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 Introduction 06:52 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 mothers 14:57 Facing the pressures of parental ‘perfection’ 17:54 Conflicting emotions like shame, anger, and guilt during motherhood 22:54 Australian data shows increased alcohol use among mothers as children age 28:57 Community is essential for enjoying parenthood 37:53 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 relax If 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 Anna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, break 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 information To 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-experiment And apply the code POD 99 to purchase for just £99 as a podcast listener For the free resources accompanying this series, please head to https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/registration If you’re loving the podcast and would like to give Anna a warm, fuzzy feeling of appreciation, then you can buy her a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/bigdrinkrethink About the host Anna: Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do. Connect with Anna: Website: ...
