Induction & Childbirth with Beth Ryan 

For pregnant women, the idea of induction is one that might sound a little daunting and scary.  My guest today is here to shed some light on induction and how it can still be a natural and beautiful experience, with a little extra help to get things moving along.  

My lovely guest today is Beth Ryan from Birth with Beth.  She is a registered midwife who provides a digital childbirth education service offering online classes to expectant mothers, all with the aim of helping women make informed choices regarding pregnancy, labour and the postpartum experience.

In this episode, Beth shares 5 evidence based strategies that you can try at home to help induce labour naturally, including a delicious sweet treat and some fun in the bedroom.  She also shares 5 great ways to help you set up your birth space in the hospital during medical induction so that you can maintain a positive and...

Helen from Real Life Midwife 

I had the pleasure of speaking with the lovely Helen Nightingale from Real Life Midwife today. Helen has been a midwife and nurse for over 10 years and has a wide range of experience in midwifery, research and teaching the next generation of midwives.

In this episode, we discuss Helen’s incredible ‘unpacking after baby’ service which helps new parents come to terms with emotional distress after having a baby and promote post-traumatic growth.

We discuss some of the challenges many new parents face and the importance of validating these issues to help work through the complexities of their experience. If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, this episode is for you.

Listen On:

Links:

Helen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reallifemidwife/

Postnatal Return to Running program:https://www.fitnestmama.com/running

Quick Quiz: https://www.fitnestmama.com/quiz

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Jen Butler from The Early Parenting

There is a wealth of information available to prepare mums-to-be for their pregnancy and birthing experience. Unfortunately, many mums find themselves unprepared and uncertain in the time that follows.

My Special Guest today is the lovely Jen Butler host of The Early Parenting Podcast. She is a midwife, maternal child health nurse, sleep consultant, lactation consultant, and soon to be mum of three. I ask Jen to share her top tips for life with a newborn. Jen talks about preparing for new motherhood, setting up support structures with your tribe, and knowing when to ask for help. We talk about the uncertainty of this time and the mindsets that might lead you astray.

Sit back, unwind, and slow down as you listen to this episode.

Listen On:

Links:

Jen’s Instagram: @jenbutlerearlyparenting

Jen’s Podcast: @theearlyparentingpodcast

Jen’s Website: www.jenniferbutler.com.au 

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Kath from Fitnest Mama 

I’ve got a really practical episode for you today about a subject which some women may never have heard about. Today I’m diving into the big topic of perineal preparation for childbirth, what it is and why you need to know about it.

In this episode, I start out with a brief anatomy lesson to help you discover the important part of your body that connects your pelvic floor. I talk you through a massage technique that you can do at home to help with the physical and mental preparation for birth. This will get your body ready for the sensation of stretch during crowning, often referred to as the ‘ring of fire’.

I discuss mindset and how doing this exercise will help you relax into the sensation of stretch instead of tensing up with fear. Perineal massage has been statistically proven to prevent tares and reduce the risk of episiotomies so it’s certainly something I think is worth doing to prepare...

Rachelle Glendon from How To Live Slow 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have a to do list as long as your arm or just craving a life of doing less, this episode is a must listen. Whether you’re pregnant, a new mama or finished having babies and in the thick of school run, play-dates and extracurricular activities, this episode is all about slowing down and tuning in to what you really want life to be about.

My special guest today is Rachelle Glendon, certified Life Coach from How to Live Slow. She joins me to talk about slow living, what it is and how we can implement the philosophy into our busy modern lives to live an intentional, fulfilled life.

Rachelle talks about ditching the hustle of modern life, learning how to say no and understanding what your priorities are so you can start shaping your life into something that’s enjoyable instead of stressful.  We talk about the importance of rest and why it’s important for our...

Kath from Fitnest Mama

Having a baby takes a huge toll on the body and part of my role as a physio for women is to teach women what they can do to help their bodies recover in the best way possible.

The first 6 weeks after delivery are all about rest, recovery and restoring your body’s strength and in this episode, I share my top 6 tips to help boost your after birth recovery. Whether you have a vaginal or cesarean delivery, it’s so important to take the time to recover properly so that you can get back to doing the things you love with bubba by your side.

I talk about the rule of thumb with regards to lifting and the importance of rest, even if it’s just a 5-minute nap on the couch. I discuss pelvic floor exercises, monitoring how you’re feeling and developing a rehab plan to continue on after those first 6 weeks.

Listen On:

Links:

Postnatal Return to Running program: ...

Spilling the Milk with Pam 

For first time mamas, the thought of labour can be quite daunting.  There are many unknowns and so much anticipation as you await the birth of your baby. Everyone has a different experience in labour and as women, it is an incredibly bonding and empowering experience to share our birth stories.

In this episode, I’m joined by a beautiful new mama, Pamela, who is one of the FitNest Mama members and we talk today about her experience during pregnancy, labour and beyond.  Pamela shares about her preparation for birth, how the birth eventuated and the reality of labour versus her expectations while pregnant.  She talks about the unexpected turn her pregnancy took, what it was like dealing with a forceps delivery and episiotomy and some of the everyday challenges she faces now with a new baby.

Pamela also shares some words of wisdom for pregnant mothers and the biggest milestones her and her baby have...

Is Calmbirth Useful Only For Those Wanting a Natural Childbirth? with Midwife Lauretta Hamilton 

You’ve likely heard of calm birthing, but do you know what it’s all about?  Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s for you.  If so, this episode is right up your alley as I take a dive into the ins and outs of calm birthing with special guest, Lauretta Hamilton.

Lauretta is a midwife based in Ballarat, mama of two girls and a calm birth and postpartum educator and acuneedling midwife.  She is passionate about helping all women have a birth and postpartum experience that empowers them, whatever that experience looks like.  Through online and in person calmbirth classes, Lauretta equips women with the tools to help them and their babies thrive on delivery day and beyond.   

In this episode, Lauretta shares 5 things we didn’t know about calmbirth, why it isn’t just for those wanting a natural birth...

Spilling the Milk with Brie 

I’m excited to introduce you to a special guest today.  It’s my first chat on this podcast with an every day mama with the intention of discussing the realities of pregnancy, birth and becoming a new mama.

Brie is not only a new mama but also one of the founding members of FitNest Mama and has been with us since our doors first opened.  Brie joins me today to talk through her experiences from planning to have a baby, the details of her labour and her personal journey becoming a mama for the first time. She also shares about travelling with a newborn baby following her move from Melbourne to Edinburgh. 

In this episode, Brie shares about hypnobirthing and how the practise helped her throughout labour.  She talks through what it’s like to have an epidural and an episiotomy, her experience with breastfeeding and the beautiful moments of one on one time with her partner and baby.  She...

Rebecca McQueen from 

Birth Sense Australia 

When you’re in labour, it can be difficult for your partner to know what to do. They can see you’re in pain and they want to help, but sometimes what they’re offering isn’t of much support to you. Your needs in that moment may be quite specific or you might not really know how they can help.

Today on the podcast I am delighted to be speaking with Rebecca McQueen to discuss 5 tips to help your birth partner support and assist you during labour. Rebecca is a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator and clinical hypnotherapist. Bec is the founder of Birth Sense Australia, an online childbirth education company that teaches parents coping skills for...