The Postpartum Season

In this episode of The Postpartum Season Educational Series, I'm joined by Erin Henry, a psychologist based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, who works with families from preconception through pregnancy and the postpartum years.Together, we explore the emotional and psychological challenges of the transition into parenthood, common perinatal mental health conditions, and the importance of recognising when and how to seek support.In this episode, we discuss:Why pregnancy and postpartum can be such a vulnerable time for mental health, including the impact of sleep deprivation, physical recovery, changing relationships, societal expectations and reduced support.Factors that may increase the risk of perinatal mental health difficulties, including personal and family mental health history, adverse childhood experiences, life stressors and traumatic birth experiences.What the baby blues are, and how they differ from postpartum depression and anxiety.Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, including low mood, withdrawal, reduced confidence, irritability and postpartum rage.Postpartum anxiety, including persistent worry, catastrophising, checking behaviours and the impact anxiety can have on everyday life.Intrusive thoughts, why they can be so distressing, and how to recognise when they are significantly affecting wellbeing and daily functioning.Postpartum psychosis, including its rarity, potential warning signs, how it differs from intrusive thoughts, and why it requires emergency medical attention.The guilt, shame and stigma that can make it difficult for parents to speak openly about their mental health.The importance of supporting both parents and having conversations about mental health during pregnancy.How to access mental health support, including helplines, GPs, psychologists and telehealth services.Why you don't need to have a diagnosed mental health condition or be at rock bottom to seek support.The importance of self-compassion, recognising your own needs and finding people you trust to talk to.You can find out more about Erin Henry on instagram at @erinhenrypsychology, her website www.erinhenrypsychology.com.au and her email address is [email protected]. The Australian resources that Erin mentioned during the episode are listed below:Perinatal Mental health websites:PANDA  https://www.panda.org.au/COPE   https://www.cope.org.au/Gidget  https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/SMS for dads  https://www.sms4dads.com.au/For When www.forwhenhelpline.org.au You can find further information about psychosis on the PANDA website by following this link: https://www.panda.org.au/get-support/support-postnatal-psychosis Helplines AustraliaPANDA 1300 726 306 7 days a weekFor When 1300 24 23 22 Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pmLifeline 13 11 24 24 hours a day, 7 days a week NZ helplines are listed below. And if you or someone that you care about is in crisis and you decide that immediate help is required to ensure their safety, call an ambulance or go to your local hospital emergency department.  A big thank you to First Aid for New Parents by The Postpartum Season for sponsoring this week’s episode, which will be launching soon!Follow along on instagram at @thepostpartumseasonpodcast for updates about the launch.As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, Mikaela, mum of two and child and family health nurse, shares her experiences of two challenging births, feeding difficulties, postpartum mental health struggles and navigating a significant career change after becoming a mother.We discuss:Mikaela's journey to motherhood and her experience of pregnancyWorking in intensive care while pregnantPreparing for birth and having expectations about how labour would unfoldA long and difficult first labour and birthExperiencing a significant postpartum haemorrhageThe physical and emotional impact of an extended hospital stay after birthRecovering from birth complications while learning to care for a newbornBreastfeeding difficultiesThe pressure Mikaela placed on herself to continue breastfeeding, and the physical and emotional toll of thisTransitioning to formula feedingFeelings of guilt, shame and perceived judgement around formula feedingThe support Mikaela received from her family and child and family health nurseWithdrawing socially and struggling with her mental health during early postpartumThe importance of mothers' groups and connection with other womenAppearing to cope well while struggling significantly behind the scenesAccessing some early support for birth trauma but finding it difficult to process her experiencesBecoming pregnant with Charlie and preparing for a different birth experienceChoosing a planned caesarean after her traumatic first birthRequiring a general anaesthetic during her caesarean section due to a failed spinal, and missing Charlie's birthThe emotional impact of another birth that didn't go as plannedNavigating the transition from one child to twoReturning to intensive care nursing after becoming a motherHow