What if we were taught..

Welcome to the "what if we were taught.." podcast with your host Kate Martyn. A Midwife and Mum who knows first hand that there is just sooo much more we could offer our future parents to be.. A podcast developed to bring a collective amount of resources, wisdom and knowledge to couples surrounding Pregnancy, Birth, the Postpartum and Parenting.

Leah Itsines birth story of Jesse 11/12/2025

Understanding Early Pregnancy Loss — A Holistic Conversation with Paige Waters 10/31/2025

Early Pregnancy Loss with Dr Drew Moffrey 10/18/2025

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle with Paige Waters – A Holistic Breakdown of the Four Phases 09/14/2025

Exploring Birth Trauma with Athena Hammond 09/01/2025

Exploring Birth Trauma with Athena Hammond 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 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: 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: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Athena on Instagram; Visit her website and connect here: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/38044925

What is a “Doula” and how can they support you with Mel 07/31/2025

Exploring the "Breath" with Sal Howe 06/30/2025

Exploring the "Breath" with Sal Howe , 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. Sal also shares how breath training during pregnancy can be a game-changer for both labor and postpartum recovery. Sal Howe Sal Howe is a Surf Coach and Functional Breathing & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist who helps individuals enhance their physical and mental well-being through breath and orofacial retraining. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based methodologies, including The Oxygen Advantage, Buteyko, Survival Apnea, and ongoing studies in Breath Science. Sal teaches practical, accessible techniques to restore healthy breathing patterns—supporting improved energy, focus, sleep quality, and emotional resilience. Key Topics Covered: What breath training really is—and how it differs from breathwork Signs of dysfunctional breathing and how to spot them Why nose breathing is more efficient than mouth breathing Chest vs. diaphragmatic breathing and the stress connection The science of CO₂ and the Bohr effect Breath as a tool to regulate the nervous system Practical applications for breath training in pregnancy and labor 📄 Full show notes and mentioned links: 👉 📸 Follow me on Instagram: 👉 Check out Sal Howe at: 🌐 📸 Please note: All information shared on this podcast by the host or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for individual guidance. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/37102295

Little People Big Feelings with Gen Muir 05/31/2025

Little People Big Feelings with Gen Muir 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 regulated when things feel like they’re spiralling • How to recognise the “emotional climb” and step in early before things escalate • Brain development in young children and what their emotional capacity really is • The importance of setting core rules and boundaries—and what to do when our kids push against them • How to co-regulate with our children, and so much more About Gen Muir Gen is the author of Little People, Big Feelings. She’s an experienced parent educator, Obstetric Social Worker, and mum of four boys. Gen is widely known for her compassionate and practical approach to supporting families through the highs and lows of early childhood. This episode is such an important one. For so many of us trying to parent differently than how we were raised, it can feel challenging—especially when we’re trying to do what was never shown to us. Whether you have kids, are planning to have them, or work with children in any way, I invite you to listen in. BOOK GIVEAWAY! As always, when I interview an author, I run a giveaway of their book over on my Instagram page. This giveaway will run for two weeks—so if you’d love a chance to get your hands on Little People, Big Feelings by Gen Muir, head over to: For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode, visit: Follow me on Instagram: Check out Gen Muir at: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/36706695

