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Showing episodes and shows of
Anna Cusack
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The Big Drink Rethink
Ep 72: Alcohol, Overwhelm & ' The Perfect Mother' Myth
Have you ever wondered why so many mothers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, or pressured to present a picture-perfect life especially when it comes to drinking culture? In this episode of The Big Drink Rethink, host Anna Donaghey talks to Anna Cusack, a postnatal doula, motherhood studies practitioner, and author of the powerful book "Mama, You’re Not Broken". Together, they explore the emotional realities behind the “perfect mother” myth, the pressures that lead many mums to reach for a glass of wine, and the real-life support systems that are often missing in our lives. This episode challenges common...
2025-05-29
53 min
Anna Asks
S8, Ep5 - Finding your own path with parenting mentor Mel Burgess
For 15 years Mel Burgess has supported parents to learn how to understand, connect with and meet the needs of their children. In this interview Mel shares how, after a brutal first four years of parenthood, she came to learn these skills herself and begin teaching them to others. We also discuss: The patterns she sees in those seeking her support Common sites of difficulty and conflict Why some couples with kids need a parenting mentor more than a relationship counselor How parenting mentorship can operate and assist families where the parents have separated The activities and approaches she's...
2024-12-01
39 min
Anna Asks
S8 Ep4. Manage at home or head to hospital? with paediatric nursing specialist Ilana Lawrence
You kid is sick. It's the middle of the night. What do you do? Paediatric nursing specialist Ilana Lawrence has been on duty at many an emergency room when concerned parents and caregivers bring their kids in. Sometimes these kids need immediate care, but a lot of the time parents and caregivers could have monitored and managed their child at home. The missing piece is education, which is exactly what Ilana aims to provide. In this interview we cover Ilana's road to paediatric nursing Why she has turned her focus towards parental education Why...
2024-11-01
36 min
Anna Asks
S8, Ep3. The Emotional and Practical Realities of Welcoming Twins, Triplets or More with Dr. Cristina Cavezza
What's it like to find out you're expecting more than one baby? How does expecting multiple babies effect the experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum? And what do mothers and parents of multiples (and their personal and professional supporters) need to know to get through those incredibly intense early years feeling well? As a psychologist, twin mother and host of the Fierce, Kind Mama of Multiples podcast, Dr Cristina Cavezza has the answers. Cristina's Links Podcast: Fierce, Kind Mama of Multiples on Apple Podcasts
2024-07-22
37 min
Anna Asks
S8, Ep2. Single Motherhood with Klyne Love
There are over 1 million lone parent households in Australia, and the overwhelming majority of these are headed by single mothers. This doesn't mean however that single mothers are one homogenous group, all with the same backstory, immediate needs or hopes for the future. Klyne Love is a single mother working primarily with single parents. She brings her lived experience and professional insights to this conversation, shedding light on the nuances of the single motherhood experience. This conversation touches on the unique challenges single mothers face and how the rest of us (coupled parents, friends without children, older people without...
2024-05-28
1h 01
Anna Asks
S8, Ep1: Flu season, carers' leave and the career stumbling block we don't speak about
Welcome to season 8! This season is a combination of interviews and solo episodes. This ep starts with a little update from me on what’s been happening and what I’m enjoying working on, and leads into an audio version of an article I published last autumn about caring for sick kids. Who is taking the load and how does it impact them, how do we manage and renegotiate it in our families and workplaces, and how could we do it better as a society? The full text article is located here: Flu season, carers' leave and the career stumbling bloc...
2024-04-23
29 min
Anna Asks
S7, Ep7. Emmeline Tyler - From bliss to psychosis and the long road back to mental health as a mother
We now know it's important to be on the lookout for signs of postnatal depression, anxiety and even psychosis in the early days, but what happens if a mother experiences a mental health crisis further down the track? In this interview, Emmeline Tyler (she/her) shares openly about her birth and blissful postpartum, and how these assisted in helping her be well. She explains how personal and societal factors influenced the unravelling of her mental health during the toddler years, which escalated into psychosis and hospitalisation 2.5 years after birth. Recorded a further 2.5 years down the track, Emmeline shares her...
2024-03-07
1h 37
Anna Asks
S7, Ep6. Ashley Winning - Fatphobia and perceptions of "health" and "risk" in maternity care
Ashley Winning is a birth and postpartum professional from QLD, Australia. Ashley experienced size-based discrimination in her first two traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences, which led her to dive deeply into the world of physiological birth for her third birth. Again, size-based discrimination struck and she was unable to access the home-based midwifery care she desired. Ashley went on to freebirth her baby and wants others to know this option is available to them too. The study I refer to regarding rates of uncomplicated pregnancies in obese women is by Relph et al., 2021. Characteristics associated with uncomplicated pregnancies in women...
2024-02-04
35 min
Life After Birth with Yara Heary
Anna Cusack on Reframing The Postpartum Period, The Power of Letting Go and Mothering as Activism
Hi mama. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Cusack, a Doula, Speaker, Author and Podcaster who supports women by providing emotional support, advice, resources and organisational assistance through pregnancy decision-making, birth mapping, postpartum planning, birth debriefing and guidance throughout the early stages of parenting. In this conversation, we discuss Anna’s experience of becoming a mother, both in the initial fourth trimester period, and in the months that followed this. We reflect on how the postpartum period is in many ways a lifelong stage, and Anna speaks to her own experience of feeling relatively prepared for th...
2023-10-10
50 min
Anna Asks
S7, Ep5. Postpartum Rage, Depression and Bilingual, Latina Motherhood with Emily Adler Mosqueda
Emily Adler Mosqueda is a Mexican American mother of two and paediatric speech language pathologist. Her second pregnancy and postpartum brought with it rage and depression - seemingly out of the blue, but really stemming from a sea of social conditions that led to chronic undersupport, overreaching and feelings of failure. This is a fascinating conversation spanning topics from being so out of control you feel physically unsafe around your own children, pathways to recovery, perceptions of Latina motherhood and the experience of raising bilingual children. You can check out Emily’s book “Unexpected: A postpartum memoir” and website here https...
