The PANDAS Foundation Podcast

PANDAS Foundation
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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The PANDAS Foundation podcast brings you deep insight and advice into the diverse and raw experiences of perinatal mental health and shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. PANDAS Foundation - Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support - helps people with their mental health at an early intervention stage - that's any time from conception through to birth and beyond. In this podcast, Sally Bunkham and Annie Belasco offer hope for parents struggling with mental health. Like many of the staff and volunteers at the charity they've experienced - and overcome - perinatal health struggles and want to support others through theirs. Parenthood can be great. It can also be a lonely time with many challenges and changes. That's why we're making this podcast - so that wherever you are and whatever has brought you here, you know that you're not alone. If you're experiencing some frightening thoughts and feelings, or someone you love is suffering. We're here to reassure you that help and recovery is possible and we will have many examples of this that we hope will inspire you. Some of the topics we'll talk about in this series might be familiar to you. But others could be new. Perinatal mental health is diverse and includes conditions like low mood, anxiety, pre and post natal depression, maternal OCD, intrusive thoughts and so on. However alone you might feel now, we want you to know that we are there to support you. We hope that this podcast and our charity as a whole will help you find the information and support to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel for you and your family. When PANDAS as a charity talks about perinatal mental health, we have no cut off points or rules about when you can or can't reach out for support with us as a parent or a carer. We provide free support every day via our helpline, whatsapp and email services and our online and offline peer to peer support groups.  https://pandasfoundation.org.uk This podcast may and will include from time-to-time themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness, themes may include, suicide, baby loss, self-harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help if you are in mental health crisis, please the Samaritans on 116123 or the emergency services. Via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioners' guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.  Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. JAN 7

    Cancer and Pregnancy with Pete Wallroth from Mummy's Star

    In this deeply moving episode, Annie is joined by Pete Wallroth, father and CEO of Mummy's Star, a leading charity supporting families affected by cancer during pregnancy or in the early years of parenthood. Annie Belasco, CEO of PANDAS, brings personal insight to this conversation, having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Pete shares the story of his wife Maya’s breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, the shock and uncertainty that followed, and the realities of navigating cancer treatment alongside impending parenthood. He speaks honestly about balancing fear and pragmatism, supporting a partner through treatment, maintaining normality for their daughter, and welcoming their son while living with the constant unknown. Pete reflects on Maya as a woman and a mother her compassion, inclusivity and quiet strength. He also describes the intimate, everyday moments that helped their family cope, from honest conversations with their young daughter to finding control during physical changes brought on by treatment. Following Maya’s death just weeks after their son’s birth, Pete explains how grief, isolation and a lack of tailored support became the driving force behind the creation of Mummy's Star. What began as a response to lived experience has grown into a vital service offering emotional support, advocacy and financial help to families facing cancer during pregnancy or early parenthood. This episode is raw, compassionate and powerful a testament to love, loss, resilience and the life-changing impact of being truly seen and supported during the hardest moments. Important: A gentle heads-up that this podcast series may include themes across the full spectrum of mental illness. Topics may include cancer, bereavement, suicide, baby loss, self-harm, domestic violence and other upsetting subjects. Please take care while listening. Since this episode was recorded, our CEO Annie has received a cancer diagnosis. She is now recovering and surrounded by love and support, and we look forward to warmly welcoming her back in January 2026. To listen, search for The PANDAS Foundation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. More episodes will be released over the coming weeks Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.    Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123   US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

  2. 12/17/2025

    When Neurodivergence Meets New Parenthood: Victoria’s Story

    What if the “problem” was never you or your baby but a world that hasn’t learned how to support neurodivergent families? This time on the PANDAS Foundation Podcast, Sally Bunkham speaks with Victoria White — birth and postnatal doula, founder of Neurodivergent Birth CIC, and mother to two neurodivergent children — about her powerful journey through new parenthood, mental health struggles, and discovering neurodivergence in her family and herself. From the challenging early days with her first baby, Victoria became aware of the overwhelming sensory needs that no professional seemed able to explain, and the fear and burnout that shaped her postnatal mental health. As she searched for answers, her daughter’s autism and ADHD diagnoses opened a new chapter of understanding and ultimately inspired Victoria to build the ground-breaking service she wished she’d had herself. In this chat we explore the barriers neurodivergent parents face in pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood; how sensory processing, executive functioning, and communication differences shape the perinatal experience; and why so many neurodivergent families fall through the gaps of traditional maternity care. They also discuss the incredible new research emerging in this area, the free resources now available through Neurodivergent Birth and PANDAS, and the urgent need for policy change to support families more holistically. Every journey is different, and every experience is valid. You can find Victoria’s book here. And listen to the Neurodivergent Birth Podcast here. Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999.   Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk   Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123   US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Baby Loss, PTSD and the Path to Recovery with Rachel Burn

