Breaking Free from Bounce Back Culture. Reclaiming Postpartum & Redefining Support for Mums
In Conversation With Damaris Lee from Mum's Oasis
In this episode of In Conversation With, we unpack the deeply ingrained and damaging expectations of bounce back culture—where new mums are pressured to “return to normal” far too soon after birth. We explore why this narrative is harmful, how it overlooks the profound physical, emotional, and identity shifts of motherhood, and what true support for postpartum recovery really looks like. Join us as we talk about embracing the newness, honouring the transformation, and reshaping the way society sees and supports mothers in the early days and beyond.
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Lotus Health and Psychology
Lotus Health and Psychology was conceived with a desire to create lasting change in the life of new parents, by establishing a team of expert practitioners offering holistic, compassionate support during the reproductive and perinatal period.
Our therapists are trained to support a whole range of issues, because clients come to therapy for a whole range of reasons! Our Psychologists have been trained to understand a broad range of presenting problems, and have experience working with all of the common psychological disorders as well as many of the less common. Our therapists adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy and can also offer sessions to NDIS participants.
Our patients include children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, and we treat all kinds of conditions including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Children with behavioural problems
- Children with anxiety problems
- Stress
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Long-term personality problems
- Autism
- ADHD
- Psychosis
- Early psychosis
- Sleep and weight management
- Chronic health problems
- Chronic pain
- Sexual function disorders
Gidget Foundation Australia
Gidget Foundation Australia is the leading and largest national provider of perinatal mental health services, supporting the mental health of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.
Gidget House® provides free* individual psychological counselling services for expectant, new and potential parents throughout the perinatal period (from conception until the baby is 12 months old). Gidget Houses are physical locations across 38 sites Australia-wide, where families can access support face-to-face with a clinician. However, the model of care is flexible and lends itself to a blended mode of appointment delivery via telehealth or in person.
Gidget Houses are accessible, and GFA’s perinatal mental health specialist clinicians provide warm, compassionate, holistic care to ensure clients feel respected, and the needs of each unique family are met. A GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan is required to access services for free.
Other support services such as online peer support community groups (for mums, dads, expectant parents) and resources. You can visit www.gidgetfoundation.org.au for more information.
*No out-of-pocket expenses under the Medicare Better Access Initiative.
Learn about the support you didn't know you needed.
We have cherry picked the most useful resources for your fourth trimester so that you don't have to waste precious hours searching.
Article - Julia Jones (Newborn Mothers)
What is a Doula?
Today, a doula is typically someone who acts as a hub of support, referrals and resources for a person during a major life transition, usually related to birth. Doulas have a holistic approach that considers both mental and physical well-being. Services vary significantly but can include emotional reassurance, information based on scientific evidence, and comfort techniques like massage and nourishing food. The role is not medical, and doulas cannot treat, diagnose or cure any disease.
Article - Courtney Wilton (Nourished Psychology)
When and How to Seek Mental Health Support as a Mum
Discover the early signs of postpartum distress that often go unnoticed and learn when and how mothers should seek mental health support. From baby blues vs. depression to finding the right therapist.
Article - Narelle Dickinson ( Lotus Health and Psychology)
Is This Normal? The Emotional Rollercoaster of Pregnancy and Motherhood.
Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum is something many mothers don’t expect to struggle with, but it's more common than we think. In this interview with Lotus Health and Psychology, we explore what perinatal mental health support really looks like, why anxiety is often overlooked, and how to take the first steps even when you feel like you’re running on empty. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or years into motherhood, these insights might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
How to Talk About Sharing the Mental Load with Your Partner: A Complete Guide
In many households, the mental and emotional work of managing a family, often called the invisible load, falls disproportionately on mothers. It's not just about doing tasks; it's about carrying the mental checklist: remembering appointments, organising activities, planning meals, and anticipating everyone's needs. Over time, this invisible mental load can lead to resentment, overwhelm, and burnout.
Article - Elise Clement (Elise Clement Psychotherapy & Coaching)
Tips to avoid maternal burnout
Perfectionism is not a healthy habit. Even less so when it comes to motherhood, unless you’re keen to rub shoulders with overwhelm, resentment, rage and the feeling of never being satisfied, which can eventually lead to maternal burnout.