Middee | Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Education

Welcome to our expert lactation mini series, a five part series where we're diving deep into the world of lactation. Throughout this mini series I sit down with some of the best experts within the lactation space where we focus on the crucial aspects of breastfeeding. Aiming to educate, empower & provide you with confidence to navigate your feeding journey at wherever point that may be.  In today's episode I sit down with Founder of lactation consultant, sleep consultant & founder of Mamalinc Courtney Garland where we discuss the ins & outs of weaning. Within this episode you will learn:  What is weaning? How do you wean? What happens to your breasts when weaning? Most common challenges when weaning?  How do you know if your baby is starting to wean?  Looking after yourself when weaning ? Increasing supply - if regretful of weaning?

Welcome to our expert lactation mini series, a five part series where we're diving deep into the world of lactation. Throughout this mini series I sit down with some of the best experts within the lactation space where we focus on the crucial aspects of breastfeeding. Aiming to educate, empower & provide you with confidence to navigate your feeding journey at wherever point that may be.  In today's episode I sit down with Founders of Your Two Jugs Elise + Katie where we discuss the world of mastitis. Within this episode you will learn: What is mastitis? Causes of mastitis Signs of mastitis Treatment of mastitis - holistic vs medicalised approach Red flags to look out for Debunking common mastitis myths Join me next week for our final episode of 2023 where we are talking all things weaning.

Today's episode is brought to you by NipCo Welcome to our expert lactation mini series, a five part series where we're diving deep into the world of lactation. Throughout this mini series I sit down with some of the best experts within the lactation space where we focus on the crucial aspects of breastfeeding. Aiming to educate, empower & provide you with confidence to navigate your feeding journey at wherever point that may be.  In today's episode, I chat with Kate Bird from Lactamo where we discuss some of the most common breastfeeding challenges. Throughout this episode Kate offers practical tips aimed to empower you when navigating these challenges. Some of the challenges we discuss are: - engorgement - nipple damage - implementing a nipple shield - over/under supply - nipple vasospasm - nipple thrush Join us next week on the pod where we will be chatting all things mastitis! Today's podcast episode is brought to you by Nipco - a maternity bra that’s designed to support you through whatever feeding journey you may be in.  The OG bra by nipco, has been carefully created with every Mum in mind. It's not just a breastfeeding bra; it's your buttery soft second skin. Whether you're chasing a toddler with a newborn in tow or stylish enough to flash in public, The OG bra is there for you. Uncompromising in style, support, and functionality, it's soft enough to grow with your ever changing boobs. Visit nipco.com.au and experience comfort like never before. Because every Mum deserves to feel supported in more way than one on this incredible journey.

Welcome to our expert lactation mini series, a five part series where we're diving deep into the world of lactation. Throughout this mini series I sit down with some of the best experts within the lactation space where we focus on the crucial aspects of breastfeeding. Aiming to educate, empower & provide you with confidence to navigate your feeding journey at wherever point that may be.  In today's episode, I chat with Kate Bird from Lactamo where we explore what breastfeeding can look like in the first week. Including what can you expect & what's normal newborn behavior? We'll address these questions and more, providing you with insights that will help you navigate those early days with confidence. Join Kate and I again next week where we talk about breastfeeding challenges. For many their feeding journey isn't always smooth sailing and that's okay. We will be discussing some of the common challenges in breastfeeding as well as offering practical tips to overcome them.

Welcome to our expert lactation mini series, a five part series where we're diving deep into the world of lactation. Throughout this mini series I sit down with some of the best experts within the lactation space where we focus on the crucial aspects of breastfeeding. Aiming to educate, empower & provide you with confidence to navigate your feeding journey at wherever point that may be.  In today's episode, I chat with Kate Bird from Lactamo where we explore how you can best prepare for your breastfeeding journey as well as some of the common changes which occur to your breasts whilst pregnant. Join us next week where Kate and I discuss what breastfeeding can look like in the first week. Including what can you expect & what's normal newborn behavior? We'll address these questions and more, providing you with insights that will help you navigate those early days with confidence.

