Motherhood changes your life emotionally as much as it does physically — yet many women feel unprepared for the psychological reality of pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Gemma Capocci, qualified counsellor, psychotherapist and BACP-registered practitioner, to explore the emotional realities of becoming a mother. Together, they discuss anxiety, overwhelm, intrusive thoughts, sleep deprivation, guilt, shame, identity loss, relationships, intimacy, and the invisible mental load so many women carry during pregnancy and early motherhood. They also unpack why motherhood can feel so all-consuming, why asking for help can feel difficult, how to tell the difference between normal worry and something that needs more support, and what real emotional support for mothers should look like. This episode is for anyone who has felt unlike themselves since becoming a mother, struggled silently with anxiety or overwhelm, or wondered whether they are finding motherhood harder than they are “supposed” to. Because struggling does not mean you are failing. The mental marathon of motherhood is real — and women deserve honesty, support and compassion, not silence or shame. Follow @Alongwaytogclub for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s health. Following Gemma Capocco on Instagram here and find out more about her work here. Content note: This episode includes discussion of maternal mental health, including postpartum anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, identity loss, guilt, shame, trauma and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you are affected by anything in this episode, support is available from PANDAS Foundation UK, which offers free support for parents and families affected by perinatal mental illness. You can access their WhatsApp support and callback services through the PANDAS Foundation website. You can also speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP about your mental health during pregnancy or after birth. They can refer you to a specialist perinatal mental health team or a Mother and Baby Unit if you need more specialist support. If you need urgent help with your mental health, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. Support resources If anything in this episode feels close to home, you are not alone and support is available. PANDAS Foundation UK Support for parents and families affected by perinatal mental illness, from conception through pregnancy, birth and beyond. They offer WhatsApp support, callback services and group support. Website: pandasfoundation.org.uk NHS perinatal mental health support You can speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP if you are struggling during pregnancy or after birth. They can help you access local mental health support and specialist perinatal mental health services. Urgent mental health support — NHS 111 If you need urgent mental health help but it is not an immediate emergency, call 111 and select the mental health option, or use NHS 111 online. Samaritans For free, confidential emotional support at any time of day or night, call 116 123. This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.
