The Postpartum Season
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 lo...
EP 36 | Leah – Birth Recovery, Two Very Different Postpartum Experiences, Healing & Prioritising Yourself
In this episode, Leah shares her two very different birth and postpartum experiences, from a challenging physical recovery after her first baby to a healing second birth, and how her experiences shaped her passion for supporting women through postpartum.
We discuss:
Leah's journey to motherhood and becoming pregnant with SonnyPreparing extensively for birth but very little for postpartumHoping for a physiological, low-intervention birthA 43-hour labour and two failed epiduralsHaving an episiotomy and ventouse-assisted birthThe emotional impact of a birth that looked very different from what she had imaginedFeelings of guilt, failure and questioning why her body...EP 35 | Educational Series 2026 | Understanding Baby Sleep – Normal Infant Sleep, Realistic Expectations & Supporting Parents with Dr Eliza Hannam
In this episode of The Postpartum Season 2026 Educational Series, Dr Eliza Hannam, GP, IBCLC, NDC-accredited practitioner and founder of Nurtured Medical, joins me to discuss normal infant sleep, realistic expectations, responsive settling and supporting parental wellbeing.
We discuss:
Dr Hannam experience of becoming a mother and feeling unprepared for newborn sleep despite her medical trainingHow her own parenting experiences led her to pursue further training in infant sleepThe work Dr Hannam and her team do through Nurtured MedicalThe importance of considering infant sleep, feeding, health and parental mental health togetherThe Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC/Possums) approach...EP 34 | Laura – A Positive Caesarean Experience, Feeding Challenges, Postpartum Recovery & Balancing Motherhood and Business
In this episode, Laura shares her experience of becoming a mum to Billie, including an unexpected caesarean birth, feeding challenges, physical recovery and balancing motherhood with running a business.
We discuss:
Laura's journey into motherhood and deciding when to start a familyNavigating the decision to have a baby while running a business with her husbandFeeling excited about motherhood while wondering how it would fit into their working livesConcerns about Billie's growth towards the end of pregnancyIncreased monitoring and the unexpected decision to deliver by caesareanHaving a positive caesarean experience despite an unexpected change in birth plansMeeting...EP 33 | Educational Series 2026 | Breastfeeding - Milk Supply, Feeding Challenges & What to Expect with Dr Kate Jenkins
In this episode of The Postpartum Season 2026 Educational Series, Dr Kate Jenkins, GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), joins me to discuss preparing for feeding, navigating common breastfeeding challenges, and the importance of supporting parental mental health.
We discuss:
Kate's work as a GP and IBCLC, and her interest in breastfeeding medicineHer own challenging breastfeeding experience, including difficulties latching, nipple shields and undiagnosed vasospasmThe importance of being listened to, believed and validated by healthcare professionalsSetting realistic expectations about breastfeeding before your baby arrivesWhy breastfeeding being natural doesn't necessarily mean it will be easyPreparing for...EP 32 | Jes – Postpartum Anxiety, Perinatal Mental Health Unit Stay, Seeking Support & Finding Your Village
In this episode, Jes shares her experience of severe postpartum anxiety, the challenges of accessing perinatal mental health care, and how her journey eventually inspired her to create The Jellybean Gym — a space supporting both young children and their parents.
We discuss:
Jes's experience of a difficult pregnancy with persistent nausea and vomitingDiscovering her daughter was breech at 37 weeks and changing her birth plansChoosing a planned caesarean and navigating feelings of failure before becoming a motherThe importance of partner leave Meeting her daughter for the first time and not experiencing the immediate connection she had expectedRecovering fro...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, EmilyBecoming a mother without a relationship with her own mumThe enormous support Tayla has received from her mother-in-lawPreparing for a planned caesarean and worrying about physical recoveryMeeting Emily for the first timeThe challenges of those first days in hospital and adjusting to caring for a newbornRecovering physically from a caesarean birthTayla's decision...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 TeddyDeciding there may never be a “right time” to become parentsLiving in Sydney while most of George's family are in TasmaniaRealising how important community would become after having a babyPreparing extensively for birth but much less for postpartumHoping for a low-intervention vaginal birthHaving an unplanned caesarean after more than 24 hours of labourFeeling unprepared for what a caesarean and its...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...
