ROUNDTABLE: Balancing Biology, Age, & Mental Health with Dr Leah Hechtman
When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s?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.
--------
23:35
--------
23:35
Donor Eggs, Divine Signs, and Motherhood at 47: Sheila’s story
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.
--------
44:29
--------
44:29
ROUNDTABLE: Mat Leave, Money Fears & the Financial Survival Guide for New Parents
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.
--------
25:51
--------
25:51
Being ‘man enough’ to admit that you’re drowning: Luke’s 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. From the chaos of emergency C-sections to the identity crisis of trading rap lyrics for nappy changes, Luke breaks down the stigma around men's mental health with host Davina Smith. 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. Follow Luke on his Instagram, @itslukemac_ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
35:02
--------
35:02
ROUNDTABLE: Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Strength in parenting young
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. 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 and register for Young Well Beings here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.
Listen to 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers, Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
South Africa