Leah Itsines birth story of Jesse
What if we were taught..
In this episode, Leah Itsines shares the deeply personal journey of her second pregnancy and the birth of baby Jesse. Planning a VBAC, Leah opens up about the extensive preparation she did for Jesse’s birth and reflects on the challenges, surprises, and joys along the way. Raw, vulnerable, and often hilarious, Leah recounts her labour story with authenticity and humor, giving listeners a front-row seat to the highs and lows of bringing Jesse into the world. She also shares her postpartum experience and what it’s been like adjusting to life as a family of four. A heartfelt and candid...
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Understanding Early Pregnancy Loss — A Holistic Conversation with Paige Waters
What if we were taught..
In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into the much-needed conversation around early pregnancy loss, exploring it through a holistic and compassionate lens with acupuncturist and fertility expert, Paige Waters. With over a decade of experience in fertility and women’s health, Paige shares her wisdom and expertise as we discuss: The emotional and psychological impact of early pregnancy loss Common causes and contributing factors — from a holistic Chinese medicine perspective Recurrent pregnancy loss and how Chinese medicine can support understanding and healing The...
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Early Pregnancy Loss with Dr Drew Moffrey
What if we were taught..
Today’s episode explores a deeply important topic — early pregnancy loss. Early pregnancy loss (often referred to as “miscarriage”) is defined as a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation. It affects 1 in 4 pregnancies and is an area that needs more information, education, support, and follow-up care. I’m joined by Dr Drew Moffrey, a Private Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based at Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast. Drew also hosts the annual event, raising vital funds for families navigating early loss. Together, we explore: What defines early pregnancy loss and the various...
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Understanding the Menstrual Cycle with Paige Waters – A Holistic Breakdown of the Four Phases
What if we were taught..
In this empowering episode, I’m joined by Acupuncturist and Fertility Specialist Paige Waters—affectionately known as The Fertility Detective—to dive deep into the menstrual cycle. Together, we explore the four distinct phases of the cycle through both a physiological and emotional lens, helping you understand what’s really going on in your body, mind, and spirit each month. With over a decade of experience in fertility and women’s health, Paige shares her wisdom on how tuning into the rhythms of the cycle can transform everything from relationships to productivity and emotional...
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Exploring Birth Trauma with Athena Hammond
What if we were taught..
In today’s episode, we dive deep into the topic of birth trauma — its impact, prevalence, and the many ways it can shape a woman’s and couple’s journey into postpartum, future births, and beyond. We explore: What birth trauma is and how common it really is Why trauma isn’t always physical — it can also be emotional or psychological The challenges of living with trauma in the postpartum period How birth trauma can influence future pregnancies and births The increased vulnerability of women with a history of sexual assault The first steps toward healing and reclaiming your journey...
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What is a “Doula” and how can they support you with Mel
What if we were taught..
In this episode, I’m joined by Mel — a Doula, Mum of 2 and passionate advocate for supported, empowered birth and postpartum — to dive deep into the world of doulas. In this episode we chat about; What is a Doula? The role of a Doula in pregnancy, birth & postpartum The training involved in becoming a Doula The different types of Doulas you can have How a Doula supports birth, postpartum, partners and the entire family How to choose the right doula for your family About Mel Mel is the heart behind . With a deep commitment to emotional, physical, and practical...
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Exploring the "Breath" with Sal Howe
What if we were taught..
, a breath training expert who breaks down the science and strategy behind functional breathing. Sal explains how dysfunctional breathing patterns—like chronic mouth or chest breathing—can impact stress, energy, sleep, and even labor. She also discusses how breath training is about retraining the respiratory system for optimal everyday function. We explore the four pillars of functional breathing—biomechanics, biochemistry, psychophysiology, and habit—the crucial role of nose breathing and CO₂ tolerance, and how breath directly influences the nervous system via the vagus nerve....
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Little People Big Feelings with Gen Muir
What if we were taught..
Are you curious about what’s really going on behind your child’s big feelings and challenging behaviours? Do you want to better understand your little one—and yourself—during those tough parenting moments? Wondering how we can connect more deeply with our children, help them build emotional resilience, and parent differently from the way we were raised? In this episode, I’m so excited to be joined by the incredible Gen Muir. We explore: • The emotional layers beneath our children’s behaviours • How our own triggers show up in parenting, and what it really takes to stay...
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My top 3 tips on what to do as soon as you find out your pregnant!
What if we were taught..
One of the main things I hear women say when they first find out they are pregnant is ;“ I have no idea where to start”! In this short solo episode I give my top 3 tips on what to do as soon as you find out you are pregnant. So if you are pregnant and wondering where to start with this minefield then this is the episode for you. This also marks the final episode for 2024. Wishing each and everyone of you a very Merry Xmas. We will return Feb 2025 and boy do we have an exciting lineup install for 2025!! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over...
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Natalie's Birth Story
What if we were taught..
Today’s episode is with new Mum Natalie. Natalie is currently 5 weeks into her Motherhood journey so I felt extremely honoured to hear this story (for the first time with you) during such a sacred and special stage. Often we hear this generalisation that “your first birth may be longer”, well Natalie is a beautiful example of how birth cannot be generalised but is individual and how we cannot predict the length of anyones labour! After just 4.5 hrs of labour, Natalie and Scott welcomed baby Nelly to their world! In this episode we chat about; What labour was like for her and how Scott...
info_outlineIn today’s episode, we dive deep into the topic of birth trauma — its impact, prevalence, and the many ways it can shape a woman’s and couple’s journey into postpartum, future births, and beyond.
We explore:
- What birth trauma is and how common it really is
- Why trauma isn’t always physical — it can also be emotional or psychological
- The challenges of living with trauma in the postpartum period
- How birth trauma can influence future pregnancies and births
- The increased vulnerability of women with a history of sexual assault
- The first steps toward healing and reclaiming your journey
- Resources and support options for those navigating trauma
- Practical tools and small steps to help reduce trauma for both women and their partners
- What birth professionals — midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and other care providers — can do to support change
- The bigger picture: systematic changes needed to address this serious issue
Athena Hammond
Is a trauma therapist who is also a registered Midwife with her phd. She has worked in and around the maternity care sector for more than two decades; as a doula, midwife, researcher, university lecturer, group facilitator and educator. In addition to this she also works in private psychotherapy practice and is trained as a person-centred therapist with extra training around trauma, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems theory and interpersonal neurobiology. She has taught counselling skills at university and consults on the topic of birth trauma, including briefing the Select Committee of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma in 2023.
This conversation is for parents, partners, and professionals alike, offering understanding, support, and tools for both healing and prevention.
Resources for women, partners and proffesionals experiencing distress:
- Birth Trauma Australia
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
- Gidget Foundation
- Centre for Perinatal Psychology Additional links for support around sexual assault & childhood trauma.Additonal support for Midwives:
For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to:
www.thepregnancycollective.com.au
Follow me on Instagram;
Check out Athena on Instagram;
Visit her website and connect here:
https://www.thebirthcounsel.com.au
Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.