2023-08-25
43 min
Anna Asks
S7, Ep4 - Making Your Voice Heard After Disrespectful Maternity Care with Sharon Stoliar
Despite being a midwife and equipped with insider knowledge of the maternity care system in which she worked, Sharon still felt vulnerable and disempowered during her own experience of giving birth to her son. Sharon's book "Scars of Gold" tells the story of her personal experience of birth trauma, the drastic impact it had on her life, and how she used her voice to fight for change. This conversation discusses how you too can get your story heard and effect the changes we so desperately need to see in obstetrics and maternity care. **Since this recording Sharon and I each...
2023-06-20
44 min
AASPA Podcast
Recruiting and Bargaining Trends with Randy Cusack
Randy Cusack, the Special Education Supervisor at Lansing School District in Lansing, MI, joins the podcast to talk about recruiting and bargaining trends.
2023-05-16
16 min
Anna Asks
S7, Ep3 - Queering Motherhood with Rafferty Hallows
Is there a more queer job than being a doula? Full spectrum Mother carer Rafferty Hallows thinks not. If you are ready to reimagine your life and relationships, resource yourself on the darkest days, embrace your neurospicy self + family or redefine your own postpartum experience years after birth, you'll want to listen to what they have to say. Big language warning on this one, and please be aware we touch on issues including infant loss and mental ill health including perinatal psychosis. Find Rafferty on instagram @raffertyhallows.doula and on the web https://www.raffertyhallows.com You can find Anna's...
2023-05-14
53 min
Anna Asks
S7, Ep2. Neurodivergent Parenthood with Annie Crowe
Meet Annie Crowe, a self-described fat, autistic, ADHDer lawyer, mother to one neurospicy child, and founder of Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia. Annie shares her experience, expertise and tips for those navigating pregnancy, birth, early postpartum and motherhood as a neurodivergent parent. We cover a lot of ground and some difficult topics in this conversation - if you're not up for hearing discussions of or references to ableism, sexual violence, infertility, pregnancy loss, medical trauma, fatphobia or sexual violence right now, you may like to skip past this episode or come back to it at a later time. We also mention...
2023-04-11
1h 07
Anna Asks
S7, Ep1 - Alcohol and Motherhood with Meg and Bella
Alcohol and motherhood is an interesting topic for one that's so in the forefront of our lives but the margins of our conversations. In this episode I speak with Meg and Bella, cohosts of the She's Sober Sydney podcast. Our chat covers: Meg and Bella's personal stories with alcohol as mothers The pressures on mothers and normalising of "mummy wine culture" The cycle of alcohol to mitigate (but then raise) anxiety How their relationship with their kids has changed since going alcohol free How to start talking with kids about alcohol Does alcohol really help you relax or...
2023-03-18
54 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep8 - 4 months postpartum
TW: child loss, stillbirth. 4 months down, forever to go. This episode covers: partner leave and transitions, four month sleep situations, using play to support older siblings who now have to share mum, successful mini-holidays and gig with a baby, the circle of life on the farm, forgetting ourselves and our train of thought, the anxiety that shadows some of your second experience after a high needs first baby, those moments your heart is aching with the beauty of it all, the frustration and minuscule fragments of alone time you get with multiple tiny children, parenting through injury, our physical health...
2023-03-13
51 min
The Not Drinking Alcohol Today Podcast
Anna Cusack on Alcohol and the Stresses and Joy of Motherhood
In today’s episode we talk to Anna Cusack. Anna is a Postpartum Doula, Parent Supporter, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner, Author, Podcaster and a mum who supports and mentors women in pregnancy, post-birth and early parenthood. Anna has also been alcohol free for 4 years. We start by talking about Anna's decision to go alcohol free and then we have a lively chat about the pressures woman face during motherhood, how hard it can be when choosing between your career and motherhood, the allure and risks of mummy wine culture and how alcohol can become a crutch to get through the...
2023-03-04
50 min
Weekly House Sessions with Jake Cusack.
Jake Cusack - Session 302
This is the sound of Jake Cusack and this is session 302. If would like to find out more http://linktr.ee/jakecusack or visit me at https://www.jakecusack.com if you would like to see it mixed live please check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avDY0dosr9Q Keep on Keeping on! Jake Tracklist Niacin (Original Mix) Andrew Azara Night Retreat (Michel James Remix) Anna Kohlin Planet Express (Original Mix) James Andrew Jesse Maas (Original Mix) - Les Yeux Say So...
2023-02-28
1h 03
Anna Asks
S6, Ep7 - 3 months postpartum
That’s a wrap on the fourth trimester! I don’t have delegators reflections here, I feel that comes with some distance and I’m still in the thick of it. Instead I’m talking public outings with 2, the pros and cons of more preschool, my own injuries and indecisiveness, general mama baby stuff including readiness for solid food and the big one - our trip to the emergency department and how I tried to downgrade my trauma response in the hours and days following it. Upcoming mothers’ circles starting 26 March https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/177801-Mothers-Circles My take on “The fo...
2023-02-12
25 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep6 - 10 weeks postpartum
The push/pull of being loved hard by two little people at the same time, feeding challenges, head turning/flat head concerns, and that nagging voice that says you’re not okay. University of Newcastle’s colonial frontier massacre mapping project - https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/ Info on feeding babies who are windy, spit up a lot or struggle to keep up with milk flow - https://themilkmeg.com/can-i-overfeed-my-breastfed-baby/ The epidural - how a gift for the few became the curse of many - https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/77941-the-epidural-how-the-gift-of-the-few Book a 90min session with me h...
2023-01-21
34 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep5 -Postpartum diary 7.5 weeks
Have you heard of postpartum hives? Neither had I! This and 25 other things I’ve learnt so far during postpartum and matrescence round 2. LINKS: Instagram book comp via @annacusackpostpartum Birth mapping training: https://birthmap.life/?affiliates=45 Postpartum education and care professional training: https://newbornmothers.simplero.com/products/172434-Postpartum-Education-and-Care?ref=46186-Anna-Cusack Please leave a 5 star rating or review to help other people find the pod, or become a supporter for Aus2.99 a month here: https://anchor.fm/annaasks/subscribe
2023-01-03
49 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep4 - Postpartum diary, 4.5 weeks
This week I talk sleep with sickness in the house, feeding, sibling transition, bodywork, getting out, self-talk, pelvic floor high and low emotions and support. Any Qs DM me and I’ll answer next episode- @annacusackpostpartum . Order my book before Dec 9 for guaranteed delivery in Australia by Xmas: “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood” via www.annacusack.com.au/book . For those wanting to see what a meal train is or contribute to mine, this is the link https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/n10d0q . If you have benefited from my content and wish to...
