1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers

Following our episode with Sophie Walker of Australian Birth Stories, who shared her traumatic first birth experience, this season’s final roundtable discussion unpacks how the mental and physical toll of a birth not going to plan can extend well beyond that day. To discuss birth trauma and why communication could be key in avoiding it, host Davina Smith is joined by Dr Peter Wood, obstetrician and gynaecologist who has delivered more than 3,000 babies, who shares his message of healing for mothers feeling that they are ‘broken’, and Katie Peterson, clinical team leader and psychologist from Gidget Foundation, who explains why good mental health is such a crucial part of recovering from birth trauma. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  You can learn more about Dr Peter Wood on his website, drpeterwood.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s? In this insightful roundtable, Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD), naturopathic clinician, joins clinical psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation to unpack the complex interplay of biology, age, and mental health on the path to parenthood.  From the surprising role of sperm quality in placental health to why sleep deprivation sabotages egg quality, Leah shares cutting-edge science rarely discussed in clinics. Meanwhile, Felicity tackles the hidden emotional toll, why phrases like "your body’s failing you" cut so deep, and how to reframe self-talk when conception struggles feel isolating.   Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  You can learn more about Dr Leah Hechtman on her website, drleahhechtman.com, or follow her on Instagram, @drleahhechtman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a baby is life-changing, but so is the financial shock that comes with it. In this candid roundtable with personal finance expert Kate Browne from Compare Club and Gidget Psychologist Alicia Moss, we tackle the money fears no one warns you about, from navigating paid parental leave (without missing superannuation) to surviving the cost-of-living crisis with a newborn. We discuss the hidden expenses that blindside even the most prepared parents, including the real cost of raising a child and why that terrifying ‘$1 million’ figure isn’t the full story.  Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here.  Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  Discover more from compare club on their website, compareclub.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this roundtable discussion, host Davina Smith explores the realities of young parenthood with Dr Arianne Reis from Young Well Being’s and psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation. They share insights on the mental health challenges young parents face, the intersection of adolescence and matrescence, and how societal stereotypes often overlook the resilience of young families. Hear powerful stories of young mums reclaiming their narrative, from battling isolation to pursuing education and careers while parenting. This conversation highlights why support, not judgment, can make all the difference.   Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here.  Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  You can learn more about and register for Young Well Beings here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Davina Smith as she zooms out from individual stories to tackle the complex world of fertility struggles. Joined by Fertility specialist Dr Lionel Reyftmann and Registered Psychologist Matt Aquilina from the Gidget Foundation Australia, this conversation explores the tyranny of statistics and the mental marathon of treatment, but also, the impact of celebrity narratives and the quiet grief many carry. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Davina Smith, Paediatrician Dr Golly, and Clinical Team Leader & Registered Psychologist at the Gidget Foundation Matt Aquilina as they unpack the pressure men feel to be the “fixer,” how fatherhood can stir up old wounds, and why many dads feel emotionally sidelined just when they’re needed most. But they also go deeper, into the part of parenting no one talks about at the baby shower: how intimacy between partners often shifts after birth. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when parenthood triggers your deepest wounds? In this vulnerable and vital roundtable conversation, host Davina Smith unpacks the complex journey of becoming a parent as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. With guests Tara Hunter from FullStop Australia, alongside Gidget Psychologist Dr Martina Zangger, they explore the invisible triggers of parenthood, breaking generational cycles, and moving from fear to empowerment. For perinatal mental health support, Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. ‘Gidget Foundation Australia’ has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. 1800 FULL STOPFree, 24/7, trauma-specialist counselling is available for anyone in Australia impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence. Call 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) or webchat at fullstop.org.au  NSW Sexual Violence Helpline Free, 24/7 trauma-specialist counselling is available for anyone in NSW impacted by sexual violence. Call 1800 424 017 or webchat at fullstop.org.au Note: all Full Stop Australia's services are available for victim-survivors, their loved ones and support networks, frontline workers and people receiving disclosures.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful roundtable conversation, host Davina Smith sits down with the CEO & Director of Disability Maternity Care, and Gidget Psychologist Dr Erin Seeto to unpack the challenges of parenting when the world isn’t built for you. Together, they explore the daily adaptations no one warns you about, how to navigate healthcare systems that underestimate parents with a disability, breaking stereotypes, and the joy of raising kids who see ability differently.   