In the very first episode of My Postpartum Podcast, I introduce myself, and share briefly what got me here and why I started the podcast. I share the differences between both my birthing experiences and how I feel that inevitably shaped my postpartum experiences, even though I was supported by the perinatal mental health team in both. 

I think it’s so important for women to share and listen to others' postpartum stories, through sharing we learn, normalise and reflect. For the women sharing, they can feel seen and heard about a time of their life which is truly remarkable whichever way it goes. 

Ultimately this episode sets the stage for the future episodes, where others will share with the aim to foster a sense of community.

In the third episode, Hazel shares her personal insights from her three unique postpartum journeys. She shares openly about her struggles after her first child was born, which led to a brief stay in a mother and baby unit. She shares deeply how she feels her experiences have evolved with what postpartum has been like after each of her children. We speak on a universal level about the growth that happens within us as mothers once we have had a baby. Hazel reflects on surrendering control, and learning when to let go.

In episode five Sara shares her postpartum experiences after each of her three children. Reflecting on her varied journeys from what she describes as a well-supported first postpartum. Sara shares how she feels listening to our own body is important as well as sharing about her internal struggles alongside her effort to embrace each postpartum period meanwhile managing emotions and managing her own personal well-being. She shares how her most recent postpartum experience has brought for her the valuable lessons of self-acceptance and finding a balance.

In episode seven Becca shares about her experience of two NICU stays after two unplanned cesareans and a brief hospital stay after a freebirth. Becca shares about some breastfeeding difficulties, increased anxiety and her neighbours stepping in helping with household chores. We discuss blood loss and Becca shares her experience of blood loss and how this has left her feeling in the immediate postpartum. We also discuss the importance of marrying up your physical postpartum preparation with mental preparation for what you want postpartum to look and feel like for you.

Reach out to Becca through her website birth reclaimed

In the fourth episode Charlotte shares her contrasting birth and postpartum experiences, opening up about the significant challenges she faces during her first postpartum following a difficult birth. Charlotte remarks on how her second postpartum is markedly different which she puts down to better planning, clearer boundaries and great support from her husband. Charlotte shares about the importance of realistic preparation, community support and navigating postpartum with open communication.

Charlotte is an experience virtual doula - find her website here The Smart Doula

In the sixth episode Rachel shares her story of birth and postpartum, how her mental health was impacted and the steps she took to get better including CBT and EMDR therapy. Rachel found herself in a unique situation where she was navigating postpartum and pregnancy simultaneously. Rachel shares her experience with hiring private midwives, a birth doula, and postpartum doulas. Rachel's first postpartum doula sadly ended her life when Rachel was freshly postpartum with her second baby, after providing wonderful support to Rachel.

Rachel is a Psychologist specialising in Eating Disorder Recovery, you can contact Rachel via her website eating disorder therapist