My top 3 tips on what to do as soon as you find out your pregnant! 12/21/2024

Natalie's Birth Story 09/01/2024

My Births of Tallow and Jax- Hospital and Homebirth 08/08/2024

Persistent Pelvic Pain with Women’s Health Physio’s Zara and Renee 06/30/2024

Persistent Pelvic Pain with Women’s Health Physio’s Zara and Renee In today’s episode we are joined with 2 incredible women’s health physio’s; Zara and Renee.In it we explore in detail “Persistent pelvic pain”, which affects a significant number of women. So what is “persistent pelvic pain”? And if we suffer from it what can we do about it?Today’s episode covers these questions and so much more. Zara Howard Zara has a strong interest in pelvic and sexual pain conditions. In 2018, Zara completed her Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy (Major in Continence and Women’s Health), at Curtin University. This dedication to her work and study allows Zara to be classified as an Australian Physiotherapy of Australia (APA) Titled Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. Zara has worked alongside Urogynaecology doctors and nurses in the public health as the Senior Physiotherapist in the Physiotherapy-Led Pelvic Health Clinic (2016-2023). In this clinic she treated women with incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, bowel conditions, sexual dysfunction, and tears after birth. Prior to this Zara’s career experience was in inpatient and outpatient Women’s Health services. Research and best practice care is paramount to Zara. Over the last 7 years Zara has published peer-reviewed research articles surrounding Pelvic Health and optimal provision of healthcare utilising group-based programs. Zara has her own private practice on the Gold Coast, and prides herself on blending evidence-based with intuitive care. Renee Loughlin Renee graduated in 2014 with a combined Bachelor of exercise science and Master of Physiotherapy degree and has been working for QLD health in tertiary hospitals for the past 9 years. Over the years Renee became passionate about supporting those with persistent pain which has led to further professional development in persistent pain including a professional certificate in pain theory and concepts. Renee has helped people with all types of pain conditions in both individual consults and through group programs. Throughout the years Renee has worked with pain specialists and other members of the multidisciplinary teams. During her recent years her interest has also turned to women’s health, which has led her to working with women with persistent pelvic pain. Recently Renee has started running her own mobile physiotherapy business called “Future First Physiotherapy” as well as co-founding NURTURE which is a persistent pelvic pain program with Zara. Renee’s goal is to educate and empower all her clients to have the confidence in managing their conditions and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to achieve their goals In this episode we chat about; Both Zara and Renee’s professional and personal backgrounds that led them to specialise in “ Persistent Pelvic Pain (PPP)”. What is the definition of persistent pelvic pain and how common is it? The affects PPP can have on women’s lives. Zara and Renee’s unique program “Nurture” and their approach to PPP Why a holistic and integrative approach is important And sooo much more For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out their program "Nurture" at: Follow Zara and Nurture program on Instram at; Follow Renee on Instagram at; 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/31369882

A couples story of their planned VBAC - with Danielle and Daniel 05/31/2024

We are taking our boys around Oz! 05/18/2024

Born at Home with Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie 04/30/2024

Born at Home with Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie If you have only ever seen birth on TV shows and movies you’ll notice it tends to go for drama and often portrays birth as a medical, painful and dramatic event right? But is this really what birth is like? Most people have never seen what a physiological birth can actually look like- let alone a home birth. If this is so, they have not seen the POWER, the MAGIC and the HEALING ability that birth truly can be. Finally, we have a film that shows us what birth can truly look like. Born at Home is a stunning documentary film exploring what it takes to have a positive and transformative birth experience and emphasises that where and how women choose to birth matters. So today we are joined with Producer and co creator Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie -co creator as well as documentary filmmaker, videographer, photographer of this incredible film. If you are wishing to explore the possibilities of birth and learn about the different choices available, then this is the episode for you. In this episode we chat about; The creative process behind the scenes of this film The overall message or “feeling” that they wanted this film to portray Eleanor shares her traumatic birth experience with her first baby and how making this film empowered her to have her own home VBAC! What inspired Amanda to make this film a reality The incredible panels that they produce at screenings in Australia And so much more. If you have the chance to see this film on the big screen I highly encourage you too- or bring a screening to your own town through demands films which we chat about in this episode and you can check out . This episode is an important one. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Born at Home over at; Follow on Instagram at; 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/30882063

Village for Mama- Leila Armour 03/31/2024

Real Food For Fertility with Lisa Hendrickson- Jack 03/13/2024

Real Food For Fertility with Lisa Hendrickson- Jack If you are thinking about having a baby then this is the episode for you! In this episode I am joined with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to talk all about her new book Real Food for Fertility which she co authored with Lilly Nichols. When I first heard about this collaboration I was beyond excited because I understood the immense collective knowledge that these two power house women would bring to this much needed space. In Real Food for Fertility, they show how preconception nutrition and lifestyle choices support your health and vitality and lay the essential groundwork for your baby's development. From promoting optimal egg and sperm quality to regulating your menstrual cycle and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications, the benefits of this investment are priceless. But this book isn't just about nutrition. They delve into topics like the menstrual cycle, fertility awareness, birth control, stress management, toxins, artificial reproductive technology, and the most common reproductive health challenges affecting your fertility. It is a book that I truly believe has the potential to dramatically change the current trajectory of fertility issues for the better. Lisa Hendrickson- Jack Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognising the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health In this Episode we chat about; The concept behind the book and who wrote which part What a normal healthy menstrual cycle should look like Why we should consider the menstrual cycle as a vital sign How our society normalises dysfunction rather than addressing the underlying issue Dispelling common myths that most of us were taught (and are NOT true) surrounding our cycle. How the pill works Potential side affects of the pill When is the ideal time to come off the pill if we are thinking of conceiving. What fertility awareness is and how it help with conception. Male fertility! We chat about the the current sperm guidelines and how they were developed, and why they don't represent what would be 'optimal' for conception. The impact the sperm has on placental development What men can do to optimise their sperm quality How fertility awareness can help men with low sperm count conceive And so much more.. This episode is an important one. I invite ALL health care professionals to listen to this so that we can provide women with current research surrounding nutrition for fertility and the role our menstraul cycle plays. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Lisa Hendrickcon- Jack over at; Follow Lisa on Instagram at; Check out Lisa's Podcast at; Check out Real Food For Fertility (and download the first chapter for FREE) at; 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/30334178

