Thepowerofbirth - Podcast Details

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Postpartum like a boss62 | Living with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) - with Amber-lee @thepowerofbirthIn this episode we are so lucky to be joined by Amber-lee @thepowerofbirth to talk all things HG. Amber-lee is a final year Master of Psychology student who experienced HG in both of her unexpected pregnancies. I love the way Amber-lee so eloquently describes the complexity of living with HG both during and after pregnancy as we chat through HG's biological, psychological and social impacts and the importance of systemic change for those who experience HG. Resources: 1:1 Counselling support - Book a 1:1 counselling session with Gemma at Three Little Birds today Conn...2024-06-061h 09

Can We Talk About This?Ep.55 Your Maternal Brain: Challenging 'Baby Brain' & Relearning How Motherhood Changes Our Brains (for the better)Do you feel different after having a baby? We've talked about matrescence but this episode is dedicated to understanding the biological changes and components of matrescence through a neuroscience lens. Host Amber-lee is joined by Dr. Sarah McKay, a renowned neuroscientist and author of Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better), to delve deep into the neuroscience of motherhood, debunking common myths surrounding 'baby brain' and the changes women experience during pregnancy and after childbirth. From the influence of hormones to the reorganisation of the brain...2024-05-111h 11

Can We Talk About This?Ep.54 We Have So Many Reasons To Be Angry: Unpacking Anger & Rage in MotherhoodIn this enlightening episode, host Amber-lee, delves into the complex web of anger and rage in motherhood with guest Yara Heary, a dedicated psychologist from Life After Birth Psychology. They explore the nuances of anger as both a valid and misunderstood emotion, distinct yet connected to the journey of mothering. The conversation traverses the landscape of societal expectations, cultural contexts, and the barriers that mothers face, illuminating the intricate ways in which support systems, or the lack thereof, shape our experiences, while sharing their own mothering experiences with rage. Aimed at breaking down stigmas and navigating the turbulent waters...2024-05-021h 09

Can We Talk About This?Ep.53 Mental Health Mini Series #6 Make Self Compassion Your SuperpowerIn the final episode of the mental health mini-series, join host Amber-lee as she explores the transformative power of self-compassion. I delve into the concept of self-compassion with insights from leading researcher Dr. Kristen Neff and discover the key elements of self-kindness, shared humanity, and mindfulness as tools to nurture understanding and care towards oneself. Through relatable scenarios of fictional mothers Kate and Nora, listeners witness the impact of self-compassion on navigating the challenges of motherhood and emotional health. Practical strategies and insights are offered and backed by neuroscience to cultivate self-compassion and reshape inner dialogues. Tune in to...2024-04-1819 min

Can We Talk About This?Ep.51 Mental Health Mini Series #4 Mindfulness#4 of the Mental Health Mini Series focuses on mindfulness and explores the importance of being present in the moment. Your host, Amber-lee shares insights on the concept of mindfulness, its benefits, and guides listeners through two mindfulness exercises they can incorporate into their daily lives. The first exercise, '5-4-3-2-1 Senses Grounding,' helps listeners connect with their immediate environment using their senses, while the second exercise involves mindful eating that helps you practice being present. Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve self-awareness, and support your overall wellbeing, especially for busy mums, but anyone can do these...2024-04-0322 min

Can We Talk About This?Ep.50 Mental Health Mini Series #3 Progressive Muscle RelaxationThis episode in the Mental Health Mini Series, I, your host Amber-lee, take you through one of my favourite techniques, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). This technique nourishes your mind and soul having a deep impact on your mental health and physiological responses to stress. Motherhood introduces unique psychological stresses, making us vulnerable to conditions like depression and anxiety. Yet, PMR stands out as a versatile tool, offering relief and resilience across life's stressful seasons; from depression and anxiety, sleep issues to managing chronic pain, stress, and more. PMR enhances emotional regulation and physical relaxation. This episode doesn't just highlight...2024-03-2420 min

