Explore every episode of the podcast Motherness
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Māmā & Milk: Clinical Nutritionist, Gina Urlich / formula vs. breastmilk, gut health, introducing solids | 29 Jun 2021 | 00:37:03 | |
This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. | |||
| Māmā & Milk: Haley Hall / cleft lip & palate baby, exclusive pumping, formula feeding, surgery | 22 Jun 2021 | 00:52:06 | |
This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink.
Follow Haley Hall on Instagram. | |||
| Emma Collins / breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem & extended feeding, panic disorder | 23 Feb 2021 | 01:30:08 | |
This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Just’nCase nursing pads. Just’nCase pads are super-absorbent and leakproof, so they won’t let you down when you let down. Just’nCase is offering all Motherness listeners 15% off storewide. Visit justncase.com and enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount.
Breastfeeding support services:
Follow Emma Collins on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. | |||
| Gemma Sanders / unexplained secondary infertility, miscarriages, IVF | 16 Feb 2021 | 00:48:59 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Little Bambinos is offering all Motherness listeners 10% off storewide - enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount. Today's episode is with mum of two, Gemma Sanders. she takes us through what it was like to have no complications naturally conceiving her first son, Max, but then she and her husband, Ev experienced unexplained secondary infertility, they had two miscarriages, and eventually chose to undergo IVF to have their second son, Jasper. | |||
| Georgie Sanders / 3 under 3.3, perinatal stroke, PTSD, return to work at 16 weeks postpartum | 09 Feb 2021 | 01:31:21 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Edwards & Co. Edwards & Co is a Kiwi owned and operated family business producing a range of strollers and other incredible baby products.
Follow Georgie Sanders on Instagram. | |||
| Lucy Ross / lockdown birth, husband with postnatal depression, maternal anxiety, reflux baby | 02 Feb 2021 | 01:14:03 | |
Content warning: today’s episode discusses depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these topics are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help. Today‘s episode is with mum of one, Lucy Ross who bravely shares she and her husband’s story where they were both affected by mental health challenges. Lucy's husband, Jono developed postnatal depression, severe anxiety and became suicidal within a number of weeks of their daughter being born in New Zealand’s first level 4 lockdown, and, as a result, Lucy developed anxiety herself and was under the care of maternal mental health. Today, she reflects on their journey. Thank you, Lucy for so bravely sharing your story.
Follow Lucy Ross on Instagram. | |||
| Expert: Mindful Parenting Coach and Counsellor, Shirley Pastiroff of Renew Your Mind | 26 Jan 2021 | 01:18:37 | |
Today’s guest is counsellor, mindfulness trainer and parent coach, Shirley Pastiroff. I went into this interview with Shirley thinking that mindful parenting was about everything that I’m not as a mother, and I left realising that it’s also about everything that I am. I left knowing that not only are my feelings are valid but they’re healthy. That my triggers are valid but my child hasn’t caused them, the responsibility of managing them is mine and mine alone. And that I am everything I hope to be as a mother – just as I ask my guests in their final question. The fact that I care, that I’m growing as a parent, and trying to do better, proves that I am worthy of this gig, even on the days where I feel like I’m not. Shirley is the author of the life-changing book, The Mindful Parent. It is available to purchase locally in NZ through www.renewyourmind.co.nz, and globally through Amazon, Book Depository and other online retailers. If you struggle with the confronting nature of parenting and "doing it right", I hope you feel that this episode is as much of a permission slip for you as it was for me. Follow Shirley Pastiroff on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. | |||
| Kate Holland / fertility journey, IVF, international adoption, post-adoption depression | 19 Jan 2021 | 01:16:58 | |
In this episode, I speak with mum-of-one, Kate Holland about her journey to becoming a mother to her daughter, Rylee. She and her husband, Jon had a fertility journey through IVF that spanned over eight years before they pursued adoption, first domestically and then internationally. The process of adoption took four years before they brought Rylee home from Thailand.
