Episode 97:
Mothering and the menopause: navigating motherhood alongside menopause
Menopause can be hugely challenging but what if it begins whilst your kids are still young?
“The ultimate thing we all want to achieve is to influence and inspire our kids in a positive way, especially girls. I'm all about us as women needing to be strong and healthy to normalise healthy habits so that our daughters just know that for themselves. And so to know that your daughter at such a young age is picking up on self-love is incredible.”
— Nicola Farndell
“My daughter asked me the other day, who do you love more, me or you? And I was really shocked that she's obviously picked up that I talk about how much I love myself and how amazing I am. I thought, well, that's really good that she's noticed that I do love myself because I know that four years ago, nobody would have probably said that and I really hated myself. And that makes me saddest.”
— Emily Courtney
Imagine if you went into menopause right after having twins. And you’re only in your twenties. This is the story that guest Emily Courtney is sharing in today’s episode.
Emily is a health visitor and founder of ‘Mothering and the Menopause’, a support group for mothers of all ages who are juggling taking care of babies and children whilst navigating menopause. Emily was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency when she was only 24 years old and despite having this diagnosis, endured a battle to get support and HRT when she realised she was experiencing menopausal symptoms and challenges.
This is a fantastic episode where we talk about the importance of better knowledge and understanding around menopause for all women, and why regardless of how old your children are and what demands this puts on you, putting your self first is the only way to build strong health and be the great parent you want to be.
In our conversation we talk about:
What Premature Ovarian Insufficiency is and the differences between normal, early and premature menopause.
How the focus on reproductive health and fertility misses the menopause support women really need.
The mental health implications of being diagnosed with a premature menopause.
The lack of awareness and understanding around menopause, especially for younger women and mothers.
The challenges of experiencing menopause at a young age while raising young children.
Why taking care of your self is the most important and impactful thing to do as a woman and a Mother.
What to look out for that might indicate what you’re feeling isn’t a normal part of postpartum health and recovery.
Advocating for yourself with knowledge and understanding.
The risks of premature menopause and the role HRT can play in improving your short and long-term health.
Emily’s 3 tips for building habits to support and care for yourself more.
About Emily:
Emily is a Mum of three young children, including twins, and had them following a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Emily struggled immensely in the year following her twin's birth due to lack of hormones and an inability to get HRT. Emily has used her years of experience as a Health Visitor and Nurse, to create ‘Mothering and The Menopause’ to ensure that no one else has to suffer like she did.
Connect with Emily:
Get Emily’s FREE weekly newsletter - Sign-up on her website here
Perimenopause is challenging enough without it being while you have young kids - or even when you have a baby.
Struggling with the changes and shifts of perimenopause alongside Motherhood is a double whammy. Trying to be the best Mother you can but feeling like you’re not good enough is normal, but it needs to change.
My FREE guide will help you to take small steps to begin to feel like yourself again so you can reduce the guilt, overwhelm and exhaustion you’re experiencing right now.
Download it below.
‘10 Ways to Feel Good Again: Your Perimenopausal Revival Guide’
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