Can We Talk About This?Ep.49 Mental Health Mini Series #2 Box BreathingBox Breathing, also known as square breathing or four-square breathing, is a structured breathing technique with roots in ancient yogic practices. This technique involves a rhythmic pattern of inhalation, holding the breath, exhalation, and holding the breath again, each for an equal count of time, typically ranging from four to eight counts. As a mum, you wear many hats—nurturer, chef, chauffeur, teacher as so on. With all the love and joy also come moments of overwhelm, anxiety, and exhaustion. That's where Box Breathing steps in, offering you a lifeline to regulate and feel more balanced. Whether you...2024-03-1715 min

Can We Talk About This?Ep.48 Mental Health Mini Series #1 Body ScanWelcome to season 4 of Can We Talk About This?! I am kicking off with a Mental Health Mini Series designed with mums in mind, where you get 6 episodes with me, Amber-lee Buendicho, offering some basic tools and resources for your mental health that you can incorporate in your daily life. We all know the demands of mothering and personal life can be stressful, triggering, frustration, exhausting and I wanted to offer some of my favourite tools because we need to take care of ourselves too! This series is here to offer a helping hand, guiding you through a...2024-03-1431 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 47: Brianna’s Story: The Dark Cloud that Follows You After LossBrianna talks about her experience in her first pregnancy which was full of excitement and preparation to then find out at 14 weeks her baby had passed at 10 weeks gestation. Brianna talks about the devastating realisation she had been carrying a dead baby and openly talks about what her physical loss looked like and the aftermath of her ‘missed miscarriage’ and the impact grief, sadness and post traumatic stress symptoms had on her mind and life. When Brianna did finally fall pregnant again, everything was ok but the dark cloud of possible complications or loss followed her for the entire preg...2023-11-162h 00

Can We Talk About This?Episode 46: Rebecca’s Story: Perinatal Acute Anxiety, Tokophobia, Postnatal Depression, OCD & PTSDRebecca bravely shares her experiences struggling with her mental health since childhood and how her experiences becoming a mother exacerbated her struggles. Rebecca openly shares about her very wanted pregnancy and how anxiety and tokophobia (clinical fear of childbirth) robbed her of any joy or excitement and how that impacted her birth decisions and immediate postpartum experiences. We chat about distinguishing anxiety, tokophobia and common fears of childbirth. Rebecca shares about her birth and the acute psychological distress she experienced and how that impacted her postpartum which quickly took a scary turn. Rebecca was admitted i...2023-09-051h 32

Can We Talk About This?Episode 45: It’s Just the Baby Blues… Or Is It?Too often struggling mums go to get support for their mental health and are told, “its just the baby blues, it will pass” when really, it’s not the baby blues. I, Amber-lee your host, thought an episode addressing all things baby blues would be helpful to this audience so that we can have an understanding of what is normal and what is not in early postpartum. I describe what the baby blues looks like, common symptoms, hormonal fluctuations, sociocultural factors, ways to help you through it as well as when to seek help. Remember, the baby blues a...2023-08-2033 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 44: ’More Than A Healthy Baby’ - Perinatal Trauma & Post Traumatic Growth with Dr Erin BoweThis episode delves into the often-overlooked world of perinatal trauma and post-traumatic growth. Your host Amber-lee Buendicho is joined by the very down-to-earth and insightful Dr. Erin Bowe, author of the book 'More Than A Healthy Baby: Finding Strength & Growth After Birth Trauma'. We talk about what led her to write this book and Dr Erin expands on some of the concepts she writes about, including her own traumatic birth and breastfeeding experiences. We explore the complexities of perinatal trauma, including birth and breastfeeding trauma, differentiating what Dr Erin calls 'little t trauma' and 'big T t...2023-08-151h 19

Can We Talk About This?Episode 43: Sex After Baby & Rediscovering SensualityJoin me as I sit down with Vanessa, mum and Sex Therapist from Authentic Awareness, for an eye-opening discussion on the topic of sex after having a baby. Together, we delve into the often overlooked aspects of postpartum sex and how the conventional postpartum six-week clearance from healthcare providers can be a missed opportunity for important conversations with women and couples. Throughout our conversation, we tackle a wide range of issues, starting with the fluctuation of libido and the differences in sexual desires between males and females. Vanessa, drawing from her expertise, generously shares her invaluable tips f...2023-07-161h 22

