Watch on YouTube:
Mothering Without a Mother
The grief process can be messy and unpredictable, and it can vary widely from person to person and through the different phases of life. Grief comes up in multiple, unexpected ways in the motherhood journey when you have already lost your mother. Join us to hear a personal story of motherhood and mother loss from today’s guest.
Mothering Without a Mother Show Highlights
Dr. Olivia’s personal experience of motherhood later in life after losing her mom while in her 20s
Blindsided at her son’s birth by joy, love, and grief for the loss of her mother
Feeling the paradox of motherhood joy and disorienting grief at the same time
Common feelings that come up in mothering without a mother
“Disenfranchised grief”–what it is and how it manifests itself
Feelings that can lead to postpartum anxiety and depression
Validating values through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Managing the motherhood journey without a loving, supportive mother
Dr. Olivia’s approach with clients whose mother is still alive–but there is not a healthy, supportive relationship
The importance of education and supportive resources for parents
The goal is to reduce the stigma and encourage parents and providers to reach out for support.
About Dr. Olivia Wedel
Dr. Olivia Wedel is a licensed professional counselor in Texas. After almost 17 years working in the mental health field, Dr. Olivia started her private practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and she enjoys working with students as a permanent adjunct faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at TCU. In addition to postpartum and maternal mental health counseling, she offers non-clinical perinatal support services and postpartum planning for families, psychoeducation and support for parents with children ages 1-3, and community and provider education on perinatal mental health. She is a trained facilitator for the Circle of Security Parenting Intervention Program and is a certified provider for Mother Loss Grief Training.
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Olivia Wedel: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
Tools, Skills and Hacks for New Moms
Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
Learn how breathing & grounding help reach calmness
Exercises to find peace