2022-12-11
22 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep3 - Postpartum diary week 3
A word from me at week 3. The take home message is - make sure your support person/people use every skerrick of leave they can spare early on, and claim the support you need from them, as your needs might not be as obvious as you think! Shout out to Zelma @thepostnatalproject for her lawn example! Any Qs DM me and I’ll answer next episode- @annacusackpostpartum . Order my book before Dec 9 for guaranteed delivery in Australia by Xmas: “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood” via www.annacusack.com.au/book . For those wanting to see w...
2022-12-04
20 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep2 - Postpartum diary week 2
An update on my second week postpartum, direct from my bed on day 16. In this episode I mention (without any affiliation) - silverettes (nipple healing shields), Qiara (probiotics), my counsellor Katie Parker (www.KatieParker.com.au) and my blog on how there’s no ‘free’ way to feed your baby (https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/76674-breastfeeding-is-free-and-other). I also spoke about my book “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood”, specifically the chapter on fear. You can get it for 10% off through November ($22.50 delivered) with code BLACKFRIDAY via www.annacusack.com.au/book . For those wanting to s...
2022-11-27
33 min
Anna Asks
S6, Ep1 - Postpartum diary week 1
Here’s my update from our first 9 days! Services I spoke about were my midwife @homebirth_with_helen, Harriet lactation consultant @the.breast.help, placenta encapsulation @theoxytocincollective. Get my book for 10% off through November with code BLACKFRIDAY via www.annacusack.com.au/book For those wanting to see what a meal train is or contribute to mine, this is the link https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/n10d0q If you have benefited from my content and wish to contribute to my postpartum care fund you can do so here www.PayPal.me/annacusackpostpartum Follow along with my journey on In...
2022-11-20
29 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep8. Anna Cusack - My personal postpartum prep
In this episode I talk about a whole host of topics including antenatal and breastfeeding education, emergency numbers, partner leave, family sleep, food, supporting older siblings, visitors, amassing as much personal and professional support as possible, ceremonial self-care and more. This is what I’m doing second time around. For those wanting to see what a meal train is or contribute to mine, this is the link https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/n10d0q If you have benefited from my content and wish to contribute to my postpartum care fund you can do so here www.PayPal.me/annacusackpostpartum Fo...
2022-10-26
58 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep7. Anna Cusack - Preparing for my own birth
In this solo episode I cover: -Homebirth and finding a midwife; Logistics and equipment for birth at home; What’s in my birth box/hospital transfer kit; Preparing my older child for birth; Professional supports for lead up to birth; Baby positioning and expressing colostrum; Why I’m not trying to “bring on” labour. If you’d like to support my birth and postpartum you can chip in here www.PayPal.me/annacusackpostpartum Find Anna on Instagram and Facebook @annacusackpostpartum As always, her free Six Steps to Your Peaceful Postpartum eGuide, arrange a 1:1 mentoring or postpartum planning session or grab Anna’s boo...
2022-10-19
41 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep6. Steph O'Brien - Postpartum doula, HG pregnancy, 2nd baby
Steph O’Brien joins us from Geelong to talk HG pregnancy with her second baby, preparing for birth after birth trauma and planning a postpartum that’s much, much more supported than her first was. We discuss the far reaching physical and emotional effects of pregnancy-related illness, judgement from others and ourselves regarding our birthing choices, and not knowing what we don’t know. In this episode we refer to: Hyperemesis Australia - https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/ PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) helpline - 1300 726 306 Monday to Friday 9am - 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT) Antenatal expression of colo...
2022-10-03
38 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep5. Mary Allen - Freebirth doula, 3rd baby
Birth doula Mary talks us through her first two pregnancies and induced hospital births, her feelings around traversing a largely medically unsurveilled pregnancy this time around, and what her preparations for an autonomous, family-centred third birth entail. We discuss why birth outside the system feels right for her and many of her clients, and what support and rituals she plans to include as she welcomes baby number 3 into the world. In this episode we referred to The Midwives Cauldron podcast on multiple occasions! You can access that podcast with hosts Katie James and Dr Rachel Reed here.
2022-09-18
33 min
The Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz
#210 - The 2nd Inner Split with Anna Cusack
What does matresence look and feel like when you are aware of what is approaching? When you have the knowledge and understanding that many of us do not have before being engulfed into the fourth trimester? How is it different for each pregnancy? How can we prepare for the changes that are coming? Curious questions such as these and more are discussed with Anna Cusack. Anna is a postpartum doula and motherhood support mentor, guiding new and experienced parents through pregnancy, the fourth trimester and beyond. Listen as Amy and Anna dive into conversation including:The space of...
2022-09-13
38 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep4. Dr Hayley Worth - GP, 2nd baby, Newborn stage
I speak with Dr. Hayley Worth, a Sydney-based GP with special interests in children's health and also palliative care. Dr. Hayley chats to us from her fourth trimester bubble, newborn on her lap, as she reflects on the lessons she learnt from her first birth and challenging breastfeeding and postpartum experiences, and the effectiveness of the plans she put in place for the recent birth of her son and her feeding journey and postpartum to date. I love hearing how professionals recognise their limitations and lean on others, even within the same discipline as themselves, t...
2022-09-04
27 min
Mind Body Parenting Podcast with Shelley Clarke
Setting up your Post Partum Care with Anna Cusack
In this episode Shelley chats to motherhood revolutionist, Anna Cusack. As a postpartum doula and motherhood support mentor, Anna's work in the world guides new and experienced parents through pregnancy, the fourth trimester and beyond. She reaches thousands of women every year through her work both in person and online as an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker, with evidence-based information, searing social commentary and inspirational, actionable content. In this episode you'll learn about:- why it's a good idea to plan and create a support network around you postpartum especially if you're not good at asking for...
2022-08-22
1h 13
Anna Asks
S5, Ep3. Kathryn Millhouse - Perinatal Guide, Supporter and Mental Health Advocate
Kathryn experienced severe prenatal anxiety when pregnant with her first child and went on to experience a breakdown at 4 weeks postpartum. She discusses how she made it through, and how this informs her perinatal planning and support work. We also talk through the work that went into making the decision to have another child, planning for her upcoming caesarean birth and the different ways she is approaching this postpartum, including feeding choices and an array of valuable personal and professional supports. We recorded this episode while Kathryn was in the second trimester of her third pregnancy, having experienced pregnancy loss...
