The MumSafe Pro Podcast

By Jen DugardBusiness Entrepreneurship Health & Fitness Parenting Kids & Family

The MumSafe Pro Podcast episodes

July 21, 2024Ep 38 - Maintaining Your Sense of Self Alongside Motherhood with Samantha Gash
In this episode, Jen talks to Samantha Gash, Samantha is known for her outstanding accomplishments, including running across India, completing the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, and undertaking a self-supported 50-day traverse of Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail, raising much-needed funds for World Vision to support women and girls in Nepal.
Sam is also the owner and creator of Her Trails; a vibrant global community that celebrates and empowers women in their pursuit of adventure and self-discovery. It is a place where women come together, in person or online, to embrace the freedom of the trail, connect with nature, and unlock their true potential.
Jen invited Sam onto The MumSafe Movement Podcast because she is a mum herself and is always navigating the world of motherhood alongside her business and personal endeavours. She is a huge advocate for women showing up as themselves, understanding their self worth and being bold enough to both take up space and take time out to nurture and grow as an individual as well as being a mother - knowing this can look different depending on the season of mother hood you are in.
In this episode Jen and Samantha discuss the following key topics:
Challenges women have in business amplified by gender biases.
The seasons of life; motherhood and personal growth. Honour the season you are in
Letting go of comparison
Endurance sports can teach valuable lessons about resilience, pushing through limitations, and redefining what is possible.
Being a mother is just one aspect of a woman's identity, and the importance of having other passions and goals.
The value of a supportive community of like-minded women
Traveling for work with a child can be challenging, but it is possible with proper planning and support.
The need for more flexibility and understanding in the workplace to accommodate working mums.
Being authentic and true to oneself is liberating and allows for more meaningful connections with others.
Open conversations about pregnancy, postpartum, peri menopause, and menopause are essential in creating supportive work environments.
Self-care is crucial for mums and should be prioritised to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Don't let external and internal pressures hold you back from pursuing your goals.
Self-care is crucial, and it's important to advocate for your own well-being.
Women need to support and uplift each other in order to create more opportunities and equality.
Adventures and bonding experiences with children can be transformative and empowering for both mothers and children.
To connect with Samantha further you can find her here on Instagram and via her website here.
At the start of this episode we mentioned our on-demand masterclass - Beyond her 6-week check-up which you can grab right here.

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer

And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected] or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram
1 hr 31 min
July 14, 2024Ep 37 My Birth Trauma with Kate Turtiainen
In this episode Jen talks to Kate Turtiainen, MumSafe Trainer and owner of Bay Active Personal Training in Batemans Bay. Kate's goal is to guide and educate women both Pre and Postnatally through these key elements in collaboration with other allied health professionals. To ensure that each mother has a safe return to exercise and is left feeling strong, empowered and supported.
Kate welcomed her Daughter, Astrid, into the world in October 2020 and let’s say it did not go to plan. Jen invited Kate on to the podcast during Birth Trauma Awareness week to talk of her birthing experience and the trauma that followed. In this episode Kate is very open in what happened to her and shared how she was really able to see the beauty of her daughter coming into the world alongside what was a very difficult experience for her and those around her.
As with any topic like birth trauma I’d like to invite you to look after yourself when choosing to listen to this episode of not and if you need support for birth trauma I highly recommend you reach out to the ABTA or COPE for mental health support.
Summary
Kate shares her experience of birth trauma and the impact it had on her bonding with her baby. She recounts the details of her labor, the decision to have a caesarean, and the complications that arose afterwards. Kate discusses the emotional toll it took on her and the doubts she had as a new mother. She also mentions the support she received from her husband and the interactions she had with the anaesthetist and obstetrician involved in her care.
She shares the challenges she faced in seeking support and answers post birth, the lack of communication and consent during her medical procedures, as well as the difficulties in accessing debriefing sessions. Kate emphasises the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking help for both physical and mental health. She calls for improved support and preventative measures for women during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Key topics include:
Birth Trauma and Kate's Background
Labor and Decision for a Caesarean
Complications and Transfer to Another Hospital
Impact on Bonding and Recovery
Interactions with Healthcare Professionals
The Challenges of Birth Trauma
Communication and Consent in Medical Procedures
Seeking Support and Answers
The Power of Self-Advocacy
Improving Support and Preventative Measures for Women's Health
To connect with Kate further you can find her here on Instagram and via here profile at www.mumsafemovement.com
At the start of this episode we mentioned our brand new on-demand masterclass - Beyond her 6-week check-up which you can grab right here.

