Six miscarriages, then a baby: how one mum found her way back
After six miscarriages, Marcelle Cooper gave birth, then found help for postpartum anxiety through Gidget Foundation.
After six miscarriages in six years, Marcelle Cooper and her husband grieved, took jobs they loved, and travelled together. Almost a year later, she fell pregnant unexpectedly.
The first 20 weeks of her pregnancy were terrifying as she monitored every symptom, fearing bleeding or loss. At birth, joy turned to darkness.
At just three months old, Marcelle felt numbness watching her baby. Anxiety, weight loss and insomnia followed.
At six months, she asked her GP for help. Her GP referred her to Gidget Foundation Australia, which supports mental health for expectant and new parents.
Support was life-changing. By her first birthday, Marcelle began enjoying motherhood.
One in five mothers and one in ten fathers struggle with perinatal depression and anxiety, affecting about 100,000 Australians yearly. It is the leading cause of death in expectant and new mothers.
- Six in six years
- Miscarriages
- One in five mothers and one in ten fathers
- Perinatal depression and anxiety
- About 100,000
- Australians affected yearly
Why it mattersPerinatal mental health is a common but often-hidden crisis; knowing support is free and available can save parents years of suffering.
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