About this episode
Have you ever wondered why so many mothers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, or pressured to present a picture-perfect life especially when it comes to drinking culture? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey talks to Anna Cusack, a postnatal doula, motherhood studies practitioner, and author of the powerful book "Mama, You’re Not Broken".Together, they explore the emotional realities behind the “perfect mother” myth, the pressures that lead many mums to reach for a glass of wine, and the real-life support systems that are often missing in our lives. This episode challenges common narratives around alcohol, coping, and what mums truly need.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction06:52 Experiences of pre-birth mental health issues and anxiety in postpartum.09:08 Dr. Sophie Brock studies inspired the creation of Anna’s book "Mama, You’re Not Broken" 12:19 Pandemic isolation and the impacts it had on expectant mothers14:57 Facing the pressures of parental ‘perfection’17:54 Conflicting emotions like shame, anger, and guilt during motherhood22:54 Australian data shows increased alcohol use among mothers as children age28:57 Community is essential for enjoying parenthood37:53 In motherhood, there's lots of pressure to meet unrealistic ideals.44:54 Caring for children is exhausting and many use alcohol as a quick fix to relaxIf you’re feeling stretched thin, tired, and in search of support, you’re not alone. This episode - and the ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ group - are for you. Join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwine🔗 Get all the free resources from the series at: Toolkit OptinAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/the-big-drink-rethink-experimentAnd apply the code POD99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listenerIf you’re loving the podcast and would like to give
