Mumma Midwife's The Motherhood Journey

Im so proud of Melissa for sharing her story with us! I asked her and she told me she was really scared, that she wanted to but was too worried about doing it. In true me style I said well lets do it tonight after the kids are asleep so that you don't have time to think about it, she said yes and a few hours later this episode was recorded. I was Melissa Midwife 11 years ago when she had her first child and was apart of an amazing time in my life. I am so proud of how far she has come and to see how amazing she is doing at life! Thanks again Melissa!!! 

I love this question, mostly because I can predict that Im going to get it from most new mums!!!Newborns often wake once that are put down for a few different reasons- Because of the Mammalian Brain,- Because of the lack of noise, light and feeling unsafe,- Because of the bodies vestibular system,- Lack of understanding of baby sleep cycles and - lack of object permanence. This Podcast dives into why babies wake and give you a heap of ideas to help them stay asleep when you transfer them!Good luck!This episode goes really well with episode 18- how your babies brain works! Check it out if you haven't heard that one yet!

When Amanda got back to me and said she would do a podcast episode with me I was so excited! I even ran to Mike to let him know (he wasn't as excited as me hahaha). I felt like what she had to say was pretty close to "expert mum"... even though I don't really believe there is such a thing! I was so excited because I loved the idea of everyone being able to hear what it is like for her being a "new mum" so many times over 30 years, new advice, new challenges, and even a new her as she matured, changed and grew as a person and as a mum. I can't imagine what it would be like having kids in 2 different eras and in 2 different countries... seems crazy hey! Well come with me and have a chat to this amazing mumma who keeps kicking mum goals! After this conversation I'm even more blown away by what she has done!Trigger warning- In this episode Amanda discusses her experience of Postnatal Depression. If you or anyone you know is experiencing this follow the link below to find support!https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/postnatal-depressionDisclaimer-The information and references in this podcast are intended solely for the general information for the reader/listener. The contents of this podcast are not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a liscenced and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on breastfeeding, sleep, mental health concerns, newborn/infant health, postnatal follow up, medications or any other health concerns not mentioned. The materials contained on this podcast are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal or any other professional advice on any subject matter. April Stannard does not accept any responsibility for any losses that may arise for reliance on information contained on this site. 

Hey everyone!! Meet Rebekkah, she is a busy mum of 3 wild boys. She discusses her journey to becoming a bio mum to her littlest Love while trying to navigate mothering her 2 bonus son's. She was awesome to talk to and I loved hearing about how she is working this new chapter of her life with her busy family. If anyone is looking for a community of women who are parenting biological and bonus kids follow Rebekkah on Instagram @rebekkahlouise, follow her blog at storyisntoveryet.wordpress.com , and she also has a podcast that she does with her hubby. The podcast is called Highs and Lows, its on all podcast platforms. Hope you enjoy this episode! 

This episode is a mini one that I recorded about mothering Tilly and the sleep challenges that I had with her. I don't really offer any specific solutions, just stand in solidarity with other mothers who are experiencing sleep deprivation and struggle with the "am I doing it right", "when will it pass?", "what am I doing wrong" and "will it be like this forever". I promise that it will pass, it does get easier... I just can't tell you when!

This is probably one of my favourite episodes so far!!!! I really feel like this message needs to be shared far and wide.... Newborns are like Koala's!!!They need to be on their care giver almost all of the time! Newborns can't see properly, they don't understand the world, they can't move or protect themselves and if they are left on their own their body and brain tell them that they are in danger! Seriously!!! So after you have heard this, tell your friends, tell your sisters and tell the world! Babies are designed to be held almost all the time in the first few months! It is ok and expected! You aren't making a rod for your own back, you are meeting your infants biological need! Good work Mumma!

I absolutely loved this conversation! SO many times I was like yessss! Like my heart just saw Mandy and her experience like it could have been my own! Mandy, like so many mums, felt like she was the keeper of all things in her family. She didn't want anyone else to be inconvenienced or tired or sad and so set about making sure all the things were done! It can be hard to realise that you can't actually maintain that kind of pressure on yourself. Mandy is now a postnatal Doula and like me is using her own early mothering experience to help other mothers walk an easier path than she did. We were kindred spirits and i hope you can hear how much fun we had chatting together!If you are looking for support postnatally and you are in Western Australia then find Mandy at Nest Postpartum on Facebook and @nest_postpartum on Instagram.Thanks Mandy!!! It was a blast.

Asking for help!!!There are a lot of studies that focus on how people who are socially isolated and don't have the support of family or friends are at a higher risk for postnatal depression. Yet it isn't really seen as the thing to do in our culture! We are told we should be able to do it alone and women can see it as a form of weakness if they need to ask for help. I see it as the opposite! To ask for help in this culture is brave and is truly the best thing you can do to love yourself and your baby!So I hope this episode encourages you to ask for help next time you need it!Cheers April

This episode I chatted to Kayla, an amazing mum of 4 who gave birth to Freddie just a 10 months ago. She spend the episode reminding us that we have everything already inside of us to be the mother that we want to be!Kayla began her motherhood journey at the age of 19 and in a society that feels that anything younger than 30 is considered too young, this can be daunting and overwhelming. But in my experience becoming a mother as a teenager has its own set of benefits! Growing as your children do, having them see you work hard for the goals and dreams that you have and not having a life set in stone before becoming a parent makes the "change" less inconvenient. I have always had a soft spot for teen mums and Kayla is no different! Hope you enjoy this episode! 

