Mid-life is hard enough, but what happens when you add a baby to the mix?

The average maternal age has been creeping up over the past twenty years, with more women than ever becoming first time mums in their 40s, delaying motherhood to build careers, travel, find the right partner, secure housing, or navigate infertility.

Having a baby later in life can be exhausting. Sleep is elusive, many women are edging perimenopause and the risks to both mother and baby can increase. Then there's the judgement — the sideways looks, the inevitable question: are you the mum or the grandma?

Yumi Stynes meets two first time mums who fell pregnant in their mid-40s to talk about the challenges and the joys of being an older mum.

Plus women's health expert Dr Karin Hammarberg weighs in on the risks- and rewards- of waiting.

This episode will answer questions like:

• Can I get pregnant after 40?
• Can you get pregnant when you're 45?
• Why do women delay getting pregnant?
• Should I wait to get pregnant?
• What are the chances of getting pregnant over 40?
• What is a geriatric pregnancy
• Is it harder to get pregnant after 40?

What to listen to next:

Surrogacy: why women carry babies for others — ABC listen

Is your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listen

Felicity Ward on motherhood, depression and a sexual rebirth — ABC listen

Last shot pregnancy — ABC listen

What to read next: 

Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News

The surprising health benefits linked to having a baby at 35 and older — ABC News

 This episode contains references to pregnancy, dating, marriage, babies, toddlers, children, conception, TTC, sex, IVF, in vitro fertilisation, motherhood, donor eggs, maternity, parenthood, cancer, geriatric pregnancy, Advanced maternal age, pregnancy after 40, fertility after 40, Hilary Swank, Gisele Bundchen

Is monogamy a tired social contract — or a deeply meaningful way to build a life with someone you love? Is opening up your relationship an act of honesty and freedom, or just another complicated commitment in an already overbooked life?

Roll up, Ladies, as monogamy and Ethical non-monogamy go head-to-head. Arguing in favour of fidelity is comedian and Deadloch actor, Nikki Britton. Meanwhile, sex therapist, Aleks Trkulja goes in to bat for ENM.

Will one relationship style prevail?

This episode will answer questions like:

• What is Ethical non-monogamy?
• Should I open my relationship?
• Was Lindy West in an open marriage?
• Are there rules in an Non-Monogamous relationship?
• How can I date more than one person?
• Is monogamy the same as marriage?
• Is ENM the same as Polyamory?

What to listen to next: 

What we need men to know about sex — ABC listen

Is your attachment style messing with your love life? — ABC listen

Is everyone having better sex than me?

The case against hookup sex with Hannah Ferguson — ABC listen

What to read next: 

Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News

The women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressure

What happens to your sex life during perimenopause?

This episode contains references to dating, monogamy, non-monogamy, heterosexuality, ethical non-monogamy, ENM, polyamory, sex, relationships, orgasms, partnerships, tinder, bumble, Hinge, dating apps, ghosting,

The uterus is central to womanhood: it's the baby house, and allows for menstruation. So, what's it like to have it removed?

Each year around 30,000 Australian women have a hysterectomy — to relieve pain, to treat cancer, or as part of gender affirming care.

The path to surgery isn't always straightforward or quick. It can involve years of heartache, confusion and BS from specialists. But for most women, a hysterectomy is a game changer, bringing lasting relief and restoring quality of life.

Yumi Stynes speaks to women who've a had hysterectomy and finds out what led to their decision and what life is like on the other side.

Plus, gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist Dr Pav Nanayakkara explains the reasons we might need to get a hysterectomy, how to navigate the side effects of having your reproductive organs removed and whether we can still achieve the big O post-surgery.

Helpful resources:

• Ausralian Endometrosis Foundation
• Jean Hailes Foundation

 This episode will answer questions like:

• What is a hysterectomy?
• Why do people get a hysterectomy?
• What are the different types of hysterectomy?
• What happens after a hysterectomy?
• Do I need my uterus?
• Will a hysterectomy cure my adenomyosis pain?
• Will a hysterectomy cure my endometriosis?
• Did Lena Dunham get a hysterectomy?

What to listen to next:

"Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listen

Will we ever have a cure for endometriosis? — ABC listen

The new way to date — ABC listen

Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listen

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next:

Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery — ABC News

Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News

This episode contains references to hysterectomies, hysterectomy, uterus, medical misogyny, surgery, ovaries, gender affirming care, relationships, orgasms.

Ever been called too clingy? Or felt overwhelmed by your partner's needs? Blame your attachment style!

Attachment theory is a cornerstone of modern psychology; chances are you've read about it in Attached or spent hours spiralling on TikTok as you tried to identify your attachment style and what it means for your relationship.