A Mother’s story of Birth and her Postpartum with Lauren 02/29/2024

Real Food for Pregnancy with Lily Nichols RDN, CDE 02/13/2024

Real Food for Pregnancy with Lily Nichols RDN, CDE When it comes to book recommendations for pregnancy there is 1 book that makes my TOP recommendation to read and that is real food for pregnancy by Lily Nichols. When it comes to nutrition in pregnancy we are often told what NOT to eat, but rarely what we SHOULD and NEED to actually nourish our bodies and our babies as well as minimise a range of pregnancy and neonatal complications. Lily Nichols books - Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy are by far the most evidence based and meticulously researched pregnancy nutrition books I have ever read! If you are wanting to be informed on what to eat then this is the episode for you!! AND.. in this episode Lily gives us a sneak peak into her third book Real Food for Fertility, which hits publication today!!! And lastly, if you are wanting to get your hands on a free copy of Real Food For Pregnancy then head over to my Insta page @ to see how. Lily Nichols Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and critical of outdated dietary guidelines. She is founder of the , co-founder of the and the author of two books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at In this Episode we chat about; Lily’s extensive background and qualifications and what led her to write her first book Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and her second book Real Food for Pregnancy. Gestational diabetes and how the “conventional” approach is failing women We debunk the outdated guidelines and myths surrounding low fat diets and explain what healthy fats are and why they are so essential Why protein is so essential in pregnancy and the true amount that we should be getting (hint it’s way more than what conventional guidelines say!!) The implications of low protein intake The implications of LOW Vit A intake Eating liver during pregnancy The importance of choline in pregnancy Glycine in pregnancy- its role and where to find it What you need to know if you are vegetarian or vegan The postpartum and why we need to prepare for this. And so much more.. This episode is an important one. I invite ALL health care professionals to listen to this so that we can provide women with current research surrounding nutrition in pregnancy. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Lily Nichols over at; Follow Lily on Instagram at; 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/29929453

A Dad's perspective on Birth and the Postpartum 01/31/2024

A little end of the year thank you to all the listeners and guests who came on in 2023! 12/24/2023

A little end of the year thank you to all the listeners and guests who came on in 2023! Bonus end of year episode! The end of the 2023 is around the corner and I wanted to do a quick solo episode to say thank you to you for all the listens and dowloads and shares! I have been blown away by all the messages and feedback (I read every single one). I’d also like to thank and acknowledge all the guests we had on the show for its first year (I go through the incredible lineup in today's show). Every single guest agreed to come on before this podcast even commenced and that is a testament to the work they do, their dedication and that they share the belief that there is more that we could be “taught”. I cannot wait for you to see what is in stall for 2024!! Listen for a sneak peak of one of my favourite author and researcher who will be joining us in 2024! Also, I would love to hear from you! What do you wish you had of been taught? Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to hear about? Send me a email or message on social, I’d love to hear from you. Finally, I am taking some time for quality family connection in January so this podcast will recommence 1st Feb 2024! See you all in the new year! Kate Martyn Kate has over 13 years experience as a Midwife, over 15 years as an Emergency Nurse and has been teaching HypnoBirthing and for 11 years. She is also a Mum to two boys, both born in water, 1 born in hospital and 1 a planned home birth and both with private midwifery continuity of care. Her passion is education and informed choices. As a Midwife and Mum she believes there is so much more we can offer in terms of education from preconception to postpartum and with that in mind she created and is the host of the "what if we were taught" Podcast. On this she brings experts from around the world to share their knowledge, research and wisdom in all of these fields, whilst weaving empowering birth stories amongst it. We need a a village to raise a child, we also need a tribe/ team for our pregnancy to postpartum journey. To offer the best woman centre care Kate believes a true collaborative care approach is essential and continuity of care is ideal. To connect with me Head to for the show notes. Email: kate@thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/29211068

