The episode recounts the harrowing "s***show" of Jen’s pregnancy with Charlie, including a disastrous MRI experience where she battled claustrophobia and physical illness while trying to diagnose chronic bladder stones. This personal struggle is mirrored by Charlie’s own medical journey—facing 35 ear infections in a single year and a lack of immune response to vaccinations—which forced Jen to navigate a public health system that often leaves rural families waiting years for basic surgeries like grommets.

Jen also shares behind-the-scenes stories of her advocacy at the policy level, from attending 60 meetings with politicians in 2025 to "raw dogging" a high-pressure panel at the Bush Summit. She exposes the harsh realities of rural health, such as "bypass" and "non-operational" wards, where hospitals are technically open but lack the staff or resources to safely deliver babies

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Jen reflects candidly on her harrowing pregnancy with Charlie, a journey marked by passing kidney stones at 28 weeks, battling influenza, and a stressful C-section that resulted in Charlie spending time in special care. The conversation also dives into the heavy weight of advocacy, the hidden financial costs of rural healthcare, and Jen’s hope for a "redemption arc" as she balances her clinical practice with her own family’s needs. Strap in for a conversation that is real, raw, and sometimes ugly, highlighting why your postcode should never dictate the care you receive.

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Fast-forward to Agnes Water and Bundaberg: no private options, long drives, and a crash-course in rural maternity realities. Alicia plans for a VBAC, walks in at 40+1 already 5 cm, detours home to tuck Tilly into bed (iconic), then rockets back for a 45-minute, hands-on, coached delivery of Daisy. We talk TENS machines, monitoring and cannula “non-negotiable,” the moment her waters went everywhere (RIP Uggs), the surge of “I did it,” and naming Daisy Lee after her mum - who, in perfect family-chaos form, turned up with a freshly broken ankle and a full heart.

Beyond the play-by-play, Alicia shares what elite sport taught her about labour mindset, how to hold both grief and gratitude, and practical ways to keep agency when the system is rigid - especially in the bush. If you’re navigating VBAC decisions, rural care, or just need a brave, generous story to remind you you’re not alone

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Em walks us through the red flags she can see now: the inability to sleep, hyper-vigilance about Levi leaving her sight, spiraling worries about feeding and weight, and a “banshee night” that ended with an ED visit. From there, we trace a system not built for rural families: a psychiatrist who hadn’t seen postpartum psychosis before, a near-miss separation to a psych ward that can’t take babies, and two midwives who stood in the doorway and said, “You will not separate this mother and child.” A bed opens in the Gold Coast mother–baby unit; medication begins; sleep returns. Then the next hard: being away from home and husband, advocating for breastfeeding on heavy meds, finding trust with new nurses, and choosing discharge earlier than recommended because autonomy mattered.

Em is clear about what helped her recovery — sleep, continuity, a small circle who showed up, and specialist perinatal mental health care — and she names the gaps: no mother–baby units in most regional areas, clunky referrals, short-supply psychology, and how easily women are told to “just get on with it.” She shares the long horizon too: the fog lifting around 10 months, another wobble at 12, and steadier ground by 14 — not the same person, but stronger, surer, and now advocating for body-weight bias reform, choice and control, and continuity of care for rural women.

This episode sits with the messy middle — the fear, the funny, the fragmented memories — and ends with practical signposts: call earlier than you think (PANDA), ask your GP for a perinatal-specific referral (Gidget Foundation, COPE directory), and keep telling your story. Your voice is the change.

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Across this conversation you’ll hear the rural realities: a GP visit that felt like a non-event; waiting until 19 weeks to be “picked up” by midwives; early, matter-of-fact risk talk focused on BMI and a likely transfer to Toowoomba; the fear of birthing far from home; and the emotional toll of repeating trauma histories to a new clinician at every appointment. Em shares how a borderline GDM diagnosis (and real-time Bluetooth monitoring) amplified anxiety, how advice landed differently depending on who offered it, and how the absence of relationship-based care can make a healthy pregnancy feel anything but safe.

You’ll also hear what made a difference. Em found credible education (Great Birth Rebellion, Core & Floor Restore’s free antenatal videos, Dr Sarah Buckley’s work, and Catherine Bell’s Birth Map), a local circle of mums who said “you’re one of us,” and - crucially - a private midwife who offered a soft place to land late in pregnancy. With that support, Em built clear, values-led plans (yes/no flowcharts and all), watched her blood sugars settle, and entered labour at 40+1 with a toolkit that included TENS, gas, horse’s breath, and a fiercely present partner. We follow her fast escalation from home to clinic to birth suite, waters breaking on the table, a gentle in-and-out catheter to quiet her mind, a tiny cervical lip moved aside, and finally an unaugmented vaginal birth crowned by the words every woman deserves to hear: “Look at you. Clever girl.”

This is an episode about how knowledge, safety, and continuity reshape the experience - and why rural models of care must center them. Part 2 continues tomorrow with Em’s postpartum, reflections on what she wishes she’d known earlier, and what she wants every rural parent and clinician to take forward.

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After trying to conceive for five months, Jenny was told her pregnancy was high-risk due to her BMI and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. What followed was weeks of uncertainty, a five-hour relocation to Newcastle for care, an induction at 38 weeks, and an emergency caesarean under general anesthetic. Her baby was born small and unexpectedly, with forceps. But that wasn’t the end — days later, Jenny developed sepsis and was hospitalised for 10 days.

Jenny speaks with honesty and clarity about the mental toll of her experience, the trauma that followed, and the hard decision not to have more children. But she also shares her resilience — in finding support, making changes for her mental health, and in speaking up for herself and other women navigating birth in larger bodies.

This conversation is a reminder that trauma and strength often walk side by side — and that no one should have to carry it alone.

We’re so grateful to Jenny for trusting us with her story.

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She reflects on what it was like navigating a system with limited midwifery options and no continuity of care, and how that shaped her choices along the way. With every birth, Shara grew more confident in listening to her body, asking questions, and making informed decisions - even when they went against what others expected.

This is a story about learning as you go, finding your voice, and doing birth your own way - four times over. We’re so grateful to Shara for sharing her story with us. It’s one that reminds us just how strong women are, and how every birth deserves to be seen and heard.

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Jordan speaks with openness and heart about the shock of receiving River’s diagnosis at the 20-week scan, and the uncertainty that followed. From a planned caesarean at 36 weeks to feeding challenges, early surgeries, and the many moments in between - this is a story about strength, love, and learning to parent through the unexpected.

She reflects on the emotional toll, the anxiety about what lay ahead, and the deep bond that grew between them despite the complexities of care. There’s honesty here about the grief, but also so much joy and pride. Jordan also shares beautiful advice for other parents navigating similar paths - reminding us that even when things don’t go to plan, there is still room for connection, beauty, and hope.

This is an episode about finding your feet while the ground is shifting. About advocacy, adjustment, and showing up for your baby in every way you can.

We’re so grateful to Jordan for sharing River’s story with us.

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Leah’s story spans fertility struggles, an ectopic pregnancy, IVF, and the surprise of naturally conceiving identical twins. With honesty and grace, she talks us through what it was like to face medical emergencies far from major hospitals, to drive hours for basic care, and to navigate high-risk pregnancies and diagnoses with limited local resources.

From emergency surgery and IVF in Sydney, to a twin pregnancy complicated by talipes (club foot) and preterm labour at 33 weeks, Leah and her husband Pat have weathered it all with resilience and love. Their twins were born at 36 weeks via c-section and required follow-up treatment far from home - adding another layer to an already complex postpartum experience.

Leah also speaks to the emotional toll - the quiet grief of pregnancy loss, the mental load of parenting under pressure, and the importance of protecting your mental health when the system isn’t built for families like yours.

