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.

Birth is often painted as a moment of pure joy, but what happens when the reality is far more complicated?  In this deeply personal episode, Sophie Walker shares her journey through birth trauma, unexpected interventions, and the road to recovery. From her meticulously planned birth plan unravelling in the delivery room amid worried family, to the emotional and physical toll, Sophie opens up about the challenges so many mothers face but few discuss. Host Davina Smith also explores the importance of education and community support through Sophie’s podcast, ‘Australian Birth Stories’.    Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  Learn more about Sophie on her Instagram, @australianbirthstories or on their website, australianbirthstories.com  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When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s?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.

At 47, Sheila - high-performance coach, former CFO, and self-proclaimed "late bloomer” - finally held her miracle baby in her arms. But the road to motherhood was anything but conventional.  In this deeply personal episode, Sheila shares her extraordinary journey of hope, heartbreak, and divine intervention, from freezing her eggs at 38 during a devastating breakup, to meeting her soulmate Tyson during lockdown, to surviving seven rounds of IVF before turning to donor eggs.  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 Sheila by visiting her website, sheilav.co 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.

When Luke - a musician, performer, and devoted dad - found himself lying on the floor in tears, overwhelmed by the weight of fatherhood, he faced a silent battle many men never admit to: postnatal depression. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Luke shares how the arrival of his twins, and the pressure to be the "strong" provider, left him feeling lost, guilty, and unable to speak up.  From the chaos of emergency C-sections to the identity crisis of trading rap lyrics for nappy changes, Luke breaks down the stigma around men's mental health with host Davina Smith.   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.  Follow Luke on his Instagram, @itslukemac_ 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.

From a cheeky Snapchat message to raising two daughters under three, Georgia and Zac's story is raw, hilarious, and deeply relatable. In this episode, they open up about falling in love fast, becoming parents before they felt “ready,” and the emotional highs and lows of navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in their 20s.  Georgia shares what it was like giving birth to a surprise breech baby, the mental toll of a second pregnancy while parenting a toddler, and the guilt of feeling like she “missed” nine months of her eldest’s life. Zach offers a rare glimpse into modern fatherhood, from the helplessness of early labour to learning that sometimes, the best support is just listening.  Thanks to Homb for making this episode possible. To learn more about Homb’s services, visit homb.com.au.   Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information.  Keep up with Georgie & Zac on their TikTok, @georgieandzac 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.

You may know her as the bright, bubbly Wiggle lighting up stages for kids across the country, but behind the scenes, Caterina Mete was on a deeply personal mission: to become a mum, on her own terms. In this heartfelt episode, Caterina opens up to Davina about the emotional rollercoaster of choosing solo motherhood and going through IVF alone. She talks about the unexpected comfort she found in connecting with other solo mums, the pressure to stay positive in the face of uncertainty, and the power of choosing joy - even when the journey is scary. Thanks to Homb for making this episode possible. To learn more about Homb’s services, visit homb.com.au.  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.

For Frank, becoming a dad wasn’t just life-changing, it was life-defining. But instead of joy, early fatherhood brought his past crashing to the surface. In this raw and revealing episode, Frank shares how buried trauma and the fear of vulnerability led him down a path of addiction, and how hitting rock bottom forced him to make the most difficult choice of his life: keep running or fight for his sons. Hosted by Davina Smith, this powerful conversation peels back the layers of what it means to be a father carrying unspoken pain, and how healing often starts with speaking up. 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.

Dusk Liney grew up thinking she needed to be ‘fixed’ before she could become a mother. A survivor of childhood sexual assault, she tells Davina how she carried the weight of shame, silence and fractured trust. She shares the painful paradox of parenting with trauma, the moment she realised motherhood wasn’t about perfection, and the radical act of letting love take over. Follow Dusk on Instagram here, or you can find Dusk on her website here.   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.

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.

Australia’s most decorated Paralympian, Ellie Cole, thought she knew what success felt like. Until, she held her son Felix for the first time. Speaking with host Davina Smith, she opens up about the emotional roller-coaster of IVF and miscarriage, how parenthood and living with a disability have surprising similarities, and how motherhood challenged her identity more than any competition did.   Ellie’s book, ‘Felix and His Fantastic Friends’ is available now on Amazonand any good book store.   You can find Ellie on Instagram here.   Thanks to Homb for making this episode possible. To learn more about Homb’s services, visit homb.com.au.   Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website 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.

A silver lining in a devastating miscarriage gave Ash the courage to explore the newfound maternal parts of herself. With coaching, she discovered matrescence—the emotional, biological, and physical changes experienced by women as they become mothers. In a candid chat with Davina Smith, Ash shares how this knowledge empowered her to face anxieties with compassion and accept further support when needed. Later, Davina is joined by matrescence expert and podcast host Amy Taylor-Kabbaz, as well as Gidget Clinical Team Lead Katie Peterson, to discuss the origins of the word matrescence, what you can expect as you go through this complete metamorphosis of body and self, and how to know if the emotions you're feeling are a normal part of matrescence or if they require extra mental health support.   Thanks to Peaches Pilates for making this episode possible. Discount code expires Sep 30th 24, available for new subscribers online. Head to peachespilates.com.    Keep up with Ash’s journey on her Instagram @therealashbonner.   If you would like to hear more from Amy, head to her Instagram @amytaylorkabbaz, or website amytaylorkabbaz.com where you can find her programs and episodes of her podcast – Happy Mama Movement.     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.

After years of battling mental health struggles, Kylianne received an unexpected prescription: movement. Embracing physical activity for pure joy rather than aesthetics marked the beginning of her healing and a new career, ultimately making her business ‘Movement for Mental Health’ the largest third-party fundraiser for the Gidget Foundation. Before this incredible feat however, the onset of prolapse after the birth of her first child threatened to unravel the progress herself and her greatest mental health ally – movement – had achieved.  In this heartfelt conversation with host Davina Smith, Kylianne shares her journey of resilience and determination to change the narrative. She reveals how helping others became a pathway to her own healing and how the overwhelming chaos she felt welcoming a second child led to her ADHD diagnosis. The discussion deepens with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Lisa Morgan from Gidget and Sally Rippin, author of 'Wild Things’ in a roundtable discussion later in the episode. Together, they explore the complexities of parenting as a neurodivergent individual and offer strategies to create a happy home when your child also receives a diagnosis.   Find Kylianne on Instagram @kylianne_moveformentalhealth or head to her website moveformentalhealth.com to learn more about her fundraisers & workshops.   You can also find Sally on Instagram @sallyrippinauthor, or head to her website sallyrippin.com to get a copy of her book ‘Wild Things’.   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.