I have been reflecting on the meaning of Mother’s Day in light of the tragic journeys that so many women face.  Miscarriage.  Stillbirth.  Losing a child.  The agonizing torment associated with assisted reproduction and infertility.  Grief.  Hopelessness.  Self-blame.  Isolation.  And for women, who have lost their own mothers.

The Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network recently launched a series of memes that are simple, supportive reminders to help mums stay grounded in what is often the highly charged, and judgement-laden environment of parenting.  Based on principles of Mindfulness, and over 15 years working with mothers and babies, Clinical psychologist, Dr Renée Miller, says that "learning to be present in the moment, developing self-compassion, and being grounded in one's own values - rather than constantly comparing oneself to others - is at the heart of these memes". From her work with new mums, Renée has distilled some of the simple reminders that women report finding most useful when facing stressful aspects of parenting.  These memes can be shared freely on social media, to support the well-being of mums, but they do not replace individualised therapy which involves deeper exploration into expectations, fears, self-narratives, tendencies, old patterns, beliefs and particular concerns.