motherhood changed Mikaela's experience of working in a demanding healthcare environmentThe emotional toll of critical care nursing and the challenges of shift workFeeling conflicted about stepping away from a career she lovedStudying child and family health nursing while on maternity leave with two young childrenNavigating a career transition and changing professional identityThe challenges of combining paid work, parenting and studyMikaela's experience of significant depression and declining mental healthThe shame she felt about struggling despite having a loving family and supportive people around herThe impact of her mental health on her relationship with MichaelWhy it took Mikaela several years to seek professional supportAccessing help through her GPHow accessing support has helped MikaelaFinding joy in motherhood and family life againLearning to feel proud of how far she has comeThroughout this conversation, Mikaela shares the importance of recognising when we're struggling, allowing ourselves to seek support, and remembering that we don't need to justify our difficulties simply because other parts of our lives are going well. Thank you so much to Breastmates for supporting this episode. You can find out more about their range at breastmates.co.nz. As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode of The Postpartum Season 2026 Educational Series, Emma Mclean, executive coach and founder of Works for Everyone, joins me to discuss returning to paid work after parental leave, the challenges of combining parenting and a career, and practical strategies to make the transition a little easier.We discuss:Emma's experience returning to paid work after having her three childrenHer career in corporate strategy and why she became an executive coach supporting parentsThe work Emma does through Works for EveryoneWhy returning to paid work after having a baby can feel so unexpectedly difficultThe transition to becoming a working parentThe identity shift that comes with motherhood and how it can change your relationship with your careerFeeling disconnected from your workplace after parental leaveThe grief that can accompany returning to work, particularly when you would rather be at home with your babyWhy combining parenting and paid work is so difficult within systems designed around traditional family rolesRecognising the enormous value of unpaid caregiving workThe mental load of parenting and managing a householdWhy returning to work requires a reconsideration of how responsibilities are shared at homeThe difference between having a partner who helps and having a partner who takes ownership of responsibilitiesPreparing for a return to work before parental leave beginsIdentifying what you want and need from your return to workHaving conversations with your manager before returningNegotiating flexibility, reduced hours and realistic workloadsThe importance of ensuring part-time roles have genuinely reduced responsibilitiesRebuilding confidence after time away from paid workNavigating feelings of guilt around childcare, leaving work on time and setting boundariesLearning to ask for what you need without apologising or over-explainingEmma's advice to replace unnecessary apologies with expressions of gratitudeThe importance of regular communication and check-ins with your managerWhy your relationship with your manager can significantly influence your return-to-work experienceThe importance of finding other parents who understand what you're experiencingHaving constructive conversations with your partner about unpaid work and the mental loadRecognising that work is work, whether it happens in the workplace or at homeCreating structure around household responsibilities and expectationsWhy these conversations are most productive when both partners feel seen and heardThe gendered expectations that continue to shape parenting and paid workThe challenges dads and non-birthing parents experience when returning to workWhy fathers may struggle to ask for flexibility or take on greater caregiving responsibilitiesEmma's work supporting fathers through her Making Space for Dads programmesHow greater involvement from dads at home can support the whole familyThe importance of changing workplace and societal expectations around caregivingWhy parents shouldn't interpret systemic challenges as personal failureYou can find out more about Emma McLean and the work she does to support parents on instagram at @worksforeveryone.A big thank you to First Aid for New Parents by The Postpartum Season for sponsoring this week’s episode, which will be launching soon!Follow along on instagram at @thepostpartumseasonpodcast for updates about the launch.As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, Leah shares her two very different birth and postpartum experiences, from a challenging physical recovery after her first baby to a healing second birth, and how her experiences shaped her passion for supporting women through postpartum.We discuss:Leah's journey to motherhood and becoming pregnant with SonnyPreparing extensively for birth but very little