Follow Kate Holland on Instagram. | |||
| Tash Porter / severe reflux (GORD), sleep deprivation, midwife to mum, responsive parenting | 20 Dec 2020 | 01:09:59 | |
Welcome to this bonus episode of Motherness. If you’re part of my private Facebook group for the podcast then you’ll know that season two is coming in January but given it’s been slightly longer between seasons than I’d initially planned, I wanted to drop a new episode so you can get a little Motherness fix while you wait! In today’s episode, I speak with midwife and mum of one Tash Porter about her entry to motherhood with her daughter Milly. If you’re a mum, like me, who had a baby who didn’t have reflux or colic, you likely suffered the typical amount of sleep deprivation in the first year or two of their life. But for a mum like Tash, whose daughter did have reflux, she was forced to survive on one hour of sleep – total – each night and one nap per day. After listening to her today, you’ll have a whole new appreciation and understanding for those parents who battle a similar journey. Despite all that Tash went through in their first year, she is incredibly pragmatic and somehow positive about a time that I truly believe would break many of us. So, if you’re listening and you’re in the trenches of a challenge then this is for you. For you, the mum who feels a little lonely even with a community, the mum who feels like she can’t leave the house, the mum who’s only just surviving. We see you and this episode is for you.
Follow Tash Porter on Instagram. | |||
| Hannah Hardy-Jones of The Kite Program / postpartum bipolar disorder, recovery, second child, healing birth | 27 Aug 2020 | 01:01:00 | |
This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Mildred&Co. Mildred&Co is a lovingly curated baby and wedding gift registry and everyday gift store. I saw a post on Hannah’s Instagram of her daughter, Alice holding a drawing that says ‘My Mum helps mums.” I felt it so greatly. "My mum helps mums." And she does. I knew seeing that photo and having this korero with Hannah that this episode was the perfect one to end season one of Motherness on. Ultimately, that’s my hope for Motherness too. Mums helping mums. Holding space and compassion for each other and honouring our journeys, as challenging, as beautiful, and as different as they all may be. So, here’s Hannah for you today on all that she went through with her rare and crippling mental illness, her road to recovery, bravely choosing to have another child, the healing, the learning and the creation that has come from what she describes a Kite once damaged beyond repair. But now? Hannah has rebuilt her Kite and it is soaring.
Follow Hannah Hardy-Jones on Instagram. Visit The Kite Program. | |||
| Michaela a'Court / exclusive pumping, return to work at three months, emergency c-section, birth trauma, baby blues | 18 Aug 2020 | 00:48:19 | |
This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Your Birth Project. Your Birth Project is a New Zealand based online birthing class that encompasses Hypnobirthing and Calmbirthing practices, created by Jordyn Gregory who is the host of the Kiwi Birth Tales podcast. | |||
| Ariana Bell / positive journey, easy baby, marriage changes + challenges, maternal load | 11 Aug 2020 | 00:52:41 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Noopii, a New Zealand and women-owned Social Enterprise company making premium eco-luxe nappies and pants that are non-toxic, chemical-free and made with Manuka Hydrosol - a world first. Use the code MOTHERNESS10 to receive 10% off Noopii storewide There are elements of her journey that have been cruisy and dare I say ‘easy’ but I think it’s her perspective on loving fully, embracing all that it means to be a māmā, being conscious, considerate, and present with her son… that’s what makes the magic. I’ve always loved the saying, ‘no rain, no flowers’ and for Ariana she explains that the most challenging aspect of her experience has been the change in herself and her marriage – one that she and her husband are aware of, showing up for and continuing to navigate… like most of us are. So, Here’s Ariana with her beautiful Motherness story for us all. | |||
| Māmā & Milk: Lee-Anne Murray / breast cancer diagnosis, first year of being a mum, fed is best | 15 Jun 2021 | 00:40:30 | |
This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. | |||
| Expert: Lactation Consultant, Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby / biting, breast strikes, weaning, returning to work, donor milk | 07 Aug 2020 | 01:10:23 | |
