Perinatal distress could affect up to 15% of New Zealand women, and the rate for Maori, Pacific, and Asian women is higher and could be up to one in three. In fact, it's estimated that nearly HALF of the women who have had children could experience some symptoms of perinatal distress, however, many may not be at the point where they have a diagnosis.

With such large rates of people with children who have symptoms of perinatal distress, in this episode, we will learn more about it.

According to the 2018 census, there were over 700,000 people who identified as the Asian ethnic group in New Zealand. Over 60% lived in Auckland. 21% had one child, 25.5% had two children and 8.9% had three children in this census. 77% were born overseas.

In this episode I am joined by Vishal Rishi, the Director of The Asian Network Inc (TANI), to discuss the needs of this population group and to tell us about the Healthy Babies Healthy Futures Programme, which is designed to support parents from this ethnic group.

30% of postnatal women will suffer from one or more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. If left untreated this can lead to embarrassment and social isolation.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction? What symptoms can someone experience postpartum? What is an episiotomy and pelvic prolapse?

Find out in this episode about Postnatal Pelvic Dysfunction.

When parents take a few years off work to look after and grow their families, it can be daunting to think about applying for a job again. How do I update my resume? What jobs should I apply for?

For some parents, this is an opportunity to think about what their career might look like, and it might be different from what they had once thought.

In this episode I welcome Jayne Chater again to discuss what parents can think about before looking for a job, the common challenges parents face when returning to the workforce, tools to help them decide what path to take, and how to promote themselves with confidence.

To find out about Career Camp which is discussed in this episode, click here https://leaderful.co.nz/

To find out about Jayne's book 'A Slight Detour' click here https://www.reconnect.coach/a-slight-detour/

Jobs For Mums is a marketplace connecting forward-thinking employers with amazing people looking for flexible work.

In this episode, I talk to the founder of Jobs For Mums, Mela Lush. She explains why she started Jobs For Mums, what companies advertise through this marketplace, and what she sees as the biggest barriers to mums returning to the workforce.

Check out https://www.jobsformums.co.nz/

Pelvic pain in pregnancy affects many women. 

You may notice pain in the front or back of the pelvis, buttocks, or groin. You may have pain with walking and be uncomfortable when in bed.

Why is pelvic pain so common? Does it affect labour? How can this be managed?

To discuss this topic today, I am joined by pelvic health physiotherapist, Jennifer Dutton. 

Many parents share concerns about returning to work after parental leave. 

How can I determine how many hours I can work? How can I prevent myself from ending up burnt out?  Will I be judged for working part-time? What is best for my family and how can I advocate for that?

In this episode, I am joined by Jane Chater who has worked with hundreds of women addressing challenges professional women face and supports managers and organisations to support mothers going on leave, returning to work, and managing their careers long-term.

Jane has also written a book titled A Slight Detour, How to successfully navigate your family and career. This book is a guide to navigate your way along whatever twists and turns you may find yourself traveling down.

Find out more about Jayne at https://www.reconnect.coach/our-coaches/jayne-chater/

We have likely heard the message “breast is best.” However, many women find breastfeeding challenging.

In this episode join me, Shirena, and Dr Yvonne Le Fort, a breastfeeding specialist to learn about factors that can affect breastfeeding and how to prepare for breastfeeding. We will also bust some myths about breastfeeding and ask, is there anything wrong with formula?

See some breastfeeding contacts below (accurate as of February 2023):

1. The regional health services have lactation consultants available for those who live in their area.

2. Plunket provides access to lactation consultants 

3. The New Zealand Lactation Consultants Association has private community-based lactation consultants throughout Aotearoa New Zealand see https://www.nzlca.org.nz/

4. Breastfeeding Medicine Doctors throughout Aotearoa New Zealand can be accessed through Health Pathways by any GP across the country. Most offer online consultations as well as face-to-face.

5. You can also contact Dr Le Fort directly on [email protected]

Welcome to the Parental Well-Being Podcast!

The Parental Well-Being podcast is for parents who sometimes struggle with parenting while managing the complexities of life. This podcast aims to support parents in gaining insights into parenting challenges and stresses and provide some tools, techniques, and resources to manage these.

Please note: These episodes are for educational purposes only. This should not be used to replace clinical diagnosis or support.

Some topics may be sensitive so please take care of yourself.