What if we were taught..

Our bodies are beautifully designed for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. These seasons of life are powerful, transformative and completely normal, yet they also ask so much of our muscles, pelvic floor and core. With the right education and support, women can better understand these changes and feel more confident caring for their bodies throughout the journey.

In this episode, I sit down with Sinead O'Donovan, founder of SRC Health, to explore the story behind Australia's leading medical-grade pregnancy and postpartum support garments. We discuss how these garments were developed, the research behind them, and why they have become trusted by healthcare professionals around the world.

As a midwife, I've cared for countless women experiencing pelvic girdle pain, prolapse, urinary incontinence and postpartum recovery challenges. This conversation dives into how evidence-based support can make a real difference—not only for women experiencing discomfort but also as a tool to support recovery and long-term pelvic floor health.

• Sinead's personal journey that inspired the creation of SRC Health
• Why pelvic floor health deserves more attention during pregnancy and postpartum
• The difference between medical-grade support garments and standard activewear
• The science behind SRC's patented support panel design
• How compression provides proprioceptive feedback to support the pelvic floor
• Managing pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain and lower back pain
• Supporting women recovering from birth, including caesarean birth
• When to start wearing pregnancy support garments
• Why correct fitting is essential for effectiveness
• Supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond with evidence-based care

Whether you're currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, recovering after birth, or simply wanting to better understand your pelvic floor, this episode is packed with practical information to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Sinead O'Donovan is the founder and creator of SRC Health, Australia's original medical-grade pregnancy and postpartum support garments. Inspired by her own experiences of pelvic girdle pain, caesarean birth and postpartum recovery, Sinead developed SRC's patented support garments over 18 years ago. Today, SRC products are trusted by women, midwives, obstetricians, physiotherapists and healthcare professionals worldwide for pregnancy support, postpartum recovery and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Exclusive SRC Health Discount

Ready to support your body through pregnancy and postpartum? Click the link below to receive 10% off your SRC Health order

Claim your 10% off HERE

Need help choosing your size? Click HERE to watch SRC's fitting guide and learn how to accurately measure yourself to ensure you choose the correct size for the best support.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Connect with Kate: For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting conversations, follow along on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💛

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow SRC

Instagram —srchealth

Website - www.srchealth.com

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

What if there was another option for birth?

In this episode, I sit down with endorsed midwife Shellanda, founder of the brand-new Matrescence Birthing Centre on the Gold Coast, to explore a fresh model of maternity care that puts women, continuity of care, and physiological birth at the centre.

We chat about:

• Why Matrescence was created
• What makes a birth centre different from hospital care
• Continuity of midwifery care and informed decision-making
• Preparing for birth, postpartum and parenthood
• Why postpartum support deserves just as much attention as birth
• The future of maternity care in Australia

Whether you're newly pregnant, exploring your birth options, or simply passionate about improving maternity care, this episode is packed with empowering insights.

Shellanda is an Endorsed Midwife, mother of two, and the founder of the Matrescence Birthing Centre on the Gold Coast. After years of supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, she set out to create a model of care that bridges the gap between home birth and traditional hospital birth.

Driven by a passion for physiological birth, continuity of midwifery care, informed decision-making, and comprehensive postpartum support, Shellanda has brought together a collaborative team of midwives, obstetricians, lactation consultants, women's health physiotherapists, and allied health professionals to support families throughout the transition into parenthood.

Her vision is simple yet powerful: to create a maternity service where women are trusted, families are supported, and birth is honoured.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Connect with Kate: For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting conversations, follow along on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💛

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow Matrescence

Instagram —matrescencebirthingcentres

Website - https://matrescencebirthingcentres.com

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

What does "low-tox living" actually mean, and how do you navigate it without becoming overwhelmed?

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Alexx Stuart, founder of Low Tox Life, bestselling author, educator, and one of Australia's leading voices in practical, evidence-based low-tox living.

