Content warning: In this episode, we discuss experiences of mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder and high-risk pregnancy. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional support. If you are in Australia you can call LifeLine 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

Diana Nicholls is a mother to twins, author of 30 Weeks 1 Day: A memoir of strength, survival and mental health, a personal trainer, mental health coach, and a long-distance runner. Diana is passionate about supporting others with their physical and mental health through her business, DNPT after navigating her challenges. 7 years ago, Diana fell pregnant with identical twins and had to navigate the unimaginable stress of a high-risk pregnancy, with the twins developing twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTSS). This meant Diana was on strict bed rest, underwent surgeries while pregnant, and gave birth to the twins at 30 weeks and 1 day. The twins ' survival was touch-and-go throughout the pregnancy and the months following, and Diana had to find a way to navigate this reality.

In this episode, Diana openly shares her mental health journey, navigating each day of the high-risk pregnancy and the months that followed. Diana developed post-traumatic stress disorder after spending so many months in survival mode. She openly shares the challenges and the strategies she used to make her way into recovery and health. Diana's story helps normalise the human experience of trauma and how the body and brain protect us through unimaginable experiences. Diana highlights the importance of community and consistency when we are overcoming traumatic events and provides real tips we can put into practice.

Megan first came across Diana in 2023, when a mutual friend was engaging in a running fundraiser alongside Diana. Diana was running 7 marathons in 7 days to raise money for Mercy Perinatal here in Melbourne.You can see more about Diana's fundraising in an interview with the Today Show here.

You can find Diana's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/30-Weeks-Day-strength-survival/dp/1648714625#:~:text=30%20Weeks%201%20Day%20is,has%20nothing%20left%20to%20give.

Diana's business DNPT is on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dnpt_coaching/

Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute, https://wagtailinstitute.com/

Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: megan@megancorcoran.com.au

Wagtail Institute on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute/

The episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Teachers' Well. You can learn more about their work or purchase a compass journal here: https://www.teacherswell.com/

Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/