where stories are held
I thank every one of these mums from the bottom of my heart for sharing the stories of motherhood we often keep to ourselves.
— Rebecca
44 | Natalie
Just when she thought the debilitating anxiety of her pregnancy was behind her, Natalie found herself pushed to the brink by insomnia. What began as ten sleepless nights quickly unravelled into terrifying hallucinations and inescapable panic that she would never be able to sleep again.
In this raw and deeply moving episode, we sit with Natalie for part two of her story as she reveals the emotional toll of sleep deprivation and divulges one of the most vulnerable moments of her life: the unexpected mental health crisis she faced in early postpartum.
With heart-wrenching honesty, Natalie recounts the moment she asked her husband to leave the room so she could confide in the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) about her hallucination, the bittersweet decision to separate from her newborn baby in the hopes of finally getting some sleep, the desperation she felt when her prescribed sleeping medication did not work and the unwavering support of her family as they witnessed the darkest hours of her crisis in the emergency room and the acute mental health ward.
This is not just a story of survival. It's a story about the profound difference that compassionate care can make, about the urgent need for better access to mother-and-baby mental health services, and about the importance of breaking the silence around perinatal mental illness. Above all, it’s a reminder that in our darkest moments, being held - both physically and emotionally - can be a lifeline.
Whether you’re a parent, partner, healthcare provider, or simply someone who cares, Natalie’s story will stay with you for a long time and show you that there is help, there is hope.
Please note, this episode discusses suicidal ideation. Go gently.
Thank you for trusting me with your stories, it’s an honour I don’t take lightly.
listen now.
kind words.
-
![]()
"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) -
![]()
"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) -
![]()
"This podcast will change lives - I'm sure of it"
Jade
(via Instagram) -
![]()
"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) -
![]()
"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) -
![]()
"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)
