In episode 34 of the podcast I talk with the incredible Women's Health Physiotherapist, Researcher, Published Author and all around Guru Mindy Cooper about how to best support yourself during breastfeeding, and also about how to take care of your mental health if it didn't work out as planned.

In our culture we medicalise breastfeeding, if something goes wrong there is minimal support and we blame the woman. In early postpartum, rather than valuing rest and recovery, 'bouncing back' and being the perfect host to visitors is heralded.

This episode is not a how-to guide, rather a holistic management plan, and it covers:

• Why we grieve if our breastfeeding journey didn't go to plan
• Why there is so much judgement in the BF space
• How to set yourself up early to have a positive journey
• Why medical advice often doesn't work
• How to navigate mismanagement and poor advice
• Why inflammation is so common early on in BF
• And so much more

I hope you all enjoy, and if you are a health practitioner looking to partake in any of Mindy or her team's amazing courses:

COURSE DATES, LOCATIONS & REGISTRATION LINKS Level 1 practical dates and the links for registration: WA | Sunday 2 April | King Edward Hospital, Perth Level 2 will be held in Melbourne, Victoria, probably same venue as Level 1 on Sunday October 8.

Enjoy xx

There is no template to Break-Up with a friend, it is seen as a failure if a friendship ends. And friendship break-ups if done in the wrong way, can create so much heartbreak and pain.

However, I think that during the perinatal period. Whether you are trying to navigate a longer-than-expected conception journey, or are at home with a screaming baby, you will have less energy to give to friendships. Your priorities will also be shifting, along with your daily rhythms and routines. Therefore I think it is essential for your wellbeing to be surrounded by friends that fill you up with energy, and joy, and don't drain your batteries, judge you, or make you feel overwhelmed and insecure.

In this episode I discuss:

• Why I think it's OK for our friendships to change over time
• The three ways to break-up with a friend
• My experience of being Ghosted
• What to look for in your friendships
• And SO much more

I would love to hear your feedback, do you agree with me??? Do you disagree?? I'd love to know, come and find me on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/storiesofwomenshealth/

Enjoy xxxx

After the birth of her much wanted baby girl Clara, Chelsea began to slowly spiral into Postnatal Depression. Sleep deprivation and difficulty breastfeeding took hold, and the normally high-achieving goals oriented Chelsea began to develop a reliance on prescription drugs in order to sleep. After experiencing a major panic attack, Chelsea was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient with her newborn daughter.

This experience however, turned Chelsea's life in a completely new direction. Inspiring the creation of her business EQ minds, her study in psychology, her work as a key-note speaker and her book The Mindful High Performer.

In this episode topics discussed include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Postnatal depression and anxiety
• Suicidal ideation
• The importance of taking care of yourself through boundaries
• Finding purpose through pain
• How to identify a perinatal mood disorder (in yourself or in a loved one)
• How to help... and so much more

You can find Chelsea over at https://www.eqminds.com

If this episode has brought up anything for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or PANDA 1300 726 306

And you can find me on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/CknLryCPc1q/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

If you love the show hit SUBSCRIBE on your podcast app and share with a friend, enjoy xxx

In this episode I catch up with Sophie, Ashlee, Abbi and Heidi and find out how they are going now. How their Postnatal Anxiety felt at its worst, what things helped the most along the way, how it felt to talk publicly about their experience with Postnatal Anxiety and so much more.

I loved checking in with these past guests, and I hope you all enjoy the episode. If this conversation brings up anything for you, please contact PANDA on 1300 726 306.

Links below for each guests story, if you haven't listened yet

Sophie's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000556129265

Ashlee's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000564441438

Abbi's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000570232301

Heidi's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stories-of-womens-health/id1616381789?i=1000561479089

Did you know that a whopping 92% of couples report increased conflict in their relationship in the first year after birth!!? And 67% report overall decreased satisfaction within their pairing.