Let’s talk about Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) with Dr Hazel Keedle 12/13/2023

Let’s talk about Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) with Dr Hazel Keedle Almost all birth workers have at some point heard the phrase “once a caesar always a caesar”. So let’s examine the research surrounding vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). And who better to discuss this with than Author and Researcher Dr Hazel Keedle. Dr. Hazel Keedle Dr Keedle a Senior Lecturer of Midwifery at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. She has over two decades of experience as a clinician in nursing and midwifery, educator, and researcher. Her research interests are vaginal birth after caesarean, birth trauma, and maternity experiences, which she explores primarily using feminist mixed methodologies. Dr. Keedle's work is recognised nationally and internationally. She has made many invited conference and seminar presentations, and her research has been widely published in academic journals and books. She is the author of the book "Birth after Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth," which is based on her PhD findings. Dr. Keedle is also the lead researcher on the largest maternity experiences survey, The Birth Experience Study. In September 2022, she became the Editor in Chief of The Practising Midwife Australia from All4Maternity. Dr Keedle is passionate about improving the experiences of women during childbirth. She is committed to using her research to advocate for women's rights and to ensure that all women have access to respectful, supportive maternity care. In this episode we; Break down the actual statistical risks associated with VBAC as well as the risks associated with repeat caesarean Bust the myth surrounding this “100 year outdated” saying “once a ceasar always a ceasar”. Hear about Dr Keedle’s own birth’s and how they became the catalyst of her researching journey which then ultimately led to the writings of her book. Discuss how women can best be supported in their VBAC journey And so much more.. This episode is an important one and you will want to stay around till the very end to hear a very very exciting announcement by Dr Keedle!! I invite ALL health care professionals to listen to this so that we can provide women with current research surrounding VBAC and ultimately true Informed consent. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: Check out Dr Hazel Keedle on Instagram ; 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/29012113

A Q & A on Prolapse and our Pelvic Floor with Women's Health physio Cat McArthur 11/30/2023

A Q & A on Prolapse and our Pelvic Floor with Women's Health physio Cat McArthur In episode 13 of the podcast we chatted with Cat McArthur on "Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and our Pelvic Floor" and we received a tonne of feedback from this episode! So we opened up the doors for any questions anyone has related to their pelvic floor and prolapse and suffice to say we got an entire episode worth, so here they are. Your questions answered. If you haven’t already heard episode 13 I invite you to listen. In it we discuss what POP is, symptoms, contributing factors to developing POP, our pelvic floor and so much more as well as my own personal journey with having a prolapse. Cat McArthur Cat is a Gold Coast based Physiotherapist with additional training in Pelvic & Continence health. Drawing on her own experience as an Olympic athlete, Cat strives to work with her clients to ensure they are working towards their own goals and providing them with the tools in which they need to prevent injury throughout all stages of life. Educating and empowering others in order to become the master of their own bodies and health is how Cat practices as a physiotherapist. Cat loves to work in all settings – practicing out of two clinics in Robina and Tweeds Heads, taking community-based exercise classes and offering home visit physiotherapy appointments as well as telehealth to ensure patients can access good quality healthcare in any environment they choose. In this episode we discuss; Cat’s background as an Olympian and what led her to become a women’s health physio. Current research findings surrounding pessaries Symptoms of POP and when to seek support If there is a degree to which a prolapse would preclude having a vaginal birth The affects on existing prolapse with subsequent pregnancies and births How a tight pelvic floor affects birth Abdominal separation, when it becomes an issue and how to manage Does doing our pelvic floor exercise make sex better? Do yoni eggs and other devices help our pelvic floor? And so much more… For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: Check out Cat McArthur ; Follow Cat on Instagram: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/28859778

Let’s have a chat about what your birthing options are with Midwife Nicole Garratt 10/31/2023