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 MaeveCaitlin’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 wrongPreparing practically for postpartum without fully understanding the emotional transition aheadGrieving the end of life as just Caitlin and Stefano before becoming parentsPreparing to raise a baby...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 motherHer waters breaking at 24 weeksSpending two weeks in hospital on bed restThe feelings of fear, sadness and that her body had failed herPreparing for the possibility of an extremely premature babyBecoming unwell at 26 weeks and Edmund’s emergency birthEdmund being born at 26 weeks weighing 820 gramsMeeting and touching Edmund for the first time in N...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 26Preparing extensively for birth but very little for postpartumHannah’s first birth and the early postpartum periodNavigating postpartum with a partner who had to return to work after only a couple of daysFeeding difficulties, concerns about weight gain and the anxiety surrounding growth chartsFeeling like she was failing at the very first hurdle of motherhoodFinding small anchors in the day through coffee, movement an...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 pregnancyHer son being born unexpectedly at 32 weeksAn emergency caesarean under general anaestheticWaiting 19 hours to meet her baby for the first timeNavigating NICU and special care during COVID restrictionsThe isolation of being separated from her support networkPumping, tube feeding, nipple shields and establishing breastfeeding with a premature babyThe emotional rollercoaster of NICU milestones and setbacksBringing a premature baby home and the anxiety surrounding illness during COVIDExperiencing two pregnancy lo...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 earlyRay spending his first week in special care and the difficulty of leaving hospital without her babyEstablishing breastfeeding and the support Lu received from the midwives around herFeeling incredibly held by family and friends during early postpartumExperiencing the baby blues, nighttime dread and lonelinessBecoming unexpectedly pregnant again around one year postpartumStruggling physically and emotionally during the first trimester while...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 midwifeRoo’s emergency caesarean birth under general anaestheticProcessing an unexpected birth experience and wanting to “make up for lost time”The intense vulnerability and hormonal shifts of early postpartumLilly’s unexpected instinct to stay home, slow down and protect her postpartum spaceLearning to listen to her own needs rather than expectations from the outside worldGradually re-emerging into the world when she felt readyFinding connection with other mothers through pilates and walk...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 postpartumA long and traumatic first birth involving forceps and an episiotomyThe reality of a slow and painful postpartum recoveryLearning to breastfeed and seeking support from a lactation consultantAnxiety around Hugo’s weight and the impact of comments about having a small babyCaring for a baby who cried frequently and struggled with daytime sleepLoneliness, perfectionism and feeling like she wasn’t getting motherhood “right”Being diagnosed with postnatal depression and anxietyT...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 timeThe pressure to “bounce back” and prove that life hadn’t changed after having a babyReturning to paid work and the impact on Sasha’s mental healthExperiencing postnatal mental health challenges after the births of her childrenRecognising when she needed more support and reaching out for professional helpThe impact of parenthood...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 timeFeeling underprepared for the realities of postpartumPhysical recovery after birth and adjusting to life with a newbornWhy society still doesn't talk openly enough about postpartumA difficult breastfeeding experience with her first babyMum guilt and the mental load of parentingLearning to give yourself grace in motherhoodWhy children don't all fit the same mouldSupporting children through big emotions without unrealistic expectationsWelcoming a second and third baby and life as a family of fiveA very different breastfeeding experience with her second babySleep challengesFinding joy in motherhood and seeing the world...EP 19 | Amber - Birth under general anaesthetic, birth trauma, healing & embracing matrescence
In this episode, we discuss:
Looking forward to motherhood and preparing for postpartumAn unexpected emergency caesarean birth under general anaestheticMeeting Joey for the first time after waking from surgeryFeeling pressure to experience an instant connection with your babyPostpartum anxiety during the early weeksHow social media influenced expectations of motherhoodProcessing birth trauma and recognising that trauma doesn't have to look the same for everyoneThe value of a birth debrief in making sense of a difficult experienceHolding gratitude for a healthy baby while grieving the birth experience you hoped forWhy parents who give birth under general anaesthetic deserve more consideration...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 postpartumExperiencing postpartum anxietySeeking professional support and asking for helpThe transition from one child to twoReturning to paid work after maternity leaveMum guilt, self-doubt and balancing work with family lifeRealising that flexible workplaces can make all the differenceWhy mothers don't need to change to fit workplaces—workplaces need to better support mothersHow matrescence influences our careers, priorities and identityCreating the Matrescence at Work podcast to help mothers feel less aloneRedefining success after becoming a parentYou can find Deborah and the Matrescence at Work podcast on Instag...