In today’s episode I speak with paediatrician, Dad & most recently published Author of the book ‘ Your baby doesn’t come with a book’ Dr Golly where we unpack some of the most common challenges which parents face in the first four weeks of parenthood. Within this Q&A style episode Dr Golly shed’s light on your baby’s weight and why it may fluctuate, unsettled behaviour & the most common causes in newborns as well as discusses newborn sleep cycles & his top tips for linking sleep cycles together. To learn more about the first four weeks of parents check out Dr Golly's book here! Thank you to our incredible sponsors Sleepybelly Sleepy Belly is here to bring those peaceful nights back into your life. Their unique dual support pregnancy pillow is designed to ensure you get the rest you deserve. Experience deeper, more restful sleep with comprehensive back, side, and tummy support. Visit www.sleepybelly.com.au to get yours today or follow Sleepy Belly on Instagram at @sleepybellyau. Don't forget to use our exclusive discount code ‘MIDDEE10’ for 10% off your order. Here's to happy and comfortable sleeping!

This episode is in honour of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This week on the pod I am joined by parents Jacki & Luke O’Farrell where they share the story of their baby boy Oakley who was born sleeping. After a traumatic birthing experience with their daughter Charlie (listen to last weeks episode) Jacki & Luke were excited to be pregnant again and achieve the birthing experience they had always dreamt of, but sadly at around 31 weeks things took a turn as Oakley’s movement began to decrease. Jacki & Luke reminisce on this challenging period of their life where they had to process the news of their baby’s passing. Within this episode we discuss the birth of Oakley & share an insight into the mindset of parents experiencing loss as well as highlighting some of the real struggles they face postpartum.  Luke, Jacki & myself hope that this episode raises awareness about some of the emotions families will experience as well as how you can best support someone experiencing loss. Following the passing of baby Oakley, Jacki founded Bhoomi babe - where she created a postpartum feeding blanket which is designed for ultimate comfort for Mums. $5 from every blanket sold is donated between the Stillbirth Foundation Australia and Still Aware.  In reflection of Pregnancy and Infant Awareness Month Bhoomi babe is offered a 10% discount by using the DC MIDDEE10. Please welcome extremely resilient parents, Jack & Luke . 

Today’s episode I speak with Jacki O’farrell about her motherhood experience. Jacki’s first birthing experience is hard to believe after she suffered from a cardiac arrest during labour as a result of a rare complication from her epidural. Jacki required CPR for 12 minutes & her baby Charlie was birthed whilst she was unconscious. This moment has since shaped Jacki’s & her Husband Luke’s life. Within this episode, although a traumatic event occurred Jacki does want to highlight the positives which still came with her birthing experience & how she overcame this significant event in her life to fell comfortable to birth again. Some of the topics covered in this episode include: Meet Jacki - Mum of three Spurious & Posterior labour - managing posterior labour A cardiac arrest in labour The physical & emotional impact of this traumatic event Being separated from your baby after birth & what consequences this has on Mums? Recovery from birth Next week Jacki & her Husband Luke will be returning on to the podcast to share the story of their baby boy Oakley in honour of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Where we aim to raise awareness regarding stillbirth and some of the emotions families go through when losing a baby as well as how we as friends and family can support Mum’s & Dads going through these challenging times. If you are wanting to get prepped for birth + beyond check out my Birth Classes here

Today’s episode is a very special one as I bring you part three of Phil & Dan’s parenthood journey. 20 months have passed since we last heard from Phil and Dan about their surrogacy journey. Previously on the podcast we have covered from the decision to undergo surrogacy overseas, to finally bringing their daughter Penny home. Today, we are joined by their surrogate America, the remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in their parenthood story. In this conversation, we delve further into their surrogacy journey. America shares her side of the story, from the application process to forming a profound connection with Phil and Dan, and ultimately, giving birth to Penny. We explore some of the challenges of surrogacy, maintaining a long-distance friendship with each other and the surprises that parenthood has brought to all of them. And, of course, we peer into the future, discussing what lies ahead for Penny, their parenting journey, and their bond. It's an episode filled with love - make sure you have checked out our previous two episodes.  

