Shows
Beyond the BumpWhat’s it like to fall pregnant unexpectedly? Talking termination - with Laksmi WilsonWelcome to Episode 251 of Beyond the Bump!
This week, we’re diving into a topic that is often overlooked but deeply important—termination. We sit down with Laksmi Wilson to have an open and honest conversation about this complex decision, hoping it resonates with those who may have experienced it, know someone who has, or might face it in the future.
Termination is a deeply personal and difficult choice. We acknowledge the strength and courage it takes for women to make decisions about their bodies, health, and futures. Everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s not ou...2024-09-161h 24Beyond the BumpRaising three boys, challenging sibling adjustments, some exciting BTB news ... what didn’t we cover - with Laksmi WilsonWelcome to episode 212 of Beyond the Bump - our final episode for 2023!!!! Join us as we chat with the amazing Laksmi Wilson all about the chaos and charm of raising three boys and tackling sibling adjustments.
The title says it all, so kick back, and enjoy our last hurrah of the year. Wishing everyone a joyous Merry Christmas (for those celebrating) and a fantastic New Year! We'll catch you back here, same time, same place in 2024!
Oh, and we've also got some pretty exciting news to spill! If you're missing us over the festive break, n...2023-12-181h 28
Womb RoomSpecial Episode! Will Most Women With Recurrent Miscarriage Go On To Have A Baby? - with Lora ShahineIn this episode ... well it's the season finale!Wrapping up season 1 with an incredibly informative episode chatting to Dr. Lora Shahine about all things miscarriage, and I spill the beans on why season 1 ends here!Dr. Shahine is a Fertility Specialist, IVF doctor, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Author and Podcaster based in Seattle.We discuss:What are some myths about miscarriage that aren't helpful?Does the emotional support from your specialist affect your fertility?Are chromosomal abnormalities the main cause of recurrent loss?Should IVF be considered when miscarriage is the issue?Should...2022-04-1354 minWomb RoomWe Could Have Let Our Son's Death Destroy Us But That's Just Not Who We Are - with Sarah Morris (IVF, unicornuate uterus, ANA, miscarriage, endometriosis, stillbirth, twin pregnancy)In this episode Sarah shares very openly and evenly her journey through IVF, ANA, being diagnosed with a unicornuate uterus, the loss of her perfectly healthy son, and the double rainbow that followed. I messaged Sarah before releasing this episode as I wanted to know if the term “stillborn” was how she refers to her son Michael so I could use the appropriate term in this episode description.She thanked me for asking, and said that even though her son was born alive, he had passed by the time a medical professional saw him and so he is t...2022-04-0652 minWomb RoomWe Have The Nursery, Now Where Is Our Baby? - with Bethany Behnke (recurrent miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, IVF)In this episode Beth is still waiting to become a mum. The nursery is set up. The baby clothes are all bought. Beth describes the difficult and heartbreaking journey she has had so far, across trying to conceive, miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and then finally, the phone call which changed everything. Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears that really need them.You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:2022-03-291h 09Womb RoomSpecial Episode! Why Does It Matter What You Do In The Three Months Before Conceiving? - with Francesca NaishIn this episode I mine Francesca Naish for the absolute wellspring of knowledge that she is! Francesca is a leading naturopath, herbalist and hypnotherapist, practising for over 40 years in the fertility field. She is the director of The Jocelyn Centre fertility clinic in Sydney and has created programmes such as the natural fertility method and published a fair few books on top of that! We cover A LOT! Including:Does eating organic help when ttc?Why is it so important for the male to change his lifestyle before falling pregnant?How can w...2022-03-151h 08Womb RoomThere's An Implication That If You Avoid Certain Foods; Don't Smoke; Don't Drink, Your Pregnancy Will Thrive - with Jennie Agg (recurrent miscarriage, progesterone, women's health journalist)In this episode Jennie eloquently explores and unravels many of the emotional veins of miscarriage. On Jennie’s path to motherhood she suffers four devastating miscarriages before staying pregnant with her son, aided (we think) by progesterone pessaries. Being an award-winning health journalist, Jennie has an unending supply of fascinating fertility tidbits to share and her own musings on loss are so genuinely poignant and relatable. We discuss the 12 week rule, why Jennie doesn’t like the term “chemical” pregnancy, how it feels to be 1 in 100 and suddenly go from “it’s just bad luck” to “something is wrong here”, the role...2022-03-081h 15Womb RoomYou've Got To Have Hope (And A Good Specialist) - with Ange Court (vasectomy