12. Motherhood, creativity, identity and twins
I am delighted to have a guest of the podcast who, like me, is a twin mother!
Flora Cruft is a poet, a psychotherapist and a mother of twins. She's just released her debut book of poetry 'I am a Spider Mother' through the brilliant Mum Poem Press (a publishing house who exclusively publish work by mothers and about motherhood - how very brilliant!)
This groundbreaking book of poetry is a unique creative exploration of twin motherhood, but also of identity as a mother, transformation, vulnerability, pregnancy, infertility and IVF and also the relationship between grandmother, mother and children too. Basically the poems and themes are so relevant to all mothers.
We chat about creativity in motherhood and about writing as a vessel for this, how Flora got into poetry and how it is much more accessible than it may be perceived from the outside - especially for mothers. How the act of getting words down on paper in some way can be so cathartic as well as creative.
We discuss identity change and transition as a mother, and how it is not always easy, fun or enjoyable - and it's OK to feel that way. That it’s ok to not enjoy mothering - it can be hard, it can be boring, it can be tedious, but that doesn't mean you don't love your child. You can love your baby or children without loving all the domestic work mothering entails. But also please know that if you get to the point where you’re constantly low and feel unable to bond with your baby, or you have distressing thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, then contact your GP for professional support as soon as possible to get the support you need.
Flora also shares some of her favourite poets that inspire her, and that may inspire you too. And I was delighted she agreed to read two very beautiful poems from her book too - which are really stunning. I am sure you'll find them so moving, I really did.
And don't forget to subscribe to the For Modern Mothers Podcast for the latest conversations on all things modern motherhood.
Enjoy the episode, and as ever get in touch with any questions or feedback too. As well as ideas for future episodes that you want me to explore are always welcome too.
And if you would like to leave a review with your podcast provider that would be AMAZING, as it helps other folk get to hear it too (reviews boost all about that algorithm schizz)
Susan x
Listen to this episode:
Listen right here, or simple listen wherever you get your podcast (search For Modern Mothers Podcast). Available on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and all other good podcast apps.
Featured in this episode and show links:
Find out more about Flora Cruft at: https://floracruftpoet.wordpress.com
Find Flora on Instagram @poet.therapist.baker
And you can find out more about the brilliant Mum Poem Press, where you can give writing poetry a go with their 'The Mum Poet Club' - a writing group for parents who write poetry. And of course where you can head to pre-order Flora's book I Am A Spider Mother too: https://themumpoempress.com/collections/shop
Follow Mum Poem Press on Instagram - @themumpoempress
You can find out more about my Blank Page - Journalling For Welling online course here too: https://www.yogaformodernlife.com/online-courses
You can also listen & subscribe on podcast platform including:
Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Stitcher
And don't forget to subscribe to the For Modern Mothers Podcast for the latest conversations on all things modern motherhood, so you don’t miss an episode. (Also find the For Modern Mothers Podcast on Stitcher, Breaker, Radio Public, Overcast, Castbox and Pocket Casts)
Leaving a review
If you like what you hear and have time to leave a 5-star rating and a review, I’d be so grateful. Simply by doing this you’ll be helping my podcast reach and benefit more mothers and mothers-to-be. You can do this only on Apple Podcasts currently.
Here’s how to do that, it’s pretty easy…
PC or Mac Users
Click on the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button above.
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Note: If you’re on a PC or Android, you can download the iTunes app and leave a review there
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iPhone Users
Open up the Podcast App.
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In the search box, type in the name of the podcast - ''For Modern Mothers' Click on the correct item in the search results to be taken to the iTunes pa
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With huge thanks and gratitude.