In this episode I speak with Sheridan, who is mum to toddler Elle and  also pregnant with number two. Sheridan shares the challenges she experienced adjusting to becoming a mum and the unrealistic expectations she placed on herself thanks to social media. She shares her experience of breastfeeding including why she exclusively pumped for 13 months and why it didn’t help her mental health when people praised her for the effort. Sheridan offers some insightful advice around what you could do if you see someone pumping like she was and why it’s ok to give yourself permission to stop. Sheridan also spoke about how being in the health and fitness industry impacted the pressures she felt to ‘bounce back’ and what she expected her experience would look like, vs what it was. Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this episode I speak to Kath, a mum of three girls and women’s physio. Kath has over 16 years’ experience guiding women through their pregnancy fitness journeys and postnatal rehab, and she specialises in pelvic floor rehabilitation. Kath shares her passion and desire for every woman to have access to post natal rehab. She shares her knowledge about pelvic floors, abdominal separation, how to best return to exercise and why it’s so important for us to rest our bodies after birth, including a story about what happened to her when she didn’t rest.  Finally, Kath shares her tips for prioritising exercise and movement when exercise is the first thing that drops off the ‘me’ list.  Listen now.Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

Tess is a vet from Forbes in Central NSW. Being a vet has always been a huge part of her identity and she knew from a very young age that this was her calling – so when she had her daughter Tilly,  Tess was amazed at how differently she looked at the animals she’d spent her whole life working with. From the pain she felt for them as she had to do an episiotomy or caesarean, to having so much empathy when the animal was having trouble breastfeeding or had mastitis. Tess shares how going back to work part time gave her life balance and she’s now the happiest she’s ever been. She also talks about what it’s like living in a country town, from access to doctors to what it’s like breastfeeding in public. Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

Imagine going for your first scan excitingly waiting to see your baby for the first time... only to be told there’s not one baby in there, there’s three! This is what happened to Kacie who 11 years ago gave birth to three beautiful little kids. Kacie’s story doesn’t end there though, in 2019 during a period of extreme stress and at the age of 34, she had a stroke. Her experience of being ignored at the hospital is shocking, but how she recovered and was unexpectedly healed by her fourth baby, 11 years after her first pregnancy, is extraordinary. You don’t want to miss this episode, listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this episode Katie, mum to 7 year old Lucia and 7 month old Ahlia, shares her story.  Katie shares how she’d finally accepted that having a second baby wasn’t on the cards for her and husband Neale, and she'd begun conversations about menopause with her doctor, when she happily fell pregnant. Katie shares the differences in parenting she’s noticed over the past 7 years including what’s changed and what hasn’t. Katie reflects on what she’s learnt in her 7 years so far as a mum and has some beautiful insights and perspectives you’ll want to hear. Listen now on all podcast platforms.Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

Sonya had a successful career in the banking and finance industry when she momentarily stepped away to go on maternity leave. What happened during that time would change not only her identity – but her career path.Sonya and her husband travelled a lot with their son from four months of age. She shares how they managed his routine amidst different time zones, how he adapted to the constant moving and what tips she has for parents who are taking their kids on flights. It was on one of these trips where Sonya had a moment that broke her – but which triggered an idea that would change the direction of her life, and she started working on her new business idea, a nappy rash spray.Sonya speaks about what it was like walking away from a successful career to launch something on her own in a new industry which she had no experience in. She shares how it felt right for her to focus on her family and being a mum and what drove her to keep going when her idea seemed impossible. It took two years and over 20 formulations to get her nappy rash spray right!Sonya created the beautiful product malo – you can listen to her story now, available on all podcast platforms.Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

Picture this – your travel plans have all been ruined but the itch to explore remains... you have a 7 month old and you’re on maternity leave. What do you do? Well, if you’re Jen, my guest this episode, you buy a van with your husband, pack up your whole life and travel Australia in a great van adventure. Jen shares her experience of road tripping our beautiful country amidst lockdowns and border closures, explains what it’s like travelling with a baby and what she learnt along the way. Check out my Instagram page for some stunning photos from their experience but for now, listen now on all podcast platforms.Follow me: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

If you had the chance to speak to a mum who’s a paediatric nurse what would you ask her? I sat down with Penny from sick happens who shared so much of her expertise. From fevers and bumps on the head to rashes and advice for navigating the health care system, Penny shares a wealth of knowledge that will help you feel more confident when dealing with sickness in your child. Penny also talks about her mum life experience including how she juggles everything, what it’s like being a boy mum and more. Join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiariesSick Happens

