In this week's episode I speak to Rhiannon, mum to daughter Beatrix. After having a few serious conversations with friends, Rhiannon decided that she was going to pursue having a baby on her own. After looking into options in Australia and overseas, she decided to go to the USA to undergo IVF.  Gender selection in the USA is legal- so Rhiannon, who had pictured her life as a single mum with a daughter, decided to 'sway science' in her favour and have a girl. Rhiannon talks about how this process works, why she decided to do it, the reactions she receives from people when they find out and what she would have done if she'd only received boy embryos. Plus interestingly, find out why Rhiannon believes that gender selection should remain illegal in Australia. Additionally, Rhiannon shares how she chose her donor, what she did to prepare for life as a single mum and how she gets by on her own. It's a very open and frank discussion that covers these topics and so much more - listen now on all podcast platforms.
If you'd like to follow Rhiannon's journey on instagram, check her out at @the.adventures.of.bunny.and.i

In this week's episode I speak to Rachael, who you might know from instagram as @babyledweaningideas. Rachael has two children and is an expert on all things baby led weaning. She shares her own journey, including why did she start it? how did she handle the pressure from people who didn't understand? And what happened when she started to doubt herself? Rachael also outlines the benefits of baby led weaning, when and how to introduce cutlery, what to do about allergens and why it's important to trust your baby... even when they're throwing food on the ground! Plus, if you've worried that your baby won't sleep through because they aren't full  (thank you food throwing), hear why you shouldn't worry (Spoiler: they will sleep through when they're ready!). This episode is basically your complete guide to baby-led weaning and is one you don't want to miss! Find it on all podcast platforms now. 

In this week's episode I speak to Meg, mum to twins Bodhi and Willow. Meg had her twins in a very quick labour at 33 weeks and 6 days. She talks about what that was like and then how she managed when the twins stayed in the Special Care Unit for two weeks after she returned home. Meg discusses the challenges she encountered with breastfeeding due to Bodhi and Willow having tongue and lip ties and also being born early. She's candid about how she felt and the process she went through accepting that she wasn't going to be a breastfeeding mum.  Like many people I'm sure you'd be interested to hear how she manages sleep with twins. Meg goes into detail about how it's going so far! Meg also talks about the strange and intrusive comments she receives from strangers when she's with her babies - you have to hear them to believe it... Don't miss this great episode out now!

In this week’s episode I speak to Angela, mum to daughter Alara. Angela is routine-driven and before her daughter was born she researched a number of different routines and sleep guides. She settled on wotbaby (and converted me in the process!) and talks about why setting up a routine was important for her and her family – and what she does on the occasions she needs to go off-routine. Angela also discusses how they discovered her daughter has an allergy and shares her experience with this diagnosis. Finally, Angela discusses her breastfeeding journey. When Alara was born she was 2.4kg and struggled to latch. Ang shockingly received judgement from a midwife when she used a nipple shield in the hospital at the advice of a lactation consultant and she shares what she wishes she knew about breastfeeding before she had her daughter. Listen now!

**This episode deals with a baby found not breathing in its cot. If this could be too distressing to hear, you might want to skip this section of the interview.**
In this week's episode I speak to Kate, mum to 11 month old Jessie. Kate is a clinical psychologist and shares how this has influenced her parenting, in that she's going to try to not be a psychologist to her daughter! Kate shares how science can explain some of the phenomenons that parents experience  (such as how do we know what our babies need from such a young age?) but also that there are gaps in our understanding.  If psychology interests you, this is one you don't want to miss. 
Kate also tells the story of finding her daughter not breathing. While all turned out ok and Jessie is happy and healthy - it was a lesson for Kate in trusting your instincts and to keep advocating for your child until you're satisfied that they're okay.

If this episode brings up any issues for you, you can call Parentline on  1300 30 1300.