for postpartumHoping for a physiological, low-intervention birthA 43-hour labour and two failed epiduralsHaving an episiotomy and ventouse-assisted birthThe emotional impact of a birth that looked very different from what she had imaginedFeelings of guilt, failure and questioning why her body hadn't responded as expectedWhy needing intervention during birth doesn't mean you've failedRecovering from an episiotomy that didn't heal as expectedLeah's experience of an injury to her pelvis during birthSignificant pain and restricted mobility during early postpartumThe challenges of caring for a newborn while recovering from birth injuriesSonny being readmitted to hospital for treatment of jaundiceThe impact of physical recovery on Leah's emotional wellbeingComparing her recovery with other mothers who appeared to be recovering more quicklyFeeling anxious about whether she would ever return to normal activitiesThe role of pelvic health physiotherapy and gradual rehabilitationThe importance of talking openly about difficult birth and postpartum experiencesHow hearing similar stories from other mothers helped Leah feel less aloneThe support Leah received from her husband, family and friendsLeah's background as a creative director and how she became involved in Vital BitsHow her own postpartum recovery shaped her passion for the businessVital Bits and its range of pregnancy and postpartum care essentialsThe importance of preparing for postpartum recovery, not just birthWhy caring for yourself during postpartum shouldn't be considered a luxuryGiving yourself permission to prioritise your own physical and emotional wellbeingPreparing differently for her second birth and postpartum experienceLetting go of the guilt and disappointment she had carried from her first birthA fast, four-and-a-half-hour labour with CapriHaving the water birth she had hoped forHow her midwife helped her reframe her first birth as part of the journey towards her secondExperiencing a much more straightforward physical recoveryRecognising that even a positive birth still requires time and care to recoverFeeling more confident and relaxed as a second-time mumLetting go of the pressure to fix or control every aspect of newborn lifeBeing more present and enjoying the newborn period with CapriThe transition from one child to twoIntroducing Sonny to his baby sisterNavigating toddler behaviour and encouraging gentle interactions with a newbornThe importance of having a supportive villageLeah's reflections on how much she has grown and learnt through motherhoodHer advice to her former self - you will heal, you will be okay, and it's okay if your recovery takes longer than you expected You can follow along with Leah's parenting journey on TikTok at @lelahbell, and find out more about Vital Bits on instagram at @vitalbits. Auckland mums, if anyone would like to find out more about Connection in the Postpartum Season, head to my website www.thepostpartumseason.com. There are only a few tickets left! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode of The Postpartum Season 2026 Educational Series, Dr Eliza Hannam, GP, IBCLC, NDC-accredited practitioner and founder of Nurtured Medical, joins me to discuss normal infant sleep, realistic expectations, responsive settling and supporting parental wellbeing.We discuss:Dr Hannam experience of becoming a mother and feeling unprepared for newborn sleep despite her medical trainingHow her own parenting experiences led her to pursue further training in infant sleepThe work Dr Hannam and her team do through Nurtured MedicalThe importance of considering infant sleep, feeding, health and parental mental health togetherThe Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC/Possums) approach to infant sleepUnderstanding sleep as a biological need rather than a skill to learnWhat normal newborn sleep looks likeWhy newborns initially have limited day-night differentiationThe normality of babies wanting to sleep on or close to a parentWhy catnapping is common in young babiesHow infant sleep changes as babies growThe enormous variation in normal infant sleep durationInfant temperament and its influence on settling and sleepWhy some babies need significantly more support to fall asleepUnderstanding frequent night waking and why it can be developmentally normalResponsive settling, co-regulation and helping babies feel safe and supportedWhy feeding, rocking or holding a baby to sleep doesn't necessarily create a problemUnderstanding the main biological regulators of sleepThe role of daylight, activity and day-night differentiationHow daytime naps and bedtime timing can influence sleep pressureRecognising when sleep pressure may be contributing to difficulties settling or frequent wakingPractical adjustments that may help support infant sleepWhy rigid sleep schedules and prescribed wake windows don't suit every babyThe importance of considering the wellbeing of the whole familyPractical ways to make broken sleep more manageable for parentsSeeking additional support when sleep deprivation is affecting parental mental healthNavigating conflicting