This is a story about trust, distance, diagnosis, and sheer determination. We’re so grateful to Leah for sharing it with us. It’s one that will stay with you.

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Her second pregnancy, after a heartbreaking miscarriage, was shadowed by anxiety and uncertainty. From an ovarian cyst to worrying scans, and finally, early induction at 37 weeks due to low fluid and a calcifying placenta - every step required Tylia to dig deep for faith, trust, and connection. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll of pregnancy after loss - how difficult it is to bond, to hope, to believe your baby will make it here safely. And she opens up about the challenges of accessing maternity care from her rural community, an hour from the nearest hospital, and the strain that distance can place on decision-making, reassurance, and basic monitoring.

Tylia’s story is one of deep love, lingering fear, and incredible resilience. We are so grateful to her, and to her family, for trusting us with her story.

We hope this episode helps other rural families navigating pregnancy after loss feel a little more seen, a little more supported, and a little less alone.

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Kylie takes us through both of her births: from being hospitalised at the end of her first pregnancy with a severe respiratory infection, to an emergency caesarean where she lost consciousness and woke up alone in recovery. Her story doesn’t stop there. Kylie developed a rare nerve condition, Parsonage Turner syndrome, leading to the loss of function in her arm and two years of intense physiotherapy. Add to that postnatal anxiety, and you get a raw, real, and incredibly brave insight into the hidden layers of early motherhood.

With her second pregnancy, Kylie faced gestational diabetes, another caesarean, and again, complications with spinal anesthesia and the return of nerve pain and anxiety. But through it all, her strength, humour, and fierce love for her boys; Spencer and Miles shine through. Now, as a working doula, Kylie channels her lived experience into her practice, offering calm, continuous, and deeply compassionate care to families across rural NSW. She speaks candidly about the importance of birth education, postpartum planning, and supporting not just the birthing person, but their partners too.

This conversation is raw, heartfelt, and full of moments that will stay with you long after you’ve listened. There’s laughter, deep emotion, and so much insight. Kylie’s story is a powerful reminder of why support in birth and postpartum truly matters.

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From the laugh-out-loud stories of life on the road with her husband during their 15-month Aussie lap, to the moments that made us hold our breath and wipe away tears—this one has it all. Georgie’s pregnancy with mono-mono twins, Ella and Eden, came with huge risks and even bigger emotions. It’s not often you hear about these kinds of pregnancies, and Georgie speaks with such honesty, grace, and strength.

We talk about everything—gestational diabetes, navigating rural healthcare, the surreal experience of stillbirth at 20 weeks, and what it means to be held by community when your world falls apart. There’s also raw insight into the hospital experience, birth and death certificates, epidurals, and the need for better postnatal care—especially in the bush.

Recording this episode was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. It was one of the funniest, most fun, and yet saddest chats we’ve had—and honestly, we could’ve talked to Georgie all day. We hope you find connection, compassion, and courage in her story.

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Back in 2020, MCN launched the Bush Babies campaign in Queensland, an 18-month push to protect and restore maternity services in rural communities. What started as a local fight became a catalyst for real change, helping to reopen facilities and bring national attention to the growing gaps in rural care.

Alecia shares what it’s like to raise your voice from a small town, and how she’s helped build MCN into the largest maternity consumer organisation in the country. From the challenges of accessing respectful care to the emotional impact of birthing far from home, this conversation is real, raw, and full of heart.

She also talks about the groundbreaking Respect for Maternity Care training that MCN created, now delivered in over 50 maternity services around Australia. Backed by the federal government, it’s helping change the way providers support women during birth and beyond, with a focus on reducing trauma and increasing informed consent.

Alecia’s story is proof that big change can start in small places, and that women’s voices, when amplified, can reshape systems.

In this episode, we cover:

• How the 2020 Bush Babies campaign helped spark statewide change
• The real-life impact of losing local birth services
• Why respectful, trauma-informed care matters—and how it’s being taught across the country
• The importance of community-driven advocacy
• Alecia’s role in launching a publicly funded home birth pilot on the Sunshine Coast

This one’s for anyone who cares about birth, equity, and making sure rural families aren’t left behind. Don’t miss it.

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Jemimah’s story is deeply rooted in themes that will resonate with so many of you: consent, autonomy, trusting your intuition, and the powerful reminder that your voice matters—especially in birth spaces. She takes us through her three unique birth journeys and shares how the book Birth Skills by Juju Sundin helped equip her with movement tools that supported her through labor—from gripping a hairbrush for sensory focus to using her voice as a powerful release.

But Jemimah’s story doesn’t stop at birth. Her journey from teaching aerobic-style classes to founding Moved was inspired by biomechanist Katie Bowman’s philosophy that movement is not just exercise - it’s nourishment. In this episode, Jemimah shares how she helps women integrate quality, functional movement into their everyday lives and why it matters so deeply—especially in postpartum recovery. We also explore the quieter, more tender sides of motherhood: what it means to surrender, to hold boundaries, and to advocate for yourself in a system that often makes that difficult. One of the most powerful messages Jemimah shares is this: you are allowed to say “no thank you.” That’s your right. Movement is nourishment. Your body, your choices.

Stay tuned to the end for a beautiful offering: a special online postnatal movement class available to all listeners—including those who have experienced loss. It’s a gentle, welcoming invitation to reconnect with your body, wherever you are in your journey.

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Life on Groote is both breathtaking and challenging. The landscapes are stunning—untamed wilderness, endless blue horizons, and a deep connection to the land. But with such beauty comes isolation. Most forms of medical care require a flight to the mainland, raising profound questions about how one prepares for birth in such a remote location.

Claire’s story is also one of contrast. Her first baby was conceived and born on Groote, surrounded by its wild, remote beauty. Her second, however, was born in Tasmania—an entirely different environment, yet just as significant in its own way. Both births were beautiful, yet starkly different, highlighting how place, access to care, and personal experience can profoundly shape the journey into motherhood.

This is an incredible testament to the power of intuition, resilience, and trust in one’s body. Claire speaks beautifully about how women are often “forged in the fire” of their experiences, with each challenge shaping the way they navigate future ones. Her reflections on pregnancy and birth offer deep insight into what it means to listen to yourself, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in the unknown.

Stay tuned until the very end—Claire shares some of the most profound and empowering advice I’ve heard on the podcast so far. And if her story resonates with you, you’re in luck! Claire runs Your Brighter Beginnings, offering a suite of resources and support for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.

This is a conversation you won’t want to miss—one that will transport you to the vast and remote beauty of Groote Eylandt while exploring how the experience of birth can be shaped by the places we call home.

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But today, we’re stepping beyond the flowers and into an incredible birth story—one that highlights the challenges of giving birth in a rural town where maternity services can be put on bypass at any time. Sara, a mother of two beautiful boys, Archie and Freddie, experienced this firsthand when she went into labor with Freddie, only to find that the local maternity ward wasn’t available.

If you’re a rural woman navigating a similar reality—where services can suddenly be unavailable, and you’re left wondering how to plan for your own birth—this episode is for you. Sara’s story is powerful, eye-opening, and one that every expecting mother in a rural community needs to hear.

A huge thank you to Sara for sharing her story with such raw, beautiful honesty—layered with the practicality and strength we’ve come to know and love from women of the bush. Your openness and courage in telling this story will no doubt resonate with so many, offering both insight and support to those facing similar challenges. We’re so grateful to have had you on to share this journey.

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Sophie’s journey, as she so honestly described, included the unexpected surprises of a COVID birth and the battles that came with fertility. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll and the challenges of accessing treatment while living rurally – a reality many women know all too well. Sophie's message was clear: listen to your gut, advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help.