Together, we explore how small, realistic changes can support your health, your family, and future generations—without falling into perfectionism or fear. This conversation is especially relevant for those who are pregnant, preparing for conception, raising young children, or simply wanting to create a healthier home and lifestyle.

Alexx shares her own journey into the low-tox world, breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions around "natural" products and greenwashing, and offers practical strategies to reduce toxic load in a way that feels achievable and sustainable.

• What low-tox living really means (and what it doesn't)
• Why perfectionism can be more harmful than helpful
• Greenwashing and how to identify misleading product claims
• The hidden impact of synthetic fragrances and phthalates
• Simple swaps for personal care, cleaning products, and the home
• EMFs, baby monitors, Wi-Fi, and practical ways to reduce exposure
• Mold, humidity, and why indoor air quality matters
• Food quality, produce vs. processed foods, and feeding children without overwhelm
• How small changes can create a powerful ripple effect for future generations
• Why mindset and mental wellbeing are an essential part of any health journey

Alexx Stuart is the founder of Low Tox Life, a global education platform helping people make informed choices about food, personal care products, household items, and environmental health.

After beginning her own health journey in 2010, Alexx became passionate about uncovering the lack of transparency within the food, personal care, and cleaning industries. Since then, she has built a trusted community focused on practical, positive, and evidence-based approaches to healthier living.

She is the author of the bestselling books Low Tox Life and Low Tox Life Food, host of the popular Low Tox Life Podcast, and creator of a range of affordable courses that help families make meaningful changes without the confusion or overwhelm.

If this conversation resonated with you, you'll find links below to Alexx's books, courses, and educational resources.

Whether you're just getting started or wanting to deepen your knowledge, Alexx has done the research for you. Her courses—including Go Low Tox, Low Tox Kids, Preconception Ninja, Inflammation Ninja, Thrive, and Real Food Rockstars—provide step-by-step guidance grounded in evidence and real-world practicality.

They are affordable, easy to follow, and designed to help you make confident, informed decisions without needing to spend hours researching everything yourself.

By purchasing through the links below, you'll also be directly supporting this podcast at no additional cost to you. Every purchase helps me continue bringing these important conversations to families, and I'm incredibly grateful for your support.

Books- check out her Low Tox Life book HERE and her Low Tox Life Food HERE

If you're listening to this episode shortly after release, I'm giving away a FREE hard copy of Alexx's bestselling book Low Tox Life.

Head over to my Instagram page HERE for details on how to enter. The giveaway will only be running for the next few days, so don't miss your chance to get your hands on this fantastic resource.

And even if you're listening later, make sure you follow along—I regularly run book giveaways and special offers as a way of supporting authors and sharing valuable resources with this community.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Connect with Kate: For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting conversations, follow along on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💛

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow Alexx

Instagram —@lowtoxlife

Website —www.lowtoxlife.com

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In this episode, I'm joined by chiropractor Dr Rachael Davie to explore the role of chiropractic care in pregnancy, birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and infant wellbeing.

Rachael specialises in perinatal and paediatric chiropractic care, and together we unpack many of the myths and misconceptions that still surround chiropractic work — particularly when it comes to pregnant women and babies.

We discuss the different techniques used in chiropractic care (including gentle, low-force approaches), how bodywork can support pelvic alignment during pregnancy, and why this may help create optimal conditions for birth.

We also explore the importance of collaborative care — including working alongside physiotherapists, lactation consultants, and other practitioners to support families throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

A large part of this conversation focuses on the role of chiropractic care in babies, particularly those experiencing feeding challenges, tension patterns, or difficulties related to tongue ties. Rachel shares how gentle bodywork can support babies by addressing fascial tension, improving movement patterns, and supporting the nervous system.

This episode is a fascinating look at the role of bodywork in the perinatal period and offers a deeper understanding of how gentle structural support may benefit both mothers and babies.

