Episode Summary

For many women, becoming a mother during the pandemic wasn’t the experience they expected — it was one of isolation, grief, and survival.
In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Natasha Wallace speaks with Lauren Van Dyne, creator of Momdemic Diaries, about the emotional rollercoaster of navigating motherhood in the midst of a global crisis. Lauren shares her raw and powerful story of postpartum depression, therapy, and rediscovering herself through one of the hardest years of her life.
Together, they explore:
The impact of isolation on new mothers’ mental health

The grief of losing the “ideal” birth and postpartum experience

How therapy and self-reflection can support healing and resilience

The importance of open conversations about maternal mental health

Why every mother’s experience is valid — and deserves to be heard

This honest conversation reminds every mum that resilience isn’t about doing it all — it’s about allowing yourself to be supported, seen, and human.

Key Takeaways

🔑 Pandemic parenting brought unique emotional and practical challenges.

🔑 Many mothers grieved the loss of their expected postpartum experience.

🔑 Isolation intensified loneliness and mental health struggles.

🔑 Therapy can provide invaluable tools for healing and resilience.

🔑 Open discussions about mental health reduce shame and stigma.

🔑 Every mother’s journey is unique — and worthy of compassion.

Episode Chapters

🕒 00:46 – Navigating Motherhood During a Pandemic

🕒 03:41 – The Emotional Toll of Pandemic Parenting

🕒 06:43 – The Unique Challenges of New Mothers

🕒 09:44 – Grieving the Loss of Normalcy

🕒 12:44 – The Impact of Support Systems

🕒 20:36 – Work–life balance across different life stages

🕒 15:45 – Understanding Prenatal and Postnatal Depression

🕒 18:35 – Finding Peace in the Journey of Motherhood

🕒 25:18 – Recognising the Need for Help

🕒 28:50 – The Journey to Therapy

🕒 31:37 – The Importance of Ongoing Support

🕒 33:14 – Processing Trauma and Anger

🕒 36:24 – Naming Emotions and Experiences

🕒 40:03 – The Role of Community and Connection

🕒 40:55 – Exploring Different Therapy Types

🕒 46:29 – Words of Wisdom for the Past Self

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