Nothing Could Have Prepared Me for My Own Pregnancy: A Paediatrician Gets Real S8 | E209

On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with Dr. Nellie Balfour, a specialist paediatrician who has spent years working in neonatal ICUs, as she navigates her own second pregnancy in real time. This is the first episode in a brand new series on Sense by Meg Faure, following Nellie's pregnancy journey trimester by trimester. It is raw, honest, deeply personal and utterly reassuring. What We Cover:Prenatal Depression: The conversation we are not having.Dr. Nellie opens up about experiencing prenatal depression during her first trimester — losing six kilograms, sleeping constantly, feeling hopeless, and ultimately needing medication. She explains why second-time mums are actually more vulnerable to prenatal depression than postpartum depression, why the symptoms are so often missed or dismissed, and why the stigma makes everything worse. Her advice is simple and direct: any feeling of hopelessness during pregnancy is a red flag. Talk to someone. Tell your gynaecologist. Do not wait.Medical Knowledge and Pregnancy Anxiety:Many people assume that a paediatrician would sail through pregnancy with confidence. Dr. Nellie challenges that completely. When you know every possible risk, your mind finds more to worry about — not less. Meg Faure shares her own experience of this, reminding us that motherhood is the great leveller. It does not matter whether you are a plumber or a paediatrician. The emotional journey of becoming a mother humbles everyone equally. Medication Safety in Pregnancy:Social media is full of dangerous misinformation about medication in pregnancy. Meg and Nellie set the record straight. Breech Babies and Motor Development:Dr. Nellie asks Meg a fascinating clinical question: what are the developmental implications of a breech birth? Meg explains the role of the vestibular system in orienting a baby head-down in the womb, and how a consistently breech position may affect muscle tone, balance, coordination and bilateral integration later in life. It is not a linear outcome — but it is one reason why movement in pregnancy matters, and why sensory integration therapy can make such a difference for children with vestibular challenges. Rupture and Repair:The episode closes with a concept that will stay with every parent who hears it. There is no such thing as a perfect pregnancy or a perfect mother. . About Our Guest: Dr. Nellie Balfour is a mom and Specialist Pediatrician with a focus on neonates, newborns, and early childhood development. Dr. Nellie is passionate about empowering parents with credible, evidence-based information so they can make the best decisions for their children. You can find her and her popular Q&A sessions on Instagram at @drnelliepaeds Episode References and Links:📱 Parent Sense App — Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.https://parentsense.app/CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE Web: megfaure.comFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/MegFaure.SenseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/