2022-08-22
39 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep2. Kate Elizabeth – 3rd baby, privately practising midwife.
Kate is a Victorian-based privately practising midwife providing antenatal, homebirth, postnatal and parenting services. Kate discusses her experience during this pregnancy so far, and her trust in her ability to birth in relation to her family lineage, previous two births and her professional work. We discuss her preparations to welcome surprise baby #3 into her family, including labour prep, preparing siblings for homebirth and how she intends to get as much sleep as possible with a newborn and two older kids who like to co-sleep. We also touch on how, as a “geriatric” mother over 40 with a higher BMI, Kate’s path...
2022-08-08
30 min
Anna Asks
S5, Ep1. Saira Allen – 2nd tri, 3rd baby, postpartum doula
Welcome to Season 5! Newcastle-based postpartum doula Saira Allen joins me to kick off this season, which asks the question “How do those involved in pregnancy, birth and postnatal care prepare when they are the ones having a baby?” This theme has come about because if you didn’t know already I am actually in my second trimester with my second child, and I wanted to share not only my story and expertise but the combined knowledge and plans of others to show you there’s more than one way to get your needs met during this perinatal period, which is the time...
2022-07-24
44 min
Your Mummy Retreat
15 - The Unspoken with Anna Cusack
Welcome to season 2! This episode is a thought provoking conversation with the wonderful post partum doula, author and mother Anna Cusack. We chat about her personal motherhood experiences, about writing a book about motherhood whilst in the thick of motherhood and we chat social change! This is a lovely and juicy episode that will spark your fire in having the unspoken conversations. You can find Anna Cusack on her website where you can find her book Mama, You're Not Broken and you can find her on Instagram @annacusackpostpartum I acknowledge that the conversation...
2022-06-28
47 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep11: Got kids? How to not hate your husband with Bridget Wood
There’s no getting around it, every single one of us will come up against those pangs of rage and the despair of “they just don’t get it!” multiple times in our early parenting years and beyond. This episode with the undeniably wise Bridget Wood dives into one of the biggest questions mothers and birth parents face – “now we have kids, how can I not hate my partner?” So when it crops up, whether it’s once in a while or the shadow that hangs over you every waking moment, what can we do? How do we establish if, under all that re...
2022-06-16
1h 01
Tales From The Fourth Trimester
07 | Anna Cusack: building community, following your instinct and making motherhood work
Anna Cusack is an exercise physiologist and postpartum doula who loves to bust motherhood myths that abound in modern culture. In this episode, we talk about her own postpartum experience, the realities of baby sleep, her breastfeeding journey, trusting her intuition, returning to work, building community and finding her own damn way in this wild ride that is mothering.
2022-05-29
1h 05
The Beyond Sleep Training podcast
Anna Cusack on how sleep developed past the 4th trimester and how a flexible approach has helped her meet all of her family's needs
SUMMARY- Anna shares how her little one's sleep developed after the fourth trimester, how they transitioned her into her own bed, and how a flexible approach helped her continue to meet all of their needs.You can visit Anna on her website (www.annacusack.com.au), where you can find her book and download the postpartum preparation guide mentioned in this episode. If you do buy the book, use the code SPARKLER at checkout for $2 to be donated to Little Sparklers foundation. Anna is also on Instagram (www.instagram.com/annacusackpostpartum) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/a...
2022-05-19
35 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep10. How can I do what you do? Becoming a Postpartum Doula with Julia Jones
Julia Jones started working as a postpartum doula well before the word "postpartum" even entered the consciousness of most westerners. From bringing an international teacher to Australia to study, to caring for families in home to becoming a mother herself, Julia shares her story of how she came to start her Newborn Mothers program training other doulas and postpartum professionals. She has a keen eye for neuroscience, social justice and ethical business practice, and has a message for you if you think this line of work might be for you too: don't wait. We discuss care of mothers and birth...
2022-05-14
39 min
The Beyond Sleep Training podcast
Anna Cusack on how she planned her 4th trimester and surrounded herself with the support she needed
SUMMARY- Anna shares how she planned her 4th trimester to be a time of rest and support, and how she set herself up for becoming a mum. Anna also shares some of the obstacles she tackled on her way through the first 4 months, and what she'd suggest for anyone preparing to welcome a new baby to their house.You can visit Anna on her website (www.annacusack.com.au), where you can find her book and download the postpartum preparation guide mentioned in this episode. If you do buy the book, use the code SPARKLER at c...
2022-05-11
32 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep9: ZELMA TOLLEY - Can we really separate ourselves from our parent support projects?
Many of you will know Zelma from her work as "The Postnatal Project", where her heartfelt writings and social work skills fuse into an sanctuary for those feeling mightily alone in their postnatal and parenting struggles. What you may not know is the story behind the establishment of The Postnatal Project, the tumultuous years that have passed since, or the sometimes thankless nature of parent support work. If you have experienced postnatal mental ill health, this episode will speak to you. If you are considering having an online presence or business with a view to support families, or if you...
2022-04-13
38 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep8: BONUS EP from TARA BROUGHAN - Help! I'm scared of saying the wrong thing!
As a follow up from last episode, I present you with 6 minutes of pep talk gold from Tara. How to get over the fear of saying the wrong thing Leaning into relationship rather than out of it How the desire for technical rightness in white culture traps us How the construction of civility makes women behave and disconnect from each other Transforming guilt into galvanized action. Let's do this. The article Tara refers to has been updated and is now housed and discussed on this website: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/characteristics.html *** If you have a moment, please leave a 5...
2022-04-03
07 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep7: TARA BROUGHAN on bias, bisexuality, conscious parenting, chronic illness and identity.
Tara’s professional background is in child rights yet despite her dedication to children, the transition to parenthood was not exactly smooth. This discussion goes everywhere: -How can we work through our own biases, raise aware humans and bring hesitant others into such conversations in positive ways? -Does “the Australian identity” even exist? -What was it like to grow up neurodivergent and queer in a regional area, and how has this shaped both outlook and parenting? -What if you only realise you’re bisexual after you’re a mother, partnered with a man? -How can chronic illness shatter the myths of “perfec...
