Mum Will Know

With Induction of Labour becoming increasingly more prevalent in Australia today, it's important we understand why it is recommended and what risks come with having an induction. This episode dives deep into some of the many indications for induction today… opening up whether research fully supports those recommendations or not (hint – some of the reasons doctors may suggest you be induced actually aren’t supported by current research!) We take the risks of inductions seriously, looking at the cascade of interventions that may arise following steps of inductions. Like every week, it's all about equipping you with knowledge and understanding so that you’re able to confidently go towards childbirth ready to advocate for yourself and your baby.

To see where I’ve found all the stats and information, check out the show notes at www.mumwillknow.com  

More than a third of Australian women today have their labours induced. As this method of intervention becomes more and more common, it’s important that we understand exactly what an induction is, why its recommended and what the risks are that come with being induced. As I say in most of my episodes, being informed and educated well in advance will mean that if this is something that ends up being recommended or brought up at some point near the end of your pregnancy, you don’t feel completely in the dark and at the mercy of health professionals, but instead, you feel equipped and prepared to understand your options and make decisions about your care more confidently. 

In today’s episode we start this conversation as I open up the question of What is an Induction of Labour? I share the many possible methods or steps involved in inductions, and we hear from Mum Will Know listener Tolly Macrae about her experience having an Induction with her third baby earlier this year.

If you’re keen to catch the show notes for this episode, or any past episode, head to www.mumwillknow.com

Breastfeeding and sleep! Two of the biggest, most stressful parts of motherhood, so of course they overlap… Today Kate delves deep into the relationship between breastfeeding and sleep, opening up ideas like co-sleeping, breastfeeding a baby to sleep, offering a bottle overnight and more. She also shares information on breastfeeding past 1 year, the benefits, how it works with return to work, if pregnant again, and even tandem feeding. 

To connect with Kate head to the show notes at www.mumwillknow.com

96% of Australian women intend to breastfeed but at 4 months of age only 39% of babies are exclusively breastfed. Clearly something is going on here. Today I speak with Lactation consultant, midwife and mum of two, Kate Visser about some of the common issues and questions that arise around breastfeeding. In part 1 of our conversation Kate delves into pain and nipple damage, tongue ties, supply issues and whether breast size impacts milk production.

To catch the show notes and links to connect with Kate, check out the show notes here

When you transition into motherhood everything changes! Identity, relationships, even our brain develops new sensory preferences!! But why is no one preparing us for this! Why are we so busy fluffing around painting nurseries and researching which baby monitor to buy, when we really need to be preparing for this epic life change?! Today, social worker and mum of two, Fiona Weaver unpacks what happens to women as they become mothers. She is warm, personal and so encouraging you’ll feel like you’ve had an auditory pat on the back/hug – well worth the 50 minutes.

To access links to connect with Fiona, check out the show notes at www.mumwillknow.com

How well do you know your menstrual cycle? Do you know the day you ovulate each month? Do you understand physiologically what’s going on? Did you know that the changes that come with your menstrual cycle affect more than just whether or not you make a baby each month? This episode midwife and natural fertility teacher Madeleine Murray shares how tuning in to our own menstrual cycle can act as a tool to knowing ourselves better and living life in a way that is connected to our body’s needs. Maddy discusses the physiological stages of our menstrual cycle, but also delves into the ‘Inner Seasons’ and deeper emotional side.

To catch the show notes, and links to connect with Maddy head to www.mumwillknow.com

Have you ever thought about this idea that we as parents are our children’s first teachers? And what does that mean for the time we have with our kids early on, especially before they start school? And then, when thinking about schooling… do words like Montessori and Steiner make you anxious and worried you haven’t really thought through all the options available for your child’s education? In this episode, teacher and mum of three Hannah Alexander answers these questions and more.

To access the show notes & all the resources and recommendations Hannah shares, head to mumwillknow.com

Claire unpacks the incredibly complex combination of birth hormones in both mothers and babies, which if left undisturbed work together to ensure labour and birth progress smoothly. We delve into oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline and prolactin as well as ways to support and promote their release and how to avoid inhibiting the important work they do. It’s all about learning how our bodies work so we can trust birth, be prepared and be somewhat in control of what’s to come…

For the full show notes head to www.mumwillknow.com

Have you ever thought much about immunising yourself of your kids? Are you someone who is pro-vaccine but doesn’t actually know much more about the topic. Could you bust some of those reappearing doubts and myths that float around about vaccines being linked to autism or having harmful chemicals. As always, we need to know what’s going on… being educated so we can be confident in the decisions we make for our families.

Today I chat with Dr Preeya Alexander, a Melbourne based GP and mum of two about immunisations. We cover what vaccinations are, the difference between live and non-live vaccines, why they’re important, and Preeya goes deep into the evidence around some of those contentious issues that cast doubt on the safety of vaccinations.

Check out the show notes, a link to follow Preeya on Instagram, and other episodes over at www.mumwillknow.com

This episode in honour of Birth Trauma Awareness week, Claire speaks with the Gidget Foundation's clinical team leader Chris Barnes about birth trauma. Chris talks through the many causes of birth trauma, symptoms and how trauma can effect a woman's life and relationships. Chris also shares tips on how to recover from a traumatic birth experience as well as steps to take if preparing/planning another baby.

To find the links to resources Chris mentions in the episode check out the episode show notes