Becoming parents is one of the biggest shifts a relationship can ever go through—and yet, no one really prepares you for what happens between you and your partner after kids. In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we sit down with Leonie Akhidenor, relationship coach, mum of two, and host of Parenthood Podcast, to talk honestly about what really changes.  Her podcast Parenthood was a 2024 Australian Podcast Awards finalist. 

You’ll hear why even the strongest couples experience comparison, resentment, and disconnection in the early years and how those same challenges can actually build a stronger foundation when navigated with awareness and care.

We’ll talk about:

• Why relationships always change after children—and why that’s not a bad thing
• The comparison game: how sleep deprivation and imbalance fuel tit-for-tat thinking
• Resentment, guilt, and mourning your old life—normal emotions no one talks about
• The mental load and why partners aren’t mind readers
• Intimacy after birth and why connection looks different in this season
• How to ask for help in ways that actually land
• Micro-moments of reconnection and why they matter more than grand gestures
• The importance of seeking support whether through honest conversations or professional help

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “are we okay?” in the chaos of new parenthood, this episode is here to reassure you that you’re not alone. Relationships don’t stay the same after kids—and that’s the point. With compassion, communication, and a little creativity, they can become stronger than ever.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 79 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this bite-size episode of Thriving Parenting, we unpack one of the most common sleep questions parents ask: Do babies really need a nightlight?

Host Jen takes you through the science of circadian rhythms, melatonin, and how light exposure affects sleep. You’ll discover why complete darkness is best for little ones under two, why separation anxiety (not fear of the dark) is often behind bedtime struggles, and simple strategies like dimming the house lights, leaving the door ajar, or using hallway light to ease the transition to sleep.

For toddlers over two, when imagination and genuine fears of the dark can appear, Jen shares when and how a soft, warm nightlight might help—plus tips for using it without disrupting sleep.

This episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and gentle reminders that parenting is about experimenting, connecting, and finding what works best for your family.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 78 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

Sleep associations are one of the most misunderstood topics in parenting—often surrounded by guilt, pressure, and myths. In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re breaking it all down and reframing what sleep associations really mean for you and your baby.

You’ll learn why sleep associations aren’t “bad habits” but instead powerful tools for connection, safety, and trust. From rocking and feeding to sleep, to white noise, bedtime routines, and comforters, these cues are the building blocks of how babies feel safe enough to drift off.

We’ll talk about:

• Why every human (babies and adults alike) has sleep associations
• The difference between perspective and perception when it comes to your child’s view of safety
• How instinct and biology shape your baby’s need for connection
• When and how to gently shift sleep associations if they’re no longer working for you or your child
• Myths about “bad habits” and why they aren’t true
• Why your bond with your baby won’t break if things change—it can actually grow stronger

If you’ve ever worried about creating “rods for your back” with rocking, feeding, or cuddling your baby to sleep—this episode will give you relief, clarity, and confidence. Because sleep isn’t about habits; it’s about safety, connection, and love.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 77 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, Jen sits down with remedial massage therapist who specialises in nervous system healing Mel Gorry to explore how stress and trauma show up in our bodies—and most importantly, how we can release them.

Mel shares her personal journey of living with cystic fibrosis, facing medical trauma, and discovering the healing impact of bodywork. Together, they unpack why the nervous system often holds onto unresolved experiences, how tension hides in our fascia, and the real-life signs that your body might be crying out for release.

From birth trauma to childhood anxiety, migraines to “mum overwhelm,” Mel offers compassionate, practical ways to reconnect with your body and bring it back into balance. You’ll also hear stories of transformation from her clients and learn simple steps—like breathwork, grounding, and mindful movement—that you can start using today to build nervous system flexibility.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in stress, constantly on edge, or disconnected from your body, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing is possible—and it starts with listening to the wisdom your body already holds.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 76 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting, we unpack a powerful reframe that could change the way you approach your baby’s rest. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of “getting” your baby to sleep, you’re not alone — but that hyperfocus can actually make the process more challenging for both of you.

Discover why sleep isn’t something we can force, how control can trigger stress responses, and why safety and connection are the real foundations for peaceful rest. Learn practical ways to shift from making sleep happen to creating an environment where it happens naturally — building trust, tuning into cues, and supporting your child’s growing independence.

If sleep has started to feel like a battle, this episode will help you find a calmer, more connected path forward.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 75 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

When sickness hits your household, especially your little one, it can rattle routines and unearth a wave of panic—especially around sleep. In this heartfelt and informative bite-sized episode, we explore how to navigate your child’s sleep during times of illness, leaning into rest rather than fearing regression.

Bringing her dual perspective as a nurse and mother, your host shares valuable insights on modelling calm during sickness, understanding how family history impacts our responses, and how different child temperaments—whether orchid, tulip, or dandelion—cope with being unwell. She also breaks down when to let your child sleep more, when to gently guide them back into rhythm, and how to offer support without unraveling the whole sleep routine.

From tips on upright contact naps and steam showers to the power of honey, humidifiers, and holding space, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you surrender the fear, honour your child’s needs, and feel more grounded through the healing journey.

