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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depression, ECT, psychiatric hospital Rebecca McMartin depression, ECT, psychiatric hospital Rebecca McMartin

31 | Caitlin

As a midwife with zero history of mental ill health, Caitlin didn’t expect to develop severe postpartum depression and anxiety at all, let alone after the birth of her second child.

She certainly didn’t expect to be wheeled through the same hospital where she worked down to the psychiatric ward for an eight-week admission.

And of course she never expected that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) would be part of her story to treat her treatment-resistant depression.

In this poignant episode, Caitlin takes us on her unexpected journey of experiencing mental ill health for the first time in motherhood, of navigating the unfamiliar mental health system to receive the right diagnosis and treatment, and of confronting nearly every taboo of mental health along the way.

Finally, Caitlin recalls the special moment when she ‘saw the light’, when she no longer felt worthless, and when she felt a glimmer of hope again - which, after everything she went through, was something she never truly expected to feel again.

This isn’t an episode to miss.

You can connect with Caitlin on Instagram at beneaththepalms_midwifery where she draws on her own experiences to advocate for her pregnant and postpartum patients in Cairns, Queensland.

Please note, this episode discusses suicidality. Go gently.

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

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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)