    The journey into parenthood looks different for all of us, but getting the right help can transform our experiences. This week, Annie Belasco speaks with Rachel — a mum of two whose journey through perinatal mental illness, baby loss and PTSD ultimately became a powerful story of recovery. From the moment her mental health spiralled after a traumatic birth, to the heartbreak of losing a much-wanted pregnancy, Rachel opens up about how she found her way back with the right support, compassionate care and transformative therapy. Rachel shares the reality of intrusive thoughts, the loneliness of grief, and the fear of facing pregnancy again — but also the turning points: reaching out for help, discovering EMDR therapy, reconnecting with her baby, and finally welcoming her son with joy and confidence. Rachel’s story is honest and hopeful — a reminder that recovery is possible, support is out there, and no parent should face these feelings alone.   Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999.   Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk   Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123   US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Pregnancy Sickness and Mental Health with Charlotte Howden

    In this episode of the PANDAS Foundation Podcast, Charlotte Howden, CEO of Pregnancy Sickness Support, shares her personal journey through hyperemesis gravidarum (HG): a severe and often misunderstood condition causing extreme sickness during pregnancy. Charlotte tells us about her own harrowing experience with HG, the struggle to be taken seriously by healthcare professionals, and how her journey led her to dedicate her career to helping others facing the same battle. Sally and Charlotte discuss the vital link between HG and perinatal mental health, the groundbreaking research that’s finally shedding light on the causes of HG, and the life-saving work her charity is doing to support sufferers and their families. They also touch on the stigma and misinformation surrounding pregnancy sickness, the devastating impact of being dismissed by medical professionals, and the importance of early intervention and compassionate care. Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    What is a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU)? With Emma Hilling

    Today Emma Hilling is a dedicated PANDAS volunteer and mum of two enjoying the chaos of birthday parties and toddler milestones. But when her second child was born she experienced severe postnatal anxiety. She speaks to Sally Bunkham about her experiences of perinatal anxiety, insomnia and recovery through the support of a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). Emma talks about the terrifying physical symptoms that first masked her anxiety, the loneliness of sleepless nights, and the moment she realised she needed urgent help. She takes us through her time in an MBU — the fear, the kindness, the friendships - and ultimately the hope that came from the support she found there. Now thriving and giving back as a volunteer for PANDAS, Emma reflects on how far she’s come and offers wisdom for any parent feeling lost, anxious, or scared to reach out for help. Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  6. 10/21/2025

    Understanding Intrusive Thoughts with Dr Caroline Boyd

    Dr Caroline Boyd, a specialist in maternal anxiety and anger returns to the PANDAS Foundation Podcast to raise one of the most common and least openly-discussed aspects of the perinatal experience: unwanted intrusive thoughts. Unwanted intrusive thoughts fly in the face of societal norms and can leave us feeling horrified, distressed and ashamed. So how are they a useful part of our mind’s natural coping mechanism and how can we learn to accept and manage them? Whether they’re images or words, these kinds of thoughts are more likely to occur when we’re feeling stressed and are our mind’s way of helping us be more vigilant to threat, so it’s no wonder they’re a common aspect of parenthood. But that doesn’t make it any less upsetting when they arise. But recognising that these thoughts are outside of your usual thinking is key. So does having these kinds of unwanted images or thoughts mean that you pose a risk to your baby? Actually, the latest findings suggest that the more horrified you are by your thoughts, the less likely you are to act on them. Caroline explores the spectrum of obsessive, compulsive thoughts that include unwanted intrusive thoughts and their relationship to trauma. She also shares her advice on how to interpret and respond to them when they arise. If unwanted intrusive thoughts are interfering with daily life, help is available and this is very treatable. Reach out your GP, to PANDAS and speak with supportive friends and loved ones to start your recovery. You can reach Caroline at drcarolineboyd.com or via Instagram @_drboyd. Caroline offers anger courses for mothers: https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/mr-signup-autumn-2025 Unwanted intrusive thoughts are distinct from the unwanted thoughts associated with postpartum psychosis. Signs of postpartum psychosis can include mania, delusions and hallucinations and you can find more information about this here. It’s important to seek help immediately if you are making plans to hurt yourself or your baby. Call 999 or visit your local A&E. This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  7. 07/16/2024

