The Matrescence Podcast
Kelly & Bree
This is a place for you to find the information and support you need to make the transition to motherhood an empowering one.Together your hosts Kelly Wilkes and Bree Holling will combine evidence-based information with personal insight to help you heal from past experiences, make informed and empowered decisions, grow as individuals and mothers and find solidarity in this journey that is matrescence. Whether you are a mother, a birth worker or just a woman driven to be the best version of herself, as long as you like belly laughs, heart warming stories and over sharing, this is a place for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 14, 2021 • 45min
#14 Bree's birth story: homebirth, precipitous birth, 3rd degree tear, hospital transfer
In this episode Bree sits down with her husband Matt to recount her birth story with their second child Emmy. After the positive but disempowering birth of her first child (See Episode 10), Bree knew that should they have more children she would want to have a homebirth. Long before she fell pregnant, Bree began assembling her team and planning her dream birth. By 12 weeks she had locked in a private midwife, enrolled in a Hypnobirthing Australia Course and asked Kel to be her doula...
May 12, 2021 • 49min
#13 Talking to Kids about their body, consent and sex with Bridie Allan
Today we are joined by Bridie Allan. Bridie has a Bachelor of Psychology, a Masters Degree in Mental Health and is about to complete her Masters in Sexology. Bridie has been working with adults and children in a sexual health/ sexual education space for many years now including working in a prison setting with child sex offenders, victims, perpetrators and youth offenders. She has also worked in community psychiatric care where sexual issues are prevalent and now works exclusiv...
May 11, 2021 • 40min
#12 Returning to work during motherhood
In this episode Bree interviews Kelly about her experiences as a working mum. This story begins when at 30 years old, recently engaged and waiting for her visa to be approved, Kel found out that she was unexpectedly pregnant. Having already packed up their home and committed to an across the globe move to her company's London office, she and her husband decided to go ahead. What was initially meant to be years of adventure traveling as a couple quickly turned into a stressful j...
May 10, 2021 • 55min
#11 Birth Story - Kelly and Anthony
In this episode, Kelly sits down with her husband Anthony to walk through the birth of their two boys, born in 2008 and 2010. It's an exploration of a couple well into their relationship and parenting journey as they recount the stories, emotions and very different births, one in Australia and the other overseas.It's a rare opportunity to hear a dad's story, in his own words and experience the interplay of funny anecdotes, difficult moments and honest emotions.Don't miss this episode.
May 9, 2021 • 36min
#10 Birth Story - Bree and Matt
In this episode Bree sits down with her husband Matt to discuss the birth of their first child in 2018.Falling pregnant at 21, Bree decided to give birth through her local public hospital as part of their Midwifery Group Practice program. Together Bree and Matt discuss the lead up to their birth which included some major life changes and growth as a couple, and the birth itself which they feel was ultimately very positive, but not empowering. They touch on how their birth and postp...
May 8, 2021 • 36min
#9 What is the Perfect Age Gap?
The conversation dives into the quest for the perfect age gap between children, unraveling personal stories of parenting. One host shares insights on having kids just 14 months apart, revealing both fears and joys. They discuss emotional readiness for expanding families, the support necessary during postpartum, and the identity struggles mothers face. The intricacies of parenting, including sleepless nights and the emotional roller coaster, are explored, offering listeners a sense of community while navigating their own parenting journeys.
May 7, 2021 • 56min
#8 Informed Consent in Birth with Danielle Rhodes
In this episode we explore the topic of informed consent with Danielle Rhodes. Danielle is a certified Hypnobirthing Australia practitioner and founder of Your Sacred Space Hypnobirthing and Hypnotherapy. Danielle regularly teaches couples about informed consent as part of the Positive Birth Program. Her passion for this topic is rivalled only be her extensive knowledge. Throughout this conversation we discuss what informed consent is (and what it is not), why it is important a...
May 6, 2021 • 38min
#7 Choosing the Right Birth Education Course for You
In this episode Bree and Kel sit down to discuss their experiences with antenatal education. Kel does her best to recall her experience taking Lamaze classes in the UK before the birth of her first child in 2008. Bree discusses her experience taking her local hospital's antenatal classes before the birth of her first child in 2018 and how she felt they left her frustratingly underprepared for the "natural" birth she envisioned. Subsequently, Bree and Kel talk about their experi...
May 5, 2021 • 50min
#6 Returning to Study during Motherhood
In this episode Bree and Kel talk about their experiences studying during motherhood. Originally recorded in late 2020 Bree reflects on her first year as a student midwife and highlights some of the unique challenges of juggling university, work and motherhood. Kel discusses her experience studying to be a doula and how she is utilizing the self-paced online learning approach to complete her studies alongside a full-time thriving corporate career. Together they disc...
May 4, 2021 • 57min
#5 Reframing Busyness in Motherhood
The discussion dives deep into what being 'busy' truly means for mothers. It challenges the traditional views on time versus capacity, urging a thoughtful rethink of busyness. Personal anecdotes highlight the struggles and emotional toll of societal expectations. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, uni-tasking, and setting healthy boundaries. The conversation also celebrates the power of authentic communication, shifting from apologies to gratitude, to enhance relationships and manage the complexities of motherhood.
