The 'fourth trimester' is real—and it’s a rollercoaster.

In Episode 3 of Parents' Group, Season 4 of It Can’t Hurt To Ask by Queensland Health, your hosts Steph, Alex and Caitlin talk about the first three months of life with a newborn. From sleep deprivation and birth trauma, to bonding with your baby and adjusting to new identities, this episode unpacks why early parenting can feel beautiful, brutal, and everything in between.

They’re joined by Nicki, a Lived Experience Coordinator from the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, who shares insights on the realities of the 'fourth trimester', signs of perinatal mental health challenges, and where to find support. You’ll also hear powerful personal stories from parents navigating recovery, exhaustion, shifting relationships, and the gap between expectations and reality.

Because if you’ve ever wondered 'am I the only one who feels like this?'... you’re probably not. ❤️

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available.

In an emergency always call Triple Zero (000).

The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations.

1. 13HEALTH: call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: call 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor about the first year of your child’s life.
3. Parentline: call 1300 301 300 for advice and counselling about any issue that affects you as a parent. Available from 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
4. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA): contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 or chat online if you or your partner are feeling depressed, or you are struggling after the birth of your child. Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.
5. MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 if you’re a man and have family or relationship concerns. Available 24 hours a day.
6. Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online.
7. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online.
8. Connecting2u: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips for during pregnancy and after you have your baby.
9. ForWhen: call 1300 24 23 22. Available Monday – Friday 9.00am–4.30pm.
10. SMS4DADS: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips – for dads and dads-to-be.
11. Raising Children Network: offers ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.
12. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: free parenting courses for parents and carers of children under 12.
13. Queensland Health Child Health Clinics: Child health services have clinics across the state to provide parenting information and support for families in Queensland. Free services may include nutrition, child growth and development assessments. You need to book an appointment for these services.

Disclaimer:

The stories and conversations shared by the hosts in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences, and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content.

If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.