Maddison Granger’s journey to motherhood was anything but straightforward. After a two-year struggle to conceive, the Tahmoor local, just outside Sydney, received the double surprise of expecting twins in December 2022. The news was particularly unexpected, as there was no family history of multiple births on either side.
“We had no history of twins on either side of our family, but we would joke about it,” Maddi shared. “Years ago, my husband said, ‘I reckon we will have twins’. We only ever wanted two children so I would say, ‘Let’s have them first and get it over with’.”
However, the reality of her pregnancy soon proved challenging. Maddi was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, which led to a significant weight loss of 10 kilograms. This already high-risk pregnancy was further complicated by an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.
Despite these hurdles, Maddi remained determined to embrace her pregnancy. The situation took a critical turn when her waters broke nine weeks prematurely. She was initially rushed to Campbelltown Hospital before a rapid transfer to RPA under emergency lights and sirens.
Twins Violet and Lily finally arrived in June 2023. Due to their prematurity, they were immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While Maddi had encouraged her husband, Hayden, to be with their daughters, she found herself alone when she suffered a postpartum haemorrhage. She required urgent surgery to control the bleeding.
The emotional toll intensified when, just three days after the traumatic birth, Maddi was discharged from the hospital without her newborn babies. The following weeks were a blur of constant travel, first to RPA for four weeks, and then to Campbelltown Hospital for another four weeks, before the twins were finally cleared to go home a week before their original due date.
The Overlooked Mental Health Toll
The journey for parents of multiples is statistically more arduous. Studies consistently show that mothers of multiple babies face a significantly higher risk of birth complications. Furthermore, research indicates a much greater likelihood of experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety.
Despite this heightened risk, Maddi recounted that at no point during her hospital stay or early postpartum period was her mental health assessed.
Once home, Maddi initially ran on adrenaline.
However, by the second week, the immense pressure began to take its toll. The third week brought a terrifying episode that left her deeply shaken. “I was up at night, about 2am or 3am, and I heard a voice in my head that said, ‘You need to hurt yourself’,” she recalled. “It was horrifying.”
The following day, she confided in her husband, whom she described as her “number one support.” He immediately recognised the severity of her distress, saying, “Let’s get you some help.”
Within days, Maddi had connected with a child and family health nurse, who facilitated referrals to a social worker and her GP. Her GP subsequently diagnosed her with postnatal depression (PND), postnatal anxiety (PNA), and severe stress.
This crucial diagnosis led her to Gidget Foundation Australia, an organisation dedicated to supporting new and expectant parents navigating anxiety and depression. Maddi was swiftly connected with one of their counsellors.
“I do not have words for the support she gave me and the lessons and the coping techniques and the tools she has been able to put in my toolbox,” Maddi expressed, highlighting the profound impact of the counselling. She continued with this support until the girls were nearing their third birthday.
While Maddi still experiences difficult days, she now possesses the tools and coping mechanisms to manage her mental well-being. More importantly, she feels empowered to help others.
Becoming a Gidget Angel
Around the time her daughters were 30 weeks old, Maddi decided to become a Gidget Angel. Gidget Angels share their personal experiences with depression and anxiety to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help, preventing them from suffering in silence.
“One of the things that stopped me from getting help a little sooner was thinking ‘I don’t have it that bad’,” Maddi admitted. “But it’s not a comparison. If you need help, you need help.”
She passionately advocates for destigmatising mental health conversations. “It is about making something that used to be taboo, less taboo,” she stated. “We are here to encourage people to get help and remind them that they’re not alone and they do not have to feel like they have to go through PND and PNA alone.”
Karen Edwards, the clinical director of Gidget Foundation Australia, corroborates Maddi’s experience. She explained that mothers expecting twins are more prone to prenatal depressive symptoms. Postnatally, they face a heightened risk of clinical exhaustion, postnatal depression, and anxiety.
A comprehensive 2022 study, “Multiple birth mental health outcomes throughout pregnancy, delivery and postnatally,” underscored these risks. The report concluded that parents of multiple births experience “significantly higher risks of emotional and mental health distress.” This distress begins in the antenatal period and continues through birth and the postnatal period. The study found that a staggering 69 per cent of respondents experienced stress, anxiety, and/or depression in the postnatal period, a stark contrast to the average rate of 15 to 20 per cent.
Maddi’s story comes to light in the lead-up to Multiple Birth Awareness Week (March 15–22). This annual event aims to draw attention to the unique mental health challenges faced by parents of multiple children, urging for greater awareness to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
Gidget Foundation Australia offers a range of vital services, including Gidget Houses located across Australia. These centres provide accessible in-person counselling for mothers. Some operate in conjunction with Tresillian Family Care Centres, while others are situated within child and family health centres or as standalone offices. For those who do not have a Gidget House nearby, counselling services are also available via video conferencing.