Let’s have a chat about what your birthing options are with Midwife Nicole Garratt When we first become pregnant it can be confusing knowing where to start and what birthing options are even available to you. Many people aren’t aware that there are actually many different models when it comes to antenatal, birth and postpartum care. So for this podcast I’m joined with a Midwife that’s done it all- she has worked in both the private and public sector and recently made the shift to becoming a private practicing Midwife. This episode is all about explaining the different birth models available, so that you can make the right informed choice for you. Nicole Garratt Nicole is a mama and a Midwife who now works in a continuity model of care, across all aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care, including home birth and supporting women who choose to birth in hospital. Nicole believes in family centred holistic midwifery which places women as the leaders in their care and supports them to connect with their baby, their body and awaken their intuition. She supports women to blossom into mothers and it’s blooming wonderful. In this episode we discuss; The Public health model- high risk and low risk Shared care What postpartum care looks like in the public sector Midwifery group practice /case load and what this involves for the antenatal, birth and postpartum Private obstetric care for antenatal, birth and postpartum Private Continuity of care with a Midwife- its individualised approach to antenatal, birth and postpartum care The role of the private Midwife in home birth and when/if transferred to hospital Why it's so important we consider what our birth goals and postpartum goals are How having a support person such as a midwife in the hospital can be so beneficial And so much more.. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: Check Nicole Garratt ; Follow Cat on Instagram: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/28473173

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and our Pelvic Floor with Women's Health Physio Cat McArthur 10/13/2023

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and our Pelvic Floor with Women's Health Physio Cat McArthur Something I wish I had of been taught as a Midwife and as a Woman is about my Pelvic Floor and all the things that can contribute to Prolapse. This episode is a big and personal one for me as I share my own experience of having a Prolapse. I am joined with an incredible Women’s Health Physio who has helped me in my own personal journey with a prolapse as well as countless other women. Cat Mc Arthur Cat is a Gold Coast based Physiotherapist with additional training in Pelvic & Continence health. Drawing on her own experience as an Olympic athlete, Cat strives to work with her clients to ensure they are working towards their own goals and providing them with the tools in which they need to prevent injury throughout all stages of life. Educating and empowering others in order to become the master of their own bodies and health is how Cat practices as a physiotherapist. Cat loves to work in all settings – practicing out of two clinics in Robina and Tweeds Heads, taking community-based exercise classes and offering home visit physiotherapy appointments as well as telehealth to ensure patients can access good quality healthcare in any environment they choose. This episode is a big and long one but you’ll want to hang around for the whole thing believe me! In this episode we discuss; My own personal journey with a prolapse and the emotional, physical and psychological aspects of this What is our pelvic floor? How to do our pelvic floor exercises and why we need an individualised approach to this Why it's equally important that we know how to relax our pelvic floor as well as tighten it What is POP -Pelvic Organ Prolapse? What are the contributing factors that contribute to prolapse How to decrease your risk of developing a prolapse Diaphragmatic breathing and it's implications on your pelvic floor How our Glute’s and posture affect our pelvic floor Coached pushing and it's affects on our pelvic floor Symptoms of prolapse How to manage prolapse symptoms Pessaries What should we be doing/not doing during our postpartum to protect our pelvic floor? Preparing for our postpartum And so much more… For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: Check out Cat McArthur ; Follow Cat on Instagram: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/28296944

An honest chat about Motherhood and Self Enquiry with Shae Gready 10/04/2023

Self Enquiry and the differences between Men and Women with Dan Hanson 09/15/2023

