Fourth Trimester Village | Dr Nicole Gale, newborn sleep, breastfeeding support, matrescence, postnatal loneliness

From Australian Birth Stories by Sophie Walker

June 10, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

This episode explores the challenges and realities of the fourth trimester with insights from Dr. Nicole Gale.

This episode is part of The Fourth Trimester Village, a four-part series in partnership with Bugaboo exploring what it actually takes to navigate those first twelve weeks after birth. Not just physically, but emotionally, socially and practically. Because we spend so much time preparing for birth, but not nearly enough time talking about what comes after. In this episode, Sophie speaks with Dr Nicole Gale, a specialist GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and founder of Juno Specialists in Richmond, Melbourne. Nicole brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and deep compassion to the conversation, unpacking what the fourth trimester really looks like for mothers, babies, and families. From the biology of newborn sleep and the myths around self-settling, to the emotional complexity of breastfeeding decisions and the very real loneliness of early motherhood, this episode is rich with validation, evidence-based insight, and practical wisdom. Nicole also speaks beautifully about supporting neurodivergent mothers in the postnatal period and closes with a reminder that will stay with you long after you've finished listening. You can learn more about…

People in this episode

Host: Sophie Walker

Guest: Dr Nicole Gale

Topics covered

fourth trimester
newborn sleep
breastfeeding support
matrescence
postnatal loneliness

Keywords

newborn sleep
breastfeeding
postnatal support
matrescence
emotional health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bugaboo

Places: Richmond, Melbourne