HCF has created a new podcast designed to support parents as they tackle its challenging, rewarding and often unpredictable aspects.
The health insurer says it created the Navigating Parenthood podcast to give a platform to everyday parents in conversation with experts, sharing their stories with the goal of supporting other parents.
The six-part series explores the different lives of parents and their perspectives on what it is like to raise children with special needs, being a single parent, reshaping your identity after children, coping when things go wrong, identifying mental health issues and how culture impacts parenting.
A team of experts join each podcast episode to offer insights and support to each parent and listeners.
According to Greg McAweeney, chief officer of business growth at HCF, the rationale for developing the podcast series was to give something back to parents.
“Parents can easily find resources on how to raise their children, but their needs as individuals are often sidestepped or fall down the priority list," he said.
"There needs to be just as much emphasis on developing and sharing information that supports parents and provides reassurance that parenthood isn’t perfect,” said Mr McAweeney.
“We want to explore the not-so-great moments of parenting so Australians feel supported and understand they are not alone. These frank conversations with experts in nursing, patient support, psychology, anthropology and social work, could help improve the wellbeing of many families.”
Stephanie Hunt built a successful media career in Australia and overseas working as a news journalist for breakfast TV program Sunrise, BBC and Al Jazeera.
Ms Hunt recently became a mother and says the experience changed her in many ways.
“For the first time since finishing school I couldn’t watch anything sad or world news. I tapped out of the news cycle, which was a huge contrast to being a complete news junkie. But I really enjoyed being in the baby bubble,” said Ms Hunt.
According to Dr Lisa Williams, social psychologist from the University of New South Wales, said Ms Hunt's experience is common.
“Research suggests that motherhood can represent a big shift in identity. Many mums report that there is a period of time when their sense of self becomes unanchored,” said Dr Williams.
The ‘Navigating Parenthood’ series is available via iTunes, Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts, or visit hcf.com.au/podcast.