Self Enquiry and the differences between Men and Women with Dan Hanson “Women crave emotional connection and being heard… Men just want to “fix it”. Does this sound familiar? In this episode we are joined once again with Dan Hanson to take a deep dive into self enquiry and explore the differences between Men and Women. This is such a refreshing conversation to hear the masculine and feminine perspective from a man that is incredibly humble, honest and has done the work. What does this have to do with a Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting podcast…..?? EVERYTHING! Because we are raising little humans, we are shaping their emotional intelligence and how we (parents) communicate to one another shapes how they communicate. Dan Hanson Dan Hanson was an extremely well known Myofunctional Dentist up until 2021 when he temporarily retired due to the covid response restrictions. Up until 2021, Dan was helping to prevent children from needing orthodontic treatment using Myofunctional Orthodontics, as well as helping infants to feed, performing oral surgery for congenital mouth defects. Dan remains active in this space- lecturing on such subjects, speaking at conferences and educational events worldwide. But it doesn’t stop there- Dans expansive knowledge and wisdom extends so much further than dentistry. In more recent years he has founded “The Community Solution” and is author of the book ‘The Community Solution – A Vision for Connecting Humanity’. Dan’s mission with ‘The Community Solution’ is to inspire and guide others to set up and facilitate sustainable, decentralised communities like his own. His intention is to birth a time when people sit face to face regularly, have fun, and support each other through challenges while forming unshakable bonds. Dan is also a ‘men’s guide’ and group personal development facilitator with a passion for self-inquiry. He creates and facilitates ‘self-inquiry’ events for both men and women who have the desire to better know themselves and to understand and transform their relationships to self and other . To this end he founded , which provides transformational self-awareness and leadership events as well as Rites Of Passage programs encouraging emotional growth and self-awareness in young men during their transition to manhood. To sum up I feel deeply privileged to have the opportunity to talk and to have worked with Dan. His knowledge base is extensive and he truly walks the talk of a holistic health professional that deeply wants to positively impact those around him. He is one of the most humble and inspiring life teachers I have ever had the privilege of knowing and I am sure you will learn a lot from this episode and future episodes to come. In this episode we discuss ; Self enquiry and how our own upbringing shapes our parenting journey Dans own Personal struggles with sleep apnea and bodily symptoms and how that introduced him into breath-work and an intense health exploration journey How his marriage crises was a pivotal point into self enquiry and self work How he identified his own self judgment and his realisation that he is a equal contributor to his relationship How his own childhood trauma profoundly influenced him as an adult and the work he had to do to unpack that How meeting the woman's emotional needs helps in the bedroom How we are a culture that is deeply uncomfortable with feelings and emotional releases How women just want to be heard and men just want to “fix it”, how to navigate this, serve each other and have a better understanding of the masculine and feminine. Where to start with the work What Dan's Men's retreats and Men's groups look like Exploring your “shadow” self and Ego The father and sons rights of passage he facilitates The importance of rights of passage for boys Women's cycles and the profound impact it had on his own relationship when he had this understanding The community work he is doing And so much more… For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on Facebook: Check out Dan Hanson ; Self Enquiry and Rites of Passage work Check out his Community Solution work here Check out his work with Myofunctional therapy here; Follow Dan Hanson on Facebook Follow Dan on Instagram: 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. /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/27997863

Chinese Medicine, acupuncture & acupressure for conception, labour, birth & Postpartum with Tabitha Fennell 08/31/2023

Chinese Medicine, acupuncture & acupressure for conception, labour, birth & Postpartum with Tabitha Fennell Can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help with conception, fertility, pregnancy, labour, birth and the Postpartum?!! I'm joined today with Chinese medicine expert Tabitha Fennell to answer this very question and take a deep dive into the physiology of Chinese medicine and its many modalities. Tabitha Fennell Tabitha runs a busy acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic on the Gold Coast Australia and within these 23 years she has specialised and treated all aspects of hormonal imbalances, fertility and pregnancy. Chinese medicine for Tabitha and her family is a life style, supporting their health on all levels along the way. While being pregnant and a mum of 3 Tabitha learnt how powerful TCM theory was and continues to spread this knowledge to all her clients along their journey. After having three births of their own Tabitha and her husband Brad made an online acupressure course for labour as having used these points during their births they knew how profound it was for the birthing women and their birthing partner to have these effect tools in child birth. In this episode we chat about: The philosophy behind traditional Chinese medicine The individual and whole body approach to Chinese Medicine How it can be used preconception for both the female AND the MALE! It’s role with the nervous system and how acupuncture can takes us from fight or flight to our calm parasympathetic system- which is optimal for conception, pregnancy and birth It’s role in infertility for both the woman AND the MAN Sperm health and how we can optimise it! Now we are pregnant - should I continue acupuncture and Chinese medicine? How it can be helpful with labour and birth Acupressure in labour- some hot tips from Tabitha Tips for the partner during labour Tabitha’s tip for a nourishing and supportive postpartum And so so much more…. For full show notes and links for this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram Check out Tabitha over at: Follow Tabitha on Instagram at: 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 /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/27900795

