Podcasts about postnatal anxiety

Happy Birthday to us! Our podcast, No Place Like Homb has been around for 12 months and what a year it has been! We're so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to listen, share and engage with our content. We've loved speaking with all of our incredible guests and sharing their stories and knowledge with you. In this episode hosts Larissa and Jess revisit our purpose, to educate and inform and ultimately changing the way that we think about and approach postpartum care in Australia. All While working towards achieving our vision to ensure that every mother is held so profoundly that instances of Postnatal Anxiety and depression cease to exist. Join us at the postpartum conference; https://www.wellsupportedmotherscollective.xyz/professional-conferences

In today's episode I'm chatting to Zoe as she shares her insights on loss, pregnancy and the postpartum period both as a mother and as a psychotherapist. Zoe shares her two heartbreaking experiences of miscarriage and the emotional challenges of pregnancy after loss. Aside from the understandable anxiety, her third pregnancy went smoothly. Her waters broke nearly 2 weeks after her due date but when contractions hadn't started after 24 hours, she accepted an induction to help her baby be born. Zoe talks about the anxiety and intrusive thoughts she faced postpartum and how your instincts are your greatest guide in those early weeks after your baby is born.   Zoe's website: https://zoeaston.com/ Zoe's IG: https://www.instagram.com/zoeastondotcom/    Tommy's: https://www.tommys.org/ Petals Baby Loss Counselling: https://www.petalscharity.org/ Saying Goodbye: https://www.sayinggoodbye.org/  The Worst Girl Gang Ever: https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/  Supporting friends through baby loss: https://serenalouth.com/2023/10/12/how-to-support-someone-through-pregnancy-loss/    My website: www.serenalouth.comMy IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

On today's episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we are thrilled to bring you Emily's incredible birth stories. Emily's first birth unfolds a bit differently to many of us. For a first time Mum, Emily was very prepared and very educated on the system and physiological birth, and knew exactly how she wanted to approach getting the birth she envisioned. However, that vision shifted drastically when her waters broke unexpectedly at 34 weeks pregnant, and needed to be transferred to a large tertiary hospital further from home and eventually accept a caesarean section to ensure the safety and wellbeing of her son. She talks so beautifully about how she reframed her perspective as she headed into theatre to meet her baby, and then shares with us her journey as a new mother to a premie baby. Emily knew she wanted a VBAC immediately, and she sought out the services of a privately practicing midwife for a homebirth, and you'll hear about the way she overcome the challenge to accessing this model of care with a due date near Christmas. Emily shares her experience with such openness, honesty, and vulnerability and we have no doubt there will be so much that our listeners will be able to take away from her episode. Emily wishes to thank her beautiful homebirth midwife, Leisa Gittings @leisa_homebirth_midwife and doula, Kellie Whiskin @ourdoula.com.au Please join us on our journey to bringing you all kinds of VBAC stories from across the country from here on in by subscribing and following us on social media, @australianvbacstories on Instagram and Australian VBAC Stories on Facebook.  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to rate or review, and tell your friends! If you are feeling that you might benefit from mental health support after listening to our podcast, please reach out to one of the organisations below: PANDA https://panda.org.au/ Gidget Foundation https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/ COPE Australia https://www.cope.org.au/ If you've experienced mistreatment or disrespectful care in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum and are seeking advocacy support, please contact one of the following organisations: Maternity Choices Australia https://www.maternitychoices.org/ Maternity Consumer Network https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/ Thank you for tuning in to our podcast.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Pure Mama, my absolute favourite pregnancy skincare brand (that I haven't stopped using 2 years after our second baby).In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Jess. Some of the topics we cover:Rotationplasty Amputation as a childEndometriosisEndometriosis removal surgeryMiscarriage in first pregnancyHeavy bleeding with pregnancy lossAnxiety in pregnancy after lossTTC journeyOBGYN careNIPTAntenatal course: NestHypnobirthing Course: Your Birth ProjectBook: Expecting BetterStretch and SweepSpontaneous labourTens MachineEpiduralEmergency C-sectionBirthcareBreastfeeding challenges/supply challengesBreast reductionPostnatal Anxiety - Todd (Dad)Jess recommended these products as part of her pregnancy / postpartum journey:Pure Mama Magnesium RubPhloe + LaxativesMammas Milk Bar ElectrolytesYour Birth ProjectLove to Dream Swaddles Find Jess on social media: Instagram @jessicaemilyquinn Tiktok: @jessicaemilyquinnPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing CourseFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the eighth episode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Laura, a mum of three boys, James, Reuben, and Luca. Laura shares openly and beautifully about the loss of her son, James, who passed at 8 weeks of age due to a rare genetic mutation. Laura's is a story of resilience, courage, and a deep, deep love for all of her children. “Every year, around 110,000 Australians have a miscarriage. 2,200 more endure the pain of stillbirth, 600 lose their baby in the first 28 days after birth and many more face the grief of termination for medical reasons. October is a time for Australia to break the silence and acknowledge the heartbreak happening too often right now.”

In this deeply insightful and empathetic episode, we shine a light on the often-unspoken challenges faced by mothers during the postnatal and perinatal periods.  We invite you to join us as we have this hard conversation to better understand the world of postnatal and perinatal anxiety and mental health & maybe this will connect with you in one way or another. Pregnancy and childbirth bring profound changes to a woman's life, both physically and emotionally. However, the hormonal and emotional shifts that come with motherhood can sometimes lead to anxiety and other mental health struggles that are frequently overlooked.Steph unpacks her birth trauma and how much she struggled, unfortunately in silence. This episode is a testament to the strength of mothers and their journey toward mental well-being, and it aims to inspire open conversations, break the stigma, and create a supportive community for those who need it the most.

Michael Brunelli has lived with anxiety for a long time, but when he became a father it got much worse.   This week, MAFS duo Michael and Martha talk to Dr Golly about how this anxiety has at times come between them, how it has affected the way he fathers and why Michael says he is unlikely to get professional help.  LINKS Martha's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marthaa__k/Michael's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mbrunelli/ SMS 4 Dad's https://www.sms4dads.com.au/  SMS 4 Dad's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pandanational PANDA https://panda.org.au/get-support/support-dadsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we are joined by Leonie Akhidenor (she/her) from Parenthood pod. Leonie and her husband are parents to two boys, aged 4 and 3. During her pregnancies and postpartum periods, Leonie experienced both pre and postnatal depression and anxiety. She discusses the impact of these experiences on her motherhood journey and how they motivated her to start her own podcast. Over the years, Leonie has evolved into a relationship coach, addressing pressing questions and concerns for couples and single parents. Additionally, she is involved in property development and works part-time as a model. Our conversation covers the intricate balancing act of Leonie's multifaceted roles, how she manages her commitments, including prioritising her own relationship. Delving into listener-submitted inquiries, we explore the following topics: Addressing the imbalance in household chores and parenting responsibilities between partners with differing expectations. Navigating feelings of resentment as a stay-at-home mother towards a working husband, and strategies for fostering a fair and balanced partnership. Being a single parent reentering the dating scene, and focusing on steps to ensure a sense of security and comfort for their children when introducing a new partner. Dealing with the challenge of feeling emotionally drained from constant child interaction and seeking advice on maintaining intimacy with a partner. Resolving tensions stemming from differing parenting styles between partners, emphasising methods to establish common ground while respecting each other's viewpoints. Join us for a factual and insightful exploration of these vital parenting and relationship topics. You can find Leonie's podcast Parenthood on any podcast platform. You can find her instagram ⁠@parenthoodpod.  You can follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases. The Definitely Baby theme music was written by Hagan Mathews and produced at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sleeplessfootscray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠@maki.levine⁠. This episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri Wilam and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. This always was and always will be the land of the First Nations peoples. Every month, I Pay The Rent and so can you - click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more.

