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.
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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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.
Interview - Caroline Bilkey (Mummy's Whispers)
Why Hiring Postpartum In-Home Support Can Transform Your Recovery
If I had my way, support would be non-negotiable and, in an ideal world, would have government funding, so everyone can access the help we all deserve. We can shape our families' and therefore babies' complete outcomes (and lives!) by providing education, but above all, support in those early days. It is essential for a mother who has given birth to rest and recover.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
End-of-Year Reflection Guide for Mums (Free Journal Prompts + Playlist)
The end of the year can feel like a whirlwind, especially for pregnant and postpartum mothers. While the world speeds up with celebrations, to-do lists, family dynamics, and pressure to “make it magical,” many mums quietly feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, or emotionally pulled in a dozen directions. If this resonates, you’re not alone. This gentle guide is here to help you slow down, take a breath, and soften into a kinder ending. A moment to honour the year you lived, the glimmers that kept you going, and the version of you that is emerging.
Article - Leonie Lindenbergh-Poot (Love Through Loss Doula)
Helping Children Navigate Grief
Children experience grief differently than adults. They may not have the words to express their feelings, so they show them in other ways—through tears, anger, or even unexpected silliness. Some days, they may seem perfectly fine, and the next, a wave of sadness can hit them out of nowhere. It’s all part of how they process the big feelings they don’t fully understand yet.
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.
Article - Jackie Gorman (Nurture By Touch)
Jamu Postnatal Massage: The Nurturing Tradition Every New Mother Should Experience For Deep Recovery
This is truly special to witness; it's a real privilege. As I’m within the sanctuary of the family's home for up to 4 weeks, you subtly and gratefully become part of the furniture, quietly and respectfully. So as the days pass through this ancient lineage of care, you see things shift physically, which is pure biology to me, but also her smile changes as you walk through the door, her eyes are more vibrant and her skin colour changes