Episode 1: Aliza's Birth Story Part I
As a midwife having a baby, you might think Aliza's journey was all smooth sailing. But as you'll hear in this episode the many decisions you make during pregnancy are much more difficult when it's your own baby. Being pregnant during covid, as well as an international move and change in care providers (three times) Aliza's pregnancy was a bit of a rollercoaster towards the end. This is everything you wanted to know about Aliza's pregnancy, including the maternity system in Hong Kong vs Australia, home birth vs hospital, being overdue as well as the joys and hiccups along the way.
Episode 2: Aliza's Birth Story Part II
In part 2 of Aliza's birth story we delve into the induction process (at 42 weeks+ pregnant), followed by a very long labour. The journey to meet her daughter was a long and bumpy one with some scares along the way. Aliza discusses the struggles with her induction, the many interventions she went through and the sadness that came with letting go of her dream birth.
EPISODE 3: ALIZA'S BIRTH STORY PART III
We’ve reached Part 3 of Aliza's birth story and it's time to meet beautiful baby Zadie. This part was not without its challenges though as the decision is made for Aliza to have a c-section. There are more struggles with medications and a shocking discovery is made after birth, that could have taken things in completely different direction. Aliza also talks about her struggles with bonding with her baby, after a very traumatic birthing experience. A reminder that everybody's birth journey is different and if you have struggled with a traumatic birth, resources are linked below.
EPISODE 4: RACHAEL CASELLA | MACKENZIE - A LOSS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Today we are sitting down with Rachael Casella, to chat about her daughter Mackenzie who passed away from spinal muscular atrophy at just seven months old. The determination and strength of parents to create a world changing legacy, in the midst of grief and despair, is one of the most amazing journeys you will ever here. We chat through loss, IVF, medical interruption of pregnancy, miscarriage, genetic carrier testing, SMA and a maternal assisted c-section. Content warning: This episode discusses miscarriage, termination and infant loss. Resources are linked below.
Pink Elephant: www.pinkelephants.org.au
Gidget foundation: gidgetfoundation.org.au
PANDA: panda.org.au
Visit Mackenzies Mission www.mackenziesmission.org.au and Rachael's Instagram @mylife_oflove
EPISODE 5: BETH RYAN | MIDWIFE TO MOTHER
In this episode we sit down with midwife, mum and business owner Beth Ryan to discuss her pregnancy and (incredible) birth. Beth's birth story is the most amazing example of the power of the brain, and body when it comes to labour. We delve into the the mother vs midwife mindset and what it’s like to experience becoming a mother - as a specialist in the field.
Beth’s exceptional labour and birth story will have you laughing, and crying as she articulates the experience so perfectly. This is a beautiful, raw, positive birth story where we chat through waiting for labour vs induction, the emotion of the final days and weeks, a quick labour, an unmedicated birth and a beautiful healthy 4.2kg baby (girl)!
EPISODE 6: LAUREN BRENTON | A MATERNAL ASSISTED C-SECTION
In this episode we sit down with clinical midwifery specialist, mum of four and business owner Lauren Brenton. Lauren had her first son at just 18 years old, and is an incredible inspiration to all young parents. She has gone on to birth four beautiful babies by caesarean section. For Laurens fourth birth, she decided to take matters into her own hands (literally) to deliver her fourth child via a maternal assisted c-section.
Her hospital, and doctor had never before let a patient reach down, and pull up their own baby, during a caesarean section. With sheer determination and passion, Lauren pioneered the way forward, changing the way hospital and her OB now offer care to women.
EPISODE 7: THE STORY OF EVE
In todays episode we sit down with Flick, to discuss her two beautiful girls, Eve & Olivia. We talk through the grief of losing Eve during pregnancy at 29 weeks and the trauma that comes with stillbirth. We discuss the grieving process, pregnancy after loss, IVF, a planned maternal assisted c-section for Flicks second baby, Olivia, to separate the two birthing experiences for this beautiful family and how Eve is honoured in the family. Content warning this episode discusses stillbirth.