Can We Talk About This?Episode 42: Embracing Healing After a Traumatic Homebirth (HBAC)In this powerful episode, we follow the courageous journey of Bec Black, a perinatal psychologist and mother of three, as she shares her deeply personal and traumatic experience of attempting a Homebirth After Caesarean (HBAC). Bec takes us through her emotional and physical struggle, the unforeseen challenges she faced during labour, and her transfer to the hospital. Throughout the episode, Bec opens up about the intense emotions she grappled with following her traumatic birth experience. She talks honestly about the profound struggle she encountered in accepting that her birth did not unfold as she had hoped and...2023-07-101h 05

Can We Talk About This?Episode 41: Tips for Finding the Right TherapistThis episode is a little different as your host, Amber-lee offers some practical tips and experiences with finding the right psychologist or mental health professional during the perinatal period. This episode offers an exploration of unique challenges that arise during the perinatal period and why it is crucial to seek a mental health professional who has specialised knowledge in perinatal mental health - because specialised knowledge matters! Amber-lee, a passionate advocate for maternal wellbeing, draws from personal experiences and shares valuable insights on navigating the process of finding the ideal psychologist who understands the needs and complexities...2023-07-0226 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 40: C-Section Recovery & Pelvic Floor Health with a Perinatal PhysiotherapistIn this episode, join me as I sit down with Kath from FitNest Mama to talk about all things c-section recovery, and your pelvic floor does not escape this conversation! We explore a range of important aspects surrounding this subject, shedding light on what to expect during the recovery process, signs and symptoms something isn’t right, safe sequential and functional exercises postpartum, and so much more. Kath and I also emphasise the significance of seeking support from Women’s Health Physiotherapists. Our conversation extends into our hopes for improved healthcare practices to prevent women from living with...2023-06-2539 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 39: Danni’s Story: Navigating Infertility and IVF in Rural AustraliaIn this episode, your host Amber-lee, speaks to Danni-Leigh about her experiences and challenges with infertility living in rural Queensland, Australia, receiving a late diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the emotional rollercoaster of navigating in-vitro-fertilisation (IVF), and the unforeseen emergency surgery to drain her ovaries and remove her fallopian tubes. Throughout the conversation, Danni sheds light on the physical, emotional and financial toll infertility takes on her life. She speaks candidly about the unspoken struggles and longing for a family that she has been fighting for relentlessly for years. With refreshing honesty, Danni addresses t...2023-06-181h 02

Can We Talk About This?Episode 38: The Birth Evolution from Mother to DoulaIn this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Sarah Z, a courageous mother and founder of Birth Made Mindful, who shares her transformative journey through birth experiences and her subsequent path to becoming a doula. Sarah's story begins with a difficult birth that unexpectedly turned into a caesarean section with her first baby. Determined to have a different experience in her subsequent births, Sarah embarked on a quest for knowledge and empowerment. As Sarah delved into birth preparation for her second and third pregnancies, she came to the realisation that the challenges she faced were not...2023-06-1146 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 37: Embracing the Challenges and Beauty in Raising Neurodiverse ChildrenNeurodiverse people make up about 12% of Australians and are often underrepresented and misunderstood and so it is really important to have conversations and bring awareness to such a deserving topic. In this episode, Sarah, mum of 3 children, 2 with neurodiversity, chats to me about her experiences becoming a mother and realising her children were different and seeking answers. Sarah talks about the challenges of raising children with neurodiversity in a neurotypical world but also the beauty that it brings, looking at the world through a different lens. Sarah speaks to her motherhood journey and fighting an eating disorder, relationship changes...2023-06-051h 06