CW: Postnatal Anxiety, OCD, Intrusive Thoughts In this episode, we're joined by Amy (she/her). Amy and her husband, Andy, have a blended family with four children. While three of the children are Amy's stepchildren from Andy's previous relationships, they recently welcomed their daughter, Lola, who is now 14 months old. Amy's experience as a mother has been shaped by the challenges of Lola's health. Lola was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at six weeks old, which required her to wear a Pavlik Harness from nine weeks until 6.5 months. This brought about difficulties in feeding and bathing her, and regular check-ups were necessary. Additionally, Lola experienced delays in her motor skills development, such as rolling, crawling, and walking. Amy emphasises the importance of raising awareness about hip dysplasia and wishes there had been more information available to parents. The stress of Lola's condition, along with disrupted sleep and restlessness, contributed to Amy's anxiety. Balancing the responsibilities of being a new mother and a step-parent to three other children, she began feeling overwhelmed and pressured to manage household tasks, placing a lot of self-imposed pressure on herself. While her husband, Andy, reassured her that she didn't need to do everything, Amy struggled with her own anxieties and feelings of responsibility. Recognising the need for support, Amy self-admitted herself to a Mother Baby Unit when Lola was eight months old. The break provided relief, and the nurses helped Amy identify her symptoms of OCD and intrusive thoughts related to Lola. After her stay at the Mother Baby Unit, Amy emerged feeling more relaxed and better equipped to manage her thoughts. While challenges still arise, Amy has developed tools to rationalise them and cope with the accompanying stress. Amy also shares her experience with building a support network. As her local parents' group didn't align with her needs, Amy and a friend from work formed their own mothers' group, including other mothers and even reconnecting with an old housemate who also had a baby. She reflects on the regret of allowing many people to visit during the early weeks and expresses a desire to go back in time to savour those precious moments with Andy and the children. Furthermore, Amy discusses her transition back to nursing work, highlighting the change in perspective she has gained. While she used to thrive in the fast-paced nursing environment, she now realises the importance of family and cherishing time with her young children. Currently working in the cardiovascular unit, which offers a more family-friendly schedule and a close-knit atmosphere. Amy also shares her experiences with Lola's transition to daycare. Amy addresses the changes in her relationship with Andy, acknowledging their enduring strength but limited opportunities to connect. Since Lola's birth, they have not been on a date, as it is challenging for Amy to let go and trust someone else to care for their daughter besides Andy or daycare. I highly encourage you to visit these resources if the topics discussed in this episode bring anything up for you: COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cope.org.au/⁠⁠⁠ Beyond Blue: ⁠⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au⁠⁠ PANDA: ⁠⁠https://panda.org.au/⁠⁠ Lifeline: ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠ Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@growingupraisinguspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases. The Definitely Baby theme music was written by Hagan Mathews and produced at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sleeplessfootscray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode was recorded on the lands of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People and Wurundjeri Wilam and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. This always was and always will be the land of the First Nations peoples. Every month, I Pay The Rent and so can you - click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more.

Helloooo lovely friends, it's been a while between episodes but oh my gosh does it feel GOOD to be back recording. I just didn't have the capacity with moving house and setting up a recording space, we also didn't have internet for about a month there. BUT I was SO excited to get back behind the mic to record today's episode and chatting with people on here lights a fire in my belly. I have a few more episodes lined up and I'll probably take a short break when I have this second little babe in mid-July, but also - maybe I won't because I really love chatting with you all! We will see how we go anyway.  On today's podcast I chat with the lovely Amy from Mamahood Wellbeing - she is over @mamahoodwellbeing on Instagram if you want to give her a follow & check out the epic work she does supporting mothers. She is a Holistic Nutrition coach and a student Naturopath and in today's episode she shares her experience with birth and postpartum with her two boys who are 13 months apart. We also speak about bedsharing - and a horrible situation Amy encountered in her years as a police officer, birth trauma and post-natal anxiety. I'm so thankful for Amy's openness, vulnerability, and honesty with our chat today that I hope it helps anyone who's experienced a traumatic birth and/or post natal anxiety in their postpartum.   I also want to say thank you to everyone who has continued to listen to the podcast while I've taken some time off recording and to support me over on my Instagram account. I've recently changed my account name, it's now @aimeemaxwell_ but I am still sharing the same postpartum-related content, just with a splash more personal content too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first study on pregnant women's brains was published in 2017. While the research may be new, it's also profound; pregnancy prompts the greatest structural brain change in response to any life experience which can help you better understand yourself in the fourth trimester and early postpartum. In this episode, I chat to neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay, who explains how the new mother's brain goes into a state of plasticity which makes it very easy to learn. She also discusses changes to the non-birthing parents brain, oestrogen as a cognitive enhancer and the importance of prescribing sleep. It's time to let go of the derogatory colloquial term baby brain so we can be empowered by the brain changes after birth. Learn more .  

Happy Easter to all my amazing Middee Listeners! I'd love your support to help this podcast grow - If you could spare 30 seconds to rate or leave a review of this podcast it will help me continue to support other parents out there :) In today's episode I speak with Mum & Dad, Beth & Corey about their rollercoaster journey into parenthood. After a quick conception journey Beth found herself reading, listening and researching everything & anything she could to prepare for labour + birth. Beth & Corey talk us through some of the challenges that came with their pregnancy journey including a high risk scan for down syndrome at 12 weeks and discussions about postdates induction & the mental burden this placed on them. After going into spontaneous labour Beth shares with us her positive birthing experience where Corey discusses some of the challenges that come with being a support person. Although they thought they had prepared for postpartum it wasn't until they settled in at home that some of the real struggles of becoming new parents started to show which took a real physical and mental toll on both of them. From sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety & adjusting to parenthood Beth & Corey highlight some of the challenges that many new parents face. Please welcome Beth & Corey. If you loved what you heard and want to stay up to date with the latest interviews and midwifery education please hit the subscribe button and leave a 5 star review. If you wish to share your pregnancy and motherhood experience you can get in touch with me by emailing hello@themiddeesociety.com.au and find us on instagram at @themiddeesociety or @monique_maitland. It is important to note that the topics discussed in this episode are not advice but rather education. If you have any concerns regarding your own pregnancy please seek medical advice from your own healthcare provider.

