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. 

In today's episode I sit down with my older sister Emma to bring to you part one of her three part motherhood Journey. Part one of Emma's motherhood story begins with an extremely real, raw & honest conversation about loss including the many kind of loss women experience but in particular her experience with a high risk genetic NIPT test for Klinefelter Syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that results when a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition affecting males. Klinefelter syndrome may adversely affect testicular growth, resulting in smaller than normal testicles, which can lead to lower production of testosterone. The syndrome may also cause reduced muscle mass, reduced body and facial hair, and enlarged breast tissue. Most men with Klinefelter syndrome produce little or no sperm. Emma talks us through the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced during this pregnancy including the highs of falling pregnant for the first time & the lows of a positive result for klinefelter syndrome and further genetic testing such as an amniocentesis. Emma shares her battles with making the heartbreaking decision to discontinue the pregnancy via a surgical termination at 16 weeks and highlights some of the truths behind termination which is often not spoken about. I am so incredibly proud of Emma for coming on and sharing her story as it has taken her some time to feel comfortable to put herself out there. Both Emma and I hope that this conversations opens up a discussion about other forms of loss and some of the struggles women face who may receive a high risk genetic screen for their baby. as highlighted within this episode if you are someone who needs to reach out both Emma & myself are here. Another great resource is SANDS. Next week we will bring to you part two of her motherhood story including her labour + birth story with my nephew baby Cohen. Today's episode is brought to you by Babybee. Australia's favourite multi-award winning prams. As a parent choosing what pram is best for your family can be challenging, confusing & exciting all at once. Thankfully babybee have taken this into consideration to design the very best baby products on the market that make #parentlife better. Less stressful, more stylish, and more fun. Carefully crafting their products in Australia their products are based on real parents experiences, so you can be sure that their prams are both safe & of course practical. With an adjustable handlebar to suit taller or shorter parents, slimline frame for effortless maneuverability and a basket for all your baby goodies, using a pram has never been easier.  So head to babybee now at www. babybeeonline.com to check out their incredible products.  Check out our mothers day giveaway here

In today's episode I speak with Tahnee Motti about her motherhood journey, in particular her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum and the significant impact this had on her mental health.   After suffering from hyperemesis in her first pregnancy Tahnee knew there was the potential for it to occur again when she fell pregnant next, and she was right except this time it was so much worse. Tahnee dives deep into this traumatic time of her life discussing some of her darkest days including suffering from insomnia, being admitted into the perinatal mental health unit, commencing psychiatric drugs whilst pregnant & how she survived her pregnancy. T his episode is a real eye opener on some of the impacts hyperemesis can have not only our physical health but also emotional health. If you are someone who may need support some great resources available are PANDA, hyperemesis Australia & beyond blue. 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 Lucy Young about not only her motherhood journey but also her passion for supporting women to stay fit and healthy in both pregnancy & postpartum. Lucy is an athlete herself who has always felt a big connection to her body but after her birth didn't go the way she envisioned she found herself having an emergency c- section. Leaving herself feeling like a failure and a big disconnect with the body she onced loved. As well as a Mum Lucy is a certified pre/postnatal exercise specialist and founder of bumpstrong. Lucy and I dive deep into some of the frequently asked questions about exercising when pregnant or postpartum so you can feel empowered to train safely and effectively while growing your bub and whilst recovering post-birth. Today's episode is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch.  ErgoPouch have just released their latest product and it is an absolute game changer, a portable white noise machine. The Driftaway is the perfect way for a restful night's sleep. Whether you're someone with a baby, without a baby or even if you're a shift worker like me the driftaway has made sleeping so much easier. White Noise works as a sleep cue helping you adjust to sleep anywhere at any time. With repeated association to white noise it triggers an association in the brain that its time to sleep but also masks disruptive sounds in the sleep environment which can easily wake us.  The really great thing about the Driftaway is that it is portable so can be taken anywhere with you like in the pram, in the car or just in the bedroom with a 48 hour battery life. The driftaway also has 7 calming sounds. 3 sounds for babies which mimic sounds from the womb like white noise shushing & a heartbeat and 4 sounds for adults a Fan, Rain Ocean, &  Nature. So if you're someone like me and really need a good night's sleep to function, be quick to grab your driftaway by ergoPouch. To find out more about the driftaway click 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.

