Episodes
Today I’m joined by fellow Melbourne mum, Jade. Jade shares with us her struggle with postnatal depression and anxiety when her son Oscar was 6 months old and Melbourne hit its first round of COVID-19 lockdowns. Jade faced the daunting task of seeking help when the world was facing a pandemic and the health system was already inundated. Jade shares the strategies and resources that helped her along the way. As part of her recovery journey, Jade started an online postpartum mental health...
Published 09/29/21
This week I talk being hit by an earthquake (yes in AUSTRALIA) and my continuing lockdown obsessions with true crime and documentaries. Murderers on the run, serial killers and 9/11 are all featured in my recent view-list and it’s been a wild ride. I also talk 2nd birthday prep and call for your help with ideas - cause wow do I need them! #letsbereal   Connect with me: Website realmotherpodcast.com Instagram @realmotherpodcast
Published 09/22/21
Published 09/22/21
Today I’m joined by fellow mother and perinatal depression and anxiety survivor, Sarah. Sarah shares with us her story of suffering postnatal depression and anxiety after having her first baby Lexi. She then suffered prenatal depression and anxiety during her pregnancy with her second baby Pippa. She also faced breastfeeding challenges and touches on her self care practices and coping with PNDA whilst living in rural NSW. Join me for this important and reflective conversation about Sarah’s...
Published 09/15/21
Still in the midst of lockdown 6.0, I’m still struggling to find motivation and inspiration. Bored of my usual shows, I discuss a few documentaries that have fascinated me recently and how some have sparked some serious concerns in me, as a mother. Switching gears, I then describe having a beautiful and perfect day and why it was so special to me. #letsbereal   Connect with me: Website realmotherpodcast.com Instagram @realmotherpodcast
Published 09/01/21
This week I discuss feeling rejected by my toddler and what that brings up for me. I also touch on feeling unwell and unmotivated during the current COVID lockdown and where I’m at with coming-off a medication for Postnatal Depression and Anxiety. #letsbereal   Connect with me: Website realmotherpodcast.com Instagram @realmotherpodcast
Published 08/25/21
I’m joined by physiotherapist for women Kath Baquie as we discuss pain in pregnancy and postpartum recovery. We talk about pelvic girdle and back pain, challenges faced in seeking treatment, the different types of postpartum incontinence, physical activity and mental health and the importance of investing in ourselves - especially as mothers. #letsbereal   You can find Kath at fitnestmama.com or via Instagram @fitnestmama or via Podcast The FitNest Mama Podcast   Connect with...
Published 08/18/21
I miss “her”. In this episode I discuss my thoughts and feelings around the flip side of loving being a mother - not loving it. You can both love something and struggle with it at the same time. I also cover some thoughts from other mothers on this topic revealing just how hard we can all find it. #letsbereal
Published 08/11/21
TRIGGER WARNING - In this episode, I discuss where I’m currently at in my Postnatal Depression and Anxiety journey. I touch on my last relapse and my experience of intrusive thoughts. I also cover what’s been helping me, the positive steps I’ve taken towards recovery and what’s next on the horizon. Postnatal Depression and Anxiety is real, normal and not to be ashamed of. If you or someone you know needs help, call PANDA on 1800 882 436 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. #letsbereal
Published 08/04/21
This is definitely a TMI episode! Lots of mentions of boobs and nipples… but today I share my breastfeeding journey. The ups, the downs, the struggle, the reward. I dealt with low-supply and a bad latch and I discuss my experience hiring a lactation consultant to assist. Dedicated to my two dear friends who just became mothers for the first time - and anyone who has battled through their own feeding journey. #letsbereal
Published 07/29/21
My partner Luke joins me to talk all-things-fatherhood. From the best and worst parts of being a dad to what it’s like supporting a partner struggling with postnatal depression and anxiety, we cover it all in this episode! #letsbereal
Published 07/21/21
Hindsight is 20/20 right? If only I could go back in time and tell my pregnant-self a few pearls of wisdom, words of encouragement, or just simple ways to prepare for the enormous transformation that was to come. Here are some of the things I wish I knew before becoming a mother. #letsbereal
Published 07/14/21
Welcome to the rollercoaster story of my labour, birth and hospital stay. It was long and it was traumatic! I spent over 18 hours in active labour, 5 hours pushing, a week in hospital, had two emergency medical calls and a night in cardiac care. It does have a happy ending however. I overcame all of the hurdles and both my baby and I headed home healthy...eventually. Enjoy the ride! #letsbereal
Published 07/07/21
I’ve had more bad endings to things than what I’d like to admit. In this episode I dive into the latest one and my feelings around it. Being a working mother is HARD. I also touch on weaning, body shame and where I’m at in my postpartum-body journey. Then I finish off with new beginnings and my thoughts on what’s to come. #letsbereal
Published 07/01/21
It’s unfortunately been another tough week. I’m being pulled in too many different directions at once and it’s left me feeling ALL the stress. I provide an update on last week’s episode and the new stressors that have been thrown into an already overwhelming time. Join me and a few of my swear words as I take you through the raw and the real of my rough patch. #letsbereal
Published 06/23/21
This past week has been tough. I was let-go in my current role and the news hit me like a tonne of bricks! I detail the story in this week’s episode and discuss managing my anxiety whilst facing this sudden uncertainty as a working mum. #letsbereal
Published 06/17/21
How are we here AGAIN?! Yes, my 4th lockdown. It doesn’t get easier each time, but I share with you my strategies on getting through lockdown with a toddler and give you some ideas for messy play and activities. Hope you’re surviving lockdown too if you’re in the same boat! #letsbereal
Published 06/09/21
Today I bring you a shorter bonus episode on what I took (or wish I took) to the hospital when I gave birth. I'm focusing on things that I needed postpartum/postnatal. You can also find a list linked on Instagram @realmotherpodcast. Enjoy my tips and hoarse voice! #letsbereal
Published 06/06/21
As a mother, I don’t get away much and when I do, it never seems to be relaxing. After a week-long trip to the Gold Coast filled with anxiety and heart palpitations, I take you through travelling with a toddler and what it was like for me. Buckle up, you don’t really ever “get-away” from motherhood. #letsbereal
Published 05/31/21
You’ve heard of the phrase “newborn bliss” but have you heard of “newborn hell”? That was the reality for me. The hardest thing I’ve ever done in life is raise a newborn. Sleep deprivation, chronic pain, anxiety and loneliness were all mixed into my newborn bubble of so-called-bliss. Having a newborn is no walk in the park, so why do we think it will be? #letsbereal
Published 05/12/21
This week I discuss the importance of checking-in with your mental health and my own struggles. I then discuss the invisible load of motherhood and the toll this can take on our mental health.* Then, anger - is there a healthy way to express it? Being real, this episode was hard to make while I’m still “in” my own mental health challenges, but if it helps someone, it’s all worth it. #letsbereal *The views expressed are all my own and the content is for informational purposes only. Because...
Published 05/05/21
Welcome to the Real Mother podcast. Today I’m diving into my expectations and the reality of my journey into motherhood. Not picture-perfect, more shock-horror in the nicest possible way. My hope is to share my experience to help other mothers relate and let go of the unrealistic image that can often taint our experience. #letsbereal
Published 04/22/21