For many of us, becoming a parent was a choice - or at least something we felt we were "ready" for.

But, for 21-year-old dancing and partying Paige, getting pregnant with her relatively new boyfriend was absolutely not on her 2024 bingo card.

In this episode I ask Paige what it felt like to become a mother so shortly after becoming an adult, how she navigated being the only one in her friendship group entering this new life stage, whether she felt a sense of FOMO, and the impact of a baby on a new relationship.

We also talk about anxiety - and the very real impact PPA had on Paige's first year of motherhood.

BTW, I'm sorry the audio on this one isn't great. Once again, I've had some tech issues. Forgive me!!

Enjoy x

When I first came up with the concept for this podcast, I wrote down a list of names who I really wanted to interview. These were the people who I felt had the most incredible stories to tell and had performed intentional acts of re-pinking.

Clarissa was on the top of my list.

When Clarissa's daughter Ivy was under 1, her marriage with her husband, Sam, fell apart. Buckling under the pressure of being the family supporter - and not knowing how to ask for help - Sam left and they broke up. Their love story was all but over.

But, after months of therapy - with the goal of becoming successful co-parents - Sam realised what he was losing and decided to make a change.

Today, they are back together and stronger than ever thanks to daily work, constant check-ins, the creation of completely new relationship rules, and a lot of love.

This story is for anyone who's felt like their relationship has been challenged after having a baby. It's a story of hope and the power of a couple who might not know how to make things work, but are willing to just keep trying.

If you have a man in your life struggling with the transition to fatherhood, be sure to encourage them to reach out for help. They can call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 (Mon–Sat) or MensLine Australia at 1300 789 978 (24/7).

Enjoy x

What happens when you reach breaking point in your first year of being a mum?

For Courtney, this was the reality after the birth of her son, Ollie.

Courtney is the first to admit that prior to becoming a parent, she was a "perfectionist". She also loved her life but was excited for a new chapter in her family. But, like all of us, she didn't truly know what parenting would look like until she was in the thick of it, dealing with her unrelenting expectations of herself and adjusting to the new reality of being a mother at the same time.

After pushing through months and months of challenges, Courtney reached breaking point and admitted herself into Catherine's House: a place of support for new mothers.

We talk about her entire journey in this ep, including her stay at Catherine's House. It's a biggie.

This chat discusses some pretty heavy stuff. If you're not in the space to take it on right now, feel free to give it a miss.

If this episode has brought up difficult feelings, please don't struggle in silence - talk to your GP, child health nurse, or someone you trust. You can also contact PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) on 1300 726 306 for free, confidential support for expecting and new parents experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional challenges.

If you're in Queensland and need more specialised support, Catherine's House for Mothers, Babies and Families at Mater in Brisbane provides expert perinatal mental health care, including outpatient programs and, where needed, a mother and baby inpatient unit so parents can receive treatment without being separated from their baby. For more information, call (07) 3163 2299 or speak with your GP or healthcare provider about a referral.

In this episode, I'm joined by Alissa.

A few months after the birth of her first baby, Alissa's husband had an accident at work that left him physically disabled.

What happened from there tested them on every level.

Now, Alissa is expecting her third child (in fact, her third child is now HERE!), and she's joined me to share their story, and how she's found joy and purpose in amongst some of the hardest times of her life. This chat is raw, honest, and vulnerable.

Her insights into the reasons she decided to have more children - despite logic saying otherwise - are profound. And, the ways she has found time to re-pink is refreshing.

Enjoy x

Surprise! I've got a little bonus ep for your listening pleasure.

This ep was part of a bigger one I recorded with Niki about our experiences with matrescence thus far.

But, after having the conversation, we decided it needed a bit more thought and refining before hitting the pod.

At the start, however, we had a great old time chatting about our wins and whinges.

Mostly mine, to be honest. I've got a whopper.

It just had to be shared.

Enjoy my chaos. x

Happy Wednesday!

This week I am joined by full-time working mumma, Bec.

Bec is a mum who loves to work. It's a fundamental part of her identity.

But, when she had her daughter, she found herself juggling new tasks, expectations, and guilts - particularly around returning to work.

I loved this chat because we got deep. We asked big questions around mum guilt and what even makes a good mum. We talk about whether the same expectations are placed on fathers. We look at why we hold ourselves to such high standards.

This chat is a goodie.

Enjoy x

This week I'm joined by Sarah. Sarah is the youngest of 4, and a mum to a daughter (and soon to be a son).

In this chat, Sarah and I discuss:

• Growing up in the Mormon church (and leaving as an adult)
• Late diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, MDD and 4 different anxiety disorders
• Preparing for becoming a parent when you're neurodivergent
• Techniques to manage overstimulation

Sarah is a real beacon of hope for anyone who is struggling with their own neurodivergence (diagnosed or undiagnosed). She brings real strategies, real insights, and a real sense of self compassion.

If you'd like to reach out to her, you can via Instagram @jaidensarah

What an incredible chat.

Enjoy! x

Traditional gender roles are something I've always found really interesting. Coming from a family where I was brought up strongly opposing them, I have always been curious of the inner workings of the traditional household: one where the man is the head of the family and the woman is the supporter.

In this episode, I am lucky enough to be joined by Tiffany Kneen. As a mum of 3 under 4, she's an absolute mum legend, and I could have talked to her all day about her incredible approach to life and motherhood.

But in this conversation, I was most curious about Tiffany's religion and the impact its had on her matrescence journey. We talked about her devotion to the Lutheran church and how that's shaped her household, her life, and her values.

This conversation was insightful, interesting, and I learnt a lot.

I don't know if what Tiff and Jet (her husband) do in their family would work for everyone, but what I can say is that it seems to really work for them.

They truly seem to be an in-love and family-centered couple. They're happy in their roles and it works for them.

And that's something I can say feels very rare, indeed.

Enjoy x

In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Arentsen. As a non-birthing mother, Rach has a unique perspective to offer regarding identity in parenthood. We chat about what the roles look like in their family, how it felt to watch birth from the sidelines, and how they find meaning and value. We also talk about whether they ever feel jealousy for their fiancé's alternate experience of the journey and I ask them the ultimate question: do they hear the baby crying at night as a birthing mother does!?

This chat was really eye opening for me, reminding me that our guilt is so often a choice and that rewriting rules is always an option. Big lessons here, people.

You can follow Rach on Insta and reach out if you have any questions @raitch.8.

Enjoy! x

P.S. Sorry I have the potty mouth of all potty mouths this ep. I promise to try rein it in!

This week I am joined by solo mum, Mon. After deciding she wanted to go ahead with becoming a mum at 36 on her own, Mon has experience the whole journey of matrescence without a partner by her side. She's inspiring, funny, and has some real nuggets of wisdom to share.

In this chat, we cover:

• The process of IVF
• What it's like to meet your baby when you're doing it solo
• Is it really hard to do it on your own?
• How and when identity begins to come back postpartum
• Celebrating Mother's Day when you're a single parent

Plus, I give you a little update on how my identity journey has been going.

Enjoy! x