In this episode we discuss factors that increase your risk of postnatal anxiety and what you can do to prevent and treat this condition that affects 1 in 5 mothers

In this next episode I share my chat with Emma who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son. I vividly remember received Emmas email last year, she told me she suffered with PNA & PND but was ok the road to recovery. Although Emma was in a good place at the time she wasn't aware of how tough the following months would be.Emma was diagnosed with gestational diabetes but managed this with both diet and exercise. She then talks me through her induction and the birth of her son. She admits she didn't feel the rush of love that is spoken about so much but in reality not always felt.I truly appreciate how far Emma brought us into the depts of her depression. I think this honesty is so powerful as I know she isn't alone in her experience. I do want to highlight she shares feeling suicidal thoughts at the height of her depression.As Emma said ‘if anyone is listening, you are worth trying to get better for, always!'  Become a supporter at https://plus.acast.com/s/irelands-birth-stories. https://plus.acast.com/s/irelands-birth-stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are interested in tapping into your spiritual side, learning from your difficult times and connecting to your intuition, then this episode should feel like a warm hug! This conversation with my beautiful friend and energy worker Ashlee discusses her own story of becoming unwell after her second daughter was born, how she used that time to reprioritise her life, reconnect with her intuition and spiritual side, and become more herself than ever. In this episode we discuss protecting your energy, spiritual signs and synchronicities, the upcoming energetic themes of 2023, caring less what other people think, tips to manage your relationship with social media, and so much more. If you would like to hear Ashlee's story of postpartum thyroiditis you can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000564441438 or the episode on Postnatal Anxiety here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000585204411 I hope you all enjoy xx  

In this week's episode I talk with Joy about her experience with multiple missed miscarriages/pregnancy losses, how she navigated pregnancy after loss, the strategies she tried to help navigate life with a wakeful baby, and the development of her postnatal anxiety. This is a really beautiful episode and covers a broad spectrum of topics; the changing nature of relationships during this time, developing inner strength and intuition, putting healthy boundaries in place, and learning to honour yourself. If you loved this episode make sure you hit the follow button on whichever podcast app you listen from, share the episode with a friend or come and find me on instagram over at https://www.instagram.com/storiesofwomenshealth/  

In episode 361 Alicia explains the overwhelm of not knowing where to go for information or guidance when she first discovered she was pregnant. She opted for midwifery care in the public hospital system and despite her fears around labour and birth, she laboured at home and in the hospital using breathing and sound practises and subsequently experienced a low-intervention birth. Shortly after her baby girl was born Alicia had a postpartum haemorrhage and she admits she still feels traumatised from the experience. She is very honest about her anxiety and overwhelm in the fourth trimester and the way it has affected her transition into motherhood.  Only a few weeks left until my new book, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, is published. It covers everything you need as you journey through pregnancy and prepare for a positive birth experience. --> Pre-order it  now.

In this episode I catch up with Sophie, Ashlee, Abbi and Heidi and find out how they are going now. How their Postnatal Anxiety felt at its worst, what things helped the most along the way, how it felt to talk publicly about their experience with Postnatal Anxiety and so much more. I loved checking in with these past guests, and I hope you all enjoy the episode. If this conversation brings up anything for you, please contact PANDA on 1300 726 306. Links below for each guests story, if you haven't listened yet Sophie's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000556129265 Ashlee's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000564441438 Abbi's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000570232301 Heidi's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000561479089  

For a lot of new mums, it can be extremely daunting dealing with everything that comes with parenthood, and on top of that seeing every other mum on Instagram seemingly cope just fine can add pressure and strip our confidence.   Ash Pollard wants to cut the crap! She's got two kids under two, so has been through it all! She very generously bares all in this episode of KICBUMP, sharing the hardships she's faced in her personal experience, and removing the stigma attached to postnatal depression and anxiety.   If you are suffering from postnatal depression or anxiety please reach out to the PANDA National helpline on 1300 726 306 or visit www.panda.org.au   SPECIAL GUEST Australian cook, author, TV & radio personality Ash PollardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with the beautiful Abbi, who talks about her experience with Postnatal Anxiety. Abbi attempted a VBAC with her son Banjo, that ended in the rare event of uterine rupture and subsequent Caesarean section. Abbi talks so beautifully and openly about her development of anxiety after this event, how it progressed, and how she eventually went on to take medications under the supervision of her GP to great effect. Abbi is a Doula, you can find her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ap.birthcollective/ I hope you all enjoy xxx

Gemma shares her experience with uterus didelphys; she has two uteruses, two cervix' and a vaginal septum. Most women with her condition have caesarean births before full term because it's common for their babies to have growth restriction or present breech and there's often doubts about how the uterus will contract and whether the cervix will dilate. In both pregnancies Gemma had planned caesareans at 37 weeks because her amniotic fluid levels were low. She talks at length about her breastfeeding challenges and successes as well as her postnatal anxiety.

 Andrea opens up about so many aspects of pregnancy and parenthood that often go undiscussed and she does so with such eloquence you could listen to her all day. She's in a same-sex relationship so as well as sharing her IVF fertility journey she discusses the often dated language and expectations that sometimes still exist in contemporary maternity care. Her anxiety fuelled persistent concerns about her babies' movements in both pregnancies and was a contributing factor to her choice to be induced both times. She also shares her experience with breast hypoplasia (insufficient breast tissue) and the stigma surrounding bottle feeding that weighed so heavily on her in postpartum.

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, yet the topic is still considered taboo.This week Steph chats to Jessica Urlichs, a beautiful mum of 2 (soon to be 3) author and passionate spokesperson for perinatal mental health.Jess very kindly speaks to her personal experience with postnatal anxiety, the tips that got her through her hardest days and advice on supporting loved ones going through this.If you are suffering from postnatal anxiety or depression please reach out to the PANDA National helpline on 1300 726 306 or visit www.panda.org.au SPECIAL GUESTJessica Urlichs  KIC WINTER OFFER  $25 for 3 months when you sign up via www.keepitcleaner.com 

Content Warning: Birth trauma, postnatal depression and anxiety, mention of suicidal thoughts, breastfeeding trauma and eating disorders.Today is part 1 of my interview with Vikki Stephenson, host of Blum Mumdays Podcast and mum to Stanley! Vikki shares her story with postnatal depression and anxiety, following a traumatic birth in such an authentic and vulnerable way that I know so many people will relate to. Vikki discusses her birth story, her symptoms and struggles with nursing and post trauma symptoms. Vikki is now a passionate advocate of perinatal mental health and is on a mission to help parents feel less alone through her podcast series Blue MumDays. Its purpose is to help other mums and dads better understand their illness and give them the hope that they will make a full recovery. It gives a voice to the lived experience of real sufferers who have reached the other side, and – through interviews with experts - will signpost mums, dads, their partners and friends to help and support that may be hard to find. Blue Mumdays dispels myths, normalizes the conversation and smashes stigma of perinatal illness. It offers a safe space, encourages self-compassion and uplifts with frank – and sometimes funny – conversations around all things perinatal. Highlights:6:00 - Vikki's why for starting her podcast11:15 - First signs of PND14:19 - Birth Trauma, not being support or validated16:56 - Racism and the impacts on birth trauma19:15 – Sharing with Stanley about PND, The bond with your child, impacts on the family 23:05 - Being aware of our symptoms, recovery isn't linear, 27:03 - Concerns about medication, stigma35:15 - Vikki's birth story, birth trauma 43:50 - Childhood abuse, impact on birth48:25 - Having an advocate51:55 - Stigma around different ways of giving birth and pain management55:00 - The impact of birth trauma on Vikki's parenting experience, anxiety being so present and doubting your parenting abilities, not trusting ourselves, trauma responseResources: Check out the Blue Mumdays podcast wherever you get your podcast or here https://bluemumdays.captivate.fm/ Instagram @bluemumdaysEmail: bluemumdays@gmail.comLINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikki-stephenson-creative VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/vikkistephenson You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.caIf you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online. Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com .  

