Love Patty Podcast: Genuine Conversations on fertility, family, feminism, and life as a modern female

Patty's its the one we have all been waiting for, Chloe has welcomed her miracle baby boy into the world and we have all travelled on this emotional journey with her. Baby Jack is 8 weeks old, and this episode also marks one year of the Love Patty Podcast! Wow what a year, starting episode one with Chloe's infertility journey, and now we can chat all things postpartum with her. Chloe, Clare and baby Jack chat through Chloe's amazing c-section experience "it was the best day of my life, I‘d do it all again tomorrow". Tom even surprised us all and Chloe was able to have the curtain dropped and watch Jack being brought into this world. Chloe had an extremely positive hospital stay, all the midwives were a great support for her and Tom. Jack needed a few nights in SCN, which Chloe was grateful for all her prenatal expressing. Chloe had a very rough first week at home, with lots of breastfeeding challenges, her milk was slow to come in, Jack was loosing weight and not sleeping and the stress was becoming overwhelming. With the fabulous support of her midwife, she transitioned to formula feeding and she is much happier Mum now. The real MVP being her automated formula "babyccino" machine haha. Jack is thriving, gaining weight and meeting all his milestones. Chloe is so in  love with beautiful Jack and the newborn stage, and feels the happiest she has been in her life; finally feeling "whole" after wanting him for so long. Yes the transition into sleep deprivation is hard, but she wouldn't change it for the world. We know you are all going to be swooning over the little baby squeaks and burps you hear through out this ep. Clare was so happy to have Chloe back behind the mic too.  Love Patty x  

*Trigger warning* This episode will discuss, NICU experience, postnatal depression in mothers and partners leading to suicidal thoughts. Bleeding in pregnancy, preterm labour and other medical conditions and procedures. Patty's this week's raw and honest chat, is about 2 year old Franklin and his harrowing journey into this world. I speak with Bec in depth about her pregnancy complications, due in part to her bicornuate uterus (meaning it has a heart shape) Franklin was growing in one side and the septum dividing the sides, meant Bec kept developing blood clots on the 'empty side' and experienced bleeding through out her whole 29 weeks of her pregnancy. Bec shares her preterm labour journey, with craziness of bed block, being prepared to drive 3 hours away to another hospital and birth, with no support and no accomodation. Bec was open and shares in my opinion the most honest recap of what being a NICU parent is like and I think this chat was invaluable for the amount of knowledge and insight it has given me. This is a great episode for anyone, who knows someone who has delivered a premie baby. Franklin despite all challenges, was thriving and was able to go home after 10 weeks in hospital! However, it was 2 months post discharge that both Bec and her husband Jimmy, really stopped and broke down. After running in survival mood for so long, the PTSD, anxiety, sleep deprivation and postnatal depression had caught up and Jimmy very bravely told Bec he was having suicidal thoughts. Thankfully with talk therapy, family support and good communication both Bec and Jimmy were able to treat their mental health. I won't say "cure" as mental health is something we always need to take care of, it needs ongoing support and assistance. This episode is a long one, but with so many important topics being discussed I wanted to do them all justice. If you or anyone you know is struggling with postnatal mental health please reach out for support to PANDA: https://www.panda.org.au COPE: https://www.cope.org.au Lifeline:https://www.lifeline.org.au/  You are never alone and we are here for anyone who needs, Love Patty x  

Patty's get ready to build your style, find your vibe and feel great all on a fund friendly budget. Welcome Sarah from 'She's So Seasonal' back in 2019 I saw a gap in the fashion world - stylists weren't highlighting affordable clothes from places like Kmart or Target or teaching us how to style them. It frustrated me that women on a tight budget couldn't look amazing too. So, I decided to make fashion accessible to every woman, regardless of their lifestyle. Sarah and Clare actually start off chatting about how motherhood can change who we are and we can feel lonely and lost in our new roles. Sarah very honestly opened up on the hate and bullying she received when she announced she was pregnant and even lost 20k followers over night. Sarah and Clare discuss postnatal depression and anxiety, seeking treatment and how we want others to know i't can be better!' 'You can feel better!' Clare admits to being a dag and spending way to many hours in her pjs, but Sarah is quick to defend that each season of life is different and feeling good can look like a nice matching leisure wear set. Sarah gives great advice on picking natural fibres, avoiding synectics and dressing for your environment. She has amazing style guides, to help you build outfits from your own wardrobe and how often the answer is not new clothes. Her guides can be used to inspire and build outfits from what you have, but also include links to purchases too. Clare has used them when op shopping to find a bargain. This is a raw honest conversation about motherhood, getting lost and finding your self and style again. We want to see all your new outfits inspired by this chat. Love, Patty XX  Sarah:https://www.shessoseasonal.com.au/HOME Insta: https://www.instagram.com/shessoseasonal/ @shessoseasonal  