reversal, recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, health anxiety, currently pregnant)In this episode Ange Court openly divulges her varying journey through pregnancies, motherhood and multiple miscarriages - including her husbands successful vasectomy reversal! Podcast Sponsor: Food & Fertility (CODE: WOMB15 for 15% off)Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears that really need them.You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-does-this-keep-happening-recurrent-miscarriages/id1484930949?i=1000528572349Support the show2022-03-0151 minWomb RoomYour Friend Is Doing IVF? This Is What She's Going Through (Pt. 2) - with Kate Williamson (currently ttc, recurrent miscarriage, IVF)In this episode … Kate is still trying (part. 2).She hasn’t had her “happy ending” yet but she is hopeful AF. And also sad and exhausted and grateful and optimistic and heartbroken and sometimes jealous.It’s the rollercoaster of ttc. It’s the autopilot feeling of IVF cycles. It’s seeing a positive test, telling your family and friends only to lose again and again.Kate tells her story with total candour, rawness and relatability.Podcast Sponsor: Food & Fertility (CODE: WOMB15 for 15% off)Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjo...2022-02-2446 minWomb RoomYour Friend Is Doing IVF? This Is What She's Going Through (Pt. 1) - with Kate Williamson (currently ttc, recurrent miscarriage, IVF)In this episode … Kate is still trying.She hasn’t had her “happy ending” yet but she is hopeful AF. And also sad and exhausted and grateful and optimistic and heartbroken and sometimes jealous.It’s the rollercoaster of ttc. It’s the autopilot feeling of IVF cycles. It’s seeing a positive test, telling your family and friends only to lose again and again.Kate tells her story with total candour, rawness and relatability.More to come...Podcast Sponsor: Food & Fertility (CODE: WOMB15 for 15% off)Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcast2022-02-2257 minWomb RoomWe Are Grieving More Than The Size Of The Pregnancy - with Sharna Southan (pregnancy loss coach, grief tools, irregular cycles, missed miscarriage)In this episode Sharna, a Pregnancy Loss Coach, relays her personal journey with ttc and miscarriage as well as her professional guidance around grief after loss.Reach Sharna here.Podcast Sponsor: Food & Fertility (CODE: WOMB15 for 15% off)Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears that really need them.You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-does-this-keep-happening-recurrent-miscarriages...2022-02-1558 minWomb RoomMy Best Friend Carried My Baby - with Nicole Russell (IVF, infertility, surrogacy, surrogacy lawyer)In this episode Nicole openly shares the incredible way her family came to be.After many years spent trying to fall pregnant and never once seeing those two pink lines, Nicole's mental health is at an extremely fragile point. She is given the opportunity to allow her best friend to help her fulfil her dream of being a mother and we hear how special this journey has been for them both. Nicole is now a surrogacy lawyer, helping couples navigate the legalities around surrogacy and we talk about what's involved in that and the risk each party faces...2022-02-0859 minWomb RoomAfter My Third Miscarriage I Saw Myself As A Postpartum Woman- with Fiona Erica (multiple miscarriages, medical management, trauma, acupuncture, iron transfusion, currently pregnant)In this episode Fiona opens up about her tumultuous ride into and through motherhood which includes 3 miscarriages. Two naturally occurring and a missed miscarriage which is treated with a long and drawn out medical management. Fiona speaks about the layers of grief, how she sought out psychological help after feeling so battered - physically, mentally and emotionally after her losses and we chat about the support we all crave as grieving women! Fiona’s approach to ttc is to “try everything” - see the doctor and have the weekly acupuncture. After adding Clexane, Aspirin and Progesterone in ttc again Fiona...2022-02-0155 minWomb RoomThe Bathroom Is Where The PTSD Lives - with Meegan Bradley & Harriet JW (same sex IVF, IUI, recurrent miscarriage, donor sperm)In this episode Meegan and Harriet (yes I finally interview a couple!) share their journey to baby Jack. As a same sex couple, IVF is a given for them to conceive but they never envision that it will be so complicated. In their 6 years of trying both women fall pregnant and miscarry (3 miscarriages between them). They also both have a go with IVF, switch sperm donors to someone much closer to home, administer IUI in a car, egg share, develop a strong aversion to seeing other people's baby scan pictures and finally fall and stay pregnant with baby Jack...2022-01-2553 minWomb RoomPregnant Until Proven Otherwise - with Amy Maree (IVF, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, laparoscopy, currently pregnant)In this episode Amy shares with us her long IVF journey. Amy knew from a very young age she wouldn't be able to conceive naturally as she struggled with severe endometriosis. After 5 years trying IVF, including an ectopic pregnancy and