This conversation with awarded author, speaker and couples counsellor Elly Taylor we discuss all things relationships in the perinatal period, what is normal, how to take care of yourself and your partner and also what is not normal and needs further support. I loved this conversation, and I know you all will too. You can find Elly and her amazing work and books and courses over at https://ellytaylor.com, https://becomingusfamily.com

A heads up, in this episode we discuss Domestic Violence and Postnatal Depression/Anxiety, if you need further support please contact respectively 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or PANDA on 1300 726 306

This episode is proudly brought to you by Chekoh, use code SOWH10 at checkout for 10% off storewide over at https://www.chekoh.com

After the birth of her son, Renee started to notice a decline in her mental health. Initially she pushed this feeling away, as a high achiever and all around "coper" Renee felt she could fix her mental health and it would all be ok.

Fast forward a few years, the strain of a move, parenting two children with additional needs, and the lack of an open discussion about mental health, Renee's PND worsened and she was admitted to an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. This story so beautifully told will help so many, and share it with someone in your life who may needs to hear it.

If this episode brings anything up for you please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or PANDA on 1300 726 306

Hello and happy Monday everyone! Today I am grateful to share with you all Sandy's story.

Sandy lives with a Genetic Condition EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) that causes delicate skin, blistering and wounds. In today's episode we discuss the mental load of knowing your baby carries the same gene, Sandy's unassisted birth, retained placenta, PPH, how the importance of taking care of yourself when you are having a bad health day ( go and get a haircut, make yourself feel cute etc etc)

Sandy is a ray of sunshine and a joy to listen to and I know you will all enjoy.

PS there are some technical issues early on in this podcast, I am blaming mercury being in retrograde at time of recording, and also the fact that I am not great with technology at the best of times! However I think it just adds to the beauty of the episode.

PPS if you want to support the show hit FOLLOW on your Apple or Spotify platforms x

This episode is brought to you by Mika and Max. Look dreamy this spring with 20% off storewide with the code stories20 over at https://www.mikaandmax.com.au

Hello everyone and welcome back!! I have so been looking forward to this episode, with mother of four, journalist and great mind that is Virginia Tapscott.

In this episode we discuss:

• Virginia's experience postpartum with her first child
• When Virginia realised being a "Stay At Home Mum" or "Working Mum" weren't the experiences the labels promised
• Stigma in the parenting space
• Speaking out about difficult issues despite criticism
• Why the language we use matters
• Valuing the role of the Parental Caregiver
• The joy and privilege of parenting

And so much more. I hope you all enjoy!!!

Find me over on @storiesofwomenshealth and let me know how you found this episode

This episode with Dr. Serrallach is not to be missed. Dr. Serrallach is an MD and specialist in postnatal recovery. His work heralded by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and looks at what is happening at a biological level during pregnancy and postpartum. This is a time of incredible transformation for women, that goes largely unrecognised in the medical data, and therefor poorly managed in the medical world.

In this episode we discuss:

• the massive and multifactorial brain changes initiated by placental hormones in pregnancy
• why we are wired to react differently to stress during this time
• why the people we surround ourselves with will directly impact our physical health postnatally
• why sleep, asking for help, addressing nutrient deficiency and being kind to ourselves is key
• how to balance our hormones
• any red flags to look out for
• and SO much more

You can find Dr. Serrallach and his incredible online program over at https://www.themothercareproject.com

This episode is brought to you by Mika and Max Boutique. Why not treat dad (and yourself) with gifts you can enjoy too. Head to https://www.mikaandmax.com.au and use the code stories20 for 20% off xxx

Today's episode is brought to you by Mika and Max, shop 20% off your spring wardrobe with the code stories20. Head to https://www.mikaandmax.com.au to find your favourite brands and update your wardrobe.

This week we have Emily on the podcast to talk about her experience with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss/Miscarriage, IVF and so much more. We talk about the anxiety of early pregnancy after loss, how Emily and her partner Luke became stronger than ever through this difficult time to conceive baby Jack, and learning body appreciation.

I loved this conversation and I'm sure you will too.

If you are enjoying the show, remember to hit the Subscribe Button.

Find me on instagram at @storiesofwomenshealth

Enjoy xxx