Elixirs of Psychology is where we transmute life’s psychological lessons into gold for your mental health and well-being. Hosted by Registered Psychologist Cath Corcoran, this podcast delves into therapeutic concepts and practical strategies—from strengthening the mind-body connection to building resilience during stressful life events like fertility struggles, pregnancy, loss, and early parenthood. Tune in to discover the evidence-based elixirs you need to find emotional clarity, lasting peace, and inner strength on your unique journey.

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Cath Corcoran shares expert psychological advice in this essential article, “IVF: The things no one tells you about the fertility treatment.” Gain insight into managing the emotional toll of the IVF process, navigating complex decisions, and maintaining your mental health while seeking to build your family.

In today’s episode, we speak with Postpartum Psychologist Cath Corcoran for a deep dive into what happens to the brain during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We explore the difference between the “baby blues” and clinical postpartum depression, and discuss how to better understand and navigate your mental health during this transformative time. Cath shares her expert insight on the emotional, hormonal, and psychological changes new mothers face and how to care for your mind as well as your baby and child.

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Cath Corcoran is an experienced psychologist, with an interest in conscious conception for the past 18 years, and working in the infertility space specifically for the past 11 years.

Cath has been a pioneer in Australia facilitating therapy and psychological support for people trying to conceive both naturally and with assisted fertility. As a conception psychologist Cath has a post graduate diploma in Infant Mental Health and her Masters in Reproductive Medicine. Cath is passionate about providing exclusive and individualised psychological care for the conception, pregnancy, birth and post-natal period. Cath has provided expert comment for various media and organisational and community speaking arrangements.

Cath’s insights highlighted the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals during challenging times. We tackled common misconceptions about grief and loss, including the fact that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process, but rather an intimately personal journey. We also covered the significance of self-care, self-reflection, and the importance of mental health professionals in managing fertility issues and pregnancy loss.

We covered the role of compassion, understanding, and support in the face of such losses. Cath shared useful tools and strategies for dealing with loss, emphasising that hope, trust, and commitment play a vital role in the journey. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important that you allow yourself to feel them. Join us for a compassionate, supportive, and insightful discussion on a subject that impacts many but is seldom talked about.

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In this powerful episode of The Doula and The Doc, we’re joined by psychologist Cath Corcoran to explore the messy, beautiful, and often overlooked realities of pregnancy and postpartum. From the emotional toll of assisted reproduction to the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent, we go beyond the glossy Instagram moments and get real about what this journey actually looks like.

We talk about the mental load—not just of new motherhood, but of the entire fertility-to-parenthood journey. For those navigating IVF or assisted reproduction, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster, relationship strain, and why it’s so important that both partners are supported and in good health, mentally and physically.

Topics include:

🧠 Postpartum mental health and unrealistic expectations

💬 Navigating identity changes and the pressure to “bounce back”

🧍🏽‍♀️ Doula strategies for preparing for the postpartum, not just the birth

💔 Raw listener stories that break the silence around postpartum recovery

Whether you’re on the path to parenthood, in the thick of it, or supporting someone who is—this episode is a reminder that it’s not just about the baby. It’s about you, too.

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