Welcome back to Postpartum Diaries! This week, we're talking all things the first four weeks, covering:

• What's surprised Lucinda in her second postpartum
• The early days of going from one to two
• The products she's ACTUALLY needed
• How things have been divided in the household
• All things recovery
• And SO much more!

We'll be back to regular Ready or Not programming next week, before we get stuck into part three and four of the Postpartum Diaries in the weeks that follow.

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THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by New Bub Club, delicious meals for new and time poor parents. No prep, made-from-scratch, comfort food when you need it most.

Head to newbubclub.com to gift or purchase home-made meals for your family or someone in need of some postpartum care. Listeners of Ready or Not will receive $20 off your first order using code READY20.

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Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review. You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Witching Hour: the show that looks at what's exciting, delighting, intriguing, and frustrating us as we make work, work alongside parenting. It's Ready or Not's loose little sister coming to your ears every Monday.

In today's episode, we cover:

• H&M CEO Helena Helmersson abruptly steps down
• That Ballerina Farm controversy and whether we deserve to be outraged by another mum’s postpartum journey
• And mums talking money: after our money themed episodes, we ask you for your best tips on finances, super, and more.
• Good news: You can now exchange eligible drink containers for 10 cents in Victoria. More info here.

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THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Witching Hour is brought to you by New Bub Club, delicious meals for new and time poor parents. No prep, made-from-scratch, comfort food when you need it most.

Head to newbubclub.com to gift or purchase home-made meals for your family or someone in need of some postpartum care. Listeners of Witching Hour will receive $20 off your first order using code READY20.

---

Thanks for listening to Witching Hour If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A big hello from your host Lucinda. Today, things are looking a little different around these parts as we kick off the Postpartum Diaries: a four-part series that today, will begin with my Witching Hour co-host Loz asking me all about my bizarre birth story.

I'll be honest, I'm nervous about how personal this is going to get. Normally, I interview others and share little snippets of my own life at best, so this is taking things to the next level. But, as someone who has always valued the sharing of ideas and stories, I'm going there, in case anyone can relate to even 1% of what I have to say about birth, postpartum and all that comes with it.

So strap yourselves in for what is a pretty weird birth story that was characterised by a few twists and turns, and really made me feel like the girl who cried birth. You might think I'm mad by the end of it, and you're probably right, but I guess that's a risk I'm willing to take.

And just a note - none of this is medical advice. This is just my story.

A content warning to consider if this birth story is for you:

• Posie needed a bit of help breathing when she was born and she came out blue and unresponsive. All ended well but we know this might be a trigger for some.

---

THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by New Bub Club, delicious meals for new and time poor parents. No prep, made-from-scratch, comfort food when you need it most.

Head to newbubclub.com to gift or purchase home-made meals for your family or someone in need of some postpartum care. Listeners of Ready or Not will receive $20 off your first order using code READY20.

---

Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review. You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Witching Hour: the show that looks at what's exciting, delighting, intriguing, and frustrating us as we make work, work alongside parenting. It's Ready or Not's loose little sister coming to your ears every Monday.

In today's episode, we cover:

• Top City law firm names and shames work-from-home shirkers: Lawyers to be tracked entering and exiting the office in corporate crackdown
• ‘Sittervising’ is the latest parenting trend because it’s freaking genius
• And your answers to our questions on where you feel more confident – in motherhood or your career.
• Check out Lucy's Substack piece on the beauty of the breastfeeding trolley here.

---

THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Witching Hour is brought to you by New Bub Club, delicious meals for new and time poor parents. No prep, made-from-scratch, comfort food when you need it most.

Head to newbubclub.com to gift or purchase home-made meals for your family or someone in need of some postpartum care. Listeners of Witching Hour will receive $20 off your first order using code READY20.

---

Thanks for listening to Witching Hour If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which we're lucky enough to raise our sons and daughters always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a mother of two, Ana Kresina knows all too well that there are so many delightful moments in parenthood.

But as a financial educator working in tech, Ana also knows that kids can be exhausting and parenthood can be financially overwhelming. Money is one of the leading causes of stress and divorce, and navigating finances can be an incredible source of pressure for single parents and carers.

Cue, Kids Ain't Cheap: Ana's recently published book that helps you to plan financially for parenthood and your family's future. Here, we talk the motherhood penalty, why mothers need to think more about their super, how to remain visible when working from home, and how Ana makes work, work.

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THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by Hot Minute Hair: a no-nasties 2-in-1 hair wand with dry shampoo powder on one end and quick dry anti-frizz serum on the other.

Perfect for busy mums; it works in one minute, on the go wherever you are.

Head to hotminutehair.com.au and say bye to bad hair days.

---

Thanks for listening to Witching Hour If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a new year of Witching Hour: the show that looks at what's exciting, delighting, intriguing, and frustrating us as we make work, work alongside parenting. It's Ready or Not's loose little sister coming to your ears every Monday.

