When you’re raising twins or multiples, exhaustion and overwhelm can feel like part of the job. But when does the mental load become something more — and would you know the signs?
In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA — Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia, to talk about parental mental health through the lens of raising multiples.
Julie explains what perinatal mental health can look like, why parents of multiples are at greater risk, and how difficult it can be to recognise when you’re struggling when sleep deprivation, stress and overwhelm already feel normal.
We also talk about the impact of high-risk pregnancy, prematurity, NICU and birth trauma, the loss of identity that can come with becoming a parent, and why the mental load doesn’t necessarily ease once you’re out of the newborn stage.
We chat about:
- Why parents of multiples are at greater risk of mental health challenges
- What postnatal depression and anxiety can look like
- When normal postpartum overwhelm becomes something more
- The impact of prematurity, NICU, birth trauma and sleep deprivation
- Identity loss and the mental load of raising multiples
- Why the challenges can continue into the toddler years
- Mental health in dads and non-birthing parents
- Recognising the signs, starting the conversation and where to seek support
Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that mental health is something to maintain — not something we should only address when we reach breaking point. If something doesn’t feel right in yourself or someone you love, it’s worth talking about.
Learn more about PANDA:
Visit panda.org.au for information, resources and perinatal mental health support.
If you or someone you know needs support:
- PANDA — National perinatal mental health helpline: 1300 726 306
- Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Follow along for the raw, unfiltered reality of raising multiples.
Thanks for being here.
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