infant sleep adviceHow to choose an appropriate professional for infant sleep supportCo-sleeping and bed-sharing, including the importance of understanding potential risksAvoiding unplanned sleep in higher-risk circumstances, including on couches and chairsWhat it means for infant sleep advice to be evidence-basedUnderstanding the limitations of observational studies and other infant sleep researchThe importance of critically evaluating claims made about infant sleepDr Hannam's reassurance that sleep changes over time and that difficult seasons do get easierWhy challenging infant sleep doesn't mean you're failing as a parent The resources Dr Eliza Hannam mentioned during the episode include:The Discontented Little Baby by Dr Pamela DouglasRed Nose Australia — safer sleep informationAustralian Breastfeeding Association — infant sleep and bed-sharing informationBASIS (Baby Sleep Information Source), UK — infant sleep research and safer sleep information You can find out more about Dr Eliza Hannam on instagram at @dr.eliza.hannam and her clinic, Nutured Medical, on instagram at @nuturedmedical.A big thank you to First Aid for New Parents by The Postpartum Season for sponsoring this week’s episode, which will be launching soon!Follow along on instagram at @thepostpartumseasonpodcast for updates about the launch.As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, Laura shares her experience of becoming a mum to Billie, including an unexpected caesarean birth, feeding challenges, physical recovery and balancing motherhood with running a business.We discuss:Laura's journey into motherhood and deciding when to start a familyNavigating the decision to have a baby while running a business with her husbandFeeling excited about motherhood while wondering how it would fit into their working livesConcerns about Billie's growth towards the end of pregnancyIncreased monitoring and the unexpected decision to deliver by caesareanHaving a positive caesarean experience despite an unexpected change in birth plansMeeting Billie for the first time and the initial shock of becoming parentsThe emotional intensity of the early postpartum periodAdjusting to frequent feeding, broken sleep and caring for a newbornThe support Laura and Liam received from familyHow becoming parents has affected their relationshipThe importance of working as a team during postpartumBreastfeeding initially going well before Billie became increasingly unsettledNavigating weeks of crying, feeding difficulties and concerns about weight gainIntroducing expressed breast milk by bottleGradually transitioning to bottle feeding and pumpingThe practical and emotional challenges of pumpingThe relief of seeing Billie become more comfortable and gain weightThe unexpected emotional significance of changing feeding methodsLaura's concerns about recovering from a caesarean as a Pilates instructorThe initial shock of seeing her caesarean incisionExperiencing numbness and difficulty connecting with her abdominal muscles after surgeryGradually returning to walking and gentle movementRebuilding core strength and pelvic floor awareness during postpartum recoveryWhy Laura feels her own recovery has made her a better Pilates instructorDeveloping Wild Pilates' new postnatal programme while recovering from birth herselfFilming the programme with Billie alongside herHow motherhood has changed Laura's relationship with her body and movementFinding a renewed sense of purpose in her work after becoming a motherReturning to work while caring for a babyThe challenges of switching between work and motherhood throughout the dayThe guilt that can accompany trying to balance paid work and parentingFinding connection with friends who are navigating motherhood at the same timeRemembering that challenging postpartum seasons don't last foreverYou can follow along with Laura and Wild Pilates on instagram at @lauramohiryan and @wildpilates.  Auckland mums, if anyone would like to find out more about Connection in the Postpartum Season, head to my website www.thepostpartumseason.com. There are only a few tickets left!As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode of The Postpartum Season 2026 Educational Series, Dr Kate Jenkins, GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), joins me to discuss preparing for feeding, navigating common breastfeeding challenges, and the importance of supporting parental mental health.We discuss:Kate's work as a GP and IBCLC, and her interest in breastfeeding medicineHer own challenging breastfeeding experience, including difficulties latching, nipple shields and undiagnosed vasospasmThe importance of being listened to, believed and validated by healthcare professionalsSetting realistic expectations about breastfeeding before your baby arrivesWhy breastfeeding being natural doesn't necessarily mean it will be easyPreparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy without becoming overwhelmedAntenatal breastfeeding education Common misconceptions about breastfeedingAntenatal hand expressing and collecting colostrumWhat breastfeeding can look like in