In this week’s episode I speak to Rachel, mum to a 2 year old boy and newborn daughter. Rachel talks about how she and her husband prepared their son for the arrival of a new sibling, and how it’s going so far. She also shares her experience of going into labour on her last day of work, and the strange phenomenon that the midwives told her was the reason why she went into labour. After having an emergency caesarean for her first birth, Rachel decided that she wanted to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) and she discusses the process she went through for this to be an option, how it went, and compares her two post-birth recovery experiences. Finally, Rachel’s daughter was diagnosed with jaundice after they’d left the hospital and she shares how it was discovered and what they did to help her. Don't miss this conversation!
 

In this week's episode I speak to Natalie, mum to twin boys Toby and Jayden. Natalie and her husband Nathan are Australians and they live in San Francisco. Finding out they were pregnant with twins was a shock - but even more so was watching the Covid-19 pandemic 
unfold. The plan had been that Nat's mum would visit and stay with them for a few months, but when international borders started to close, it became clear that this wasn't going to happen. Nat talks about what it's been like for her and Nathan being on their own with no help, no family visits and in a state of almost-permanent lockdown.
Additionally, Natalie shares her breastfeeding journey and how she's managed to breastfeed twins with very different latches and feeding preferences, as well as how they manage sleep for the babies. Ultimately - they do what works for them and their boys. It's a fascinating conversation that you don't want to miss!

In this week's episode, I speak to Michelle, a mum to 2 young children. Michelle talks about adjusting to her new life as a parent when her first daughter was born, and how different the experience was when she had her second child, a son. 
When Michelle and her husband started trying for their second baby, she sadly had two miscarriages. Michelle openly speaks about those experiences, including how she miscarried, and gives insight into what helped her through that time, plus what people can do to help if someone they know is going through the same thing. (This might be upsetting to hear for some listeners).
Four weeks into breastfeeding her son, Michelle developed a case of mastitis so bad that she ended up in hospital for 9 days. A totally new experience for her, Michelle talks about what happened and how she was treated. 
Don't miss this great episode!

**This episode deals with a baby born non-responsive. If you think the content in this episode might upset you, I encourage you to skip it.**

In this episode I speak with Kez, mum to Ollie. When Ollie was born, Kez's placenta ruptured and he was born non-responsive. Thankfully he's okay, but he was worked on for 18 minutes by doctors and then spent 2 weeks in the NICU.

For the first time, Kez talks about this experience and bravely shares what she, her husband Paul, and Ollie went through during this time and since.

In addition, Ollie had significant feeding issues. Kez explains how they were able to diagnose them and are treating it.

What's important for you to know about Kez is that although some of what we talk about might seem sad or hard - Kez is really happy. These stories are just a few aspects of a multi-faceted, wonderful motherhood journey. 

It was important to Kez that she shares her story so that other mums who might be going through something similar know that they're not alone.

Kez - thank you for being so brave, open and honest with me. Your courage is inspiring and I am honoured that you shared your story on this platform. 

A huge thank you and acknowledgement to the doctors, nurses and staff in the NICU at the Royal Hospital for Women.

If you'd like support, you can contact Parentline on 1300 1300 52.

In this week's episode I speak to Gen, mum to Sofia.  Gen is married to an African man and together they are raising Sofia in different cultures and faiths, along with a healthy dose of confidence. Gen is preparing Sofia for the different pressures she might face, as well as setting her up with confidence to love the skin she's in, to have a strong connection to her different roots and also respect the people around her.

Thanks to her charity work in Africa and her work as a school nurse, Gen has witnessed first hand the different ways of parenting, raising children, and has seen how capable children can be. This has greatly impacted her philosophy on raising children, and Gen shares openly how she and her husband intend on parenting and setting Sofia up for the best chance of success.

Hear this great conversation on this episode of Life After Bump Diaries!

If you want to join Gen's Facebook Group, "Mama G's Parent Support Group" - click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/519813515320893/

And for more information about her charity Gennarosity Abroad - click here: https://www.gennarosityabroad.org/