Valley Village Collective

Valley Village Collective

By Paige and CarlyParentingKids & Family
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Valley Village Collective episodes

  • How can we help our children have a healthy relationship with food? Starting Solids and making meal times less stressful with Elise from Hera Nutrition

    DISCLAIMER - Unfortunately, there was some background ruffling noise throughout this episode - It is not normally like this. Thankyou for your understanding, we hope you enjoy the episode!


    In this weeks episode we speak with Elise from Hera Nutrition all about what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with food, and the signs of an unhealthy relationship with food.

    Elise gives some tips on getting our kids to snack less and eat more at meal times and we speak about the pressure of giving our kids a 'perfect' diet.


    You can find and book with Elise on Instagram by clicking here (they offer online consultations from wherever you are!)


    The Valley Village Collective podcast aims to provide a safe space for mothers. In the podcast we’ll dive into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.

    There’ll be real talk, as we listen, learn and navigate the adventure of motherhood together. 

    Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Follow us on Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.


    40 min
  • Paige's Postpartum Story - First time mum, Postpartum Preeclampsia, Special Care Nursery, Tongue tie, Cows milk protein intolerance, Breastfeeding challenges, Anxiety and Depression

    This weeks episode is a follow on from our previous episode (Paige's Birth Story) so, if you have not listened to that yet, be sure to go and listen and come back to this one!


    Paige shares her immediate feelings of not getting that 'oxytocin rush' she expected after her birth. Paige developed postpartum preeclampsia, and was transferred with her baby to Maitland Hospital via ambulance where her and her baby were seperated.


    Paige shares that the struggles did not end there, when arriving home, they removed formula top ups, Paige developed mastitis, her son had a tongue tie, lip tie and buccal ties revised, and then working through Cows milk protein intolerance whilst breastfeeding.

    She also shares the struggles of Postpartum anxiety and depression.



    The Valley Village Collective podcast aims to provide a safe space for mothers. In the podcast we’ll dive into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.

    There’ll be real talk, as we listen, learn and navigate the adventure of motherhood together. 

    Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Follow us on Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d


    59 min
  • 18 | Paige’s Birth Story - Positive natural birth, Hypnobirthing, Missed Miscarriage, endometriosis, fertility treatments, Blood clotting disorder, Private practice midwife, Public hospital

    In this weeks episode we speak to host Paige about her birth story.


    It starts with her conception story and a story of loss, a missed miscarriage followed by a D&C, an endometriosis diagnoses, laparoscopies with the desire to have a natural birth in a public hospital with a private practicing midwife.


    Paige achieved her natural birth 40 + 7 after a 16 hour labour and 4 hours of pushing, using hypnobirthing techniques, hot water, positive affirmations and a strong support system.


    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful. 

    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.




    1 hr 9 min
  • 17 | What are your rights during pregnancy, birth and postpartum? - Informed consent, declining testing and procedures, mother and baby separation - Private Practice Midwife Ineka Morosini

    In this week's episode, we chat with Private Midwife Ineka about women's rights during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Ineka shares essential tips on how to communicate with your care provider, the right questions to ask, and how to decline procedures confidently.

    She also discusses why you might want to refuse certain tests and the often unnecessary separation of mothers and babies and how you can refuse this.

    You can connect with Ineka on Instagram here - @morosinimidwifery


    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful. 


    1 hr 12 min
  • 16 | Models of care in the Hunter - Aligning Your Birth Values: Why Your Care Provider Matters - Private OB, MGP, Birth Centre, Public Hospital, Private Midwifery and Freebirth - Doula Carly Williams

    In this week’s episode, we sit down with our very own Carly Williams, aDoula in the Hunter Valley, to explore the various models of care available to expecting parents. Carly shares insights on the importance of choosing the right care provider and how aligning your birth values with your provider can significantly impact your birthing experience. We delve into the different models of care, including private obstetric care, public hospital options, MGP, birth centers, private midwifery, and free birth, and discuss their potential impacts on postpartum mental health.