This special bonus episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by New Edition NZ. Their PUMPD silicone breast pump is the only designed and manufactured breast pump in New Zealand. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, PUMPD is durable, comfortable, and easy to use. Soft and simple, favoured with breasts of all shapes and sizes, it’s designed to work naturally with your let down, with a smoother-than-normal flange which creates a stronger and more comfortable suction. New Edition NZ is currently offering all Motherness listeners 25% off PUMPD and their PUMPD bundles. Enter the code MOTHERNESS25 at check-out to receive your discount. Happy International Breastfeeding Week and welcome to this bonus episode of Motherness. I’m joined by our resident lactation consultant, Cathy McCormick from HolisticBaby. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Cathy for the podcast but we’re technically calling this episode part three. In the first two episodes, we dove into all things newborn feeding and getting breastfeeding established, so this time we thought it would be helpful to look at the other end of feeding being weaning – including night weaning because so many of you asked for help with that. Goodness knows we’re all as sleep-deprived as each other. We also talk about some of the very real and often emotional challenges in between, such as returning to work, biting, and breast strikes. Cathy and I also discuss the thought-provoking topic of donor milk and the normalisation that needs to occur for mothers to recognise this as an option should they need it. As always, Cathy is practical, empathetic, and compassionate in the advice she gives. I hope you find this conversation as pragmatic as you do empowering. Follow Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby on Instagram. Visit her website here. | |||
| Expert: Chiropractor, Katie Pritchard of Advanced Health Chiropractic | 04 Aug 2020 | 00:53:55 | |
This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Advanced Health Chiropractic. Together with husband Ash, and their team including 6 chiropractors, Advanced Health is a wellness-based, family practice which has the pleasure of nurturing whole families from birth onwards. Their sole purpose is to set strong foundations for connected, thriving families so that their community can experience the ripple effects of living an amazing, healthy life. With this in mind, the team is trained to support pregnant mothers throughout their journey as they best prepare their bodies for new life and birth. Like you would nurture the environment of a beautiful garden in order for it to flourish, a child is best prepared for growth, development, and connection from the moment they receive their first adjustment. In this episode, Katie and I talk in-depth about how seeing a chiropractor throughout pregnancy and postpartum can support not only you and your little one but the holistic health of your entire family. We go back to basics, discussing exactly what a chiropractor does, what an adjustment looks and feels like for each of you, the science behind the practice, and the myriad of benefits for both mum and baby in terms of feeding, sleep, colic, reflux, mental health and so much more. Thank you so much again to Advanced Health Chiropractic for sponsoring this week’s episode of Motherness. Advanced Health are kindly welcoming anyone from the Motherness community to have an initial consult at a reduced rate of $95 for an adult, and $55 for a child – which are usually $185 and $75 respectively. Simply mention this episode of Motherness when making your booking enquiry. | |||
| Amy Fraser / single mum, traumatic birth, working with a newborn, finding love again | 28 Jul 2020 | 01:06:44 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Noopii, a New Zealand and women-owned Social Enterprise company making premium eco-luxe nappies and pants that are non-toxic, chemical-free and made with Manuka Hydrosol - a world first. Use the code MOTHERNESS10 to receive 10% off Noopii storewide. You’ll hear in this episode that Amy truly is resilience personified and ultimately, that she is a shining example that a mother's love can and will transcend anything. She is a true heroine. She is wahine toa. This is her story of The Fourth Trimester. | |||
| Britt McNabb / miscarriage, lockdown birth & NICU stay, anxiety, milk protein intolerance, mindfulness & meditation | 22 Jul 2020 | 01:17:42 | |
In this episode, I speak with Britt McNabb, a beautiful new mum to her son Aston and a baby who she miscarried in her first pregnancy. Today, we start at the very beginning when she first became a mama to the little one who she miscarried. She bravely opens up about how this affected her at the time, how she reflects on that experience now, and the appreciation it has given her for her new baby, Aston who was born as New Zealand first entered lockdown in March. It wasn’t an easy start for her little family, with level 4 COVID restrictions in place and Aston needing to spend some time in NICU, but it’s clear that the fighting spirit Aston has comes from Britt – a kind and mindful mama who is has wholly embraced her role as protector and nurturer. She has felt it all in their first few months and describes it so poignantly for us today. We talk a lot about our identity as mothers and it seems to me, from talking to Britt, that as challenging as their time has been, being a mother is the truest essence of her soul and she has never known more purpose. I’m sure you’ll join me in agreeing that she is everything she hopes to be already – and more. | |||