In This Episode We Discuss

• What chiropractic care actually involves • Common myths and misconceptions about chiropractic treatment • The different chiropractic techniques used in pregnancy and paediatrics • Why pelvic alignment and symmetry may support birth physiology • The role of bodywork in supporting optimal fetal positioning • Pregnancy-related discomforts such as pelvic pain, sciatica and round ligament pain • Why collaborative care between practitioners is so important • The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in pregnancy • Postpartum recovery and nervous system regulation • How posture and feeding positions impact the postpartum body • Gentle chiropractic care for babies • Feeding challenges, tongue ties and body tension in infants • The connection between the mouth, neck and nervous system • Why early bodywork may support breastfeeding and infant comfort • Primitive reflexes and early neurodevelopment in babies

Dr Rachael Davie is a chiropractor and RMIT graduate, holding a Bachelor of Health Science and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chiropractic. She has undertaken extensive postgraduate training, including a Diplomate in Paediatric Neurodevelopment, and further studies in Sacro-Occipital Technique, the Activator Method, cranial work and intra-oral fascia releasing, primitive reflex and tone assessment, and Applied Kinesiology.

Dr Rachael Davie

Dr Davie has a strong clinical interest in paediatrics and neurodevelopment, with a focus on cranial care, oral tie assessment, and collaborative work with orofacial myologists. She also performs neurodevelopmental assessments for school-aged children.

Alongside her paediatric focus, Dr Davie works closely with women during pregnancy and in postpartum care, and has additional interests in TMJ dysfunction and sports chiropractic care.

Through her work, Dr Davie is passionate about supporting nervous system health and helping patients of all ages achieve optimal function and development.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on ;

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow Dr Rachael Davie

Instagram — @solacebodyworkgc

Website —Solacebodywork

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In this deeply thoughtful and expansive conversation, I'm joined by Naomi Jansson to explore early pregnancy loss through a cultural, historical, and physiological lens.

Together, we unpack the lived experience of women navigating pregnancy loss and examine the broader context in which it exists — including the taboo that still surrounds miscarriage, the influence of culture and religion, and the gaps in current health infrastructure.

We explore how traditional medicine systems acknowledge the physiology of pregnancy loss, and how different cultures manage and support women during this time. By looking beyond the Western model of care, we reflect on what is often missing — and what becomes possible when pregnancy loss is recognised as a significant rite of passage and honoured as a true postpartum experience.

This episode places strong emphasis on nourishing and supporting the mother not only emotionally and psychologically, but biologically and hormonally. We discuss the importance of tending to the postpartum body after early loss, and how deeper recognition at an individual and systemic level can lead to more compassionate, comprehensive care.

Naomi also shares practical examples of how care can look different, and introduces the "Complete Care Women's Wellness " model she is developing - a clinical and case-management approach designed specifically to better support women experiencing pregnancy loss.

This is an important and necessary conversation for midwives, birth workers, and anyone wanting to better understand how we can meet women - and ourselves - with greater reverence, understanding, and care.

Dr Naomi Jansson

Is a second-generation Chinese Medicine Doctor and educator, and an integrative Clinical Nurse Consultant specialising in Women's Health and Complex Clinical Care, with over 25 years of experience. She works across private clinics, integrative health centres, and hospital settings, where she has held leadership roles including Clinical Lead and Perinatal Service Manager. In all settings, she is a dedicated advocate for Traditional Medicine, women-centred models of care, and culturally responsive practice.

Naomi serves as an advisor on the STEM Committee at RMIT and sits on the Board of the Matrescence Birth Centre. She is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Well Supported Mothers Collective, which provides professional education and resources in women's health, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

Raised in a Traditional Medicine household, Naomi developed an early, embodied relationship with classical healing systems. This foundation led to formal study and lifelong apprenticeship across multiple East Asian medical traditions, including Chinese Medicine (Zhongyi), Japanese Medicine (HariKyu), Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa), and Indian Medicine (Ayurveda).