the first hours and days after birthWhat to expect on the second night after birthCluster feeding and why babies feed so frequentlyRecognising whether your baby is receiving enough milkSigns that additional feeding support may be neededPainful breastfeeding, nipple damage and the importance of investigating persistent painUnderstanding milk supply and factors that can affect milk productionConcerns about low milk supply and the importance of effective milk removalWhat triple feeding involves and when it may be recommendedThe physical and emotional demands of triple feedingWhy feeding plans need to be manageable and sustainableSeeking early support from an IBCLC and getting a second opinion when difficulties persistPractical ways partners can support breastfeedingWhen formula supplementation may be medically necessaryCombination feeding Introducing bottles to breastfed babiesPaced bottle feeding and reducing the risk of bottle preferenceThe impact feeding difficulties can have on maternal mental healthNavigating guilt, shame, judgement and feelings of failure around feedingThe influence of social media on feeding expectations and parental confidenceRecognising when protecting maternal mental health needs to take prioritySupporting families to make feeding decisions that work for themWhy difficulties with breastfeeding can reflect gaps in healthcare support rather than individual failureThe resources Dr Kate Jenkins mentioned during the episode include:Mothersafe (NSW Australia): https://www.royalwomen.org.au/mothersafeAustralian Breastfeeding Association: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.auThe Breast Crawl (Google)You can find out more about Dr Kate Jenkins on instagram at @dr.kate.jenkins.A big thank you to First Aid for New Parents by The Postpartum Season for sponsoring this week’s episode, which will be launching soon!Follow along on instagram at @thepostpartumseasonpodcast for updates about the launch.As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, Jes shares her experience of severe postpartum anxiety, the challenges of accessing perinatal mental health care, and how her journey eventually inspired her to create The Jellybean Gym — a space supporting both young children and their parents.We discuss:Jes's experience of a difficult pregnancy with persistent nausea and vomitingDiscovering her daughter was breech at 37 weeks and changing her birth plansChoosing a planned caesarean and navigating feelings of failure before becoming a motherThe importance of partner leave Meeting her daughter for the first time and not experiencing the immediate connection she had expectedRecovering from a caesarean and the anxiety Jes experienced Struggling to trust her own instincts as a new motherThe challenges of learning to parent together and communicating with your partnerExperiencing increasingly severe anxiety and panic attacks during early postpartumThe impact of anxiety on Jes's ability to eat, sleep and functionReaching a mental health crisis and recognising that she urgently needed professional supportThe significant barriers Jes encountered when trying to access perinatal mental health careSeeking help through urgent care, her GP, emergency departments and other servicesThe support Jes received from PANDA during this difficult periodBeing admitted to a perinatal mental health unit at eight weeks postpartumSpending three and a half weeks in hospital alongside her daughterWhat a perinatal mental health admission can look likeAccessing psychiatric care, medication and psychological supportPreparing to leave hospital and the anxiety surrounding returning homeUnderstanding that mental health recovery is an ongoing processThe enormous role James played in supporting Jes through her postpartum experienceFinding a supportive community through mothers' groupsThe importance of feeling heard and validated by other mothersHow connection with other mothers can reduce feelings of isolationWhy her postpartum experience inspired her to establish The Jellybean GymCreating  purposeful play classes for young childrenDesigning a space that supports parents and caregivers as well as their childrenThe importance of allowing families time to connect before and after classesCreating community through small groups, shared experiences and everyday conversationsHow building The Jellybean Gym has been part of Jes's own healing journeyJes's advice to other mothers - if something feels hard, it is hard, and you deserve supportYou can find out more about Jes and The JellyBean Gym at www.thejellybeangym.com.au or on instagram @thejellybeangym. A big thank you to Odi Nutrition for sponsoring this week’s episode.You can find out more about Odi at @odi_nutrition_, and you can browse their range at odinutrition.com. As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, Tayla shares her two postpartum experiences, including recovering from caesarean births, choosing to formula feed, navigating postpartum anxiety and returning to paid work earlier than she had hoped.We discuss:Finding out unexpectedly that she was pregnant with her first