When does ‘older’ motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s? In this insightful roundtable, Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD), naturopathic clinician, joins clinical psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation to unpack the complex interplay of biology, age, and mental health on the path to parenthood. 

From the surprising role of sperm quality in placental health to why sleep deprivation sabotages egg quality, Leah shares cutting-edge science rarely discussed in clinics. Meanwhile, Felicity tackles the hidden emotional toll, why phrases like "your body’s failing you" cut so deep, and how to reframe self-talk when conception struggles feel isolating.  

Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia website for more information. 

You can learn more about Dr Leah Hechtman on her website, drleahhechtman.com, or follow her on Instagram, @drleahhechtman 

When does &lsquo;older&rsquo; motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s? In this insightful roundtable, Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD), naturopathic clinician, joins clinical psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation to unpack the complex interplay of biology, age, and mental health on the path to parenthood.&nbsp;
From the surprising role of sperm quality in placental health to why sleep deprivation sabotages egg quality, Leah shares cutting-edge science rarely discussed in clinics. Meanwhile, Felicity tackles the hidden emotional toll, why phrases like "your body&rsquo;s failing you" cut so deep, and how to reframe self-talk when conception struggles feel isolating.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Need support? Head to the Gidget Foundation Australia <a href="https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/" data-outlook-id="393447fb-6327-47c3-86e7-34cb871f948e">website</a> for more information.&nbsp;
You can learn more about Dr Leah Hechtman on her website,&nbsp;<a href="https://drleahhechtman.com/" data-outlook-id="dab98b00-d00b-428d-a358-ab677e676f25">drleahhechtman.com</a>, or follow her on Instagram, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drleahhechtman/?hl=en" data-outlook-id="cd552f30-00f5-47af-b69c-1f7ba100eff6">@drleahhechtman</a>&nbsp;

Join news presenter Davina Smith in a podcast that tells the silent truth of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) loudly, in raw and honest accounts from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it. Paired with expert insights from psychologists and counsellors in the field, this podcast, made in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.  

Join news presenter Davina Smith in a podcast that tells the silent truth of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) loudly, in raw and honest accounts from some of the one in five mothers and one and ten fathers living with it. Paired with expert insights from psychologists and counsellors in the field, this podcast, made in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, explores the realities of parenthood, breaks down stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, and gives you the tools on how and when to seek support.

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