Can We Talk About This?Episode 36: What Makes Birth Traumatic? All Things Birth Trauma with Dr Rosie PajakIn a world where 1 in 3 women describe their birth experience as traumatic and up to 1 in 10 go on to develop PTSD following childbirth, conversations like this are a necessity. Raising awareness and openly talking about ways to recognise and seek support. I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr Rosie Pajak, a clinical psychologist about all things birth trauma. We go into detail about the varying levels of trauma and what they look like, the importance of psychological safety, what makes birth traumatic, vicarious trauma, consequences of birth trauma in motherhood, ways we can prepare for another birth after...2023-02-171h 09

Can We Talk About This?Episode 35: Bec’s Story: Termination For Medical Reasons (TFMR)With the ongoing political & religious debate on abortion, a mother of a genetic disorder opens up about her experience of TFMR and the impact this has had on her. Bec shares information about her genetic disorder and how that changed what her family would look like, having a 'missed miscarriage' D&C and a 'chemical miscarriage' after the birth of her healthy daughter. Bec opens up about finding out her baby had a chromosomal condition (BFLS) and the decision to terminate and the hoops she had to jump through to have that happen. Bec describes TFMR as a “no ch...2023-02-051h 28

Can We Talk About This?Episode 34: The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) and Understanding Obstetric ViolenceIn Australia we have a high caesarean section rate (37%) and a very low VBAC rate (12%). Dr Hazel Keedle is a VBAC researcher and VBAC mama herself and she joins me to chat about why it is so challenging for women to have a VBAC, the truth about risk of uterine rupture and vaginal tearing, what to do to increase your chances of a VBAC, advocating for yourself and what to do if you have been scared out of one when you want one. Dr Keedle also shares details about her recent study on obstetric violence where they found 1 in 10...2023-01-271h 35

Can We Talk About This?Episode 33: Dismantling ‘Perfect’ Mothering and Becoming Our Own Version of a Good Enough MotherThis is an episode FULL of gems!! Have you struggled with the pressures of being a perfect mother or never feeling good enough?! Ali Pember, a coach and psychotherapist for 10 years who works with mothers shares a snippet of her experience becoming a mother unexpectedly later in life and the role matrescence played in her life choices. Ali also shares her wisdom on the pressures of motherhood, the cultural narrative and the perfect mother myth, valuing the work we do as mothers and how important the language we use is in valuing ourselves, how to feel good enough rather...2022-12-301h 06

Can We Talk About This?Episode 32: Research Project: Perceptions of Birth and Wellbeing After Birth Debriefing Among Women Who Describe Their Birth as TraumaticThis episode is a little different as it is just me, Amber-lee, your host behind the mic chatting about my recent Honours research study on subjective birth trauma and birth debriefing and my findings but also what led me down the childbirth rabbit hole 18 months ago. There’s a lot of information in this episode but I hope you find it interesting! If you would like a copy of the results of this study please email me thepowerofbirth@outlook.com Thank you to everyone who promoted and/or completed the study. Your...2022-12-1249 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 31: Responsive Parenting: There’s No Such Thing As a Perfect ParentThere’s no such thing as a perfect parent, right?! Yet there is a myriad of conflicting parenting advice that puts pressure on parents to be perfect, particularly mothers, and it is hard to know if we are getting it right. Becoming a mother has a funny way of getting us to reflect on how we were parented and at times gives us a way of reparenting ourselves in the process of parenting our children. Rebecca Cefai, a psychologist who has a special interest in perinatal mental health and parenting talks to me about responsive parenting, a parenting style th...2022-11-2156 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 30: They Say It Takes a Village To Raise a Child, But Mothers Need a Village Too!An honest conversation about the realities of mothering within a culture that does not centre mothers. Emma Gray chats to me about her experience entering motherhood, everything she ever wanted and the first time around really was a dream, to then add another child and the transition be much more difficult. Emma talks candidly about her experience with a colicky baby, resentment in relationships, matrescence, mothering alone most of the time and juggling work, kids, life and a charity. We also chat about Emma’s commitment to maternal mental health and the evolution of her new found charity The Nu...2022-11-1451 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 29: “The Day My Vagina Broke” with Stephanie ThompsonStephanie Thompson, author of The Day My Vagina Broke – What They Don’t Tell You About Childbirth, had already endured cancer prior to becoming a mum and so entering motherhood, she had very big hopes for her future family, however her birth was not what she expected and changed her life forever. Stephanie suffered a traumatic birth injury that rocked her to the core and she openly talks about her injuries and the impact these injuries have on her life. She also shares her experience having a vaginal birth after Pelvic Organ Prolapse and her healing journey and what the...2022-07-191h 14

