereavement charities in the UK.RESOURCES:FLY Mama WebsiteKelly Thistlethwaite's WebsiteInstagram: @flymama_perinatal_trauma_and_loss | @fly_mamakelly.thistlethwaiteLinkedIn: Kelly Thistlethwaite | Fly Mama Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week's episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!Today, I’m joined by the insightful and multi-talented Ariane Beeston. With a background as a child protection caseworker and psychologist, Ariane has dedicated her career to supporting families and advocating for maternal mental health. Her writing has appeared in publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Life, Babyology, and Mamamia, and she currently works as the communications and content manager for The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), Australia’s leading organization in perinatal mental health. Ariane is also a dancer, choreographer, and now, a published author—her debut memoir, Because I’m Not Myself, You See, offers a raw and honest exploration of motherhood and mental health.In this episode, we delve into:"Becuase Im Not Myself, You See": Ariane's firsthand account of Postpartum Psychosis.How Postpartum Psychosis presents itself: Signs and symptoms to be aware of and the importance of open conversation.Falling through the gaps: Maternal suicide, delusional looping thoughts, and why it happens.Pen to Paper: The inspiration and experiences that led to her memoir, "Because I'm Not Myself, You See", which candidly explores motherhood and mental health.1-2 in a thousand women: Suffering in silence, and how Ariane finally reached out for help to begin her recovery journey to "Get her Pink back" and learn to trust herself again.This conversation sheds light on the complexities of motherhood and mental health, offering hope and understanding to those navigating similar journeys. If you find this episode valuable, please share it with others who might benefit from Ariane's insights and experiences.ABOUT ARIANE BEESTON:Ariane Beeston is a former child protection caseworker and psychologist with NSW's Department of Communities and Justice. She has written for various publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Life, Babyology, and Mamamia. Currently, Ariane works as the communications and content manager for The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), Australia's peak body in perinatal mental health. She is also a dancer, choreographer, and the author of her first book, Because I'm Not Myself, You See, a candid memoir exploring her personal experiences with motherhood and mental health.RESOURCES:Arianejbeeston https://www.instagram.com/arianejbeestonTwitter/X - @arianebeestonBook: Because I'm Not Myself, You See – A memoir that offers a frank, hopeful, and darkly funny exploration of postpartum psychosis and recovery. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/because-im-not-myself-you-seeOrganization: The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) – Providing support and resources for perinatal mental health.Join us for this enlightening discussion as we explore the intersections of motherhood, mental health, and personal growth with Ariane Beeston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Rebecca Hogan, The Confidently You coach, takes the mic.Rebecca is on a mission to help mums rediscover themselves and reclaim their confidence. As well as being a wife, mum of one daughter and a Mama Rising coach, Rebecca is the co-host of the podcast Mumanist and author of the forthcoming book Me to We: The Confident Mum’s Guide to Motherhood, which is set for release in September 2025. Her own journey of navigating burnout, and infertility, and experiencing and studying the challenges of modern day motherhood, led her to create the transformative “Free to Be Me” coaching program, empowering mums to confidently design a life they love with more ease, flow, fun and fulfillment. Rebecca talks about:Rebecca’s Personal Experience of burnout and a long infertility journey: Feelling her own inner split which Mothers face through Matrescence even before she became a Mum, Rebecca decided to start her own business so she could have the flexibility, freedom and also the passion for her work that she craved.Navigating Fertility Treatment and a full hysterectomy: Rebecca’s Endometriosis highlighted her need to not only change career but to keep working towards a new healthier and happier lifestyle with time allocated to look after herself physically, mentally and emotionally. The importance of Checking in on your own Definition of Success: how focusing and checking in on her why and her goals could have prevented her from overlooking her work and sewing hobby achievements.Power of healing Your Inner Mean Mama Voice & Creating an Empowering Vision for your day to day life and your future you: Looking after yourrself is the way to become the calm, fun, happy mum and woman we want to be.Helping Women to Reclaim who they are through Matrescence: Rebecca guides Mums of any age and stage to redefine themselves, find their passion and purpose.About Rebecca Hogan:Rebecca Hogan is an ICF Certified Lifecoach through The Clique Academy and Mama Rising Coaching as well as a fertility and pregnancy trained reflexologist. Rebecca lives in Berkshire, England is a Mum of