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected] or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram
1 hr 24 min
June 23, 2024Ep 36. Working with Mums to Save our Teenage Girls with Kate Hickey
In this episode Jen talks to Kate Hickey, a professional dancer turned exercise coach professional and MumSafe Trainer, about her journey and the work she does with mums and teenagers.
Kate is committed to empowering women and teens to feel strong, confident, and beautiful, drawing from her background in dance and fitness to address unhealthy body image perceptions. Her creation of the Empower360 Teen Fitness Challenge stemmed from observing these issues among young dancers.
Recognising the influential role of mothers in shaping teens' beliefs, she developed the E360 Functional Fitness program for women. This holistic approach combines outdoor group fitness, a free nanny service, and guidance from women's health experts.
Kate advocates for self-love and nurturing practices, rejecting extreme workouts or diets, and prioritising well-being. With certifications as a Female Health and Performance Coach and MumSafe trainer, Kate cultivates a supportive community, positively impacting the lives of women and teenagers
Jen & Kate discuss topics such as onboarding systems in business, the importance of changing the way young women feel about their bodies, and the challenges of postnatal recovery. They also touch on the need for caution and proper assessment in prenatal and postnatal exercise, as well as the demands of running a business while being a mum. Kate discusses the challenges faced by women in balancing personal and professional responsibilities, particularly in the context of motherhood. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries, managing energy drains, and prioritising self-care. Kate also shares her personal experience of going through early menopause and the need for better education and support for women at different stages of their lives. Her vision for the future includes creating a female-only training facility that provides not only physical training but also information, support, and open conversations about women's health and well-being.
Key topics include:
Kate's Journey and Background
The Impact of Dance and Fitness on Young Women
The Importance of Language and Body Image
The Need for Caution and Assessment in Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise
Managing the Demands of Business and Motherhood
Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities
The Importance of Boundaries, Energy Management, and Self-Care
Navigating Early Menopause and the Need for Better Education and Support
Creating Female-Only Training Facilities for Women's Health and Empowerment
To connect further with Kate you can do so here on Instagram and via her profile at www.mumsafemovement.com

At the start of this episode we mentioned our brand new on-demand masterclass - Beyond her 6-week check-up which you can grab right here.
If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com

If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer

And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise

Please direct all questions either to [email protected] or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugar
1 hr 9 min
June 16, 2024Ep 35. Leading the Change in Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise in India with Sucheta Pal
In this episode Jen talks to Sucheta Pal, Sucheta is a celebrity coach known for making Zumba® a household name in India and for breaking fitness myths in both pregnancy and postpartum
After a global career in dance & fitness for 15 years and across 15+ countries, Sucheta Pal who is also a mum and a certified pre-postnatal specialist, today is passionate about helping women stay fit in all stages of motherhood. She is the creator of India's first-of-its-kind science backed Fitness program called Mom.Bod.Strong. One of the few postpartum fitness programs in the country which is recommended by doctors.
In this episode Jen and Sucheta cover a wide range of topics related to women's health, fitness, and postpartum care. We delve into the challenges faced by women in India, the importance of self-care, and the need for education and awareness around pelvic floor health.
Sucheta shares her journey, experiences, and insights as an accidental educator and coach, highlighting the gap between women's needs and mainstream fitness offerings in India. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry, as well as the need for greater awareness and education around postpartum exercise and pelvic health also explore the impact of social media and the importance of creating a legacy of empowered women thriving in their full potential.
Key Topics covered include:
Self-care is essential for women's overall well-being, and it's not selfish to prioritise it.
The gap between what women need after childbirth and what the mainstream fitness industry offers is a global issue.
The lack of awareness and education around pelvic floor health in India, and it's important to break the taboo and start open conversations about it.
The need for greater awareness and education around postpartum fitness and pelvic health
The impact of social media on women's health and fitness perceptions
The importance of creating a legacy of empowered women thriving in their full potential
To connect further with Sucheta you can find her on Instagram here and find her Mom Bod Strong program here
If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com

If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer

And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise

Please direct all questions either to [email protected] or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard
1 hr 10 min
June 09, 2024Ep 34. Optimising Women's Health Through Personalised Approaches with Dr Cam McDonald
In this episode Jen talks to Dr Cam McDonald , Cam is a leader, educator, scientist, motivator and father. He is the CEO of the Precision Health Alliance - a world leading organisation focusing on the education of health professionals in the use of precision health.
The organisation’s mission is to eliminate chronic disease and pain by 2050, and having ‘healthy’ and ‘resilient’ as the norm. Cam is an exercise physiologist, accredited practising dietitian, PhD Scholar, a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine along with being an international leader in the application of precision & personalised health.
In this episode Jen and Cam talk about individualisation; the more we can improve our baseline health along with outcomes that specifically relate to pre-conception, pregnancy and motherhood.
Key topics covered include:
Understanding your own body and health type is crucial for optimising health and well-being.
The different needs and responses to exercise, nutrition, and stress depending on 'type'.
The importance of pre-conception and prenatal health for women to prepare their bodies for pregnancy and address any underlying health issues.
How personalised health approaches can help women achieve optimal health and well-being.
How understanding one's health type is crucial for personalised health and well-being.
Different health types have different exercise and nutrition requirements.
How hormones play a significant role in behaviour and identity during pregnancy and menopause.
How collagen and stress levels can impact pregnancy and the risk of prolapse.
Why fitness professionals can benefit from understanding health types to tailor their programming and coaching.
Embracing one's natural inclinations and strengths leads to better health outcomes.
To connect further with Cam you can find him on Instagram here and Shae here
Visit the following links:
For the general public check out Shae - https://shae.ai
For Health professionals go here https://healthalliance.org
If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com

