As a family architect, I often encounter clients who are at different stages in their family-building journey. Some are looking to renovate their existing family structure, while others are ready to tear down old patterns and start anew. Let's explore how getting the foundations right is crucial, whether you're renovating or building from scratch.

Just as with a physical home, the foundation of your family is critical. It's what everything else is built upon. Before you can design the family you want, you need to assess your current foundation:

- What values were you raised with?

- Which of these values do you want to keep, and which no longer serve you?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current family dynamics?

For many, completely starting over isn't necessary or desirable. Instead, a thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into your family. Begin by identifying what's working well, address any cracks in your family structure, and modernise outdated systems. Sometimes, however, the old structure is beyond repair. In these cases, it's time to tear down and start fresh by clearing the rubble of past experiences, laying a new foundation based on your core values, and choosing new elements that align with your vision for the future.

Remember, building or renovating a family is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process that requires patience, flexibility, and commitment. There will be setbacks and unexpected challenges, just as there are in any construction project. The key is to stay focused on your vision and be willing to adapt as needed.

To the ambitious woman about to step into motherhood, we see your mixed emotions. The excitement is real, but so are the fears & overwhelm. You're not alone in this. 🫶

Read our open letter to YOU - the business woman on the brink of a beautiful new chapter: #ToTheMamaToBe 🤰

This one's for all the women who feel burnt out before they even begin. We've got you. 💪

Doula Philippa Scott on Birth Trauma, Healing & Positive Births on Doulas Uncensored Podcast

Mother of four, Philippa Scott, dives deep into birth trauma and its impact on pregnancy, birth, and beyond on the Doulas Uncensored Podcast. She shares her journey as a birth advocate and Doula, discussing how trauma can manifest and how to heal with techniques like TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process Therapy). Listen for insights on creating a positive birthing experience and empowering yourself (and your partner!) for a brighter future. Episode also mentions recommended books like "The Body Keeps the Score" and "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth."

In this powerful and personal essay, trauma therapist Philippa shares her experience of witnessing her neurodivergent daughter's silent struggle in a medical setting. She unveils the pervasive myth of "Absence of No Is Not Yes" in maternity care, highlighting the importance of affirmative consent and the need to honour individual communication styles. Through her own story and expertise, Philippa calls for a transformation in how we approach childbirth, empowering women to advocate for themselves and find healing through specialised therapy.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of morning sickness that affects a small percentage of pregnant women. Recent studies have found a link between HG and trauma, with women who have experienced trauma or stress in the past being more likely to develop HG during pregnancy. Trauma can lead to changes in the body's stress response system, causing constant nausea and vomiting associated with HG. It is important for healthcare providers to identify and support women at risk for HG, and therapy can help individuals manage symptoms of HG and address underlying trauma or stress.