then a miscarriage, Amy followed a friend's advice and sought out a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy before her next transfer which was successful! Alongside Amy's fertility journey was her public sharing of it on Instagram and we chat a bit about that along with the importance of mindset and holding on to hope. Connect with Amy: here2022-01-1143 minWomb RoomBonus episode: Tips from Fertility Coach Jennifer Robertson (ttc, self care, grief after loss)In this episode Jen and I pick up our chat from the previous ep. We get more in depth with some of Jen's practical tips around "relaxing" while ttc, self care and identity loss on this journey plus dealing with grief after miscarriage. Jen's Fertility Coaching: Your Fertility HavenJoin Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears that really need them.You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:2022-01-0621 minWomb RoomFrom IVF To Surrogacy and A Surprise Natural Pregnancy - with Jennifer Robertson (infertility, IVF, surrogacy, miscarriage)In this episode Jennifer Robertson, now a Fertility Coach, candidly relays her seven year journey with fertility. Being a "do-er" and a planner, it was incredibly difficult for Jen to cope with being at the mercy of the infertility rollercoaster. No matter how hard she worked, how hard she tried, she couldn't make a baby happen any faster. Fertility consumed her life for 7 years and took it's toll on her identity, mental health and relationship intimacy. Her path to motherhood is turbulent and unexpected. IVF, surrogacy, heart-breaking miscarriages and a surprise natural pregnancy thrown in for good measure.2022-01-0443 minWomb RoomCould I Have Avoided 12 Miscarriages By Giving Up Bread? - with Yvette Southgate (recurrent miscarriage, gluten, mental health, ectopic pregnancy)In this episode Yvette shares her story of utter determination to have a baby through years of loss and grief. Yvette suffers 12 miscarriages - 3 of them ectopic before falling pregnant and staying pregnant with her two children. Why does she suffer so many losses? We may never know but she ruminates on some remarkable coincidences in her two successful pregnancies (or perhaps legitimate answers!).An incredible story and a beautiful woman with so much love to give.Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a...2021-12-2846 minWomb RoomStill A Mum - with Meagan Donaldson (termination for medical reasons, stillborn, second trimester loss, genetic testing, IVF)In this episode Meagan openly shares her very difficult journey with TFMR (Termination For Medical Reasons). Her daughter Violet was born still at 23 weeks after a very rare diagnosis. Meagan gives us her soul shaking recount of making that decision and the days that followed, including spending the weekend with her still daughter. Meagan is courageous in the detail she shares and provides incredible insight into an absolutely heartbreaking experience. This episode is so important and I’m so grateful to Meagan for opening up to us! After the birth of her daughter, Meagan goes on to have genetic te...2021-12-2158 minWomb RoomSpecial Episode! Interview with Dr. Nick Lolatgis aka The Cowboy aka The Specialist Who Solved My InfertilityIn this special episode Dr. Nick Lolatgis and I chat about all things recurrent miscarriage, infertility and IVF. What are the causes of recurrent miscarriage and why is so much unexplained? Are any of the myths true? Can stress, over exertion, lack of sleep cause miscarriage?Why is the DQ Alpha match so controversial? Why do so few specialists treat tissue compatibility issues with LMIT?Can BV, yeast infections, UTI’s etc harm your baby in early pregnancy?Can you have too much sex during the fertile window?What can we do fr...2021-12-1452 minWomb RoomI Didn't Even Know What a Missed Miscarriage Was - with Juliet Cochrane (infertility, clomid, recurrent miscarriage, missed miscarriage, progesterone support, clexane support, pregnancy after loss anxiety)In this episode Juliet bares her complicated path to motherhood. She goes off the pill at 28 with the all too familiar “try without trying” plan. After two years with no baby and two periods Juliet is told she will need IVF. Before taking that step Juliet tries a medication to induce ovulation and falls pregnant only to find out at her 12 week scan her baby doesn’t have a heartbeat anymore. Juliet tragically suffers another missed miscarriage after this and here she takes a summer off, to “pause”. With the help of progesterone and Clexane she afterwards conceives and births her...2021-12-0758 minWomb RoomIVF Cowgirl - with Raine Holcombe (IVF, DQalpha match, remote living, vanishing twin syndrome, ttc again)In this episode I chat with Raine Holcombe, who struggles with infertility and lives really remotely! The trials and tribulations that come with access to specialist treatments and the like is a massive added hurdle. Raine tries for 4 years (1 year naturally and then 3 with IVF) before falling pregnant with her baby girl after undergoing LMIT and immune protocol but she faces difficulty within that pregnancy too.Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears...2021-11-3058 minWomb RoomHow the Hell Did I Get Here? - with Farryn Shuvalov (secondary infertility, recurrent miscarriage, endometritis, medical advocacy, currently pregnant)In this episode Farryn shares her traumatic journey with us, through an easy first pregnancy followed by five harrowing miscarriages. How the hell did I get here? What is happening to me? Farryn spirals rapidly from a place of joy and ease to extreme physical and emotional pain as she battles inner trauma alongside her recurrent losses and medical professionals who dismiss her persistent and growing fears. After eventual correct diagnosis, treatment and spiritual healing Farryn falls and stays pregnant with her current rainbow baby. Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're e...2021-11-231h 24Womb RoomBonus Episode: Truth be Told - with Laksmi Wilson (sponsorship, CIN3, lletz, abortion)In this episode your host Laksmi Wilson has a story to tell. Or three. "Absolutely shit scared" is the general vibe around releasing this episode! Topics include sponsorships, abnormal cervical cells and abortion.Join Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show please leave a review! Takes a mere few minutes and will help get these stories into more ears that really need them.You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-does-this-keep-happening-recurrent-miscarriages/id1484930949?i=1000528572349Support the show2021-11-1836 minWomb RoomWe stopped trying and starting grieving never having another baby - with Snezana Wright (secondary infertility, recurrent miscarriage, rheumatoid arthritis)In this episode Snezana takes us on a rollercoaster of a ride. Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she anticipated how difficult it was going to be trying for a baby. Yet, somehow the opposite happened! After an easy first pregnancy Snezana felt confident trying for her second and devastatingly, struggled with crushing loss after crushing loss. After her third miscarriage she felt accepting ending her ttc journey without another child would be easier than going through the grief of another miscarriage. Her and her husband made a decision to stop, but the rollercoaster wasn’t done with her yet....2021-11-1655 minWomb RoomThe second last embryo - with Kristy Brydon (Infertility, Hashimotos, PCO, low AMH, IVF, miscarriage)In this weeks episode Kristy takes us on her prolonged road to motherhood. At 33 she starts ttc with known Hashimotos but doesn’t foresee how difficult getting pregnant will be. Diagnosed with suspected PCO and low AMH she progresses to IVF. After many failed cycles Kristy eventually falls pregnant but unfortunately her story doesn’t end there. 5 years since starting ttc Kristy finally falls and stays pregnant, fulfilling her dream of motherhood at 38. Such an incredible story! Kristy is open, kind and down-to-earth and approaches her situation with an unflappable pragmatism. Sponsor: https://www.modibodi.com/Code...2021-11-091h 00Womb RoomMama, I'm not ready yet - with Lisa Brodbeck (secondary infertility, recurrent miscarriage, spirituality)In this episode Lisa takes us on a powerful spiritual and emotional ride. WOW. Tears, shivers, goosebumps and lots of laughter. Lisa has a blissful first pregnancy but in trying to bring forth a second child she endures three miscarriages before falling and staying pregnant with her second living child. Lisa is an exciting and vivacious storyteller. It’s hard not to get swept up in her tale of sadness, fear, surrender, and ultimately a passionate trust in herself, her baby, the moon and the stars. Episode notes:Spirit Babies - by Walter Makichen2021-11-021h 10Womb RoomHow can I boost my fertility? - with Fertility Specialist Jacqui Lamplugh (diet, supplements, tests)Special Episode! In this episode I grill Jacqui Lamplugh - fertility specialist naturopath on all things … fertility!How does diet impact conceiving?How can we naturally boost progesterone?What tests should we be asking for?Which supplements have been shown to get results?Do animals have miscarriages?Should men stop their balls getting too hot?!How can we prevent ectopic pregnancy?Jacqui offers us practical and specific advice that can be applied to any step of the trying to conceive journey!2021-10-261h 01Womb RoomGrief is grief and loss is loss, no matter the stage - with Hollie Bartolo (miscarriage, loss trauma, public miscarriage, currently pregnant)Hollie takes us on her winding journey between loss and babies, usually one following the other. What's it like to have a miscarriage in public? How much should we tell our children when they witness a loss? How can we process the aftermath of miscarriage trauma? Hollie takes a more hands-off approach while trying for a baby, preferring to think positively and not look too deeply into the WHY of it all. Episode notes:Contact Hollie on Instagram: @hollie.bartoloJoin Laksmi on Instagram: @wombroom.podcastIf you're enjoying the show p...2021-10-1952 minWomb RoomThe chemical Queen - with Emily Cotton (recurrent miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, chromosomal abnormality, medicated