1 in 5 mothers, 1 in 10 fathers

Going into her 31-week scan, Pieta was expecting the usual – a jelly-covered belly and the thrill of seeing her baby grow. But what started as a routine scan ended with Pieta facing one of the most challenging decisions of her life. One in 22 babies has a ‘major congenital anomaly’, and in this episode, Pieta shares her own experience navigating uncertain medical information, the mental toll of grappling with difficult decisions, and the importance of care beyond the diagnosis.

Later, Dr Golly, paediatrician and Gidget Ambassador joins host Davina Smith and Gidget Clinical Psychologist Erin Seeto for a roundtable discussion on the types and purposes of pregnancy screenings available to parents, discussing strategies to protect your mental health when navigating complex medical information. Plus, Dr. Golly shares his own experience with unexpected diagnoses, sparking a conversation around the value of sharing the mental load and finding trusted sources of truth.

Thanks to Peaches Pilates for making this episode possible. Discount code expires Sep 30th 24, available for new subscribers online. Head to peachespilates.com.

If you would like to hear more from Pieta, head to the Through the Unexpected website here.

‍

You can find Dr Golly on Instagram @drgolly, or head to his website where you’ll find sleep programs, episodes of ‘Dr Golly & the Experts’ and more.

Find support, read real stories, or become part of the Gidget collective by visiting our website, gidgetfoundation.org.au. You can also find us on instagram.

‍

After years of battling mental health struggles, Kylianne received an unexpected prescription: movement. Embracing physical activity for pure joy rather than aesthetics marked the beginning of her healing and a new career, ultimately making her business ‘Movement for Mental Health’ the largest third-party fundraiser for the Gidget Foundation. Before this incredible feat however, the onset of prolapse after the birth of her first child threatened to unravel the progress herself and her greatest mental health ally – movement – had achieved.  

In this heartfelt conversation with host Davina Smith, Kylianne shares her journey of resilience and determination to change the narrative. She reveals how helping others became a pathway to her own healing and how the overwhelming chaos she felt welcoming a second child led to her ADHD diagnosis. The discussion deepens with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Lisa Morgan from Gidget and Sally Rippin, author of 'Wild Things’ in a roundtable discussion later in the episode.

Together, they explore the complexities of parenting as a neurodivergent individual and offer strategies to create a happy home when your child also receives a diagnosis.

Find Kylianne on Instagram @kylianne_moveformentalhealth or head to her website moveformentalhealth.com to learn more about her fundraisers & workshops.

You can also find Sally on Instagram @sallyrippinauthor, or head to her website sallyrippin.comto get a copy of her book ‘Wild Things’.

When Cathy Ngo – the daughter of Vietnamese refugee’s - became a mother, the wounds of her past tore open. In a deeply moving conversation with host Davina Smith, Cathy reveals her struggle to balance her heritage with the desire to forge her own path. She bravely shares her experiences with racism, family violence, and how the birth of her son triggered a wave of depression and anxiety that, with an extraordinary amount of courage, would start her on a path to breaking the cycle of trauma she endured. Later, a roundtable discussion with artist-turned-author Amani Haydar and Gidget psychologist Roshini Varghese delves into the necessity of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. Amani also shares powerful insights from her book, "The Mother Wound," making this episode a must-listen for any parent seeking understanding and healing.

Keep up with Cathy’s journey on her Instagram @cathyngospeaks or head to her website cathyngo.com.

To hear more from Amani, head to her Instagram @amanihaydar. To get a copy of Amani’s book,  ‘The Mother Wound’ head to the Pan Macmillan website here.

‍

Throughout Alexandra (Ally) Collier’s life, the ticking of her biological clock was almost silent… until it wasn’t. By the time she heard the hands moving, her work, life, and relationship status did not align with her now deafening desire. Still, she decided to upheave her life in New York and return to Australia to pursue life as a solo parent by choice. Ali, author of the book 'Inconceivable', tells host Davina Smith about the stigma she battled and the anxieties she faced when the reality of raising a child solo dawned.

Later, Davina is joined by the mind and mum behind the Single Mothers Survival Guide podcast, Julia Hasche, and Gidget Clinical Team Lead Katie Peterson, for a roundtable discussion about the impact of separation or divorce on parents during the perinatal period. Together, they discuss how to survive the adjustment period and steps to protect your mental health when love is back on the cards.

Keep up with Ally's journey on her Instagram @alexandracollierwrites, or head to her website alexandracollier.com. To get your hands on her book ‘Inconceivable’ head to Booktopia.

‍

If it’s Julia Hasche you want to hear more from, head to her Instagram, or listen to the Single Mothers Survival Guide wherever you get your podcasts. She also had a website, singlemotherssurvivalguide.com.

‍

Silje Andersen-Cooke's jaw dropped when her OBGYN uttered the word ‘triplets’. Shock, joy, and a flood of anxieties ensued. From grappling with financial worries to fears about her body and the babies' health, Silje shares her rollercoaster journey with host Davina Smith in this raw and honest conversation. Discover how she went from shock to advocacy as Director of the Multiple Births Association, where she campaigns for better health outcomes and support for parents of multiples. Later, hear from the Head of Research at Compare Club, Kate Browne, plus Gidget Clinical Psychologist Erin Seeto in a roundtable discussion on managing financial stressors in early parenthood. Together, they discuss budgeting, handling unforeseen expenses, and finding the sweet spot between quality and cost in parenting, all without letting your wallet define your worth.

Thanks to Nourishing Bubs for making this episode possible. Discover more of their range at nourishingbubs.com or follow them on Instagram @nourishingbubs.

Keep up with Silje’s journey on her Instagram @silje.ac or learn more about the Australian Multiple Births association on their website amba.org.au.

Instagram @silje.ac or learn more about the Multiple Births Association on their website,If it’s Kate Browne you’re after, head to compareclub.com.au to learn more.

Find support, read real stories, or become part of the Gidget collective by visiting our website, gidgetfoundation.org.au. You can also find us on instagram.

‍

Ellidy Pullin’s most courageous act was becoming a mother, but that doesn’t make it easy. On sleepless nights, through the baby-blues, and even in moments of pure bliss, grief doesn’t stop. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Ellidy reveals the bittersweet moments of Minnie’s first couple of months at home, and how she learnt to balance both joy and sorrow in one hand; a task she’s still practicing today. Later, Dr Kath Whitton, Fertility Specialist, and clinical team lead at Gidget, Amelia Walker, join Davina for a roundtable discussion on protecting your mental health through the notoriously challenging process of IVF, whether you’re embarking on that journey posthumously like Ellidy did, or not. They delve into the medical intricacies of the process, explore the strains it can place on relationships, and offer strategies to safeguard oneself when the outcome falls short of expectations.

Thanks to Peaches Pilates for making this episode possible. Discount code expires Sep 30th 2024, available for new subscribers online. Head to peachespilates.com

Dr Kath Whitton can be found on her website drkathwhitton.com.au, or follow her on instagram.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