As we pick up with Sophie in this second chapter, we are reminded why her first episode remains a fan favorite. This time, we dive deeper into the complexities of fertility, love, loss, and the unexpected twists that life throws your way. Sophie brings us her characteristic honesty, humor, and wisdom as she discusses the heartache of miscarriages, the unpredictability of pregnancy, and the ongoing battle that fertility presents.

For Sophie, this isn't a "journey" – as she so brilliantly puts it, fertility is a battle. There is nothing fun about it. It's a daily fight filled with tough decisions, emotional setbacks, and, at times, unimaginable grief. Yet, true to her spirit, Sophie shares it all with humor, grace, and the kind of candidness that continues to resonate with listeners.

So, buckle up for a conversation that’s filled with both tears and laughter, a reflection of life with Sophie, Ross, and their incredible family. It’s not always easy, but it’s always real, and that's why we are so grateful to have Sophie back with us once again.

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Raechel is not only a gifted artist but also a dedicated mum, radiating warmth, positivity, and an unshakeable talent. As we delve into her personal story, she opens up about her unique pregnancy and birth experiences. From her first birth in the private system in a big city to her final one—a home birth in a rural community with no local maternity services—Raechel’s journey highlights the incredible resilience and strength of women, especially in rural maternity black spots.

Raechel speaks so beautifully about her last birth, supported by midwives who truly go above and beyond to create innovative and compassionate solutions for women in these under-served areas. She talks openly about the process, the beauty of trusting her intuition, and the empowering experience of leaning into her own power.

The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as Raechel shares her story of miscarriage. With raw honesty, she walks us through her personal experience of miscarrying at home, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced, both expected and unexpected. Her openness and honesty about the process offer comfort and understanding to those who may have gone through a similar journey.

This episode is an epic conversation with a woman who feels like your best friend by the end. Raechel’s warmth, honesty, and incredible strength shine through as she shares her personal experiences, her wisdom, and her deep connection to the experiences that shape both her art and her life.

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Kate’s story is one of resilience, raw beauty, and incredible strength. In the summer of 2019, while bushfires ravaged her region, she gave birth prematurely to her second daughter at just 35 weeks. If that wasn’t enough, Kate found herself navigating the chaos of postpartum life during the COVID-19 pandemic. She opens up about the trauma of losing her second pregnancy, the intense challenges of a premature birth, and the mental health hurdles that followed. But her story isn’t just about survival—it’s about healing, too. Her third pregnancy was what Kate calls her "healing pregnancy," and it empowered her to rebuild her confidence and reconnect with her own expertise as a mother.

Kate’s journey is one that speaks to the power of leaning into your support network, trusting yourself, and knowing that you are the expert on your own experience. This conversation is full of raw, confronting imagery—from living through the fires and smoke of 2019 to navigating postpartum in the midst of a global pandemic. But it’s also filled with hope, healing, and the kind of insight that only someone as grounded and real as Kate can offer.

Kate, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. Your bravery and vulnerability are a gift, and we are honored to have you as part of the Her Herd community.

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If you listened to Part 1, you know just how powerful Kirsty's story is. From being the first woman to receive a uterus transplant to navigating her IVF journey, Kirsty has faced challenges most people can’t even imagine. But her story is about so much more than just medical procedures—it’s about love, resilience, and what it truly means to keep fighting for your dreams.

In this episode, we dive deeper into the journey to baby Henry. What happens when you wake up and don’t have a uterus? How do you process the emotions when it seems like everyone around you is getting their period back, while you’re still facing infertility? Kirsty shares the raw, real experiences of secondary infertility and the decision to move forward with a uterus transplant, as well as the IVF process that ultimately led to the birth of Henry.

I also ask her some tough questions—like whether it’s easier to have a hysterectomy when it's a choice, and what the healing process really looks like after such a life-changing decision.

This is the conclusion to an incredible journey. Kirsty, Nick, and their kids Henry and Violet have been through so much, and I’m so grateful they’ve chosen to share their story.

If you missed part 1 go back now and listen!

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The last time I was in Coffs Harbour, I made sure to spend some quality time with Kirsty, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of incredible. Kirsty was one of the standout speakers at Podcast to Plate, and since that event, I’ve been flooded with questions about her journey. So I decided to do something a little different—a “you can’t ask that” style interview, where I asked all the questions you might be thinking but never quite say out loud.

We laughed, we cried, and we dug into the tough stuff—the things that helped, the things that didn’t, and the things she’d do differently. I spent four hours at Kirsty’s house, and what we covered was so real and raw, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

This is part 1 of one of my all-time favorite episodes. It was originally slated for episode 4, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to bring it to you. If you've heard Kirsty speak before and found yourself with more questions, this is the episode you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned.

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Pregnancy after loss is a beast. It’s not just the emotional toll of grieving a lost child while trying to conceive again—it’s about juggling those emotions with the needs of a toddler, the uncertainty of what others will say, and the fear of going through the heartbreak once more. Matt and his wife knew their path wouldn’t be easy, but they also understood the importance of being on the same page, supporting one another, and prioritizing their mental health as they moved forward.

Matt talks openly about the complexities of trying to conceive while grieving, managing anxiety, and the mental strain of the "what ifs" that constantly loom. He shares how important it was to seek professional support, including therapy and online support groups for fathers, to help him navigate this emotional terrain. Staying active, communicating openly with his wife, and finding solace in simple things like running and meditation were key in helping him cope.

As their pregnancy progressed, Matt’s emotions were a mix of joy and sadness—happy to be pregnant again but heartbroken that Wren wouldn't be here to experience it. The journey was filled with the tension of missing out on milestones with Wren while eagerly awaiting their new baby. He also describes how they navigated the emotional complexities with their 3-year-old daughter, Edie, who asked the difficult question: “Is this baby going to die like Wren?”Their response was to be as honest as possible, without burdening her with their own fears.

Through it all, Matt and his wife were determined to create a plan that would support them both physically and emotionally. They worked with their medical team to ensure their wishes for the birth were met and sought continuous support to help manage their anxiety. The birth of their son, Noah, was a moment of both relief and joy, but it also amplified the grief of losing Wren.

Matt's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between partners in the face of unimaginable loss. He offers valuable insights into how to navigate pregnancy after loss, emphasizing the importance of communication, self-care, and seeking the support you need.

As Matt reflects, "Nothing is easy about pregnancy after loss, and it definitely affects both mums and dads, even if us dads don't always find the courage to speak of it." His story of perseverance, love, and loss is one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a child, and it reminds us that healing is not linear, but with support and open communication, it is possible to move forward and grow your family.

Matt’s advice on navigating pregnancy after loss:

• Prioritize mental health through counseling, therapy, and support groups.
• Stay physically active—whether through exercise, running, or something that helps you reset.
• Communicate openly with your partner and medical team to ensure your needs are met.
• Take time off work to be present at consultations and scans—never feel like you should miss a moment.
• Embrace self-care strategies, like meditation or relaxation techniques, to manage anxiety.

Matt’s story is one of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is room for new life, love, and joy. His commitment to honoring Wren’s memory while celebrating Noah’s arrival is a beautiful testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of loss.

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In this episode, we dive into Tim's journey with cystic fibrosis (CF) and how it has shaped his life. From early health challenges to the surprising discovery of male factor infertility, Tim and Sammy have tackled each hurdle with determination and resilience. Tim’s approach is one of practicality and grit—there’s no self-pity, just a commitment to pressing forward. He shares openly about his health, what it means to live with CF, and how it has impacted his fertility, all while maintaining a sense of humor and a refusal to let anything hold him back.