The theory breaks our attachment styles into three main categories: anxious, avoidant and secure and suggests that the way we're raised shapes how we show up in relationships.

We might hold on too tight, we might shut down and reject our partners, or if we're lucky, we might embrace open honest communication and feel secure.

Yumi Stynes is joined by Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel to unpack your questions on love, relationships and conflict.

Further information:

Dr Hannah Korrel is a Neuropsychologist who runs the Sydney Neuropsych clinic.

Her book How to break up with friends is publish by Impact Press.

This episode will answer questions like:

• What is attachment theory?
• What are the different attachment styles?
• How do attachment styles affect relationships?
• What is my attachment style?
• Can attachment styles change over time?

What to listen to next:

Relationship resuscitation — coming back from the brink — ABC listen

The new way to date — ABC listen

"Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listen

Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listen

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next:

Why these women have never had a partner

The women staying single by choice in a world of relentless dating pressure

This episode contains references to attachment, attachment theory, attachment styles, family, relationships, arguments, conflict, avoidance, anxiety, security, attached, dating, parenting, love

The Beckhams know about it. Hilary Duff's been through it. Harry and Meghan could write a handbook. Family estrangement is brutal, but when there's a rift, can it be repaired?

Beyond the celebrity headlines, the "no contact" movement has been gaining traction online as children cut themselves off from their parents, parents find themselves out in the cold and rigid boundaries strain what's left of family bonds.

In this episode, Yumi Stynes talks to women who've been through the pain of family estrangement. She finds out what led to the rift and how letting go can be a form of healing.

You'll also hear from clinical psychologist Dr Kayla Steele with tips on navigating family break ups – from learning how to move on or figuring out how to mend a broken relationship.

This episode will answer questions like:

• Why does estrangement happen?
• What should I do if I've been cut off?
• Is it ok to go "no contact" with a family member?
• How can I talk to a family member who's estranged?
• How can I move forward?

What to listen to next:

Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community

Emotional labour with Rose Hackman — ABC listen

Embracing imperfection was the key to Astrid's success — ABC listen

The price of perfectionism — ABC listen

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next:

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went — ABC News

What loving someone with an addiction or dependence can look like

The dark side of being a perfectionist

This episode contains references to estrangement, grief, dishonesty, loss, illness, family, depression, anxiety, relationships, arguments, confrontation, isolation, alienation

Comedian Felicity Ward started having the best sex of her life after the worst time in her life.

After years of fertility struggles, Felicity finally fell pregnant at 38. But being a mum to a newborn wasn't the Instagram highlight reel she'd imagined. Felicity wrestled with perinatal depression, zero sleep and a loss of identity…and then she became a single mum.

At 40, Felicity was dating again but her expectations were low. She reluctantly joined the apps and started swiping…and what was on the other side amazed her. Felicity found a babysitter for her toddler and sexual liberation for herself.

Yumi Stynes sits down with the professional funny woman, dancing with the stars contestant and star of The Office for a deeply personal chat about starting over, rediscovering confidence and how the best sex of your life may yet be ahead of you.

The Sydney Comedy Festival runs from Monday April 13 — Sunday May 17 where Felicity Ward is performing I wish I could come out of my shell on April 25

If you need help:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306

Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758

This episode will answer questions like:

• What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety?
• Is it ok to be tired after having a baby?
• Can I ask for help after having a baby?
• How to have good sex in your 40s
• What should I ask new mums?
• What are the treatments for perinatal depression?

What to listen to next:

Great sex: What we wish men knew — ABC listen

Queers are meant to have kids — ABC listen

Body image and babies with Turia Pitt and Sophie Walker

Where's my village? Esther Perel on how to build community

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next:

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery

Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life

This episode contains references to perinatal depression, divorce, pregnancy, child birth, sex, dating apps, newborns, motherhood, comedy, comedians

Life as a perennially single woman can be lonely. Coupled-up friends often too busy to catch up, family constantly asking "So, have you met anyone yet?" What's a gal to do?

The truth is, we live in a world that celebrates coupledom. And while there are women who love the single life, for others being called to the front to catch the bouquet at every friend's wedding is painful.

Yumi Stynes meets three women who have never been in a serious relationship. They've tried it all, psychic readings, blind dates, even auditioning for MAFs, but their true love has never materialised.

In this episode, you'll hear from women who keep their relationship hopes alive but prioritise their peace, ditching the dating apps for a life of independent travel and a table with a view and no one to steal your fries.

This episode will answer questions like:

• Do I need a partner?
• Should I travel alone?
• Do I need a partner to freeze my eggs?
• Is therapy helpful?

