The Postpartum Season

Laura Taneja | Sharing honest postpartum stories

The Postpartum Season is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about life after birth.
Hosted by Laura, each episode explores the realities of the postpartum period through open, compassionate conversations with mothers and trusted health professionals.
Motherhood is often portrayed as either beautiful or difficult, but the truth is that it can be both at the same time. This podcast creates space for the full picture—the joy, the love, the identity shifts, the exhaustion, the healing, the challenges, and everything in between.
Whether you're preparing for your first baby, navigating the early weeks postpartum, returning to work, or simply looking for reassurance that you're not alone, The Postpartum Season is here to support you.
Because every postpartum experience is different, but no one should have to navigate it feeling alone.

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30 episodes
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Avg 49 min
English

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Monday · 58 min
EP 31 | Tayla – Two Postpartum Experiences, Formula Feeding, Postpartum Anxiety & Returning to Work
In this episode, Tayla shares her two postpartum experiences, including recovering from caesarean births, choosing to formula feed, navigating postpartum anxiety and returning to paid work earlier than she had hoped. We discuss: Finding out unexpectedly that she was pregnant with her first daughter, Emily Becoming a mother without a relationship with her own mum The enormous support Tayla has received from her mother-in-law Preparing for a planned caesarean and worrying about physical recovery Meeting Emily for the first time The challenges of those first days in hospital and adjusting to caring for a newborn Recovering physically from a caesarean birth Tayla's decision to formula feed both of her children The judgement and pressure she experienced around her feeding choices Navigating conflicting feeding advice and concerns about Emily's weight gain Learning to trust her instincts as a first-time mum Experiencing anxiety during her first postpartum season Returning to paid work when Emily was just under three months old Navigating daycare and adjusting to being away from her baby Preparing for postpartum with a second baby Maintaining Emily's routine during the transition from one child to two Practical postpartum preparation, including meal preparation and creating a calm home environment Meeting Paul and recovering from a second caesarean Feeling much more confident as a mother the second time around Watching Emily meet her baby brother for the first time The challenges of adjusting to life with two young children Feeling a temporary change in her relationship with Emily after Paul's arrival Paul becoming seriously unwell at just 10 days old and requiring hospital care How this experience contributed to significant postpartum anxiety Paul being admitted to hospital again with RSV at 10 weeks old Experiencing prolonged postpartum bleeding and the anxiety surrounding her recovery Struggling with sleep, withdrawing from the outside world and feeling increasingly anxious Why Tayla wishes she had sought mental health support earlier The importance of opening up to trusted friends and family How regular conversations with her husband and friends helped Tayla feel connected and supported Returning to paid work earlier than she wanted because of financial pressures The challenges of combining paid work, daycare and parenting two young children Tayla's positive experience with her children's daycare The joy of watching Emily and Paul's sibling relationship develop Finding greater confidence in herself as a mother, partner and person Learning who truly shows up for you during motherhood This weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
October 5 · 52 min
EP 30 | George – Processing Having an Unplanned LSCS, Postpartum Body Image, Breaking the ‘Bounce Back’ Culture & Finding Your Village
In this episode, George shares her experience of an unplanned caesarean, adjusting to her postpartum body, finding community and learning to surrender to the realities of new motherhood. We discuss: Finding out unexpectedly that she was pregnant with Teddy Deciding there may never be a “right time” to become parents Living in Sydney while most of George's family are in Tasmania Realising how important community would become after having a baby Preparing extensively for birth but much less for postpartum Hoping for a low-intervention vaginal birth Having an unplanned caesarean after more than 24 hours of labour Feeling unprepared for what a caesarean and its recovery would involve Meeting Teddy and not experiencing the immediate rush of emotion she expected The guilt and self-blame George experienced after her birth Learning to validate her own experience rather than comparing it with other people’s birth experience The role pain played in George's emotional wellbeing during early postpartum Beginning to talk openly about her birth and process some of the guilt and shame Feeling unprepared for the physical reality of a postpartum body The influence of “bounce back” culture and postpartum bodies portrayed online Wondering whether her own body was normal because she hadn’t seen bodies like hers represented Another mother reaching out and helping George realise she wasn’t alone Finding the courage to share her postpartum body online The response from thousands of women who felt seen and