Lauren Payne always thought her mum would be nearby and supporting her when she had her first baby.

She was going to be her safety net as she negotiated motherhood for the first time.

But the Invercargill woman, who is due in early December, now knows that won't happen, and she's struggling mentally as a result.

Payne was born and raised in Australia but has been living with her Kiwi partner in New Zealand for eight years, owns a home and business here, and is a permanent New Zealand resident.

Read more below:

Click here