‘I felt like a failure as a woman and as a mother’

The birth of barrister Rhiannon Malone’s son, one year ago, was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and that of her husband’s. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the worst day they’d ever experienced. Here, she reflects on the trauma of unexplained loss. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.)

On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Melbourne-based barrister Rhiannon Malone about her early days as a barrister, her experience with unexplained stillbirth and the impact upon her and her husband, and how such trauma has changed her sense of self (both personally and professionally).

Ms Malone also discusses how she has looked to make her way back from such trauma, including getting back into working life, stigma that barristers may feel about such experiences, how colleagues across the Victorian Bar have supported her, and what advice she would offer other lawyers about her experiences.

Help is available via SANDS or Pink Elephants for those seeking support in pregnancy loss and via Mercy Perinatal for those seeking information or to support research into prevention of loss.

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If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!