The Baby Playbook

In this episode of The Baby Playbook Podcast, Nikolina sits down with Caitlin Bath, founder and author of She’s Giving Wealth, for a powerful conversation about money, motherhood, and the identity shifts that can come with parental leave.

If you’ve ever wondered whether maternity leave is a financial setback, felt guilt about going back to work, or questioned what you really want during this season of life, this episode is for you.

Caitlin shares a refreshing way to think about maternity leave as a reset rather than a failure, and explains why traditional money advice often doesn’t account for the reality of unpaid care, career breaks, and the emotional load mothers carry.

Together, they unpack practical steps for preparing financially before leave — from building a leave buffer to calculating super shortfalls and having honest household conversations about income, childcare, and future planning.

Caitlin also introduces her “return on energy” framework, helping mothers decide what’s truly worth their time, energy, and attention when balancing work, family, and personal fulfillment.This is an empowering, honest, and deeply validating episode for any woman navigating maternity leave, return to work, or the question of what comes next.

Topics covered:

• How to prepare financially for maternity leave
• Why parental leave can be a reset, not a setback
• The importance of superannuation during care gaps
• How to talk to your partner about money and workload
• Using a “return on energy” lens for work decisions
• Reclaiming identity beyond productivity and work

Tune in for an encouraging conversation about building wealth, protecting your future, and staying connected to yourself through every season of motherhood.

In an exclusive for the podcast Caitlin has shared her Maternity Leave Super Calculator with us for FREE:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1x4ZV8a7c0oRUu5giyGo0gUpduTAhXJD2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107594843193970711491&rtpof=true&sd=true

Links:

Follow Caitlin here: https://shesgivingwealth.com/

Follow Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh here: https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/?hl=en

Subscribe to the mailing list for more INFO: https://heynikolinak.co/

Join our private FB page to share and request advice from fellow parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615190698987282 

Grab a copy of My Mummy Loves Fudge (your favourite children’s book!): https://heynikolinak.co/b/mymummylovesfudge

Most parents feel the squeeze when it comes to finances during the early years. But what if a few clever strategies could transform the chaos into confidence? Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, renowned finance expert and author of How to Get Mortgage Free Like Me, shares the secrets to navigating the nursery, baby gear, and financial stress—without breaking the bank.

In this eye-opening episode, Nicole reveals how early preparation, smart money habits, and even a tiny savings deposit for your child's future can set you up for long-term success. You'll discover practical tips for budget-friendly baby shopping, secondhand treasure hunting on Facebook Marketplace, and how to avoid unnecessary product traps fueled by targeted marketing.

She's also breaking down the hidden costs of maternity leave, superannuation considerations, and how to harness government schemes like co-contribution and spouse contributions to boost your family's financial health—even during the busiest, sleep-deprived days.We delve into the importance of aligning with your partner on financial goals before the baby arrives, plus the critical questions to ask when planning time off work and daycare. Nicole emphasizes the value of emotional well-being, sharing ways to keep your identity, relationships, and sanity intact through this transformational season.

Whether you’re expecting your first or your tenth, these insights will help you move through parenthood with confidence, not chaos.Don’t let social media's picture-perfect parenting or extravagant birthday parties pressure you into overspending. Instead, learn how small, consistent investments and thoughtful planning can produce life-changing benefits for your family and your child's future.

From savvy gift-giving ideas to effective communication strategies with your partner, this episode offers a blueprint for balancing love, money, and stress—so you can enjoy the precious moments, not the money worries.Tune in for clear, actionable advice that’ll help you build a financial safety net, nurture your family's health, and turn the chaos of parenthood into a season of security and joy. Perfect for new parents, expecting couples, or anyone looking to rewire their financial blueprint during life's most important journey.

And as a special gift, Nicole is offering a 40% discount on her book How to Get Mortgage Free Like Me—just use the code Playbook at checkout at nicolesmartmoney.com. Don’t miss this chance to set your family on a path toward financial freedom and peace of mind.

#ParentFinance #BabyMoneyTips #SmartParenting #FinancialFreedom #MoneyMindset

Follow Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/?hl=en⁠Subscribe to the mailing list for more INFO: ⁠https://heynikolinak.co/⁠Get your copy of MUM ADVICE (a great gift for an expecting friend!) here: ⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mumadvice⁠ Join our private FB page to share and request advice from fellow parents: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615190698987282⁠ Grab a copy of My Mummy Loves Fudge (your favourite children’s book!): ⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mymummylovesfudge⁠

Most parents feel the squeeze when it comes to finances during the early years. But what if a few clever strategies could transform the chaos into confidence? Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, renowned finance expert and author of How to Get Mortgage Free Like Me, shares the secrets to navigating the nursery, baby gear, and financial stress—without breaking the bank.

In this eye-opening episode, Nicole reveals how early preparation, smart money habits, and even a tiny savings deposit for your child's future can set you up for long-term success. You'll discover practical tips for budget-friendly baby shopping, secondhand treasure hunting on Facebook Marketplace, and how to avoid unnecessary product traps fueled by targeted marketing. She's also breaking down the hidden costs of maternity leave, superannuation considerations, and how to harness government schemes like co-contribution and spouse contributions to boost your family's financial health—even during the busiest, sleep-deprived days.

We delve into the importance of aligning with your partner on financial goals before the baby arrives, plus the critical questions to ask when planning time off work and daycare. Nicole emphasizes the value of emotional well-being, sharing ways to keep your identity, relationships, and sanity intact through this transformational season. Whether you’re expecting your first or your tenth, these insights will help you move through parenthood with confidence, not chaos.

Don’t let social media's picture-perfect parenting or extravagant birthday parties pressure you into overspending. Instead, learn how small, consistent investments and thoughtful planning can produce life-changing benefits for your family and your child's future. From savvy gift-giving ideas to effective communication strategies with your partner, this episode offers a blueprint for balancing love, money, and stress—so you can enjoy the precious moments, not the money worries.

Tune in for clear, actionable advice that’ll help you build a financial safety net, nurture your family's health, and turn the chaos of parenthood into a season of security and joy. Perfect for new parents, expecting couples, or anyone looking to rewire their financial blueprint during life's most important journey.

And as a special gift, Nicole is offering a 40% discount on her book How to Get Mortgage Free Like Me—just use the code Playbook at checkout at nicolesmartmoney.com. Don’t miss this chance to set your family on a path toward financial freedom and peace of mind.

#ParentFinance #BabyMoneyTips #SmartParenting #FinancialFreedom #MoneyMindset

Follow Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh here: https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/?hl=en

Subscribe to the mailing list for more INFO: https://heynikolinak.co/

Get your copy of MUM ADVICE (a great gift for an expecting friend!) here: https://heynikolinak.co/b/mumadvice 

Join our private FB page to share and request advice from fellow parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615190698987282 

Grab a copy of My Mummy Loves Fudge (your favourite children’s book!): https://heynikolinak.co/b/mymummylovesfudge

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or your baby's health.

Most moms are told to push through pregnancy aches and postpartum discomfort — but what if there was a gentle, evidence-backed way to support your body through every stage?

Dr. Amy Norman, a pregnancy and pediatric chiropractor based in Sydney, reveals how chiropractic care can do more than just manage pain — it can optimize your birth, ease postpartum recovery, and even improve breastfeeding experiences. If you're feeling overwhelmed by pregnancy aches, postpartum aches, or just want to nurture your body for motherhood’s challenges, this episode is your game-changer.

Dr. Norman breaks down why maintaining mobility and addressing old injuries early in pregnancy can impact your labor and recovery. She shares surprising insights into how body support during pregnancy can decrease fatigue, improve posture, and even enhance your chances of going into labor spontaneously. We break down practical strategies for busy moms: how ergonomic modifications—like carrier advice, breastfeeding posture, and safe lifting—can prevent long-term aches. Dr. Norman explains the vital role chiropractic care plays in postpartum recovery, from alleviating neck and shoulder tension during breastfeeding to supporting optimal spine development in babies.

Connect with Amy:

Website : ⁠www.dramynorman.com.au⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dramynorman?igsh=eTltamFsZmxybHJ4&utm_source=qr⁠

#PregnancySupport #MotherhoodJourney #ChiropracticCare #BabyHealth #PostpartumRecovery

Most parents are never prepared for the profound grief of losing a baby — yet so many face it silently. Hannah’s story of baby loss, her journey with Olive & Kin, and her pivotal insights into supporting grieving parents will change how you navigate loss, compassion, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly help someone in their darkest moments, or how to hold space without judgment, this episode is your essential guide. Hannah shares her heartbreaking experience of losing her daughter Olive at 23 weeks, the healing power of creating memorial keepsakes, and how her grief fueled a movement that has touched hundreds of families across Australia.

You’ll discover the vital importance of presence and specific support, such as using a baby’s name, offering tangible help through a “grief menu,” and avoiding well-meaning platitudes that minimize pain. Her insights illuminate how small gestures — a thoughtful message, remembering a baby’s name, or simply being there — can make all the difference during one of life’s most challenging times.

We break down practical advice on how to communicate with grace, what support looks like in those early days of grief, and the ways community and resources can help parents navigate their unique journeys. Hannah discusses the power of “grief literacy”—understanding and respecting the complex emotions that come with loss—and how society can better equip us all to respond with compassion rather than clichés or silence.

This episode is perfect for parents, friends, counselors, and anyone eager to foster kindness and understanding when it’s needed most. If you want to learn how to listen better, support more meaningfully, and honor the profound experience of baby loss, this conversation will leave you inspired and more prepared to show up with empathy.

#BabyLossSupport #GriefAwareness #CompassionateCommunication #ParentingAfterLoss #SupportGrievingParents #EmpathyInAction #HealingThroughCommunity

https://oliveandkin.com.au/

What to send your grieving friend when you don't know what to send: https://alittlehelpfromjack.com.au/

helptexts.com

Red nose grief and loss support line, it's 24/7 phone support- 1300 308 307-

Red nose hospital to home program - connection with a bereavement outreach worker for support in the months after you leave hospital.

Books - Miles Apart by Annabel Bower, Resilient Grieving by Dr Lucy Hone and Loving the Gone by Sara Rian

Podcasts - Good Mourning, Little Life Big Loss, The Glimmer Podcast

Insta accounts - @alittlehelpfromjack, @wombspace.au, @zoeadelle, @sara_rian_books, @thegriefgang, @lossmomclub, @evergreenthreeorg, @love.from.dad

Most couples underestimate the seismic shift that a new baby can trigger in their relationship—and the survival tactics that can get your connection through it. On this episode, renowned couples therapist Biannka Brannigan reveals the hidden neurological and emotional dynamics that threaten intimacy once children arrive—and exactly how to prepare for and navigate these changes before the baby’s first cry.

You’ll discover why marriage is more like a high-stakes road trip across unpredictable terrain, and how mapping your relationship’s future can act as a GPS when chaos strikes. Biannka shares practical tools for creating a “relational contract,” anchoring your connection in shared values, and using rituals to keep love alive amid sleepless nights and exhaustion.

We break down the common pitfalls—like neglecting the mental load, misreading each other’s signals, and falling into survival mode—and how these subtle shifts can fester into resentment years later. Biannka unveils the truth about the neurological stress response that narrows your window of tolerance, explaining why your patience wears thin and how to restore calm before the relationship fractures.

This episode is perfect for expecting parents, new moms and dads, or any couple feeling overwhelmed by parenthood’s uncharted waters. If you want to avoid silent resentment, build resilience, and keep your love story strong through the chaos, Bianca’s insights will transform the way you approach parenthood as a team—not just two individuals surviving side by side, but connected partners thriving in the face of change.

Tune in to learn how to normalize the rollercoaster, communicate your emotional needs effectively, and nurture your relationship even during the busiest days. Because in the end, the strength of your partnership is the greatest gift you can give your child.

#ParenthoodJourney #RelationshipGoals #CouplesTherapy #NewParents #FamilyDynamics #LoveAndParenting #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingTips #RelationshipAdvice #IntimacyAndConnection

Follow Biannka here: https://www.instagram.com/biannka_gestalt_psychotherapy/

Website: https://www.biannkabrannigan.com/

Most couples underestimate the seismic shift that a new baby can trigger in their relationship—and the survival tactics that can get your connection through it. On this episode, renowned couples therapist Biannka Brannigan reveals the hidden neurological and emotional dynamics that threaten intimacy once children arrive—and exactly how to prepare for and navigate these changes before the baby’s first cry.

You’ll discover why marriage is more like a high-stakes road trip across unpredictable terrain, and how mapping your relationship’s future can act as a GPS when chaos strikes. Biannka shares practical tools for creating a “relational contract,” anchoring your connection in shared values, and using rituals to keep love alive amid sleepless nights and exhaustion.

We break down the common pitfalls—like neglecting the mental load, misreading each other’s signals, and falling into survival mode—and how these subtle shifts can fester into resentment years later. Biannka unveils the truth about the neurological stress response that narrows your window of tolerance, explaining why your patience wears thin and how to restore calm before the relationship fractures.

This episode is perfect for expecting parents, new moms and dads, or any couple feeling overwhelmed by parenthood’s uncharted waters. If you want to avoid silent resentment, build resilience, and keep your love story strong through the chaos, Bianca’s insights will transform the way you approach parenthood as a team—not just two individuals surviving side by side, but connected partners thriving in the face of change.

Tune in to learn how to normalize the rollercoaster, communicate your emotional needs effectively, and nurture your relationship even during the busiest days. Because in the end, the strength of your partnership is the greatest gift you can give your child.

