Making Life

Our final episode of 2022 is with Melissa! Melissa shares about their experience of IVF, queer parenting and perinatal depression and anxiety. We talked a bit about keeping connection with friends when we become parents, finding connection with new people through parenthood particularly with differing parenting experiences and some of the challenges of parenthood on marriage. This episode was raw and so interesting, I’m incredibly honoured that Melissa shared their story. Content warning - In this episode we discussed perinatal depression and anxiety and postpartum rage. If you’re struggling with the themes we discuss in this episode, please see support services listed below - PANDA -  1300 726 306Gidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Melissa’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Minus18. If you would like more information about Minus18 or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.minus18.org.au/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Today we talk to Kate and Kate so honestly and courageously shared her journey from being a high achieving, in control dancer and business owner all the way through having two children, selling her business and becoming a postpartum doula. I want to share a passage of Kate’s journal that shared with us in this episode, because it is such a powerful way to feel what a new mother is feeling at a glimpse in time -  “Ever since I became a mother I have struggled with who I am and who society wants me to be as that figure - as a mother. I’m not a person who ever wanted to sit still for too long, I was in the control seat of my business for 9 years and suddenly I’m thrown into something else and now I’m meant to be something else.”Content warning - If you’re struggling or triggered with anything we’ve discussed, please see support services below. PANDA -  1300 726 306Gidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Kate’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to the Gidget Foundation . If you would like more information about The Gidget Foundation or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Today we talk to Em. Em shares what happened when, at 4 weeks postpartum with her third child, her partner was arrested at their home and didn’t come back until a year later. Em’s strength is astounding and I’m so glad that we were able to share this story. Content Warning - if you’re triggered or struggling with the themes we discussed in this episode, support services are listed below. Support ServicesGidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14https://www.crcnsw.org.au/get-help/support-for-families/Em’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Shine for Kids. If you would like more information about Shine for Kids or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://shineforkids.org.au/children-families/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Ciara is on a path of healing and helping. Growing up in an abusive and very toxic environment,  Ciara went through a process of grieving and hurting from the experiences she’d had as a child and through to adulthood. Ciara shares about how her childhood experiences shaped her view on love and relationships and the cycles of abuse that so unfortunately follow. Ciara also shares the incredibly brave and important moment that she moved on and the moment that she apologised to her daughter for her experiences. Now being a postpartum doula, Ciara is sharing her love and her strength with others. Content warning - we discuss abuse, domestic violence, munchenhausen’s disease and depression in this episode. If you’re struggling or triggered with anything we’ve discussed, please see support services below. PANDA -  1300 726 3061800 Respect - 1800 737 732Gidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Ciara’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Foster Care Angels. If you would like more information about Little Wings or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.fostercareangels.org.au/. If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

On Today’s episode of Making Life we’re joined by Elle. Elle shares her shift into parenthood and the challenges that this presented around her identity, her sense of self and connecting within her marriage. We talked about the surrender to asking for and accepting help from your community in the early years and Elle shared some really beautiful parts of becoming a parent and rediscovering herself, her passions and her goals. Content Warning - if you’re triggered or struggling with the themes we discussed in this episode, support services are listed below. Support ServicesGidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Elle’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Little Wings. If you would like more information about Little Wings or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.littlewings.org.au/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