In today's episode our Host Mon talks to us about what every women preparing for birth wants to know "Will I tear during birth?". In this episode Mon discusses: Transitioning the fear about birth into empowerment & confidence Tearing - a physiological process The perineum - what is it? How Common Is Perineal Tearing? What are the types of tearing? Preventing tearing during birth Perineal massage - what is it? How to perform it & when to start? Your Midwife’s role in preventing tears Today's Episode is brought to you by The Middee Society's birth classes. Preparing to welcome a baby into the world can be daunting with so many unknowns & what ifs. The Middee Society’s face to face + online group or private birth classes will leave you feeling empowered + confident about your labour & birth. Unlike many other child birth education classes our classes are taught by currently practicing midwives. It is our aim to provide you with the latest evidence based education which will enable you to advocate for yourself & your desired birthing experience. Say goodbye to those generic textbook birthing classes. Our classes are designed in a modern, fun, informative, lighthearted & interactive way. We know pregnancy & birth doesn't always fit the same mold. Here at The Middee Society it is our aim to best support you & what ever your desired birthing option may be. No women should be excluded from recieving high quality education based on their pregnancy being deemed as high risk. To book a class head to our website here.

In today’s episode I speak with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Dietitian Helena McDonald where we discuss everything to do with gestational diabetes.  From unpacking what gestational diabetes is and why we test for it in pregnancy to why you may be diet controlled vs insulin controlled as well as how you can best manage your diagnosis of GDM. Within this episode Mon also discusses gestational diabetes from a midwives perspective including what your management may look like with GDM for pregnancy care, labour, birth & postpartum. Today's Episode is brought to you by The Middee Society's birth classes. Preparing to welcome a baby into the world can be daunting with so many unknowns & what ifs. The Middee Society’s face to face + online group or private birth classes will leave you feeling empowered + confident about your labour & birth. Unlike many other child birth education classes our classes are taught by currently practicing midwives. It is our aim to provide you with the latest evidence based education which will enable you to advocate for yourself & your desired birthing experience. Say goodbye to those generic textbook birthing classes. Our classes are designed in a modern, fun, informative, lighthearted & interactive way. We know pregnancy & birth doesn't always fit the same mold. Here at The Middee Society it is our aim to best support you & what ever your desired birthing option may be. No women should be excluded from recieving high quality education based on their pregnancy being deemed as high risk. To book a class head to our website here.

Today's Episode is proudly brought to you by Sleepy Belly. In today’s episode I speak with Charlotte Kelly about her DCDA Twin pregnancy. This means that her twins had separate placenta’s & amniotic sacs which catagorizes them as a low risk twin pregnancy. Charlotte faced her own fertility challenges, including two chemical pregnancies, before deciding to consult a fertility specialist. Following her fertility investigations, she was pleasantly surprised to find out she was pregnant with not one baby but two. Today we delve into various aspects of twin pregnancy, including how Char’s planned elective c-section unexpectedly transformed into an empowering twin vaginal birth. Charlotte and I both aim for this episode to cast a positive spotlight on twin pregnancies and the potential for an empowering vaginal birth experience. Let's find out more about today's sponsor Sleepy Belly Are you worried about rolling onto your back or is the constant tossing and turning keeping you up at night?  Sleepy belly’s , 3-piece adjustable support pregnancy pillow, is here to transform your sleep. Designed to provide comfort and support for expecting mothers, Sleepybelly ensures a deeper, more restful sleep. Say goodbye to those uncomfortable nights. Sleepybelly's unique design caters to your back, side, and tummy, offering a personalized sleep experience. And here's the best part – Sleepybelly's adjustable width grows with your belly, adapting to each stage of your pregnancy. It's the maternity pillow that finally fits seamlessly into your bed. So why wait on the sleep you deserve? Grab your Sleepy Belly today at www.sleepybelly.com.au and use our exclusive discount code "MIDDEE10" for 10% off your order.

In today's episode our host Mon dives deep into writing a birth plan or as she likes to call it your 'birth wishes'. This episode covers topics such as: What is a birth plan? Why every women needs to make a birth plan When should you start your birth plan? What should be included in your birth plan? What if things don't go to "plan"? Can you still have a birth plan if you're having an elective caesarean? + Lots of midwife tips & education Knowledge is power within the birth space & writing a birth plan is a great way to pave the path to your desired labour & birth experience.

