⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses postnatal depression, anxiety, and psychosis from a mother’s perspective. If you’re not feeling up to it today, consider pausing and coming back when you feel ready. If you need support, the PANDA National Helpline is available on 1300 726 306 (Monday to Saturday, Australia-wide). Please take care of yourself. 💛
In this week’s episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr. Renee White sits down with Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini, a child developmental psychologist and passionate advocate for maternal mental health. Siobhan shares her deeply personal experience with postnatal depression, anxiety, and psychosis, shedding light on what it is really like to navigate these challenges while caring for a newborn.
Motherhood is often painted as a time of joy and love, but for many mums, the reality is much more complex. The mental load, the sleep deprivation, the constant worry. It can all take a serious toll. But what happens when those struggles turn into something more?
Siobhan’s story is raw, honest, and deeply relatable because no mum should feel alone in their struggles.
You’ll hear about:
✔️ Recognising the signs – What PND, anxiety, and psychosis can look like in new mums and how to know when to seek help.
✔️ The mental load of motherhood – Why so many mums feel overwhelmed and how to lighten the burden.
✔️ The importance of support – How your village (or lack of one) can impact recovery and ways to build a network that works for you.
✔️ Navigating motherhood after mental health struggles – What Siobhan did differently with her second baby and the strategies that made all the difference.
✔️ Seeking help without shame – Why taking care of yourself is not just for you but for your baby, your family, and your future.
If you have ever felt the weight of motherhood press down on you, this episode is for you. Whether you are currently struggling, supporting a friend, or simply want to understand more about maternal mental health, Siobhan’s insights are powerful and necessary. You are not alone mama, and help is always available. 💛
Resources and Links:
🌐 Want to learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services
📲 Want to chat more about this? Connect with Dr. Renee White on Instagram: @fillyourcup_
🍪If you want to gobble up our famous Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies, look no further!
📲 Connect with Dr. Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini on Instagram @science_minded or visit her website scienceminded.org.
🌱 Need support? Check out:
- PANDA National Helpline – Free and confidential support for perinatal mental health concerns. Call 1300 726 306 (Monday to Saturday). Learn more at www.panda.org.au
- Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness – A Queensland-based organisation supporting perinatal mental health. Learn more at www.peachtree.org.au
- White Cloud Foundation – Offering free counselling, occupational therapy, and meal support for parents struggling with mental health. Learn more at www.whitecloudfoundation.org
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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by the Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice.
Nothing contained in this podcast is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