Can We Talk About This?Episode 28: Nikki’s Story: Premature Twin Birth, NICU, Baby Loss, Grief and Healing*Trigger warning for this episode* Nikki so beautifully and with so much vulnerability shares her experience of her premature twin birth and the loss of both of her baby girls, Nayara & Nabela. Her birth was quite traumatic and Nikki shares the confusion, the shock, the grief, the pain, the cost, and the emotions around premature birth, infant death, NICU stay, and the separation from her babies. Nikki also mentions the cultural expectations when losing a loved one and how difficult that was for her situation. Nikki shares how grief and loss have impacted her life and the t...2022-05-271h 31

Can We Talk About This?Episode 27: Chante’s Story: The Brutality of Ptyalism and Hyperemesis Gravidarum Ptyalism (Ty-a-lis-im) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum are brutal conditions in pregnancy that we don’t often hear about or understand. Chante Campbell-Morrison shares her experience with these relentless conditions, her mistreatment, what life looked like, what happens to your mind and your body, her diagnosis with PTSD and anxiety, bonding with her baby and the long term impact on her life. Chante also talks about her non-linear healing journey and her mission to raise awareness and supporting mums struggling with Ptyalism and HG. You can find Chante on socials @wild.feathered.flower If yo...2022-05-141h 19

Can We Talk About This?Episode 26: The Genius of Birth Mapping; The Revolution We Needed!Birth plans tend to be controversial, insufficient and not respected, for the most part. So should we have one? What goes in it? Does your birth just all come down to luck? Well, let me introduce you to Catherine Bell who is an absolute go getter and completely hilarious! And she shares the revolution of birth mapping – not a birth plan but a map and it’s genius! The concepts are different and birth mapping helps you, the birther, understand the different pathways to birth including models of care, interventions and what’s attached to them, the importance of langua...2022-04-201h 07

Can We Talk About This?Episode 25: Early Pregnancy Loss & a Healing BirthDoes gestation matter when it comes to loss? Who gets to decide this? Early pregnancy loss is full of mixed emotions, often not spoken about and an experience most women don’t feel validated in because of how we, as society, think about early miscarriage. Sarah chats to me about the excitement of her first pregnancy and her devastating experience losing her baby “sprinkle” a few weeks later. Sarah gets really honest and vulnerable in sharing her story and shares some details not everyone talks about - the physical and emotional, and speaks so passionately about how we treat women...2022-03-301h 19

Can We Talk About This?Episode 24: Awakening to The Patriarchy and Reclaiming Feminine Power with Jane Hardwicke CollingsHave you ever felt like being a woman was a burden? Periods, pregnancy, birth, pelvic health, motherhood, menopause and so on, it’s not always pleasant. But maybe because the culture we live in doesn’t value the feminine, and so we internalise the messages our culture tells us, that being a woman is a burden, physically, mentally, socially, financially, in all aspects of life. Jane Hardwicke Collings, the wise woman herself, chats about the consequences of patriarchal culture, HERstory, rights of passage, birth, menstrual shame, menopause and how it is all connected to the way we feel about ours...2022-03-081h 18

Can We Talk About This?Episode 23: Feminism, Birth and the Implications of Eliminating Sex Based LanguageMilli Hill is an absolute powerhouse in the birth world and her books are a testament to that. We chat about encouraging women to think about their births and creating a birth plan, power imbalances, obstetric violence, #metoo in birth and bodily autonomy. We chat further about feminism and the messages we as women receive about our bodies and the shame around women’s bodies and how it starts right from menstruation. Milli opens up about her experience being “cancelled” after questioning arising blanket terms like “birthing people” in maternity care and the importance of keeping sex based language in women’s...2022-02-261h 15