Tim’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that can come from confronting life’s toughest challenges head-on. His approach to his health is refreshingly blunt—no drama, just the facts and a steady resolve to move forward. For Tim and Sammy, it’s not about the cards they’ve been dealt, but how they play them.

A Personal Note: As Tim’s sister, this conversation was incredibly eye-opening for me. Even though I’ve known him my whole life, I found myself learning things about him—his journey, his attitude, and his resilience—that I hadn’t fully understood before. Tim’s generosity in sharing such candid details of his experience is truly appreciated. I’m grateful to him for his openness, which gave me a deeper insight into his world and allowed me to see things from a perspective I hadn’t considered.

Thank you, Tim, for being so generous with your story. Your honesty is not only inspiring but also a gift to those who may be navigating similar challenges. I’m proud to be your sister and to have shared this conversation with you.

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From the moment Ryan and Ellin learned of Ellin’s PCOS diagnosis, they knew the road ahead might not be easy, but nothing could fully prepare them for the heartache they’d face. After multiple rounds of ovulation induction and IVF, they were blessed with their son, Vance—but their journey didn’t stop there. The rollercoaster ride continued, with painful losses and unexpected turns that tested their strength as a couple.

In this episode, Ryan also shares a powerful moment that stands out for him: the small but meaningful details like naming their embryos "Glow", "Bloom", "Aura", and "Spark"—a tribute to the potential lives that briefly flickered on the ultrasound screen.

What makes Ryan’s story even more special is the unburdened honesty with which he speaks about grief, loss, and the balancing act between accepting the family they have while still yearning for more. It’s a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, healing, and the emotional complexities of building a family through IVF.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s been touched by infertility, loss, or just wants a deeper understanding of the emotional journey that many men experience but often don’t talk about. Ryan's openness is a reminder that there’s no one right way to process grief, and that sharing our stories can help others feel less alone. 

A huge thank you to Ryan for his vulnerability and for allowing us to share his and Ellin’s journey with all of you.

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Since founding Bloss Riverina in 2018, Katie has been instrumental in expanding support for families navigating grief after pregnancy loss. Growing up in Downside, a charming regional town near Wagga Wagga, she embraced a lively childhood filled with farm life and mischief. Now, she shares her life in Coolamon, NSW, with her partner Damien and their kids, Thomas and Piper.

Katie’s path took a heartbreaking turn in 2016 with the stillbirth of their daughter, Lara. This profound loss ignited a fire within her to support others facing similar struggles. Feeling isolated during their grief, Katie and Damien connected with a group of brave individuals who understood their pain. Together, they founded Bloss Riverina, dedicated to helping families cope with the emotional turmoil of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and neonatal loss.

Katie is also a fierce advocate for women in business, actively participating in Business Network International (BNI) and the NSW Rural Women’s Network. She continuously seeks to enhance support services for families in regional areas, shining a light on the challenges they face during tragic times.

Through her work with Bloss, Katie has become a beacon of hope for families in grief, tirelessly advocating for meaningful change and support. Her journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, compassion, and the profound impact one person can have on their community. 

You can join Katie, and the Bloss Riverina team on Sunday the 13th of October for their remembrance walk. Check out their website: https://blossriverina.com/

Katie is also one of our incredible speakers at podcast to plate. You can still grab a ticket here for our Wagga event

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Today, we’re diving into a side of Tori that you might not know as well. She’s not only an exceptional teacher and intuition coach but also a devoted mum. The story we’re about to explore is one you might not have heard before. It’s a glimpse into the trials and triumphs that come with building a family. Tori is opening up about the behind-the-scenes moments—the ones that shape us as women, as families, and as communities. She’ll be talking not just about pregnancy and birth, but also about the often-overlooked postpartum experience.

If you think you’ve heard it all, think again. Get ready to be truly inspired by Tori’s incredible journey. We’re deeply grateful for her willingness to share her story with us, and we’re so thankful for her openness and courage. Welcome to the herd, Tori. We’re excited to have you here.

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Kimmie is a mum of four, three of which she has living in her home.

Kimmie takes us through her journey of how her beautiful family has come to be. Kimmie is warm and kind. She is vulnerable with her story but has summoned a strength, “her Pippa power” to bring this story to life. Honestly I can’t do this women justice in words so I’m just going to simply say; 

On the eve of pippa’s birthday we give you Kimmie and her beautiful families story. 

Kimmie thank you, I can’t put into words how much this story moved me. Sometimes we are privy to conversations that make us a better human, a kinder person, a better friend and this is one of those. Thank you for entrusting me tell this to our community.

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Acacia is a mum, wife, and schoolteacher. Married to Todd and mum of Henry, Paddy, and now Sadie, Acacia was no stranger to pre-term labour. In fact, she had, had pre-term labour with both Henry and Paddy. So, when beautiful Sadie decided she was ready at 32-week, Acacia, and Todd thought “we’ve got this”. Acacia notes that she spent so much time in that last week of pregnancy (once she knew Sadie arrival was immanent) reading miracle babies, she thought “32-week babies do really well”.  What laid ahead was two trips to Canberra, a NETS retrieval, many weeks in the NICU, hard conversations, resuscitation, ventilations, and a special care stay.  Just when Acacia and Todd finally settled at home, with their baby Sadie and were reunited with their boys, Acacia herself became unwell, and then so did Sadie.

You will hold your breath has Acacia recounts this remarkable rural story. 

Acacia tells this incredible story with such candid honesty, she is warm, and funny. She had me in tears throughout our time together but also in stitches of laughter. Acacia talks about find a strength she didn’t know she had, and how her and Todd as a team were each other’s strength when the other needed to crumble. 

Acacia thank you so much for sharing this incredible story with our community, we are forever grateful.

Acacia talks about the remarkable people that saved Sadie and supported her family during their time of need. If you work in the Canberra NICU, Wagga Special care, support families at Ronald McDonald house, are midwife in the Riverina, or fly those incredible retrieval flights with the NETS team – this one is for you!

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Clare takes us through her pregnancy with her first beautiful baby boy Roy (like seriously, the kid is as cute as a button). Early days were tough for Clare, as she had just moved to the farm, but due to show obligations had to lay low. She was pregnant already and madly in love with her farmer when the show aired, and what followed was a tough time. See Clare (like many the people that go on reality tv) had to endure the onslaught of comments online from people, while tackling a new relationship, town, and the first trimester, it was a lot. When I listen to Clare talk about this time, what is clear to me is that her and Brad are a real team, they are rock solid, and it is the old tripod of leaning into each other and supporting each other that got her through that time. The way Clare speaks about Brad, his love, support, and ability to laugh anything off was the key ingredients that really got her through. 

Clare’s story touches on some incredibly important discussion points for rural women like; access to continuity of care, particularly when there are medical complications, supports for rural remote women, inductions of labour, and birth trauma. Clare articulates so well the shock of coming home and running straight into harvest.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-suraya-shannon-reef-and-wren

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I had such a long chat with Tiarni, I was so incredibly engaged by her, she made me laugh, but also at times had me holding my breath. Tiarni journey started before she was married, having received information in her late teens, after having heavy painful periods, she knew she was going to need some support to get pregnant. After quite a few years of struggling and being ignored, she finally found her IVF specialist and together with the help of her husband was able to achieve her first baby on their first transfer. She then fell pregnant with her second baby quickly, VERY quickly. After battling an illness in the first trimester she went to her first scan to find out that her baby did not have a heartbeat. Tiarni talks with such honesty about the physical and emotional battle of round IVF, particularly in the context of miscarriage. Tiarni talks so beautifully about the real let down of approaching your babies due date after miscarriage, doing back-to-back rounds of IVF, and feeling like nothing is working.  She tells the most hilarious story, about breaking the golden rule of IVF which will have you in fits of laughter also.