Join us on @StretchMarksPodcast on Instagram to get involved with our polls and questions. This week on SM we are talking all things postnatal anxiety. Caroline shares her experience - it was intense, while Sinead offers insight into what needs to happen in order for mothers to feel more supported and prepared for their postpartum mental health journey. We are also joined here by special guest Jessica Urlichs, one of our favourite poets and writers on the subject of motherhood, with whom Caroline recorded over on her podcast Owning It. Listen to the full episode on Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey friend! This was an episode God placed on my heart. Today I share my story with anxiety and depression because I know it is a conversation we need to have! If you needed to hear this then I really hope this blesses you! Love and light SJ x Want to Work with me? ⬇️⬇️ The Productive Mum Weight Loss Framework You will learn how to make the time for your health and fitness goals as well as a nutrition and fitness framework that works with your body and fits around your family. You will walk away with an action plan to take daily steps to achieve your weight loss goals PLUS my Bonus Cycle syncing 101 course and a bi-weekly Q&A check in via zoom for accountability and an awesome community of like minded women! Grab your spot here: https://bit.ly/weightlossframework  Any questions please email me at theproductivemum@gmail.com  My online workouts can be found here: Online Workouts and Macro containers   Free Facebook Group - Come and join us! https://bit.ly/PMFBG My favourite products can be found here: Online workouts and the coloured containers are here: Online Workouts and Macro containers Pre-Workout and Daily chocolate protein is here: Pre-workout and Protein link

We are lucky enough to be joined by the beautiful and generous Sophie who shares her experience with Postnatal Anxiety.  Trigger warning: this episode mentions late termination of pregnancy along with the diagnosis of a child with a genetic condition. If this episode brings up any concerns for you please contact: PANDA on 1300 726 306, or lifeline on 13 11 14. Enjoy xxx

It's estimated that one million Australians have an eating disorder with pregnancy and postpartum being high risk times for both the re-emergence or beginning of disordered eating habits. In today's episode I chat to Olivia about how her history of disordered eating affected her pregnancy and postpartum experience, particularly the way she handled the drastic changes to her body after birth and the effects of social media on her mindset. She bravely shares her story which includes initial challenges to conceive (thanks in part to PCOS and endometriosis) and a positive induction and epidural experience. Consider this one a must listen!

We discuss postnatal anxiety, specifically the measurement of anxiety after birth. In practice we are often using generic anxiety measures which are simply just not appropriate for use in this specific period of a parent's life. Listen in to learn more about the scale, how it can be used and how you might be able to incorporate it in your clinical practice. As ever, we love to hear from you. Get in touch with comments or suggestions at iamahealthvisitor@gmail.com If you would like to use the PSAS in your practice or you would like to be involved with her stakeholder engagement research then Vicky would love to hear from you! Email her at vfallon@liverpool.ac.uk. Resources and Further Reading: Dr Vicky Fallon - other relevant publications mentioned in the episode: 1. A feasibility trial of a single session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to reduce fear of childbirth in first time mums. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08870446.2021.2024190 2. Challenges and opportunities for child health services in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02646838.2021.1890422 THE POSTPARTUM SPECIFIC ANXIETY SCALE - Research Background: Parent Infant Foundation Briefing Paper: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sergio-Silverio-2/publication/351736241_The_Postpartum_Specific_Anxiety_Scale_PSAS_Briefing_Paper/links/60a6c586299bf1031fbe1378/The-Postpartum-Specific-Anxiety-Scale-PSAS-Briefing-Paper.pdf Validation study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-016-0658-9 Short form validation: Creation and validation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33900462/ Childbearing specific validation - predicts infant feeding outcomes: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-017-0775-0

Welcome to Women's Circle and a big thank you for tuning in wherever you are today. I am speaking to Cassandra Leigh today, a woman who has literally experienced it all when it comes to pregnancy. Cass had always felt a strong desire to be a mother and yet, it would take a journey at 17 years old with a pregnancy termination followed by a miscarriage, a stillborn baby and finally the beautiful arrival of her much wanted son, Magni at the age of 30.Cass is determined to use her experience to support other women to have really supported and calm birth experiences. This is another inspiring chat with a powerful woman and I am so grateful to share this story with you today.We will be discussing:Pregnancy TerminationMiscarriageStillbirthGriefDepressionHealingPTSDBeautiful birth after traumaBirth CareIf any of these topics bring up anything for you, please take space and find some helpful links below.PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australiahttps://www.panda.org.au/ Peachtree Perinatal Wellnesshttps://peachtree.org.au/ Lifeline13 11 14Welcoming you to the space.Love, CarlieFounder, Mumma Got Skillswww.mummagotskills.com.auInstagram: @mummagotskillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummagotskillsConnect with CassInstagram: @mammacass_withwoman

Welcome beautiful people, it is so lovely to have you here again today on Women's Circle. My name is Carlie, I am the founder of Mumma Got Skills and I am bringing you the real stories of women in our community. Today I am speaking with children's author and artist, Gwendolyn Gray. Gwen has lived and painted at her home by Horseshoe Lagoon in Casino, NSW for the past 35 years. Watching the daily antics of the local waterfowl on the lagoon and inspired by Beatrix Potter helped Gwendolyn to write a series about a little duckling and his adventures. Gwen is married to a local farmer and has two grown children.She loves her home town and the local community in which she has become well-known even receiving a nomination for Citizen of the Year and also awarded Clarence Electorate Woman of the Year.We will be discussing:Death of Gwen's father leading to childhood anxietyArt as a coping mechanismLosing Gwen's mother at 22 compounding the unresolved griefHelicopter parenting as an unconscious coping mechanism The literal ‘breakthrough' to healingGetting to know yourself is so important before you have a babyThe power of the women's group for bonding and supportFinding safety in a group giving space to look deeply at yourselfThe victim mentality as a false story that blocks lightThe stories we hear impact us even in utero - what we think and say is energy!Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) as a tool for releasing painOur children are our healersThe process of personal growth and healing through motherhoodRecognising our childhood triggers through our reactions to our childrenChanging your relationships by doing you inner workTransformation of Gwen's art through the healing processGratefulness Practice leading to big thingsThe birth of ‘Bucket the Naughty Duckling'The compounding stress of new motherhoodWelcoming you to the space.Love, CarlieFounder, Mumma Got Skillswww.mummagotskills.com.auMumma Mentor: Instagram: @mummagotskillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummagotskillsConnect with Gwenhttps://www.gwendolyngrayart.com/Bucket the Naughty Ducklinghttps://inhousebookstore.com.au/search?q=Gwendolyn+GrayOther Books/ Resources Radical Forgiveness -Colin TippingYou Can Heal Yourself - Louise Hay

In this episode I speak with multifaceted mom, wife, accountant, and ADHD life coach Tina Mathams! Oh, and did I mention she's a podcast host as well? Well, now you know! Keep listening to find out how she creates workarounds and strategies for adults with ADHD to help manage and cope with their symptoms. And we also dive into parenting with ADHD and how ADHDers are very prone to postnatal anxiety and how to cope with it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome to season 2 of Women's Circle, my name is Carlie and I am so grateful to have you here today as we discuss real Australian women and their journey's to motherhood and beyond. Today we are speaking to Ellie D as a follow-up from her pregnancy journey now 3 months ago. You can check out our first chat on episode 11. Ellie D is a successful web radio producer, podcaster, creative and all round amazing woman who is now a mother to twin girls and a 2 year old boy.Ellie is back to recap on the journey since the birth of her twin girls at 32 weeks after 87 nights in hospital with twin to twin transfusion syndrome. They then spent a further 5.5 weeks post birth in NICU.I can tell you that this chat is raw and real as much as it is beautifully honest. Ellie is candid about her very present struggle with her new reality and all that it is bringing up within her to be healed.**Please note that there are themes of post natal anxiety and depression, trauma and ptsd related to pregnancy. If any of these bring up anything within you, please find some helpful links below and seek support immediately. PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australiahttps://www.panda.org.au/ Peachtree Perinatal Wellnesshttps://peachtree.org.au/ Lifeline13 11 14  We will be discussing:The arrival of twin girls Aftercare in hospital and transition to homelifeAccepting a new realityStruggling to connect with childrenDoing the inner workSitting with uncomfortable feelingsFeeling isolatedDark Night of the SoulAnswering the call of the Hero's JourneyFinding the tiny moments of lightA universal guideLearning to trust yourselfCreativity as an outletChildhood wounding and emotionsCommitment to working through the ‘hard stuff'Welcoming you to the space. Love, CarlieFounder, Mumma Got Skillswww.mummagotskills.com.auInstagram: @mummagotskillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummagotskills Resources and Links:Spiritual Madness, Caroline MyssMama Rising, Amy Taylor KabbazEveryday Creative, Mykel DixonEllie's Radio ProgramOz Now Radiohttps://www.elliedofficial.com/

Welcome to Women's Circle, my name is Carlie and as always, it is a pleasure to have you here today. In this episode I am speaking with Ionie Valdez, a talented Shaman, Sound and Sensuality healer who in her own words, is ‘passionate about supporting people in uncovering and discovering the truth of who they are'. Ionie is a mother of a three year old daughter and has an incredible story of resilience through antenatal anxiety, depression and PTSD. This is one powerful chat- there is a level of shared experience that Ionie and I discuss that drives us to support other women.This is a sacred conversation that involves some pretty heavy (but completely necessary) topics. As always, if anything comes up for you, please find helpful links below and seek support.We will be discussing:Antenatal DepressionGrowing up in spiritual familySexual abuse in a relationshipDissociation from body after traumaBoundaries around our body with partnersSafety around having difficult conversationsSelf-respect as a foundation to any relationshipThe crucial words of support and action needed in depression‘It's okay to not feel okay'Parenting Energy Systems…we got sidetrackedPlant Medicine as a healerFinding immense light and love through the darknessLetting go of fear is the key to all growthStop making excuses around not having enough timeCalling out our Saboteur How Ionie works with men and women as a healerIonie is holding an Elemental Embodiment Retreat February 11th-14th in the Gold Coast Hinterland. If you feel called to journey with Ionie and her team of light workers over three days, you will experience a life changing experience. You can find more information on her website www.mystickey.com.au - link in notes.Thank you for sharing the space with us today, there is so much to this life journey and I am so grateful to listen to and share the many different ways that women experience it. I hope you can join us next week for another unique story. If you feel called to share yours, get in touch at www.mummagotskills.com.au.Welcoming you to the space.Love, CarlieFounder, Mumma Got Skillswww.mummagotskills.com.auInstagram: @mummagotskillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummagotskillsResources and Links:Ionie Valdezhttps://www.mystickey.com.au/https://www.mystickey.com.au/retreatsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/themystickeyCaroline Myss - The Saboteur https://www.myss.com/archetypes-in-depth-the-saboteur/

This week we touched on postnatal anxiety, such a common thing to experience but so little spoken about. Perhaps its the shame we feel? the fear of being judged? the expectation of feeling and looking like we have everything sorted and under control? Of fear of our little ones being taken away. We spoke to Naomi Buffery a coach serving women tips and advice on how to look after herself and mindset in order to help juggle these feelings and emotions, a way to help aid all women. Enjoy. @maternalmentalhealthcoach www.naomibuffery.com

With 1 in 10 dads suffering after the birth of their baby, Elliott Rae of 'Music, Football, Fatherhood' talks about his PTSD, following the traumatic birth of his daughter. Elliott went on to found MFF (the "Dad's version of Mumsnet") to change the narrative on what it means to be a father. He has gone on to become one of the UK's most prominent speakers on fatherhood, masculinity and mental health. Despite the serious subject matter, it was an incredibly inspiring, joyful and profound conversation. By chance, this episode was recorded on World Suicide Prevention Day, 2021. *TRIGGER WARNING: BIRTH TRAUMA, SUICIDE RATES*IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:[00:40] Introduction to Elliott Rae[02:11] The stigma of postnatal illness in fathers[03:08] Elliott before fatherhood - from playing bass in a band to youth and D&I work[05:55] The pregnancy and discovering his wife had Group B Strep [09:00] The birth - from calm beginnings to concerns for their daughter[11:50] Shock - like an outer body experience [12:23] Elliott's dilemma - should he follow his daughter to intensive care or stay with his wife? [12:51] Snapping out of his daze - "Fatherhood started there and then"[13:39] Feelings of helplessness and not feeling prepared [17:52] Further complications - the need for an emergency MRI scan[21:03] Coming home from the hospital[21:49] Elliott's wife diagnosed with Postnatal Anxiety [24:22] Realising he needed help too[25:01] Reliving events - how their daughter's severe wheat allergy triggered PTSD[26:56] Not functioning at work - "I couldn't even say hello"[28:20] Societal pressure - 'Boys don't cry'[32:01] Writing about his experiences and getting diagnosed with PTSD[34:13] 'Dad' the book[37:29] Rethinking the role of fatherhood[42:40] How to connect with Elliott and access support via MFFKEY TAKEAWAYS:New dads can suffer from postnatal depression too - the number of men who become depressed in the first year after becoming a dad is double that of the general population. First time dads are particularly vulnerable. 1 in 10 dads-to-be will also become depressed during their partner's pregnancy. (NCT)Around 25% of women carry Group B Strep (GBS) bacteria during pregnancy, yet it is not routinely tested in the UK. You can find out more information here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/group-b-strep/It's helpful to prepare for the fact that your birth might not go according to plan.Very sadly 3 out of 4 suicides are carried out by men - it is the leading cause of death of men under 50, so there is a clearly an urgent need for greater support for fathers.http://musicfootballfatherhood.com/ is there to open up the conversation around fatherhood in a safe space.You can keep up with Elliott and buy copies of MFF's book 'Dad' here: https://linktr.ee/musicfootballfatherhoodhttps://www.markwilliamsfmh.co.uk/ is a pioneer on paternal mental health and PND. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate and subscribe. It...