Can We Talk About This?Episode 22: The Sacred 4th Trimester and How We Can Better Prepare and Embrace PostpartumYou prepare for birth, you prepare your baby essentials, you have your baby and then you are sent on your way – for most people – and now what? We even saw during the covid pandemic that postpartum care was deemed “non essential”, which continued the narrative that postpartum, particularly the 4th trimester, wasn’t important and mothers were doing it on their own. In this episode, Leila Armour, a postpartum doula, shares her postpartum wisdom chatting all things tips, resting, depletion, setting intentions, normalising rest and reframing the way we think about postpartum. Leila talks about preparing for postpartum and the sacredn...2022-02-031h 05

Can We Talk About This?Episode 21: Reclaiming Midwifery & Childbirth with Dr Rachel ReedDr Rachel Reed is one of the leading researcher’s in childbirth who discusses physiological birth and how misunderstood women’s bodies are. She also talks about birth as a rite of passage, birth culture, interventions, herstory, policy vs evidence based practice, and midwifery practice, and the complications that arise juggling culture, policy, informed consent and evidenced based practice. Dr Reed talks about centering the woman in birth, individualising our births as there is no right way to birth and how birth is allowed to be different for everyone. Finally, we chat about reclaiming midwifery and childbirth and where that r...2022-01-201h 24

Can We Talk About This?Episode 20: From hospital birth, to home birth, to free birthOnly 2% of Aussie mums birth at home and even less have a free birth. Home births tend to have a “dangerous” stigma attached to it and it appears home births are very misunderstood, despite plenty of evidence to show they are safe. Natasha shares her experiences in this episode as a rural mum of 4, home schooling her children, all while helping her husband run their dairy farm. Natasha also shares her birth experiences and has a lot to offer in the conversation of home births and free births. Natasha experienced some trauma and power struggles in hospital and decided afte...2022-01-0658 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 19: ”My planned caesarean”Samantha Keen chats to me about her birth experiences; induced vaginal birth that went relatively smoothly and then her planned caesarean and recovery. Samantha shares her reasons for opting for a caesarean after a positive vaginal birth experience due to lack of education and support for her pelvic floor and the trouble that followed. Samantha’s story is important because it shows not only a positive experience in both birth scenarios, but also the consequences for a woman in a culture that cares about the baby and not necessarily the mother aka pelvic floor, recovery time, being cleared at 6 we...2021-12-1359 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 18: A conversation with birth doula MicahA humorous conversation with Micah from Waco, Texas USA, a birth doula for over 20 years, mum of 6 and author of The Humour in Birth. Micah currently trains upcoming doulas and has supported over 200 births in her phenomenal career. Micah shares her experiences home birthing and her preterm birth with baby number 6 and shares her wisdom with us for what it’s like being a doula, mentor, author and mum of 6, now raising adult children. This is a great conversation with so much goodness and you will definitely learn something from her, as I did! You can...2021-11-221h 10

Can We Talk About This?Episode 17: Sheree’s story: shining a light on PND/A, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and her sons diagnosis with failure to thriveSheree shares her experience navigating pelvic health conditions; endometriosis and later diagnosed Adenomyosis and how she copes with these conditions raising children, working and studying. Sheree also talks about the model of care she chose for birth and why she would choose differently next time. She also shares the impact covid had on her mental health, her postnatal anxiety and depression and how she was hesitant to go on medication but how medication has been the biggest help. Sheree’s motherhood journey has not been easy, her second baby had colic, selective IGA sufficiency, food aversions and eventually diagnosed “fail...2021-11-151h 03

