Ash’s awakening to matrescence, surviving motherhood metamorphosis, and when it’s time to ask for help – with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

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. To discuss birth trauma and why communication could be key in avoiding it, host Davina Smith is joined by Dr Peter Wood, obstetrician and gynaecologist who has delivered more than 3,000 babies, who shares his message of healing for mothers feeling that they are ‘broken’, and Katie Peterson, clinical team leader and psychologist from Gidget Foundation, who explains why good mental health is such a crucial part of recovering from birth trauma. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. You can learn more about Dr Peter Wood on his website, drpeterwood.com.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. From her meticulously planned birth plan unravelling in the delivery room amid worried family, to the emotional and physical toll, Sophie opens up about the challenges so many mothers face but few discuss. Host Davina Smith also explores the importance of education and community support through Sophie’s podcast, ‘Australian Birth Stories’.

When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s?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. From the surprising role of sperm quality in placental health to why sleep deprivation sabotages egg quality, Leah shares cutting-edge science rarely discussed in clinics. Meanwhile, Felicity tackles the hidden emotional toll, why phrases like "your body’s failing you" cut so deep, and how to reframe self-talk when conception struggles feel isolating. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. You can learn more about Dr Leah Hechtman on her website, drleahhechtman.com, or follow her on Instagram, @drleahhechtman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. In this deeply personal episode, Sheila shares her extraordinary journey of hope, heartbreak, and divine intervention, from freezing her eggs at 38 during a devastating breakup, to meeting her soulmate Tyson during lockdown, to surviving seven rounds of IVF before turning to donor eggs. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. You can learn more about Sheila by visiting her website, sheilav.co See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Gidget Foundation Australia has created a series of books called ‘Bunny Books’ to reach out to those that may be suffering. Available through booktopia here. Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. Discover more from compare club on their website, compareclub.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.