Vernix and baby body hair-I often get questions about both of these so I thought I'd do a quick podcast about them both! Here are some great resources about vernix-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vernix-caseosaHere are some about baby body hair-https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-lanugo-and-is-it-a-concern-in-newborns-4177351https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/hair-on-newborn-baby-body-lanugo-is-it-normal/https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/newborn-hair#will-it-fall-outHope you enjoy!

Meet Kirra, She became a mum only a few short months ago to baby Banks. It was so cool talking to someone who is literally in the tranches of new motherhood! She was a breath of fresh air and it was so cool to hear her talk about Matrescence even though she didn't realise that's what she was doing at the time. Make sure you listen till the end because I have something exciting to share with you!

I loved doing this interview, and even listening to it back it sounded so much like just a fun chat with a friend! Chrissy is a beautiful midwife and Im sure she is as equally beautiful mumma! I love that we laughed about some of the same stuff that we experienced as new mums, and yet I was a midwife before and she wasn't until after... just helps remind me that motherhood is a universal language that we all speak & our midwifery just bonds our understanding even further!Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!

I remember walking through my house with a crying 8 month old and a tantruming almost 3 year old under my arms heading for the bathroom. I turned on the shower and we all sat on the floor of the shower calming down from all the tears (including mine). I have always used water when I feel awful... headache- have a shower; period pain- have a shower; vomiting- have a shower; labouring and giving birth- have a shower. So it made total sense to me to take the kids, even as tiny babies, into the shower when they were really upset. This episode was me chatting about how I used water in the early weeks with my kids, how to have a shower with them (because I often get the shocked face when I say you can take your baby into the shower) and different bathing options. Happy to share my secrets with you!!!

Meet Toni,She is a 31 year old mother of 4! She has 2 step sons Jacob 11 and Jayden 9 and 2 Bio kids Kelso 7 and Kendelle 2. You can find her on Instagram @myblendedchaos where is real about what its like being the mum to a blended family. Toni and I grew up next door to each other. Its been a beautiful thing watching her become and mum and for us to be around to support each other all these years later!Hope you enjoy!

This episode offers education around all kinds safe sleep choices for you and your baby. There isn't any recommendations just advice from reputable sources so that you can make a more informed decision around where your baby will sleep. 

For my first guest I interviewed my sister Ashlie. She is a 33 year old mother of 1. Her daughter, Peyton, is almost 8 and was born 7 months after my first child Sam. We have lived in different states since we were teenagers but despite this, having kids at the same time has definitely brought us closer together! I often  wish we lived closer!Im excited for you to hear her story! I hope it helps you on your own journey!

Newborn sleep-https://education.possumsonline.com/blog/babies-and-sleep-matter-choiceCry it out (Australian Association for Infant mental health)-https://www.aaimhi.org/key-issues/position-statements-and-guidelines/AAIMHI-Position-paper-1-Controlled-crying.pdfBaby Wearing-https://www.mummamidwife.com.au/2021/02/15/7-top-baby-wearing-benefits/https://www.mummamidwife.com.au/2021/02/05/7-ways-to-wear-your-baby-and-be-hands-free/

My 3rd baby was very wanted but I was sooooo surprised that I got him! After years of infertility and IVF to get the older 2, I definitely thought I wouldn't ever fall pregnant by surprise! His pregnancy was a rollercoaster... and I guess it was preparing me for mum life of 3!Pelvic Dysfunction In Pregnancy-https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/symphysis-pubis-dysfunctionhttps://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-pelvic-girdle-pain-and-pregnancy.pdfSRC Recovery Shorts-https://srchealth.com/collections/pregnancy/products/src-pregnancy-shortsBelly Band-https://www.babybunting.com.au/belly-bandit-upsie-belly-black-medium.htmlLong Early Labour-ContractionsMay begin irregular and become regularUsually stay five or greater minutes apartMay feel strong, but usually do not get closer togetherLying down does not usually make them go awayMay last 24-36 hours without significant cervical changesResting and sleeping may be challengingIt is common practice to be sent home to rest or to await stronger labor

Breastfeeding Support Groups-Australian Breastfeeding Association-https://www.breastfeeding.asn.auBreastfeeding Support-https://breastfeeding.supportLA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONALhttps://www.llli.orgMilk Meg-https://themilkmeg.comPinky McKay-https://www.pinkymckay.comYouTube Videos-https://youtu.be/leuiua2aPcohttps://youtu.be/S5RijIXcHlkhttps://youtu.be/rbbsPjg8Y5IFacebook Groups-https://www.facebook.com/groups/breastfeedersinaustraliahttps://www.facebook.com/groups/qldbreastfeedingtribehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/BFOlderBabiesandBeyondWorld Health Organisation-https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1https://www.who.int/news/item/15-01-2011-exclusive-breastfeeding-for-six-months-best-for-babies-everywhereMastitis-https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/mastitis/Thrush-https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/thrush/Cluster feeding-https://themilkmeg.com/cluster-feeding-normal-not/