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 birthMeeting her son for the first timeStruggling to feel an immediate connection after birthExperiencing the baby blues following a postpartum haemorrhageThe impact of low iron on her mental wellbeingSeeking support through healthcare professionals, psychology and her partnerGrieving her pre-baby life while adjusting to motherhoodRaising a spirited child with a strong temperamentThe importance of trusting your intuition as a parentLetting go of comparison and unrealistic expectationsThe value of honest conversations with other mothersThe identity shift that comes with becoming a mumBeing made redundant during maternity l...EP 16 | Sam - Two very different births & postpartum experiences
In this episode, we discuss:
Becoming a mum of twoA challenging first postpartum experienceSleep deprivation and parenting a baby with a more challenging temperamentFeeling validated and supported through residential parenting supportWelcoming her second baby via an emergency caesarean under general anaestheticRecovering from birth while grieving the loss of her dadThe transition from one child to twoHow having two children with completely different temperaments changed her perspectiveLetting go of self-blame and giving yourself more graceReturning to work and how motherhood changed her prioritiesSam is also the co-host of the Seed to Sprout Podcast, a new parenting podcast s...
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 overseasThe days leading up to birth and becoming a first-time mumRecovering from a third-degree tearThe shock of early postpartum and adjusting to life with a newbornThe identity changes that accompany motherhoodInitially resisting motherhood before embracing her new roleReturning home with a newborn while living away from familyBreastfeeding, oversupply and recurrent mastitisInfant sleep, routines and the pressure to do things "the right way"Learning to trust your instincts as a parentThe differences between first-time and second-time motherhoodWhy talking openly with other mothers mattersHow shared experiences provide validation, support...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 boysAnxiety and mum guilt in early motherhoodThe transition from one child to twoWhy carving out time for yourself mattersRunning, boundaries, and showing up as your best selfHow motherhood changed her values and prioritiesBuilding Little Luxury alongside raising young childrenThe story behind Little Luxury's signature play matFinding purpose and creativity in this season of motherhoodInstagram Giveaway
Chelsea from Little Luxury has generously gifted a $200 Little Luxury voucher for one lucky winner.
Head to @thepostpartumseasonpodcast on In...
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 so...
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...
EP 11 | Sonya - Unexpected Pregnancy, Postpartum Grief, Identity Change, Partner Support, Parenting Two Children, Grandparent Support, Building The Baby Namer
In this episode, Sonya shares:
Becoming a mother after an unexpected pregnancy
Returning to New Zealand after living in London
Navigating pregnancy and postpartum during COVID
The emotional impact of becoming the first parent among her friendship group
Her experience of labour and birth with her daughter Odette
Early postpartum challenges, cluster feeding and newborn life
The importance of communication within relationships after having a baby
How her partner supported her throughout postpartum
Antenatal friendships and the value of finding community<...
EP10 | Deborah - induction, positive birth experience, postpartum doula, breastfeeding challenges, sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety and asking for help, relationship challenges, DearMe app
In this episode, Deborah shares her postpartum journey with her daughter, Cleo.
We talk about:
The days leading up to birth and concerns about reduced foetal movements
Choosing an induction at 40 weeks
Preparing mentally for birth and induction
Preparing for postpartum with a postpartum doula and lactation consultant
Feeling unprepared for the realities of postpartum despite practical preparation
Meeting Cleo for the first time and the shock and beauty of birth
A positive and empowering birth experience
Recovering physically after an...
EP9 | Kim - fast positive birth experience, birth care, sleep deprivation, trying to "fix" sleep, mums and bubs pilates, community
In this episode, Kim shares her postpartum journey with her son, Oscar.
We talk about:
Working right up until labour began
Preparing extensively for birth but not for postpartum
Going into labour unexpectedly after a busy final weekend
A fast and positive labour and birth experience
Meeting Oscar for the first time
The immediate protective instinct after birth
The surreal experience of those first hours with a newborn
Staying at birth care and feeling supported as new parents
The...
EP8 | Makayla - three children, three different postpartum experiences
In this episode, Makayla shares her postpartum journey across motherhood with her three boys.
We talk about:
Becoming a mum for the first time at 21
Going overdue and the emotional wait around Christmas
Meeting her first baby
Experiencing a postpartum haemorrhage shortly after birth
Being separated from her baby in the first hours after birth
The physical weakness and emotional impact of recovery post postpartum haemorrhage
Feeling pressure to care for her baby while still needing to heal
The difficulty of...