In today's episode, we cover:

• Infant formula startup Bobbie axed all recurring meetings for 2024
• Saving for Retirement on Part-Time Pay: The Challenges for Women
• Your reflections on holidaying with kids
• And Loz's hot tip on what not to say to another parent

---

THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Witching Hour is brought to you by Hot Minute Hair: a no-nasties 2-in-1 hair wand with dry shampoo powder on one end and quick dry anti-frizz serum on the other.

Perfect for busy mums; it works in one minute, on the go wherever you are.

Head to hotminutehair.com.au and say bye to bad hair days.

---

Thanks for listening to Witching Hour If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

---

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jade Huggins is a Senior Product Manager at Portmans. She’s also a mother of three, but while her first and third born are firmly in her arms, she sadly lost her middle child, Sonny, at 32 weeks.

Here, she shares her story with us: how she returned to paid work after loss and how she carried on through the worst pain of her life. She doesn’t sugar coat the impact losing Sonny has had on her, but somehow, she tells her story in a way that will leave you feeling heartbroken, yes, but also, hopeful.

If you need support after loss, PANDA, SANDS and Red Nose are some resources where you might find it.

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THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by PURE MAMA, the leading pregnancy skincare brand in Australia and New Zealand loved and trusted by over 40,000 women for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Shop the full PURE MAMA range including their signature Belly Oil, Scrubs, Nipple Butter and gift sets at puremama.com or online from MECCA beauty.

---

Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Witching Hour: the show that looks at what's exciting, delighting, intriguing, and frustrating us as we make work, work alongside parenting. It's Ready or Not's loose little sister coming to your ears every Monday.

In today's episode, we cover:

• Perfectionism helps women stand out at work. But over-preparedness can deny them leadership positions (from Fortune)
• Mum’s the word: The joy and importance of holidays without kids (from SMH)
• Baby Posie is here! And we can't wait to share more of Lucinda's second postpartum experience next month in lieu of some Ready or Not interviews (Witching Hour will play on as usual).
• And part one of Lucinda's bizarre labour story.

---

Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Millhouse has achieved a lot in her professional life, but she’ll be the first to tell you that the confidence she had to back herself in within the workplace didn’t exactly translate to motherhood, at least not overnight.

Having faced fertility challenges, pregnancy loss and postpartum depression and anxiety, the journey to becoming a mother was far from those perfectly filtered photos we see on Instagram.

Cue MotherUp: her business that focuses on mother-centric planning, with tools and resources to help women experience more supported and sustainable fertility, pregnancy and early motherhood journeys.

From her high flying corporate career to motherhood and starting her own business, here, we talk the resentment so many of us feel when watching our partner walk out the door, the importance of planning for motherhood, and why we need to focus less on high achieving and more on good enough parenting.

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THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by PURE MAMA, the leading pregnancy skincare brand in Australia and New Zealand loved and trusted by over 40,000 women for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Shop the full PURE MAMA range including their signature Belly Oil, Scrubs, Nipple Butter and gift sets at puremama.com or online from MECCA beauty.

---

Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a new year and season of Ready or Not! In business and in motherhood, Eleanor Pendleton is a wise, intuitive woman. Nearly 10 years ago, she launched Australia’s premiere beauty website and digital magazine, Gritty Pretty. And just a week after launch, the magazine’s first issue received over 135,000 views.

Alongside her evolving publishing business, Eleanor has been growing her own family, too. The mother of two has had some really contrasting experiences when it comes to pregnancy, motherhood, and making work, work, and here, she shares it all.

From the pressures of being the boss and returning to paid work earlier than anticipated during the unpredictability of COVID, to learning to identify what she needs as a mother and what fulfils her as a person, I took a lot away from this chat and I think you will too.

---

THIS WEEK'S PARTNER

This episode of Ready or Not is brought to you by PURE MAMA, the leading pregnancy skincare brand in Australia and New Zealand loved and trusted by over 40,000 women for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Shop the full PURE MAMA range including their signature Belly Oil, Scrubs, Nipple Butter and gift sets at puremama.com or online from MECCA beauty.

---

Thanks for listening to Ready or Not! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.

You can also find us on Instagram at readyornot.pod, where we've shared a link and some resources to support the devastating conflict occurring in Gaza right now.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Boon Wurong people of the Kulin Nation. The land on which I''m lucky enough to raise my son always was and always will be Aboriginal land.We Pay The Rent and you can too here.

Very Luxe Face Cream means business.*

• Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin elasticity by 39%.
• Clinically proven to increase skin smoothness by 15%.
• Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier function by over 45%.

*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.

Serious business.**

• Over 95% of participants said their skin felt smoother and tighter.
• Over 90% of participants said their skin felt significantly firmer.
• 100% of participants said they noticed a more even skin tone.
• 100% of participants said their skin looked more youthful.

**Based on a 12 week clinical study of 30 participants.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.