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠Nouri⁠ a meal delivery service based in Melbourne's southeast that caters to postpartum and nutrition-conscious customers alike. Having visited many women at home it has always been obvious to me that there is a big focus on nourishing the baby and often the mother who is giving so much doesn't get to nourish herself. Nouri's meals are freshly made and delivered on the same day, using organic and locally sourced ingredients that are reviewed by a nutritionist to ensure you're getting all the crucial nutrients you need. Nouri are passionate about  providing nourishing meals that help Mum's recover postpartum or avoid feeling depleted during busy weeks. From adding iron-rich liver to dishes to address iron deficiency common in pregnant and new mothers, and collagen to help with healing after stitches, tears, or c-sections. But best of all these meals are not just for new mums but also those families looking for healthy meals and snacks for the week.  Stay ahead of the game with Nouri and order today at ⁠www.nouri.au⁠ This week I speak with first time Mum Eleni Matarkis about her journey into motherhood with twin girls. Eleni's story will be shared across two episodes because obviously with twins there's double the content. Last week we covered Eleni's fertility journey, falling pregnant & how she found her twin pregnancy including some of the challenges she faced such as a lack of education for expecting twin parents This week in part two of this episode Eleni and I dive deep into the births of her baby's via an elective c-section & how her postpartum journey unfolded. We discuss her breastfeeding experience & some of most useful ways friends & family can support twin parents. Please welcome the incredible Eleni.  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.

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Nouri a meal delivery service based in Melbourne's southeast that caters to postpartum and nutrition-conscious customers alike. Having visited many women at home it has always been obvious to me that there is a big focus on nourishing the baby and often the mother who is giving so much doesn't get to nourish herself. Nouri's meals are freshly made and delivered on the same day, using organic and locally sourced ingredients that are reviewed by a nutritionist to ensure you're getting all the crucial nutrients you need. Nouri are passionate about  providing nourishing meals that help Mum's recover postpartum or avoid feeling depleted during busy weeks. From adding iron-rich liver to dishes to address iron deficiency common in pregnant and new mothers, and collagen to help with healing after stitches, tears, or c-sections. But best of all these meals are not just for new mums but also those families looking for healthy meals and snacks for the week.  Stay ahead of the game with Nouri and order today at www.nouri.au This week I speak with first time Mum Eleni Matarkis about her journey into motherhood with twin girls. Eleni's story will be shared across two episodes because obviously with twins there's double the content. After being told she had low ovarian reserves Eleni froze her eggs at 32 years. Fast forward a few years where she found herself preparing to go down solo motherhood Eleni met her partner and soon after found out they were expecting not one baby but two. In part one of this episode Eleni shares with us her fertility journey, falling pregnant & how she found her twin pregnancy including some of the challenges she faced such as a lack of education for expecting twin parents. Next week in part two of this episode Eleni and I dive deep into the births of her baby's via an elective c-section & how her postpartum journey unfolded. We discuss her breastfeeding experience & some of most useful ways friends & family can support twin parents. Please welcome the incredible Eleni.  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.

