In this deeply moving episode, Annie is joined by Pete Wallroth, father and CEO of Mummy's Star, a leading charity supporting families affected by cancer during pregnancy or in the early years of parenthood. Annie Belasco, CEO of PANDAS, brings personal insight to this conversation, having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

Pete shares the story of his wife Maya’s breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, the shock and uncertainty that followed, and the realities of navigating cancer treatment alongside impending parenthood. He speaks honestly about balancing fear and pragmatism, supporting a partner through treatment, maintaining normality for their daughter, and welcoming their son while living with the constant unknown.

Pete reflects on Maya as a woman and a mother her compassion, inclusivity and quiet strength. He also describes the intimate, everyday moments that helped their family cope, from honest conversations with their young daughter to finding control during physical changes brought on by treatment.

Following Maya’s death just weeks after their son’s birth, Pete explains how grief, isolation and a lack of tailored support became the driving force behind the creation of Mummy's Star. What began as a response to lived experience has grown into a vital service offering emotional support, advocacy and financial help to families facing cancer during pregnancy or early parenthood.

This episode is raw, compassionate and powerful a testament to love, loss, resilience and the life-changing impact of being truly seen and supported during the hardest moments.

Important:

A gentle heads-up that this podcast series may include themes across the full spectrum of mental illness. Topics may include cancer, bereavement, suicide, baby loss, self-harm, domestic violence and other upsetting subjects. Please take care while listening.

Since this episode was recorded, our CEO Annie has received a cancer diagnosis. She is now recovering and surrounded by love and support, and we look forward to warmly welcoming her back in January 2026.

To listen, search for The PANDAS Foundation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. More episodes will be released over the coming weeks

Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication.

Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm

Samaritans 116 123

US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the “problem” was never you or your baby but a world that hasn’t learned how to support neurodivergent families?

This time on the PANDAS Foundation Podcast, Sally Bunkham speaks with Victoria White — birth and postnatal doula, founder of Neurodivergent Birth CIC, and mother to two neurodivergent children — about her powerful journey through new parenthood, mental health struggles, and discovering neurodivergence in her family and herself.

From the challenging early days with her first baby, Victoria became aware of the overwhelming sensory needs that no professional seemed able to explain, and the fear and burnout that shaped her postnatal mental health. As she searched for answers, her daughter’s autism and ADHD diagnoses opened a new chapter of understanding and ultimately inspired Victoria to build the ground-breaking service she wished she’d had herself.

In this chat we explore the barriers neurodivergent parents face in pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood; how sensory processing, executive functioning, and communication differences shape the perinatal experience; and why so many neurodivergent families fall through the gaps of traditional maternity care. They also discuss the incredible new research emerging in this area, the free resources now available through Neurodivergent Birth and PANDAS, and the urgent need for policy change to support families more holistically.

Every journey is different, and every experience is valid.

You can find Victoria’s book here.

And listen to the Neurodivergent Birth Podcast here.

Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999.

Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm

Samaritans 116 123

US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journey into parenthood looks different for all of us, but getting the right help can transform our experiences.

This week, Annie Belasco speaks with Rachel — a mum of two whose journey through perinatal mental illness, baby loss and PTSD ultimately became a powerful story of recovery. From the moment her mental health spiralled after a traumatic birth, to the heartbreak of losing a much-wanted pregnancy, Rachel opens up about how she found her way back with the right support, compassionate care and transformative therapy.

Rachel shares the reality of intrusive thoughts, the loneliness of grief, and the fear of facing pregnancy again — but also the turning points: reaching out for help, discovering EMDR therapy, reconnecting with her baby, and finally welcoming her son with joy and confidence.

Rachel’s story is honest and hopeful — a reminder that recovery is possible, support is out there, and no parent should face these feelings alone.

Trigger Warning: This podcast series may and will include, from time to time, themes of the entire spectrum of mental illness. Themes may include suicide, baby loss, self -harm, domestic violence and upsetting topics. If you urgently need help, if you're in mental health crisis, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Or the emergency services via 111 or 999.

Please note, you should always follow your GP or health practitioner's guidance for anything medically associated from conception onwards. The PANDAS Foundation does not advise on any medication. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

Contact PANDAS WhatsApp for support on 07903 508334 every day between 8am - 10pm

Samaritans 116 123

US: Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.