    You can follow Carly on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/carly_williams_doula/


    Head to Carlys website and sign up to the newsletter to receive your free birthing in the Hunter Valley guide! https://www.carlywilliamsdoula.com.au/services-1


    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.


    55 min
  • 15 | Becoming a Dad: What is it REALLY like? Bonding with your new baby, the reality of fatherhood, overcoming relationship hurdles and a space for men feel heard with Mike Holt

    In this week's episode, we chat with Mike Holt about his transformative journey into fatherhood and the realities that come with it. Mike opens up about the challenges he and his wife Sam faced in their relationship during this transition, and how they overcame these hurdles together through self-reflection and inner work.

    Before becoming a father, Mike pursued his dreams and successfully opened a gym, taking on significant financial risks that ultimately paid off. He shares the highs and lows of this experience and how it shaped his outlook on life and family.

    Mike also discusses his passion for creating a supportive space for men to focus on their mental health. This vision led to the creation of Junto Men's Hub, a place where men can engage in meaningful conversations, connect with like-minded individuals, and openly share their experiences and challenges.

    FInd out more on Junto mens hub here - 

    https://www.instagram.com/thejunto.menshub/?hl=en

    Follow Corner Stone Newcastle here - https://www.instagram.com/cornerstone_newcastle/?hl=en

    Follow Corner Stone Hunter Valley here - 

    https://www.instagram.com/cornerstone_gym_huntervalley/?hl=en

    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful. 


    1 hr 1 min
  • 14 | Jess’ IVF Journey & Birth stories - IVF, Frozen transfer, MTHFR, Blood Clotting Disorder - Redefining high risk - Jess’ fight for a positive birth experience

    In this weeks episode, we talk to Jess to hear her incredible journey to conceive her first baby through IVF. Despite facing multiple failed cycles and transfers, Jess finally achieved a successful pregnancy. At 35 weeks, she experienced heavy bleeding and was admitted to the Emergency Department, where she went into spontaneous labor a few days later. Although her first birth was not a bad experience, Jess felt that she wanted to be more informed and in control for her next birth.

    Jess and her husband embarked on their second IVF journey and conceived their second child. Despite being labeled as high risk and initially excluded from the midwifery group practice (MGP) program, Jess conducted her own research and found evidence that challenged this high-risk label. Determined to have a more empowered birthing experience, she successfully advocated to have the label removed and to join the MGP program.

    Join us to hear all about Jess's positive birth experience and her inspiring story of self-advocacy during pregnancy and birth.


    Jess used the following services and resources during her conception, pregnancy and postpartum journey -

    The Great Birth Rebellion

    Next Gen Physio

    Empowered Lactation with Emma

    Adora Fertility - Bulk Billed IVF Clinic

    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

    Join the Village on:

    Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.


    1 hr 8 min
  • 13 | Marie’s Birth Story - From Medical Birth to freebirth and wild pregnancy - Second Pregnancy, Conscious Conception, Birthing outside the medical system.
    In this week's episode, we explore the empowering journey of freebirthing with Marie, who shares her personal experiences and insights on what freebirth means to her.
    Marie reflects on her first birth within the medical system, detailing the transformative moments that led her to seek a different path for her second pregnancy. Embracing a wild pregnancy and freebirth, Marie explains why this choice felt deeply right for her and her family, and how it influenced her approach to childbirth.
    She vividly describes the realization of her pregnancy following a conscious conception and her decision to navigate the journey outside the medical system. Marie shares how she tuned into her intuition, learning to differentiate between anxiety and genuine inner guidance.
    As a dedicated birth keeper, Marie supports women in reconnecting with their intuition throughout pregnancy and freebirth. Join us to hear her inspiring story and discover valuable insights into the world of freebirthing.
    You can follow Marie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mama_fairy_/
    Welcome to Valley Village Collective 
    If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.
    Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.
    Join the Village on:
    Insta at https://www.instagram.com/valleyvillagecollective/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.
    1 hr 11 min
  • 12 | Tahlee's Birth Story - First time Mum, Anxious Pregnancy, Private OB, Type 1 Diabetes, Preeclampsia, Intensive Care Caesarean, NICU stay, Breastfeeding challenges, Support Groups

    In todays episode Tahlee talks about her experience with Type 1 Diabetes during her pregnancy and how she managed her health, incluing mental health and what decisions she made in regard to her birth and her chosen model of care.