If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer

And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise

Please direct all questions either to [email protected] or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard
1 hr 7 min
June 02, 2024Ep 33. Prolapse, Pessaries and Finding Her Sweet Spot with Taryn Watson
Instagram hereIn this episode Jen talks to Taryn Watson - Physiotherapist with a Masters in Continence and Women's Health and co-founder of FitRight Women's Health. She has worked in private practice in Perth and London for 15 years, niching down into the area of pre and postnatal exercise, and 'pelvic floor friendly' exercise for women of all ages.
10 years ago she created the business 'FitRight' and created a Pregnancy Exercise DVD. This quickly morphed into FitRight branded pregnancy and postnatal pilates classes, and then a training program to train other physiotherapists around Perth to become FitRight instructors,
Throw in an IVF journey, two children and a pandemic, and Taryn's business journey has been quite a rollercoaster of adapting and surviving along the way! In 2022, Taryn started a second business, FitRight HQ, a multidisciplinary Women's Health Clinic,
In this episode Jen & Taryn delve into one af Taryn's passion areas; Prolapse and pessary support.
Key Topics covered include:
Chapters
Introduction and Personal Experiences
Taryn's Clinic and Pregnancy Power Program
Focus on Prolapse Management
Understanding Prolapse and its Symptoms
Balancing Exercise and Prolapse Management
The Importance of a Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Assessment
Assessing Prolapse in Standing: Considering Gravity
Understanding Prolapse: Connective Tissue vs. Pelvic Floor
The Benefits of Pessaries for Prolapse
Using the NAC Technique for Prolapse Symptom Relief
Pelvic Floor Training and CrossFit
Considerations for Trainers Working with Clients with Prolapse
Prolapse: Not a Life Sentence
To connect further with Taryn you can find her on Instagram here
And her website here https://fitrightwomenshealth.au/

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected]u or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard
1 hr 15 min
May 26, 2024 Ep 32. Why MumSafe, Why now?
In this episode, Jen discusses the origins and purpose of MumSafe, a movement dedicated to providing postpartum education and support for mothers facilitated by an army of exercise professionals that represent the gold standard in pre and postnatal exercise. She shares her personal journey and the frustrations that led her to create MumSafe. Jen emphasises the importance of proper certification and education for trainers working with mums, especially those running services specifically for mums such as group exercise for mums, mums and bubs classes, Pilates for mums, yoga for mums and more.
As well as the need for clear criteria and standards in the fitness industry and indications for mums to understand who they are choosing to work with. She calls for collaboration and unity among trainers to advocate for better care for mums. Jen concludes by inviting trainers to join the MumSafe mission.
Applications to become a MumSafe Trainer are currently open and close on the 31st May.
Complete your application here - https://www.jendugard.com/mumsafeapplication-2024

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected]u or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard

18 min
May 19, 2024 Ep 31. Infertility, C-Sections, Motherhood & Business with Libby Babet
In this episode Jen talks to Libby Babet founder of The Upbeat in Sydney's Bondi, co-founder of Chief Nutrition and high end and sustainable active wear brand Earthletica along with being mum to her two beautiful children.
Libby shares the importance of creating a supportive environment and being a great trainer to attract and retain clients. Libby also discusses her struggle with infertility due to medication and the challenges she faced in trying to conceive. She discusses the impact of high blood pressure on her health and how she shifted her focus to nurturing her body.
Libby talks about the challenges of peeling back her intense exercise routine and increasing her calorie intake to create a safe environment for pregnancy. She shares the emotional journey of accepting the possibility of not having children and the joy of discovering she was pregnant.
Libby also discusses her choice to have planned C-sections and the importance of making decisions that are right for oneself. Jen and Libby also discuss the importance of pelvic floor health and postnatal recovery. They emphasise the need for women to seek help from pelvic health physios and engage in postnatal programs to ensure proper rehabilitation and strength building. They also discuss the challenges of postnatal recovery, including the importance of taking the time to focus on rehab rather than rushing back into intense exercise.
Libby shares her experience of not becoming an overnight postnatal specialist just because she had a baby and highlights the importance of consistency and self-care for mums. They also discuss the significance of mental health and connection for women, particularly during the postnatal period. Libby shares her strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a busy mum, including finding quick and nutritious food options and incorporating movement into daily routines.
They conclude the conversation by discussing Libby's work as an ambassador for ActiveKids and her passion for helping women and children develop a love for movement and prioritise their health.
To connect further with Libby you can find her on Instagram here.
You can check out The Upbeat both in person and online to check out some of their introductory offers
Head to Chief Nutrition and use the code LIBBY for your 10% discount
Head to Earthletica and use the code LIBBY for your 15% discount
If you love this episode please make sure to share with someone you know will love it too!