2022-03-14
55 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep6. CARLY GRUBB - Why haven't we moved beyond sleep training?
Sleep training didn’t come to exist in a vacuum. Why did it become the “norm” and why won’t it just die? Join me in conversation with Carly Grubb, founder of The Beyond Sleep Training Project online peer support group and its charity/advisory arm Little Sparklers. This is a discussion not on the ins and outs of sleep training and its alternative, but the power dynamics and interactions between parents trying to do the “right thing”, health practitioners and policy, and the ever-present multi-billion dollar baby industry. Babies aren’t great sleepers, and parents do need support. So how can we as...
2022-01-16
42 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep5: Now what? Info for breastfeeding/lactating people who test positive for COVID-19
With case rates in Australia through the roof I figured this was something I might need to know about, and you might too. ****This episode provides general information only and does not replace medical advice or conversations with your care providers. All information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge as at 4/1/22 and all sources listed below were accessed on this date. Always seek medical care if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.**** Helpful numbers for listeners in Australia: National Breastfeeding Helpline (free, 24 hours) - 1800 626 286 HealthDirect helpline (free, 24 hours) - 1800 022 222 Ambulance - 000 Find a...
2022-01-04
08 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep4: What’s the deal with Omicron?
The newest COVID-kid on the block is causing headaches (and much worse) here in NSW and around the world right now. Here is a ten minute primer with what you need to know on the new variant, vaccination, and more. ***This information is general in nature and should not replace conversations and advice with your medical team.*** For further info see the ABC CoronaCast podcast with Dr Norman Swan, and the following doctors and science educators on Instagram: @deplatformdisease @pandemicpregnancyguide @thewholesomedoctor @dr.risahoshino
2021-12-20
12 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep3. JESS NABB - What is Radical Inclusion?
Meet Jess Nabb - feminist spaceholder, accessible yoga teacher, and nervous system witch, with a side-gig as a church-going, tarot-reading heretic. Jess offers their wealth of knowledge, practice and lived experience to this conversation, focusing on radical inclusion in community and in business, and radical self-care for parents in the era of intensive parenting. We discuss the marginalisation of all parents, re-finding their voice, and the pros and cons of pandemic life in relation to our varying needs, identities and intersections. This is a brilliant conversation with a brilliant human, and we are...
2021-12-05
47 min
Anna Asks
S4, E2. MARY GIORDANO - Language, culture, diversity and respectful doula practice in birth and perinatal care
With a background in anthropology, migrant and refugee resettlement and multilingual doula work, I asked Mary to join me in discussion of the interaction of linguistic and cultural diversity and doula care throughout the perinatal period. This chat traverses systemic limitations, definitions of “safety” and reflects on the use of traditional practices in the space of birth and perinatal work. You can connect with Mary at https//madreluna.com.au and on instagram @mary.giordano_madreluna Connect with Anna @annacusackpostpartum and grab her book, blogs and more at www.annacusack.com.au Become...
2021-11-18
40 min
Parents Who Think
#150: BROKE: Mothers are NOT Broke - Anna Cusack
Join me as I connect with Anna Cusack, a Motherhood Revolutionist who is also an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker. Through evidence-based information and inspirational, actionable content Anna reaches thousands of women every yea about traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding support, sociology and exercise physiology to guide women through their transition to parenthood and early years of mothering. You can find her book “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood” online, and listen in on the “Motherhood Made Magic” podcast wherever you access shows In our conversation we chew over how women are the default c...
2021-11-03
32 min
Anna Asks
S4, Ep 1: What’s in a name?
The Motherhood Made Magic podcast is evolving to “Anna Asks”, a place for parents and people to find actual answers to big questions. This is an unapologetically feminist, anti-racist, conscious parenting podcast with 3 primary aims: to pass the mic, pay the rent and become (and raise) better humans. Support the people you learn from here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-Become-A-Podcast-Patron
2021-10-25
05 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep7: What’s a ventilator again? Dr. Mikayla Couch explains just about everything.
Dr. Mikayla Couch aka @dr.aboriginal.woman is here to teach us some lessons. What do the words “in ICU” and “on a ventilator” actually mean? What are you hooked up to, and what are the doctors and nurses doing and monitoring if you’re that sick? What health conditions make you more at risk of having severe COVID-19? As a Doctor working with pregnancy, birth and COVID every day, what are you telling your patients about vaccination in pregnancy? Why are regional communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in city and regional areas reporting lower vaccination rates than their...
2021-10-16
26 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep6: Your Vaccine Questions Answered with Romy Blacklaw, The Immunisation Nurse
What's in the different vaccines? I'm breastfeeding/providing milk to my baby, does anything get through to my baby? What if I'm breastfeeding and I can't get a Pfizer appointment? Are you sure it's safe for me to get me to Astra? How do I know it's not going to hurt my baby long term? Who shouldn't get vaccinated? Expert immunization nurse Romy Blacklaw is here to answer these questions! Follow along with her content at @theimmunisationnurse And catch my book and I at www.annacusack.com.au and @annacusackpostpartum
2021-10-10
17 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep5: COVID-19 Through The Eyes of Emergency Department Nurse Mariam Abou-Eid
In this episode I am joined by Mariam Abou-Eid, Emergency Department Nurse at Royal Melbourne Hospital. We discuss what she is seeing in her city Emergency Department and ICU, within her family and the Arabic speaking community when it comes to COVID-19. She talks us through how vaccination (or the lack of) is effecting hospital admissions and patient care journeys, key periods for deterioration in patients at home and in hospital with COVID, why late pregnancy is a time of greater risk, and what you can do to support people from marginalised backgrounds struggling right no...
2021-10-08
25 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep4: Myth Busting: Calling Out Vaccine Misinformation Dressed Up As “Simply Asking Questions”
Let’s bust some myths around health professionals being “gagged”, side effects being underreported, passports being a control mechanism, DNA altering, trials being rushed, natural health methods, media motives, lockdown mental health, and skewed data. The Instagram account mentioned in this episode is @mariamaboueid_ Follow along with her, and me too @annacusackpostpartum or connect online www.annacusack.com.au
2021-10-05
23 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep 3. Research Update: Fertility, Menstrual Changes, COVID-19 and Vaccination Against It
In this episode you will hear the audio from a Facebook Live video I recorded on 20th September 2021. I provide an update on the research and academic literature regarding fertility, menstrual changes, COVID-19 itself and vaccination against it up until that date. I cover animal and theoretical modelling, clinical and real-world research with human subjects with female reproductive organs and male reproductive organs in relation to both infection with coronavirus and vaccination, address fertility-related vaccination claims, discuss menstrual changes and how these combine to inform personal decisions regarding vaccination. This is the third research update...
