Barely Balanced

Trigger warning: this episode discusses pregnancy loss.This one is close to our hearts. Katherine recently lost a pregnancy and today she's sharing all of it, openly and honestly. The grief. The relief, and how confusing it is to feel both at once. How Goldie started rejecting the breast almost the moment it happened. And the trauma from her long fertility journey that she never really got the space to process until now.There's no neat bow on this conversation. It's raw and it's real, and if you've been through loss yourself, we hope it helps you feel a little less alone. Be gentle with yourself while you listen, and it's completely ok to save this one for another day.If you need support, Pink Elephants and Red Nose Grief and Loss are there for you.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

This episode explores the complex relationship between postpartum and perimenopause, highlighting how hormonal changes can overlap and impact women's health. Hosts discuss real-life experiences, clinical insights, and practical tips to navigate this transitional phase with confidence.Key Topics:The relationship between postpartum and perimenopauseCommon symptoms and their overlapsThe role of thyroid health in hormonal balanceImportance of holistic testing and supportHow to prepare and support your body during transitionTakeaways:Hormonal changes can start as early as 35 and last over a decade.Postpartum symptoms that persist may indicate perimenopause.Thyroid health significantly impacts hormonal balance during postpartum.Open conversations and shared experiences help women understand their bodies.Holistic testing and support are crucial for managing symptoms.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to postpartum and perimenopause01:58 Common symptoms and overlapping signs04:09 The role of thyroid health in hormonal balance06:06 Postpartum hormonal changes beyond the first year07:58 Real-life stories of women experiencing these shifts10:46 Supporting women through holistic approaches14:01 Practical tips for managing symptoms16:52 The importance of testing and professional support19:55 Breaking the stigma and having open conversations21:54 Resources and next steps for women in transition✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

In this episode, Nat kringoudis discusses the realities of perimenopause, debunking myths and sharing practical advice for navigating this transitional phase with confidence and health.Key topicsWhat is perimenopause and when does it start?Common symptoms and signs of perimenopauseThe role of lifestyle and nervous system regulationWestern medicine versus natural approachesImportance of personalised testing and diagnosisStrategies for hormonal balance and healthChapters00:00 Introduction to Nat Green Grudis and Perimenopause02:26 What is Perimenopause and When Does It Begin?03:21 Hormonal Shifts and Body Signals in Perimenopause07:49 Common Symptoms and Misconceptions About Perimenopause10:11 The Impact of Stress and Nervous System on Symptoms13:36 Practical Steps: Nourishment, Routine, and Self-Care15:53 Western Medicine vs Natural Medicine in Managing Perimenopause19:39 Personalized Approaches and When to Use Hormones22:24 Tracking Cycles and Recognizing Changes28:59 Top Three Tips for Navigating PerimenopauseGuest linksInstagram - Nat KringutasWebsite - natkringus.comPodcast - The Wellness Collective

You snap. Then you spiral. Sound familiar?This week Shelley and Katherine are getting real about the loop so many mums get stuck in, the rage that shows up out of nowhere, followed by the guilt that eats you alive after. We're breaking down why this cycle exists, why it's so much bigger than "just being tired," and what's actually happening in your body and your life that's fuelling it.We talk about the invisible load of motherhood, the stuff no one sees you carrying until you finally crack, and we go there on what partners are often missing, not because they don't care, but because no one's shown them what to look for.If you've ever felt like you're losing yourself in the fog of postpartum, or you're years in and still feel foggy, this episode is for you. We're not here to add more guilt to the pile. We're here to normalise it, validate it, and hand you real tools to start climbing out.You are not broken. You are depleted. Let's talk about it.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

Breastfeeding isn't always the natural, effortless journey it's often made out to be.In this episode, Katherine shares her honest experience navigating breastfeeding—from battling mastitis twice, managing a fast letdown, and working through breast refusal, to coping with the isolation that can come with feeding challenges.She also opens up about the products that genuinely made life easier, sharing the brands she reached for time and time again (without the overwhelm of endless recommendations).In this episode we chat about:• Recovering from mastitis and preventing it from returning• Navigating breast refusal and the emotional impact• Managing a fast letdown• Pumping, feeding and milk collection essentials• Katherine's favourite newborn and postpartum products• Practical tips she'd recommend to every new mumWhether you're currently breastfeeding, preparing for your baby's arrival, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is full of honest reflections, practical advice and reassurance that you're not alone. 🤍 This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.Katherine's Favourite ProductsBottles: Bibs, Haakaa and Dr Brown's (glass). Swap to Pigeon teats as they're the closest to a natural nipple.Bottle Cleaning: Haakaa silicone bottle brush.Bottle Steriliser: Any steriliser that also dries bottles (Amazon has great options).Bottle Warmer: Not used personally.Electric Breast Pump: Spectra (gold standard) and Bubka Glow hands-free pump.Manual Pump: Haakaa Gen 3 suction pump.Colostrum Collection: Milk Co collection kit or syringes from your midwife.Letdown Catcher: Mammae (a daily essential).Milk Storage Bags: Standard disposable bags (found silicone versions harder to clean).Nappies & Wipes: Comfy Koala.Baby Wash, Shampoo & Nappy Cream: Beetle and Weleda.Baby Bath: Affordable bath from Baby Bunting.Nappy Caddy: Henlee (plus an inexpensive Temu caddy for another room).Change Mat: Henlee.Sleep Suits:Baby Monitor: Lollipop (phone-based monitoring).Maternity Bras: MILK and Mumma Mila (comfortable and leakproof). Wear Nala for daytime comfort.Breast Pads: Reusable bamboo breast pads from Baby Bunting.Lactation Tea: Mammae.Thermometer: Any reliable digital thermometer.Play Mat: Little Luxury organic cotton play mat.Breastfeeding Pillow: Affordable Kmart pillow (excellent for back support).Baby Bouncer: BabyBjörn Bouncer.