EPISODE 8: KIRSTY BRYANT | AUSTRALIA's 1ST UTERUS TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT
Today's episode is one for the history books - we are sitting down with the incredible Kirsty Bryant, who is the first person in Australia to undergo a uterus transplant and in an even more phenomenal turn of events, the uterus that Kirsty received, is from her own mother. Kirsty had a life saving hysterectomy, with the birth of her first child and this incredible transplant gives her the opportunity to have more children.This story is an incredibly inspirational story of modern medicine meets determination and passion.
EPISODE 9: A MUM AND BABY PSYCHIATRIC UNIT, REBECCA'S STORY
In todays episode we sit down with the Rebecca, an incredibly brave and beautifully spoken mother who walks us through her journey with mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Rebecca was admitted to a mother baby psychiatric unit shortly after giving birth. Rebecca openly shares about this incredibly vulnerable, scary journey that her and her family went through. She has incredibly insightful knowledge about not only her own experience, but the process and services available for parents.
EPISODE 10: Q&A WITH ALIZA AND DR JOE
In todays episode, it’s a solo episode with Aliza and Dr. Joe answering your questions. We chat through all of the below questions in detail, with statistics and as always, plenty of personal anecdotes: - What are the risks/benefits of a VBAC? - Aliza, would you have a VBAC or repeat C-section?- Why don't all OBs offer maternal-assisted C-sections?- Would you work with / hire a doula? Is a doula worth having? - Do you think having a baby brings you closer in a relationship? - Genetic carrier testing - what are our options? How do we start this?
EPISODE 11: CHILD DEVELOPMENT WITH DR KRISTYN SOMMER
Today’s episode is with the magnificent Dr. Kristyn Sommer chatting about all things child development. Dr. Kristyn has a PHD in this area and, quite literally, researches children as her day job. We cover topics such as:Are milestones really important? What do you do if your child isn’t hitting them on time? Sleep training - does it work? Is it harmful? What does the research say? Do we ned to ‘prepare children to be resilient?’ Or is this harmful?Is screen time safe for babies / children? Are the ‘recommendations’ accurate? How are social ‘robots’ going to impact children?How can we ‘repair’ a rupture in a relationship with a child? How can we say sorry impact fully when we mess up?”
EPISODE 12: DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS - THE EFFECT ON FERTILITY
In today’s episode we are sitting down with Stefanie Valakas, a dietician and nutritionist who specialises in reproductive health, fertility and pregnancy. Stef owns the incredible virtual nutritionist practice, The Dietologist, where her and her team guide, empower and educate families through their journey to parenthood. Stef also talks us through her own recent journey where she chose to freeze her eggs at just 27 years old. Topics we cover are:Can we impact our egg and sperm quality through what we eat? How can diet effect fertility and what does the evidence say around best dietary practices?How do you support couples with IVF and fertility through diet and supplementation? Why did you as a 27 year old, choose to freeze your eggs? What did this process look like? How does PCOS and endometriosis impact fertility, and what can we do holistically to support these conditions
EPISODE 13: MUM OF 6, DOCTOR, ATHLETE AND AUTHOR JANA PITTMAN
Today’s episode is one of the most incredibly inspiring listens, with a woman who has amazed not just us - but Australia. We are honoured to be sitting down with Jana Pittman. Jana is a mum of 6 children, including a set of beautiful twins born last year, a junior doctor, a published author and an athlete, winning gold for Australia in the Olympics. In today we discuss a multitude of topics including:Having 6 children and the juggle of being a doctor and a motherHow Jana broke stereotypes and changed the way we view sport, women and motherhoodJana chats us through her pregnancies and birth - including 2 children who were conceived through sperm donation. Jana shares wetting herself on public TV in a reality tv show and how it opened the topic for conversation around pelvic floor and women’s healthWe touch on Jana’s PHD on uterine transplants, and her passion and drive - being apart of the first uterine transplant in Australia (listen to episode on Kirsty Bryant for more on this)+ so much more.
EPISODE 14: HOW AND WHY WE BECAME A MIDWIFE AND OB
In todays episode, you will hear from hosts midwife Aliza Carr and obstetrician, fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Joseph Sgroi on how and why they entered the professions they did. We chat through what inspired us to get into the medical profession, births that have left an impact on us forever and some funny stories and anecdotes along the way. A great listen for any student midwifery or medical students!
