Unseen, Unshaken:Real Life. Raw Faith. Midwife Diaries.

In a world full of Google searches, opinions, and overwhelming advice, this episode gently guides you back to what matters. Maryam shares grounding reflections on navigating early pregnancy with clarity, autonomy, and spiritual anchoring — so you move from surviving to truly thriving.

Starting the new year with honesty: I took a break, and I didn't know if I'd come back. . This episode is about acknowledging uncertainty instead of fighting it, building momentum through small aligned actions, and remembering that the life that feels overwhelming right now is actually your answered du'a.

You prepared. You asked the questions. You did everything "right." And your birth still didn't go to plan. Your birth experience matters. Your feelings matter. And you didn't fail. If you're struggling with how your birth went, or preparing for birth and scared of disappointment, this one's for you.

If you're experiencing symptoms of birth trauma, postnatal depression, or anxiety, support is available:

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

• National Helpline: 1300 726 306
• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–7:30pm AEST
• Website: www.panda.org.au
• Supports both mothers and fathers/partners
• Free, confidential counseling

Beyond Blue

• 24/7 Support Line: 1300 22 4636
• Online chat available
• Website: www.beyondblue.org.au/perinatal
• Specific resources for perinatal mental health

Lifeline Australia

• Crisis Support: 13 11 14
• Available 24/7
• Text support: 0477 13 11 14 (12pm–midnight AEST)

COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)

• Website: www.cope.org.au
• Information, screening tools, and referrals to perinatal mental health specialists

Gidget Foundation Australia

• Free counseling for emotional and mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood
• Website: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
• Dad-specific support available

Dad-Specific Resources:

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) — Dads Helpline

• Same number: 1300 726 306
• Specifically trained to support fathers and partners

Mensline Australia

• 24/7 Support: 1300 78 99 78
• Online chat and video counseling available
• Website: www.mensline.org.au

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm:

• Call 000 for emergency services
• Go to your nearest hospital emergency department
• Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Call Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7)

Last episode, I talked about the gap between "nobody told me" and "did I actually want to know." This week, I'm giving you the tools — the actual questions you should be asking your midwife or doctor but might be too scared to ask. From continuity of care to interventions, cultural accommodations to postpartum support, this episode breaks down exactly what to ask, when to ask it, and why it matters. If you've ever left an appointment feeling like you forgot to ask something important, or if you're not sure what questions you should even be asking, this episode is for you.

Why do so many women say "nobody told me" about birth complications, interventions, or recovery — but also avoid antenatal education and difficult conversations with their care providers? In this episode, we explore the balance between being informed and being paralysed by fear, the role of personal responsibility in birth preparation, and how to prepare for birth realistically without losing hope.

We’re told antenatal education empowers — but what if it only works when women feel safe enough to receive it?
This episode reflects on why information alone often misses the mark, and how culture, power, faith, and silence shape women’s engagement with antenatal education.

If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with someone who might feel seen by it — and know you’re part of a wider conversation.

Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore all the different maternity care options—Shared Care, Hospital Team Care, MGP, Private Midwifery, and Private Obstetrics. It’s a simple, honest look at what each one feels like in real life, and why knowing your choices (including asking for a different provider if you need to) can make your whole pregnancy journey feel more supported and in your control.

Farida shares her son’s health journey and the moments she was dismissed by doctors and nurses. A story of motherhood, intuition, and advocacy — a reminder that your voice matters, even when no one else listens.

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a sister who might need to hear this.

In this episode of Unseen & Unshaken, Farida shares the truths every Muslim woman needs to know before giving birth — the emotional, cultural, and spiritual realities that are rarely discussed in antenatal classes or healthcare settings.
We explore self-advocacy, safety, modesty, intuition, birth trauma, and why culturally aligned preparation matters.
Perfect for Muslim mothers, first-time mums, and CALD women navigating the maternity system.

✨ If this episode helped you, please leave a review or share it with another sister.
It helps this work reach more women who need it.

In this episode, I open up about the deeper why behind starting this podcast — the personal mission, the lived experiences, and the calling that pushed me to finally hit “record.”
I also share a pivotal moment from my midwifery training that changed everything for me. It was the day I realized just how critical bilingual care truly is — not just for communication, but for dignity, safety, and trust.
If you’ve ever felt unseen or unheard in your maternity journey, or if you’ve wondered why accessible, culturally aligned care matters so much, this episode will speak to your heart.

Tune in as I reflect on the story that sparked this entire project and the purpose that continues to guide it.