validated by her content Moving from struggling with her body to feeling in awe of what it has done The challenge of finding genuine friendships and community in early motherhood Finally meeting other mums who made George feel seen in her experience Navigating sleep deprivation at around six months postpartum The enormous identity shift that comes with motherhood The joy of watching Teddy’s personality begin to emerge George's feeling that motherhood has brought a sense of contentment she had been searching for You can find George on Instagram at @georgina.raynerrr. A big thank you to ergoPouch for sponsoring this week’s episode. Use the code PPS20 at checkout to receive 20% off the ergoPouch range. Valid until 31 October 2026. Terms and conditions apply. You can find out more about ergoPouch at @ergopouch, and you can browse their range at www.ergopouch.com.au. As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
October 1 · 31 min
EP 29 | Bonus Episode | The challenges faced by parents in today's society with Tegan from The Parenthood
In this bonus episode of The Postpartum Season, I’m joined by Tegan Gilchrist, a senior director at The Parenthood, an Australian advocacy organisation campaigning for the social and economic infrastructure parents need to make life work for modern families. Tegan shares some of the challenges facing parents today, including the tension between work and caring responsibilities in the context of systems designed for another era, the cost and availability of early learning, and the pressure parents can experience as their families move through different stages. We also talk about what The Parenthood is advocating for: 12 months of paid parental leave for families, high-quality and accessible early learning, and more family-friendly workplaces. Tegan explains why giving fathers and partners dedicated opportunities to take parental leave matters — not only in supporting mothers during the first year, but in establishing shared care from the beginning. We discuss the idea of the “default parent”, the role that time plays in building confidence and connection as a caregiver, and why creating better systems for families can benefit mothers, fathers, children and the wider community. We finish by talking about The Parenthood’s vision for Australian families and how parents can get involved in advocating for change. You can find out more about The Parenthood at: https://www.theparenthood.org.au Or follow along on instagram at @theparenthood. Important links that were mentioned in the episode: Address by Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, at the National Press Club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brIRti7aEpg The Parenthood Paid Parental Leave Petition: https://www.theparenthood.org.au/first_year_foundations Also, as mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
September 28 · 1 hr 15 min
EP 28 | Caitlin – Mothering Without Your Mum, Finding Your Village, Returning to Paid Work & Trusting Your Instincts
In this episode, Caitlin shares her experience of becoming a mother while living overseas without family nearby, mothering without her own mum, and how motherhood has changed her perspective as a NICU nurse. We discuss: Finding out she was pregnant with Maeve Caitlin’s experience of pregnancy as a NICU nurse and feeling that sometimes she “knows too much” The balance between being informed and becoming overwhelmed by everything that could go wrong Preparing practically for postpartum without fully understanding the emotional transition ahead Grieving the end of life as just Caitlin and Stefano before becoming parents Preparing to raise a baby in New Zealand while their families lived overseas Maeve’s labour progressing quickly from three to eight centimetres Maeve’s heart rate dropping during pushing and being taken into theatre An episiotomy and vacuum-assisted birth Meeting their daughter for the first time Establishing breastfeeding and Caitlin’s experience of colostrum harvesting Staying at Birthcare after Maeve’s birth The unexpected pain of recovering from an episiotomy Realising how much physical recovery required her to slow down Planning a wedding during pregnancy and getting married in Italy when Maeve was four months old Travelling overseas with a young baby and having Caitlin and Stefano’s families and friends finally meet Maeve Becoming a mother after losing her own mum at 23 The bittersweet experience of joy and grief existing at the same time Missing the experience of being mothered while learning to mother your own child Grieving the grandparent relationship Caitlin wishes her children could have had with her parents Celebrating Maeve’s relationship with Stefano’s parents The ways Caitlin’s mum continues to influence how she wants to mother her own children Returning to NICU after becoming a mother How motherhood has deepened Caitlin’s empathy for NICU parents The emotional impact of caring for babies and families after having a child herself Caitlin’s passion for supporting and educating parents in NICU Returning to paid work and wanting to continue a career she deeply loves The challenges of balancing paid work and motherhood Preparing to welcome a second baby without family support nearby The sadness Caitlin feels about Maeve no longer being their only child Looking forward to experiencing the newborn stage again Savouring the fleeting seasons of having a baby Trusting your instincts and recognising that you often know more than you think you do This weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
