Episode 185: Postpartum Depression, Creativity and Uncovering Your Needs in Motherhood: A Conversation with Musician Kenna Burima Part 1

The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast

In this part 1 of 2 episodes, Dr. Toni talks with musician, songwriter, teacher and writer Kenna Burima about her experience with postpartum depression as an older mom and how the creative process helped her through it. This open and frank conversation includes discussions about depression, sleep deprivation, marriage breakdown, alcohol and drug use, solo parenting, “the beast of perfectionism” and creating her latest musical project “While She Sleeps”.

Through her love of music and performing, Kenna Burima has built a career as a celebrated musician, songwriter, teacher and writer in Calgary, Alberta. As a community-minded classically trained pianist, Kenna has made her name in the Calgary music scene as a jazz-influenced solo artist, in the indie-folk band Woodpigeon and in the garage rock bands Brenda Vaqueros, The Pygmies and Beaver Squadron. She has helped create the Carol of the Belles Christmas concert and programmed Calgary’s Downtown Piano series. She was also recognized as one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015. Her third album, While She Sleeps, began as a collection of journal entries written while working through postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter. She collaborated with visual artist Bri Strong to create the While She Sleeps Illuminated Songbook and presented While She Sleeps at renowned Calgary theatre company One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo.

Kenna believes that no matter who you are; a seasoned veteran stuck on the bridge, a keen beginner needing help with chord choices, or someone who has never touched an instrument, you can express that which is inside of you through song. Private sessions with Kenna focus on creativity, personal expression and confidence building. Kenna’s 20+ years of writing, performing, and teaching songs of all kinds and genres has honed a gentle approach that will have you leaving each session with a song. But be forewarned, once the door is opened, you may not be able to shut it.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• How counseling helped Kenna uncover her unmet needs
• The 3 things that were key for Kenna’s recovery
• The creative process and focus on what you know to be true instead of what should be

You can connect with Kenna on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and through her website kennaburima.com

Today’s Mama Must-Have:

Dr. Toni is a big fan of aloe gel to apply to the skin apres sun, especially if that skin is a little red!

What’s Else is Happening?

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is happening this fall. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register

Join Dr. Lisa’s Meetup group Wild Woman Adventures Toronto if you want to get out in nature, connect with other women and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Activities include: sunrise/sunset SUP, tree-top trekking, a new moon workshop and more!

Thanks for listening!

Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.

You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

The post Episode 185: Postpartum Depression, Creativity and Uncovering Your Needs in Motherhood: A Conversation with Musician Kenna Burima Part 1 appeared first on The Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast.