Millie always knew that she wanted Children, but she never realised just how challenging it would be socially, emotionally and financially as a LGBTQIA+ mother. Host Davina Smith quickly learns that the turkey baster essential to Millie’s journey is an experience unique to same sex-couples, and how miscarriage, medical stigma and crippling anxiety left Millie paralysed by fear. Counsellor Amelia Walker from Gidget Foundation Australia also joins the conversation to discuss support for LGBTQIA+ parents.  

Click here to find out more about Millie, or head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

CREDITS

Host: Davina Smith 

Producer: Kelsey Menzies

Audio Production: Kelli Foulstone

Supervising Producer: Todd Stevens

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

Read more about Gen's story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

CREDITS

Host: Davina Smith 

Producer: Kelsey Menzies

Audio Production: Kelli Foulstone

Supervising Producer: Todd Stevens

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

You can find out more about Steph and Motherland Australia here, or head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

CREDITS

Host: Davina Smith 

Producer: Kelsey Menzies

Audio Production: Kelli Foulstone

Supervising Producer: Todd Stevens

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

Read more about Craig's story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 22 weeks pregnant, Annabel got the news no parent wants to hear; her unborn son Miles would not survive. 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 Clinical Psychologist Chris Barnes 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 an unimaginable pain.  

You can find out more about Annabel and Miles Apart here, or read more about her story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chelsea Pottenger fell pregnant, she was on cloud nine. But that elation was short lived when just months after giving birth, an anxious downward spiral put her own life at risk. 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 exactly what PNDA is and how to seek help.  

You can find our more about Chelsea and EQ Minds here, or read more about her story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join news presenter Davina Smith in a podcast that tells the silent truth of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) loudly, in raw and honest accounts from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it. Paired with expert insights from psychologists and counsellors in the field, this podcast, made in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.