    Tahlee talks about the experience of going on to develop Preeclampsia around 34.5 weeks, that was so severe she spent time in ICU prior to the decision being made to birth her baby via caesarean at almost 35 weeks. Through this experience Tahlee emphasises the importance of seeking medical help if experiencing symptoms of any kind that seem abnormal and urges people not to be afraid to contact their maternity ward for assistance.

    Tahlee discusses what it was like not recalling her son being born and the experience of been separated following his birth for 24 hours. His stay in NICU was heartbreaking and challenging, particularly going home without your baby and has had some impact to Tahlees mental health.  

    Tahlee recommends the following support facebook groups for social support:

    https://m.facebook.com/groups/1527899494122956/ - T1D and pregnancy

    https://m.facebook.com/groups/2214545005/ - Preeclampsia 

    https://m.facebook.com/groups/28883918076/ - Premature babies 

    Obstetrician: Dr John Bailey at Hunter Womens Health Centre

    https://hunterwomens.com.au/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google%20My%20Business%20Page

    https://www.instagram.com/hunterwomenshealthcentre?igsh=OTBpcTN4MjQxdmpq


    • Welcome to Valley Village Collective 

      If you liked todays episode follow/subscribe and leave us a review.

      Valley Village Collective Podcast podcast dives into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

      Join the Village on:

      Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

      Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

      Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful.

      53 min
    • 11 | Is Chiropractic care safe for the whole family? And what is the deal with tummy time? - Insights from Dr Kelly Beanland

      The Valley Village Collective podcast aims to provide a safe space for mothers. In the podcast we’ll dive into the heart of motherhood, bringing you relatable stories from local mums and insights from local practitioners.

      There’ll be real talk, as we listen, learn and navigate the adventure of motherhood together. 

      Our aim is to be your virtual village where you’ll feel supported and know where to turn during the rollercoaster of motherhood.

      Follow us on Insta at @valleyvillagecollective

      Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555978335757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

      Please click the follow to stay up to date with our episodes and if you could leave a review we’d be so grateful. 

      In today's episode we chat with Dr Kelly Beanland, Director and Chiropractor at Hunter Health Spines in East Maitland. Kelly talks about the role of chiropractic in pregnancy and postpartum care. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach that focuses on the balance and function of the body. She debunks the myth of cracking bones and explains that gentle pressure is used during treatment. She explains that chiropractic care is safe for all family members, including infants and children. We delve into care for babies and discuss that new mothers commonly underrate post birth issues in babies, such as sleep, feeding and tummy time, as developmental instead of mechanistic, and chiropractic care can help with behavioural support. She also explains the way babies are birthed, either vaginally or via caesarean, can impact their development. 

      Kelly speaks about the importance she places on working in collaboration with paediatricians, IBCLC’s and other health practitioners. She offers advice for parents who may be concerned about their baby's development. She mentions the importance of sensory feedback, head control, and muscle tone in the first 12 months of life. She also highlights the role of tummy time in developing the brain and how different positions, such as chest tummy time or being carried in a carrier, can be beneficial. 

      You can find Kelly and her team at Hunter Healthy Spines - https://hunterhealthyspines.com.au/

      Instagram @hunterhealthyspines


      58 min

    About Valley Village Collective

    From the publisher's feed

    A Podcast for mums, mums to be (and dads too!) to hear from professionals in the pregnancy, birth and postpartum space, hear from other mums about their fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum…