The Mama Circle

11: From free spirit in Paris to mum of 2 in rural Australia - Mum's Talk with Rebecca Hurtrel

In this first episode of my new series, I sit down with my long-time friend, Rebecca Hurtrel: yoga teacher, occupational therapist and mum to two boys. We talk about her transition from a free-spirited life of world travel to motherhood, the cultural contrasts of having babies in France vs. Australia, and how she navigates parenting with two energetic kids.
We also dive into:
Adjusting from one child to two - what changes?
How motherhood shifts your identity and priorities
The challenges of balancing personal time, work, and parenting
The unexpected lessons of motherhood, from unsolicited advice to letting go of ‘mum guilt’
This episode is full of real, honest reflections and a good dose of inspiration. Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned parent, or just curious about different motherhood experiences, you won’t want to miss this chat.
Links and Resources:♥️ Follow Becca on Instagram: @rebecca_hurtrel🧘‍♀️ Becca’s website: https://rebeccahurtrelwellness.wordpress.comIf you're feeling overwhelmed with parenting right now
Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet with 25 quick, fun tips to turn things around
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com
Come say hello!
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
If you loved this episode, please leave a review - it really helps!

10. Returning to work after maternity leave [Voice Note]

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work I go. Eek! I'm feeling allllll the feels as my maternity leave draws to a close, so help a girl out! 
How are you managing the return to work? Share  your thoughts and tips with me here in the comments or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
 

09. Having kids is AMAZING! Here's why it's the best thing ever

After last week's deep dive into the tougher side of parenting, this episode is all about the magic of having children. Yes, motherhood is challenging but it’s also full of incredible, heart-melting moments that make it all worth it. I’m sharing my personal reflections on why having kids is amazing, plus contributions from my Instagram community. We’ll talk about transformation, time management, compassion, personal growth, and those unexpected little joys that make parenthood so special. If you're in the thick of a rough parenting season, this one’s for you.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with parenting right now
Download my FREE Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet with 25 quick, fun tips to turn things around
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com
Come say hello!
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

08. What cracked feet have to do with motherhood [Voice Memo]

Okay so this voice note feels kinda vulnerable to share but it really struck me as a sign of needing more me-time and self care so....here goes.
What have YOU noticed about yourself slipping since becoming a mama? I'd love to hear! Share it with me here in the comments or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
 
 

07. Having kids is AWFUL! Here's why

Welcome back to The Mama Circle podcast. This episode dives into a topic that’s spicy, controversial, and might make some listeners squirm: why having kids (and parenthood in general) is sometimes awful.
I’m not here to scare anyone off parenthood or bash motherhood, but to get real about the tough parts no one talks about enough. From constant messes to sleep deprivation, shifting identities to endless explaining, this episode opens up the dialogue about the harder truths of parenting. And don’t worry. Next week, we’ll explore the joys and beauty of motherhood. For now, let’s dive into the challenges.
Resources, Links, & Mentions:
Study on maternal brain changes
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle: https://www.nataliekmartin.com
Come say hello!
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Facebook: motherhoodandempowerment
Website: www.nataliekmartin.com

06. Nervous system regulation after Jackson's fall [Voice Memo]

The moment when your little one falls is HEART-STOPPING! But I found a surprising antidote to the blood and tears, and wanted to share it with you. 
What do YOU do when your little one hurts themselves? I'd love to hear! Share it with me here in the comments or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
 
 

