In this week's episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' I dive into a deeply personal and vulnerable topic - accepting my postpartum body. Building on the positive feedback from our episode on holding space for mothers with neurodivergent children, I felt inspired to share my journey. I break down my experiences into three phases: denial, a breaking point, and a breakthrough moment. Through sharing my struggles with imposter syndrome, body image issues post-pregnancy, and my eventual path to acceptance, I hope to offer insights and support to other mothers facing similar challenges. I reveal the importance of understanding hormonal imbalances, the impact of sleep deprivation, and the natural biological changes that come with motherhood. Additionally, I share practical tools like meditation, journaling, and scientific research that helped me shift my mindset. Join me as I openly discuss my transition from self-criticism to finding a newfound respect and acceptance for my body, all while encouraging you to embrace your own journey with love and patience. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

Welcome to another episode of Holding Space for Her. I'm Rita Pietrosanto, your host, and today we dive into a deeply personal topic that's close to my heart—holding space for the hopeful mothers-to-be. In this special episode, I share my own journey, including struggles with fertility and emotional turmoil, and the transformative power of conscious conception. Together, we'll explore methods to harmonise mind, body, and spirit, and methods to emotionally cope and spiritually connect with your future baby. Join me as I extend words of support and actionable advice to help you navigate this challenging and emotional journey. Resources: Book: How to communicate with the Baby you're meant to have; https://www.amazon.com.au/Spirit-Babies-Communicate-Child-Youre-ebook/dp/B001O1O7HQ Book: What all Spirit Babies want their Mamas to Know; https://www.amazon.com.au/What-Spirit-Babies-Their-Mamas/dp/1543289371 Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this week's episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' Jess returns to discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting as a neurodivergent mother. We dive into the overwhelming feedback from our previous conversation on mothers of neurodivergent children and segue into today's topic—supporting parents who themselves are neurodivergent or struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Jess and I share our personal experiences, the daily hurdles we face, and the coping strategies we've developed, from maintaining structure to practicing self-compassion. Our conversation reveals that while motherhood is challenging, especially with these added layers, it is crucial to seek help, share your struggles, and understand that you are not alone. This episode serves as a reminder of your unstoppable power and continuous evolution as a mother. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this heartfelt episode, host Rita Pietrosanto delves into the profound differences between traditional baby showers and Mother's Blessing Circles. Drawing from her personal experience, Rita explains the deep emotional and spiritual connections fostered in a Mother's Blessing Circle, inspired by Navajo traditions. She discusses the significance of honoring the transition into motherhood through various meaningful activities, and how this practice offers a sense of empowerment and community that baby showers often lack. Rita also shares practical insights and invites listeners to explore this enriching alternative for themselves. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