What to listen to next:

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off

The power of one: the single ladies owning it — ABC listen

Why are we exercising less than men?

What to read next:

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

This episode contains references to sex, dating, relationships, egg freezing, Married at First Sight, reality TV

Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt announced their pregnancy online. Then came the trolls.

The pair were over the moon about starting their rainbow family but were pulled back down to earth by the haters who said that they had "no right" to have children as a gay couple.

Their response was to write and release a satirical book for adults called 'If Queers weren't meant to have kids.' The book is a celebration of the queer community and raising a child with your chosen family. 

The couple sat down with Yumi Stynes for a joyful conversation about the mechanics of conceiving using the turkey baster method and raising a child with three loving parents. 

Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist and presenter on Network 10 and Karina Natt is a former lawyer and journalist who works in media and communications.  

This episode will answer questions like:

• Who are Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt?
•  How do you ask someone to have a baby with you?
•  How do you get pregnant in a same sex relationship?
•  What is the turkey baster method?
• Can you choose your family?

What to listen to next:

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off

Why are we exercising less than men?

What to read next:

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

This episode contains references to sex, conception, pregnancy, trolling, online bullying, homophobia, chosen family, village

We all want to sex to be hot, intimate and above all else, enjoyable. But sometimes when we're getting it on, things can go south and disaster ensues.

These naked encounters are excruciating in the moment but hilarious when shared with friends.

Comedian Lizzy Hoo and Yumi Stynes join forces to walk through the sexual hall of shame and come out the other side laughing.

Expect rogue fluids, a limp erotic massage, and one unfortunate hospital visit.

This episode will answer questions like:

• Do I need to see a doctor if I have a sex injury?
• Why is sex awkward?
• Should I try different lubes?
• Should I try new things with my partner?
• What are common turn offs in sex?
• Can I get pregnant when I use protection?

What to listen to next:

Women who cheat

Is everyone having better sex than me?

Paying for sex at 70

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next: 

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life

This episode contains references to sex, safe sex, sexual positions, torn vulvas, male escorts, orgasm, pregnancy, contraception, dating

In the exercise race, women are falling behind. Two out of five women aren’t moving enough and it’s bad for our health. 

Between being time squeezed, feeling crappy about our bodies and guilt about taking a break from caring duties, women have less room for exercise than blokes. But ladies, it’s time to put on our sports bras and get sweaty! 

In this episode, you’ll hear how to get your fitness mojo back and prioritise your wellness. You’ll meet exercise-hater-turned-evangelical-runner, Amanda Hooten. Plus, clinical psychologist Professor Lyndall Strazdins from the ANU shares tips on how to get physical. 

This episode will answer questions like: 

• Why do women exercise less than men? 
• What is the gender exercise gap? 
• How are women and men’s relationship with exercise different? 
• What can women do to exercise more? 
• Why do we need to exercise more? 
• How can I start exercising if I have a bad relationship with it? 

What to listen to next:

Love ya guts! What to eat to feel your best

How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off

Mental health: Anxiety and how to beat it

Paying for sex at 70

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.  

What to read next:

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery

Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life

This episode contains references to exercise, weight, eating disorders, body image, sport, running, pilates, mental load, gender, parenting, adolescence, women’s safety. 

What if, instead of being the best time of your life, new motherhood was miserable? Perinatal depression and anxiety affects one in five women in Australia. But the shame of it is carried in silence.

Yumi Stynes speaks to women about their darkest days as new mums; sleep deprived, fearful and feeling alone. She hears how these women came through their suffering and got the help they needed.

Featured in this episode:  

• Dr Erin Seeto, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services at the Gidget Foundation 

If you need help:

• Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
• PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306
• Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758

This episode will answer questions like: 

• What does it feel like to have perinatal depression and anxiety? 
• What is perinatal depression and anxiety? 
• What are the risk factors of perinatal depression and anxiety? 
• How is perinatal depression and anxiety treated? 
• How do you recover from perinatal depression and anxiety? 
• Can your relationship impact perinatal depression and anxiety?

What to listen to next: 

I love you but go away: Women taking marriage sabbaticals

How swapping a husband for a wife made this economist better off

Turia Pitt is a selfish woman

Paying for sex at 70

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.  

What to read next:  

Why these women took marriage sabbaticals — and how it went

Building a village means showing up even when it feels hard, says Esther Perel

Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery

Why genital herpes does not mean the end of your sex life

This episode contains references to suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, birth, birth trauma, mothering, parenting, mental health care plan, psychology, hospital, family, breastfeeding, colic, crying, sleeplessness, sleep deprivation.