In this episode I speak to Hollie, mum to Jaxon and Winter. Hollie shares how motherhood has shaped her and the joy she gets from being a mum, but also how she’s trying to find herself again after being consumed by mum life. Hollie’s run a few businesses in her time and she talks about juggling business ownership and mum life, the boundaries she sets and gives advice to women who might be wanting to take the plunge with a side hustle or start their own business. Hollie beams positivity despite going through some pretty tough times and she shares her experience of having a miscarriage and how she changed after her son had a particularly fall which saw him in hospital. Listen now on all podcast platforms.Join the community @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this week’s episode, I chat with Bernadette, mum to two boys and owner of Core and Floor Restore.For those that know or follow Bernadette, you’ll know of her passion for helping women restore and strengthen their cores and pelvic floors before and after pregnancy, and how she’s changing the lives of women through her education and exercise programs. Bernadette shares her journey of developing C+FS, including how it began long before she’d even imagined the business as it is now.Bernadette shares the journey she’s been on with her post-partum body, why she makes the active decision to love her body and what she tells herself if negative self-talk creeps in. Bernadette passionately describes how she prioritises her physical health and why she believes this is so important. In her words: ‘you can do the dishes tomorrow, you can’t do today’s exercise tomorrow!” She talks about how exercise makes her a better person and mum and that she refuses to feel guilty for prioritising it, even if it’s only 5 minutes.Bernadette also talks about what being a mum has taught her about the world, and reflects on her own childhood, describing how her experiences shaped how she now chooses to parent her two boys. It’s a jam-packed episode full of motivation, hard truths and a little bit of newborn breastfeeding! Listen now on all podcast platforms.Join the community @lifeafterbumpdiariesFind out more about Core and Floor Restore

“We saw him on a scan just before I delivered and I said to my husband, I just want to see him one more time alive. I want to see him and he’s happy and I feel like I’m protecting him. I think that’s the hardest thing about delivering a baby that’s not alive... it’s that you feel like you’ve failed but also that your body is its protection so in a way, once you’re out, I can’t protect you anymore.” Today's episode is dedicated to Charlie Mills who on 16 February 2018 was born still. Charlie's mum Luce wants to share hers and Charlie's story today - and it's an important one to tell and to hear. Luce hopes that by sharing her story she may be able to help someone feel less alone if they too experience the devastation that is a stillborn child. She also wants people to have hope that if this does happen, you can go on to have a healthy baby after loss. This episode is a tribute to beautiful Charlie Mills in honour of his memory. Please decide if this episode is right for you to listen to. If you’d like to donate to the charities that Luce mentioned, the details are below: Bears of hope Heartfelt Please join the community @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this week’s episode I speak to Danielle, mum to Leon. Danielle shares her experience of being a mum in a same sex family, including her and her wife’s difficulty with finding an IVF clinic that made them feel welcome, and how they had to navigate an archaic system that struggled to support their family. Danielle speaks about facing language such as ‘mum and dad’ and her wife being given a band at the hospital that said ‘I became a dad today’. Danielle also covers their experience of choosing a donor and how she’s adjusted to becoming a mum as a senior professional. Listen now on all podcast platforms and join the community! @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this episode I speak to Steph, mum to Xavier. Steph shares her experience of having a prolapse, including how she was diagnosed, the emotions she went through as someone who was previously very active person, and how she’s since recovered. Steph has been seeing a counsellor since being diagnosed with post-natal anxiety and is on a journey of being kinder to herself. She shares what led her to the diagnosis and how she’s trying to show herself some compassion. Additionally, Steph speaks about how she’s struggled with her body image since having a baby and how she’s learning to accept the physical, mental and emotional journey she will have to go on with this. Steph on discovering her new identity: "It's such a shift from who you identified with before and trying to find who you are now... I think that’s something I’ve struggled with a little bit and am trying to make peace with being a new version of myself.  It’s not losing my old self and being someone totally new, but its just a new version of myself... and its ok to still have hobbies outside of being a mother but its also ok to say no to some things to be a mother."Listen now on all podcast platforms and join the community: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this week’s episode I speak to Dee, mum to Will. Dee’s husband is a doctor and she shares what happened when he was almost not allowed into the delivery room because of a COVID outbreak. She also shares how she sometimes struggles doing it alone because of her husband’s demanding job. Dee speaks very candidly about her breastfeeding experience and how it didn’t go to plan. She talks about the pressures mums feel to breastfeed and the great lengths she went to to make it work. “There’s a lot of encouragement in the media for people to breastfeed, which is fantastic but that’s not always the best option for someone, and I think there needs to be more discussion and dialogue about the fact that sometimes these positive messages about breastfeeding make people feel like the other options aren’t suitable and you’re not doing as much for your family as you would be if you were breastfeeding,” Dee says.After much heartbreak, Dee has found a solution that works for her and she shares this in this episode.  Listen now on all podcast platforms.Please connect with me on Facebook or Instagram: @lifeafterbumpdiaries

