Whether we believe we are born to be a mother or learn to become them over time, does not change the rollercoaster journey that it takes us on. In episode 91 of the Health For Mzansi podcast, we chat with Dr Chanell Marthinussen, a medical doctor that hails from Bonteheuwel, Cape Town. She is currently the head of virtual care at Innohealth Technologies and finds her true passion in educating young females about their reproductive health.
Mathinussen confesses that juggling the roles of entrepreneur, medical doctor, wife and mother can take a toll on one’s physical and emotional well-being, but she wants mothers to know that having it all is possible – with help and support from your village.
She highlights the gruelling 12-24 hours that the medical sector often requires and explains that this can exert much pressure on a mother that already feels overwhelmed.
Marthinussen emphasises the importance of having your village around you, not only to support the child but also to ensure a space whereby the mother can voice how she feels and what she needs and be heard. These spaces can take the form of a support WhatsApp group or a kind gesture like offering to babysit so that mom can rest for an hour.
In the podcast, Marthinussen also discusses:
- Prioritising all aspects of life (being a good friend, daughter and wife);
- Taking care of self (mentally and spiritually);
- Dealing with mommy-guilt; and
- Understanding quality over quantity time.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
ALSO READ: Podcast: Celebrating the mothers in our lives
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