'Gender Disappointment'

'Gender disappointment' can be an incredibly distressing, highly complex, yet personal parenting experience. But because 'GD' is not socially recognised nor widely acknowledged in healthcare settings, the experience is often filled with confusion, guilt, and shame, which causes silencing, which then further compounds the distress that the parent is experiencing.

Nina Francis & Dr. Lindsay McMillan

Nina is a psychosocial coach, published academic researcher, and founder of The Secret Majority. She is just coming to the end of her PhD, which has developed a more conceptual understanding of the phenomenon known as 'GD'. This was done by exploring the emotional well-being and help-seeking behaviours of mothers who have experienced maternal 'GD.' Nina works directly with parents and professionals to bring compassionate, evidence-based understanding to the experience of 'GD'.

Dr. Lindsay McMillan is a highly experienced perinatal psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has worked extensively within NHS perinatal mental health services and brings extensive clinical experience to her work with parents who experience 'GD'.

Together, Nina and Lindsay develop and deliver training for NHS perinatal teams on 'GD', working with midwives, mental health specialists, and multidisciplinary teams to develop understanding, reduce stigma, and provide referral pathways for parents who would benefit from the specialist support that they offer.

What We Offer

Peer Support Groups

You don’t have to face 'GD' by yourself. Join a small, confidential online group (max 5 people). These sessions offer support, validation, and shared understanding.

1:1 Coaching for Parents

We offer private, compassionate sessions to explore your feelings. Coaching offers a space to understand what you are experiencing, process and acknowledge your emotions, and move forward in the best way for you.

Academic Expertise & NHS Training

Dr. Lindsay McMillan, I deliver specialist training to NHS perinatal mental health teams across the UK. We are actively working to start evidence-based conversations about "GD" with practitioners and healthcare professionals. If you would like to receive our free training, please get in contact.