Tiarni touches on how you plan for a baby that you hadn’t planned for, how do you negotiate differing perspective of what your family might look like with your partner and come back together stronger. How do you even deliver that information (hot tip: it’s a text). It is such an interesting conversation to come from trying so hard for a baby to being surprised and shocked to be pregnant. How do you reconcile that?  I am not lying when I say you will be hanging on to this story for every turn. There is so many laugh-out-loud moment, from this relatable down-to-earth rural mum. I can see Tiarni around a bomb fire with her friends, with a wine in fits of laughter.  Tiarni thank you so much for doing this interview, we are so thankful to have you as part of the Herd. X

You can find Tiarni @helloblossombouquets

https://helloblossombouquets.com

or at any of the incredible @transwestfuel @transwestnorthstores

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together, I had no doubt about that. Ash lives with her husband and high school sweetheart in (as she described it) sunny gunny Gunnedah NSW, together they have three beautiful babies. 

Ash has had three unique and beautiful births, Ash story includes a positive induction, and GP shared care in a rural public setting. Ash notes that while it took her and husband a while to achieve their dream of a baby, once pregnant it was a fantastic ride. Ash describes the process of birthing Elouise as a dream and a very positive experience. Her doctor noted it was textbook. What followed was a miscarriage, and then a lot of changes on the maternity care front in her hometown which resulted in less options for her, which lead Ash with the question what happens when birth occurs outside of the normal 9 to 5pm workday?

A teacher by trade, and now also a sleep consultant, Ash was motivated to share her story to discuss particularly postpartum support. Ash is so candid with our listeners; she talks us through the awakening that her second born brought her literally and figuratively. Describing her first born as a unicorn, she was not quite prepared for what her second born was going to dish their family.  This started her passion for learning about sleep, trying to hack her own way through and essentially becoming her own creative solution, she now is that for other rural families. Ash not only birthed her son but his sleep needs inspired her to birth TSC The Sleep Coach.

Ash thank you for sharing your story and for the work you do.

If you would like to reach out to Ash, you can find her at TSC The Sleep Coach.

During Ash story we talk about the arrive study, you can find this study here: 

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/

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When I first met Cait, she said to me “nothing is off limits, I love birth, I love babies and I am a chronic over sharer”. This is one of the best chats, Cait tells her families story so beautifully, I literally hung on every word, every twist, every turn, and man it’s a story!

Cait and her husband Charlie started trying for a baby shortly after they were married, Cait had in the back of her mind that it might be a little tricky having been diagnosed with Endo & PCOS. Little did she know what her beautiful boy had in store for her. Cait story includes Endo, fertility treatments, threatened miscarriage, pre-term labour, an empowering vaginal birth, a retained placenta, then many surgeries and a 10-week NICU stay. She takes us through how to prepare for birth before you have packed the bag. We talk how do you prepare for the statistics they throw at you when you have a prem baby, what is it like to stay for long lengths of time in hospital, how do you mentally manage when your discharged and your baby is not, and how to trust and develop your own skills as a parent and a mum when your baby has been in the NICU for such a long time. Cait and her family’s story is incredible, and one that cannot be missed.

If you love Cait’s story as much as we do, you are so incredibly lucky! Cait is one of our panellists for podcast to plate in Wagga Wagga, sharing all her incredible knowledge and lived experience. Cait we are blessed with your generosity to share your family’s story, and to continue to give of your time to support rural women and families. Thank you so much.

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We couldn’t think of a better person to kick off season three during bereaved parents’ month than Rochelle from @

Rochelle is a mum, wife and incredible rural women deeply embedded in her community. She knows grief and loss more than most people.

Rochelle candidly shares her journey of staring her family. She discusses the loss of Edward, the journey to her son Jock and what it is like to return to pregnancy after loss. Rochelle is so open with this community about how you can support someone who has experienced baby loss. What NOT to say and HOW you can do the SIMPLEST things that offer such comfort and support to families whose baby has passed. Rochelle shares some scary statistics, like did you know that there are more babies lost each year in Australia than the road toll. I felt like this was my own personal education session, I learnt more from Rochelle in our chat than I have from some PD I have done over the years! I left this conversation deeply impacted, Rochelle imparted so much knowledge on myself that I will carry with me forever. 

Rochelle’s mission and Edwards legacy is the baby loss mentor, and she drives bereavement care in the bush. I was really taken back when she spoke of her work, and the way in which she supports, and nurtures loss families as her way of continuing to parent Edward. 

Rochelle not only support families who have had a loss navigate this extremely difficult time, but she is also on a mission to educate workplaces, and community on how they can support friends and family whose babies have passed away.

Rochelle and I take a deep dive on how as a society in general we don’t always deal with grief and death all that well, and how you can create space to allow friends to talk about ALL their children, both living and passed. 

Rochelle was nominated and a finalist in the NSW Regional Women of the year awards, and I am not bloody surprised.  Rochelle was also an Agri futures finalist in 2023. Her list of awards and acknowledgments are long and are a true indication of the incredible work she is doing. Rochelle is everything that I love about living rurally, she is the true definition of a creative solution in community and the work that she does will continue to be deeply impactful to rural people. Thank you, Rochelle, for everything you do.

You can find Rochelle Here: https://www.thebabylossmentor.com.au

You can find her blog post “motherhood to the power of baby loss” here: https://www.thebabylossmentor.com.au/resources/motherhood-to-the-power-of-baby-loss

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Rachael is an experienced Fertility Specialist and Gynecologist who has also completed sub-specialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (the highest qualification available in Australia). Rachael work and career has seen her support women and families right through from fertility but also birthing babies. She provides a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan and is well known for her gentle and caring approach. Rachael prides herself on taking the time to explain complex medical science in ways her patients can easily understand.

The service Riverina IVF provides is a game changer, they have a permit office lab and clinic there, while Rachael fly’s in, there is a dedicated nurse that lives in the Riverina and that is there for patients all the time, plus wait times are low. We know the big guys will have you believe that no rural patient must travel further than 2 hours, but the reality of that is just BS (sorry we are calling it). As Dr. Knight agrees too, and that’s why they have done everything in their power to make Riverina IVF a full service, that means you don’t have to travel. To the big guys, that is what a true creative solution looks like! #justsaying #takenote

Rachael and her team are a passionate crew, Rachael touches on the number of ways in which Riverina IVF are supporting the community, and she also offers up some myth busting data on medicated cycles and advice for younger endo suffers and their fertility. This is a jam-packed episode by an incredible passionate dr. Thank you so much Rachael and your whole team at Riverina IVF the work you do and provide to rural people is truly a creative solution.

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When I first met Katie, and she was running me through the principles and purpose of her business Her herb she stated that it had been built upon the pillars of accessibility for all. As soon as she had said this, I knew she was my type of person. That she understood the struggles of equality and access in healthcare, and a fast friendship was born.

Katie is a mum, and an incredible naturopath and Nutritionist with over 10 years’ experience. Katie is passionate about her work, and I can imagine her in her little chemist lab (wearing her white coat) mixing up herb formulas for her clients that she knows by name and his deeply invested in their journeys.

See Katie originally study nutrition, and during her own journey of fertility, turned to herbs and naturopathy to support her own health and journey to her beautiful boy.  Katie is so passionate, I listened back to this episode so many times and thought, “oh my gosh she can cure my chronic fatigue, maybe she could make me something that would actually make me sleep”. Katie just wants everyone no matter their income or location to be able to access natural therapies, Katie has done everything in her power including having access to her own testing lab to try and address every barrier for clients. She really is that incredible. As many people (particularly in the fertility trenches) would know naturopathy can be one of the most difficult alternate therapies in a treatment plan to access, and I feel like Katie has just blown that up with the service Her Herb provides. 

