where stories are held

I thank every one of these mums from the bottom of my heart for sharing the stories of motherhood we often keep to ourselves.

— Rebecca

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anxiety, birth trauma, EMDR, medication Rebecca McMartin anxiety, birth trauma, EMDR, medication Rebecca McMartin

14 | Sarah

Like many mothers, Sarah from The Pesky Placenta Society struggled to decipher whether her pregnancy symptoms were ‘normal’ or something more sinister. But with a pre-existing chronic illness, Sarah also had to confront her complicated relationship with health anxiety. Unfortunately, the concerns she raised were proven to be more than ‘just anxiety’ when at 35 weeks pregnant, Sarah nearly died from pre-eclampsia - or what she refers to as “her pesky placenta”.

This is a story about the challenges of navigating both mental ill health and physical ill health in pregnancy; about fighting to be believed and to believe yourself; about the trauma that comes with nearly dying during what is supposed to be the happiest time of your life; about the struggles of bonding with your baby when your brain tells you that mothering is a barrier to your healing; and about the power of pre-emptive planning to protect your mental health. Most importantly, it is a story about hope that with the right support, things will get better.

This is Sarah’s story.

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Thank you for trusting me with your stories, it’s an honour I don’t take lightly.

listen now.

kind words.

  • "She is a wonderful storyteller and her personal perinatal story is one to be told. So much love and respect, Rebecca. Can't wait for the rest of your episodes"

    Kathryn
    (via Instagram)

  • "Can't recommend enough! This is one of the most important podcasts to be released this year. It is absolutely crucial for the topics of mental health throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum (and beyond) to be destigmatised and brought into the spotlight and Rebecca has done this stunningly. She speaks so vulnerably and openly and not only is it heartbreaking but it's also in many places painfully relatable. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast!"

    tattooloo
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "This podcast will change lives - I'm sure of it"

    Jade
    (via Instagram)

  • "Great podcast for a great cause! Love everything about this podcast. It’s shedding light surrounding the very well hidden but alarmingly high statistics of mental health around pregnancy, birth and post partum… These stories definitely help in making you feel like you’re not alone. Thank you!"

    theawesomeabsol
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "The most important podcast any mumma will listen to! I can’t even put into words how life changing this podcast is and there are only 3 episodes so far!... This podcast is a monumental leap forward in breaking the stigma surrounding PNDA and helping all mums realise there is most definitely help available and you deserve that help!"

    JessieF0895
    (Apple Podcast Review)

  • "This podcast reminds me I’m not alone! Rebecca is amazing and I am so grateful for her podcast. She reminds me that I’m not alone in my perinatal/postpartum mental health struggles. She reminds me that I don’t need to feel ashamed for having these struggles... Thank you to all of those who are bravely sharing their stories on this podcast to help us all remember- we are not broken, we are not alone, we deserve support, and we matter."

    ACSH21
    (Apple Podcast Review)