05. How your menstrual cycle affects your parenting

Ever wondered why some days you're the Pinterest-perfect mum, and other days you’re hiding in the bathroom, dreaming of a solo trip to Hawaii? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into how your menstrual cycle impacts your parenting, from the highs of ovulation to the lows of PMS.
Discover practical tips to honour your cycle, create more self-compassion, and adapt your parenting to each season of your cycle. Whether you’re bleeding, breastfeeding, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you feel more in tune with your body and your emotions as a mum.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What menstrual cycle awareness is and how it affects your life.
The seasonal framework of the menstrual cycle: Inner Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
How hormones like oestrogen and progesterone impact your mood, energy, and parenting style.
Practical ways to honour your cycle, even as a busy mum.
Resources, Links, & Mentions:
💍 Femometer Cycle Tracking ring to track your cycle for pregnancy or contraception 🩸 Free Menstrual Cycle Tracker via my mailing list: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 🎙️ The FemmePowered Podcast for all things menstrual cycle
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
Come say hello!
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin Website: www.nataliekmartin.comFacebook: Motherhood and Empowerment

04. Guess who woke up first?! [voice memo celebration]

My loves, something MOMENTOUS happened! And I just had to share it with you. For the first time in a while, I woke up before Jackson. And it's been continuing (mostly) ever since. So this  episode is about those small wins that feel like a big deal in motherhood. It’s a reminder to celebrate all the wins, no matter how small, and an invitation for you to do the same.
What are you celebrating this week? Share it with me here in the comments or:
• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
Don't forget...
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here  www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 

 
 

03.2 Mum Rage: How to deal with it, with Dr. Jenny Turner - Part 2

😡 Let's talk RAGE!
In this powerful episode, Nat is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Turner to unpack the topic of mum rage. Together, they explore the hidden roots of rage in motherhood, why it’s not just a "mum problem," and how unmet needs play a pivotal role in these intense emotional moments. With 15 years of experience supporting mothers, Dr. Jenny shares invaluable insights on how societal expectations and isolation contribute to the "volcanic rage" many mothers experience.
This is part one of a two-part conversation. In this episode, they discuss:
• Why the term “mum rage” might be unhelpful
• The link between rage and unmet needs
• How unmet needs contribute to the experience of rage
• Why rage often shows up later in motherhood, not just in the early postpartum period
• The profound impact of disconnection from our authentic selves on modern motherhood
Nat shares her own experiences of mum rage, and Dr. Jenny’s reflections are both validating and eye-opening. This conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to approach these feelings with compassion rather than shame.


Resources, Links, & Mentions:
🌀 Want to join a real-life Mama Circle? Check out Nat’s website for upcoming in-person and online circles  www.nataliekmartin.com.
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 


Come say hi!
• Jenny’s Website: https://www.mindbodysoulpsychology.co.uk/ 
• Jenny’s Instagram: @drjennypsychologist
• Nat's Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Nat's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Nat's Website: www.nataliekmartin.com
 

03. Mum Rage: What is it and why the f*** does it happen? with Dr. Jenny Turner - Part 1

😡 Let's talk RAGE!
In this powerful episode, Nat is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jenny Turner to unpack the topic of mum rage. Together, they explore the hidden roots of rage in motherhood, why it’s not just a "mum problem," and how unmet needs play a pivotal role in these intense emotional moments. With 15 years of experience supporting mothers, Dr. Jenny shares invaluable insights on how societal expectations and isolation contribute to the "volcanic rage" many mothers experience.
This is part one of a two-part conversation. In this episode, they discuss:
• Why the term “mum rage” might be unhelpful
• The link between rage and unmet needs
• How unmet needs contribute to the experience of rage
• Why rage often shows up later in motherhood, not just in the early postpartum period
• The profound impact of disconnection from our authentic selves on modern motherhood
Nat shares her own experiences of mum rage, and Dr. Jenny’s reflections are both validating and eye-opening. This conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to approach these feelings with compassion rather than shame.


Resources, Links, & Mentions:
🌀 Want to join a real-life Mama Circle? Check out Nat’s website for upcoming in-person and online circles  www.nataliekmartin.com.
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo 


Come say hi!
• Jenny’s Website: https://www.mindbodysoulpsychology.co.uk/ 
• Jenny’s Instagram: @drjennypsychologist
• Nat's Instagram: @natalie.kmartin 
• Nat's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Nat's Website: www.nataliekmartin.com