September 21 · 1 hr 17 min
EP 27 | Lucia – Premature Birth, NICU, Infant Loss, Grief & Motherhood After Loss
In this episode, Lucia shares the story of becoming a mother to Edmund, losing him after 40 days in NICU, and how his life profoundly shaped her experience of motherhood, grief and matrescence. We discuss: Lucia’s journey towards deciding she wanted to become a mother Her waters breaking at 24 weeks Spending two weeks in hospital on bed rest The feelings of fear, sadness and that her body had failed her Preparing for the possibility of an extremely premature baby Becoming unwell at 26 weeks and Edmund’s emergency birth Edmund being born at 26 weeks weighing 820 grams Meeting and touching Edmund for the first time in NICU Recovering from an emergency caesarean while wanting to spend every moment with her baby The infection that contributed to Lucia becoming unwell Struggling physically and emotionally during the early postpartum period Asking for mental health support and being taken seriously by the hospital team Pumping milk for Edmund while he was in NICU Seeking further support through her GP and eventually a perinatal psychologist The extraordinary support Lucia and David received from the NICU team The emotional uncertainty of having a critically unwell premature baby Edmund’s 40 days in NICU Discovering a congenital abnormality affecting Edmund’s lung Making the devastating decision to move Edmund into palliative care Spending precious time together as a family before saying goodbye Holding Edmund as he took his final breath Creating memories after his death, including bathing, dressing and photographing him The importance of photographs and memories during grief Lucia and David experiencing grief in very different ways Learning to respect a partner’s individual way of grieving The role of perinatal psychological support after infant loss Leaving hospital without your baby and navigating postpartum after loss The grief of no longer returning to NICU every day Lucia’s experience of matrescence The difficult experience with Lucia's workplace and maternity leave after Edmund died How motherhood and loss changed Lucia’s relationship with her career Learning that it was okay to say Edmund’s name and talk about him Finding meaningful ways to honour and remember Edmund Creating a children’s book about Edmund for his cousins Fundraising to support families experiencing NICU The annual workout held in Edmund’s memory Deciding when to try for another baby after loss Welcoming Alfie and later Watson How Lucia’s first postpartum experience shaped her subsequent postpartum seasons Parenting with a greater awareness of how precious and short life can be Lucia’s message to her former self to run your own race, look after yourself and be kind to yourself This weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
September 14 · 1 hr 15 min
EP 26 | Hannah - Matrescence, Intrusive Thoughts, Grief & Letting Go of the Pressure to Perform Motherhood
In this episode, Hannah shares her three postpartum experiences and reflects on how becoming a mother ultimately led her to her work as a perinatal counsellor. We discuss: Becoming a mum unexpectedly at 26 Preparing extensively for birth but very little for postpartum Hannah’s first birth and the early postpartum period Navigating postpartum with a partner who had to return to work after only a couple of days Feeding difficulties, concerns about weight gain and the anxiety surrounding growth charts Feeling like she was failing at the very first hurdle of motherhood Finding small anchors in the day through coffee, movement and connection The impact becoming parents had on Hannah and Josh’s relationship Why Hannah believes couples therapy can be valuable before a relationship reaches crisis point Returning to paid work and the challenges of combining work, daycare and childhood illness The importance of having an identity outside of motherhood, and Hannah’s changing relationship with that idea Welcoming a second baby and the reality of postpartum while also caring for a toddler The pressure Hannah felt to be a “superwoman” and prove she could keep doing everything Returning to work in the perinatal space while struggling to prioritise her own wellbeing Intense intrusive thoughts during pregnancy How talking openly about intrusive thoughts gradually robbed them of their power Hannah’s third birth and the healing experience of having her sister there Navigating significant uncertainty around her dad’s mental health during pregnancy Losing her dad shortly after her daughter was born and experiencing grief alongside postpartum The stigma and discomfort that can surround mental health and why Hannah values talking openly about her dad How grief forced Hannah to slow down and let go of the need to perform motherhood Embracing motherhood as an important part of her identity Hannah’s decision to train as a counsellor after her own experiences Building a career predominantly supporting women in the perinatal space Looking back at the version of herself who felt she had to keep pushing and achieving Hannah’s reflection that there are no achievable “goals” in parenting — and the freedom that can come from taking some of that pressure away You can find Hannah and learn more about her counselling work at: Instagram: @deep.end.counselling Website: https://www.deependcounselling.com This weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
September 7 · 57 min
EP 25 | Emma – Two Premature Babies, Life in NICU, Pregnancy Loss & Finding Strength in Motherhood