Learn more about Disability Maternity care on their website here.   Need support? The team at Gidget Foundation Australia has your back. Head to their website here for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From reality television to talking about the reality of parenthood, Jack Millar & Courtney Stubbs share their experience from navigating a challenging pregnancy to embracing life as parents. They share their struggles with Courtney's adjustment disorder and how Jack felt helpless in easing her pain. Discover how dads can truly support their partners, tackle the guilt of returning to work, and strengthen their relationship through tough conversations. Later, Paediatrician Dr Golly joins Dr Erin Seeto, Clinical Psychologist at Gidget Foundation Australia to discuss fatherhood, the unique challenges fathers and non-birthing partners face and mental health. Plus, Dr Golly shares his top tip for sleep success. The secret ingredient? Dads and non-birthing partners. Thanks to Nourishing Bubs for making this episode possible. Discover more of their range at nourishingbubs.com or follow them on Instagram @nourishingbubs. To hear more from Dr. Golly, visit his Instagram @DrGolly or head to his website drgolly.com for links to his podcast, sleep programs, and more. If you want to keep up with Jack & Courtney, you can find them on instagram. @_courtneystubbs and @jackomillar. 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 SmithProducer: Kelsey Menzies Audio Imager: Kelli FoulstoneManaging Producer: Todd Stevens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going into her 31-week scan, Pieta was expecting the usual – a jelly-covered belly and the thrill of seeing her baby grow. But what started as a routine scan ended with Pieta facing one of the most challenging decisions of her life. One in 22 babies has a ‘major congenital anomaly’, and in this episode, Pieta shares her own experience navigating uncertain medical information, the mental toll of grappling with difficult decisions, and the importance of care beyond the diagnosis. Later, Dr. Golly, paediatrician and Gidget Ambassador, joins host Davina Smith and Gidget Clinical Psychologist Erin Seeto for a roundtable discussion on the types and purposes of pregnancy screenings available to parents, discussing strategies to protect your mental health when navigating complex medical information. Plus, Dr. Golly shares his own experience with unexpected diagnoses, sparking a conversation around the value of sharing the mental load and finding trusted sources of truth. Thanks to Peaches Pilates for making this episode possible. Discount code expires Sep 30th 24, available for new subscribers online. Head to peachespilates.com. If you would like to hear more from Pieta, head to the Through the Unexpected website here. You can find Dr Golly on instagram @drgolly, or head to his website to find his sleep programs, podcast and more. Dr Golly has provided a special discount code for today’s listeners to use on his Sleep Programs. Use the coupon code “gidget20” upon checkout at drgolly.com and you will receive $20 off all sleep programs. Code expires 31.10.24. 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 SmithProducer: Kelsey Menzies Audio Imager: Kelli FoulstoneManaging Producer: Todd Stevens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Cathy Ngo – the daughter of Vietnamese refugee’s - became a mother, the wounds of her past tore open. In a deeply moving conversation with host Davina Smith, Cathy reveals her struggle to balance her heritage with the desire to forge her own path. She bravely shares her experiences with racism, family violence, and how the birth of her son triggered a wave of depression and anxiety that with an extraordinary amount of courage would start her on a path to breaking the cycle of trauma she endured. Later, a roundtable discussion with artist-turned-author Amani Haydar and Gidget psychologist Roshini Varghese delves into the necessity of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. Amani also shares powerful insights from her book, "The Mother Wound," making this episode a must-listen for any parent seeking understanding and healing. Keep up with Cathy’s journey on her Instagram @cathyngospeaks or head to her website cathyngo.com. To hear more from Amani, head to her Instagram @amanihaydar. To get a copy of Amani’s book, ‘The Mother Wound’ head to the Pan Macmillan website here. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silje Andersen-Cooke's jaw dropped when her OBGYN uttered the word ‘triplets’. Shock, joy, and a flood of anxieties ensued. From grappling with financial worries to fears about her body and the babies' health, Silje shares her rollercoaster journey with host Davina Smith in this raw and honest conversation. Discover how she went from shock to advocacy as Director of the Multiple Births Association, where she campaigns for better health outcomes and support for parents of multiples. Later, hear from Head of Research at Compare Club Kate Browne plus Gidget Clinical Psychologist Erin Seeto in a roundtable discussion on managing financial stressors in early parenthood. Together, they discuss budgeting, handling unforeseen expenses, and finding the sweet spot between quality and cost in parenting, all without letting your wallet define your worth. Thanks to Nourishing Bubs for making this episode possible. Discover more of their range at nourishingbubs.com or folow them on instagram @nourishingbubs. Keep up with Silje’s journey on her instagram @silje.ac or learn more about the Multiple Births association on their website amba.org.au. If it’s Kate Browne you’re after, head to compareclub.com.au to learn more. 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 SmithProducer: Kelsey Menzies Audio Imager: Kelli FoulstoneManaging Producer: Todd Stevens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.