Can We Talk About This?Episode 16: Kate’s story: emergency caesarean birth, postnatal depression and mum life raising 3 boysKate Smith from @yourmumfriend shares her experiences entering motherhood, her struggles, her third birth which was a CAT1 emergency caesarean section to save her baby’s life and how she processed and coped with her intense birth experience. Kate also shares her experience with undiagnosed postnatal depression which manifested as rage and how life is going now with her 3 boys aged 6, 4 & 2 and the beautiful gift of hindsight and loving our postpartum bodies. This conversation was just like chatting to a friend and there is lots of laughter but we also get serious about certain topics and Kate has such a...2021-11-0154 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 15: The power of pilates for pre and postnatal bodiesLaura from @unwindpilates chats to me about the physical and mental benefits of pilates for pre and postnatal women and why its important to listen to your body, slow down and find the right kind of movement for you when carrying a baby or recovering from birth. We chat about pelvic floor and Women’s Health Physio’s and how local pilates instructors can work together with them to help women be educated, rehabilitate and restore their bodies. We also chat about when returning to exercise, consider pilates before heading into higher intensity exercise to set up a stable and...2021-10-1044 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 14: Fear in birth and what we can do about itOnce upon a time, women did not fear birth, and yet today, fear in birth is common and problematic. Rebecca Black, a psychologist, mother, hypnobirth practitioner and founder of The Mindful Birth Movement chats to me about the role of fear in birth, where it comes from, how to eliminate it and how hypnobirthing can help you unpack, process and release it. She talks about how important it is to work through past traumas, dive into your subconscious and prepare your mind to help you work through birth. Bec shares tips in preparing for birth to have a positive...2021-09-2246 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 13: Shoulder Dystocia, infant death and grieving the loss of your babyWe chat to Imajyn Walker who was categorised as low risk in pregnancy to then deliver her baby who got ‘stuck’ for a significant amount of time resulting in baby Asher’s death in the NICU. Immi is very vocal about shoulder dystocia and how a woman’s intuition should always be considered in birth decisions and outcomes and knowing your rights as it has completely flipped her world upside down. How do you even begin to cope with such a traumatic birth and the loss of your baby?! Immi talks about her grief and what others should know about in...2021-09-061h 10

Can We Talk About This?Episode 12: Normalising doulas for birth supportBirth doulas can be the difference in positive birth experiences and outcomes, yet, it is rare for birthing women to have a doula support her. We even have the research to back up the need for a doula in our current maternity system, so why aren’t we using them!? A lot of people still remain unaware of the role a doula has in birth and the benefits. So we chat to Amelia, a birth doula who breaks down the incredible birth support a doula can provide, advocating for yourself, the importance of your own intuition and power, birth ed...2021-08-201h 06