Isiah McKimmie wears many hats, sexologist, therapist and couples coach. She is passionate about creating intimacy, love and connection with her clients and teaching clinicians how to talk to their patients about sex. Clare and Isiah leave no stone unturned, answering all the Patty's questions about sex and relationships. Isiah spends time normalising the postpartum "roommate" phase and gives great advice on navigating through tricky times. Working on building communication and playfulness back into the relationship and taking the pressure of penetrative sex. Rather focusing on connection and talking about what we want openly and asking for it! We should stop expecting our sexual partners to be mind readers, let's take back the power of intimacy and lay it all out, letting each other know what is one the "menu" per se. Clare opens up about faking orgasms in past relationships, an Isiah speaks on removing orgasms as the goal post for "successful" intimacy. We debunk the myths on postpartum, low labido and postmenopausal sex, we also hear some fun stories from the 'mature' women Isiah see's in her practice and why they are having the best sex of their lives! Isiah generously gives advice on navigating circular arguments and how to stop answering on the defence, we discussed communication types (openers vs closers) and how they are often partnered together. So if you would like to do one thing today that will help your relationship, listen to this podcast and find out more on what we can do to be more for filled in both our intimate and emotional relationships.  Love Patty x Website: https://isiah-mckimmie.com/ Insta:https://www.instagram.com/isiahmckimmie.sexologist/?hl=en Podcast: Our Patients are having sex 

Season 5 We are so excited to introduce the Patty's to Cleo, founder of Pass Around The Smile. Patty's you are going to love Cleo, she is a manifesting queen! Clare and Cleo talk about the basics of manifesting, what the law of attraction is and how we can be open and ask loudly for everything we deserve. Pass Around the Smile® was born in 2015 after actress Cleo Massey ~ who you may recognise from H2O: Just Add Water ~ faced the tough realities of the entertainment industry and found herself craving hope and positivity. What began as a small blog has now grown into a movement ~ with Cleo literally “passing around the smile” through her company, which inspires thousands worldwide to step into their power and potential. Cleo has her own podcast where she shares relatable stories and manifestation practices she has created over years of trial, error and growth. With a refreshing and grounded approach, she covers not only the magic of manifestation, self love and self discovery, but also the real challenges of fear, jealousy, guilt and self doubt. Clare and Cleo talk about the transition to motherhood, the unexpected fears and how "self care" doesn't have too be BIG to count. Cleo even draws Clare's oracle cards and gives us all some insights for what's on the horizon for Love Patty. Patty's you will feel the shift in your energy and see life differently after this episode. Whether you’re craving a boost of positive energy, ready to manifest your dreams, or simply seeking guidance through life’s ups and downs, this episode and Cleo's own podcast offers the tools and inspiration you need to create real change. Patty's start vibrating high and Let the magic begin... Love, Patty.  Insta: @passaroundthesmile Blog/Shop: https://passaroundthesmile.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorgZpzwUryKljnIBGo7XDUQoCww7b_CnVr_pcfAc1S3d-WBHnhA

Patty's what a finale for season 4! Welcome Chole nurse, mum of 2, and creative mind behind Blue Beetle Co. Chole and Clare met in PICU 10 years ago, quickly bonding over Harry Potter an their joint ADHD energy. Chole's surprise pregnancy, with her son Frankie was really just the start of the journey, when she accidentally delivered him in the car on the drive to the hospital! Who knew a mazda 2 could go 140km/h! Chole and Clare discuss the challenges of raising chalk and cheese kids and meeting the needs of two very different individuals. One way Chole's family lean into the kids passions is by having a themed dinner party. We are talking all costumes, food and drinks included in this theme. As she said how often as a child do the adults in your life fully submerse themselves in your favourite book, movie or hobby. Speaking of Hobbies did we mention we both have ADHD, and love to start a project... Well Chole is ever the entrepreneur whilst pregnant she started making polymer clay earrings of all the foods she was craving but couldn't eat (iced vovo, doughnuts, paddle pops) and would wear them to work. Soon the request came from other nurses for a pair, then she started an etsy store and then one FB post later of a pair of rainbow lorikeet earrings and BAM, the business exploded! She ended up leaving nursing to make earrings full time, had 8 stockist and was doing 4 drops a year. Every single pair of earrings was hand made by her and the detail was insane. Blue Bettle Co ran for 7 years, and still exist to some capacity. But in true ADHD nature, Chole saw something shiny and has another business on the horizon (watch this space). As well as nursing, creative business manager, mum and wife. Chole is a massive advocate for those suffering in DV and family violence, she volunteers with the charity Dangerous Females and host an annual trivia  fundraiser in Townsville each year, the next is in October so get your tickets! Dangerous Females raises money for grassroots organisations working in DV space. Something we at Love Patty are very passionate about, so check them out. In this episode Chole and Clare chat casually about life as an ADHD female and how it presents for them, but this is by no means a diagnostic run down of criteria. Clare hasn't opened up about her diagnosis prior to this so it was what felt right at the time.  Thank you all for the last 4 seasons, its been such a joy and this ep is ending on a high with so many laughs. We know you will giggle too,   Love Patty  @bluebeetleco @dangerousfemales

