44| Rebecca: NICU experience, bicornuate uterus, male postnatal depression, PTSD, PPROM, Bleeding in pregnancy, breastfeeding and getting a mental health care plan.

*Trigger warning* This episode will discuss, NICU experience, postnatal depression in mothers and partners leading to suicidal thoughts. Bleeding in pregnancy, preterm labour and other medical conditions and procedures. Patty's this week's raw and honest chat, is about 2 year old Franklin and his harrowing journey into this world. I speak with Bec in depth about her pregnancy complications, due in part to her bicornuate uterus (meaning it has a heart shape) Franklin was growing in one side and the septum dividing the sides, meant Bec kept developing blood clots on the 'empty side' and experienced bleeding through out her whole 29 weeks of her pregnancy. Bec shares her preterm labour journey, with craziness of bed block, being prepared to drive 3 hours away to another hospital and birth, with no support and no accomodation. Bec was open and shares in my opinion the most honest recap of what being a NICU parent is like and I think this chat was invaluable for the amount of knowledge and insight it has given me. This is a great episode for anyone, who knows someone who has delivered a premie baby. Franklin despite all challenges, was thriving and was able to go home after 10 weeks in hospital! However, it was 2 months post discharge that both Bec and her husband Jimmy, really stopped and broke down. After running in survival mood for so long, the PTSD, anxiety, sleep deprivation and postnatal depression had caught up and Jimmy very bravely told Bec he was having suicidal thoughts. Thankfully with talk therapy, family support and good communication both Bec and Jimmy were able to treat their mental health. I won't say "cure" as mental health is something we always need to take care of, it needs ongoing support and assistance. This episode is a long one, but with so many important topics being discussed I wanted to do them all justice. If you or anyone you know is struggling with postnatal mental health please reach out for support to PANDA: https://www.panda.org.au COPE: https://www.cope.org.au Lifeline:https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 

You are never alone and we are here for anyone who needs,

Love Patty

x