EPISODE 15: THE WHY, THE HWAT AND THE HOW OF BEING A DOULA
In todays episode, we sit down with birth and postpartum doula, Vanessa Salerno. Vanessa and Dr. Joseph Sgroi work hand in hand for many births, supporting and empowering families together. In the episode we chat through many topics relating to becoming a doula, the why and the how, as well as the unique combination of a doula and obstetrician working closely together to better outcomes for mothers and families.
EPISODE 16: HOMEBIRTH STORY WITH HYPNOBIRTHING PRACTITIONER TINA PULLEN
In this weeks episode we sit down with mum of three, speech pathologist and Hypnobirthing practitioner, Tina Pullen. Through Tina's three pregnancies she went through a different model of care for each pregnancy - the public sector, a private obstetrician and recently, a private midwife for a homebirth. In this episode we discuss how being a hypnobirthing practitioner fed into Tina's labour and birth with her beautiful homebirth. We go through what a homebirth entails, the practicalities of it, how each stage of the labour felt for Tina and the different approach that a homebirth midwife vs an obstetrician might have.
EPISODE 17: HOMEBIRTH TURNED FOOTLING BREECH WITH MONIKA RAD
In this week's episode, we are sitting down with Monika Rad. Monika is Mama to Luka, and pregnant with her second little babe. She is a psychology graduate and former Miss Universe Australia. In today's episode, we discuss Monika’s upbringing, which involved fleeing from war-torn Bosnia and landing in Australia as a refugee. Monika and her family spoke no English and came to Australia with no money or belongings in search of a better life. We discuss Monika's pregnancy and birth, which is an incredible tale. An undiagnosed breech baby, that resulted in an immediate transfer (from a planned homebirth) to the hospital due to a footling breech presentation.
EPISODE 18: RECIPROCAL IVF WITH SAME-SEX COUPLE MADDY AND ROCHELLE
In today's episode we sit down with the beautiful Maddy and Rochelle. These incredible women are a same-sex couple and new parents to their little girl, Macklyn. Rochelle and Maddy went through reciprocal IVF to get their little girl, and so beautifully share the journey online to normalise and remove the stigma around life as a same-sex couple, with children. We discuss their decision around who would carry their baby, sperm donation and the process, the IVF journey and everything in between.
EPISODE 19: RESENTMENT, INTIMACY AND RELATIONSHIP CHANGES WITH LONIE AKHIDENOR
In today's episode, we are joined by Leonie Akhidenor.
Leonie wears many hats, including mum of two toddlers, property developer by day, podcaster by night, hosting her own show the Parenthood Podcast. Leonie is also a relationship coach and part-time model, so she is undoubtedly well well-versed in juggling it all.
In today’s episode, we dive into relationships and how they change once a baby enters the picture. We chat about topics like parental burnout, lack of intimacy and exhaustion, resentment towards each other and more.
EPISODE 20: PREGNANCY NUTRITION'S IMPACT ON THE POSTPARTUM WITH SHELLEY MCKENZIE
In today's episode, we sit down with Shelley McKenzie. Shelley is a qualified Naturopath, nutritionist, business owner and mama to 3 littlies. Shelley specialises in women’s hormone health, preconception care, pregnancy nutrition and the postpartum period.
Today we are focusing on pregnancy nutrition, specifically nutrition needs in the third trimester and how these play into a woman's postpartum experience, from physical recovery, but also how it can play into mental health conditions.
EPISODE 21: MOTHERHOOD, BUSINESS AND LIFE ONLINE WITH INFLUENCER ERIN RUMMINS
In today's episode, we sit down with the lovely Erin Rummins. Erin is a first-time mum, to her one-year-old daughter Lucy. Alongside the incredible journey of motherhood, Erin is a full-time content creator and businesswoman, appearing on Mecca storefronts and Nivea advertisements on London taxis. Erin shares such relatable and vulnerable topics around motherhood, business and life struggles, which is so important on social media, especially in the motherhood space.
In today's episode, we are going to chat about Erin's journey through pregnancy, birth and postpartum - while sharing the journey on an online platform.
