Our guest today, Ali, is short for Alexandra. She's a mother to two children, Claudia, who's 3, and Georgina, who's 1. Ali is married to Andrew, who serves as a police officer.
Journey Through Clinical Depression
Ali opens up about her diagnosis with clinical depression in 2010, shedding light on her personal experience and the stigma surrounding mental health.
Challenges of Motherhood
Ali shares her experiences dealing with the challenges of motherhood, including colic, pelvic floor trauma that left her unable to walk or run, and the isolation she felt due to her husband's night shifts and discomfort in sharing her struggles with friends and family.
Reaching Out
Ali recalls a pivotal moment when she realized she needed help and requested a mental health care plan and anti-depressants from her GP, highlighting the importance of seeking intervention when needed.
Finding Balance
Ali discusses her journey towards recovery, which involved a combination of medication, regular therapy, and seeking help from a sleep consultant, Kate Gillan. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and finding balance.
PANDA
Ali shares her involvement with PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) as a community champion and how they supported her after the birth of her second baby.
COVID Lockdowns
Ali reflects on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on her family, with her children becoming afraid of anyone other than her and her husband.
Small Habits
The importance of self-care is discussed, with Ali sharing how small habits and mindfulness played a significant role in her early parenthood journey, from buying a comfortable robe to enjoying a hot drink during night feeds.
Information for Expectant Parents
Ali advocates for better information availability to expectant parents about topics like tongue ties, colic, and sleep regressions before they occur, rather than waiting until they become challenges.