Awake at 3am

Jess Zids and Sophia Masur

This podcast is for the mums wide awake at 3am, replaying the day, doubting themselves, and wondering if anyone else feels this way. We talk honestly about the mental load, identity shifts, intrusive thoughts, sleep deprivation, relationships, rage, joy and everything in between. No gloss. No perfection. We share the real stories of other mums and have open conversations about the parts of motherhood that can feel confronting or overwhelming, bringing them into the light so you feel seen and supported. Join the conversation on Instagram: @awakeat3ampodcast @sophiassleepschool

  1. 3 MAR

    7 | Maddy – 8 Months Old, Hourly Wakes, Gaslit by “Experts” and Traumatised by Sleep Deprivation

    Maddie always knew sleep would be her biggest challenge in motherhood — and for nine months, her son woke almost constantly through the night. In this episode, Maddie shares her experience of extreme sleep deprivation, feeding challenges, conflicting advice, and trying everything before turning to sleep training. We talk about the fear and misinformation surrounding sleep, the pressure to “just cope,” and how social media and well-meaning advice can keep parents stuck in cycles of exhaustion. We also talk about what happened after — building a routine, finding an approach that suited her baby’s temperament, and how sleep gradually improved from constant wakings to longer stretches and predictable nights. This conversation explores the reality that sleep deprivation can leave a lasting impact. Maddie shares how anxiety around sleep can continue even after things improve, and how the experience of prolonged exhaustion can feel genuinely traumatic. A story about survival, support, and discovering that better sleep — and a way forward — is possible. Follow along on Instagram @awakeat3am.podcast If you’re listening in Australia and feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or early motherhood, support is available: Perinatal mental health support PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline — 1300 726 306Support for expecting and new parents experiencing anxiety, depression or overwhelm. ForWhen Helpline — 1300 24 23 22Connects you with local perinatal mental health supports. General mental health support Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support) EmergencyIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

    44 min
  2. 3 FEB

    2 | Savannah- 7-Month-Old, Sleeping Only in 10-Minute Blocks, Postpartum Rage

    Savannah’s baby was waking every ten minutes overnight and the impact of that level of sleep deprivation was bigger and darker than she ever expected. In this episode, we talk about what sleep looked like for her in the early days, how it slowly unravelled, and what happens when you’re living on almost no rest at all. We cover postpartum rage, the dangers of severe sleep deprivation, the pressure to “just cope,” and how hard motherhood can be when you’re truly running on empty. This is an honest conversation about survival mode, asking for help, and what happens when sleep (or the lack of it) starts to affect everything. (Content note: This episode discusses mental health struggles in early motherhood.) For more honest conversations about motherhood, sleep and everything in between, you can find us on Instagram at @awakeat3am.podcast @sophiassleepschool If you’re listening in Australia and feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or after having a baby, support is available: National support & helplines PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline (for perinatal anxiety, depression & emotional wellbeing) — call 1300 726 306 (free, evidence-based support for new and expecting parents and their families)  ForWhen Helpline (matching you with local perinatal mental health support) — call 1300 24 23 22 (Monday–Friday, 9 am–4:30 pm)  MumSpace (online mental wellbeing tools & support for new mums) — visit mumspace.com.au for information, programs and guided support options

    43 min

About

This podcast is for the mums wide awake at 3am, replaying the day, doubting themselves, and wondering if anyone else feels this way. We talk honestly about the mental load, identity shifts, intrusive thoughts, sleep deprivation, relationships, rage, joy and everything in between. No gloss. No perfection. We share the real stories of other mums and have open conversations about the parts of motherhood that can feel confronting or overwhelming, bringing them into the light so you feel seen and supported. Join the conversation on Instagram: @awakeat3ampodcast @sophiassleepschool

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