There is one final little teaser at the end of this episode where Katie and I talk about her impending trip to Armidale (read into that what you want – much more info on this to come soon).  Thank you, Katie, for being this incredible creative solution for rural people. If you would like support or to work with Katie, or to follow along on the Her Herbs journey you can find katies @Herherbs or alternatively at herherbs.com.au 

Katie is our only creative solution for the end of Season 2. We want to thank everyone of our creative solutions who have humbly agreed to be held off to the end of season 3. We have so much work going on behind the scenes for #podcasttoplate and with sick little people I just need to take this time to be heads down bum up. Her Herd will be taking a two-week break and we will be back with season 3 (it’s an absolute cracker). I love this community and I love what we have built together – stay tune for so many updates on #podcasttoplate in the coming week.

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See Sarah and her husband Steve run the Wish Collective, a small grass roots rural creative solution supporting families going through fertility treatment. The Wish collective provides a safe community for people to share and seek support. They also provide financial support to families for supplementary treatments. Sarah speaks with such passion about how often these are the things women in particular go without due to the high financial cost associated with treatment. Sarah and Steve just launched their Wren collection which are a small collection of bereavement cards that can be gifted to a friend or family member during loss (a beautiful and much needed nod to special friends who lost their child), and their fertility affirmation cards. As soon as I saw the Wish Collective affirmation cards, I fell deeply in love with them and demanded (YES DEMANDED that sarah make me her first customer. From this Sarah and I started to talk about her and Steve’s journey to their beautiful daughter Rosie, and my gosh have these two been on a journey.

Sarah and Steve knew they wanted children and started trying straight away, when things didn’t seem to materialize, Sarah being the person she is, took matters into her own hands, and started their journey – which was rough.

Round after round of IVF Steve and Sarah were left with little more than a bill and more questions as to why. Sarah openly shares how physically, emotionally, and financially taxing IVF can be, and how their journey has really changed and shape them to the people they are today. What is clear to me is that they are a team, I feel through Sarah’s words and the way she speaks about her beautiful partner Steve that they are deeply connected, and this has been one of the major reasons they have made it through to the other side. 

 Overall, Sarah is brutally honest, she talks about how she knows grief having lost her mum at such a young age, and even fertility rocked her to the core. Sarah touches on how to find happiness in the small things during IVF treatment, how she and Steve examined their life and planned for a future if they didn’t have children, how she navigated a tricky high-risk pregnancy without her mum, and how she managed, life, and hope, through recurrent miscarriage. Sarah is a strong woman, I say that without a shadow of doubt in my mind to how determined this woman is, she is strong in the manner, of being unwilling to accept something it if it is below standard, but also kind, gentle, and considerate. I am in awe of Sarah’s determination and creativity, she along with Steve just want to just give back to a community she believes gave them so much. 

This is an incredibly insightful chat for anyone who is in the fertility trenches or has a loved one there. 

Sarah thank you so much for sharing your journey, but also thank you so much for your friendship and support, you are truly an incredible woman, and I consider myself lucky to be now considered a friend. 

You can find Sarah and Steve here:

https://www.wishcollective.com.au

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The work she does supporting rural families, the life she has lived, the wisdom she has is INCREDIBLE.

Megan is the mother of 5 beautiful boys, she is a wife, a loving grandmother, and an incredible writer. 

Megan works in the Hospital to Home program doing the incredibly important work of supporting families who been bereaved after the loss of their babies. I can only imagine the way in which Megan works with her families, she has that grandmotherly warmth about her, that just makes you feel held.

Megan talks us through her incredible journey which includes, one birth, three still births, a neonatal death, miscarriage, and an ectopic pregnancy. Megan talks about the complexities of grief having recently lost her husband to cancer. We talked about how Ken was such an important part of this journey and a true stay during their losses. That he was the only other person that intimately knew this journey alongside her and in the process of losing him, she has re-experienced the grief of her boys. We had this engaging chat about how as a society we do death and dying TERRIBLY!

You would think that this episode would be heavy, and at times it is, but Megan has this ability of “holding court”.  Just like me she will make you laugh and cry, she is able to still find the light and humour which is a testament to her character. 

I want to thank Megan; she was so incredibly patient and kind with me. We discussed that I wanted to ask her a lot of questions that people often have, and often polite society doesn’t allow them to be asked. If you have ever had a friend, or family member that has had a baby pass away and wondered what they need this is the episode for you! Megan thank you for the incredible work you do with Red Nose supporting rural people. 

If you would like to read some of Megan’s work further or engage with her on her social media platform you can find her at @writting_grief. Megan thank you I have so much gratitude for you sharing this journey, I’m a better person for having sat with you.

Remember to #saytheirname

Resources for this episode -

Hospital to home referral:

https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au/support/article/hospital-to-home

Megan’s written work:

https://grievingparents.net/surviving-my-first-year-of-child-loss/

Podcast episode where Megan speaks about her experience:

https://www.memoriapodcast.com/icarriedhim/

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“This is the journey of a women who lived and learnt, and from that did it different.”

That’s right, from three births Brittany has had three incredibly different experiences.

When we initially spoke, we noted that due to the nature of the podcast we didn’t really have time to capture all three births (producer Damian likes to keep us to a neat platform of under an 1hr). We agreed that speaking about her most recent birth was the most logically place to start, but it became clear quickly to me that you couldn’t understand the rational of Brittany’s thinking and her why unless we unpacked what happened before, and so we did…

Brittany’s story touches on private obstetric care in the bush – and what this even means, what it means to be the good girl and to challenge this,  MGP practice in a rural setting, fast quick and strong labour and free birth. This is the most empowering birth story of becoming your own creative solution and trusting in yourself, in your mind, your body, your team, your partner in birth.

Brittany thank you so much for speaking about your births, for being open and honest with our community for presenting an alternative and challenging others time and time again.

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Their struggle.

Their trauma. 

He two now was catching flies, gobsmacked by what two people could go through in such a short period of time and remarked “good luck fitting that into one episode” – thanks Hun….

Kate-Lyn and I could have talked for days about education of sex, pregnancy, endometriosis, pain, and trauma, and how your age really is just a number when it comes to fertility health. How endometriosis has played such a huge role in her journey and fertility, how to speak up, and how to process trauma. Katelyn’s journey touches on 

Endometriosis

Ectopic pregnancy

Hyper stimulation

Ovarian cysts 

Miscarriage

Medical trauma – just to name a few…

But there is joy, and there is hope. Kate-Lyn speaks beyond her years about hindsight, what she has learnt and silver linings (and trust me she is able to find many). This is a testament to the person she is. 

What I loved most about this chat was probably the last ten minutes when Kate-Lyn pondered what life would be like if they don’t have children, her insight, her reflection, her wisdom is incredible. Thank you Kate-Lynn so much for sharing your story – it wasn’t easy.

** Kate-Lynn coughed throughout this interview when speaking about her trauma and what she had been through. She remarked being frustrated because “she wasn’t even sick”. This is a special little sound grab we have held back and will be releasing later to talk about how trauma can manifest. Keep a look out. x

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However, in this case, I have searched and searched the English language to try and find another word for the incredible Em and I just cannot find one!

Em is a survivor...

Em is a warrior...

Em is a true testament of dust yourself off and pick yourself up. 

I have sat and pondered how I can do this incredible woman, her family, her loved ones, her story, and journey justice in words, in 2000 characters for that matter (thanks instagram). I can’t. It’s actually impossible!

YOU JUST HAVE TO LISTEN!

Em has been through it all, and I mean literally ALL. She is the type of women you could throw the kitchen sink at, and she would be absolutely knee deep in the trenches fighting with you, and for you long after you have given up. I don’t know how to summaries her story apart from there is LOVE, LOSS, AND HOPE! 