In addition to her classical training, Naomi has cultivated deep relationships with intercultural and folk medicine traditions for women's health. Her studies include learning from Indigenous Australian, South American, European, Middle Eastern, Irish/Celtic, and Russian teachers, midwives, and traditional practitioners. Her training encompasses pelvic steaming, Closing the Bones rituals, rebozo and faja abdominal binding, traditional womb and breast care practices, movement for birth, folk herbalism, and therapeutic foods and teas for recovery.

Her work holds a particular focus on comprehensive postpartum recovery, honouring all pregnancy and birth experiences.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on ;

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow Naomi

Instagram — @gentle_traditions and @well_supported_ mother

and @complete_care_womens_wellness

Website —Gentle Traditions and The Well Supported Mothers Collective and Complete Care Womens Wellness

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

Ok Fella's..If you're listening to this episode, firstly — well done.

Your role in birth is massive. You are not just a bystander. You are a core part of this experience, and in labour, she will look to you more than anyone else for safety, reassurance and grounding.

In this episode, I'm sharing my top tips for partners on how to truly support your woman through pregnancy, birth and postpartum — in a way that builds connection, confidence and calm.

I cover:

• Why getting educated about birth matters more than you realise (and how it changes everything)

• The conversations you need to have during pregnancy to understand what she actually wants

• What labour really looks like — and how to "read the room"

• Practical, in-the-moment tools: massage, hip squeezes, breath work, tone of voice, eye contact and nervous system regulation

• What to say (and what not to say)

• How to advocate for her if plans change

• Setting up the birth environment and protecting the "birth bubble"

• Why a doula can support both of you

• How to look after yourself during a long labour

• The emotional side of birth for partners — including fear, helplessness and overwhelm

• Postpartum: your new role as support crew, gatekeeper and emotional anchor

We also talk honestly about:

• When birth doesn't go to plan (induction, epidural, caesarean, NICU)

• Birth trauma for dads

• Postpartum depression in men

• The huge identity shift that happens after baby arrives

• Skin-to-skin for partners and the powerful brain changes that come with it

• The questions men are often too afraid to ask

Plus, I share helpful resources to get you started.

Here's what I want you to remember:

You are there to witness, support and believe in her.

It's natural to want to "solve" her pain (if she has pain) - but what she needs most is connection, presence and to feel heard. In birth and in postpartum.

You will never forget the way your partner gives birth. And she will never forget the way you made her feel while she did it.

You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to:

www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram;

whatifweweretaught

the_pregnancy_collective

Follow me on Facebook;

The Pregnancy Collective

Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by Jane Hardwicke Collings — international speaker, author, and pioneer in the field of rites of passage for women.

Together, we explore how we can begin reframing Menarche and the menstrual cycle, moving away from shame, silence, and purely clinical education, and towards a culture of understanding, respect, and embodied wisdom.

This episode is especially for parents who feel like they're starting from scratch — those who were never taught about their own cycles in a holistic way and now want to do things differently for their children.

We discuss ;

• How to educate both daughters and sons.
• When these conversations can begin, and how to create a supportive household culture around the menstrual cycle.
• Jane shares her beautiful framework of the cycle as seasons, explores the emotional, mental, and physical rhythms across the month, and offers practical insights into hormones, and the body's innate wisdom.
• We discuss the significant role fathers play and how they can support their daughters.
• We also dive into rites of passage, honouring menarche in meaningful ways and what society could look like if we truly supported cyclical living.

This episode is an invitation to help remove shame, empower families, and create a cultural shift so the next generation grows up informed, respected, and deeply connected to their bodies.

*********Book Giveaway**********

To honour Jane's work, I'll be running a giveaway of two of her beautiful books:

• Becoming a Woman: A Guide for Girls Approaching Menstruation and
• Blood Rites: The Spiritual Practice of Menstruation

Head over to the "What If We Were Taught" Instagram page HERE to find out more.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on ;

Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective

Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective

Follow Jane Hardwicke Collings

Instagram — @janehardwickecollings and @schoolofshamanicwomancraft

Facebook-Jane Hardwicke Collings

Website — www.janehardwickecollings.com and www.schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

Today I'm joined by Tara Power and Franziska Alderton, two visionary women working to bring "Gaia" a Holistic Birthing and Family Sanctuary to life on the Gold Coast.