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafemovement.com
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected]u or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard

1 hr 18 min
May 12, 2024Ep. 30 The Lack of Postpartum Support for Rural Women & the Mum on a Mission to Create Change with Melissa Nelisen
In this episode Jen talks to Melissa Neilsen, a rural woman living on a cattle station in Northwest Queensland, shares her journey of postpartum recovery and the lack of support for rural women.
Mel is the founder of Rural Women's Exercise, an online exercise service for women in rural areas. She offers live workouts and quick 30-minute sessions to accommodate busy schedules. Melissa emphasises the importance of pelvic floor health and provides education on peri-menopause and menopause, topics that are often overlooked. Her business has grown from 30-40 women to over 100, and she has achieved financial independence through her work.
Mel also experienced pelvic floor dysfunction and struggled to find the necessary education and resources to heal. Melissa emphasises the importance of having access to women's health physiotherapists in rural areas and the need for pre- and postnatal education and support.
She highlights the physical demands of rural life and the impact it has on women's bodies. Melissa's mission is to raise awareness and provide support for rural women's health.
Mel's goal is to bring women's health professionals, such as pelvic health physiotherapists, to rural communities to provide essential care and support.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
Rural women often lack access to women's health physiotherapists and postpartum support, leading to challenges in their recovery.
Pre- and postnatal education and support are crucial for rural women to understand and address their pelvic floor health.
The physical demands of rural life can exacerbate postpartum issues, making it essential for women to prioritise their own well-being.
Raising awareness and providing resources for rural women's health is crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve overall quality of life. Rural Women's Exercise is an online exercise service for women in rural areas, offering live workouts and quick 30-minute sessions.
Melissa emphasises the importance of pelvic floor health and provides education on perimenopause and menopause.
Her business has grown from 30-40 women to over 100, and she has achieved financial independence through her work.
To connect further with Mel you can find her via her profile on the MumSafe Website here or via her Instagram or Facebook pages.

If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum-specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafe.com.au
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected]u or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard
1 hr 2 min
May 05, 2024Ep 29. Welcome to Season TWO - A Call to Arms; Mums Deserve to be Empowered
In this episode, Jen Dugard discusses the importance of education and empowerment for mums in the fitness industry. She emphasises the need for fitness businesses to understand and cater to the unique needs of mums.
Jen also highlights the lack of education and support for women during pregnancy and postpartum, leading to feelings of disconnection and frustration with their bodies. She calls for a shift in the system to provide better education and resources for women to understand and care for their bodies.
The episode ends with a call to action to empower women and create a supportive community.
Top Takeaways
Fitness businesses need to focus on understanding and catering to the unique needs of moms.
There is a lack of education and support for women during pregnancy and postpartum.
Women often feel disconnected and frustrated with their bodies after having a baby.
There is a need for better education and resources to help women understand and care for their bodies.
Empowering women and creating a supportive community is essential.

Jen helps fitness business that work with pre and postnatal mums to become more educated in looking after their pre and postnatal clients and to build their mum-focused fitness businesses to have more impact in their local communities through the MumSafe brand. MumSafe supports a range of businesses including those that specialise in mums and mums exercise, postpartum exercise, pregnancy exercise, mums pilates, mums CrossFit, Strength training for mums, running for mums and more.
If you are a mum listening to this episode and want to work with a mum- specific Personal Trainer or in a mum group fitness environment head to www.mumsafe.com.au
If you are a coach, trainer or instructor who would like to learn more about becoming a MumSafe Trainer visit www.jendugard.com/mumsafetrainer
And if you would like to complete your pre and postnatal certification go to https://www.preandpostnatalexerciseacademy.com/safereturntoexercise
Please direct all questions either to [email protected]u or into Jen's DM's over on Instagram @jendugard

Or head over to Instagram with any questions.
16 min