1 in 5 mothers, 1 in 10 fathers

In the wake of her beloved Nan passing, Jami, a proud Wiradjuri Woman, waited in anticipation for the placenta burial that would connect her newborn daughter to her Ancestors and Country. Tragically, this day would never come. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Jami describes the anguish this caused and the domino effect it had on her mental health. Jami also speaks of the profound moment that made her realise everything was going to be okay. We also hear from Non-Indigenous Psychologist Chris Barnes from Gidget Foundation Australia, who emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural practices throughout the perinatal period.

Having previously experienced anxiety and depression, Rebecca enlisted the help of a psychologist as soon as she fell pregnant. But even then, the unexpected challenges of parenthood was something neither she nor her partner could fully plan for. Speaking with host Davina Smith, Rebecca shares how her picture of the perfect family was shattered by sleepless nights and breastfeeding challenges that made her question herself as a parent. Finding space to heal, forging a new identity and learning how to cope when both parents live with perinatal depression and anxiety is discussed, with Clinical Psychologist, Katie Peterson from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to discuss the realities of parenthood and how to manage them.

In this episode Millie speaks candidly about her personal experience of partnership, conception, birth and parenthood. Millie brings to light the varied challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ with humour and heartfelt openness. Miscarriage, medical stigma, and anxiety so crippling it left Millie paralysed by fear are discussed, with counsellor Amelia Walker from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to share how LGBTQIA+ parents can seek appropriate care.  

Working in the mental health space herself, Gen knew what postnatal psychosis was, but it wasn’t until she experienced paranoid delusions that she really understood first-hand what it meant. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Gen shares how a medical emergency after giving birth triggered a psychosis that saw her admitted to hospital without her baby Arlo. Building attachment throughout treatment is discussed, as well as the common misunderstandings people with postnatal psychosis face. Dr Erin Seeto also joins the conversation to discuss exactly what postnatal psychosis is, how to identify early warning signs, and how to seek help.

Moving away from the city for love was an adventure Steph was ready for, but when she fell pregnant, the isolation from family, friends and even medical services had her questioning everything. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Steph describes the challenges of readjusting to a new lifestyle and the frustrations at the lack of health care services at a time when they were most needed. Creating communities, evolving relationships and loneliness are discussed, with Psychologist Dr Erin Seeto joining the conversation to reveal exactly where and how people living regionally, rural and remote can seek help.

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Craig thought he went into parenthood prepared, but what he never expected was that it would be him asking for help. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Craig shares how he almost crumbled under the weight of being ‘superdad’, and how an average ferry ride home from work left him fearful of what he might do next. Stigma, as well as the unique challenges fathers and non-birthing partners face when becoming parents is discussed, with psychotherapist Derek Ebbs joining the conversation to reveal just how beneficial support for fathers can be.

At 22 weeks pregnant, Annabel Bower got the news no parent wants to hear; her son Miles would not make it…

Talking to host Davina Smith, Annabel reveals how grief almost consumed her and how she learnt to live with loss through sharing her story.

Contending with confusing medical jargon, adjusting to life after loss, and supporting parents through grief is discussed, with Psychologist Dr Erin Seeto from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to give insight into the impact of child loss on mental health and the unique experience parents face as they work through unimaginable pain.

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Speaking to host Davina Smith, Chelsea tells the story of an easy-going pregnancy that ultimately resulted in an admission to a mother-baby unit. Perfectionism, breastfeeding challenges, and finding purpose after trauma are discussed, with Counsellor Amelia Walker from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the discussion to unpack what PNDA is and how / when to seek help.

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