natural pregnancy, ttc again)Emily, a self-professed “Chemical Queen”, shares her fertility journey over the last four years, in which she has been pregnant seven times. Emily has a chromosome abnormality called "Robertsonian Translocation" of chromosomes 14 and 22 which puts her at higher risk of early miscarriage but following 4 chemical pregnancies she finally found a team who looked further. After putting her on a variety of medications to support her hormones around the start of her pregnancies, one stuck! Emily is trying again for number 2 and devastatingly, has had another 2 miscarriages. This story has all the feels.Episode notes:Bulk bill...2021-10-1257 minWomb RoomBorn without a womb - with Ally Hensley (mrkh, mental health, surrogacy, childfree)Ally was diagnosed at 16yo with MRKH. With firing ovaries - boobs, hips and a typical vulva, you would never know that internally her body had failed to form a womb, cervix and vaginal canal. While she spent 9 months pushing tubes into herself to create a vagina, she remained infertile. Ally shares with us the poignant, heartfelt and heartbreaking road this diagnosis led her down - from self destruction, sexual shame and surrogacy to international speaking on turning trauma into triumph. Her story is immensely powerful and incredibly inspiring. Her words tug at the human frailties inside all of...2021-10-0547 minWomb RoomThe story to your first pregnancy doesn't write the next - with Elise Mosey (recurrent miscarriage, IVF, IUI, irregular cycles, acupuncture, twin pregnancy)In this episode Elise unveils her taxing journey with conceiving, pregnancy, miscarriage, IUI and IVF. Never quite getting a regular cycle, Elise anticipated she might have some difficulty but never imagined just how hard it would be. Despite struggling with irregular cycles, insufficient endometrial lining, and a few other tests results which, while never giving a clear answer, raised alarm bells, Elise went on to carry her first viable pregnancy aided by few medications and her second viable pregnancy … well you’ll have to hear it to believe it!Episode notes: Acupuncture clinic: Nuwa Natural Heal...2021-09-281h 04Womb RoomAfter your fertility specialist says, "There's nothing more we can do for you" - with Lauren Stretton (recurrent miscarriage, reproductive immunologist, spirituality)In this episode Lauren divulges her emotional and extremely difficult path to becoming a mother. Lauren suffers multiple miscarriages and is even told by her fertility specialist "there is nothing more we can do for you". Thankfully, Lauren doesn't stop there and, with the help of a reproductive immunologist in Western Sydney and a ton of medications, prayer and bedrest Lauren is finally able to hold her baby in her arms.Episode notes:Dr. Gamal Matthias - https://www.reproductiveimmunology.com.au/You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:https://p...2021-09-2143 minWomb RoomNo one is exempt from miscarriage - with Victoria Beattie (recurrent miscarriage, spirituality, zinc deficiency, progesterone support, ttc again)In this episode Victoria gives us her hopeful but heartbreaking recount of the 7 pregnancies she has experienced, only 2 of which she holds in her arms today. She attributes the success of her 6th pregnancy (coming after 4 back-to-back losses) as divine timing but also perhaps a result of getting her zinc, iodine and progesterone to a healthy level. Victoria also took a six week break from work and all responsibilities, including hiring a cleaner and getting food delivered after her 4th miscarriage. She didn't think of herself as the type to have a miscarriage but sees now, "no one is e...2021-09-1444 minWomb RoomLaparoscopies And Loss - with Kristal Smith (Endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, IVF, hysterectomy)In this episode Kristal opens up about her 10 year saga with ttc, pregnancy and motherhood. Kristal’s journey is fraught with many obstacles, including stage 4 endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, and failed IVF cycles. Through the many years of trying Kristal birthed 3 babies in between laparoscopies and losses and has now closed this massive chapter of her life with a hysterectomy. This story is one of hope.Episode Notes:Maneesh Singhhttps://www.goldcoasthealthcare.com/obstetrics-gynaecology/dr-maneesh-singhDr. Kee Onghttps://www.goldcoastfertilityspecialist.com.au/You can listen to ho...2021-09-0755 minWomb RoomHow sad are we supposed to feel? - with Abbey Vares (second trimester loss, twin loss, recurrent miscarriage)In this episode Abbey takes us through her arduous road to motherhood including the loss of her beautiful twins, Arlo and Riyo at 22 weeks. She speaks candidly about losing friends in the wake of loss, navigating many difficult emotions including how sad she “should” feel and the unease of returning to her corporate workplace. We also get very excited about pregnancy tests and discuss the idea of “everything happens for a reason”. Spoiler alert: neither of us are a fan!You can listen to host Laksmi Wilson's story here:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/w...2021-08-311h 04