New mums, support is just a stroll away:

10 reasons to come for a Walk, Talk and Coffee with me.

Walk, talk and coffee is a support service for new and new-again mums that is exactly what the name suggests – therapy in the great outdoors, with a beverage of your choice. I offer this form of therapy because I remember walking around my local park pushing my baby in her buggy and wondering what I was doing wrong… why was I finding things so hard…was there something wrong with me? Thinking that there must be, because nobody else was finding things this hard… or at least nobody else was talking about it if they were.

I now know with absolute certainty that THAT was the problem – other mums were finding things hard sometimes, because motherhood IS hard sometimes, but too often mums feel they can’t admit this, because we internalise society’s unrealistic expectations of us.

Unfortunately, sometimes on my walks I’d pass other mums and think things like “she looks like she’s managing much better than me”. Now I pass other mums walking with their buggies and I think “I hope she’s doing ok”.

And so, Walk, Talk and Coffee (WTC) was born. Here are 10 reasons WTC might be for you:

1. “I wish that had been available when I had my baby”. 

   This is the most common response I get when I tell people about WTC. So do I, and that's why I offer it. I have been where you are now. Last year I posted on Instagram about the thoughts I used to have when I was out for a walk as a new mother and alone with my thoughts, and a lovely mum I had WTC sessions with replied ‘Same park, same thoughts, and then there was you, Marci. Those talks will never be forgotten”. It means so much to me to be able to draw on those difficult days to support mums who may be feeling that way now.

2. You set the pace, both of the walk and our chat.

   I will meet you wherever you are on your postpartum journey, both physically and emotionally. We can spend as little or as much of our hour together walking, at whatever pace suits you. What we discuss will be met with compassion and without judgement, and of course will be completely confidential, just like in a regular therapy session. 

3. WTC is truly unique.

   There is no service like this available for new mothers in Dublin.  WTC is completely accessible therapy, offered to mothers by a qualified, experienced therapist and mother who experienced and overcame postpartum challenges, and is now uniquely placed to support you on your motherhood journey. 

4. Come as you are. 

   As another WTC mum said “I love how I didn't have to be put together around you”. Likewise for your baby - we will adapt our walk depending on whether your baby is cooing, sleeping, feeding, giggling or crying (although they very rarely cry on these walks - see the final point below).

5. A problem shared is a problem halved. 

   No matter what you share, it is likely that I have heard it, or something similar, from another mum - or experienced it myself. I will listen with a non-judgemental, compassionate ear. Unlike friends and family, I am completely neutral – though of course I too want the very best for you and your baby! A new baby can cause unexpected and sometimes upsetting changes to relationships with family and friends, and when you talk to me you don’t have to worry about offending me, disappointing me, or it being relayed to Aunt Mary later.

6. A change is as good as a rest. 

   WTC can offer you a new perspective - both to your surroundings and your mindset. You know when it feels like the four walls might just close in around you? WTC is the perfect antidote. Talking and walking can help your thought to flow and become unstuck, and it is very common for mums to say during our walks “I never thought of it that way before”.

7. Movement is medicine:

   HSE.ie summarises the benefits of moving your body regularly:

   • improves the quality of your sleep and your daily life 

   • reduces feelings of stress, anxiety and depression 

   • increases your energy levels 

   • boost your self-esteem

   • keep your weight at a healthy level 

   • build your muscle tone and strength 

   • add years to your life - being active can help you live well for longer 

   • reduce the risk of chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke and cancer 

     Note: For postpartum mums I always encourage thinking about movement rather than exercise, which can become another pressure and source of unrealistic expectations.

8. Allow the great outdoors to fill your cup and nurture you.

   Reap the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of time in nature, fresh air, vitamin D. (If it’s good for your baby, it’s good for you! Again, see the final point below!)

9. Find your tribe. 

   Just being out and about can help you to build a sense of connection with your community.  Also, this year I plan to arrange casual group meet-ups of participants of WTC to give you the opportunity to meet other new mums, if you wish.

10. Best for baby!  

    All of the above is as good for your baby as it is for you - fresh air, a change of scene, movement will all be of huge benefit to your baby, and especially to their sleep! And most importantly, your baby will benefit from a supported, happier mama.

Walk, Talk and Coffee (WTC) sessions are for an hour in your local park (South Dublin). I'll join you and your baby for a stroll and a coffee or other drink of your choice, and most importantly, a chat. In this blog I have outlined the many physical, mental and emotional benefits of this type of support. You deserve to experience these benefits.

Read more about Walk, Talk and Coffee here, or book your session here. I'm looking forward to walking, talking and having coffee with you and your baby.