| Tehani Buchanan / decolonising māmāhood, home birth after cesarean, wet nursing | 14 Jul 2020 | 00:52:47 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Edwards & Co. Edwards & Co is a Kiwi owned and operated family business. They've recently expanded their nursery range with the launch of the SnuzKot Skandi Collection, alongside the already popular SnuzPod Bedside Bassinet. To say Tehani’s journey is varied would be quite the understatement but ‘journey’ really is the perfect word – her entry into motherhood began with a traumatic c-section birth at 33 weeks which left her with a mental injury that she says was raw, her daughter had a long NICU stay, and she exclusively pumped for a while as well. Then, with her second, a home birth after cesarean, exclusive breastfeeding to extended breastfeeding, wet nursing, feeding to sleep, immersing her tamariki in Te Reo Māori, and becoming a single mama. Thank you, Tehani for trusting me with the gift of sharing your experience, there is so much power in these words… | |||
| Kendall Green / milk sharing, donor milk top ups, SNS, extended breastfeeding, challenging transition from 1 to 2 | 08 Jul 2020 | 01:11:19 | |
Today’s episode is one of the more thought-provoking ones and intentionally so. I speak with Christchurch mother-of-two, Kendall Green about her complex but beautiful feeding journeys with her daughters. Kendall was one of the first listeners to message me about Motherness and told me from the outset about her passion for advocating for milk sharing. I immediately knew she was someone I had to have on the podcast. Kendall’s experience covers a lot – a homebirth birth turned hospital birth, supply issues, lactation consultants, donor milk top-ups, feeding via an SNS tube, and weaning off top-ups to exclusive breastfeeding. She then went on to donate milk herself, set up a milk sharing service, and do extended breastfeeding. I know, it’s a lot. But feeding is a lot. And as Kendall says, it’s a fraught topic. In my experience, there is nothing more controversial, questioned, or debated more in motherhood than the way that you choose to feed your baby. I want to be clear that we’re not at all anti-formula, but what we are calling into question is mothers knowing that donor milk is an option.
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| Expert: Postpartum Doula, Ashleigh Borrie of Sacred Beginnings / the fourth trimester, nourishment, supporting mothers | 30 Jun 2020 | 00:33:41 | |
This episode is proudly sponsored by HolisticBaby, a positive support service for mothers and families that is holistic in its approach. They offer antenatal classes, lactation consultancy, coffee groups, free early pregnancy sessions, postnatal wellbeing support, baby sleep consultancy, and an infant first aid & CPR course. Visit holisticbaby.co.nz to book.
Thank you so much again to HolisticBaby for supporting this episode of Motherness. | |||
| Suhina Kaur / postpartum confinement, COVID-19 lockdown birth, baby blues, formula feeding, slow bonding | 23 Jun 2020 | 01:02:33 | |
In this episode, I speak with mother-of-one Suhina Kaur about her fourth trimester experience with her six-week-old son, Ari who was born at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland during level 3 of New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown. We talk through the challenges and benefits that came with her confinement, what it was like having so much support and help from her parents and in-laws, and how much of her postnatal recovery she attributes to this cultural custom. Suhina speaks of her difficult breastfeeding journey with Ari and her decision to formula feed, as well as her gradual bonding journey with her baby - one that she admits is still evolving. Thank you, Suhina for joining me on Motherness. | |||
| Expert: Birth Trauma Support, Carla Sargent of Voice For Parents | 16 Jun 2020 | 01:20:55 | |
Today’s episode is about birth trauma – whether you’ve experienced it first hand, are on your journey of healing, or want to support fellow mothers on theirs – this episode is for all of us. I’m joined by the founder of the non-profit charitable organisation, Voice For Parents. Carla Sargent helps mothers and whanau to heal their hearts after broken births and quite simply, the mahi she does is incredible. I’ve wanted to speak to Carla since the inception of Motherness, knowing that the saying of ‘at least you’ve got a healthy baby’ that we all hear or sometimes dish out is often well meaning but invalidates and dismisses the right and deservedness we all have to a positive and empowering birthing experience. To many of our mothers, that sentiment that you should be grateful for the physical safety of themselves and their baby is detrimental and it fails to recognize the lasting effects birth can have on the Fourth Trimester and well beyond the immediate postpartum period. The message from today’s episode is clear: however you feel about your birth, your feelings are valid. If today raises some feelings of trauma about your own birth, please reach out for help. Resources:
Support services:
This episode discusses perinatal depression and anxiety, and mentions suicide which may be triggering for some people, so please take care while you’re listening and take a break if you need to. | |||
| Shani McGee / formula feeding benefits + judgement, slow bonding, uterine prolapse, pessary, anxiety | 10 Jun 2020 | 00:50:51 | |
In this episode, I speak with mother-of-one Shani McGee about her entry to motherhood and Fourth Trimester with her daughter Harper. | |||
| Māmā & Milk: Erena Te Paa / breastfeeding challenges, mum guilt, formula feeding | 08 Jun 2021 | 00:52:00 | |
This Māmā & Milk mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. | |||
| Anna Miles / gentle parenting, anxiety, co-sleeping, sleep deprivation, low supply, mum friends | 28 May 2020 | 01:00:48 | |
In today’s episode, I speak with a beautiful mum-of-one, Anna Miles. Going into this interview, I had no idea that Anna had anxiety – she’s the sort of mum who makes it look beautiful and effortless – which by the way, isn’t a bad thing. She radiates positivity and she’s loved for it. But I am truly grateful for how she opens up in this episode about the toll her anxiety took on her entry to motherhood and I know those of you who do or have struggled with mental health will appreciate it too. Today, we talk about her decision to co-sleep with her son from an early age, the impact of this and having a newborn on her marriage, how she met the criticism of others, and how she overcame the ‘shame’ she felt for bedsharing. We discuss Anna’s breastfeeding journey, the pressure she put on herself to breastfeed, how she improved her low supply, and her gentle parenting philosophy. Anna has a blog and I read every single post – her writing is as poignant and relatable as our conversation today and I hope you love it as much as I do. | |||
| Francesca Lunjevich / postnatal depression & anxiety, recovery, slow bonding, breastfeeding, strong marriage | 22 May 2020 | 00:49:32 | |
In this episode, I speak with a mum of one, Francesca Lunjevich about her Fourth Trimester with her son, Leo, and her journey with postnatal depression and anxiety. Conversations like this are how we eliminate the stigma of maternal mental health, so I encourage each of you listening to please reach out to a mum or mum-to-be that you know - whether you think she’s struggling or not - just to check in and see how she is. Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode mentions depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help. | |||
| Maddie Brosnan / 22 year age gap, baby wearing, meditation + exercise, whenua to whenua, positive relationship + prioritising intimacy | 13 May 2020 | 00:51:06 | |
In today's episode, I speak with mother-of-two and yoga teacher Maddie Brosnan. We focus on her most recent Fourth Trimester experience with her eight-month-old daughter, Āio, but we touch on her journey with her 22-year-old son, Neihana as well. We also speak about using breastfeeding as your meditation, returning to yoga and exercise, babywearing, cosleeping, the importance of sex and intimacy with her partner, how he embraced their baby girl, the ritual of returning Āio's whenua (placenta) to the land, and so much more. Perhaps my favourite thing about this episode is its refreshing nature – much of our conversation is about Maddie’s experience. Less about tips and techniques for baby, and more about surrender, learning, and growth for her as a mother and as a woman. It’s truly beautiful, and I know you’ll feel as uplifted from listening to Maddie as I did from interviewing her. Follow Maddie Brosnan on Instagram. | |||
| Kelsey Tatton-Brown / HELLP syndrome, code red c-section, slow bonding, postpartum emotions, false COVID-19 diagnosis | 07 May 2020 | 00:51:01 | |
In this episode, I speak with Kelsey Tatton-Brown, a beautiful listener who has recently moved through her first Fourth Trimester experience and offered to share her unique story with us all. Kelsey speaks of her HELLP Syndrome diagnosis following her code red emergency c-section where her son Boston was delivered while she was under a general anaesthetic. We talk about their first moments, her breastfeeding and pumping experience, her approach to sleep, how having a newborn and such a traumatic birth has affected her relationship, and a recent trip to the hospital for a UTI where Boston was falsely diagnosed with COVID-19. Much of our conversation, however, is dedicated to discussing Kelsey’s slow bonding experience with her son and her heightened emotions during her entry to motherhood. In this, she talks through the various experiences she attributes these feelings to, such as her birth and a previous miscarriage. I don’t know Kelsey personally, but I love and appreciate the rawness of our conversation today and how kind she seems to be to both herself and her family who she loves so dearly. So, thank you, Kelsey, for joining me. Follow Kelsey Tatton-Brown on Instagram. | |||