*TW* DV themes and coercive control are discussed in this episode* Welcome Annabelle (AB) award wining radio host, sport enthusiast and charity champion! This episode covers so many topics! AB is the first Aussie Female to win the ACRA Best Sports Presenter and Top rated radio program in one week, to then receive the phone call her show was being cut and was made redundant 2 months into maternity leave with her first child Dolly. Clare and AB discuss the pros of paternity leave, and the complexities of navigating returning to work as a Mum. AB then had to move for her new job, going back to work at 5 months postpartum, juggling pumping whilst interviewing on her radio show. AB loves her job and states working in live sport is a carrier highlight; she bleeds maroon and is a massive footy fan. AB has worked with the red's, broncos, dolphins, titans, and sadly had to let her daughter support south Sydney. For AB "motherhood has made everything better in life" and with the support of her husband she is able to continue her amazing charity work and support Women’s placement in the sporting commentary. Clare asks AB how she navigates trolls and negativity; being in the public eye and having a voice you are always at risk. AB shares her wisdom, and often comes to a place of peace: but you cannot please them all. AB kindly shares her fertility journey, including shedding light on the inequities of IVF and fertility services for regional and remote women, with couples having to wait months just to start cycles. AB also very bravely discusses a letter she wrote to her parents 15yrs after they saved her from a DV relationship. She opens up on being contacted by 4 other women who have dated this same man after her, and have experienced violence from him. In Australia it is against the law for women to inform another that their partner is violent or has a history of DV themes. The UK have Clare's Law (also known at the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – DVDS) which is named after Clare Wood, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. The law provides individuals with the right to access vital police information about a partner's history of abuse.  AB has petitioned to get this law passed in Australia and wants everyone to know it is never too early or too late to get out of an unsafe relationship. Another heightened topic (as AB's Husband is returning to work soon) AB and Clare discuss the complexities and emotions felt by all parents who have to place their children in care. This is such a super charged topic, it’s hard to discuss in such a short space. Honestly the themes were so varied in this episode, we feel there is something for everyone this week, enjoy! Love Patty's

Welcome to ep 38, where Chloe and Clare chat Chloe’s elective c section prep, excitement of giving birth soon, midwifery prep, antenatal expressing, books read and what’s in my hospital bags. We chat the differences in masculine and feminine energy when it comes to ‘nesting’. We also cannot believe 1 year ago this coming weekend Chloe had her fallopian tube out for an ectopic pregnancy on Emma’s 1st birthday- to now Emma being 2, love Patty nearly 1! And Chloe planning on delivering her son all in the same week- how time flies and what can happen in a year! Clare also sheds light on exploring different schooling and education models for George, those that can foster specific child needs in smaller classrooms, where mainstream academic schooling may not be the best choice for each child in your family. We enjoyed this casual chat xx Love Patty

Patty's please welcome Clare's Mum, Michelle; she is often referred to as MarMar on the podcast. Michelle has come to share her wisdom and experiences on raising two young kids mostly solo. Her husband Tony was FIFO, and as  marine engineer he would be at sea on large ships for 6 months at a time, where contact was limited to just a phone call when he reached port. Michelle fell pregnant with her son Jackson, where Tony was then away for the final 6 months of her pregnancy. Tony was home for Jackson’s birth, and then had to leave for sea again 11 weeks later, seeing his son next when he was 9 months old. Michelle talks about the fantastic village of friends she had around her, how they would all catch up and hang out together with the kids. Nothing fancy, no pressure or judgement, no sleep schedules, no organic meals, no store brought coffee's or wake windows to worry about. Michelle was a big believer in doing things together, talking on how they would all help each other, particularly once going back to work and were juggling school pick ups, drop offs and holidays. Michelle agrees that our generation seems to have it harder for many reasons with raising our kids, and feels so very blessed to be a grandma (MarMar); to be able to help and support her grandkids. She speaks on the unbelievable love that you feel for them, the joy in spoiling them, whilst also getting a full nights sleep! Clare, Chloe and Michelle have a deeply personal and very nostalgic chat, with so many pearls of wisdom for Mums of all ages. We do not touch on Michelle's cancer diagnosis, this is a battle she is still fighting and we are so very lucky to have her for every breath that we do. I Love You Mum! Thank you for everything you do for me, Love Clare Patricia. Xx