A Special Energetic Channeling for Mothers This isn’t your typical Holding Space for Her episode. It’s something entirely unique, spontaneous, and powerfully guided. A higher frequency called me to create this short but meaningful channeling, delivering a message meant for the mother who feels drawn to it—perhaps you . I don’t know who this is for, but I know it’s needed. In this brief yet potent episode, I share a message that came through with undeniable clarity and purpose, offering comfort, encouragement, and maybe even a perspective shift. If you feel called to listen, trust that this was meant for you. 💫 Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this week's episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrasano dives into the controversy and personal challenge of navigating gentle parenting. Rita shares her own experiences and internal struggles with balancing the ideals of gentle parenting—empathy, understanding, and respect—with the reality of everyday life and the pressures from both modern and old-school parenting philosophies. She advocates for a more intuitive approach she calls 'good enough parenting,' which allows space for imperfections and emotional authenticity. Rita emphasises the importance of giving oneself grace and recognising that it's okay not to meet the high standards of gentle parenting all the time, introducing the concept of using gentle parenting as a tool rather than a rigid rule. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this emotional episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' Rita discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child with one of Rita's friends, Jessica. Jessica shares her personal experience with her son's autism diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster of the process, and the isolation that can come with it. The conversation dives deep into the impact on mental health, relationships, and the importance of advocating for your child. They stress the significance of finding ways to cope, such as taking personal time for self-care, and the power of leaning on supportive friends and family. This episode aims to validate the experiences of mothers in similar situations and provide insight and comfort to those feeling overwhelmed by the journey. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' Rita discusses the intense energy and emotional triggers she experienced during one of the biggest super moons of 2024. Rita shares her struggles with her children's crying, linking it to her own childhood experiences and subconscious patterns. Through journaling and self-reflection, she uncovers deep-rooted triggers and emphasizes the importance of bringing awareness to these moments. Rita also shares coping strategies including affirmations, essential oils, and the significance of understanding and nurturing her inner child. Journal Prompts: * What thoughts come to mind immediately when my child starts to cry? How do I feel physically in these moments? * Can I recall a time in my own childhood or the past when I felt the same way I do now when my child cries? *What beliefs do I hold around how my child should behave in this moment? Am I being realistic and kind to myself and my child? * How was emotional expression handled in my family growing up? * How do i want to respond to my child tears? * What can I tell myself to regain calm and compassionate towards myself when I feel triggered? ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND: https://www.doterra.com/AU/en_AU/p/pasttense-oil Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrasano speaks with licenced clinical social worker Alex about the challenges new mothers face. They discuss Alex's initiative, Thrive After Baby, which provides support for postpartum moms. The conversation delves into issues like identity shifts, mental load, and postpartum mental health, including anxiety and intrusive thoughts. They highlight the importance of communication between partners and offer practical advice for managing the mental challenges of motherhood. Connect with Alex: https://www.thriveafterbaby.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thriveafterbaby/ Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrosanto explores the emotional complexities that come with motherhood. Rita candidly shares her personal journey of transitioning from her career to her new role as a mother, the grief over losing aspects of her pre-motherhood life, and the ensuing identity shift. She talks about the balance between personal ambitions and parenting, the changes in relationship dynamics, and the importance of maintaining a strong foundation with her partner. Emphasising self-compassion, Rita addresses common struggles, such as the confusion between matrescence and postnatal depression, and introduces a new segment encouraging mothers to share their experiences and questions. Throughout, she highlights the shared nature of these feelings, fostering community support and solidarity. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrosanto explores the pervasive issue of 'mumparisons'—the tendency of mothers to compare themselves and their children to others. Sharing personal stories and insights, Rita discusses societal pressures, unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, and the emotional turmoil that arises from these comparisons. She offers actionable strategies for overcoming 'mumparisons,' such as reducing social media exposure, cultivating self-awareness and gratitude, and finding support in a positive network. Emphasising personal growth and self-compassion, Rita encourages listeners to embrace their unique parenting journey and reach out for support if needed. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In the inaugural episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrosanto shares her heartfelt gratitude and personal journey into motherhood. Rita, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, discusses her transition to supporting mothers through the concept of matrescence — the transformational period of becoming a mother. She reflects on her experiences with social expectations, judgment, and the challenges of adapting to a new identity. With a focus on providing a non-judgmental space for mothers to express their realities, Rita aims to normalise the emotional complexities of motherhood and champion self-acceptance. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In this week's episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrosanto discusses the viral reel she posted earlier in the year that criticizes Australia's postpartum culture. She contrasts Western postpartum practices with supportive traditions from around the globe, emphasising the need for better postpartum care. Rita shares personal experiences, strategies for preparing postpartum plans, and practical tips for new mothers to create their own support systems. She concludes by encouraging mothers to prioritise their well-being and seek out resources to ensure a nurturing postpartum experience. The Postnatal Depletion Cure: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-postnatal-depletion-cure-dr-oscar-serrallach/book/9780733640322.html?msockid=29fa5a3f986269ec19904e5e99116863 Head here for your free post partum planner: https://www.ritapietrosanto.com/freeresources Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…

In the trailer episode of 'Holding Space for Her,' host Rita Pietrasano, a psychotherapist, social worker, and mother, introduces her podcast dedicated to the unspoken challenges and transformative experiences of motherhood. Rita shares her personal journey and the significant lack of support she noticed for mothers, leading to the creation of this safe space. The podcast aims to provide inspiration, validation, and understanding, covering various topics from everyday struggles to taboo subjects, all while reminding mothers that they are not alone. Learn more about Rita Pietrosanto www.ritapietrosanto.com Follow us on socials Instagram - @rita_pietrosanto Facebook - @Rita Pietrosanto If you would like to ask a question and have it answered and featured in our 'Mama Unscripted' segment on Holding Space For Her, please send me an email and ask me anything - remember no topic is taboo or off limits! There is no shame in any corner of motherhood. I would be honoured to help you unpack or process something sharing my advice and skill set mama! Alternatively, if you would just like to say hello, send me an email hello@ritapietrosanto.com…