In this weeks episode join us as Midwife Mon tells you everything you actually need to pack in your hospital bag and what you don't need. The excitement of meeting your baby is just around the corner, and packing your hospital bag is an essential step towards preparedness. But before you throw your entire nursery in there, remember: less is more! As a midwife, I've seen it all, and trust me, you won't need everything you think you will. Let's dive into what to pack from a practical perspective, so you're all set for your birthing journey. In this episode Mon discusses: When to Pack your hospital bag Vaginal or C-Section, It's All Covered Mum's packing list Baby's packing list Support persons packing list What Items to leave behind What the hospitals commonly supply Midwife's Packing Tips Happy packing! Discount codes: Bliss birth TENS hire: MIDDEEPOD for 10% off Lactamo breastfeeding ball: Middee10 The R Y compression wear: MIDDEE

Join me in today's powerful episode as I talk with Emily Robinson about her extraordinary journey into motherhood. From heartbreak and loss to resilience and hope, Emily shares her story with incredible honesty and vulnerability. We delve into the difficult decisions she faced, including the medical termination of pregnancy at 17 weeks, and the profound impact it had on her mental health. But that's not where her story ends. Emily opens up about her subsequent pregnancy, her postpartum journey with her beautiful 5-month-old daughter Zoe, and the obstacles she had to overcome to find connection and joy in her new role as a mother. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of infant loss, covering topics such as the induction process, conversations surrounding autopsy, and the importance of creating cherished memories. If this episode resonates with you, know that you're not alone. We also have a rich library of other episodes to explore. Listen in and be inspired by Emily's strength and resilience.

In today’s episode I speak with Lauren Vickers about her motherhood journey. After a straightforward conception and pregnancy,  Lauren found herself being induced after 41 weeks. Lauren shares her induction experience and the birth of her son via forceps. Despite having a birth plan Lauren shares how she found herself with an experience far from what she was ever expecting. With complications post birth of a postpartum haemorrhage & a haematoma Lauren shared how she had to advocate for herself whilst experiencing excruciating pain. Although Lauren’s birth didn’t go to plan she highlights some of the special & most rewarding moments of being a Mum including her successful breastfeeding journey. Please welcome Lauren.  If you loved what you heard and want to stay up to date with the latest interviews and midwifery education please hit the subscribe button and leave a 5 star review. If you wish to share your pregnancy and motherhood experience you can get in touch with me by emailing hello@themiddeesociety.com.au and find us on instagram at @themiddeesociety or @monique_maitland. It is important to note that the topics discussed in this episode are not advice but rather education. If you have any concerns regarding your own pregnancy please seek medical advice from your own healthcare provider.

In today's episode I speak with Claire Falconer all about her life on the road living out of a caravan with her young family. Claire is a Certified Women's Hormone Coach, Pre & Post-natal PT & Yoga teacher but has always had a taste for adventure. Claire & her husband decided to switch the modern lifestyle and instead travel around Australia in a caravan. Claire is currently 33 weeks pregnant with baby number two and shares with us her previous birthing experiences including a positive induction and how she is navigating this pregnancy on the road. Claire highlights how powerful a woman's body is and how she has full trust in her own body to grow, nourish & birth her baby. As well as this Claire also offers her tips and tricks for traveling with a young family. Please welcome Claire.  To follow more of Claire's adventures head to her instagram here If you loved what you heard and want to stay up to date with the latest interviews and midwifery education please hit the subscribe button and leave a 5 star review. If you wish to share your pregnancy and motherhood experience you can get in touch with me by emailing hello@themiddeesociety.com.au and find us on instagram at @themiddeesociety or @monique_maitland. It is important to note that the topics discussed in this episode are not advice but rather education. If you have any concerns regarding your own pregnancy please seek medical advice from your own healthcare provider.

As a parent choosing what pram is best for your family can be challenging, confusing & exciting all at once. With so many prams on the market it is hard to know what exactly to look out for when purchasing a pram. Thankfully in today's episode I sit down with babybee founder, pram guru & Mum of two Em Stone about everything to do with how you can choose the right pram for your family. Within this episode Em shares with us her tips on what all families need to consider when choosing their first pram, pram safety tips as well as answering some of those frequently asked questions. Em shares with us about safe sleeping within a pram, preventing overheating of your little one as well as discusses how a pram can evolve to aid your child's development. She also discusses some of the differences between single and double prams plus comments on how you can upgrade your pram to accomodate for more children. This episode is one that all expecting parents need to listen to before buying their first pram to ensure they find the perfect one.  Check out the ultimate pram buying guide here. If you loved what you heard and want to stay up to date with the latest interviews and midwifery education please hit the subscribe button and leave a 5 star review. If you wish to share your pregnancy and motherhood experience you can get in touch with me by emailing hello@themiddeesociety.com.au and find us on instagram at @themiddeesociety or @monique_maitland. It is important to note that the topics discussed in this episode are not advice but rather education. If you have any concerns regarding your own pregnancy please seek medical advice from your own healthcare provider.