We welcome Melissa Hays from Cocoon & Cradle for all the breastfeeding and holistic sleep support you could need. Her goals are helping new parents thrive in the transition to parenthood, and optimise sleep and feeding with a personalised, tailored holistic input. Mel is a qualified nurse, midwife, international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), holds two certified infant sleep qualifications, and recently became a qualified orofacical mycologist specialising in all things mouth, tongue and jaw function. Mel focusrs on tongue and lip ties, and how they affect swallowing and latch for breastfeeding. After 10yrs as a nurse and midwife, Mel confidently entered into postpartum thinking "how hard can this be?". Then Mel felt absolutely overwhelmed after the birth of her first child, where she talks openly about crying everyday in the shower, all whilst wading through the amount of conflicting and confusing information about infant feeding and sleep. Driven to do better, she began a journey on educating herself, and building the business she wished existed when she was postpartum. Chloe who is currently 33 weeks pregnant, and Clare who is still breastfeeding her almost 2yr old, are at very different spectrums of feeding and sleep; so we know this episode will have something for everyone! We start with prenatal expressing, what to expect in the first three days of feeding, when to introduce bottles and dummy's (this will surprise you), how to co-sleep, reflux, colic, intolerances, myths on feeding and sleep, as well as tongue and lip ties, weaning toddlers and getting more sleep without sleep training or crying it out.  This episode is jam packed with information and we highly recommend following Mel's insta for fantastic positive videos on breastfeeding/side lying/reclined, sleep prep and realistic content that will validate your journey. Insta: @cocoonandcradle Web: https://www.cocoonandcradle.com/ Share this episode with any mums or mums to be that you know, Love, Patty XX

In this deeply moving episode, Brandi shares her extraordinary journey as a mother of twin boys Leo and Ash born at just 26 weeks, after a long and difficult IVF process with her supportive Husband Tim. With only a 20% chance of survival, her sons spent 103 agonizing days in the NICU and 28 more in a children’s hospital. Now eight years old, both Leo and Ash live with osteogenesis imperfecta — a rare genetic disorder also known as “brittle bone disease,” which causes extremely fragile bones. Both boys have endured over 30 fractures and 10 surgeries each to date. Their lives can often include weekly hospital visits and treatments, and they are currently 23 months into the Orbit Trial, a drug study using Setrusumab, which Brandi, Tim and their family hope will improve bone density and reduce future fractures. Despite all of these difficulties, her beautiful boys are thriving at school with close friendships, academic success and participate in many sports! Brandi’s story is about more than medical battles — it’s about trauma, identity, and the unspoken weight mothers like her carry. She opens up about the emotional landmines she still navigates daily. Seeing pregnant women used to trigger waves of pain. Hearing well-meaning but dismissive advice like “Just relax and you’ll get pregnant” was not only unhelpful, but deeply invalidating. Now, new triggers have surfaced — not being able to relate to conversations about the third trimester, or those early months of parenthood that she never got to experience. “It’s hard hearing what it could have been like,” Brandi says. “And then if I do share our journey, I feel like I shut the conversation down and everyone just feels sorry for me. It’s a fine balance all the time.” She also reflects on her complex feelings about a second pregnancy. After IVF, they had four embryos left, which they held onto for two years. “I felt so robbed of my pregnancy journey,” she shares. “I debated it for so long — not because I wanted another baby, but because I wanted to be pregnant and experience everything I missed.” Ultimately, Brandi and her husband Tim knew emotionally they couldn’t go through it again.This episode is an honest, heart-wrenching, and ultimately life-affirming look at how Brandi continues to show up with strength, determination, and vulnerability. It’s also a conversation about mental health, healing, and learning to fill your own cup, even when your hands are full.Brandi and her husband Tim are truly amazing!  Content note: This episode contains discussions of medical trauma, IVF, NICU experiences, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion advised. Love Patty xx Instagram: @lovepattypodcast Music: @lillifairfax