Today, Tom speaks to Niki Brazier, about a variety of mental health challenges. In particular, they touch on postnatal anxiety, body image challenges, and intrusive thoughts. Niki is a familiar face to most in the world of CrossFit as she's a reporter at The CrossFit Games and is a regular guest on many shows and podcasts. There's value in this show even if giving birth isn't in your immediate agenda because mental health affects us all. What I love about how Niki talks is how honest and open she is, but without an ounce of shame or victimhood. We also discuss journaling practises, body image and share weird compulsive tendencies.

Welcome back to another episode of parenting unpacked where Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini and Dr. Kristyn Sommer (PhDs in child development) chat all things parenthood and child development. This weeks episode follows episode 3 and 4 which touched on both Kristyn and Siobhan's Postnatal Anxiety and Depression journeys and ties up the 3 episode series with information on how we recovered, and not only survived the postpartum period, but thrived past it! If you are looking for resources on postnatal depression and anxiety and getting better visit https://www.panda.org.au This is our last episode for 2021. Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you on the 4th of January 2022 as we bring you our next episode of Parenting Unpacked!

Welcome to episode two of Mumma Got Skills: Women's Circle. I am beyond grateful to have you join us today. I will be chatting to Suzanne who is Scottish born and moved to Australia in 2014 with her husband to start a new life. Living in Brisbane, Suzanne opens up about having two children in a new country away from family, agonising sleep difficulties and big BIG feelings post birth. We talk about normalising **postnatal anxiety, the crippling fear surrounding this often-stigmatised condition and how it relates back to our own childhood and hormones. Plus we also get into talking about communication with a partner post birth and how the birth of a second child can heal previous birth trauma.** Please note, we will be discussing postnatal anxiety and depression in this episode. If that is at all triggering for you, please find links below to 24/7 support.Welcoming you to the space.Love, CarlieFounder, Mumma Got Skillswww.mummagotskills.com.auInstagram: @mummagotskillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummagotskills Resources and links: **If you are experiencing any symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression, please find some useful information: PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australiahttps://www.panda.org.au/ Peachtree Perinatal Wellnesshttps://peachtree.org.au/ Lifeline13 11 14 Other Resources: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER)https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/dysphoric-milk-ejection-reflex-d-mer Eco Modern Essentialshttps:// .com.au/

She didn't know it at the time, but religiously eavesdropping on her mother's phone conversations and counselling her grandmother through a breakup made her the psychologist she is today

She didn't know it at the time, but religiously eavesdropping on her mother's phone conversations and counselling her grandmother through a breakup made her the psychologist she is today

Welcome back to another episode of Motherness. I'm sorry it's been a while between episodes but I'm so excited to bring you this interview with writer and mum of two, Jess Urlichs.In this episode, we discuss the transition from one to two after she and her husband had their children, Harry and Holly one year apart. Jess also talks about her experience with postnatal anxiety and intrusive thoughts during her first Fourth Trimester. We talk about what it has been like raising a Highly Sensitive Child and the unlearning she's had to do to parent gently and intentionally.Buy Jess' new book, The Rainbow in my Heart online at jessicaurlichs.com.Follow Jess Urlichs on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

At some stage, every parent has asked themself: What is the perfect age gap? Back to back? Two under two? Wait until one is off to school?   If you have found yourself on Pintrest late at night reading about the perfect age gap, this episode is for you. Throughout this conversation Bree and Kel share their experiences with their with two different age gaps. Kel talks about their conscious decision to have two children close together (14 months apart) for fears that if they gave themselves time to come up for air they would never be ready to go back again.Bree discusses about how a tough postnatal period shaped their decision to have a larger age gap between children (3.5 years) and how she feels about it now. Importantly, this conversation brings to light the many factors that influence a family's decision about how many children to have and when. Acknowledging that this is a deeply personal decision, we explore how to figure out what is right for your family. Themes: Age Gaps, Siblings, Family Size, Two Under Two, Postnatal Anxiety, Postnatal Depression, Perinatal Mental Health. 

Content warning: today’s episode discusses depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these topics are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help. Today‘s episode is with mum of one, Lucy Ross who bravely shares she and her husband’s story where they were both affected by mental health challenges. Lucy's husband, Jono developed postnatal depression, severe anxiety and became suicidal within a number of weeks of their daughter being born in New Zealand’s first level 4 lockdown, and, as a result, Lucy developed anxiety herself and was under the care of maternal mental health. Today, she reflects on their journey. Thank you, Lucy for so bravely sharing your story.Lucy and Jono have said they'd be happy to talk to other parents or couples who have experienced similar challenges. If you'd like to connect with Lucy, you can follow her on Instagram @lucyvross.Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Follow Lucy Ross on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I talk about how PNA was a trigger for me to realise I was overwhelmed and led me to look at areas in my biz I could reduce areas of stress. I go through the things I did including:Removing non-essential meetingsLooking at biz structure and how to reduce energy useChanging the busy=success mindset despite being a strong ass independent woman.Brand strategy as a way to reduce overthinking Plus the doors to my brand strategy course are open now to help you with that very last step. https://www.megan-raynor.com/brand-strategy-101-course-1

Find the full show notes here: https://www.dearmamaproject.com/podcastepisodes/s2e14

On this week's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Tabaka. She shares her journey through her two births, the most recent occurring in April of 2020 (aka, the height of Covid-19 lockdown.) She walks us through unexplained fertility and falling pregnant with her first son. She chose to go via NHS midwife-led care in SE London for her care in her first birth. She talks candidly about her experience with postnatal anxiety and breastfeeding journey. For her second birth, she opted for a home birth. However, COVID-19 was ramping up and during her pregnancy, homebirths were being cancelled as there weren't guaranteed ambulances in the event of transport. She gave birth in April 2020 to her second at the height of lockdown at a different SE hospital and shares how helpful Mammary Constriction Massage proved in her second time breastfeeding. La Leche League Silverette Nipple Cups The Art of Babymaking Mammary Constriction Massage Music by Jonny Woodley Hosted by Ashley Brenninkmeijer

Episode 39. The Valley Below, collective voices, sharing experiences of postnatal anxiety & depression through song with Oneewa McDowell from Blackbird Songwriting For national PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) week, this episode is a little bit different. Oneewa McDowell joins me to share how her sister Shara Hala'api'api and herself came together with 12 other women to create a song, a collective voice for others who may be experiencing or have experienced postpartum mental health challenges. The raw and real, yet inspiring song is woven throughout Oneewa sharing. The song goes deep and touches on the very real aspects of postpartum mental health experiences. Please reach out for support if you are feeling sad, depressed, anxious and alone, as the voices within the song did and slowly found healing and connection. See links to hotlines to call below. For the project, Oneewa and Shara spoke with 12 women about their experiences of postnatal depression & anxiety. The aim was to honour and acknowledge the stories of these mothers, and to give a voice to their experiences through song. A song that we hope will reach a mother who will find she is not alone in her journey; A song that we hope will bring some comfort and understanding to a mother who is struggling; A song that may inspire a mother to tell her own story. Listen and let the song speak for itself. Oneewa and Shara want to express our deepest gratitude to the 12 mothers who have been involved in the project, for sharing their story with such honesty and openness, and for making this project possible. Also to acknowledge PANDA and the Gidget Foundation for their support in connecting us with the women involved in this project. The song was released and shared during PANDA/Perinatal Mental Health Week, 8th-14th November, 2020. If you would like to share the song also, that would be wonderful and you can share the link to the youtube video - website page - facebook Song written and performed by Shara Hala'api'api on vocals and harmonies and Oneewa McDowell on piano/keys and harmonies of Blackbird Songwriting Hotlines: PANDA 1300 726 306 Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758 Lifeline 13 11 14 To find out more about me, Shelley McClure and Pollination Mamas Website - Instagram - Facebook Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of this business, any of its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, promotional sponsors, or advertising agencies, and do not create any type of patient-physician relationship or other professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counselling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counselling. Pollination Mamas expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

