Mia Slattery - Birth & Postpartum Doula - Ipswich, QLD

22/06/2026

Mother [noun/verb/adjective]

“something that is an extreme or ultimate example of its kind, especially in terms of scale”

Definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary

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I went looking for a definition and settled on this one because I'm a qualified drama queen and doula, so I'm qualified to tell you that mama, you are the extreme and ultimate example of humankind.

You do all of the things for all of the people but you, yourself, are a person too.

So go on... do the thing, get the help, set the boundary.

You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to experience joy.
You are allowed to [fill in your thing here]

Just saying.

Go ahead and be extreme, mama.

Also how cute is this long sleeve mum life shirt from Best&Less!

Image captured by Em River
Edited by me Mia Slattery || Creative Doula Services || Ipswich, QLD
It was taken last weekend at my kids epic, joyfully chaotic joint birthday party.

13/06/2026

Some days, it's make it from scratch days...

Today, is not that day!

There is always tomorrow :D

The gluten free chicken nuggets from Coles and Mingle Seasoning tomato sauce both make me feel better about a slack day! Less nasties, still yummy.
[Not affiliated, just love em!]

12/06/2026

10/06/2026

What the ducking f*ck is... Matrescence?

Sorry not sorry about the duck, I couldn't help it!

Matrescence is a fairly new term for
an age old experience.

Simply put, it is the profound & transformative process of becoming a mother.

Much like adolescence, it is a period of intense transition that affects a woman’s entire existence...

Biologically, psychologically, socially, spiritually.

Entirely.

The Dimensions of Matrescence:

1. Body (Biological)
The physical changes are immense. Hormonal fluctuations, shifts in energy, and the physical recovery from pregnancy and birth. It is a period where the body is often "borrowed" or depleted, requiring a return to foundational, restorative habits to reclaim personal agency.

2. Mind (Psychological)
The shift from "self" to "mother" often involves a re-evaluation of purpose, values, and internal narratives. It can be a period of significant cognitive friction as the brain undergoes structural changes and the woman navigates the tension between her former autonomy
and her new responsibilities.

3. Soul (Spiritually)
This is the deepening of one’s connection to humanity, lineage, and the immediate community. It often forces a woman to confront her own upbringing and decide what "thread" she wishes to carry forward into the next generation.

4. Society (Environmental)
Societal pressures, bounce back culture, the "expectation of ease" and the lack of village-style support systems often leaves many women feeling fragmented.
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You’re probably thinking...
‘Thanks for that, but it all still feels like a cluster f**k that’s happening to me, not happening within me...’

Well from a mama whom burnt out completely three years ago before
understanding & working with the Matrescence process, I need to be frank with you...

Some [big] s**t has to change or it’ll keep happening to you, not within you.

Scroll to the end of the post for a handy checklist on where to start or comment 'Matrescence Checklist' for a copy x

PS. , and I have something exciting and accessible coming up to help address a lot of the items on the checklist.