Australia has an incredible public health system, but there are still challenges for many Australians when it comes to getting access to the right kind of pregnancy and birth support. Jodi Wilson co-authored The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. As part of her research for the book Jodi looked into disadvantaged communities. She explains how some women are missing out on the support they need.

For more information on Jodi Wilson check out her website https://www.practisingsimplicity.com/ and you can find The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-complete-australian-guide-to-pregnancy-and-birth-sophie-walker/book/9781922616036.html?dsa=s1-east&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaBvo9WfDc-ZxVG3OpLsdayq0LIxALyFxbypXOGyX_6yTdDxgaQ772BoC59cQAvD_BwE 

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Allergic reactions in children can range from the mild to severe... and they can have a big impact on quality of life for your child and your family.  On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatrician Dr Deb Levy answer all your questions about allergies.

Next episode we're tackling bites and stings. Maybe your child gets huge swelling from mosquito bites, or you’re worried about how to treat a blue bottle sting. Send your questions through to [email protected]

Links mentioned in this episode:
ALLERGY:
https://www.allergy.org.au/
https://preventallergies.org.au/
https://www.drdeblevy.com/can-hand-washing-cause-food-allergies/
https://www.drdeblevy.com/is-it-a-food-allergy/

FOOD INTOLERANCE:
https://www.drdeblevy.com/when-food-hurts/

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Trigger warning: This interview contains reference to preterm birth, infant mortality and traumatic birth.

Shannon Trenwith and Kim Spragg did not have your average first birth. Their daughter Agnes was born premature at 23 weeks at a time when Covid-19 safety measures were in full force in hospitals in Melbourne. Shannon and Kim talk about their incredible experience navigating the uncertainty, fear and isolation of having a baby preterm during the pandemic.

If this story has been upsetting for you, please see the following organisations for help:

The Australasian Birth Trauma Association - https://birthtrauma.org.au/ 
The Gidget Foundation - https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/
COPE - https://www.cope.org.au/ 

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Do you have a child who gets upset if they don't come first in every race? A child who has to make cupcakes like the winning cupcakes on Bake Off? Children who are focussed on being the best often face great disappointment. Dr Kaylene Henderson is a psychiatrist and parenting educator who believes in the power of "Flearning". To find out what flearning is and how to help your child embrace imperfection, listen to this episode.

Dr Kaylene Henderson: https://drkaylenehenderson.com/ 

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If there's one thing that parents want to know, it's how to get their children to sleep. Whether it's a baby who won't sleep more than 45 minutes at a time, or a 3-year-old who gets into bed with you at 1am, many of us could do with a helping hand.  On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatrician Dr Deb Levy and paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead answer your questions.

Our next episode is all about allergies! Do you have a question for Mother Doctor Nurse? Send it through to [email protected]

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Going back to work after having a baby can feel overwhelming. Your baby might still be breastfeeding, not sleeping through the night or you just don't want to leave them. Your baby might be older, and it could feel like you haven't been in the working world for decades. Elise Clement is a life coach who specialises in supporting women. In this episode she talks about how mums can find a way back to work that suits where they are at in life. 

Elise Clement: https://www.eliseclement.com/ 
Elise's blog article on returning to work: https://www.eliseclement.com/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave/ 

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Gen Muir is a mum of four boys. Over the years she's copped some strange comments from people about what it must be like. Not many of them have been accurate. In this episode Gen explains all the things people don't understand about being the mother of four boys, and why it's actually brilliant. 

Gen is also a parenting educator at Connected Parenting: https://www.connectedparenting.com.au/ 

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It's fair to say that prior to kids you didn't talk much about poo in everyday conversation. Once you become a parent however, it's hard to avoid. Because what comes out gives us a good indication of what's happening inside our little ones. On this episode of Mother Doctor Nurse paediatrician Dr Deb Levy and paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead answer many, many questions about poo, including a curious thing that happens with unchewed sultanas.

Our next episode is all about poo! Do you have a question for Mother Doctor Nurse? Send it through to [email protected]

More information from Dr Deb Levy: 

https://www.drdeblevy.com/a-quick-guide-to-your-kids-poop/https://www.drdeblevy.com/what-colour-should-poop-be/

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Staying on top of all the things - day care admin, play dates, family and friend commitments, bills - is only possible in the modern world thanks to our mobile phones. Unfortunately that utility also means we are super attached to our phones in a way that's not necessarily healthy. Dr Kristy Goodwin is a digital wellbeing expert and author of Dear Digital, We need to talk. Kristy gives us some great tips on how to manage our digital distraction without throwing away our phones.

To find a copy of Dear Digital check out this website- https://drkristygoodwin.com/deardigital/  

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Seeing yourself reflected in the world is important. Which is why Jasper Peach decided to create their book, You'll Be a Wonderful Parent, advice and encouragement for rainbow families of all kinds. Jasper Peach is a trans, non-binary disabled writer with two children and a wife. Their book aims to support and guide anyone in the rainbow community who wants to start a family.

For copies of the book: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/you_ll-be-a-wonderful-parent-by-jasper-peach/9781743798614 

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