Gemma Smith
Early parenthood social worker + speaker/ writer.
Hi I’m Gemma, a Masters qualified Accredited Social Worker and mother of two who is passionate about rapping loudly to explicit music in my car – oh, and optimising mental health in early parenthood.
My own transiton to parenthood was a bit of a sh*tshow to be honest. And it felt pretty lonely. Which is why (as someone who has in fact now survived and *gasp* even enjoyed some of my five and a bit years of parenting) I want to make sure I take every chance to help others feel less alone.
I aim to blend humour, academic theory, counselling knowledge and lived experience as a mother to share my insights and help others who are experiencing challenges in early parenthood.
My authentic and personable approach to often taboo subjects in parenthood means collaborators love to ask me the spicy questions. My professional Human Resources background as an Inclusion and Diversity specialist further assists me to answer these questions through a socio cultural, historical and ecological lens.
If you like the sound of any of the above or simply just want to hear me rap, I am available as a guest speaker (for your podcast, new parent group, childbirth education class, workplace inclusion and diversity event, workshop, panel discussion, women in business forum or similar) and for written collaborations across print and online platforms.
Questions I often speak to include:
Pre parenthood
- Is parenthood worth it/ how does someone know if they’re “ready” to be a parent?
- Is it even possible to “prepare” for parenthood outside of the random conflicting advice from everyone?
Polarising emotions in parenthood
- Why don’t some people enjoy parenthood as much as they thought they would? Why does this make us feel guilty?
- Why does reflecting on a birth/ breastfeeding journey feel sad even when people are “okay” with the outcome?
- Why is it often hard for people to be away from their baby even though they want/ enjoy a break?
- Why do people sometimes feel upset about the gender of their baby even though they are happy and grateful for them?
- Why can we feel happiness but also so much anger and guilt as parents?
Relationships
- Why do romantic relationships feel so much harder in parenthood? Have our libidos disappeared forever?
- Why don’t friendships feel the same when you become a parent?
- Why is it so hard to navigate boundaries with extended family or friends when required?
- How do people make parent friends who aren’t weird/ align with our values?
Identity
- How can people juggle individualism with the giving role of parenting without feeling selfish?
- Why do people so often “lose themsleves” in parenting? And how to we get back from that place if we do feel lost?
- Why do the changes to our bodies as birthing people impact us so much and feel so frustrating?
Parenting and family planning
- Why are babies and toddlers such unstable screamy dictators to work for?
- How can we make early years parenting easier? Because it is capital D Demanding.
- How do people know if they’re ready for an additional child in the family?
Parents at work
- How the actual F is it possible to adult, work and be a primary carer at the same time?
- How could we develop more effective workplace practices to support parental leave transitions for parent and employer
- What is the downlow on running your own business as a parent? What are the pros and cons?
Get in touch
If you’re interested in collaborating with Gemma – please email gemma@togetherpnp.com.au.
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Recent guest appearances and collaborations
October 23
Podcast guest on the ‘Perinatal stories Australia’ podcast sharing my own story of mental health challenges in the transition to parenthood.
August 23
Podcast guest on the ‘More than mothering’ podcast talking all things acknowledging the realities of early parenthood for our mental health.
July 23
Guest speaker at everyday_mums in Orion Springfield Lakes.
June 23
Facilitation of a NSW state ‘lunch and learn’ presentation via zoom for PIA employees about how employers can best support working parents, particularly in traditionally male dominated industries.
April 23
Podcast guest on the ‘Parenthood’ Pod talking all things ‘gender disappointment’ to reduce shame and increase understanding of this common experience in motherhood.
February 23
Guest speaker at three groups for ‘Mothers Connected’ in Brisbane’s south.
January 23
Podcast guest with Lucinda @readyornot.pod – Why you don’t have to love every second of mothering to love motherhood. Listen below:
December 22
Podcast guest with pelvic health physio @physiolaura – Busting the perfect mother myth. Listen below:
August – November 22
Host of two 8 week new parent groups for Nascent Wellness starting August and October on Wednesdays!
June/July 22
Guest speaking for 2x Nascent Wellness new parent groups.
Podcast guest with psychologist Lana Hall @theslowlifeprojectco – Navigating the slowness of motherhood. Listen below:
May 22
May 22
MC and panel interview facilitator – Orion Springfrield Central Mother’s Day High Tea.
April 22
Guest speaker at Nascent Wellness mother’s group in Holland Park, Brisbane.
March 22
Guest speaker at six groups (90+ women!) with Modern Mummas, mother’s group done differently.
January 22
Guest speaker at two first time mothers programs with @everydaymums in Ipswich.
Guest speaker at keeping_mum_ Kangatraining mother’s group.
February 22
Written collaboration “What I wish my partner knew: Navigating pregnancy as a team” with @wethemoode – fertility unfiltered + perinatal vitamins.
December 21
Guest on Harmony Inspired Health Podcast speaking about optimising physical and mental health. Listen below:
June 21
Guest on The Whole Woman in Business Podcast. Listen below: