In this heartfelt solo episode, Kamo dives into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by fathers during the perinatal period. She unpacks the emotional weight many dads carry in silence, the cultural expectations that keep them from seeking help, and the quiet breakdown of connection that can happen between partners in the postpartum season. With compassion and real-life insight, Kamo explores how couples can begin to rebuild emotional closeness, recognize the signs of paternal distress, and create space for mutual healing — together.Here are some resources that dads can seek that additional support from:

• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

  • 🌐 www.sadag.org

  • 📞 24/7 Helpline: 0800 456 789

  • Offers confidential support, counseling, and mental health education. While not dad-specific, it’s a great starting point.

• Father A Nation (FAN)

  • 🌐 www.fatheranation.co.za

  • Empowers men through mentorship and emotional wellness tools — including support around fatherhood and healthy relationships.

• Mighty Men Movement (Faith-based)

  • A community of support for men navigating their roles in family, faith, and emotional health.

    Here are some downloadable apps too:

    • MindMum – Emotional wellbeing tool designed for perinatal parents (available on Apple/Google Play in some regions).

    • Woebot – AI-based mental health support with daily check-ins and mood tracking (great for dads hesitant to speak openly).

    • Fatherly – While more content-based, their site includes dad-centric mental health articles and parenting advice.

In this heartfelt episode, Kamo Nefale, your local OT, unpacks mothers' often-unseen mental and emotional weight — the invisible load. From planning meals to managing routines and anticipating everyone's needs, this silent burden can deeply affect your mental health and identity. Kamo shares practical OT-based strategies to help lighten the load, affirm your worth, and remind you: you're not alone in this rollercoaster. Plus, grab your free “Mapping Your Invisible Load” worksheet to start reclaiming your space and energy.

In this vulnerable and empowering solo episode, Kamo unpacks the often-hidden truths of postpartum mental health. From hormonal shifts to identity loss, she helps moms reframe the narrative of “brokenness” into one of becoming. If you’ve ever felt lost, numb, or overwhelmed as a new mom — this episode is a warm, honest reminder: you are not alone.

What You’ll Hear:

• The silent struggles of motherhood we don’t talk about

• How hormonal changes impact the brain and emotions postpartum

• Why your overwhelm is a sign of transformation — not failure

• A reframe to help you reconnect with your evolving identity

• 3 practical tools you can use today to support your mental health

Power Quote:

“You are not going back to who you were. That version of you served her purpose. But now… you’re becoming.”

Action Steps:

1. Name what you’re feeling.

2. Seek aligned support.

3. Reconnect with one meaningful occupation.

Resources & Connect:

• Follow Kamo on Instagram: @kamonefale

• Learn more about maternal mental health support at [yourlocalmhot@gmail.com]

• Share this episode with a mama who needs it 💛

Welcome to the very first full episode of The Mommycoaster! I’m your host, Kamo Nefale — your local occupational therapist with a special interest in maternal health and fellow mama — and today we’re unpacking what so many moms feel but rarely say out loud: this motherhood thing? It’s a wild ride.

In just 10minutes, we’ll dive into:

• Why the ups and downs of motherhood — especially postpartum — are biologically real and totally normal

• How the brain and body shift after birth, and why you’re more emotionally sensitive (no, you’re not “too much”)

• What it really means when moms say, “I don’t feel like myself anymore”

• Three real-life “rollercoaster moments” and practical OT strategies to help you regulate, reconnect, and ride the wave

This episode is part science, part story, and all heart — a permission slip to slow down, feel what you’re feeling, and remember that you were never meant to mother in isolation.

🎧 Press play, take a deep breath, and let’s ride this together.

🎙️ Trailer: Welcome to The Mommycoaster Podcast 🎢

Welcome aboard The Mommycoaster Podcast — your go-to space for real, raw, and refreshing conversations about the wild ride that is motherhood. Hosted by Kamo Nefale, a passionate Occupational Therapist with a special interest in maternal health, this podcast explores the beautiful highs, the unexpected drops, and the loops we never saw coming.

In this trailer episode, Kamo shares what inspired this podcast, what you can expect from each episode, and why it’s time we talked about more than just baby milestones. From emotional wellbeing to identity shifts, sensory overload, and reclaiming your space as a mom — nothing is off limits.

Whether you’re a new mom, seasoned mama, healthcare provider, or simply curious about the journey, The Mommycoaster is here to validate your experience, equip you with tools, and remind you that you’re not riding this rollercoaster alone.

✨ Hit follow, share with a fellow mama, and get ready to feel seen, supported, and empowered — every single week.

#TheMommycoasterPodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #YourLocalOT