My god there is so much hope! 

So, to honour Em, the only way I know how, I am going to borrow from this beautiful, and intelligent women. I am going to borrow how she summarised her why (from the words of one of her favourite country music singers).

“Don't take for granted the love this life gives you

When you get where you're goin'

Don't forget turn back around

Help the next one in line

Always stay humble and kind”.

Em thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an incredible women, mother, and friend. We wish you only good things!

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If this is true than there could be no better character than Elle. See Elle is what we have all come to expect of the women in our rural communities, practical, creative, kind, and determined.

Elle generously shares her experience of birthing rurally with her beautiful little boy Henry. Elle a nurse herself, wasn’t quite sure what she was in for, and approach pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with the same strength, determination, and tenacity I think she approaches all things she does. Deeply supported by her partner, her mum and her (as she describes them) her sent from above angel Jill (a private midwife from peasinapod) Elle tackled motherhood with everything she had. She shares the best nuggets of advice like; “pick a team and trust in their advice, and approach, don’t take any advice outside of this otherwise you will be just overwhelmed”.  

I loved this chat with Elle. This chat is one of those retrospective chats you have with a girlfriend, filled with all the insight and wisdom of reflecting back on such a huge transitional time. Discussing all the overwhelm that is becoming a mother and bring a baby home. Elle is honest, she is candid, but most of all she is warm. 

Elle owns and runs her own small business Rouge Paws Photography, and it is one of those happy places on the internet. I highly encourage anyone to go and find a little happy over at her incredible photography page. 

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This is the episode to listen to if you have Endometriosis and have ever wonder about how it will affect your fertility. 

This is the episode to listen to if you have ever wondered about contraception, and its long term affects and implications on the body.

This is the episode to listen to if you have ever felt discriminated against in the fertility game because of your BMI.

Listeners this is Maddi…

 Maddi and her husband lived in rural Queensland. They loved their community and wanted to make their home there. Maddi dreamed of raising their own little cowboy or cowgirl in this vibrant community, enjoying all the spoils of outback living. However, that’s not to be. See Maddi and her husband have had to move to Sydney to continue their fertility treatment, a decision thrust upon them due to travel, cost, and access to health care services.  

Maddi’s story is remarkable, and she is inspired to share it because she wants others to learn. 

Learn to ask more questions and ask them again.

Learn to do your research.

Learn how to speak up.

Learn how to say no, to challenge medical professionals if something doesn’t feel right.

Learn how and where to get a second opinion and.

Learn that it is never just a straightforward quick little keyhole procedure…

Maddi has been through it all, and just when you think you have heard it all, she goes around again. Maddi strength and termination is evident throughout this chat, and it is a testament to the women, sister, friend, and wife she is, along with the mother I know she will be. 

Strap in because this is a roller-coaster. As always thank you so much to Maddi for sharing her story, we wait with her in shared hope for her good news.

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Helen Johnson is a mother to two young children, a Yoga and Meditation teacher, Registered Nurse and the owner of Nurture Yoga and Meditation in Young, NSW. She is passionate about empowering others to reconnect with and care for themselves using the tools and practices of Yoga. Her offerings for pregnancy, birth and post-partum integrate Yoga teachings, her knowledge and experience as a health professional, and what has helped her in her own journeys of pregnancy, birth, post-partum and postnatal depletion.

I deeply loved this conversation with Helen, I feel her passion for supporting women. Helen references so many incredible resources throughout this episode and we have included them below. 

You can find Helen through her website at: www.nurtureyogameditation.com or on socials @nurtured.yoga.meditation

 The book she referenced that I have already ran out and brought is 'The Postnatal Depletion Cure' by Dr Oscar Serrellach and can be purchased https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-postnatal-depletion-cure-dr-oscar-serrallach/book/9780733640322.html

The book I reference “Dangerous Ideas About Mothers” by Camilla Nelson and Rachel Robertson can be purchased: https://www.booktopia.com.au/dangerous-ideas-about-mothers-camilla-nelson/book/9781742589909.html

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Strap in because this conclusion is well worth the wait.

We wanted again also to say thank you to Ash and Lani for generously sharing their story and making us laugh and cry. We cannot wait to hear of your exciting news in the coming weeks!

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I don’t think I can put into words how amazing this couple are. They are sunshine, they are warmth, they are roll on the floor bell laughs so hard your eyes water, and you wet yourself. They are two of the most genuine, down to earth, kind people, that I have had the pleasure to meet. They are a team; they have community and without either of those things I don’t think they would be where they are today. 

Ash and Lani generously share their journey of IUI, IVF, miscarriage and pregnancy. They talk so openly about the joys, triumphers, difficulties and hardships, associated with being a same sex couple navigating a fertility journey from a rural setting. I asked them all the curly questions I know you are thinking like; how you choose who carries, and how do you settle on a donor. Ash and Lani answer them all. You, like me as the listener, will laugh, and cry, and end up cheering these two remarkable human beings on. 

So come, listen, share, and hear the remarkable journey of Ash and Lani – PART 1.

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So how did this all come about? See as Jess explains, she fell pregnant as a complete surprise, and she hadn’t given a lot of thought to pregnancy or birth, let alone postpartum or what even a postpartum injury could look like. Jess takes us through her first birth and what happened after. She explains so accurately what she experienced and the signs and symptoms that something wasn’t right. 

Unexpectedly Jess and I talk about how it is to be a rural clinician and patient in the same community, how to advocate for yourself, and what you can do in subsequent pregnancies if you feel something didn’t go right in the first. I laughed so much with Jess and could have spoken to her for hours. 

Thank you so much Jess for highlights birth injuries and trauma, and for continuing to support rural women in their pregnancy and birth journeys. If you have listened to Jess and feel like you too need support, you can find her on her socials @ruralwomensphysio or via her website: https://www.theruralwomensphysio.com

For anyone in the herd who have loved this chat, we promise with many exciting things on the horizon that this is not the last you will see or hear from her!

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Lighting the way offers bereaved women free counseling, lactation, and chiropractic support. From humble begins Claire understands deeply the lack of support out there for rural women who have suffered a loss, and it is this that has driven her to bring together some the region’s best clinicians and fundraiser to be able to provide allied health services. 

Thank you, Claire, for continuing to be the creative solution for rural women. 

If you would like to support lighting the way and the work they do, please follow the link below. https://www.instagram.com/_lightingtheway_/

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Paeds First Aid not only offers infant and child first aid for families, but they also offer it for schools, and childcare settings. They have first aid kits which are labelled (thank gosh, because I would easily get this wrong) and are about the add a medication chart and guide. In addition to all of this, these incredible women are now supporting families with complex medical needs on the discharge home. As Sarah explains “families often are bombarded with medical procedures they must perform to support their children’s health, then they are also required to up-skill any support staff and school in this knowledge, that’s when we step in”. Holding space for families with ongoing complex needs is clearly a passion for Sarah, you can hear it when she talks about the work.

Overall, what we really love about Paed first aid is that they offer fear/anxiety free content for families to engage, in to educate themselves, to learn. As Sarah herself states, “We are driven by every crumpled parent at the bedside of their very unwell child”. They have held space for these families, cared for them, they know their journey, but instead they want to try and prevent them ever making it into that space. Sarah and Grace really understand the difficulties faced by rural families and their needs, because they are rural mums in the trenches. Just like you and me, they are putting Band-Aids on, making late night runs to emergency for gastro and trying to remember how much medications they gave throughout the night. 