In this week’s episode, I speak to Jem, mum to Tadhg.  Jem has a fascinating story, from having family overseas who haven’t been able to meet her son, to managing type one diabetes and what that meant during her pregnancy, birth experience and now as a mum (including how it impacted her breastfeeding journey). Jem also speaks about her son’s diagnosis of both reflux and cows milk protein intolerance including how they were identified and how they’re being treated. Jem also shares her experience of post natal depression and explains why she believes it’s important to tell the people around you.  Listen now on all podcast platforms.

In this week’s  episode I speak to Lizzy, a mum to two boys, an academic, physiologist and freelance photographer. Lizzy has a lot going on – and she talks about how she manages it, including  what she and her husband did to reconnect in their partnership when their marriage took a backseat.  Lizzy also shares the parenting approaches she follows – which includes showing empathy in those moments where might you wonder WTF. She also describes how her background as a physiologist has influenced how she parents.  Plus if you’ve felt your identity has been turned upside down since becoming a mum, Lizzy’s perspective is refreshing - and one you don't want to miss.  Available on all podcast platforms.

In this week’s episode, and the final for 2020, I speak to Brooke, mum to Ethan and Estelle. When Ethan was one, Brooke noticed that he wasn’t reaching his milestones, she reached out to her doctor who assured her everything was fine. After a year and a half of looking for answers, he was diagnosed with autism. Brooke talks about this journey and what it means for her family, including the strain it put on her relationship. Brooke also experienced post natal depression with both of her children. She speaks frankly about what she experienced leading up to her diagnosis, and the stigmas she faced when she opened up about it. Thanks to Brooke for being so open and raw about her journey.Listen now on all podcast platforms!Please note there’s a brief mention of suicide in this episode. If you need help please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  Follow Brooke on instagram @handful.of.adventuresThank you for supporting my podcast during 2020. I can't wait to share what I have planned for 2021. New episodes will return January 2021. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and safe and happy new year x

In this week’s episode I speak to Rhiannon, mum to Harper. Rhiannon shares her journey of becoming 'Rhiannon, the mum' including debriefing with the hospital after her delivery. She talks about how she let go of who she was before she had a baby and embrace her new life,  . Rhiannon also shares her pre-baby visions that she would find her best friends for life in her mother's group and when that didn't happen, what she did to find her people.  Plus - what international story helped her get through the new-mum doubt and trust that she was doing ok? Listen now on all podcast platforms! Available now.

In this week's episode I speak to Leah, mum to 11 month old Esther. Leah is an occupational therapist and shares how this has impacted her parenting style.  She also talks about the experience of being evacuated from her family home with her newborn daughter during Sydney's devastating bushfire season in 2020, including how she managed to pack up all of her memories while being in the newborn haze. Leah also discusses how important visiting a women's physio was to her, and how it helped her recover from her episiotomy - which is something all mums should consider once they've had their clearance from a doctor. Listen now on all podcast platforms. You can follow Leah at: @our_small_companions where she shares experiences, ideas and writings from the perspective of a new mother and occupational therapist, and provides a platform to feature other paediatric allied health professionals to share baby development and parenting topics.

In this week's episode I speak to Erika, mum to two year old Jay. Erika is an infant sleep specialist and runs a business called The Sleep Dept. Erika  shares so much of her knowledge including everything from how to settle your baby in the middle of the night, how to break a sleep association and introduce a positive one,  sleep cycles, what an awake time is, what time to put your baby to sleep, what safe sleeping is and so much more! Erika also shares her experience of finding out that her son Jay has a disability. She speaks candidly about the emotions she went through, how she found her community and what changed for her once she started speaking about it. Plus, how they’re managing and what the future looks like for her and Jay. Listen now on all podcast platforms!Follow Erika and the Sleep Dept on InstagramErika mentions Special by Melanie Dimmitt