On today’s episode of Making Life we talk to Rachel. Rachel shares her experience of infertility and the tough decision that she and her husband made to have weight loss surgery to better their chances of conceiving. Join us to hear Rachel’s story of weight loss surgery, what life looks like now and how she plans to have conversations with her children about body-image & food. Content warning - this episode might be triggering for anyone that has experienced disordered eating. Support ServicesGidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14If you’d like to watch Rachel’s interview with SBS, you can find it here - https://www.facebook.com/InsightSBS/videos/522660571599287Rachel’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Life’s Little Treasures. If you would like more information about Life’s Little Treasures or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Today’s episode of Making Life is with Matt. Matt is a father of two and a counsellor that works with men and fathers. Today we talk about Matt’s transition to being a dad, the examples of fatherhood that he witnessed when getting an understanding of the father that he wanted to be and navigating his new role in his family. Matt also shared a bit about his experience working in Men’s Behaviour Change programs, working with men and fathers who use violence against partners and children. Content warning - we discuss family and domestic violence from the perspective of men who commit this violence in this episode. If these themes are troubling for you, please seek support through the services below. Support Services: https://www.sms4dads.com.au/1800RESPECT - National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service - 1800 737 732Lifeline - 13 11 14https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/help-from-other-places-for-family-and-domestic-violence?context=60033If you’re after more information about fatherhood and Internal Family Systems, please see below: Greater than the sum of my parts - Richard C. Schwartz - https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Greater-Than-the-Sum-of-Our-Parts-Audiobook/B07D4MNC2H?qid=1666773345&sr=1-2&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=771c6463-05d7-4981-9b47-920dc34a70f1&pf_rd_r=DW9K556RWKT10SWMVWE8Strong Space Counselling - https://strongspacecounselling.com/Matt’s episode of Making Life was dedicated to Gotcha 4 Life Foundation. If you would like more information about Gotcha 4 Life, or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.gotcha4life.org/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

On today’s episode of Making Life, we speak with Erinn. Erinn has been navigating neurodivergence with her two eldest sons and herself and we talk through the challenges and the joy of neurodivergent minds. We also talk about the toughest diagnosis of all - Erinn’s youngest son has epilepsy and Erinn tells us about living most parents' worst nightmare, having to witness her son have seizures and the crisis parenting that comes with it. Content warning - we discuss epilepsy and seizures in this episode. Support Services Epilepsy Support - https://www.epilepsy.org.au/Neurodivergence Support and Info - https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/neurodiversity-neurodivergence-guide-for-familiesGidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Erinn shares more about being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world on Instagram @theneurodivergentjournalistErinn’s episode of Making was dedicated to Epilepsy ACT. If you would like more information about Epilepsy ACT, or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.epilepsyact.org.auIf you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

We’re back with Season 2 of Making Life and up first is Alex. On today’s episode, I talk to Alex about her decision to become sober. We talked through the relationship that Alex had with alcohol, we talked about the complex and often misunderstood feelings that present around grief and loss and we talked about the moment that Alex shared with her children, where she realised that her drinking was making them uncomfortable. Content warning - we discuss alcohol consumption and the loss of a loved one in this episode. Support Services are listed below. Positive Choices - https://positivechoices.org.au/information/where-to-get-help/Gidget Foundation - http://gidgetfoundation.org.au/Lifeline - 13 11 14Alex’s episode of Making was dedicated to Feel the Magic. If you would like more information about Feel the Magic, or you would like to donate yourself, you can do so here.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Bianca is The Aboriginal Naturopath, she’s also a social worker but I think you could call her a warrior, a healer. We talk about that today, we talk about lots of things today. We go to the trauma, the pain, the deep intergenerational wounds, the suffering but we also go to the resilience, the compassion, the beauty, the surrender, the trust, the love and the wisdom. Content Warning - We discuss some heavy topics in this episode - death, domestic and family violence, alcohol abuse, sexual assault of a minor and birth trauma. Please take care when listening.Support Services - Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.au1800RESPECT - National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service - 1800 737 732Lifeline - 13 11 14https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/help-from-other-places-for-family-and-domestic-violence?context=60033If you want more information or you want to work with Bianca, you can find her at @theaboriginalnaturopath on Instagram or her website - https://linktr.ee/biancarosenelsonBianca’s episode of Making Life is dedicated to Sister’s Inside, an organisation that supports criminalised Women, Girls, Children and Families, advocating for their human rights and providing services to address their needs. If you would like more information about Sister’s Inside, or you would like to donate yourself, you can find them at https://www.sistersinside.com.au/.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a rating and a reviewIf you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

On today’s episode of Making Life we’re joined by Karma to share her experience of IUI, IVF and Donor Egg IVF to conceive her beautiful son. Karma shares some of the more challenging parts of fertility struggles including the impact on relationships and the lack of care and kindness that sometimes comes with such a medicalised process. You can really hear the parts of Karma’s story that are still raw and emotional and shared with such courage. Support Services - https://www.growingfamilies.org/ForWhen - Mental Health Support for Expecting and New Parents -  1300 24 23 22Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about Neuroblastoma Australia or donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.neuroblastoma.org.auIf you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