Thank you, Paeds First Aid you are truly, a creative solution for rural families. You can find Sarah and Grace via their socials tagged or via their website. https://www.paedseducation.com.au

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Sal is the smart, sassy, keep it real girlfriend that every woman needs on speed dial. Sal is seriously whip smart. Her ability to be across so many topics, is completely beyond me, but it is the work that she does outside of her day job that we have truly bonded over. 

See when Sal was faced with having to pack for her first baby, she was overwhelmed, it was this that fueled her to start the Suite Set. The Suite Set is the simple, creative solution you need to pack your hospital bag. What makes it so great? Its simplicity and its quality. It takes the overwhelm out of the never-ending question; what do I really need? It also makes navigating your bag for your midwives and partner so much easier. There will be no “my nappies are next to my …” because those postpartum panties are in a beautifully labelled bag. When you purchase a Suite Set you get that best friend sitting on the end of your bed, helping you navigate the limited space in your suitcase for the next phase of your life.

While the Suite Set is amazing, Sal also has the Marigold project. This is truly a purpose driven business. The Marigold project provides hospital packing bags for parents who will not bring home their babies. Holding space and supporting families in one of the most difficult and traumatic times of their lives. No one wants to google “what do I pack to deliver my baby when they have passed” because let’s be honest who on earth would have brain space to think what you could possibly need. Sal has taken expert advice from those who have lived experience, midwives, Obstetricians and doulas to develop the Marigold packs. It truly is an inspired idea to support those in the most difficult of times.

As a clinician I would love nothing more to have a stash of Marigolds to provide to clients who have been delivered this unbearable news. To give them calm in chaos is what we all aspire to deliver. You can support the Marigold project by purchasing a set for a family in need via the Suite Set website. Sal honours all the families that have navigated this difficult path before, by including the names of those special babies in the water mark of the Marigold project. – what a woman!

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Ceci Fertility is a mother, friend, and has survived her own battle with infertility. She is also the founder of the Fertility Collective, the warm hug, belly laugh, and evidence driven platform that is a must during any fertility journey. 

I recently was so lucky to sit down with Ceci and discuss her own personal journey with infertility, which inspired her coaching and subsequent advocacy and platform. It really is incredible. Ceci has that girl next door vibe; someone you could easily sit with for hours with a cocktail. When you chat with her (even casually) you feel heard, held, and listened too. I imagine this directly relates to the huge popularity and success she is.

If you still had any doubts, Ceci was recently recognized for her advocacy work internationally with the award for Best fertility advocate GLOBALLY at the Fertility Care Awards 2023!

Ceci thank you for your time and continued hard work in this space. You work to shine a light on and create community for people in deep need of it is incredible.

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Marney generously shares her pregnancy and birthing experience, and what’s it like to have a baby when you have chronic health. How do you manage the complexities that pregnancy throws up when your specialist is hundreds of kilometers away. Marney highlights that sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know and that can be a blessing in disguise.

Marney takes us through a medication change, not being able to connect with your specialist, diabetes in pregnancy and managing a NICU stay. She speaks so simply that having trust in your team is integral when managing pregnancy with chronic health.

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Outside of running her family farming operations Katja and her husband Ned have three blessings, Eddie, Mac, and Caroline. 

Katja takes us through her pregnancy and births during one of the toughest droughts in recent history. She talks about the pressures and stress associated with on farm living, when you are far away from resources and town. Due to her own health needs Katja had limited options when it comes to pain management and she talks us through the importance of getting the right team, advocating for yourself strongly and having good health literacy.  

As you will hear Katja harnessed the technique of hypnobirthing, something which can be difficult to find resources around in rural communities. Luckily the town of Dubbo has some amazing resources, which Katja kindly hunted down and we have included here.

https://www.nvmidwifery.com/midwifery-services

Katja thank you so much for generously sharing your journey and for all you continue to do for rural men and women entering farming life. If you have enjoyed listening to Katja you can catch much more of her over at her podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-rural-mum/id1688912011

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Ella has generously shared her fertility journey with her social media audience. She did this to raise awareness of the struggles of fertility patients in regional and rural settings.  A nurse and training to be a midwife Ella has strong health literacy. But once commencing IVF even she was shocked with the gaps. Why can’t we have the same if not similar services to the big smoke? Why can’t there be more options? Why are the rural patients lumped with all the travel, and exhaustive wait lists? Ella asks these questions because she has lived it, she has needed and wanted more for herself, for her community, and for others rural Australians.

We have included a link to Ella advocacy work. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-05/challenges-for-regional-couples-accessing-fertility-treatments/103057126

Ella thank you so much for chatting with us. We are overwhelmed with happiness, gratitude, and love that you are part of our herd.

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Associate Professor Sarah Verdon is a powerhouse.

I can say this because; 1. It’s true and 2. Full disclosure she is my cousin. 

I personally lived small parts of Sez story, I have cried and laughed with her. She is my text in the middle of the night to winge about pregnancy – she always has my back on a hard pregnancy winge.

Sarah has 3 beautiful blessings. From four challenging pregnancies. A fierce defender of the public health space, and an allied health clinician in a rural setting herself, Sarah not only has lived experience but is passionate about health literacy but also access. 

Sarah articulates so well the difficulties advocating for yourself with medical professionals even if you speak/understand their language. 

Taking us through her pregnancy, birth and miscarriage journey. Sarah particularly focuses in on her postpartum journey and miscarriage. 

As an allied health professional, I myself understand sometimes it is difficult to humanise ourselves, so I personally want to thank Sarah for telling her story, with honesty and vulnerability.

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Dimity shared her story in 2022 around the journey to freeze her eggs with the wonderful Steph from Motherland Australia (you can check out her episode via the link below). At that time, she had only just finished her first round of egg collection, and as she says herself, was left disappointed with the outcome.  

So, when I saw Dimity recently at one of her events, I almost begged her to come and update us on her story. I myself had been left wondering what happened next. Did she do another round? How did it go? I also wanted to ask Dimity about that impending deadline she had set herself. So come and listen along as we find out what happens next!

Dimity, thank you so much for updating us on your journey.

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Ash’s pregnancy was not without complications and required her to make additional travel to be monitor, but it wasn’t until the beautiful Lilly was earth side that the ‘fun’ really began.

What is clear to me is that Ash Chris and Lilly are a team, and without the love and support of particularly Chris she would not have made it through.

Ash is a powerhouse, driven to share her story so that she might be able to make others going through something similar feel less alone. We just had to help and share her story to our rural community.

Ash, Chris, and Lilly thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

Ash sought support through a FB page, and she wanted us to make sure to highlight this community for other stoma mums out there, she is also more than happy to be a creative solution or a shoulder or any rural parents navigating this. What a woman.

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Claire walks us through her journey of pregnancy, birth, and miscarriage. She articulately conveys the despair and grief associated with recurrent miscarriage.

She discusses the service gaps that exist in her community and speaks passionately about the miscarriage arena, with a keen desire to support other rural women through creative services.

Thank you, Claire, not only for sharing your story but also for the ongoing work you're undertaking in this field.

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Soph lives rurally with her husband Ross, and son Dougal. Sophie is an incredibly busy women, juggling being a mum and wife while running a sheep farm with Ross and her fruit shop in town.

Soph takes us through the journey of her pregnancy with Dougal, her surprise covid birth and then the process of navigating secondary infertility from a rural setting.

Soph tells her story with so much humour, honesty and grace. She identifies key issues of going over the ‘border’ for treatment and the lack of choice and options for women living rurally. 

Sophie talks us through listening to your gut when you feel like your treatment no longer is working for you, and the importance of asking for help.

Both Anna and I cried and laughed interchangeably. Thank you to Sophie and Ross for sharing your incredible journey. 

Sophie & Ross journey is ongoing, and we wish them all the very best.

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