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.

In this episode, Leah Itsines shares the deeply personal journey of her second pregnancy and the birth of baby Jesse. Planning a VBAC, Leah opens up about the extensive preparation she did for Jesse's birth and reflects on the challenges, surprises, and joys along the way.

Raw, vulnerable, and often hilarious, Leah recounts her labour story with authenticity and humor, giving listeners a front-row seat to the highs and lows of bringing Jesse into the world. She also shares her postpartum experience and what it's been like adjusting to life as a family of four.

A heartfelt and candid conversation, this episode is full of insights, laughter, and real-life parenting moments — you won't want to miss it.

And if your wanting to get your hands on a free copy of one of Leah's amazing cook books head over to the "@whatifweweretaught " instagram page to check out the giveaway she is gifting xx.

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

Follow me on Instagram:

@whatifweweretaught @the_pregnancy_collective

Connect with Leah

Instagram — @leahitsines Website — www.leahitsines.com.au

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 today's episode, we take a deep dive into the much-needed conversation around early pregnancy loss, exploring it through a holistic and compassionate lens with acupuncturist and fertility expert, Paige Waters.

With over a decade of experience in fertility and women's health, Paige shares her wisdom and expertise as we discuss:

• The emotional and psychological impact of early pregnancy loss

• Common causes and contributing factors — from a holistic Chinese medicine perspective

• Recurrent pregnancy loss and how Chinese medicine can support understanding and healing

• The importance of aftercare and recovery following loss

• Prevention and early testing options

• Navigating the public system and current gaps in testing, support, and resources

• Paternal factors and their influence on pregnancy outcomes

• Nutrition, lifestyle, and preconception health — and their impact on fertility and future pregnancies

This episode shines a light on an area too often overlooked — acknowledging the emotional, physical, and systemic layers of early pregnancy loss, while offering practical, holistic guidance for healing and hope.

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

Follow us on Instagram: @the_pregnancy_collective

Connect with Paige: Instagram — @paigewatersacupuncture Website — www.paigewatersacupuncture.com.au

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's episode explores a deeply important topic — early pregnancy loss.

Early pregnancy loss (often referred to as "miscarriage") is defined as a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks' gestation. It affects 1 in 4 pregnancies and is an area that needs more information, education, support, and follow-up care.

I'm joined by Dr Drew Moffrey, a Private Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based at Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast. Drew also hosts the annual Circle of Support event, raising vital funds for families navigating early loss.

Together, we explore:

• What defines early pregnancy loss and the various types — threatened, inevitable, incomplete, missed, and recurrent
• Signs and symptoms of early pregnancy loss
• Common causes
• Available investigations and management options
• Paternal factors — sperm quality, placental influence, and DNA integrity
• How nutrition, lifestyle, and preconception health impact outcomes
• Supportive approaches, including acupuncture
• Navigating the healthcare system — the GP's role, how families without a specialist can be supported.
• Preventative strategies and the importance of compassionate aftercare

We also discuss recurrent pregnancy loss, including what defines it and key investigations and testing recommendations.

And so much more..

Recommended support services and organisations:

• • Pink Elephants Support Network
  • Red Nose Grief and Loss
  • SANDS
  • COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence
  • Athena Hammond – The Birth Counsel

You can donate directly to the Circle of Support here:

Pink Elephants Fundraiser – Lara Melrose

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

www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram;

the_pregnancy_collective

Check out Dr Drew on Instagram;

@drdrewmoffrey

Visit his website and connect here:

drdrewmoffrey.com.au

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 empowering episode, I'm joined by Acupuncturist and Fertility Specialist Paige Waters—affectionately known as The Fertility Detective—to dive deep into the menstrual cycle. Together, we explore the four distinct phases of the cycle through both a physiological and emotional lens, helping you understand what's really going on in your body, mind, and spirit each month.

With over a decade of experience in fertility and women's health, Paige shares her wisdom on how tuning into the rhythms of the cycle can transform everything from relationships to productivity and emotional wellbeing.

We cover:

• A simple breakdown of the menstrual cycle and key hormones

• Why your energy and emotions shift so much throughout the month

• How to align your lifestyle, work, and relationships with your cycle

• Practical self-care tips for each phase (Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal)

• How partners, families, and workplaces can offer better support

• The power of cycle tracking and body literacy

• Misconceptions around PMS, ovulation, and hormonal health

• Why this information is essential for teens, women in perimenopause, and everyone in between

Whether you're trying to conceive, rebalance your hormones, or simply get to know your body better, this episode is a must-listen.

Let's change the narrative around the menstrual cycle and start teaching the next generation what we wish we had been taught.

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

www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram;

the_pregnancy_collective

Check out Paige on Instagram;

Paigewatersacupuncture

Visit her website and connect here:

www.paigewatersacupuncture.com.au

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 today's episode, we dive deep into the topic of birth trauma — its impact, prevalence, and the many ways it can shape a woman's and couple's journey into postpartum, future births, and beyond.

We explore:

• What birth trauma is and how common it really is
• Why trauma isn't always physical — it can also be emotional or psychological
• The challenges of living with trauma in the postpartum period
• How birth trauma can influence future pregnancies and births
• The increased vulnerability of women with a history of sexual assault
• The first steps toward healing and reclaiming your journey
• Resources and support options for those navigating trauma
• Practical tools and small steps to help reduce trauma for both women and their partners
• What birth professionals — midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and other care providers — can do to support change
• The bigger picture: systematic changes needed to address this serious issue

Athena Hammond

Is a trauma therapist who is also a registered Midwife with her phd. She has worked in and around the maternity care sector for more than two decades; as a doula, midwife, researcher, university lecturer, group facilitator and educator. In addition to this she also works in private psychotherapy practice and is trained as a person-centred therapist with extra training around trauma, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems theory and interpersonal neurobiology. She has taught counselling skills at university and consults on the topic of birth trauma, including briefing the Select Committee of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma in 2023.

This conversation is for parents, partners, and professionals alike, offering understanding, support, and tools for both healing and prevention.

Resources for women, partners and proffesionals experiencing distress:

• Birth Trauma Australia
• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
• Gidget Foundation
• Centre for Perinatal Psychology Additional links for support around sexual assault & childhood trauma. https://www.steppingout.org.au https://blueknot.org.au/ https://www.survivorsintransition.co.uk/ Additonal support for Midwives: https://www.nmsupport.org.au/

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

www.thepregnancycollective.com.au

Follow me on Instagram;

the_pregnancy_collective

Check out Athena on Instagram;

The Birth Counsel

Visit her website and connect here:

https://www.thebirthcounsel.com.au

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.