EPISODE 22: GRIEVING TOMMY, WHILST BEING MAMMA TO HIS SIBLINGS
Today we are joined by the beautiful Amelia Webbe. Amelia is an incredible Melbourne-based hair and makeup artist, an influencer, and a mum of three. Amelia's second son, Tommy was very sadly born sleeping at 17 weeks, and Amelia so courageously shared some of her journey around the grief of loss online. Today we will be discussing all three of Amelia’s beautiful children and how the loss of Tommy impacted her family, as well as the experience of going on to have their beautiful rainbow daughter.
EPISODE 23: IN-DEPTH CHAT ABOUT BREASTFEEDING WITH HOLISTIC LACTATION CONSULTANT, MIDWIFE AND NATUROPATH, JOLLEEN
In todays episode, we are joined by the wonderful Joelleen Winduss Paye. Joelleen is a holistic IBCLC lactation consultant, a midwife and a naturopath, as well as being 34 weeks pregnant and about to become a mama herself.In today's episode, we are chatting in depth about breastfeeding with one of the most qualified health professionals we have come across. We chat through antennal expressing, what women and families should know about breastfeeding ahead of birth, what are the most issues that Joellen sees within her clinic and much more.
EPISODE 24: TRAUMA, THROUGH FERTILITY, BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM WITH HELEN
Today's guest is the wonderful Helen Nightingale. Helen is a midwife, researcher and mum to 3 beautiful children, two children here and one in the stars. Helen is very passionate about trauma in relation to fertility, pregnancy and birth. Today we will be talking through Helen’s extensive journey in relation to fertility and loss, genetic conditions and trauma. We will be covering topics such as birth trauma, stillbirth and loss as well as postpartum mental health issues.
EPISODE 25: KIRSTIN'S STILLBIRTH EXPERIENCE & HER RESEARCH IN THIS SPACE
Today we are sitting down with Kirstin Tindal. After Kirstin gave birth to her daughter Aurora who was born sleeping at 22 weeks, in her grief, she found a passion in this space and pursued her studies and PHD in the field of reproductive science, now completing a PHD with a focus on stillbirth. Kirstin bravely shares her own journey of loss and describes what it was like being a young mum at just 20, facing this harrowing outcome.
EPISODE 26: FERTILITY HARDSHIPS & FOUR YEARS OF TRYING FOR HER RAINBOW BABY
In todays episode we are joined by the beautiful Elly, who has so courageously offered to share her fertility journey with us. Elly is heading into her 4th year of IVF, with her 3rd fertility specialist. Elly has had 8 embryo transfers, 1 miscarriage at 7 weeks and a chemical pregnancy and yet Elly dedicates much of her own time to offering support to other couples facing fertility hardships. Today we chat through Elly’s history and her hopes for the future.
EPISODE 27: Q&A ON TODDLERS, WITH PAEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST AMANDA
In today's episode, we are sitting down with Amanda Abel. Amanda is a paediatric psychologist, mum, registered SOS feeding therapist, founder of the Northern Centre for Child Development, and co-founder of Toddler Toolkit. In today’s episode, we will be doing more of a Q&A format, largely focused on toddlers which is where a lot of our community is currently at, including myself with an 18-month-old. Some of the many questions we will cover, are below. Tune in for a wonderful discussion!
EPISODE 28: LIANA AND HER JUGGLE WITH 3 BABIES
In today’s episode, we sit down with powerhouse mum Liana. Liana is a Melbourne-based mama of 3 beautiful babies, all of whom are under two years old, including a set of twins. Liana conceived her first son through IVF, and then fell pregnant with her twins spontaneously. In today’s episode, we are going to discuss the juggle of 3 babies, her journey through fertility treatments with her first pregnancy as well as Liana's twin pregnancy.
EPISODE 29: ADELINE'S JOURNEY WITH QUADRIPLEGIA CEREBRAL PALSY
Today we are sitting down with the incredible Lauren - mum to Adeline as well as a midwife and nurse. At birth, Adeline suffered a brain injury, resulting in quadriplegia Cerebral palsy. Adeline’s whole body is affected, which also includes impacts to her vision and a developmental delay. Adeline’s phenomenal parents Lauren and Luke, have left no stone unturned in helping their daughter get the best possible treatment and physicians possible and we are honoured that Lauren has shared her journey here on BBKR.
