My Journey Through A Second Pregnancy, Chronic Pain, And Finding Resilience In Uncertainty
Episode 3, I share my second pregnancy journey, amidst Covid lockdowns, navigating pain, a fleeting fibromyalgia diagnosis, postpartum challenges, and the quiet resilience that helped me find strength, balance, and hope amid uncertainty. A raw, honest look at life behind closed doors.Show NotesIf this episode brought up feelings like anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, you’re not alone. These are common experiences, and support is available.Here are some steps and resources that might help:Reach out to your GP, maternal health nurse, or a trusted health professional. They can guide you toward the right support.PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 | Website: PANDACOPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): Website: COPETalk to someone you trust a partner, friend, or family. Sometimes just saying it aloud helps.Consider seeing therapists trained in perinatal mental health for tools, validation, and language.Try writing, breath work, or body-based practices, these can connect with emotions that words can’t reach.Remember: You don’t need to be perfect to be a good mum. You are doing enough. Be gentle with yourself.Living with chronic pain is exhausting, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re dealing with it, you’re not alone. Here are some supportive ideas:Mind-Body ConnectionThe Way Out by Alan Gordon (on rewiring pain pathways)Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno (explores emotional roots of pain; might resonate differently for everyone)Curable App, education and tools to manage pain with a mind-body approachBody-Based SupportPhysiotherapy, gentle movement, or exercise that feels safe (even 5 minutes daily helps)Heat, hydrotherapy, walking, rest, simple but effective toolsYou don’t have to push through pain to make progressNervous System & Emotional SupportSomatic therapy or trauma-informed counsellingMindfulness, grounding practices, journaling, or creative outlets to express what words can’tPodcasts to Learn From (if you have the capacity)Tell Me About Your Pain (Alan Gordon & Alon Ziv)The Chronic Comeback (Phil Hatfield)Feel Better Live More Ep #472 (Professor Peter O’Sullivan on breaking free from chronic pain)Struggling with Sleep or InsomniaSleep difficulties are common postpartum, especially when combined with anxiety, pain, or stress. You are not alone.Speak with your GP or a perinatal sleep specialist if sleep loss is persistent. They can guide safe strategies.Sleep hygiene tips: keep a consistent bedtime routine, limit screens before bed, and make your bedroom a calm, dark, cool environment.Gentle tools: relaxation, breath work, meditation. Please follow Behind Closed Doors on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behind.closed.doors.podcast/
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