[Ep.9] Hyperemisis Gravidarum - raising awareness & ending stigma with Catherine Hyett

Hyperemsis Gravidarum (HG) is a highly misunderstood and stigmatized illness that unfortunately approximately 1 in 100 women will experience in pregnancy in Australia.

I was honored to sit down with my very dear friend, Cat Hyett, who agreed to share her very real, very raw and very personal journey with HG in her third pregnancy. An illness I too developed in both pregnancies and one that left me feeling utterly depleted, incredibly alone, and highly misunderstood.

Cat is a mum to three beautifully healthy children, a Registered Nurse, and business owner and digital marketing guru who is both inspiring and incredibly down the earth.

In this episode we unpack what HG actually is (as opposed to what people often think it is), what it's like experiencing HG from two different perspectives and levels of severity, and the impact this illness has on both the pregnant mother and her family. We share stories of the various types of stigma and judgement we encountered from some medical professionals as well as the understanding and support we received from others.

HG is no joke and can cause serious and long-lasting physical, mental and emotional harm during what should be a beautiful time of matrescence and the nourishment of new life. Yet sadly for those experiencing HG as myself and Cat have, pregnancy is a time of survival mode with the priority of simply getting through one hour to the next.

If you would like to connect with Cat, feel free to follow her @catahyett or via her business page @monetiseyourscroll.

If you would like to learn more about HG or require any support on your own HG journey, check out @hyperemisisaustralia for their fabulous resources, information and services.

Cat and I know all too well the mental health impact of HG. If you are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts and/or trauma - please reach out to Panda Australia on 1300 726 306 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you feel you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

We hope you enjoy this open and frank discussion on a topic that I feel needs a hell of a lot more air time.

Once again Cat - thank you for sharing your very personal story with us.