Trigger warning: This episode discusses premature birth, postpartum depression and anxiety
For those who haven’t experienced it, premature birth may seem like a simple concept. The baby is born early.
But for those who have gone through it, it can be a traumatic, all consuming event that can have long lasting effects on their mental health and the very way they function as a parent.
In this episode we speak to my friend Steph Wanless, an incredible woman who has co-founded and directs the publication FOUND Regional, all while juggling the life of a mother of two children who were both born premature.. She enjoys good grammar, good gin and good times. A self-confessed perfectionist with a penchant for Saturday night lounge room discos, when she's not writing a story, interviewing someone for a story or editing a story, she's usually staring into space planning her next 10 stories.
In this episode Steph shares:
Her early career before becoming a mother and the life she built
The process of reconciling she had to give up some things to be a mum
The pivotal moment in their relationship when their child was born prematurely
Her experience in the neonatal ward
How she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety as a parent
The anxiety she feels about her children even now
The process of having a second premature birth
Parenting challenges and experiences
What it was like balancing work and childcare
Shift in focus from finance and tech to storytelling
The growth and challenges of the magazine
Key Quotes
“The first time I actually saw ted (my baby) was in a photo.”
“I couldn’t be with him and I had to trust other people to keep him alive and that was really confronting.”
“I was so used to physically seeing on a screen that they were breathing. So when I brought them home and I didn’t have the assurance of that machine, I panicked.”
More about Steph Wanless
You can check out FOUND Regional via their website: https://www.foundregional.com.au/
Or follow them on socials.
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/found_regional
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOUNDRegional
You can get involved with the podcast online
On facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeus
Or on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus
If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:
http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au
For her other business you can find it through the websites:
www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.au
Or you can follow them on Instagram:
@Altitudefitnessarmidale
@trialtitudeperformance
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