Can We Talk About This?Episode 11: Postnatal Depletion – a naturopaths perspectiveNutrient depletion has a huge impact on our wellbeing throughout pregnancy and postpartum but it is something that often is overlooked in maternal health. We chat to Lucy Fitzgibbons a womens health naturopath about the impacts pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding can have on your body and ultimately your health and why its important to put more focus into our internal health over our external looks. She gives great insight into how we can best support ourselves in our most vulnerable state and how important it is to nurture the mother as much as the baby, not to mention the...2021-06-1152 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 10: Living with birth traumaAlison Milner chats to us about her experience after a traumatic birth and navigating life with a prolapse and the complications she endured finding the right treatment and management and how that affected her mental health. Alison shares the early red flags of pelvic floor issues after her first baby and frustrations about why women are left in the dark about pelvic health, symptoms and risks. If you are interested in reading Alison's story you can read it on the following links: Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNj6eGUHMSf/?utm_s...2021-06-1143 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 9: How implementing breathwork in your life can change your lifeWhat is it about the breath? We chat to Nicola Laye about how breathwork can benefit us in our physiological functioning, birth and mental wellbeing. Nicola shares her secrets to living a fulfilled and happy life and using the breath to empower our body and mind, ultimately a skill that can change your life! We even finish off with a few minutes of breathing! Links: @nicolalaye Music is called "Flowers" by Limujii and can be found on YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify 2021-06-1048 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 8: Why Hyperemesis Gravidarum is NOT morning sicknessWe chat to Caitlin Kay-Smith found of non for profit organization Hyperemesis Gravidarium Australia about all things HG and why ginger is not the answer. HG is not morning sickness but is often mistaken for it and should be treated seriously as the complications and consequences go well beyond pregnancy. We talk about why HG has taken so long to be recognized, trauma, malnutrition, treatment, support and what life looks like beyond. HG needs our attention so it does not continue to go undiagnosed and women receive the appropriate treatment they deserve. Links: htt...2021-06-1059 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 7: Part 2 - Why you NEED to know about your pelvic floor and see a Women’s Health PhysioWe continue our chat about pelvic health but in this chat we talk specifically about postpartum changes in our bodies and what this means for a woman. We talk about all things diastasis recti, hemorrhoids, cesarean scar, prolapse, pessaries, postnatal checks with a women’s health physio, the language we use around our bodies and dysfunction, menopause, physios in maternity wards in our hospitals and hopes for the future of women’s health. Claire is based on the Gold Coast at The living Well Studio in Burleigh and Coast Colorectal at John Flynn Hospital 2021-06-1039 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 6: Part 1 - Why you NEED to know about your pelvic floor and see a Women’s Health PhysioYour pelvic floor is one of the most important muscles in your body that we really need to be talking about and its not just about doing pelvic floor exercises. When it comes to pelvic health generally women say “I wish someone told me” and this shows that knowledge is power - know the signs and symptoms, know the risks, know your body! The statistics for pelvic floor dysfunction are shocking and awareness of pelvic health demands your attention! We chat to a pelvic health physiotherapist about everything you need to know about your pelvic floor whether you have had...2021-06-1038 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 5: Miscarriage and secondary infertilityTrigger warning: miscarriage. Sarah Pratt bravely shares her story entering motherhood and the challenges after birth. She also talks about the confusing, emotional rollercoaster with unexplained infertility when trying for more children after her first born and her experiences with multiple miscarriages. Sarah shares about how she was met with a lack of support and left invalidated and dismissed because of how common first trimester miscarriage is, despite her having so many. Sarah is passionate about changing how we normalize first trimester miscarriage and the need for more sensitivity around the topic and support for women struggling. ...2021-06-1054 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 4: Changing the way we think about returning to exerciseIt can be hard to know what kind of exercise and movement that is right for you when you are pregnant and then again after you have a baby. If you feel good, is that enough to tell you its ok to return to play a team sport or go for a run or lift weights? Is 6 weeks really enough time for recovery and should this blanket statement apply to everyone? We chat to Sarah Male aka The Mummy Trainer about returning to exercise and how the fitness industry needs to start taking pre and postnatal women’s health mo...2021-06-1033 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 3: Kaitlyn’s Story: The Unspoken Struggles and Healing in MotherhoodWe are joined by the lovely Kaitlyn Bywater who has just had her third baby boy via planned caesarean section. We chat to Kaitlyn about her motherhood journey, the struggles with HG, birth trauma, rage and living rurally without her support network. She also talks of her prolapse after her second born and her healing birth after trauma. Kaitlyn often shares her realities of motherhood online and continues to empower other mothers in their experiences and is well worth knowing! Links: Kaitlyn has changed her instagram name and now goes by: @holding_mama ...2021-06-1050 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 2: Matrescence and the Birth of a MotherWhen you become a mother often the transition is difficult and full of confronting changes. We chat to Nikki McCahon about the transition a woman experiences after becoming a mother and how truly deep this transformation is. Struggles with identity, mourning your old life, grieving your experiences, feeling disorientated, reevaluating friendships and relationships and ultimately your personal growth. How do you have a baby and ever be the same?! There is so much confusion and challenges in motherhood and Nikki talks to us about supporting ourselves in this vulnerable time. Links: Nikki has re...2021-06-1037 min

Can We Talk About This?Episode 1: Why this? Why now?Host Amber-lee and producer Rigel introduce ourselves and give some context to the podcast and what we think is important to recognise and talk about regarding women's health and wellbeing and helping to bridge the gap. We want everyone to feel empowered, supported, validated and invite you to join the conversation to reduce stigma, shame and guilt on topics that need to be openly spoken about. Links: @thepowerofbirth & @b.d.esigns Music is called "Flowers" by Limujii and can be found on YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify 2021-06-1033 min