The Postpartum Season

Laura Taneja | Sharing honest postpartum stories
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This is a podcast sharing real, honest stories of motherhood. Each episode explores the postpartum experience — from birth recovery and the early days to identity shifts, mental health, feeding, sleep, and relationships. At its heart of The Postpartum Season Podcast is the concept of matrescence: the transition into motherhood, a time of profound change and growth. Through shared stories, this podcast aims to help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. Whether you are preparing for the postpartum season, living in it, or reflecting back on it — you are welcome here.

  1. 2d ago

    EP 15 | Alex – Birth overseas, physical recovery, newborn shock, identity change, trusting your instincts and finding support

    In this episode, we discuss: Alex's journey to motherhood while living overseasThe days leading up to birth and becoming a first-time mumRecovering from a third-degree tearThe shock of early postpartum and adjusting to life with a newbornThe identity changes that accompany motherhoodInitially resisting motherhood before embracing her new roleReturning home with a newborn while living away from familyBreastfeeding, oversupply and recurrent mastitisInfant sleep, routines and the pressure to do things "the right way"Learning to trust your instincts as a parentThe differences between first-time and second-time motherhoodWhy talking openly with other mothers mattersHow shared experiences provide validation, support and a reminder that you're not aloneAlex has created an incredible instagram page where she shares simple, delicious meals, as well as insights into her family life. If you would like to follow along, you can find her at @alexskitchenstory. As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au  New Zealand PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7)Thank you for listening. Take care x

    48 min

  2. Jun 24

    EP 14 | Chelsea – Postpartum in the Setting of Lockdown, The Transition from One to Two, Mum Guilt, The Importance of Prioritising Your Health & Building a Business

    In this episode, Chelsea shares: Becoming a mother during the COVID pandemic Her postpartum experiences with both of her boysAnxiety and mum guilt in early motherhoodThe transition from one child to twoWhy carving out time for yourself mattersRunning, boundaries, and showing up as your best selfHow motherhood changed her values and prioritiesBuilding Little Luxury alongside raising young childrenThe story behind Little Luxury's signature play matFinding purpose and creativity in this season of motherhoodInstagram Giveaway Chelsea from Little Luxury has generously gifted a $200 Little Luxury voucher for one lucky winner. Head to @thepostpartumseasonpodcast on Instagram to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm NZT on 1 July. You can find out more about Little Luxury at: Instagram: @littleluxury___ Website: www.littleluxury.co.nz As mentioned at the end of the episode, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au  New Zealand PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7)Thank you for listening. Take care x

    47 min

  3. Jun 22

    EP 13 | Paige - Miscarriage, Twin Pregnancy, NICU Life, Making Medical Decisions for Your Children, Identity Change & Finding Flexible Work

    In this episode, Paige shares her postpartum journey with her twins. We discuss: - Miscarriage and fertility treatment - Finding out she was expecting twins - Learning at 20 weeks that her daughter had a lung lesion - Living in survival mode during a complicated pregnancy - Delivering her twins at 34 weeks - Meeting her son and daughter for the first time - Her daughter’s surgery shortly after birth - Entering the unfamiliar world of the NICU - Her son’s ongoing challenges in the NICU - The challenge of making complex medical decisions as a new parent - Finding support through family, another NICU mother and online groups - The impact of NICU life on Paige and her husband - Spending long days at the hospital while her husband worked from the cafeteria - Bringing the twins home after months in hospital - Support from family and a hospital social worker - Returning to teaching and rediscovering parts of her identity outside motherhood - Creating a more flexible career through copywriting and business coaching - The identity shifts that come with motherhood and career change - Learning to separate self-worth from productivity and income - The importance of therapy and self-reflection - Finding joy in slow, peaceful moments with her children - Paige's advice for parents navigating the NICU If you would like to connect with Paige and learn more about the work she is doing to support women, head to her Instagram page @mombossfreedom.   As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help.   Australia - PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.au - Lifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au - Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au   New Zealand - PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7) - Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7) - 1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7)   Thank you for listening. Take care x

    44 min

  4. Jun 15

    EP 12 | Jenae - Vaginal Birth, Postpartum Haemorrhage, Feeding Challenges, Triple Feeding, Birth Trauma Counselling, Anxiety, Accepting Support & Motherhood Identity

    In this episode, Jenae shares: - Reaching 41 weeks before labour began - Labour starting after her waters broke overnight - Living 45 minutes from the hospital and travelling in labour - Acupuncture and other attempts to encourage labour progression - Giving birth to her son, Lucas - Experiencing an immediate postpartum haemorrhage - A delayed postpartum haemorrhage and ongoing recovery - Physical recovery and pelvic floor physiotherapy - Accessing support for birth trauma recovery - Returning to hospital with concerns about Lucas's health - Donor milk in the early days - Formula supplementation and weight gain concerns - Nipple shields and difficulties with latching - Pumping and triple feeding - Working with multiple lactation consultants - The emotional toll of feeding challenges - Establishing breastfeeding after months of challenges - Weaning from breastfeeding at 17 months - Difficulty asking for and accepting help - Support from family, friends and mothers' groups - Anxiety, tracking feeds and sleep, and the desire for control - Returning to work and reconnecting with parts of her pre-motherhood identity - Grief and identity change - Watching Lucas grow, learn and develop   As mentioned, here are some postpartum support resources. Please reach out if you need help. Australia - PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.au - Lifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au - Beyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au   New Zealand - PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7) - Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7) - 1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7) Thank you for listening. Take care x

    43 min

  5. Jun 8

    EP 11 | Sonya - Unexpected Pregnancy, Postpartum Grief, Identity Change, Partner Support, Parenting Two Children, Grandparent Support, Building The Baby Namer

    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 PlunketLine0800 933 922 (24/7)Healthline New Zealand0800 611 116 (24/7)1737 Need to talk?Call or text 1737 (24/7)  Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)Helpline: 1300 726 306Website: https://www.panda.org.auLifeline Australia13 11 14 (24/7)Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue1300 22 4636Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au  Thank you for listening. Take care x

    47 min

  6. Jun 1

    EP10 | Deborah - induction, positive birth experience, postpartum doula, breastfeeding challenges, sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety and asking for help, relationship challenges, DearMe app

    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.auLifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7) Website: https://www.lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.auNew 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

    44 min

  7. May 25

    EP9 | Kim - fast positive birth experience, birth care, sleep deprivation, trying to "fix" sleep, mums and bubs pilates, community

    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.

    37 min

  8. May 18

    EP8 | Makayla - three children, three different postpartum experiences

    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.

    52 min
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About

This is a podcast sharing real, honest stories of motherhood. Each episode explores the postpartum experience — from birth recovery and the early days to identity shifts, mental health, feeding, sleep, and relationships. At its heart of The Postpartum Season Podcast is the concept of matrescence: the transition into motherhood, a time of profound change and growth. Through shared stories, this podcast aims to help you feel seen, supported, and less alone. Whether you are preparing for the postpartum season, living in it, or reflecting back on it — you are welcome here.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Taneja | Sharing honest postpartum stories
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laura Taneja | Sharing honest postpartum stories
  • Show Website
    The Postpartum Season

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