When we become mothers, everyone talks about the baby. The feeding. The sleep. The milestones.But almost nobody talks about what happens to us.The identity shift. The grief for the life we once had. The guilt of wanting space while loving our children deeply. The feeling that somewhere along the way, we've lost ourselves.Meg Faure, parenting expert, author and founder of Parent Sense, joins Madge for a powerful conversation about matrescence – the profound psychological, emotional and neurological transformation that takes place when a woman becomes a mother.This conversation is a reminder that if motherhood has changed you, you're not doing it wrong. You're becoming someone new.In this episode you'll learn:- What matrescence is and why so few mothers have heard of it- How motherhood physically changes the brain and how long those changes last- Why grief and love often coexist during the transition to motherhood- Why returning to work after having a baby can feel so disorientating- Which mothers are most vulnerable to losing their sense of identity- Five practical anchors to help you stay connected to yourself- What co-regulation is and why it matters when you're running on empty- Why perfect parenting isn't the goal, repair is⏱️ CHAPTERS:[00:00] Why nobody prepares women for matrescence[03:15] What happens to a mother's brain after birth[07:42] The hidden grief of becoming a mother[12:38] Why we lose ourselves in motherhood[16:54] Returning to work and rebuilding identity[21:47] The village we've lost and why connection matters[25:30] Five anchors for navigating matrescence[29:18] Co-regulation, repair and realistic parenting[32:10] Meg's message for every mom who feels lost🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST:Meg Faure is one of South Africa's most trusted voices in early childhood development. She is the author of eight parenting books, including the bestselling Baby Sense series and the founder of Parent Sense, a parenting platform that supports families through every stage of early childhood.🔗 Follow Meg:Instagram: @megfaure.senseLinkedIn | Parent Sense🎧 ABOUT THE MOMents PODCAST:The MOMents Podcast is for ambitious working moms building a life that works for both family AND career. Hosted by Madge Booth, we have honest conversations about motherhood, work, identity and everything in between.FOLLOW US:Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

https://www.momentsmedia.co.za#matrescence #motherhood #workingmoms #megfaure #postpartummentalhealth #momguilt #workingmotherhood #identityaftermotherhood #parentingpodcast #momentspodcast

As working moms, the constant pressure from work, home and our children's schools can feel like a high-data usage app running in the background.

And it doesn't only affect our mental health, how we manage pressure, has an impact on our kids too. They're picking up on every rushed morning and every stressed-out homework session.

Rolanda Marais, renowned actress and mom of two, joins Madge for an honest conversation about breaking the cycle of pressure, taking a look at our parenting and how to foster emotional resilience.

This conversation won't give you another thing to add to your list. It'll give you permission to take things off it.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why the language you use every day could be quietly increasing your child's anxiety

How to trust your child's individual journey (even when it's uncomfortable)

The one thing Rolanda does at the bottom of her to-do list that will stop you in your tracks

How to set boundaries with schools and teachers and why it's okay to skip non-essential homework

How to model calm and resilience even when you're running on empty

Why connection always matters more than perfection

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

[00:00] The pressure working moms carry every single day

[03:01] Recognising early signs your child is feeling the squeeze

[07:31] Managing homework stress without damaging your relationship

[09:46] How your language shapes your child's anxiety

[15:40] When the pressure is coming from us and why self-care matters

[25:18] Trusting your instincts and choosing connection over performance

[28:23] A gentle reminder: focus on joy, not perfection

🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST:

Rolanda Marais is a South African actress and mom of two who speaks openly about the realities of modern motherhood. Her personal journey navigating pressure, connection and balance makes her a voice every mom needs to hear.

🔗 Follow Rolanda on Instagram: https://t.ly/hVURu

🎧 ABOUT THE MOMENTS PODCAST:

The MOMents Podcast is for ambitious working moms building a life that works for both family AND career. Hosted by Madge Booth, we talk honestly about the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, without the filters.

FOLLOW US:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

#workingmoms #parentingpressure #childrensmentalhealth #workingmomlife #parentingtips #momguilt #raisingkids #schoolpressure #parentingpodcast #momentspodcast

Is your medical aid actually working for your family or just draining your bank account?

Most families are overpaying for cover they don't understand, missing benefits they're entitled to, and making costly mistakes that add up fast.

In this episode, healthcare and financial specialist Liz Coetzee breaks down exactly what you need to know to protect your family without wasting a single rand.

In this episode we cover:

The #1 sign you're on the wrong plan

Why "more cover" doesn't always mean better cover

How to use your benefits strategically from January

Cash vs. claiming and when each makes sense

Chapters: The 7 Tips

00:00 Navigating Medical Aid: The Basics

01:46 Understanding Coverage Needs

07:42 Reviewing Your Medical Aid Plan

09:43 Strategic Use of Medical Aid

12:39 Maximising Savings Benefits

15:41 Cash vs. Claiming: Making Smart Choices

17:46 Downgrading Plans: When and How

19:54 Choosing the Right Plan for Families

This is the medical aid conversation every parent needs to have.

🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST:

Liz Coetzee is a healthcare and financial specialist who assists families to pick the best medical aid or hospital plan for their needs and budget. Reach out to Liz: https://t.ly/OYQoB

🎧 ABOUT THE MOMENTS PODCAST:

The MOMents Podcast is for ambitious working moms building a life that works for both family AND career. Hosted by Madge Booth, we talk honestly about the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, without the filters.

📲 FOLLOW US:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moments_omnimedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572218987263

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moments-omnimedia

Website: https://www.momentsmedia.co.za/

#MedicalAid #MedicalAidSouthAfrica #HealthcarePlanning #FamilyHealth #SouthAfricanMoms #SaveMoney #HealthInsurance #MomFinances #KnowYourBenefits