Unseen, Unshaken:Real Life. Raw Faith. Midwife Diaries.

Ep.11 You’re pregnant. Now what?

In a world full of Google searches, opinions, and overwhelming advice, this episode gently guides you back to what matters. Maryam shares grounding reflections on navigating early pregnancy with clarity, autonomy, and spiritual anchoring — so you move from surviving to truly thriving.

Ep.10 Living Your Answered Du'a (Even When It Feels Overwhelming)

Starting the new year with honesty: I took a break, and I didn't know if I'd come back. . This episode is about acknowledging uncertainty instead of fighting it, building momentum through small aligned actions, and remembering that the life that feels overwhelming right now is actually your answered du'a.

Ep.9 "When Birth Doesn't Go to Plan (And Why That's Not Failure)"

You prepared. You asked the questions. You did everything "right." And your birth still didn't go to plan. Your birth experience matters. Your feelings matter. And you didn't fail. If you're struggling with how your birth went, or preparing for birth and scared of disappointment, this one's for you. If you're experiencing symptoms of birth trauma, postnatal depression, or anxiety, support is available: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) * National Helpline: 1300 726 306 * Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–7:30pm AEST * Website: www.panda.org.au [http://www.panda.org.au] * Supports both mothers and fathers/partners * Free, confidential counseling Beyond Blue * 24/7 Support Line: 1300 22 4636 * Online chat available * Website: www.beyondblue.org.au/perinatal [http://www.beyondblue.org.au/perinatal] * Specific resources for perinatal mental health Lifeline Australia * Crisis Support: 13 11 14 * Available 24/7 * Text support: 0477 13 11 14 (12pm–midnight AEST) COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) * Website: www.cope.org.au [http://www.cope.org.au] * Information, screening tools, and referrals to perinatal mental health specialists Gidget Foundation Australia * Free counseling for emotional and mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood * Website: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au [http://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au] * Dad-specific support available Dad-Specific Resources: Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) — Dads Helpline * Same number: 1300 726 306 * Specifically trained to support fathers and partners Mensline Australia * 24/7 Support: 1300 78 99 78 * Online chat and video counseling available * Website: www.mensline.org.au [http://www.mensline.org.au] If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm: * Call 000 for emergency services * Go to your nearest hospital emergency department * Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) * Call Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7)

Ep.8 The Questions You're Too Scared to Ask Your Midwife (But Should)

Last episode, I talked about the gap between "nobody told me" and "did I actually want to know." This week, I'm giving you the tools — the actual questions you should be asking your midwife or doctor but might be too scared to ask. From continuity of care to interventions, cultural accommodations to postpartum support, this episode breaks down exactly what to ask, when to ask it, and why it matters. If you've ever left an appointment feeling like you forgot to ask something important, or if you're not sure what questions you should even be asking, this episode is for you.

Ep.7 "Nobody Told Me About Birth (But Did I Want to Know?) | Honest Preparation Talk"

Why do so many women say "nobody told me" about birth complications, interventions, or recovery — but also avoid antenatal education and difficult conversations with their care providers? In this episode, we explore the balance between being informed and being paralysed by fear, the role of personal responsibility in birth preparation, and how to prepare for birth realistically without losing hope.