1 in 5 mothers, 1 in 10 fathers by LiSTNR

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.

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.

When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s?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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

When Cathy Ngo – the daughter of Vietnamese refugee’s - became a mother, the wounds of her past tore open. In a deeply moving conversation with host Davina Smith, Cathy reveals her struggle to balance her heritage with the desire to forge her own path. She bravely shares her experiences with racism, family violence, and how the birth of her son triggered a wave of depression and anxiety that with an extraordinary amount of courage would start her on a path to breaking the cycle of trauma she endured. Later, a roundtable discussion with artist-turned-author Amani Haydar and Gidget psychologist Roshini Varghese delves into the necessity of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. Amani also shares powerful insights from her book, "The Mother Wound," making this episode a must-listen for any parent seeking understanding and healing.

Throughout Alexandra (Ali) Collier’s life, the ticking of her biological clock was almost silent… until it wasn’t. By the time she heard the hands moving, her work, life, and relationship status did not align with her now deafening desire. Still, she decided to upheave her life in New York and return to Australia to pursue life as a solo parent by choice. Ali, author of the book 'Inconceivable', tells host Davina Smith about the stigma she battled and the anxieties she faced when the reality of raising a child solo dawned. Later, Davina is joined by the mind and mum behind the Single Mothers Survival Guide podcast, Julia Hasche, and Gidget Clinical Team Lead Katie Peterson for a roundtable discussion about the impact of separation or divorce on parents during the perinatal period. Together, they discuss how to survive the adjustment period and steps to protect your mental health when love is back on the cards.

Silje Andersen-Cooke's jaw dropped when her OBGYN uttered the word ‘triplets’. Shock, joy, and a flood of anxieties ensued. From grappling with financial worries to fears about her body and the babies' health, Silje shares her rollercoaster journey with host Davina Smith in this raw and honest conversation. Discover how she went from shock to advocacy as Director of the Multiple Births Association, where she campaigns for better health outcomes and support for parents of multiples. Later, hear from Head of Research at Compare Club Kate Browne plus Gidget Clinical Psychologist Erin Seeto in a roundtable discussion on managing financial stressors in early parenthood. Together, they discuss budgeting, handling unforeseen expenses, and finding the sweet spot between quality and cost in parenting, all without letting your wallet define your worth.

Ellidy Pullin’s most courageous act was becoming a mother, but that doesn’t make it easy. On sleepless nights, through the baby-blues, and even in moments of pure bliss, grief doesn’t stop. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Ellidy reveals the bittersweet moments of Minnie’s first couple of months at home, and how she learnt to balance both joy and sorrow in one hand; a task she’s still practicing today. Later, Dr Kath Whitton, Fertility Specialist, and clinical team lead at Gidget, Amelia Walker, join Davina for a roundtable discussion on protecting your mental health through the notoriously challenging process of IVF, whether you’re embarking on that journey posthumously like Ellidy did, or not. They delve into the medical intricacies of the process, explore the strains it can place on relationships, and offer strategies to safeguard oneself when the outcome falls short of expectations.

In the wake of her beloved Nan passing, Jami, a proud Wiradjuri Woman, waited in anticipation for the placenta burial that would connect her newborn daughter to her Ancestors and Country. Tragically, this day would never come. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Jamidescribes the anguish this caused and the domino effect it had on her mental health. Jami also speaks of the profound moment that made her realise everything was going to be okay. We also hear from Non-Indigenous Psychologist Chris Barnes from Gidget Foundation Australia, who emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural practices throughout the perinatal period. Read more about Jami’s story on the Gidget Foundation Australia website.

Having previously experienced anxiety and depression, Rebecca enlisted the help of a psychologist as soon as she fell pregnant. But even then, the unexpected challenges of parenthood was something neither she nor her partner could fully plan for. Speaking with host Davina Smith, Rebecca shares how her picture of the perfect family was shattered by sleepless nights and breastfeeding challenges that made her question herself as a parent. Finding space to heal, forging a new identity and learning how to cope when both parents live with perinatal depression and anxiety is discussed, with Clinical Psychologist, Katie Peterson from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to discuss the realities of parenthood and how to manage them.  

Millie always knew that she wanted Children, but she never realised just how challenging it would be socially, emotionally and financially as a LGBTQIA+ mother. Host Davina Smith quickly learns that the turkey baster essential to Millie’s journey is an experience unique to same sex-couples, and how miscarriage, medical stigma and crippling anxiety left Millie paralysed by fear. Counsellor Amelia Walker from Gidget Foundation Australia also joins the conversation to discuss support for LGBTQIA+ parents.  

Working in the mental health space herself, Gen knew what postnatal psychosis was, but it wasn’t until she experienced paranoid delusions that she really understood first-hand what it meant. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Gen shares how a medical emergency after giving birth triggered a psychosis that saw her admitted to hospital without her baby Arlo. Building attachment throughout treatment is discussed, as well as the common misunderstandings people with postnatal psychosis face. Dr Erin Seeto also joins the conversation to discuss exactly what postnatal psychosis is, how to identify early warning signs, and how to seek help. 

Moving away from the city for love was an adventure Steph was ready for, but when she fell pregnant, the isolation from family, friends and even medical services had her questioning everything. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Steph describes the challenges of readjusting to a new lifestyle and the frustrations at the lack of health care services at a time when they were most needed. Creating communities, evolving relationships and loneliness are discussed, with Psychologist Dr Erin Seeto joining the conversation to reveal exactly where and how people living regionally, rural and remote can seek help.  

Craig thought he went into parenthood prepared, but what he never expected was that it would be him asking for help. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Craig shares how he almost crumbled under the weight of being ‘superdad’, and how an average ferry ride home from work left him fearful of what he might do next. Stigma, as well as the unique challenges fathers and non-birthing partners face when becoming parents is discussed, with psychotherapist Derek Ebbs joining the conversation to reveal just how beneficial support for fathers can be. 

At 22 weeks pregnant, Annabel got the news no parent wants to hear; her unborn son Miles would not survive. Talking to host Davina Smith, Annabel reveals how grief almost consumed her, and how she learnt to live with loss through sharing her story. Contending with confusing medical jargon, adjusting to life after loss, and supporting parents through grief is discussed, with Clinical Psychologist Chris Barnes from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the conversation to give insight into the impact of child loss on mental health and the unique experience parents face as they work through an unimaginable pain.  

When Chelsea Pottenger fell pregnant, she was on cloud nine. But that elation was short lived when just months after giving birth, an anxious downward spiral put her own life at risk. Speaking to host Davina Smith, Chelsea tells the story of an easy-going pregnancy, that ultimately resulted in an admission to a mother baby unit. Perfectionism, breastfeeding challenges, and finding purpose after trauma are discussed, with Counsellor Amelia Walker from Gidget Foundation Australia joining the discussion  to unpack exactly what PNDA is and how to seek help.  

Join news presenter Davina Smith in a podcast that tells the silent truth of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) loudly, in raw and honest accounts from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it. Paired with expert insights from psychologists and counsellors in the field, this podcast, made in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.