In this episode, we explore the why behind Gaia, the vision for a holistic birthing sanctuary, and the model of care they hope to offer families. Tara and Franziska share how Gaia differs from existing maternity care models, where they're currently at in the planning process, their anticipated timeline, and their call to action for practitioners who feel aligned with this work.

This conversation is an invitation; to build momentum, community, and connection, and to call in the people needed to help bring this shared vision into reality.

Franziska Alderton

Franziska brings nearly 20 years' experience in program and project management, infrastructure planning, and engineering across Australia and Europe. The vision for Gaia was born from her own lived experience of early motherhood and matrescence, and a deep desire to create a village of care, support, and connection for women and families.

Tara Power

Tara Power is the founder of Earth Mothers Community, supporting women through fertility, motherhood, and rites of passage using body-based wisdom, feminine energetics, and creative expression. Her work is informed by training in Ayurvedic health, yoga, trauma-informed therapy, and women's bodywork, and is deeply shaped by her own journey of transformation.

About Gaia

Gaia Holistic Birthing and Family Sanctuary's vision is to be; a heart-led, evidence-based, women-centred model of maternity and family care. Through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, Gaia supports informed choice, continuity of care, emotional wellbeing, and community connection throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram:

@whatifweweretaught @the_pregnancy_collective

Follow Gaia

Instagram — @gaiabirthingsanctuary

Facebook- Gaia Holistic Birthing and Family Sanctuary

Website — www.gaiabirthing.com.au

Donation for Go Fund me HERE to help support the build of Gaia

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

Welcome to the final episode of 2025.

In this special solo episode, I'm busting the most common misconceptions about hypnobirthing and clearing up what it really is — and what it definitely isn't. From myths around hypnosis to misunderstandings about pain, control, and mindset, this episode is all about separating fact from fiction so you can feel informed and empowered.

This episode is also a celebration. We've officially reached 40 episodes and 15,000 downloads, and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you for tuning in, sharing, and supporting the podcast this year.

It has been another incredible year of sharing evidence-based, empowering conversations around pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond — the things we so often aren't taught, but absolutely deserve to know.

Thank you for being part of this community. I can't wait to be back with you Jan 14th 2026

For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to:

www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram;

whatifweweretaught

the_pregnancy_collective

Follow me on Facebook;

The Pregnancy Collective

Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jen Dugard.

Jen Dugard is the founder of MumSafe, creator of Safe return to Exercise certification and author of How to Love your Body as much as your Baby..

In this episode we take a deep dive into what MumSafe is, why it exists, and why safe, well-informed exercise guidance is so essential for every pregnant and postpartum woman.

Together, we explore:

• The importance of training in facilities that understand pregnancy and postpartum needs, and how this protects women from injury

• Current exercise guidelines and how to prepare your body for birth

• Pelvic floor awareness and why it should underpin all training

• What women should look for when choosing a trainer or gym — including red flags and must-ask questions

• What gold-standard screening looks like in practice

• How to tell if a gym is genuinely pelvic-floor aware (including language, progression, and what NOT to hear)

• The Mumsafe model, what makes it unique, and the ongoing education required for all Mumsafe trainers

• How systems advocacy and public health awareness could transform the way we support mothers

This is a powerful, much-needed conversation about raising the standard of care for mums through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — and creating safer, more supportive spaces for every woman to move her body.

And if your wanting to get your hands on a free copy of one of Jen's book head over to the "@whatifweweretaught " instagram page to check out the giveaway xx.

For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram:

@whatifweweretaught @the_pregnancy_collective

Connect with Jen

Instagram — @jendugard

and @mumsafemovement

Website — https://www.jendugard.com

and https://mumsafemovement.com

Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.