daughter, EmilyBecoming a mother without a relationship with her own mumThe enormous support Tayla has received from her mother-in-lawPreparing for a planned caesarean and worrying about physical recoveryMeeting Emily for the first timeThe challenges of those first days in hospital and adjusting to caring for a newbornRecovering physically from a caesarean birthTayla's decision to formula feed both of her childrenThe judgement and pressure she experienced around her feeding choicesNavigating conflicting feeding advice and concerns about Emily's weight gainLearning to trust her instincts as a first-time mumExperiencing anxiety during her first postpartum seasonReturning to paid work when Emily was just under three months oldNavigating daycare and adjusting to being away from her babyPreparing for postpartum with a second babyMaintaining Emily's routine during the transition from one child to twoPractical postpartum preparation, including meal preparation and creating a calm home environmentMeeting Paul and recovering from a second caesareanFeeling much more confident as a mother the second time aroundWatching Emily meet her baby brother for the first timeThe challenges of adjusting to life with two young childrenFeeling a temporary change in her relationship with Emily after Paul's arrivalPaul becoming seriously unwell at just 10 days old and requiring hospital careHow this experience contributed to significant postpartum anxietyPaul being admitted to hospital again with RSV at 10 weeks oldExperiencing prolonged postpartum bleeding and the anxiety surrounding her recoveryStruggling with sleep, withdrawing from the outside world and feeling increasingly anxiousWhy Tayla wishes she had sought mental health support earlierThe importance of opening up to trusted friends and familyHow regular conversations with her husband and friends helped Tayla feel connected and supportedReturning to paid work earlier than she wanted because of financial pressuresThe challenges of combining paid work, daycare and parenting two young childrenTayla's positive experience with her children's daycareThe joy of watching Emily and Paul's sibling relationship developFinding greater confidence in herself as a mother, partner and personLearning who truly shows up for you during motherhoodThis weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com.And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below:https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-capThank you for supporting the podcast!As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

In this episode, George shares her experience of an unplanned caesarean, adjusting to her postpartum body, finding community and learning to surrender to the realities of new motherhood.We discuss:Finding out unexpectedly that she was pregnant with TeddyDeciding there may never be a “right time” to become parentsLiving in Sydney while most of George's family are in TasmaniaRealising how important community would become after having a babyPreparing extensively for birth but much less for postpartumHoping for a low-intervention vaginal birthHaving an unplanned caesarean after more than 24 hours of labourFeeling unprepared for what a caesarean and its recovery would involveMeeting Teddy and not experiencing the immediate rush of emotion she expectedThe guilt and self-blame George experienced after her birthLearning to validate her own experience rather than comparing it with other people’s birth experienceThe role pain played in George's emotional wellbeing during early postpartumBeginning to talk openly about her birth and process some of the guilt and shameFeeling unprepared for the physical reality of a postpartum bodyThe influence of “bounce back” culture and postpartum bodies portrayed onlineWondering whether her own body was normal because she hadn’t seen bodies like hers representedAnother mother reaching out and helping George realise she wasn’t aloneFinding the courage to share her postpartum body onlineThe response from thousands of women who felt seen and validated by her contentMoving from struggling with her body to feeling in awe of what it has doneThe challenge of finding genuine friendships and community in early motherhoodFinally meeting other mums who made George feel seen in her experienceNavigating sleep deprivation at around six months postpartumThe enormous identity shift that comes with motherhoodThe joy of watching Teddy’s personality begin to emergeGeorge's feeling that motherhood has brought a sense of contentment she had been searching forYou can find George on Instagram at @georgina.raynerrr. A big thank you to ergoPouch for sponsoring this week’s episode.Use the code PPS20 at checkout to receive 20% off the ergoPouch range. Valid until 31 October 2026. Terms and conditions apply.You can find out more about ergoPouch at @ergopouch, and you can browse their range at www.ergopouch.com.au. As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.AustraliaPANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New ZealandPlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x