| Nic Winslade of Virgin Mum / reflux, rectal prolapse, miscarriage, postnatal depletion, one-to-two transition, slow bonding, formula & breastfeeding | 29 Apr 2020 | 01:32:05 | |
In this episode, I speak with Nic Winslade, who is known on Instagram as Virgin Mum. Nic is a mother-of-two to son Marlo and daughter Blair, and today we chat through both of her Fourth Trimester experiences, including her birth stories, postpartum, all the lessons she learned along the way, and the wisdom that comes with being a second-time mum. Nic also talks of the miscarriage she had between her two children and how leaving the emotions of this experience undealt with affected her bonding with daughter Blair later on. It's also what she attributes to her postnatal depletion. Like Nic says throughout, when it comes to being a mum, especially with a baby, we just want to know that what we’re going through is normal and temporary, so I hope you find comfort in our conversation today if that’s what you’re seeking. Amongst the honesty, there's a lot of laughs about the realities of motherhood which many of us will be familiar with! Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode contains strong language and mentions postnatal depression and pregnancy loss so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. Follow Nic Winslade aka Virgin Mum on Instagram. | |||
| Expert: Sex Therapist & Relationship Counsellor, Jo Robertson / postpartum sex, low libido, intimacy, relationship advice, expectations, advice for partners/dads | 22 Apr 2020 | 01:13:55 | |
In today's episode, I speak with sex therapist and relationship counsellor Jo Robertson - (MSc Sex Therapy, PGDip Counselling) about all things sex and relationships during the Fourth Trimester and beyond. Jo has worked in her profession for many years and specialises in postpartum. She is a mum to three beautiful boys so she knows first hand of the challenges couples can face after having a baby. Jo is also the co-director of Practical Parenting Antenatal classes with midwife friend, Grace Nixon. Needless to say, no matter where you’re at in your parenting journey, we can all benefit from Jo's advice and feel empowered by the knowledge she kindly shares. There were so many questions submitted by you all and I'm sorry if we didn't get to yours. If you'd like to work with Jo, please get in touch with me and I'll connect you directly. | |||
| Sarah Murray / loss of a parent, grief, sleep training, breastfeeding, SCBU, premature baby, mum guilt | 14 Apr 2020 | 01:20:26 | |
In this episode, I speak with my beautiful friend and mother of two, Sarah Murray. Sarah recalls her fast, natural birth with her son Rafferty and the love bubble she was in when he first arrived. She then goes on to share how she navigated the coming weeks with her father unwell from a long battle with cancer, and his eventual passing when her son was just under four weeks old. Sarah reflects on what it was like juggling all of the trials that come with having a newborn baby, alongside her grief and sadness from the loss of her dad. | |||
| Skye Ross / nipple trauma, oversupply, postpartum body, cluster feeding, dummy, witching hour | 08 Apr 2020 | 00:54:56 | |
In this episode, I'm the one being interviewed! I asked Lucy Slight (from episode one) to host a conversation with me about my Fourth Trimester experience with my daughter, Albie. | |||
| Victoria White / two under two, formula feeding, c-section infection, mum guilt, unexpected pregnancy | 02 Apr 2020 | 01:10:45 | |
In this episode, I speak to my friend Victoria White, mum to Maxim and Luka. Vic has been through a lot - she and her husband, Mace went through IVF to conceive their son Maxim who was born via emergency c-section at Auckland hospital after a long labour. | |||
| Expert (Part Two): Lactation Consultant, Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby / nipple pain, tongue ties, spilly babies, introducing a bottle | 25 Mar 2020 | 00:33:21 | |
