S10 Ep4 - The great unravelling of Matrescence

The She Births® Podcast

Welcome to Season 10 Episode 4 of the She Births® Podcast.

Today I talk with She Births mum and opera singer Emily Edmonds.

Emily is a mezzo-soprano who has worked extensively overseas. She is sought out for her interpretations of both contemporary and traditional work. She has worked with the Royal Ballet and Opera, Komische Oper Berlin, Opera Philadelphia. This year she is making an exciting Opera Australia debut, in the role of Cinderella. I can’t wait to go and see it this Summer in Sydney.

Our conversation touches on the raw, transformative, and often uncomfortable experiences of matrescence. And how we enter that portal of change, from maiden to mother, even before we conceive.

We talk about how matrescence can encompass an entire identity shift. Emily shares how her birth was powerful, connecting her to nature.

We discuss how women have been gaslit and often underestimate their capacity to handle the challenges of motherhood. The journey of motherhood is unique for each individual, shaped by personal experiences. There is actually a gift in juggling work and motherhood and a reciprocal enrichment I believe.

It's so important to discuss taboo truths about motherhood. We also chat about

• Experiencing a miscarriage before birth

• Great challenges in postpartum with feeding

• How creative expression can flourish through the experiences of motherhood

• How creative identity can be deeply intertwined with motherhood

• Sensuality and desire

• Communication with partners

• Finding your voice in postpartum

• How motherhood is a season, and each moment is temporary

• Letting go of the idea of 'bouncing back’ with career, not just bodies

• The process of becoming less afraid is a vital gift of motherhood

Stay tuned to the very end when we summarise both birth and matrescence - taboos and truths - into 3 words. Words that I hope stay with you and offer you the hope and power for your own process.

Remember you can join a Soul Mama Circle and be within the safe container for matrescence and of course a She Births® Course to prepare for your beautiful birth either online or face to face via our website shebirths.com