In today’s episode I bring my sister Emma back onto the pod for part 3 of her motherhood journey where we dive deep into her postpartum journey. Covering everything from the first few moments after birth to the depths of sleep deprivation & adjusting to this new identity shift of motherhood. Emma shares her perineal recovery with us including how she dealt with an infected episiotomy site, swelling, pain & her struggles with incontinence postpartum. Emma also speaks openly about her battle with sleep deprivation and how this took a big physical & mental toll, not only her but also her Husband Cal. Emma shares some of her tips on how to best manage this period as well as what she wished she did differently to help herself, including asking for & accepting help. There are so many other goodies within this episode so we cannot wait for you to sit back & listen! Now time to hear about our incredible sponsor TheRY - the leaders in graduated compression garments.  Get ready to rock your pregnancy with TheRY Maternity Tights—your new best friends for comfort, style, and improved circulation. These tights have got your growing belly covered, literally! Say goodbye to swelling and hello to feeling fabulous.What makes TheRY so special? They're all about optimized circulation! Their graduated compression technology promotes healthy blood flow, just like those fancy TED socks they give you in the hospital, but way cuter. With a pressure rating of 15-20mmHg, these leggings and socks will have you living your life with enhanced circulation. It's like a spa day for your legs! Not only are TheRY Maternity Compression Garments comfortable and stylish, but they also have the official stamp of approval from the TGA. And hey, if your health insurer is feeling generous, you might even score a rebate of up to 100%. Definitely worth sussing out! As a midwife I can’t recommend this product enough so head to their website or check out their instagram and use discount code MIDDEE for 15% off your first purchase.

The episode you have all been waiting for is finally here.... The birth story of Cohen! (aka my Nephew) Today's episode is part two of my sister Emma's motherhood journey where we sit down to discuss her labour & birth story which I was so fortunate to be apart of. Following from part one, Emma shares with us how the rest of her pregnancy unfolded including the challenges of morning sickness & how she best prepared herself for labour & birth by attending a hypnobirthing course as well her experience with antenatal expressing. At 36 weeks Emma completed her group b streptococcus (GBS) swab which she tested positive to. What this meant was that if her waters broke prior to labour it would be recommended for her to be induced. At 39 weeks Emma's waters broke and she found herself being induced. Emma shares her positive induction story including how she used her labour tools such as her breath & mind to get through an 18 hour induction with no pain relief other than water. Both Em and myself reflect on her labour sharing some of our favourite memories as well as highlight the power of support & advocating for yourself within the birthing space. Emma had a really positive labour however after pushing for a prolonged period things started to take a turn. The calm birthing environment she envisioned soon became quite medicalised as she required an episiotomy and ended up having a postpartum haemorrhage. This required her to go to theatre and be put to sleep. Meaning that she was unable to enjoy the 'golden hour' with her son Cohen. This episode is full of lots of great insights surrounding educating yourself for birth, learning how to advocate for yourself & how it is okay to view your labour and birth as two different experiences. Stay tuned next week to find out how Emma's postpartum journey unfolded. Thank you to this weeks sponsor Sleepybelly: There is nothing better than a restful night's sleep but with a growing bump, squished bladder & most likely fighting your partner for more space in the bed a good night's sleep can seem almost impossible. That’s why you need your Sleepybelly pregnancy pillow. A 3-piece adjustable support pregnancy pillow proven to aid better sleep. With an adjustable width that grows with your belly through each stage of your pregnancy you are guaranteed to be able to find that comfortable position to experience a deeper, more restful sleep while having back, side & tummy support. The best part is… Sleepybelly offers a 30-night money back guarantee so you can try it risk free. We know how important sleep is for all Soon to be Mama's so grab your Sleepy Belly today at www.sleepybelly.com.au Or follow Sleepy Belly on instagram at @sleepybellyau and use our exclusive discount code “MIDDEE10” for 10% off your order.