In this episode, Emma shares her experiences of premature birth, pregnancy loss, NICU and navigating two incredibly challenging postpartum seasons. We discuss: Developing severe preeclampsia during Emma’s first pregnancy Her son being born unexpectedly at 32 weeks An emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic Waiting 19 hours to meet her baby for the first time Navigating NICU and special care during COVID restrictions The isolation of being separated from her support network Pumping, tube feeding, nipple shields and establishing breastfeeding with a premature baby The emotional rollercoaster of NICU milestones and setbacks Bringing a premature baby home and the anxiety surrounding illness during COVID Experiencing two pregnancy losses between Emma’s children Pregnancy after loss and the anxiety of another high-risk pregnancy Emma’s daughter being born at 34 weeks and five days after experiencing preeclampsia again Returning to special care for a second time The difference the Ronald McDonald room made during their second experience Navigating a special care stay while also having an older child at home Emma’s son experiencing anaphylaxis shortly after her daughter came home Her newborn daughter becoming critically unwell with meningitis and being admitted to PICU Trying to recover from an emergency caesarean while both children needed significant care The impact of stress and sleep deprivation on breastfeeding The physical, mental, emotional and financial toll of prolonged hospital experiences Finding support through family, friends, church, medical teams and other NICU parents Why connecting with parents going through similar experiences can be so valuable Using social media and sharing her story as a way of processing what happened You can find Emma on Instagram at @by.emmamae. This weeks sponsor is Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers. If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at www.thepostpartumseason.com. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
August 31 · 1 hr 13 min
EP 24 | Lucinda - Sleep Deprivation, Infant Temperament, Returning to Work, Ready or Not and The Reality of Juggling Parenting and Paid Work
In this episode, Lu shares her experiences of becoming a mum to Ray and Posie, and how motherhood has shaped her relationship with work, identity and what she values most. We discuss: Ray arriving unexpectedly four weeks early Ray spending his first week in special care and the difficulty of leaving hospital without her baby Establishing breastfeeding and the support Lu received from the midwives around her Feeling incredibly held by family and friends during early postpartum Experiencing the baby blues, nighttime dread and loneliness Becoming unexpectedly pregnant again around one year postpartum Struggling physically and emotionally during the first trimester while parenting a young child Lu’s experience of going from one child to two Posie’s unsettled temperament and significant sleep challenges The enormous impact prolonged sleep deprivation can have on a parent’s wellbeing Feeling pressure to follow routines and “fix” a baby’s sleep Recognising the role of infant temperament and letting go of self-blame The judgment and unsolicited commentary mothers can experience Why motherhood can feel lonely even when you have people around you Returning to freelance work after becoming a mother Starting and growing Ready or Not with co-host Loz alongside motherhood The realities of trying to balance paid work and caring responsibilities Why there is no perfect blueprint or “hack” for combining motherhood and work How motherhood has reshaped Lu’s values, priorities and relationship with time Why sometimes the most helpful thing we can offer another mother is validation Lu is the co-host of Ready or Not, a podcast exploring the realities of motherhood, careers and trying to make the two work together. You can find Lu on Instagram at @lucindamckimm_ and Ready or Not at @readyornot.pod. And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
August 24 · 1 hr 17 min
EP 23 | Lilly - Slowing Down in Postpartum, Career & Identity, an Unsettled Baby & Matrescence
In this episode, Lilly shares her postpartum experiences with her two boys, Roo and Franklin. We discuss: Becoming a mother after years of supporting women as a midwife Roo’s emergency caesarean birth under general anaesthetic Processing an unexpected birth experience and wanting to “make up for lost time” The intense vulnerability and hormonal shifts of early postpartum Lilly’s unexpected instinct to stay home, slow down and protect her postpartum space Learning to listen to her own needs rather than expectations from the outside world Gradually re-emerging into the world when she felt ready Finding connection with other mothers through pilates and walking groups Why “mums need mums” The huge shift in Lilly’s relationship with her career after becoming a mother The complexities of combining motherhood with shift work, on-call work and a career in healthcare Preparing Roo for the arrival of his sibling Meeting Franklin after a very rapid vaginal birth The transition from parenting one child to two Recovering from mastitis in the early weeks postpartum Navigating weeks of having a very unsettled baby The emotional impact of prolonged crying and questioning yourself as a mother The small, practical acts of self-care and self-preservation that helped Lilly through The impact of having a second baby on Lilly and Ben’s relationship Matrescence and becoming a new version of yourself with each baby What Lilly found unexpected about her postpartum experiences The physicality, vulnerability and extraordinary love of motherhood Lilly also co-hosts Growing, a podcast with fellow midwife and mum Beth. Together they share honest conversations about their current “growing pains” and the beautiful “glimmers” that exist throughout motherhood. I absolutely loved listening to Growing throughout my own postpartum period and highly recommend giving it a listen. You can find Growing at @growingthepodcast and Lilly at @lillian.beth. This is the podcast episode that discusses unsettled babies that Lilly recommends in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-19-unsettled-babies-with-dr-eliza-hannam/id1697674632?i=1000636691242 And if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
