The Postpartum Season – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Experiencing prenatal depression and postpartum emotional challenges

Becoming a mother for the second time with her son Wynn

The realities of recovering while caring for a toddler and a newborn

Physical recovery and a knee reconstruction after her second pregnancy

Postpartum grief and identity change

Letting go of expectations around "bouncing back"

 Social media, motherhood and learning to trust your own parenting choices

Finding confidence and personal growth through motherhood

Building The BB Namer alongside raising a young family

Making new friendships as an adult and as a parent

To learn more about Sonya and her work as The BB Namer, visit:

Instagram - @thebbnamer

TikTok - @thebbnamer

Substack - The BB Namer

Website - https://thebbnamer.com

On The Postpartum Season Podcast, we regularly talk about the realities of postpartum mental health. If you're finding this season difficult, please know that support is available and you don't have to navigate it alone.

Here are some helpful resources. If you're struggling, please reach out for support.

New Zealand

• PlunketLine
  0800 933 922 (24/7)
• Healthline New Zealand
  0800 611 116 (24/7)
• 1737 Need to talk?
  Call or text 1737 (24/7)

Australia

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
  Helpline: 1300 726 306
  Website: https://www.panda.org.au
• Lifeline Australia
  13 11 14 (24/7)
  Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  1300 22 4636
  Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Thank you for listening. Take care x

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 episiotomy

Feeling capable and confident in the early postpartum weeks

Breastfeeding challenges and using nipple shields

Cleo struggling to gain weight initially

The incredible support of Deborah’s sister during the newborn period

Settling into the rhythm of the newborn phase

The expectation that postpartum would become easier after the early weeks

Sleep deprivation worsening over time rather than improving

Navigating dietary restrictions while breastfeeding

Relationship strain during the postpartum period

Becoming hyper-fixated on sleep after difficult nap experiences

Trying apps, schedules, and sleep consultants in search of control

The emotional impact of feeling unable to “fix” baby sleep

The pressure many mothers feel to manage every aspect of sleep and routine

Postpartum anxiety, and asking for help

The reality that postpartum can become harder before it becomes easier

This episode is a deeply honest conversation about postpartum expectations, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and the emotional intensity of trying to navigate motherhood when things feel outside of your control.

Deborah has created a journalling app for mothers to use during the postpartum season, which is launching soon. To find out more, visit:

www.dearme.digital

@dearmeapp.official

As mentioned, here are some postpartum mental health resources. Please reach out if you need help.

Australia

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
  Helpline: 1300 726 306
  Website: https://www.panda.org.au
• Lifeline Australia
  13 11 14 (24/7)
  Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  1300 22 4636
  Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

New Zealand

• PlunketLine
  0800 933 922 (24/7)
• Healthline New Zealand
  0800 611 116 (24/7)
• 1737 Need to talk?
  Call or text 1737 (24/7)

Thank you for listening. Take care x

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 emotional wellbeing and daily life 

The identity shift that comes with becoming a mother 

Feelings of loneliness, even when surrounded by support 

The internal and often unseen aspects of the postpartum experience 

Why this podcast was created — to hold space for honest postpartum stories 

This episode sets the foundation for the podcast — a space for real, open conversations about the postpartum season, in all its complexity.

The Postpartum Season Podcast.

Honest postpartum stories.
Helping mothers feel seen & less alone.
Episodes coming soon.

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 quiet solidarity shared between parents during the postpartum period

Bringing Oscar home for the first time

The early weeks of adrenaline and support from friends and family

Sleep deprivation and the impact it had emotionally and physically

Trying to “fix” baby sleep and searching constantly for solutions

The reality of two-hour sleep stretches and broken nights

Finding ways to cope overnight, including snacks, water, TV, and routines

How postpartum exhaustion can slowly build over time

The comfort that comes from sharing openly with other mothers

The importance of hearing honest postpartum stories

Feeling connected through shared motherhood experiences

This episode is an honest reflection on the beauty, exhaustion, and connection that can come with the postpartum season, and the importance of sharing real experiences with one another.