Welcome 'Miss Georgia' owner, founder and teacher at GC Dance and Balanced Ballerina. Today Chloe and Clare get to live their full 'centre stage' dreams, talking all about life as a ballerina, and the mental strength it took Geoegia to walk away from all she had every known. Georgia shocked literally everyone, when she quit the path of becoming a professional ballerina, left a locker full of pointe shoes and leotards, and flew back home to walk the path of university (something that had never been on her radar). After years away from the sport, she was offered a job teaching ballet, which ignited a flame which she says was the slow burn back to loving dance again. Flame ignited, the 'Type A' girl boss was thriving to build the dance studio she never had, filled with positive coaching and mentors she felt the dance world was lacking. Georgia opened her first studio at 23! starting open adult ballet classes, welcoming all ages and levels to enjoy the structure, empowerment and joy of ballet. Georgia's type A personality has made running a business, teaching and studying a joy. However, nothing prepared her for the wild ride of Motherhood, sleepless nights, feeding struggles, lack of routine and learning to slow down and let go. Georgia talks openly about her anxieties around leaving the house with her beautiful son Beau, their failed attempts at sleep training, switching over to formula feeding, and how she wouldn't have been able to do it without the help and support from her own Mum. Another amazing woman and Mother pathing the way, we know the Patty's will love this ep. Love, Patty xx  

Patty's please welcome Dr Hailey, she is a pediatrician, and we requested she share with us her two positive c-section experiences. Hailey's first pregnancy involved her baby being breech (feet first) ; she talks us through the decision to decline an ECV (procedure to try flip bub) and being very happy to have a c-section in the public setting. Her second pregnancy, Hailey elected to have a c-section in the private system, describing  "it as the best day and experience of my life!" Hailey, Chloe & Clare talk openly about the struggles of being a medical professional and carrying work trauma into your personal life. Clare and Hailey both talk about co-sleeping, the importance of learning how to safely co-sleep before you ever need it, and how no one every thinks they will do it, yet 9/10 parents ending up co-sleeping. Hailey discusses the struggles and juggles of being a doctor, trying to complete training programs whilst being heavily pregnant, taking maternity level, studying whilst you have young kids, and the mum guilt felt trying to do it all. We loved this chat, where shout out to all the c-section Mumma's; you did not take the "easy route".  We see you and we are here to support all journey's into motherhood! This is a great ep if your planning a section, and how you can make it your own tailored experience. Another raw and honest conversation. Love Patty. x Instagram: @lovepattypodcast Music: @lillifairfax

Demi: Trad Wife Life episode—a heartwarming conversation that invites you into the slower, mindful, intentional rhythms of full-time homemaking, farm living, wholesome cooking and thriving in home schooling little ones. Join Demi, a former psychology professional turned stay at home Mumma and wife, where she shares her journey from modern living, to finding and embracing a faith-filled, purpose-driven lifestyle rooted in working within the home, tradition and simplicity. Demi shares the joys of life on the farm with lots of animals for her children to care for (her sweet little girl Winnie even makes an appearance on her favourite Duck Daffy!) baking sourdough from scratch, growing and making whole food in the backyard garden, and finding happiness in slow, intentional, mindful living. Chloe, Clare and Demi dive into the nuanced conversations around feminism, societal expectations, judgement, comparison, and what it truly means to live authentically as a woman today; discussing the belief that true feminism should be about choice and support of lifestyles. Demi acknowledges how grateful, aware and privileged she feels to be able to be a full time stay at home wife and mother, whilst also sharing the adjustments that are required for this. Whether you're drawn to the slower pace of rural life, curious about traditional marriage, motherhood, or seeking comfort in personal rediscovery, this episode is a gentle, grounded space for reflection, growth, and women supporting all walks of life for themselves and their families. Join Demi as she finds joy in the beauty of the everyday…Clare and I are inspired to learn the art of sourdough making! Love Patty xx Instagram: @lovepattypodcat Music: @lillifairfax

Welcome to season 4! This episode is a mix of life updates from Chloe, talking all things pregnancy and how she is feeling, and Mum life juggles from Clare. She honestly opens up about how boring it can be playing with your kids sometimes, especially when they are little and have repetitive play. But amongst the chaos of our lives we have a deep dive into the use of trigger warnings on social media, and how to best break bad news. Chloe gives a great detailed perspective on navigating pregnancy announcements in the fertility world and how front loading information to those women privately through text, is often preferred. We hope you all get something out of this episode and appreicate every like, comment and share from our Love Patty community. Love, Patty xox