August 17 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 22 | Hannah - Birth Trauma, Postnatal Anxiety and Depression, Preparing for Postpartum, Finding Your Village and Nappy Free
In this episode, Hannah shares her two very different postpartum experiences with her sons, Hugo and Oscar. We discuss: Preparing extensively for birth but very little for postpartum A long and traumatic first birth involving forceps and an episiotomy The reality of a slow and painful postpartum recovery Learning to breastfeed and seeking support from a lactation consultant Anxiety around Hugo’s weight and the impact of comments about having a small baby Caring for a baby who cried frequently and struggled with daytime sleep Loneliness, perfectionism and feeling like she wasn’t getting motherhood “right” Being diagnosed with postnatal depression and anxiety The relationship between Hannah’s birth trauma and her postpartum mental health Processing her first birth through a birth debrief with her private midwife Preparing differently for Oscar’s birth and postpartum period Hannah’s home birth with Oscar and how different her recovery felt Intentionally creating a village before her second baby arrived Asking family for regular practical support and joining another parent group How Trent supported Hannah’s sleep and mental health during her second postpartum experience The difference between the transition from zero to one and one to two for Hannah Making time for movement and things that support her wellbeing The story behind Hannah’s business, Nappy Free What elimination communication is and how Hannah used it with both of her children Supporting families through elimination communication and toilet training Looking back on a difficult first postpartum experience with greater compassion Finding joy in the small, everyday moments of motherhood You can connect with Hannah and learn more about Nappy Free on Instagram at @nappy_free or at nappyfree.net. If you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
August 10 · 1 hr 4 min
EP 21 | Sasha - Three Postpartum Experiences, Postnatal Mental Health, Asking for Help & Finding Your Village
In this episode, Sasha shares her experiences of becoming a mum to her three children, Elke, Remi and Bowie, and reflects on how different each of her postpartum seasons has been. We discuss: The baby blues and adjusting to motherhood for the first time The pressure to “bounce back” and prove that life hadn’t changed after having a baby Returning to paid work and the impact on Sasha’s mental health Experiencing postnatal mental health challenges after the births of her children Recognising when she needed more support and reaching out for professional help The impact of parenthood on Sasha and her husband Jesse’s relationship The importance of recognising and supporting partners’ mental health too Moving closer to family and the difference having practical support made Navigating postpartum differently the third time around Learning to be more open about struggling and accepting help Letting go of the expectation that we should be able to do everything ourselves Why finding—and actually using—your village matters Sasha shares incredibly openly about some of the hardest periods of her postpartum experiences, but also about what she has learnt through them - that asking for help is not a weakness, that both parents can struggle at the same time, and that we were never meant to raise our families alone. Sasha is currently training for the 2026 Point to Pinnacle, known as the hardest half marathon in the world, to raise funds for the Gidget Foundation. If you are able to contribute to Sasha’s fundraising efforts, you can do so here: https://pointtopinnacle2026.grassrootz.com/gidget-foundation-australia/village-walks If you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
August 3 · 55 min
EP 20 | Loz - The realities of postpartum, the pressure and expectation on mothers, learning to give yourself grace, and the joys of this season of life
In this episode, we discuss: Becoming a mother for the first time Feeling underprepared for the realities of postpartum Physical recovery after birth and adjusting to life with a newborn Why society still doesn't talk openly enough about postpartum A difficult breastfeeding experience with her first baby Mum guilt and the mental load of parenting Learning to give yourself grace in motherhood Why children don't all fit the same mould Supporting children through big emotions without unrealistic expectations Welcoming a second and third baby and life as a family of five A very different breastfeeding experience with her second baby Sleep challenges Finding joy in motherhood and seeing the world through your children's eyes How motherhood reshaped Loz's priorities, perspective and sense of fulfilment If you haven't already, please check out Ready or Not podcast. You can listen on Apple or Spotify. You'll hear Loz with her co-host Lu talk all about how to make work work in motherhood. And you can find out more on instagram @readyornot.pod. If you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap, click this link below: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