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 breastfeeding expectations in the early days

Coming home from hospital and feeling overwhelmed

The pressure to follow schedules and do everything “right”

Anxiety, self-doubt, and feeling judged as a young first-time mum

Learning to be more open about struggling

The freedom that can come from speaking honestly with other mothers

Her second and third postpartum experiences

The idea that postpartum may not become easier, but expectations change

Trusting herself more as a mother

Letting go of rigid baby sleep expectations

Reflecting on what she would tell her younger postpartum self

This is a warm and honest conversation about the realities of postpartum — the unexpected challenges, the pressure we can place on ourselves, and the gradual confidence that can come with time, experience, and support.

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 bottle

Recurrent mastitis and managing symptoms and treatment

Coming home and adjusting without constant support

Feeding schedules and concerns about newborn weight loss

The realities of postpartum recovery while caring for a newborn

Sleep in the early weeks and the transition to longer stretches

Sleep regressions, co-sleeping, and eventual sleep training

The impact of sleep deprivation on mental health and daily functioning

Tracking feeds and sleep and the mental load of managing routines

Baby blues and the hormonal shift after birth

Experiencing anxiety for the first time postpartum

“Sunset scaries” and anxiety around nighttime and sleep

The importance of partner support and communication

Changes in relationship dynamics and finding new ways to connect

The shift in identity and redefining what “free time” and “fun” look like

Being the first in a friendship group to have a baby

Finding connection through antenatal classes and other mums

The evolving nature of friendships in motherhood

The joy of milestones — first smiles, giggles, crawling, and personality

The contrast between the challenges and the beautiful moments of motherhood

This episode offers an honest look at the physical, emotional, and relational changes that come with motherhood, and the importance of support, flexibility, and self-compassion in the postpartum season.

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

Family support from Julia’s mum, sister, brother-in-law, and wider family

Starting solids

The importance of walking for mental health and recovery

Returning to paid work after maternity leave and the challenges of feeding, commuting, and childcare

Making the decision to resign from paid work and stay home a little longer with Cameron

Finding a new rhythm through coffee group, Space, swimming lessons, and walks

Accessing maternal mental health support and having check-ins after birth

Parenting as a single mother, with support from her partner, family, and community

Identity changes in motherhood

Travelling to Hawaii with Cameron

The joy of watching Cameron grow, explore, and become a little companion

This is a warm and honest conversation about the many layers of postpartum — feeding, support, identity, and finding your way through the first year of motherhood.

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 the impact of sleep deprivation

Learning to let go of small things and prioritise what truly matters

The value of extended family support and having extra hands in the home

Returning to paid work and balancing childcare, feeding, and professional identity

The emotional complexity of hearing her baby cry while working from home

Finding fulfilment in work alongside the challenges of separation

Feelings of guilt around time away and self-care

Identity changes in motherhood, particularly as an older mum

Grief around not being able to stay home longer

The impact of social connection and building community during maternity leave

Reflections on the beauty and challenges of postpartum

The importance of reaching out for support and not doing it alone

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about the balance of motherhood — the beauty, the challenge, and the ongoing process of finding your way through it.

Thank you for listening. Take care x

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, and expectations

Experiences of loneliness in motherhood despite not being physically alone

Reaching a point of needing help and speaking to her GP

Being diagnosed with postnatal depression and processing this diagnosis

Support from her partner and family during this time

Small steps towards feeling better, including movement, fresh air, and connection

The importance of getting out of the house and seeing friends

Moments of joy — watching Benjamin grow, develop, and interact with others

Reflections on milestones and the changing nature of motherhood

The importance of knowing what support and resources are available postpartum

Advice for parents navigating hospital stays with their babies

Learning to advocate for her child in medical settings

An update on Benjamin’s health and ongoing care

Finding support through community

Living with uncertainty and learning to take things one step at a time

This is an honest conversation about postpartum — how challenges can evolve over time, and how healing is often not linear.

As mentioned, here are some postpartum mental health resources. Please reach out if you need help.

Australia

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
  Helpline: 1300 726 306
  Website: https://www.panda.org.au
• Lifeline Australia
  13 11 14 (24/7)
  Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  1300 22 4636
  Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

New Zealand

• PlunketLine
  0800 933 922 (24/7)
• Healthline New Zealand
  0800 611 116 (24/7)
• 1737 Need to talk?
  Call or text 1737 (24/7)

Thank you for listening. Take care x