In today’s episode, I speak with the lovely Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby about all things breastfeeding. Cathy is a mother-of-three, qualified nurse, midwife of 26 years, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In this second part, we talk about nipple pain and Cathy gives a great analogy for what’s normal and also guides us on when you should ask for help from your midwife or a lactation consultant. Cathy gives insightful advice for partners in supporting a mother who’s breastfeeding, and she talks about tongue ties including what can be done if it’s affecting your feeding or whether or not you should cut one if it’s not, in fact, causing any issues. We also go into spilly babies, tips for introducing a bottle, her thoughts on pumps, and advice she has for mothers embarking or in the Fourth Trimester. I hope you enjoy. | |||
| Expert: Peaceful Parenting Coach, Annaliese Erin on childhood trauma and reparenting | 03 Jun 2021 | 01:01:10 | |
Content warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma and mentions sexual abuse. If any of these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you're listening. Today’s guest is Annaliese Erin, a peaceful parenting coaching and mum to her two-year-old daughter Alaska Blue. Today she talks to her own childhood trauma and feelings of inadequacy around parenting, she never actually planned to have kids but just wait till you hear of how far she’s come. This episode is as practical as it is thoughtful. Annaleise shares strategies, tips, techniques and examples for managing behaviours and emotions - both ours and our child’s. We discuss shadow work and inner child work, self-healing, reparenting, emotional regulation, punishment vs consequences, and how to move forward from our own childhood trauma without blame. This episode may just be the permission slip we all need to show up for ourselves, in order to show up for our tamariki.
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| Expert (Part One): Lactation Consultant, Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby / establishing breastfeeding, benefits, cluster feeding, low supply | 25 Mar 2020 | 00:49:42 | |
In today’s episode I speak with the lovely Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby about all things breastfeeding. Cathy is a mother-of-three, a qualified nurse, a midwife of 26 years, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Our conversation is thorough and long, so you’ll see I’ve released it in two parts, but both episodes are available now so you don’t have to wait to hear all of Cathy’s wisdom, tips, and advice. In this first part, we talk about what mothers can expect from the first few days and weeks when breastfeeding in terms of the types of milk we produce and the benefits. We go over the average breastfeeding timeline during the Fourth Trimester, what to expect from cluster feeding and what its purpose is, and we cover what your options are if you think you have low supply. And just quickly, a little disclaimer before we begin. As you know, my intention with all Motherness content is to hold space for mothers in all their glory – in all your glory. This episode is in no way me advocating for all or nothing when it comes to breastfeeding. I’ve always maintained the opinion that if you breastfed your baby when they were first born, you breastfed. If you breastfed your baby for a few days, weeks or months, you breastfed. If you pump and give your baby a bottle, or if you mix feed, you breastfeed too. However long or however breastfeeding looks for you, you’ve done it and that’s something to be celebrated. | |||
| Expert: Pelvic Health Physio, Caitlin Day of The Vagina Physio / vaginal birth and c-section recovery, painful sex, leakage, prolapse, abdominal separation | 12 Mar 2020 | 00:54:50 | |
In today’s episode, I speak with the incredibly knowledgeable Caitlin Day, mum of one and a qualified women's, men's and pelvic health physio. She goes by The Vagina Physio on Instagram so that says it all really - we talk about vaginas.. a lot. But we also go over c-section recovery, sex after birth, returning to exercise and above all else, what ideal postnatal recovery looks like. Therefore, we also cover what lies outside of that as pelvic floor issues, such as prolapse, vaginal tightness, abdominal separation, and discomfort during sex. We go into detail about pessaries too. | |||
| Meg Raynor / premature twins, NICU, c-section recovery, breastfeeding holiday, bonding, matrescence | 03 Mar 2020 | 00:55:39 | |
In this episode, I speak with Meg Raynor, mum to twin boys Cooper and Theo. Meg openly details her experience with having an emergency c-section when her waters unexpectedly broke at her chiropractor appointment at 31 weeks pregnant. Due to her gestation, she was sent by ambulance to Waikato hospital as she couldn't birth at Tauranga Hospital for the boys were too early. | |||
| Expert: Sleep Consultant, Lucy Burns of The Sleep Scout / newborn cycles, dummies, swaddle transition, 4-month regression, sleeping through | 27 Feb 2020 | 00:44:52 | |
In this episode, I speak with qualified sleep consultant and mother of one, Lucy Burns of The Sleep Scout. | |||
| Jess Britten / bed sharing, postpartum emotions, positive breastfeeding journey, physical recovery | 20 Feb 2020 | 00:49:43 | |