EPISODE 30: ANSWERING YOUR MOST REQUESTED SEXUAL QUESTIONS, WITH SEXOLOGIST CHANTELLE OTTEN
On today’s episode, we have a very exciting guest, and an interview unlike others we have done. I am so excited to be chatting with the incredible Chantelle Otten. Chantelle is a Melbourne-based, world-renowned sexologist and relationship therapist. With a background in scientific research, sexual medicine, and counselling, Chantelle believes that sexuality and self-esteem are an integral part of life, which everyone is entitled to.
EPISODE 31: A MISSED MISCARRIAGE, MADI'S STORY
Today we are joined by the beautiful Madi Rohan. Maddi is bravely sharing her journey of loss and grief with us today. Madi and her husband had what’s known as a missed, miscarriage which we will talk about in depth today. Madi also lost her mother to Huntingtons disease, and has become an incredible advocate and support for others facing this.
EPISODE 32: CHATTING ALL THINGS HYPNOTHERAPY WITH HYPNOTHERAPIST, TANJA
In today's episode we are sitting down with Tanja, a Hypnotherapist who primarily works with women in the context of working through stress, fertility, IVF and health issues as well as subconscious beliefs and reprogramming trauma. This is a topic that neither of us knew much about, but something we are so interested to learn more about.
EPISODE 33: TALKING ABOUT BIRTH TRAUMA WITH MIDWIFE, JESS
Today we’re joined by Jess, an Irish Midwife, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), HypnoBirthing Educator, and birth trauma therapist. Jess is passionate about addressing the role of fear in childbirth and advocates for the healing benefits of birth trauma therapy. With the NSW birth trauma inquiry making headlines, this episode is both timely and deeply relevant as we explore these important issues.
EPISODE. 34: OVERCOMING ISOLATION IN PARENTING: HOW TO BUILD YOUR VILLAGE
In today's episode we are sitting down with two incredible women, Ariel and Keshia, both mums of three children and business owners of the newly launched From Day One. On this podcast, and recently in broader society, we are talking a lot more about the village that women need and deserve, that they often don’t have. Women have never been more isolated in their parenting journey and you have both set out to change this - a very ambitious and incredible goal.
EPISODE. 35: PREGNANCY AFTER LOSS. HOW TO NAVIGATE THE JOURNEY
In this episode, we are sitting down with Madi Rohan, and if you’ve listened to season 2, Madi will be a familiar-sounding voice. We interviewed Madi late last year and spoke about her journey with pregnancy loss, a missed miscarriage and the loss of her mum. This episode though, is one filled with joy - as Madi has recently given birth to her beautiful son. Today we will be diving into Madi’s journey thus far including pregnancy after loss, her birth story as well as what it’s like becoming a mum without your own mum to guide you.
EPISODE. 36: THE LEADING INFECTIOUS CAUSE OF DISABILITIES IN NEWBORNS - A COMMON VIRUS
In this episode, Aliza and Dr. Joe explores CMV, a common herpes virus that affects about 80% of adults by age 40. While usually harmless to those with healthy immune systems, CMV can pose serious risks if contracted during pregnancy, potentially harming a baby’s developing brain. They discuss key facts, including that approximately 400 babies are born with CMV each year and that the virus is often asymptomatic. Regular testing every four weeks during pregnancy is crucial for monitoring CMV.
EPISODE 37: THE JOURNEY OF USING A DONOR EGG, WITH NEONATAL PAEDIATRICIAN KATHARINE
In this episode, we are sitting down with Katharine. Katharine is a paediatrician working in private practice specialising in neonatal peads, meaning she cares for babies from 0-2 years old. Katharine is also a mum to two children, and sadly experienced secondary fertility with her second child. After three and a half years of trying and several rounds of IVF, Katharine made the choice to use a donor egg, and go through the IVF process in the USA.
This episode is sponsored by Love to Dream, the home of the award-winning Swaddle Up—a patented, game-changing swaddle that allows your baby to sleep in a more natural position with their arms up. As a mum, I have loved using Love to Dream swaddles; they’ve made bedtime so much easier, helping my little one feel secure and held, whilst keeping her warm and snug.