In this week’s episode I chat to April who suffers from PCOS and was 19 when she found out she was pregnant with her first baby. After a series of tests to work out why she was suffering recurrent dizzy spells, April was told she was 17 weeks pregnant. Ten weeks later she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and after she welcomed her son into the world, she suffered from postnatal anxiety and undiagnosed postnatal depression. Nine years later she birthed her daughter seven weeks early in the midst of the NSW bushfires and takes us through her NICU journey. Frank and from the heart, April discusses the importance of clinical and community support for young mums and encourages all women to be honest about their mental health concerns from the very beginning of their pregnancy.  April was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 16 and was recommended to go on the pill to regulate her periods so when she started getting dizzy at work three years later, she never considered that she could be pregnant. 

Today I am joined by the amazing midwife Aliza Carr from Bump n Bub to chat about birth and also why the postnatal period is so important for a new mother and how she can best prepare for this period. We discuss postnatal depression, anxiety and OCD. Where to turn if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from this. We talk about just how common it is and so much more. Join us for this amazing conversation. Instagram: http://instagram.com/bumpnbubWebsite: https://www.bumpnbub.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bumpnbub-1256273531172356/

Today I am joined by the amazing midwife Aliza Carr from Bump n Bub to chat about birth and also why the postnatal period is so important for a new mother and how she can best prepare for this period. We discuss postnatal depression, anxiety and OCD. Where to turn if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from this. We talk about just how common it is and so much more. Join us for this amazing conversation. Instagram: http://instagram.com/bumpnbubWebsite: https://www.bumpnbub.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bumpnbub-1256273531172356/

In today's episode, I had some real life Mum chat with Caitlin who is Mum to Lochy! We chatted about the difficulties Caitlin has had as a Mum of Lochy and the changes she's made recently to better understand her role as a parent.

In this week’s episode I chat to Julia Busuttil Nishimura @juliaostro about her journey into motherhood and the obstacles she faced in her first year with both her boys, Haruki and Yukito. She chose midwifery care for her pregnancies and ventured into each labour feeling prepared and supported. Her births were challenging albeit positive experiences yet her postpartum experience with breastfeeding and anxiety has been difficult. Julia shares her breast and bottle feeding experience and discusses the importance of psychological support for new mums, particularly in the first year when overwhelm and loneliness can outweigh the beauty and joy.  Breaking down the stigmas attached to mental health and postpartum is essential and it starts right here, in the sharing of honest and heartfelt stories. 

In today's episode, I had some #realmumtalk with Natalie, the mother of 15-month old Frankie. We spoke about the highs and lows of parenting, and how feeling confident and in control as a Mumma comes from better understanding your babe's needs!

How do you prepare for postpartum when you know your baby will be born with health challenges? In this episode, I chat to Emma Emmanuel, who's a mum to a one year old little boy and has had a bumpy ride to parenthood. She went through IVF, followed by severe ovarian hyperstimulation... and then found out that her little one was going to be born with a kidney defect. A difficult birth--for both Emma and her baby--was followed by her son developing sepsis at 10 weeks old. Add surgeries into the mix and Emma and her family have been through more than most in the first few months of parenthood. What I loved about this conversation is hearing how Emma dealt with the challenges with immense grace. It gave me a real sense of perspective, and I hope you all find it valuable too.

On today's episode, Dr Joseph Sgroi (OBGYN) talks with Vanessa about her birth story. Vanessa's birth story features discussions around NIPT testing, nuchal translucency, amniocentesis, induction, syntocinon, vaginal birth, postnatal anxiety, braxton hicks, External cephalic version (ECV), prostaglandin.Dr Joseph Sgroi is a highly experienced obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist in Melbourne. You can find Dr Joseph Sgroi on Instagram @drjosephsgroi or his website at www.drjoseph.com.au.This episode is proudly brought to you by Tiny Hearts Education; our mission is to bring education to all Australian parents through first aid and birthing courses so they can move through pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood with confidence. Visit www.tinyheartseducation.com for more information.

Learn how the class of herbs known as nervines can help to support mothers struggling with Postnatal Anxiety

In today’s episode, I speak with a beautiful mum-of-one, Anna Miles. Going into this interview, I had no idea that Anna had anxiety – she’s the sort of mum who makes it look beautiful and effortless – which by the way, isn’t a bad thing. She radiates positivity and she’s loved for it. But I am truly grateful for how she opens up in this episode about the toll her anxiety took on her entry to motherhood and I know those of you who do or have struggled with mental health will appreciate it too. Today, we talk about her decision to co-sleep with her son from an early age, the impact of this and having a newborn on her marriage, how she met the criticism of others, and how she overcame the ‘shame’ she felt for bedsharing. We discuss Anna’s breastfeeding journey, the pressure she put on herself to breastfeed, how she improved her low supply, and her gentle parenting philosophy. Anna has a blog and I read every single post – her writing is as poignant and relatable as our conversation today and I hope you love it as much as I do. Read Anna's blog - www.annajanemiles.com.Follow Anna Miles on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with a mum of one, Francesca Lunjevich about her Fourth Trimester with her son, Leo, and her journey with postnatal depression and anxiety. We cover Fran's 'textbook' birth at Auckland hospital, how she didn't feel an instant bond with her son, and how that experience played out over the coming days and weeks as her anxiety began to take hold. Fran then details when she realised that her mental health and emotions were more than the standard postpartum baby blues, taking us through her diagnosis and recovery from postnatal depression and anxiety. We speak about the importance of sleep, her breastfeeding struggles but how she grew to love it, how her husband Ben coped with being a new dad, as well as how their relationship fared during her mental health struggles. Her advice for anyone struggling is to please reach out for help and know that you aren't alone.I’m so grateful to Fran for her unwavering strength and bravery in sharing her story. So, thank you Fran for having this incredibly important and helpful conversation with me. Conversations like this are how we eliminate the stigma of maternal mental health, so I encourage each of you listening to please reach out to a mum or mum-to-be that you know - whether you think she’s struggling or not - just to check in and see how she is.Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode mentions depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help.Follow Fran Lunjevich on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode we meet mother of two and registered nurse and midwife Emma who lives with her two boys and her husband, also a nurse, in Queensland.After working in hospitals and having exposure to a variety of emergency situations Emma had decided that she would elect to have a maternal-assisted caesarean which she describes as a fantastic experience. Emma has an underlying heart condition called POT Syndrome (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia) which caused her some perinatal anxiety as well as a fear of natural birth and seeing the situations at the other end that can go wrong. Emma hid the majority of her anxiety from her private obstetrician, coworkers, and family while working as a midwife during her pregnancy.Emma is certain she had undiagnosed postnatal depression after her first birth. She was advised to wean her baby from breastmilk after struggling to breastfeed and this gave her somewhat of a crisis of confidence in those early weeks with her newborn. Miraculously her baby then showed interest again in latching so Emma saw a lactation consultant and ended up re-lactating to a full milk supply. She takes us through this experience in the hope of informing others who may not know that this is an option.After falling pregnant again she was sure she was going to have another maternal assisted caesarean, however she changed her mind in her third trimester and became intent on trying for a VBAC. Emma shares with us that she tested positive for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in this pregnancy then retested herself and got a negative result - this was despite her obstetrician not being supportive of her desire to retest.Listen to how Emma overcame all the anxiety and fear she had during her first pregnancy and birth to experience a swift positive VBAC with an epidural.~ Notes ~Perinatal anxiety/postnatal depression:https://www.panda.org.au/**VBAC Birth Stories features women’s lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @vbacbirthstories

