Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of Mum Poster Syndrome, Dr Natasha Wallace, clinical psychologist and mum, dives deep into the hidden pressures behind why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly failing, even when they’re doing their best.

Drawing from both her professional experience and her own journey through overwhelm, birth trauma, and burnout, Natasha reveals the three biggest reasons working mums feel this way, and why none of them are personal failings.

You’ll hear how unrealistic societal expectations, the invisible mental load, and a chronically overwhelmed nervous system combine to leave mothers exhausted, guilty, and questioning themselves. Natasha explains how these pressures are cultural and biological, not character flaws, and how understanding that can be the first step toward self-compassion and balance.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why can’t I just get it together?”, this episode will help you see that it’s not you, it’s the impossible standards you’ve been handed.

Key Takeaways

🔑 Why working mums feel pressure to “do it all”, and why that’s impossible.

🔑 The truth about the mental load and how it drains your time, energy, and headspace.

🔑 How chronic stress keeps your body in survival mode (even when you don’t realize it).

🔑 The difference between failing and being overwhelmed.

🔑 How to start practising self-compassion and challenge impossible expectations.

Episode Chapters

🕒 00:46 – Introduction to Mumposter Syndrome

🕒 02:10 – The System is Stacked Against Working Mums

🕒 06:32 – The Invisible Weight of the Mental Load

🕒 13:05 – How Your Nervous System Keeps You Stuck in Overwhelm

🕒 19:16 – Why You’re Not Failing, You’re Overloaded

🕒21:56 – A Simple Self-Check to Challenge Unrealistic Expectations

🕒24:26 – Next Week’s Episode Preview

Free Resources

Ready for real talks and real stories?

Look up "Mumposter Syndrome" on your favorite podcast app or click the podcast apps below, and join the conversation.