"My culture has no real word for mental health". The Unlikely Mummy: Kavita Trevena

Kavita Trevena, founder of The Unlikely Mummy, shares her profoundly personal motherhood journey, including gestational diabetes, postnatal depression and being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after two stressful births. Kavita also talks about a lack of openness around mental health issues in her culture, and a general lack of support for South Asian mums within maternal care services.

Kavita discusses her community-driven initiatives such as The Unlikely Mummy blog, counselling services, exercise therapies, and wellness activities designed to support mothers.

Far from being a heavy listen, Kavita was a joy to speak to and our positive conversation underlines a message of hope, resilience, and the importance of creating supportive networks for mothers.

*Trigger Warning* Postnatal Depression, Birth Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In This Episode:

[00:00] Teaser quote.

[02:01] Introducing Kavita Trevena: founder of 'The Unlikely Mummy'.

[04:30] From being told she couldn't have children to a honeymoon baby - Kavita's journey through pregnancy.

[06:34] Discovery and challenges of Gestational Diabetes.

[13:16] The birth experience - an emergency caesarean.

[20:44] Postpartum struggles and support.

[23:16] Creating 'The Unlikely Mummy' community.

[28:34] Being diagnosed with PND (Postnatal Depression).

[31:04] The need for more support for mums. Growing the Unlikely Mummy to provide community support and specialist services.

[34:22] Running for the cause: The Big Half Marathon, raising funds for a Forest School, counselling and lactation consultant sessions.

[36:37] Starting a walking club for mums.

[40:14] Kavita's second pregnancy: psoriasis and setting up support in advance.

[43:10] Diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) for her first birth.

[47:19] Cultural barriers and lack of support for South Asian mums.

[55:23] The Unlikely Mummy: future plans and support.

[01:01:45] Final thoughts and encouragement.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Unlikely Mummy's Insta page. 
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. NHS information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s believed 1 in 10 women may suffer from PCOS.
3. UK Government information on Gestational Diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause health problems in both mother and baby. Support is available from Gestational Diabetes UK.
4. Dr. Hannah Short is a doctor who specialises in menopause and premenstrual disorders. Dr. Hannah Short's website. Listen to Hannah's episode:  Blue MumDays S2 Ep31: 'The one About Hormones: POI, PMDD, Endometriosis + PME.
5. Postnatal depression is depression that happens after you've had a baby. It can range from mild to severe and is more common than you think. Up to 1 in 7 mums are affected and up to 1 in 10 dads. NHS information on Postnatal Depression. More information can be found here, Royal College of Psychiatrists page on PND.
6. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Find CAMHS support near you (UK only).
7. Find out more about the Big Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile course weaves through London from Tower Bridge to the iconic Cutty Sark in Greenwich.  Donate to Kavita's Go Fund Me here.
8. NHS information on psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition that can be both physically and psychologically distressing. Support and information from the Psoriasis Association, a UK charity.
9. Mind's guide on postnatal PTSD. Blue MumDays S1 Ep17: When Birth Leads to Trauma – listen to my conversation with Make Birth Better’s Dr. Rebecca Moore to learn more about birth trauma.
10. In the UK, postnatal depression is more common in British South Asian women than white women. Cultural stigma can also contribute to Asian mums not seeking help. The ROSHNI-2 Study is evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a CBT(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) based positive health programme group intervention in British South Asian women with postnatal depression.
11. Mindfulness is a technique that involves being fully aware of the present moment without judgment. Kavita's Mindfulness session for Maternal Mental Health Week.
12. Eve Canavan BEM is an award-winning lived experience survivor of postpartum psychosis. She works tirelessly to support mums and families and is the co-founder and National Co-Ordinator of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.  Blue MumDays S1 Ep 19: 'Frightened of My Baby' - Eve Canavan.
13. For donating to The Unlikely Mummy: Account name: THE UNLIKELY MUMMY C / Sort Code: 51-70-14 / Account Number: 78918855.

Follow us:

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook Group / bluemumdays@gmail.com

Next Episode:

Next time I talk to the incredible 'Frontline Midwife' Anna Kent. Anna has delivered babies in war zones, caring for the most vulnerable women in the most vulnerable places in the world, including responsibility for the female health of 30,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Anna talks movingly about her own experience of motherhood, including the loss of her first baby Fatima. One of my very favourite conversations, I can't wait for you to hear it!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate and subscribe. It really does make the difference in helping others find it – which means helping more parents in need.

You are not alone and will not feel this way forever.

Links to Support: (please note we do not check or monitor them individually).

1.    Acacia Family Support Pre and postnatal depression support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic mums and dads.  0121 301 5990, help@acacia.org.uk. 

2.    Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) Moderated Forum, click here to find out more. Email: app@app-network.org / Tel: 020 3322 9900

3.    AIMS for better birthing. helpline@aims.org.uk. This email will go to a group of AIMS volunteers and someone will respond as soon as possible. / Telephone: +44 (0) 300 365 0663 (leave message)

4.    Andys Man Club A non-judgmental talking group for men. info@andysmanclub.co.uk

5.    Association of Postnatal Illness Helpline: 10am – 2pm – 0207 386 0868 / Email: info@apni.org (Live chat online facility)

6.    Best Beginnings. Free NHS-accredited Baby Buddy app offering 24/7 App support for new parents

7.    Birth Trauma Association Email: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

8.    CALM. National helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)

9.    Cedar House Support