I had the opportunity to interview Lisa Kroche Boyce, founder of Bad Mum's Club to talk about the side of motherhood that often women are scared to discuss. Such a powerful interview!

Perinatal anxiety and depression is a serious but common illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mothers and one in ten expecting or new fathers. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) want's to get us all talking about the mental health of new parents.

Perinatal anxiety and depression is a serious but common illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mothers and one in ten expecting or new fathers. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) want's to get us all talking about the mental health of new parents.

We had a big fight! Both sleep deprived...AND we both said some things that we shouldn't have! So, we debrief our fight, and it's very raw. In this episode, we also discuss the baby blues & how it has affected both of us over the past month, from anxiety to loss of identity. 

Show notes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapist Clare Flaxen, who runs Resilient Mums, discusses how common it is for postnatal women to experience anxiety. She talks through strategies that can help you calm down and understand your anxiety. Clare highlights how intrusive, distressing thoughts aren’t necessarily true, and we don’t need to give them power. She discusses the “tyranny of positivity” and how it’s not realistic to expect to be happy all the time as a new mother. Clare stresses the need to talk to someone if you’re suffering from postnatal depression, and to repeatedly go back to the GP and get some help if you are worried. She also looks at how having a baby can affect your relationship, and how important it can be to walk in each other’s shoes and try to gain insight into what the other person is experiencing. Follow us on Instagram: @postnatalfaq Follow Abby on Twitter @abbyhollick Links: Resilient Mums - https://www.resilientmums.com Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/131152177522390/ Susan David, Emotional Agility - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_6hu6JLH98

Hollie is the Founder of ZZ Totz and encourages kids to make stuff with their hands, use their imaginations and have lots of fun through her Paper Puppet Kits and workshops. Hollie discusses her journey to starting the business, how she suffered Postnatal Anxiety while raising a family and a business, and how working with youth has made a huge impact on her purpose. Episode webpage: https://shewillshine.com.au/blog/on-the-couch-with-hollie-drake-brockman-126.html GET STRAIGHT TO IT: 00:00 Hollie discusses how it all started 08:09 Hollie shares how she suffered from Postnatal Anxiety 12:11 Finding her way 16:22 Working with youth 20:32 Coming full circle 22:23 Moving forward 26:18 Facing the fear 31:00 What's next

In this episode I discuss one of my biggest frustrations upon becoming a parent - all the conflicting advice I would receive from people. It stressed me out to the max. In today's show I talk to you about how I overcame it and how you can too.

Becoming a new parent is supposed to be the most exciting wonderful thing you'll ever do but it's also the hardest and most draining adventure you'll ever undertake. There is no room to quit.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an experience like no other. Being a new parent brings a whole gamut of emotions, responsibilities and questions. Many of which we’re completely unprepared for.But what happens when those emotions, responsibilities and questions become too much? When “unprepared” becomes “unable to cope”?When does new parent overwhelm become postnatal depression?Current statistics tell us that postnatal depression (PND) now affects one in 7 new mothers and one in 20 new fathers. But despite the increased incidence of PND in our society, there still seems to be misunderstanding about what PND actually is and how it is treated.This episode of the Meaningful Motherhood podcast covers the difference between the "baby blues", a general sensation of parental overwhelm, and a clinical diagnosis of postnatal depression.Could you have Postnatal Depression?For the past two weeks or more have you felt the following on a regular or frequent (daily) basis?Difficulty being able to laugh and see the funny side of thingsDecreased ability to look forward to enjoyable activities.Blaming yourself unnecessarily when things have gone wrongFeeling anxious or worried for without good reasonFeeling like things are frequently “getting on top of you”Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessivelyFrequently feeling sad or miserable quite oftenFrequent bouts of cryingHaving thoughts of harming myself of others **If you, or someone you know has been exhibiting several of these symptoms frequently over a two week period or more, please advice from your doctor, midwife or community health agency.  ** If you answered yes to the final point, please seek immediate support.For anyone concerned that they, or someone they know, might be experiencing PND, the best course of action is to seek support from a health professional. Speaking to your maternal health nurse, midwife, obstetrician, or GP is generally the first step. But you can also feel confident seeking out a counsellor, mental health OT, or psychologist, which in many cases doesn’t require a referral.For further resources about PND, please visit the following websites:https://www.panda.org.au/https://www.beyondblue.org.au/http://gidgetfoundation.com.au/If you require immediate support, please contact Lifeline on 131 114

In this weeks episode, Elise Knowles shares the births of her three children. During Elise's first labour she was dilated to 5cm without even realising she was in early labour. This pre-labor went on for several days and she ended up having some acupuncture and a stretch and sweep. Elise was admitted later that day and was induced to help progress her labour. 3.5 hours later Raffety was born and despite having an episiotomy she suffered a third-degree tear. Elise's recovery was slow and difficult as she was physically and emotionally drained from the delivery. She found breastfeeding Raffety very challenging which she wasn't expecting and felt unprepared for this challenge. She shares how there is very little discussion about how difficult the initial stages of breastfeeding can be and it can lead to feelings of guilt and failure when it doesn't all go to plan. Raffety was a very unsettled baby who was later diagnosed with severe reflux and readmitted to hospital at 6 weeks of age. During this time in the hospital, while Raff recovered from a burnt oesophagus, it became clear to the staff that Elise was struggling emotionally and they advised her that they suspected she had postnatal depression. With the support and encouragement of her husband and mother, Elise was able to seek help and was connected with Better Beginnings. Her therapist diagnosed her with postnatal anxiety. Elise openly discusses the slow recovery she experienced with her tear and it was at 3mths that she got the courage to try sex again. After trying for 9mths she fell pregnant again with Tabitha. Unlike her first pregnancy Elise shares she felt much sicker with morning sickness with Tabitha and it was a very different pregnancy overall.  To hear more about Tabitha's birth and Delilah's tune into the podcast……. Topics covered: 3rd-degree tear, postnatal depression, pelvic floor exercises, obstetrician, breastfeeding, induction, jaundice, prolapse, placenta encapsulation,  Elise Knowles If you can spare a moment, please leave a review and rating in iTunes. It helps get the show to more lovely listeners. Show Sponsors: Franjos Kitchen The lovely Fran and Jo from Franjos Kitchen are the sponsors of this episode. They are offering listners 20% off their first order with the discount code ABS.