2021-09-21
29 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep2. Pregnancy and the Covid 19 Vaccination
Research Update: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination. This research update was recorded on 10th Sept 2021 on the topic of pregnancy and vaccination against COVID-19. This information is information only and does not take the place of individualised advice and consultation with your medical team. I hope you find this useful, and please feel free to share this resource with anyone you think might be interested. If you’d prefer to read through the information a transcript is available at www.annacusack.com.au/blog. *** Articles cited: Brookstein Peretz, S., Regev, N., Novick, L., Nachsol, N., Goffer, E., Ben-David, A. et. al. (2021). Sh...
2021-09-13
30 min
Anna Asks
S3, Ep1. Research Update: Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Vaccination
What does the data say? I have compiled this academic research update regarding breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccination. As it says in the video, this is for information purposes only. It is comprehensive but not exhaustive and does not replace discussions with your medical team regarding your personal vaccination choices. You are welcome to share this episode with any people who provide breast or human milk to their babies, parent support professionals or others who you feel may be interested in the contents of this episode. ***On re-reading the paper by Twohig and colleagues I have be...
2021-09-03
31 min
Anna Asks
11 & 12/12 - CONTENTMENT + CONCLUSION - "Mama, You're Not Broken" Audiobook by Anna Cusack
Why do we put happiness on a pedestal, but look down our noses on mothers who feel content? Can you even call yourself a feminist when you’re a mum? And where to from here? Hello and welcome to the final episode of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. I’ve combined the last chapter on contentment and the conclusion here, as I feel they combine really well to round out the audiobook experience. It’s brought up all the emotions reading this for you. Thank you for being her...
2021-08-31
32 min
Anna Asks
10/12 BOREDOM - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
Hello and welcome to part 10 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. This chapter is all about boredom. You know it well, I know it well. It can be a really itchy and uncomfortable feeling especially when everyone is banging on about this being the best time of your life, but also asking “so, what do you actually do all day?”. Sometimes our new lives can feel boring, sometimes the things we used to be interested in before kids can be boring… Like everything else related to being a mum it’s a mixed bag...
2021-08-28
15 min
Anna Asks
9/12 - GRIEF - "Mama, You're Not Broken" audiobook by Anna Cusack
Hello and welcome to part 9 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. Grief. Nothing like raising kids to rip the proverbial scab off every wound you’ve ever had. Grief is unavoidable and inextricable from the experience of motherhood. This chapter explores the places it can spring up, and why its intensity might take you by surprise. Consider yourself warned that this episode requires all the trigger warnings you can think of. Go gently with yourself, talk with those close to you and remember Lifeline is available at 13 11 14 if you need immediate support...
2021-08-27
30 min
Anna Asks
8/12 - ANGER - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
Anger. Rage. Fury. So many parents, especially mothers, tell me they never felt the same white hot anger before they had kids as they do now. A few mums have written to me and said they skipped straight to this chapter, and others have told me they’ve given this one to their partners to read because it gave words to the experience they couldn’t properly describe to get the message through. We cover mental health, theories around maternal anger, making amends with our kids after an outburst, and take a new look at anger through the lens of o...
2021-08-26
31 min
Anna Asks
7/12 - OVERWHELM - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
This episode looks at feelings of overwhelm in motherhood. It is the longest chapter by far and rightly so, the sheer size and weight of the load mothers carry within our families and society is really intense. It can look as though the mums around us are managing fine, so we feel like failures in some way for struggling, but the reality is that the majority of mothers are not coping. Here’s the situation and some ideas on what we can do to go about changing it. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, au...
2021-08-25
42 min
Anna Asks
6/12 - LONELINESS - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
This episode looks at loneliness. Whether it’s feeling physically isolated or emotionally alone in a crowded room, early motherhood is a really paradoxical experience. It’s pretty common have very little time away from our babies, but also to feel really lonely, even without lockdowns. This is a social issue, even though it feels like a personal one. Enjoy. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum. Become a patron of the podcast or jump into her membership and mentoring program here: https://www.anna...
2021-08-24
27 min
Anna Asks
5/12 - FEAR - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
This episode looks at fear. No sidestepping this one - it’s a pretty scary time in world history to have kids really isn’t it? We talk a bit more on our brain’s survival skills as we practice parenting, as well as covering climate, coronavirus, post-natal anxiety, unwanted harm thoughts and more. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum. Become a patron of the podcast or jump into her membership and mentoring program here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-The-Lighthouse-Membership-Allyship You can grab your c...
2021-08-23
23 min
Anna Asks
4/12 - INVISIBILITY - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
This episode looks at invisibility. After being the centre of attention during pregnancy, biological mothers often get pushed aside after the birth as the baby becomes the star of the show. We talk birth injury, feeding and how “mothering” and “fathering” a child are very different social roles, even in 2021. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum. Become a patron of the podcast or jump into her membership and mentoring program here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-The-Lighthouse-Membership-Allyship You can grab your copy of the b...
2021-08-21
27 min
Anna Asks
3/12 - UNCERTAINTY - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
Hello and welcome to part 3 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. This episode looks at the uncertainty we can feel as mothers. There is so much information, misinformation, solicited and unsolicited advice when it comes to pregnancy, birth and child raising, and it can all feel very messy! In this chapter I explore how your brain is rewiring as you become a mum and why the baby books and experts don’t always have answers you’re looking for. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster...
2021-08-20
29 min
Anna Asks
2/12 - GUILT - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
Hello and welcome to part 2 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. This episode explores guilt, more specifically, mum guilt. Mum guilt is really intertwined with modern motherhood and so having a strong foundation about how, when and why it operates is really key to be able to access the other nine unspoken emotions of modern motherhood we’ll be going over in this book. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum. Become a patron of the podcast or jump int...
