1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers

Ellidy Pullin’s most courageous act was becoming a mother, but that doesn’t make it easy. On sleepless nights, through the baby-blues, and even in moments of pure bliss, grief doesn’t stop. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Ellidy reveals the bittersweet moments of Minnie’s first couple of months at home, and how she learnt to balance both joy and sorrow in one hand; a task she’s still practicing today. Later, Dr Kath Whitton, Fertility Specialist, and clinical team lead at Gidget, Amelia Walker, join Davina for a roundtable discussion on protecting your mental health through the notoriously challenging process of IVF, whether you’re embarking on that journey posthumously like Ellidy did, or not. They delve into the medical intricacies of the process, explore the strains it can place on relationships, and offer strategies to safeguard oneself when the outcome falls short of expectations.

Thanks to Peaches Pilates for making this episode possible. Discount code expires Sep 30th 24, available for new subscribers online. Head to peachespilates.com. 

You can hear more from Ellidy on her podcast Darling, Shine! Or follow her instagram. 

Dr Kath Whitton can be found on her website drkathwhitton.com.au, or follow her on instagram. 

Find support, read real stories, or become part of the Gidget collective by visiting our website, gidgetfoundation.org.au. You can also find us on instagram. 

CREDITS  

Hosts:Davina Smith
Producer: Kelsey Menzies 
Audio Imager: Kelli Foulstone
Managing Producer: Todd Stevens 

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In the wake of her beloved Nan passing, Jami, a proud Wiradjuri Woman, waited in anticipation for the placenta burial that would connect her newborn daughter to her Ancestors and Country. Tragically, this day would never come. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Jamidescribes the anguish this caused and the domino effect it had on her mental health. Jami also speaks of the profound moment that made her realise everything was going to be okay. We also hear from Non-Indigenous Psychologist Chris Barnes from Gidget Foundation Australia, who emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural practices throughout the perinatal period. Read more about Jami’s story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website.

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Having previously experienced anxiety and depression, Rebecca enlisted the help of a psychologist as soon as she fell pregnant. But even then, the unexpected challenges of parenthood was something neither she nor her partner could fully plan for. Speaking with host Davina Smith, Rebecca shares how her picture of the perfect family was shattered by sleepless nights and breastfeeding challenges that made her question herself as a parent. Finding space to heal, forging a new identity and learning how to cope when both parents live with perinatal depression and anxiety is discussed, with Clinical Psychologist, Katie Peterson from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to discuss the realities of parenthood and how to manage them.  

Read more about Rebeccas story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.