NAVIGATING PARENTHOOD PODCASTThe Early Years

Even though Melanie's son was born with brain damage, she wanted so badly to believe he’d be fine. But when he was diagnosed with a lifelong disability, everything changed. Melanie talks about the unexpected joys and the day-to-day experience of parenting a child with special needs. Joan Bratel from Cerebral Palsy Alliance gives advice on coming to terms with a diagnosis like this and the support available.

For more information on cerebral palsy, visit cerebralpalsy.org.au and for disability support groups visit Better Health Channel

Julia Hasche never thought she’d be a single mum, but her relationship broke down just months after having her baby. She shares her journey of single parenthood, from the vast emotional reward, to combating loneliness and the work-family juggling act. Julia now runs the website and podcast Single Mother Survival Guide to help and empower other single mums. Elisabeth Shaw from Relationships Australia talks about protecting your child from conflict and finding time to look after yourself.

If you need help with your relationship or after a relationship has ended, visit Relationships Australia or call 1300 364 277.

Before having a baby Stephanie was a busy news reporter who loved her job. After giving birth she changed so much as a person she couldn’t look at work, or herself, the same. With psychologist Lisa Williams from the University of New South Wales we talk about how becoming a parent can fundamentally change your identity and your perspective on life and work.

Need help? If you feel depressed or anxious, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

What does it feel like to go home, after giving birth, without your babies? Mum Lee had her twins at 28 weeks and they were in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 102 days. We hear from Lee and NICU nurse Maddie O’Connor about the challenges of becoming a parent in this environment, the impact it has and what help you might need.

For more information and support for parents of premature babies visit Miracle Babies at miraclebabies.org.au

Blogger Leah Williams from The Dearest Days and her partner had both experienced mental health problems before having their baby. When their daughter turned out to be a “textbook difficult baby”, Leah struggled and knew she had to seek help. Social worker and therapist Ray Medhora talks about how couples and families can support each other through postnatal depression and the major life changes of early parenthood.

If you feel depressed or anxious, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Saman is from Pakistan, her husband is from Scotland and they’ve had children in 3 different countries. Now living in Australia, they try and bring different elements of their cultures to parenting and family life. Anthropologist Dr Geir Presterudstuen from the University of Western Sydney puts this in context of our constantly changing ideas of culture.