This is where Sophia's story begins.

At 21 years old, she unexpectedly found herself pregnant in a brand new relationship. Overnight, her life changed from international flight attendant to first-time mum, completely unprepared for what early motherhood would demand of her.

In this episode, Sophia shares what really happened behind closed doors. She talks about becoming a young mum, postnatal depression, the isolation of early motherhood, losing confidence in herself, and the relationship breakdown that changed the course of her life.

This is an honest conversation about growing up while raising a baby, relying on your village when everything feels like it's falling apart, and the version of motherhood nobody prepares you for. Sophia struggled with her mental health, the reality of being a new mum and her intrusive thoughts that wouldn't go away....

Sophia's baby did not sleep after the 4 month sleep regression and the strain on the relationship from parenting was too much and it broke down. Being a single mum with a toddler who didn't sleep whilst experiencing sleep deprivation significantly impacted Sophia's mental health and she shares honestly about what happened next.....If you've ever become a young mum, experienced postnatal depression, felt isolated in early motherhood, or wondered why everyone else seemed to be coping better than you, this episode is for you.

This is part one of Sophia's story.

Continue with Episode 12 to hear how she rebuilt her life, became a mum again 15 years later, and eventually trained as a baby sleep consultant, to make sure no other mum around her needed to suffer the trauma that is sleep deprivation.

For more real stories of motherhood, sleep and survival, follow @awakeat3am.podcast and @sophiassleepschool.