#ParenthoodJourney #RelationshipGoals #CouplesTherapy #NewParents #FamilyDynamics #LoveAndParenting #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingTips #RelationshipAdvice #IntimacyAndConnection

Follow Biannka here: https://www.instagram.com/biannka_gestalt_psychotherapy/

Website: https://www.biannkabrannigan.com/

Losing a baby is one of the most profound and complex grief journeys. This episode reveals the nuanced reality behind pregnancy and baby loss—beyond the statistics, into the raw, emotional truth. If you've experienced loss or know someone who has, what you're about to hear could change how you understand, support, and find your own healing process.

Nikolina shares her deeply personal story of pregnancy loss, grief, and navigating life with a surviving twin. Her honesty opens a window into the rollercoaster of emotions—guilt, anger, hope, and resilience—that accompany loss. This episode with The Feel Food Psychologist Stephanie Alexander is a vital reminder that grief isn’t linear; it ebbs, flows, and transforms with love and time.

This episode underscores a crucial message: there is no ‘right’ way to grieve, and support is always available. Whether you're struggling personally or looking to support someone you love, you'll find comfort, clarity, and practical insights to make space for love and loss alike. Perfect for anyone walking this difficult path or supporting someone who is. Nikolina and Stephanie Alexander, a seasoned psychologist and mental health advocate, share expert advice and heartfelt stories that foster connection, healing, and hope. If you’re ready to move through grief with compassion and understanding, this episode is your essential guide.

Explore the journey of #PregnancyLoss, understand #Grief, and learn how to #SupportLovedOnes with compassion and empathy. #HealingTogether #EmotionalWellbeing #PodcastEpisode

LINKS: 

Connect with Stephanie: ⁠⁠www.feelgoodpsych.com.au⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefeelgoodpsychologist/⁠⁠

Follow Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh here: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/heynikolinak/?hl=en⁠⁠

Subscribe to the mailing list for more INFO: ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/⁠⁠

Get your copy of MUM ADVICE (a great gift for an expecting friend!) here: ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mumadvice⁠⁠ 

Join our private FB page to share and request advice from fellow parents: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615190698987282⁠⁠ 

Grab a copy of My Mummy Loves Fudge (your favourite children’s book!): ⁠⁠https://heynikolinak.co/b/mymummylovesfudge⁠

Most new moms are caught in the whirlwind of trying to "bounce back" after pregnancy, but what if that pressure is actually doing more harm than good?

Jen Dugard, a prenatal and postnatal fitness specialist, and founder of MumSafe, shatters the myth of instant postpartum transformation and shares why chasing the "pre-baby body" can be a dangerous distraction from truly healthy recovery—and what to focus on instead.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jen explains how society’s obsession with rapid postpartum fitness increases risks like pelvic floor issues and mental health struggles. She reveals why every woman’s postpartum journey is unique and how to approach exercise safely based on her history, emphasizing the importance of pelvic health, strength rebuilding from the inside out, and trusting your body’s signals.

You'll discover evidence-based tips on timing your return to exercise, what a realistic recovery looks like, and why a strong foundation now sets you up for long-term health and confidence. Jen shares practical advice on how to build a support network, incorporate gentle movement into busy days, and combat mom guilt—because taking time for yourself is an essential part of caring for your family.

This episode is perfect for new and expectant mothers, fitness professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the true path to postpartum recovery—beyond societal expectations and fleeting trends.

Keep up with MumSafe here:

Instagram

Facebook

#PostpartumRecovery #NewMomJourney #BodyAcceptance #PelvicHealth #MomLife #FitnessAfterBaby #EmpoweredMothers #HealthyRecovery #MumSafe #JenDugard

Most parents don’t realize that common issues like feeding difficulties, mouth breathing, and sleep problems in babies are all connected — often rooted in oral dysfunction and jaw development.

In this episode, Dr. Shereen Lim, a Perth-based dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive, reveals how early interventions can change your child's health trajectory for good.

You’ll discover the hidden signs of tongue tie, the critical role of nasal breathing, and how poor jaw growth in early years impacts long-term sleep, breathing, and even speech.

Dr. Lim shares surprising insights from her decade-long journey, starting with her husband's snoring, that led her to revolutionize our understanding of childhood airway health.

Website: www.drshereenlim.com.au

Instagram: @dr.shereenlim https://www.instagram.com/dr.shereenlim

Book - Breathe, Sleep, Thrive https://www.drshereenlim.com.au/book

#ChildHealth #ParentingTips #OralHealth #SleepSolutions #NasalBreathing #TongueTie #JawDevelopment #HealthyKids #EarlyIntervention #BreatheSleepThrive