Episode X:
It Takes a Village: Rethinking Parenthood and Research

In this conversation, Olivia and Colleen delve into topics surrounding personal growth, parenting, research in perinatal mental health, and the value of collaborative thinking. Olivia reflects on her journey through university, where she began to believe in her potential due to encouragement from a teaching assistant, and how that led to her continued academic journey. She also discusses the challenge and beauty of vulnerability, especially in the context of parenting, where support and encouragement from peers can be transformative.

They explore the emotional complexity of new parenthood and the importance of creating supportive environments for parents, emphasizing the need for community encouragement. Olivia shares insights from her work with mothers, particularly those in challenging circumstances, such as incarcerated parents, highlighting the role of positive reinforcement in boosting confidence during early parenting. 

The discussion about the evolving nature of parenting culture and the role of community encouragement presents a refreshing counterpoint to the often individualistic and expert-driven narratives in parenting advice. Ultimately, the episode offers valuable insights into how vulnerability, community support, and continuous learning intersect to foster personal growth, better parenting, and more inclusive research practices.

Important Messages

The importance of supportive parenting communities: In the context of early parenthood, having a community that encourages and uplifts one another can be essential for mental health and confidence. This is especially true for those in difficult circumstances, such as incarcerated mothers, who need reinforcement that they are capable.

Collaborative thinking: Ideas don't just come from individual efforts; collaboration and feedback play a huge role in generating new thoughts and moving ideas forward. Olivia mentions how sharing "mildly inappropriate" thoughts can spark further discussions, leading to greater openness and growth.

The complexity of parenting culture: The evolution of parenting advice and practices is ongoing, especially post-pandemic. The expert-based, evidence-driven approach sometimes overlooks the power of shared experiences and community support.

Research challenges: Olivia discusses the difficulties of securing funding for research that challenges or diverges from established norms but emphasizes the value of taking risks and being open to exploring new methodologies, even if the initial idea seems “too big.”

Resources Mentioned

• Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings: A program or resource offering training for those interested in perinatal mental health, potentially including professionals in the field.

• Impossible Parenting: Creating a new culture of mental health for parents, by Olivia Scobie

Olivia Scobie (PhD-c, MA, MSW, RSW)

Olivia is a social worker who specializes in parental mental health reproductive trauma, and provider burnout. She is the author of the book Impossible Parenting: Creating a New Culture of Mental Health for Parents and is currently completing a PhD in Health Policy and Equity. Olivia is the co-founder and executive director at Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings and co-leads the psychotherapy placement program at Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario. Most importantly, she believes in eating dessert every day, barrier free access to mental health services, and reminding parents they are doing a great job as often as possible.