Breeda Bermingham: ‘Midlife Women Rock’ – A Story for a New Generation of Women

Breeda Bermingham is a former practicing midwife and public health nurse who has most recently been working with women in menopause, emphasising the interconnected dimensions of this universal midlife stage. Her Master’s research has resulted in the Midlife Women Rock Project, including her recently published book of the same title. I was delighted to be asked to write a piece for the book on mindfulness, entitled “Midlife – Crisis or Opportunity?” The book, as well as her public engagements, inform and educate women to acknowledge the tremendous skill set they have developed by midlife. She encourages women to transition consciously during menopause, empowering society to change the age-old negative narrative around this life stage, reframing, and moving the dial toward an enlightened, empowered future.

Today, Breeda joins me to talk about her mission to challenge the taboo surrounding menopause and midlife. She notes the overwhelmingly negative tone of talk and literature about menopause, explaining why this needs to change. She notes the importance of self-care, and we talk about why it’s not selfish. She says that taboos come from shame, and she discusses the positive aspects of menopause. Finally, she offers three takehomes for a resilient mindset.

‘We’re only here once, and I think we should make the most of it.”
– Breeda Bermingham

This week on In the Doctor’s Chair

  • The importance of educating women about menopause
  • Challenging the negative narrative of menopause
  • The importance of self-care
  • The positive aspects of menopause
  • The interconnectedness of mind, body, heart, and spirit
  • The power of gratitude

 

Resources Mentioned

 

In the Doctor’s Chair 

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