What is HypnoBirthing with Anthea Thomas? 08/14/2023

What is HypnoBirthing with Anthea Thomas? What is HypnoBirthing? What does it teach? Will it prepare me for birth? Will it prepare my partner for birth? Am I “ under hypnosis”? Can I do Hypnobirthing if I am planning intervention or a hospital birth (yes you absolutely can is the answer btw!)? When we first become pregnant it can be confusing and over whelming knowing where to even start with birth preparation education. So for this episode we are going to chat all about what HypnoBirthing is and what it offers as well as debunk some of the many myths surrounding this comprehensive childbirth preparation class. And who better to chat HypnoBirthing with then the Vice President of the HypnoBirthing® International Institute- Anthea Thomas! Anthea Thomas In addition to being the Vice President Internationally for HypnoBirthing, Anthea is also the director and Faculty Trainer of HypnoBirthing International in Australia. Anthea is a passionate health professional, an experienced Antenatal Educator with over 17 years experience, a public speaker and a Clinical Hypnotherapist supporting families in conception, pregnancy, birthing and parenting as well as a Global Presence Ambassador for Parenting 2.0 and Former Vice President of CAPEA QLD (Childbirth and Parenting Educators of Australia). Anthea is working with therapy based on the philosophy that our unconscious minds can heal our bodies, and control the delicate process of conception and birthing. She is focused on helping people find their unlimited potential in all areas of life, and on helping women to rediscover their natural birthing instincts and works to provide couples with information about their bodies, the birth process, how their mind affects conception and birth helping to empower them to take control of their own journey. In this episode we chat about: Anthea’s own incredibly heartfelt inspirational story of how she first learnt about HypnoBirthing Anthea’s own personal experience with having a VBAC and how HypnoBirthing completely removed her partners and her own fears for that birth. We take a deep dive into what this course involves and what makes it such a comprehensive childbirth class We discuss the Autonomic Nervous System and the impact it has on birth We discuss labour and birth physiology We discuss how HypnoBirthing prepares our partners for birth and the postpartum We debunk the many myths surrounding hypnobirthing And so so much more… I guarantee it will inspire and inform you. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Hypnobirthing International over at; In Australia Internationally Follow HypnoBirthing International on Instagram at; 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 /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/27737673

Preparing for your Postpartum and avoiding “Postnatal Depletion” with Dr Oscar Serrallach 07/31/2023

Preparing for your Postpartum and avoiding “Postnatal Depletion” with Dr Oscar Serrallach The postnatal time should be one of replenishing, restoring and bonding right? Yet in Western Cultures it seems this time is rarely treated as such. We live busy lives, are surrounded by the “social media super mums”, receive little education surrounding the postpartum and culturally don’t view it as a right of passage or even a time of “rest and restoring”. But at what cost is this to the health of the Mother? What is the Postpartum? What is Postnatal depletion? How can we best prepare for this time? To answer these questions and so much more I am honoured to be joined with Dr Oscar Serrallach for today’s episode. Dr Oscar Serrallach Dr Oscar Serrallach is a functional medicine Doctor who is well known in the Postnatal field. His journey into this area was inspired following his partner Carolines home births and her postpartum experience. Through his own personal and professional experience Dr Serrallach realised the huge impact that nutrition, lifestyle and environment have on the postnatal period. He is the author of the Postnatal Depletion Cure” an incredible book where he shares his knowledge surrounding the postpartum and his unique protocols developed to avoid and/or treat postnatal depletion. In this episode we chat about: Dr Oscar's own personal experience with the home births of his children and how his partner Caroline's postpartum experience was the catalyst of his journey into learning about the postpartum. How he identified the lack of information and studies surrounding the postpartum His research into traditional cultures with postpartum care Neuroinflammation- what is it and what are its affects? How he developed the term Postnatal Depletion What Matresecence is and how we need to honour this as a right of passage What is happening hormonally and neurologically during pregnancy What is happening hormonally with the birth of the placenta How to prepare for the postpartum and avoid depletion The myth of the “super mum” Why we need a village and how to create it in 2023! His tips for Dads and their role in the postpartum period How to set us up for a supportive postpartum How nutrition through pregnancy needs to be prioritised and how important that is for the postpartum And so so much more… This episode is a must listen and share!! I guarantee it will inspire and inform you. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: Follow me on Instagram; Check out Dr Oscar Serrallach over at; Follow Dr Serrallach on Instagram at; 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 /episode/index/show/c9de0574-e17a-48b1-be82-1785ba3965d8/id/27603042

What if we were taught..

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