July 27 · 34 min
EP 19 | Amber - Birth under general anaesthetic, birth trauma, healing & embracing matrescence
In this episode, we discuss: Looking forward to motherhood and preparing for postpartum An unexpected emergency caesarean birth under general anaesthetic Meeting Joey for the first time after waking from surgery Feeling pressure to experience an instant connection with your baby Postpartum anxiety during the early weeks How social media influenced expectations of motherhood Processing birth trauma and recognising that trauma doesn't have to look the same for everyone The value of a birth debrief in making sense of a difficult experience Holding gratitude for a healthy baby while grieving the birth experience you hoped for Why parents who give birth under general anaesthetic deserve more consideration and support Considering future births after a traumatic birth experience Matrescence and the identity changes that come with becoming a mother How becoming a parent can reshape your priorities and future And here is the link if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
July 20 · 49 min
EP 18 | Deborah - Returning to work, matrescence, mum guilt & finding a career that fits motherhood
In this episode, we discuss: Preparing for birth compared with preparing for postpartum Experiencing postpartum anxiety Seeking professional support and asking for help The transition from one child to two Returning to paid work after maternity leave Mum guilt, self-doubt and balancing work with family life Realising that flexible workplaces can make all the difference Why mothers don't need to change to fit workplaces—workplaces need to better support mothers How matrescence influences our careers, priorities and identity Creating the Matrescence at Work podcast to help mothers feel less alone Redefining success after becoming a parent You can find Deborah and the Matrescence at Work podcast on Instagram at @matrescenceatworkpodcast. And here is the link if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
July 13 · 37 min
EP 17 | Saskia - Baby blues, identity change, infant temperament, trusting your intuition & the power of honest conversations
In this episode, we discuss: Feeling unprepared for postpartum despite preparing for birth Meeting her son for the first time Struggling to feel an immediate connection after birth Experiencing the baby blues following a postpartum haemorrhage The impact of low iron on her mental wellbeing Seeking support through healthcare professionals, psychology and her partner Grieving her pre-baby life while adjusting to motherhood Raising a spirited child with a strong temperament The importance of trusting your intuition as a parent Letting go of comparison and unrealistic expectations The value of honest conversations with other mothers The identity shift that comes with becoming a mum Being made redundant during maternity leave and finding a new sense of purpose The inspiration behind Blumacoosh, a feeding pillow designed to improve comfort while feeding and settling babies How Saskia's own postpartum experience inspired her to create a product to better support other parents The simple joys and highlights of toddlerhood If you would like to find out more about Blumacoosh, you can follow along on instagram at @blumacoosh. And here is the link if you would like to buy a Postpartum Season cap: https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/store/p/the-postpartum-season-cap Thank you for supporting the podcast! As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
July 6 · 51 min
EP 16 | Sam - Two very different births & postpartum experiences
In this episode, we discuss: Becoming a mum of two A challenging first postpartum experience Sleep deprivation and parenting a baby with a more challenging temperament Feeling validated and supported through residential parenting support Welcoming her second baby via an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic Recovering from birth while grieving the loss of her dad The transition from one child to two How having two children with completely different temperaments changed her perspective Letting go of self-blame and giving yourself more grace Returning to work and how motherhood changed her priorities Sam is also the co-host of the Seed to Sprout Podcast, a new parenting podcast sharing conversations about all things pregnancy, babies, toddlers and kids. You can find them on Instagram @seedtosproutpod As mentioned in the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
June 29 · 48 min
EP 15 | Alex - Birth overseas, physical recovery, newborn shock, identity change, trusting your instincts & finding support
