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 optimising mental health in early parenthood. 

My own transition 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 even enjoyed some of my six 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 to answer 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.

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.

    Recent guest appearances and collaborations

    November 24

    Delivered oral presentation at the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) in Melbourne. After successful abstract submission of: Podcasting Perinatal Perspectives: Leveraging Lived and Professional Experience for Better Mental Health Outcomes on a Global Scale – the oral presentation focused on the relevance of podcasting for social work professional practice.

    Video recording of the conference to be uploaded once available from the AASW. Visit the conference website here.

    November 24

    Instagram live guest for fellow Social Worker/ stress & anxiety coach, Jen Parker (Real Vision Life Coaching) – talking about the mental load for people who identify as women.

    October 24

    Guest speaker/ circle facilitator for Sacred Mama Circle Series – speaking about boundaries in the perinatal period.

    September 24

    MC and event coordinator for Three Little Birds’ inaugural Perinatal and Infant Mental Health networking event. This sold out event was held for mental health clinicians in South East Queensland and featured guest speakers from perinatal/ maternal wellbeing organisations. 

    July 24

    Guest speaker at Mother’s Connected mother’s group speaking about matrescence and the huge impact the transition to parenthood has to our identity and relationships in particular.  

    April 24

    Facilitated ‘Mum Matters – Postpartum mental wellbeing’ workshop (sponsored by RACQ) 

    March 24

    Facilitated session on preparing for postpartum for parent’s to be as part of everyday mum’s baby onboarding two day workshop.

    October 23

    Podcast guest on Perinatal Stories Australia podcast – sharing my own story as well as professional insights on perinatal mental health. 

    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.

    May 22

    Podcast guest with psychologist Lana Hall @theslowlifeprojectco – Navigating the slowness of motherhood. Listen below:

    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 in early parenthood. Listen below:

    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?
      • How can we make early years parenting easier? 
      • 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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