This episode is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Use code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive 10% off storewide. Visit littlebambinos.co.nz to shop. | |||
| Mandy Duncan / formula + breastfed babies, co-sleeping, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage | 11 Feb 2020 | 00:43:14 | |
In this episode, I speak with mum of three, Mandy Duncan about her newborn journeys with each of her children. Mandy talks about her first long labour which ended in an emergency c-section and her desire to have elective c-sections for her subsequent births - both times Mandy was already in labour having contractions but chose to proceed with the c-section. She speaks of her struggles with breastfeeding her first two children due to a lack of education and support around what was normal but goes on to share how she breastfed her third baby for a year. As a result, her approach to sleep with her third baby was different from the independence of her first two children and she talks about how she chose to feed-to-sleep and co-sleep with Oakly. | |||
| Lucy Slight / unsettled baby, lactation consultant, witching hour, bonding & postpartum emotions | 04 Feb 2020 | 00:52:10 | |
In this episode, I speak to mum of one, Lucy Slight about her newborn journey with her now 6-month-old daughter Tui. Lucy talks us through her long labour and ventouse delivery of Tui and speaks positively of the nights she spent at Auckland's Waitakere Hospital following her birth where they established breastfeeding thanks to the help of midwives. | |||
| Introduction to Motherness with Skye Ross | 04 Feb 2020 | 00:04:08 | |
Hi, I'm Skye Ross, a mum to my almost one-year-old daughter, Albie and I live on Auckland's North Shore with my partner Mark. | |||
| Expert: Vedic Meditation teacher Georgia Vavasour / meditation for mums | 29 May 2021 | 00:54:50 | |
In today's episode I'm joined by my Vedic Meditation teacher, Georgia Vavasour. We discuss how the practice works, the science behind this technique, and exactly why it’s so restorative, healing and calming for mums especially. Adaptation energy up, reactivity down. If you’re craving more calm, listening to this episode may be exactly what you need. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. | |||
| Jess Urlichs / postnatal anxiety, transition from one to two (one year apart), Highly Sensitive Child, identity in motherhood | 26 May 2021 | 00:46:41 | |
Welcome back to another episode of Motherness. I'm sorry it's been a while between episodes but I'm so excited to bring you this interview with writer and mum of two, Jess Urlichs. | |||
| Julia Matthews / working mum, breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, daycare transition | 30 Mar 2021 | 00:55:32 | |
This episode is brought to you by our first Motherness community event, a screening of the documentary Birth Time. This exclusive screening is on April 29 2021 at 8pm at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland. Buy your tickets here. | |||
| Bree Hutchieson / spiritual home birth, breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem feeding, healing | 23 Mar 2021 | 00:43:13 | |
Today's guest is Bree Hutchieson, a māmā of two girls who takes us through her deeply spiritual home birth experience of her second daughter Saffie, after the cascade of interventions in hospital for her first birth of daughter Beau. We discuss her journey of stepping into her power, all that has come her way throughout her journey since her first birth, the emotional landscape of motherhood, the intersection of western medicine and ancestral healing, breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem feeding, weaning, body image, triggers in parenting and so much more. | |||
| Rachel Hawke / 8 years of TTC, 4 rounds of IVF, mosaic embryo, miracle baby | 02 Mar 2021 | 01:50:47 | |
This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Little Bambinos is offering all Motherness listeners 10% off storewide - enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount. Today’s guest is my beautiful friend Rachel, a mum to Winnie and wife to Dre. She and Dre lived through 8 years of trying to conceive before they had their perfect little girl six months ago so if you’re looking for a happy ending kind of fertility story – this one of the most joyous ones I know. Rachel takes us through their entire journey with fertility treatment, their two miscarriages, and all the feelings and emotions that come with trying to conceive. I hope this episode is the kind of conversation about infertility that many of you feel is needed – a true, raw and completely honest account about life on the other side of deeply longing for a child and doing whatever it takes to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. For miscarriage, pregnancy loss and infertility support:
Follow Rachel Hawke on Instagram. | |||