In this episode, we discuss: Alex's journey to motherhood while living overseas The days leading up to birth and becoming a first-time mum Recovering from a third-degree tear The shock of early postpartum and adjusting to life with a newborn The identity changes that accompany motherhood Initially resisting motherhood before embracing her new role Returning home with a newborn while living away from family Breastfeeding, oversupply and recurrent mastitis Infant sleep, routines and the pressure to do things "the right way" Learning to trust your instincts as a parent The differences between first-time and second-time motherhood Why talking openly with other mothers matters How shared experiences provide validation, support and a reminder that you're not alone Alex has created an incredible instagram page where she shares simple, delicious meals, as well as insights into her family life. If you would like to follow along, you can find her at @alexskitchenstory. As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
June 24 · 47 min
EP 14 | Chelsea - The Transition from One to Two, Mum Guilt, Prioritising You & Building a Business
In this episode, Chelsea shares: Becoming a mother during the COVID pandemic Her postpartum experiences with both of her boys Anxiety and mum guilt in early motherhood The transition from one child to two Why carving out time for yourself matters Running, boundaries, and showing up as your best self How motherhood changed her values and priorities Building Little Luxury alongside raising young children The story behind Little Luxury's signature play mat Finding purpose and creativity in this season of motherhood Instagram Giveaway Chelsea from Little Luxury has generously gifted a $200 Little Luxury voucher for one lucky winner. Head to @thepostpartumseasonpodcast on Instagram to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm NZT on 1 July. You can find out more about Little Luxury at: Instagram: @littleluxury___ Website: www.littleluxury.co.nz As mentioned at the end of the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
June 22 · 44 min
EP 13 | Paige - Miscarriage, Twin Pregnancy, NICU Life, Making Medical Decisions for Your Children, Identity Change & Finding Flexible Work
In this episode, Paige shares her postpartum journey with her twins. We discuss: - Miscarriage and fertility treatment - Finding out she was expecting twins - Learning at 20 weeks that her daughter had a lung lesion - Living in survival mode during a complicated pregnancy - Delivering her twins at 34 weeks - Meeting her son and daughter for the first time - Her daughter’s surgery shortly after birth - Entering the unfamiliar world of the NICU - Her son’s ongoing challenges in the NICU - The challenge of making complex medical decisions as a new parent - Finding support through family, another NICU mother and online groups - The impact of NICU life on Paige and her husband - Spending long days at the hospital while her husband worked from the cafeteria - Bringing the twins home after months in hospital - Support from family and a hospital social worker - Returning to teaching and rediscovering parts of her identity outside motherhood - Creating a more flexible career through copywriting and business coaching - The identity shifts that come with motherhood and career change - Learning to separate self-worth from productivity and income - The importance of therapy and self-reflection - Finding joy in slow, peaceful moments with her children - Paige's advice for parents navigating the NICU If you would like to connect with Paige and learn more about the work she is doing to support women, head to her Instagram page @mombossfreedom. As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia - PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.au - Lifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au - Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand - PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7) - Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7) - 1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x
June 15 · 43 min
EP 12 | Jenae - Vaginal Birth, Postpartum Haemorrhage, Feeding Challenges, Triple Feeding, Birth Trauma Counselling, Anxiety, Accepting Support & Motherhood Identity
In this episode, Jenae shares: - Reaching 41 weeks before labour began - Labour starting after her waters broke overnight - Living 45 minutes from the hospital and travelling in labour - Acupuncture and other attempts to encourage labour progression - Giving birth to her son, Lucas - Experiencing an immediate postpartum haemorrhage - A delayed postpartum haemorrhage and ongoing recovery - Physical recovery and pelvic floor physiotherapy - Accessing support for birth trauma recovery - Returning to hospital with concerns about Lucas's health - Donor milk in the early days - Formula supplementation and weight gain concerns - Nipple shields and difficulties with latching - Pumping and triple feeding - Working with multiple lactation consultants - The emotional toll of feeding challenges - Establishing breastfeeding after months of challenges - Weaning from breastfeeding at 17 months - Difficulty asking for and accepting help - Support from family, friends and mothers' groups - Anxiety, tracking feeds and sleep, and the desire for control - Returning to work and reconnecting with parts of her pre-motherhood identity - Grief and identity change - Watching Lucas grow, learn and develop As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia - PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Helpline: 1300 726 306 Website: https://www.panda.org.au - Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au - Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au New Zealand - PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24/7) - Healthline New Zealand 0800 611 116 (24/7) - 1737 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

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