We’re back to share part two of Lauren’s story and the path that she took to become empowered, informed and most importantly the faith and trust that she learnt in herself to seek a healing birth experience with her second child. Lauren’s determination and resolve absolutely blew me away, I think you will like this one!Support Services - ForWhen - Mental Health Support for Expecting and New Parents -  1300 24 23 22Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

On today’s episode of Making Life, Lauren joins us to share part one of her story. We go into the events leading up to the birth of her first child, both the physical and emotional trauma that Lauren experienced and the moments that she’s still rattled and confused by, three years on. Support Services - ForWhen - Mental Health Support for Expecting and New Parents -  1300 24 23 22Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Today’s guest is Amy-Lee, who shares her story of parenting while surviving violent intimate partners. Content warning - In this episode, we discussed Domestic and Family Violence in its graphic nature. Please take care when listening and if you’re struggling or triggered by this conversation, please see support services listed below - 1800RESPECT - National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service - 1800 737 732Lifeline - 13 11 14https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/help-from-other-places-for-family-and-domestic-violence?context=60033The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about Beyond DV or donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.beyonddv.org.au/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Today’s guest is Shanelle, who shares the birth stories of her two children and her experience of Birth Trauma and PTSD.  We talked about the parts of her birth stories that were traumatic and the parts that were surprisingly healing. We discussed very traumatic birth stories in this episode, if you’re struggling or triggered by these topics, please see support services listed below - ForWhen - Mental Health Support for Expecting and New Parents -  1300 24 23 22Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about Still Aware or donate yourself, you can do so at https://stillaware.org/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Jess shares with us how her high achieving, perfectionist personality traits translated to parenting and what happened when she couldn’t keep up with it anymore. We talk motherhood and identity and what it means to find yourself after becoming a parent. Support Services are listed below - Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about Life’s Little Treasures or donate yourself, you can do so at https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review!If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Vicky shares with us her experience of receiving a disability diagnosis as a mum of 2 and how she has found a passion in supporting other mums with disability to live the life they want to live. Support Services are listed below. Gidget Foundation - 1300 851 758 or gidgetfoundation.org.auLifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about CMT Australia or donate yourself, you can do so at https://cmtaustralia.org.au/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Tia joins us to talk about her experience of miscarriage and what happened when she went into labour at 26 weeks pregnant.Content Warning - we discuss miscarriage and premature birth in this episode.Support Services are listed below:SANDS - miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support - 1300 308 207Lifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information about Life’s Little Treasures or donate yourself, you can do so at https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode, please let us know by leaving a review.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Mel shares her story of her entry into parenthood, how she started her successful business, Montessori Medic, and the tough decision to end her marriage. Content warning - we discussed struggles with alcohol in this episode. Support Services are listed below. 1800RESPECT - National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service - 1800 737 732Lifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast dedicates each episode to a charity of the guests choice, and donates 50AUD to that charity. If you would like to find out more information or donate yourself, you can do so at https://smallsteps4hannah.com.au/.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode please let us know by leaving a review.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.

Ali shares her story of how hypnobirthing helped during the birth of her two children, her experience with miscarriage and how she has navigated her mental health as a parent. Content warning - we discussed miscarriage and mental health including anxiety and depression in this episode.Support Services are listed below. SANDS - miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support - 1300 308 207Lifeline - 13 11 14The Making Life podcast donates $50 to a charity of the guests choice. If you would like to find out more information or donate yourself, you can do so at https://www.preciouswings.org/If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch @storiesaboutmakinglife on Instagram or email us storiesaboutmakinglife@gmail.com.If you loved this episode please let us know by leaving a review.If you have any questions or you’d like to share your own story, please get in touch on Instagram. We're a small podcast produced and edited by just me, Abby. If you loved this episode, I would love to hear from you! Please rate and leave a review, it helps make this podcast possible.