    The Plan ft. Lauren Tonner - Coming back from rock bottom

    Lauren didn’t think she was mentally ill. But she had planned to end her life, feeling like a failure and burden upon her family. She was suffering from severe postnatal depression after the birth of her daughter and a challenging pregnancy, but fortunately her family and the health services intervened in time. The date she had chosen came and went, and day by day she learned how to manage parenthood as she healed. She returned to work and fell in love with her daughter.   In this powerful episode, PANDAS staff member Lauren shares her experience of being victim to the cruellest form of mental illness as well as her escape to recovery. She turned her challenging experiences into positivity at PANDAS by working towards the recovery of every parent, deepening her relationships and experiencing a love for her family she never thought she would see.   It is possible to return from rock bottom and we hope Lauren’s story will inspire you.   If like Lauren you have questions about use of medicines in pregnancy, speak with your GP and look at the BUMPs website.   https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org   Find out more about PANDAS support groups on this link:   https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/support-groups/     This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.   https://pandasfoundation.org.uk   Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  8. 07/15/2024

    The Two Mums ft. Faye & Jane - Mental Health and LGBTQ parenting

    Faye is one of PANDAS incredible volunteers, and her connection to the charity is personal.   After months of research, big decisions, uncertainty and longing, Faye and Jane finally became parents to their son through IVF. This was the beginning of their adventure into parenthood, but the strain of hormone treatments, endless scans and a global pandemic had meant the conception and pregnancy journey had been a strain on Faye’s mental health. Jane on the other hand, was facing her own journey of returning to work soon after maternity leave and forging a bond with her baby as his non-biological mum. Add to this the cultural and social experience of being a two-mum family in a home counties town and they had more than their fair share of challenges to face.   Hear how Faye and Jane overcame perinatal anxiety and mental health struggles to forge a stronger relationship with each other, their support networks and their beautiful son. They share their insights into conception, birth and beyond.   You can follow Faye on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mummyandothermummy/   This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.   https://pandasfoundation.org.uk   Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
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About

The PANDAS Foundation podcast brings you deep insight and advice into the diverse and raw experiences of perinatal mental health and shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. PANDAS Foundation - Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support - helps people with their mental health at an early intervention stage - that's any time from conception through to birth and beyond. In this podcast, Sally Bunkham and Annie Belasco offer hope for parents struggling with mental health. Like many of the staff and volunteers at the charity they've experienced - and overcome - perinatal health struggles and want to support others through theirs. Parenthood can be great. It can also be a lonely time with many challenges and changes. That's why we're making this podcast - so that wherever you are and whatever has brought you here, you know that you're not alone. If you're experiencing some frightening thoughts and feelings, or someone you love is suffering. We're here to reassure you that help and recovery is possible and we will have many examples of this that we hope will inspire you. Some of the topics we'll talk about in this series might be familiar to you. But others could be new. Perinatal mental health is diverse and includes conditions like low mood, anxiety, pre and post natal depression, maternal OCD, intrusive thoughts and so on. However alone you might feel now, we want you to know that we are there to support you. We hope that this podcast and our charity as a whole will help you find the information and support to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel for you and your family. When PANDAS as a charity talks about perinatal mental health, we have no cut off points or rules about when you can or can't reach out for support with us as a parent or a carer. We provide free support every day via our helpline, whatsapp and email services and our online and offline peer to peer support groups.  https://pandasfoundation.org.uk This podcast may and will include from time-to-time themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness, themes may include, suicide, baby loss, self-harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help if you are in mental health crisis, please the Samaritans on 116123 or the emergency services. Via 111 or 999. Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioners' guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.  Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm Samaritans 116 123 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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