2021-08-19
21 min
Anna Asks
1/12 - INTRODUCTION - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack
My entire audiobook is coming to you, live and free, right here! Get your print copy, dive into sources and further reading, browse my blog, join my Lighthouse Mama membership or become a patron of the podcast, all at www.annacusack.com.au I’d love to connect on socials too - you can find me @annacusackpostpartum on Instagram and Facebook. This, from the back cover: “What is wrong with me? Am I the only one who feels this way? I can't keep this up... how are all the ot...
2021-08-18
14 min
Anna Asks
24. Exposing the Institution of Motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock
The good girl, good woman, good wife, good worker and good mother narratives are all intertwined - is it any wonder today's mums are struggling? Join me in conversation with Motherhood Studies sociologist Dr. Sophie Brock to unpack the social construction of motherhood. We discuss the inherent interdependence of the mother-child relationship, the flawed argument behind maternal self-sacrifice and how mothers and the practitioners who work with them can begin to get unstuck and effect change in their lives and the broader social landscape that is motherhood. You can connect with Dr Sophie via
2021-08-16
30 min
Anna Asks
23. Beyond The Bias: The Science of Motherhood and Postpartum Nutrition with Dr. Renee White
We all hear about "evidence based" health advice, professional practice and baby care, but what does that even mean? Join Dr. Renee White and I as we cut through the crap around research, biases and books that aren't what they're cracked up to be. We discuss the intersection between not-so-scientific sources, social media and mamas desperately seeking solutions, and how postpartum nutrition is both a new site of exploration and ideological contention and an ancient artform in the practice of nurturing mothers in their early postpartum. You can connect with Dr Renee on Instagram @fillyourcup_ And on t...
2021-08-06
34 min
Anna Asks
22. Twin Chaos, Kids' Books and Life as a Defence Force Family with Katie Bowman
This episode I speak with Katie Bowman, a mama of three (including double trouble twin three year olds) keeping it real. She speaks as she writes - with a trademark blend of sarcasm and seriousness, with the occasional swear for good measure! We chat about the craziness of life as a mother and the ways we each carve out time for creativity. The episode opens with a conversation about moving often as part of a defence force family, and the opportunities and challenges that come along with it. Enjoy! You can connect with Katie and find her...
2021-07-30
26 min
Anna Asks
21. Matyrdom, Motherhood Support and Maternal Health research with Dr. Haya Zedan
Dr. Haya Zedan is an maternal support professional, public health researcher, academic and mother. With one eye on health policy and the other on individual experience of motherhood, she has a unique take on what motherhood means in her home country of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Haya is a translator of scholarly research to the mothers on the ground (in both English and Arabic), an identifier of gaps in the academic knowledge base, and a woman doing her best to fill them without losing sight of the preciousness of her own wellbeing. You can find Dr. Haya and...
2021-07-15
32 min
The Science of Motherhood
Ep 10. Anna Cusack - How Continuity of Care was the Key to Her Postpartum Success + the Birth of Her Second Baby (Book): Mama You're Not Broken
Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist. As an author, podcaster, blogger and speaker, Anna reaches thousands of women every year with evidence-based information and inspirational, actionable content. Anna combines her knowledge in areas such as traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding support and exercise physiology to guide women through their transition to parenthood and early years of mothering. Her services include postbirth planning, in-home and online postbirth support, and mentoring for mothers and the professionals who work with them. Find out more about Fill Your Cup: World's First Biochemist Led Doula Villagewww.ifillyourcup.comI...
2021-07-09
51 min
Anna Asks
20. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Birth Recovery, Divorce and Pandemic Parenting with Lucy Howlett
Lucy's dream of a "natural birth" did not go to plan, but her experience with birth trauma-related PTSD did lead to her a love affair with helping women recover holistically after childbirth. She is a physical therapist, master of many healing touch modalities and speaks to what has helped her in her recovery from birth trauma. We discuss emotional sensitivity, separation, worthiness and parenting through a pandemic in the UK. Enjoy! The book Lucy refers to is "How to Heal a Bad Birth" by Melissa J. Bruijn and Debby A. Gould. You can connect with...
2021-07-01
28 min
Anna Asks
19. Racism, Re-education, and Realities for First Nations Women in Birth and Motherhood with Alicia Johnson
Introducing: Alicia Johnson. Alicia is an Indigenous woman, academic and mother. In her work, studies, motherhood and all other areas of her life, she is navigating colonisation in the 21st century, challenging racial stereotypes and type casts of what it means to be “black, fat, proud and a mummy”! Alicia combines her usual hard-hitting social commentary with trademark humour and stories from her own life. You’ll also hear about “Midnight Mothers”, her biggest professional project yet that invites those interested in re-educating themselves to review the world of birth through the lens of First Nations women. You can connect with Alici...
2021-06-17
39 min
Work.Mama.Life with Dr Ali Young
Anna Cusack - Unlocking Motherhood for our Health and Self
Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist. As an author, podcaster, blogger and social media creator, Anna reaches thousands of women every year with evidence-based information and inspirational content. Her work explores the emotional underbelly and physiological processes of being a mother, and shines a light on the sociocultural processes that effect our experiences of motherhood. Anna combines her knowledge in areas such as traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding, motherhood studies and exercise physiology to guide women through their early years of mothering. You can find her on the “Motherhood Made Magic” podcast, at www.annacusack.com.au and...
2021-06-16
42 min
Anna Asks
18. Connecting All Kids and Their Communities with Culture with Tanieka Riley
In this episode I speak with Tanieka Riley - a proud Wiradjuri woman, mum of two (with a third on the way) and founder of Yaali Creations. At 24, Tanieka has set about creating change in the way we children (and adults) of all backgrounds learn about culture both at home and in educational settings, through creation of an evolving suite of interactive resources. We touch on her experience with birth and medical systems, and the fears that compound the already difficult task of child-raising in 2021 for Aboriginal and young mums in Australia. You can connect with Tanieka...
2021-06-10
31 min
Anna Asks
17. Finding Your Magic Formula - Making Mixed Feeding Work by Choice or Necessity with Lucy Ruddle, IBCLC
Breast or bottle? If we’re being realistic, explains Lucy Ruddle, it’s not as simple as one or the other. Most most mums spend time in both camps, and even more spend time using both their own and extra milk simultaneously for significant parts of their feeding journey. Lucy is one of the most passionate (and funniest) women on the internet. She talks us through how to make it work – how to protect your own milk supply while mixed feeding, how to see through capitalism’s hijacking of the life saving medicine that is formula, how to get t...
