WELLBEING WORKSHOPS
(Below is information that was on the Mothers Be Heard website - before Your Storyline had been concieved. For an understanding of this context see MBH The Story.)
MBH Wellbeing Workshop contributions
Overall MBH has coordinated 3 workshops in
Adelaide. The first one was pilot workshop to
gauge what topics were most relevant for mothers.
The other 2 workshops were as a result of this pilot
process. The Women's Community Centre of SA at
Stepney kindly hosted and sponsored this initiative.
Pilot Workshop
February 12th 2009
All reproduced with
permission from Anne-marie Taplin, author of 'Being
Mummy' gift/parenting book, ISBN 978 1 86254 747 6,
published by Wakefield Press, RRP $16.95.
In the 2009 consultation,
these are the reflections that the participants
noted when asked about what has changed for them
since becoming a mum:
* More emotional
* Less focussed on the
self
* More worry
* Not feeling productive or appreciated
* Constancy of domestic life
* Not being spontaneous and increased feelings of
isolation
* Pressure to be a good wife, mother, look great,
and have a clean home
* Feeling less supported by partner
* Feeling overwhelmed with workload
“So many groups focus on
the practical sides of motherhood that looking at
the meaning of it would be great. There are
many groups that look at practical tips but very few
opportunities to explore emotional changes in a
group setting. This would be very valuable.”
(Participant feedback for February 2009 pilot
workshop).
“I want to think more
about how parenting has changed my life. You
get so caught up in the day-to-day realities it’s
hard to find time/space to reflect.” (Participant
feedback for February 2009 pilot workshop).
Workshop 1
November 13th and 20th 2009
Flyer designed
by Rose Keevins Graphic Design. r_r@pacific.net.au
Workshop 2
March 20th and 27th 2010
Some of the
participants from the March 2010 workshop - (L to R)
Kinderlain with Lily,
Most participants from
both the November 2009 and the March 2010 workshops
agreed that being listened to:
* Helped them make more sense out of their journey,
and current situation
* Helped them realize that they were not alone
* Appreciate the chance to feel more connected and
validated
* Appreciate feeling emotionally supported
mobile counselling service in Adelaide