In we’re joined by the powerhouse Tina Cartwright, founder of Rebranding Motherhood, to break through the sanitized and often unrealistic image of what motherhood is “supposed” to be. Tina has an inspiring perspective that blends her corporate background with the real, raw experiences of motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like motherhood is a messy, uncharted territory, you’re not alone—this conversation is for you.

Grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the reality of motherhood and the importance of reclaiming our bodies, our identities, and our power as women.

The Sanitized Image of Motherhood: What’s Missing?

We’ve all seen it—the glossy, picture-perfect imagery of motherhood. The beautiful moments with the baby, the smiling mum in her cozy home, and the serene scenes of everything “just working.” But what if that’s not the full picture?

Tina Cartwright has experienced the reality of motherhood in a way that’s not often portrayed. Her journey from the corporate world to motherhood led her to uncover the myths and sanitized portrayals that make us feel inadequate when our experiences don’t align with the perfect image society pushes. As Tina shared, motherhood is primal, and it doesn’t always look pretty.

She explains how capitalism and societal expectations have shaped our view of motherhood. From baby registries to “the perfect birth,” women are set up to believe that motherhood will unfold effortlessly, when in fact, the transition is anything but simple. And this discrepancy between the image and the reality can leave moms feeling isolated and unprepared.

The Reality of Motherhood: What No One Warns You About

One of the biggest themes Tina touched on was the intense emotional and physical transformation that happens in the first few years of motherhood, particularly in what’s called the “fourth trimester.” This phase, after the baby is born, is often left out of the sanitized narrative, leaving new moms to navigate physical pain, emotional turbulence, and a complete shift in identity without adequate support.

Tina was incredibly open about her own experience with postpartum depression and how unprepared she felt despite all the baby classes, books, and guidance. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and that every woman’s experience is valid—even if it doesn’t fit into the neat boxes society provides.

It’s also about reclaiming the narrative around what it means to be a mother. Tina shared how the image of the perfect, self-sacrificing mom has been ingrained in us, leading many to feel like failures when the reality doesn’t meet those expectations.

The Importance of Building a Support Network

So what’s the solution? Tina emphasized the importance of building a support team—and not just a few friends to lean on when times get tough. Her “homeopathic Avengers” approach involves surrounding herself with professionals like pelvic floor therapists, acupuncturists, and mental health experts who help her navigate the challenges of motherhood.

These professionals, along with emotional support from partners and family, create a system that allows mothers to thrive rather than just survive. Tina’s candid advice to mothers? Don’t wait until you’re drowning in exhaustion to seek support. Start building your support network now, and include resources like pelvic floor therapy and therapy for mental health.

Rebranding Motherhood: Changing the Conversation

One of the most impactful pieces of this conversation was Tina’s initiative to rebrand motherhood. Her goal is to disrupt the narrative around motherhood and create space for women to feel seen, heard, and supported. Tina’s work isn’t just about providing information; it’s about building a community where women can share their true experiences without judgment.

She’s creating a space where stories are shared, hard truths are spoken, and women are reminded that they are not alone. This is a community where vulnerability is embraced, and women can connect over the real challenges of motherhood, from postpartum depression to navigating new family dynamics.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Messy Journey of Motherhood

If there’s one takeaway from today’s conversation, it’s that motherhood doesn’t have to look perfect—and it’s time we stop pretending it does. Tina’s journey through the challenges of postpartum depression, body changes, and the evolving role of a mother is a powerful reminder that embracing the messiness and the chaos of motherhood is where true empowerment lies.

Whether you’re a mother or not, this episode is a beautiful invitation to reflect on how we, as a society, can offer more support, compassion, and understanding to the women who are navigating one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.

Connect with Tina

Youtube: @rebrandingmotherhood

Instagram: @rebranding.motherhood