Real Stories
Lived experiences of perinatal mental health in Australia
Holding space for the stories we often keep to ourselves.
I know first-hand how isolating it can feel when you’re experiencing perinatal mental health challenges — like you’re the only one thinking or feeling this way. That’s why sharing lived experience matters.
These are real stories from mothers across Australia who have moved through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum while navigating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and recovery.
My hope is that these stories help reduce stigma, offer insight into the support and services that can help, and inspire those on their own healing journey. More than anything, I hope you know you’re not alone.
Thank you for trusting me with your stories — it’s an honour I don’t take lightly.
Explore Stories by Experience.
All Episodes.
28 | Jessie
Jessie’s story begins in early motherhood, when she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and experienced vivid intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, and persistent distress. After relocating to rural NSW for family support, she struggled to access the right professional care. Jessie shares how advocating for herself helped change the trajectory of her motherhood experience.
24 | Siobhan
With a background in child development psychology, Siobhan expected to feel prepared for motherhood. Instead, a traumatic birth and intense sleep deprivation during lockdown led to a postpartum experience marked by anxiety, depression, and, at its most severe, hallucinations and suicidal ideation. Siobhan reflects on the impact on her sense of self and the supports that helped her move towards recovery.
What Listeners are Saying.
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"She is a wonderful storyteller and her personal perinatal story is one to be told. So much love and respect, Rebecca. Can't wait for the rest of your episodes"
Kathryn
(via Instagram) -
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"Can't recommend enough! This is one of the most important podcasts to be released this year. It is absolutely crucial for the topics of mental health throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum (and beyond) to be destigmatised and brought into the spotlight and Rebecca has done this stunningly. She speaks so vulnerably and openly and not only is it heartbreaking but it's also in many places painfully relatable. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast!"
tattooloo
(Apple Podcast Review) -
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"This podcast will change lives - I'm sure of it"
Jade
(via Instagram) -
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"Great podcast for a great cause! Love everything about this podcast. It’s shedding light surrounding the very well hidden but alarmingly high statistics of mental health around pregnancy, birth and post partum… These stories definitely help in making you feel like you’re not alone. Thank you!"
theawesomeabsol
(Apple Podcast Review) -
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"The most important podcast any mumma will listen to! I can’t even put into words how life changing this podcast is and there are only 3 episodes so far!... This podcast is a monumental leap forward in breaking the stigma surrounding PNDA and helping all mums realise there is most definitely help available and you deserve that help!"
JessieF0895
(Apple Podcast Review) -
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"This podcast reminds me I’m not alone! Rebecca is amazing and I am so grateful for her podcast. She reminds me that I’m not alone in my perinatal/postpartum mental health struggles. She reminds me that I don’t need to feel ashamed for having these struggles... Thank you to all of those who are bravely sharing their stories on this podcast to help us all remember- we are not broken, we are not alone, we deserve support, and we matter."
ACSH21
(Apple Podcast Review)
