Wellbeing Workshop for Mums

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Mothers Be HEARD
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About Me

Felicity Chapman

Director

I am a mother of two wonderful, energetic boys aged 9 and 6.  I am married and live in the city of Adelaide, Australia.

My life BC (before children) included:

1. Training as an Interior Decorator

2. Working as a Nurse Assistant

3. Associate Diploma in Counselling: while working as a community support worker

4. Being a volunteer Lifeline counsellor

5. University Degree with First Class Honours: while working as a waitress

6. Practicing as a Social Worker/ Counsellor in community health

Some of the interests that I’ve tried to keep going after motherhood include riding my bike, going to the gym, walking along the beach, reading, having time alone to day dream, and going out with friends.  When time (and money!) permits I also enjoy renovating our home. 

Currently I am working for the Adelaide North East Division of General Practice as a Mental Health Clinician 2 days a week, facilitate workshops for Mothers Be Heard, and manage the books for my husband's business.  A few years ago this site was really my only vehicle to express myself professionally (and personally) but I guess my world has expanded now that both boys are at school.

Since becoming a mother I have been struck by the diverse range of emotions one can feel as a mother (such intense love or guilt!), and by how life changes.  Really changes.  Motherhood can provide many joys, but it can also be a bit consuming.  At times I found myself exhausted, missing my independence, and trying not to lose the 'me' in my new responsibilities. 

I would not swap motherhood for anything else in the world!  I get so much meaning and purpose from being a mother; but I did start reflecting on what a big transition becoming a mother can be, and on how the birth of subsequent children can be life altering too.  In 2005 I began doing a literature review on research around the experience of motherhood and maternal health.  I discovered that many other women, like me, sometimes felt a bit exhausted, fed up, guilty, confused, and surprised at changes to their body post-birth.  I also reflected on what a challenge it can be to be a mother and not lose sight of your needs as a person  – especially if that person had a clearly defined identity prior to motherhood.

I started thinking about the options mothers have in the community to talk about their experiences. Not just about the relationship they have with their children or partner, but with how they feel inside and how they feel about themselves.  Sure, you can talk with friends, join a playgroup, find an online chat room for mothers, see a counsellor, or ring your local parent helpline; but overall there seemed to be a real lack of opportunities for women to talk about the impact of motherhood – and not just parenting issues.  In our society it's easy talking about the good stuff of motherhood, but not as easy talking about the harder stuff or the stuff that has you thinking "Is this just me?....".  I believe that maternal health is an outcome of women feeling comfortable talking about motherhood 'warts-and-all' without feeling guilty or silly.  Acknowledging the good stuff and the hard stuff is equally as important.

Mothers play a vital role in our society (as do Dads!!).  Motherhood brings with it some unique experiences, and mums today have unique needs in our changing world.

Every mother has a story to tell, and I feel passionate about giving mothers an opportunity for their story to be told. I created Mothers Be HEARD  as an opportunity for women to express the varying ways in which motherhood impacts upon their lives, and to recognise a woman's identity as a person as well as a mother - to discuss motherhood not just in terms of parenting but in how it relates to the personhood of the woman.