Mumma Midwife's The Motherhood Journey

Im so proud of Melissa for sharing her story with us! I asked her and she told me she was really scared, that she wanted to but was too worried about doing it. 

In true me style I said well lets do it tonight after the kids are asleep so that you don't have time to think about it, she said yes and a few hours later this episode was recorded. 

I was Melissa Midwife 11 years ago when she had her first child and was apart of an amazing time in my life. I am so proud of how far she has come and to see how amazing she is doing at life! 

Thanks again Melissa!!! 

I love this question, mostly because I can predict that Im going to get it from most new mums!!!

Newborns often wake once that are put down for a few different reasons

- Because of the Mammalian Brain,
- Because of the lack of noise, light and feeling unsafe,
- Because of the bodies vestibular system,
- Lack of understanding of baby sleep cycles and 
- lack of object permanence. 

This Podcast dives into why babies wake and give you a heap of ideas to help them stay asleep when you transfer them!

Good luck!


This episode goes really well with episode 18- how your babies brain works! Check it out if you haven't heard that one yet!

When Amanda got back to me and said she would do a podcast episode with me I was so excited! I even ran to Mike to let him know (he wasn't as excited as me hahaha). I felt like what she had to say was pretty close to "expert mum"... even though I don't really believe there is such a thing! 

I was so excited because I loved the idea of everyone being able to hear what it is like for her being a "new mum" so many times over 30 years, new advice, new challenges, and even a new her as she matured, changed and grew as a person and as a mum. 

I can't imagine what it would be like having kids in 2 different eras and in 2 different countries... seems crazy hey! Well come with me and have a chat to this amazing mumma who keeps kicking mum goals! After this conversation I'm even more blown away by what she has done!

Trigger warning- 
In this episode Amanda discusses her experience of Postnatal Depression. If you or anyone you know is experiencing this follow the link below to find support!

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/postnatal-depression




Disclaimer-

The information and references in this podcast are intended solely for the general information for the reader/listener. The contents of this podcast are not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a liscenced and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on breastfeeding, sleep, mental health concerns, newborn/infant health, postnatal follow up, medications or any other health concerns not mentioned. 

The materials contained on this podcast are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal or any other professional advice on any subject matter. April Stannard does not accept any responsibility for any losses that may arise for reliance on information contained on this site. 

This episode is a mini one that I recorded about mothering Tilly and the sleep challenges that I had with her. I don't really offer any specific solutions, just stand in solidarity with other mothers who are experiencing sleep deprivation and struggle with the "am I doing it right", "when will it pass?", "what am I doing wrong" and "will it be like this forever". 

I promise that it will pass, it does get easier... I just can't tell you when!

This is probably one of my favourite episodes so far!!!! 

I really feel like this message needs to be shared far and wide.... Newborns are like Koala's!!!

They need to be on their care giver almost all of the time! Newborns can't see properly, they don't understand the world, they can't move or protect themselves and if they are left on their own their body and brain tell them that they are in danger! Seriously!!! 

So after you have heard this, tell your friends, tell your sisters and tell the world! Babies are designed to be held almost all the time in the first few months! It is ok and expected! You aren't making a rod for your own back, you are meeting your infants biological need! 

Good work Mumma!

I absolutely loved this conversation! SO many times I was like yessss! Like my heart just saw Mandy and her experience like it could have been my own! 

Mandy, like so many mums, felt like she was the keeper of all things in her family. She didn't want anyone else to be inconvenienced or tired or sad and so set about making sure all the things were done! It can be hard to realise that you can't actually maintain that kind of pressure on yourself. 

Mandy is now a postnatal Doula and like me is using her own early mothering experience to help other mothers walk an easier path than she did. 

We were kindred spirits and i hope you can hear how much fun we had chatting together!

If you are looking for support postnatally and you are in Western Australia then find Mandy at Nest Postpartum on Facebook and @nest_postpartum on Instagram.

Thanks Mandy!!! It was a blast.

Asking for help!!!

There are a lot of studies that focus on how people who are socially isolated and don't have the support of family or friends are at a higher risk for postnatal depression. Yet it isn't really seen as the thing to do in our culture! We are told we should be able to do it alone and women can see it as a form of weakness if they need to ask for help. 

I see it as the opposite! To ask for help in this culture is brave and is truly the best thing you can do to love yourself and your baby!

So I hope this episode encourages you to ask for help next time you need it!

Cheers April

This episode I chatted to Kayla, an amazing mum of 4 who gave birth to Freddie just a 10 months ago. She spend the episode reminding us that we have everything already inside of us to be the mother that we want to be!

Kayla began her motherhood journey at the age of 19 and in a society that feels that anything younger than 30 is considered too young, this can be daunting and overwhelming. But in my experience becoming a mother as a teenager has its own set of benefits! Growing as your children do, having them see you work hard for the goals and dreams that you have and not having a life set in stone before becoming a parent makes the "change" less inconvenient. 

I have always had a soft spot for teen mums and Kayla is no different! 

Hope you enjoy this episode! 

Vernix and baby body hair-

I often get questions about both of these so I thought I'd do a quick podcast about them both!

Here are some great resources about vernix-

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vernix-caseosa


Here are some about baby body hair-

https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-lanugo-and-is-it-a-concern-in-newborns-4177351

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/hair-on-newborn-baby-body-lanugo-is-it-normal/

https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/newborn-hair#will-it-fall-out

Hope you enjoy!