EP 7 | Laura - planned LSCS, LSCS recovery, support in the early days, feeding, mastitis, sleep challenges, baby blues, anxiety, relationship changes, enjoying the small moments
In this episode, Laura shares her postpartum journey with her daughter, Winnie.
We talk about:
Preparing for postpartum with practical support like meal prep and organising baby essentials
A planned caesarean birth due to transverse positioning
Meeting Winnie for the first time
Early recovery from a caesarean section and the challenges of limited mobility
Staying at birth care and the value of 24/7 support for new parents
Learning to breastfeed and navigating latch challenges in the early days
Exclusive breastfeeding when Winnie refused a...
EP6 | Julia - induction, PPH, perineal tear, NICU stay, feeding journey, support from partner and family, baby blues, mental health support, return to paid work, Space, coffee groups, travel
In this episode, Julia shares her postpartum journey with her daughter, Cameron.
We talk about:
Pregnancy with hypertension and preparing for an induction
A vaginal birth with a third-degree tear and postpartum haemorrhage
Going to theatre after birth
Cameron’s low glucose readings and time in special care and NICU
The emotional experience of being discharged while Cameron remained in hospital
Tube feeding, pumping, feeding support, and learning to breast feed
Coming home together and introducing Cameron to Julia’s dog, Summer
Fam...
EP5 | Laura - early days, meal train, support systems, colic, sleep deprivation, return to paid work, identity shift, mum guilt
In this episode, Laura shares her postpartum journey with her son.
We talk about:
A fast labour and the experience of birthing shortly after arriving at hospital
Her sense of strength and awe following birth
Time in birth care and the support it provided in the early days
Adjusting to life at home
Creating a meal train and receiving community support in the postpartum period
Living with her mother-in-law postpartum and navigating cultural and language differences
Caring for a baby with colic and...
EP4 | Tamsyn Part 2 - sleep challenges, navigating your relationship during the postpartum period, social media, comparison, postpartum mental health, highlights, support systems
In this episode, Tamsyn continues sharing her postpartum journey with her son, Benjamin.
This is part two of a two-part conversation.
We talk about:
The months following the early postpartum period
Sleep deprivation and its impact on mental health and daily life
The strain that exhaustion can place on relationships
Seeking support through a sleep consultant
The influence of social media and comparison in early motherhood
Learning to tune into her baby and trust her instincts
Navigating pressure around sleep, routines...
EP 3 | Tamsyn Part 1 - Baby blues, kidney disease journey, breast and bottle feeding, episiotomy recovery, relationship with partner, postpartum support
In this episode, Tamsyn shares her experience of the early postpartum period with her son, Benjamin.
This is part one of a two-part conversation.
We talk about:
Pregnancy with high blood pressure and planning for induction
Expectations of postpartum and feeling unprepared for what followed
A long induction process
A rapid labour and birth after waters were broken
Meeting Benjamin for the first time and the emotions of those early hours
The first days in hospital, including physical recovery and hormonal changes
EP2 | Lauren - PPH recovery, the early weeks, positive physical recovery, postpartum mental health, travelling with a baby, return to work, mixed feeding, weaning
In this episode, Lauren shares her postpartum experience following the birth of her son, Hayden.
We talk about:
The final days of pregnancy and the unexpected onset of labour
A rapid birth and postpartum haemorrhage
Recovery in the early days, including blood transfusions and feeding support
The transition home and the emotional weight of those first weeks
Postpartum anxiety and the impact of tracking apps and expectations
Seeking support from a GP and counsellor
The role of exercise, fresh air, and time in...
EP1 | Laura - early days, relationship with partner, new community, sleep deprivation, loneliness, identity shift, matrescence
In this episode, I introduce The Postpartum Season Podcast and shares my own experience of the postpartum period.
We talk about:
Becoming a mother and reflecting on the first eleven months postpartum
The beauty of the newborn phase and early days with a new baby
Changes in relationships and navigating parenthood as a couple
Finding connection and community with other mothers
The small, everyday moments that become meaningful memories
Sleep deprivation and the mental load that comes with it
The impact of disrupted sleep on...
Trailer
The Postpartum Season Podcast.
Honest postpartum stories.
Helping mothers feel seen & less alone.
Episodes coming soon.