2021-06-03
45 min
Talks with the Feminine
Anna Cusack: Caring for Mothers (MamaUp Series)
An interview with the wonderful Anna Cusack: Author, Podcaster, Blogger and Motherhood Revolutionist. We chat Anna's personal motherhood experience, her journey to conceiving and her wealth of knowledge in caring for mothers and assisting them in planning an empowering postnatal period. Anna and I explore the way in which rethinking how we view mothers and providing them with rich support structures can positively impact our whole society.Find Anna, the 'Motherhood Made Magic' Podcast and preorder her new book, 'Mama, You're not Broken' at:https://www.annacusack.com.au/
2021-06-01
30 min
Social Media Makers
#75 - Revolutionising Modern Motherhood with Anna Cusack : THE MOTHERHOOD CHRONICLES
In this episode, I chat to Anna Cusack about how she has navigated business and mum life by seeking and creating community and giving...
2021-05-29
44 min
Anna Asks
16. Prolapse, Perfectionism and Empowering Mothers to Move Well with Kimmy Smith
Kimmy Smith is a powerful voice for mothers who want to move well. Having spent years as a professional athlete and corporate lawyer, her own transition to motherhood was anything but smooth. We talk candidly about prolapse, its management, and how she faced pregnancy and birth after her diagnosis. We also dig into the creation of the Empowered Motherhood Program (Australia’s most comprehensive and accessible multidisciplinary online pre and postnatal rehab program for women) and her rejection of motherhood-induced resentment. You can find her at @kimmysmithfit and @empoweredmother_ And at www.empoweredmother.com.au...
2021-05-27
24 min
Anna Asks
15. “Owning it all” – Queenhood and Channeling Our Inner Beyonce with Zoe and Tracey Meacham
What is Queen energy? How can we cultivate it inside the (ironically masculine) practice of mothering, and within our relationships with our partners, colleagues, children and even our baristas? Mother daughter duo Zoe and Tracey Meacham are enamoured with embodiment, relationship and all things feminine energy. This episode discusses how we can inject Queen vibes into our everyday experience as women and feminine core people, and why it’s always about us, not our Kings. Find Zoe on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/missZoeMeacham And instagram @zoe.meacham ...
2021-05-21
29 min
Anna Asks
14. Mama Monologue - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” has landed, here’s the intro!
Want the next 10 chapters of gold? Get it all over world in eBook and paperback format via www.annacusack.com.au/book/ or follow along with me on insta @annacusackpostpartum
2021-05-13
11 min
Anna Asks
13. Like a Deer in the Headlights - Annie Tayleur on prepping partners for birth
What is the role of partners in the birth space? How can we best prepare them to support us during birth? What is the role of a doula in birth, for partners and birthing parents? This week I speak with Annie Tayleur, a Victoria-based writer, childbirth educator, birth worker and mum, who has the answers to these very questions. She is the host of the "Mama Up" podcast You can connect with her via her website www.annietayleur.com and her social media channels: Facebook...
2021-05-06
22 min
Anna Asks
12. “Pleasure” is not a dirty word - with Regan Figg
How going with what feels good helps with mothering, relationship, build a business...even birth! After a decade of yoga, meditation and spiritual teachings, motherhood still hit Regan like a ton of bricks. The way out was through pleasure, not though hard slog. The Pleasurepreneur herself walks us through how it’s done... Find Regan on Instagram @regan_figg and tune into her podcast “Dive In with Regan Figg”. Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother. You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au Ord...
2021-04-29
25 min
Anna Asks
11. Nurturing the parent-infant bond through loving touch and infant massage - with Claire Ward
Baby massage, parent bonding, reflux, maternal mental health, postpartum support and the lack of... this chat with Claire goes every which way, just like the experience of early motherhood. I'm so glad to share this episode with you and have her serving mums in my local Lake Mac area. Get in touch with Claire at @babymassageaus Contact The Nurture Centre - https://www.facebook.com/thenurturecentre/ @thenurturecentre Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother. You can find her online at www.annacusack.com...
2021-04-22
31 min
Anna Asks
10. Attention seeking or connection seeking? Cooperation over control through play with Shelley Clarke
Shelley Clarke is a wealth of knowledge on all things playful parenting and has transformed my tooth-brushing troubles, and I couldn't wait to have her on the podcast to share just some of her insights with us all. On this episode we talk attention seeking vs connection seeking, control vs cooperation with our kids, therapeutic touch and play-based emotional processing for children. You can find Shelley at: Her website www.shelleyclarke.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/shelleyclarkemindbodyparenting Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise ph...
2021-04-15
39 min
Anna Asks
9. Teaching our kids to be the boss of their own bodies through safer, stronger parenting with Caroline Ellen
Body safety. Online safety. Consent. Learning to look after our bodies. Is this stuff the responsibility of schools, parents or governments? How do we have these conversations in our home, and teach our kids this stuff from the start? Caroline Ellen is a social worker and parenting coach who believes all children deserve a childhood free to play and discover. Caroline is the founder of Safer Stronger Kids and on a mission to improve children’s physical and emotional safety through stronger parent-child relationships. You can find Caroline at www.saferstrongerkids...
2021-04-08
36 min
Anna Asks
8. "It's designed naturally, but it doesn't come naturally" - The Letdown on Breastfeeding with Emma Maher, IBCLC
Want the letdown on breastfeeding? How can we prepare ourselves to breastfeed, and what do partners need to know to support us in our quest? Meet Emma Maher, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, midwife, nurse and mum of two. She is passionate about breastfeeding education, troubleshooting breastfeeding and giving families the expert information they need to make empowered choices. You can find her at www.empoweredlactationwithemma.com.auand on Instagram @empoweredlactation_withemma. In this episode we mention: The LCANZ directory to find an IBCLC – www.lcanz.org The Au...
2021-04-01
19 min
And The Net Appeared
Revolutionising motherhood with Anna Cusack
Let's talk about one of the biggest leaps some women take: the leap into motherhood.My guest this week, Anna Cusack, is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, blogger and social media creator.Her work explores the emotional underbelly and physiological processes of being a mother and shines a light on the sociocultural processes that affect our experiences of motherhood. Anna combines her knowledge in areas such as traditional postpartum care, breastfeeding, motherhood studies and exercise physiology to guide women through their early years of mothering. As a woman with no kids (ye...
2021-03-30
41 min