one almost 9 year old girl. Rebecca loves to help Mums to manage the juggle and find their most confident selves in motherhood. She loves to connect and chat on Instagram @rebeccahogancoach and at @mumanist You can find her blog and more information on her Free To Be Me coaching program and other courses at rebeccahogancoaching.comLook out for her forthcoming book Me to We: The Confident Mum’s Guide to Motherhood, which is set for release in September 2025. RESOURSES:https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahogancoach @rebeccahogancoachhttps://www.facebook.com/RebeccaHoganCoachingTherapies/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahogancoaching/Website: Www.rebeccahogancoaching.comMumanist Podcast co-host The podcast for Mums trying to juggle it all. Instagram: @mumanist www.instagram.com/mumanistWebsite: www.mumanist.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s enriching episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Tami Lynn Kent, a pioneer in women’s health and empowerment, founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™, and the celebrated author of Wild Feminine, Wild Mothering, and Wild Creative. With a master’s degree in physical therapy and decades of experience working with thousands of women, Tami has dedicated her career to helping women connect with their creative and physical energy at all stages of life.In this episode, we dive into:The transformative power of the "Wild Feminine" and how it reconnects women to the energy of their bodies.Tami's Motherhood journey.Teaching girls about being empowered, centered, women.How creativity and the body’s energy systems intertwine and influence every stage of a woman’s life.A Base for Young Men: Constructing a Foundation of Femininity for all your children.This conversation offers profound insights into embracing the beauty, strength, and creative flow inherent in every woman. If you find this episode impactful, please share it with your community to spread the wisdom of Matrescence and help women everywhere reconnect with their inner power.ABOUT TAMI LYNN KENT:Tami Lynn Kent is the founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™, a groundbreaking approach to women’s health that emphasizes the creative energy within the female body. She is the author of the internationally recognized books Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body, Wild Mothering, and Wild Creative. Tami has taught and trained thousands of practitioners worldwide, empowering women to honor their bodies and access their fullest potential.As a Women’s Health Physical Therapist with a master’s degree in physical therapy, Tami has worked extensively in pregnancy and postpartum care. Her TEDx talk, “The Vagina Whisperer: Moving from Shame to Honor in the Female Body,” has inspired countless women to embrace their inherent strength and creativity. A mother of three sons, she is passionate about guiding women to access the beauty and wildness within.To learn more about Tami’s work and programs, visit her website at www.wildfeminine.com.RESOURCES:Website: Wild FeminineBooks:Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female BodyWild MotheringWild CreativeTEDx Talk: The Vagina Whisperer: Moving from Shame to Honor in the Female BodyThis episode will leave you inspired to embrace your wild feminine energy and honor the creative power within. Don’t miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!Today, we’re joined by Lucy Edge, a mother, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Mum Talks.Lucy is a motherhood coach and Mother Circle facilitator dedicated to helping mums feel seen, heard, and supported through every stage of their journey.We talk about:The heartfelt story behind Mum Talks and Lucy’s drive to create a space where mums can thrive.How motherhood transformed Lucy’s perspective and inspired her to support other women.The importance of building community and connection for mums navigating life’s changes.Practical tips for mums to find balance, support, and confidence in their daily lives.The vision behind Mum Talks’ Ambassador Programme and how it’s creating a ripple effect of empowerment for mums nationwide.I hope you feel inspired by this conversation. If you do, please share it with other mums in your circle. Together, we can create a world where every mother has the support she needs to flourish.ABOUT LUCY EDGE:Lucy Edge is a mother, a business owner, a motherhood coach, and a Mother Circle facilitator who is passionate about supporting and empowering mums through their motherhood journey. After experiencing the challenges of early motherhood herself, Lucy recognized a gap in support for mums in Ireland and decided to do something about it.In 2017, she co-created Mum Talks, an event company and community that provides practical advice, expert insights, and heartfelt connections for mums from pregnancy through to post-maternity leave and beyond. With the recent launch of their Ambassador Programme, Lucy and her team are expanding the reach of Mum Talks, ensuring more mums across Ireland have access to the support and solidarity they need.RESOURCES:Website: www.mumtalks.ieInstagram: @mum_talksEmail: [email protected] in becoming a Mum Talks Ambassador? Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.