Episode Details

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tess, a mum of two and women's health occupational therapist, to talk about matrescence, perfectionism, maternal wellbeing, and the profound identity shifts of motherhood.

Tess's work centres around matrescence, maternal mental health, postpartum wellbeing, and supporting mothers through one of the biggest transitions of their lives. Drawing on both her professional expertise and her own lived experience, she shares a thoughtful perspective on the emotional, physical, and relational changes that accompany becoming a mother.

Together, we explore perfectionism, people-pleasing, sensory overwhelm, postpartum recovery, changing relationships, and the pressure so many women feel to live up to the impossible expectations of the "perfect mother." Tess speaks openly about the assumptions she carried into motherhood, the realities she encountered, and the deep self-reflection that has shaped both her parenting and her work.

We also discuss birth experiences, preparing for the postpartum period, the importance of community, and why mothers need other mothers. This is a conversation about letting go of perfection, embracing the ongoing process of becoming, and recognising that maternal wellbeing matters just as much as infant wellbeing.

If you're navigating matrescence, struggling with perfectionism, or trying to find yourself again after becoming a mother, I hope this conversation helps you feel understood and reminds you that you don't have to carry motherhood alone.

Connect with Tess

• Instagram: @_ostara_ot

Resources mentioned

Instagram

• @mamamatters.au

• @seasonsofmatrescence

• @coreandfloorrestore

• @raisedgood

Books

• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

• Raising a Secure Child by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell

• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry

• Motherwhelmed by Beth Berry

• Body Full of Stars by Molly Caro May

Podcasts & programs

• The Great Birth Rebellion

• Circle of Security Parenting Program

• Mama Matters Academy

• Raised Good Summit

Topics discussed: matrescence, maternal wellbeing, maternal mental health, perfectionism, sensory overwhelm, people-pleasing, postpartum wellbeing, motherhood identity, occupational therapy, community, relationships after children, motherhood.