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Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember25 Oct 2019, 1:48 pm AEDT

Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

From 10 November - 16 November is Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness week and we are lucky enough to have some special guests from @PANDA join us for this Topic Tuesday!

The theme of PANDA week this year is ‘Let’s get real’ which is what we are going to do in this event! Talking about the real experiences that we have come across or might be coming across when we transition into parenthood and sharing strategies and knowledge.

“We want expecting and new parents and their families to feel they can be open and honest about their feelings. As a community, we need to ‘get real’ about perinatal anxiety and depression.”

While this awareness week is all about those expecting or new parents we would also love to hear from well experienced parents to share reflections and learnings too! All welcome!

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Topic Tuesday takes place right here! It's text based, so no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the latest posts (it doesn't automatically update). Keep an eye for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post.

Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

What time does this event start in my timezone?

AEDT- 7pm
AEST- 6pm
ACDT- 6:30pm
ACST- 5:30pm
WST- 4pm

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, check out our Guides.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Shaz51Senior Contributor12 Nov 2019, 7:54 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

hello @cutiepiekitty

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember12 Nov 2019, 7:59 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Hi @eth thanks so much for coming along and sharing.

You all have something very valuable to offer tonight regardless of your children being adults now- your early experiences of parenting and the challenges are really important to get real about tonight and help others learn and feel less alone too 🧡

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

ethSenior Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:00 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

@Sarzie actually I still have times when I don't feel good enough. Some of my child's health problems have taken until recently to be properly diagnosed. I tell myself I did the best I could at the time, but the reality is it wasn't good enough a lot of the time. Also bipolar episodes meant all sorts of risky adventures which I took them with me. Plus we had to deal with special ed. and all sorts of interventions in the early years so I felt I was under constant scrutiny which really added to the pressure.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Jane06Casual Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Yes having confidence in my parenting and the belief I’m a good mum is something I still struggle with most days

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember12 Nov 2019, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Hi @cutiepiekitty - no problem at all, great to have you join us!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

OwlunarSenior Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Okay - baby number 1

I had been in a job where they understood I would have to leave without notice and when we got a telegram that they had a baby for us it was full on - a trip to the hospital the next day and wow - what an unhapppy baby - the sh*t really hit the fan - he really let us know his displeasure and really? I don't blame him - he certainly did not ask for all of this

Totally unexpected

Baby number 2 - difficult pregnancy, early birth - for a months she was in hospital and we did not know at the time but the smell of formula still makes her feel sick.

But she knew us - she fitted into the family and all her life she has been a joy

Very different experiences yes - and neither easy - but that's what happened and it's all a long time ago but the memories are really clear

Dec

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Shaz51Senior Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:02 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

@eth, , @Sarzie I still have times when I don't feel good enough.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Julia2019Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:02 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Hi @eth

Thank you for sharing your story. I imagine that must have been an overwhelming start to life as a parent!

I am wandering what sort of support you had when you were experiencing Post Natal Depression and Anxiety and what helped you in your recovery?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

OwlunarSenior Contributor12 Nov 2019, 8:05 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Oh boy - that's really premature and the dad leaving too @eth

That is really something - and add a mix-ed up dx and the wrong medication

What can I say - I hear you - that is one really early birth and one really premature baby

My hat's off to you

Dec

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

SarzieContributor12 Nov 2019, 8:06 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Lets get real! Transitions into parenthood // Tues 12 Nov 7pm AEDT

Thank you all so much for sharing as you are. You’re embodying the PANDA week message of “Let’s Get Real”!

For our next discussion point:

Not many people expect to feel a loss of identity when they become parents. It can be very difficult to adjust to how massively our life changes and our sense of self along with it. It isn’t easy being real about not knowing who we are or how we fit in anymore.

Did you feel this way too, and if so, what helped you “find yourself” again? What parts of you changed for the better (or for the worse!)?

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