What You’ll Learn:

• How your personal illness history shapes your parenting
• Why your child’s temperament matters during sickness
• When extra sleep is helpful—and when it may be disrupting
• Practical supports: medications, naps, contact comfort, and sleep routines
• Why 'less is more' when offering sleep support—and how to build it gradually

Illness is part of parenting. But it doesn't have to unravel everything. Learn how to support your child’s rest with calm, confidence, and compassion—even when things feel tough.

🎧 Listen now and feel empowered to parent through illness with more ease.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 74 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Thriving Parenting, we’re joined by community midwife and mother of four, Deyana — founder of Pregnancy Practice Perth. Deyana shares her deeply personal journey from nurse to midwife, and the moment a conversation with two strangers at a restaurant changed her career — and her calling — forever.

Together, we explore the full arc of pregnancy and postpartum care, the importance of continuity of care from the moment you wee on that stick through to the raw and beautiful postpartum period, and why every woman deserves personalised, respectful, and holistic support. Deyana opens up about the joys of being with women through labour, the grief of miscarriage, the healing that comes through debriefing birth experiences, and the mental and physical preparation that transforms the birthing journey.

Key takeaways include:

• The power of education and mindset in labour
• Why postpartum recovery is often overlooked
• How to emotionally and physically prepare for birth
• What women really need after an unexpected outcome
• And beautiful words of wisdom to remind every mum: “You are not alone. You are doing an amazing job.”

Whether you’re expecting, healing, or reflecting on your own birth story — this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and uplifted.

Connect with Deyana:

Website: pregnancypracticeperth.com.au

Instagram: @pregnancypracticeperth

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 73 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this heart-to-heart solo episode of Thriving Parenting, we unpack what really happens when connection slips with our kids—and how it shows up in their behaviour, especially around sleep. Jen shares a raw, real-life story about a rushed evening that left her children unsettled and what it revealed about their individual connection needs.

Through personal reflections and practical tools, you’ll learn:

• Why connection is a core human need, not just a “nice-to-have”
• How different children show their connection-seeking in unique ways
• The surprising link between connection and smoother bedtimes
• The simple shift that changed both behaviour and sleep for her family
• Why solo parenting days (like FIFO life) can amplify connection gaps—and what helps
• A refreshingly honest look at self-care, self-regulation, and their impact on parenting

This episode is a gentle reminder: when your child’s behaviour is louder, clingier, or more emotional—chances are they’re craving connection, not control.

You’ll walk away with practical ideas like:

— Easy connection rituals before separations like bedtime or drop-offs

— The magic of 10 intentional minutes to start your day

— How to rethink “bad behaviour” as connection-seeking cues

— Using connection as a powerful tool for co-regulation, not just compliance

This conversation will help you shift from frustration to empathy, reconnect with your little humans more intentionally, and even make sleep smoother along the way.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 72 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting, we dive into the ins and outs of bridging naps—the handy little power naps that can help you survive tricky days with babies and toddlers.

You’ll learn:

• What exactly is a bridging nap and how it works
• When to use it (and when it might backfire)
• Why it’s especially helpful for babies under six months
• Real-life examples for toddlers and older babies
• Troubleshooting tips for early risers and nap refusals

From newborns waking at 5 AM to toddlers crashing after playgroup, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable stories (including soggy netball mornings and motocross wins!).

You’ll walk away with another great tool for your parenting toolbox—perfect for navigating nap gaps, early wake-ups, and overtired little ones.

👉 Got your own nap-time story? Message us on Instagram or inside the Thriving Together membership—let’s talk sleep wins and struggles!

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 71 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers

In this deeply validating and enlightening episode, your host welcomes Emma Snelgar—Mental Health Nurse, ex-midwife, birth therapist, and founder of Empower Matrescence. Emma supports women across Australia in processing difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth and postpartum experiences, offering in-home sessions in Perth and Telehealth options nationwide.

Together, we unpack:

• What birth trauma really means (and who defines it)
• How to identify the signs that your birth may still be impacting you—weeks, months, or even years later
• The emotional and physical responses often misunderstood as just “new mum stuff”
• Why grief, anger, and disappointment after birth are valid, even if you had a "healthy baby"
• The protective power of birth debriefing and why it's never too late
• The essential but under-discussed transformation of matrescence—the emotional, hormonal, social, and neurological shift from woman to mother

Emma shares her professional insights, her personal experiences, and the systemic challenges faced by both mothers and care providers. She also offers empowering suggestions for preparing for birth and reclaiming your story—no matter where you are on your parenting journey.

Whether you’re a new mum, planning your next birth, or still processing one years later—this conversation is a reminder: your experience matters.

Guest Bio:

Emma Snelgar is a Mental Health Nurse, birth therapist, and former midwife, specialising in supporting women who have experienced traumatic or emotionally difficult births and postpartum periods. Through her private practice, Empower Matrescence, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed support to help mothers debrief, process, and heal. Emma sees clients in-home across the Perth metro area and via Telehealth for women throughout Australia. She will soon offer Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.

Connect with Emma:

Website: www.empowermatrescence.com

Instagram: @empowermatrescence

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 70 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Until next time, Thrivers