Happy Easter to all my amazing Middee Listeners! I'd love your support to help this podcast grow - If you could spare 30 seconds to rate or leave a review of this podcast it will help me continue to support other parents out there :) In today's episode I speak with Mum & Dad, Beth & Corey about their rollercoaster journey into parenthood. After a quick conception journey Beth found herself reading, listening and researching everything & anything she could to prepare for labour + birth. Beth & Corey talk us through some of the challenges that came with their pregnancy journey including a high risk scan for down syndrome at 12 weeks and discussions about postdates induction & the mental burden this placed on them. After going into spontaneous labour Beth shares with us her positive birthing experience where Corey discusses some of the challenges that come with being a support person. Although they thought they had prepared for postpartum it wasn't until they settled in at home that some of the real struggles of becoming new parents started to show which took a real physical and mental toll on both of them. From sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety & adjusting to parenthood Beth & Corey highlight some of the challenges that many new parents face. Please welcome Beth & Corey. 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 co-founder of The R Y Cindy Liu about everything to do with compression wear in pregnancy + postpartum. With 10+ years experience in compression Cindy identified that there was a need for higher quality compression products available to pregnant mama's that were actually convenient, practical & evidence based to best support them and their baby's health needs. Cindy shares some of reasons why compression wear is beneficial not only during pregnancy but also postpartum and what every mum need's to consider before purchasing compression products. Included in this episode: Cardiovascular changes in pregnancy Compression wear in pregnancy + it's benefits to both you & your baby How can compression wear can support you postpartum What to consider first before buying compression wear Head to The R Y website now and use discount code MIDDEE for 15% off your first purchase. 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.

We often hear the word induction and automatically think that our birthing experience will be a negative one, well in this episode I am going to tell you that you can still have a positive birthing experience if you find yourself being induced.  Within this episode I will cover everything to do with inductions from the most common indications we see women being induced for in Australia, what the process of induction looks like, cervical priming & of course how you can have a positive birthing experience. 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.

Introducing our Middee Mini Series - A four part podcast series brought to you by tooshies, GAIA & Milton. With some of Australia's leading healthcare experts such as Dr Golly, Courtney Garland, Nicole Gleeson & Penny Douglas to bring you this educational mini series. This four part mini series has been designed to provide new & current parents with essential education regarding topics that all parents should be aware of such as normal & abnormal baby's output, expressing breastmilk & safe sterilisation, infant skin conditions & the importance of baby massage. About our Sponsor GAIA Skin Naturals: When a baby is born, their acid mantle, or barrier function is not fully developed yet & Their skin is 30% thinner than adult skin. Therefore it's important to use specialised, gentle skincare product such as GAIA. Water is not enough to effectively cleanse a buildup of dirt and bacteria that's caused by faeces, urine, food and everyday living. Babies are commonly exposed to the dehumidifying effects of climate-controlled environments and changes in the weather, which can quickly result in dry skin. Thankfully GAIA have a range of products to help your little one through everyday life such as their Cradle Cap lotion, Baby washes & Soothing Cream. GAIA's Massage Oil. Made from cold pressed sweet almond oil, blended with a hint of organic lavender and chamomile, to provide a beautiful, naturally fragranced oil for use at massage time.But not only can this oil be used for baby massage but also as a nourishing moisturiser or bath oil to help with dryness of skin or combat cradle cap. A product designed with natural skin compatible oils that will leave your baby's skin feeling hydrated and soft without clogging their delicate pores. So when it comes to choosing a product you can trust for your baby's skin GAIA skin naturals have got you covered. Meet this weeks expert Penny Douglas from South Coast Baby Massage: Penny Douglas is an experienced and highly sought after Paediatric Baby Massage Consultant with over 30 years of Paediatric Nursing. She is passionate about spreading the benefits of baby massage and helping parents and carers discover the deeper connections and learnings which are possible through the power of touch. In this episode you will learn: What is baby massage & why is it important How massage promotes social, emotional and cognitive development How massage can help to settle a baby? How to perform baby massage successfully 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.

Introducing our Middee Mini Series - A four part podcast series brought to you by tooshies, GAIA & Milton. With some of Australia's leading healthcare experts such as Dr Golly, Courtney Garland, Nicole Gleeson & Penny Douglas to bring you this educational mini series. This four part mini series has been designed to provide new & current parents with essential education regarding topics that all parents should be aware of such as normal & abnormal baby's output, expressing breastmilk & safe sterilisation, infant skin conditions & the importance of baby massage. About our Sponsor GAIA Skin Naturals: When a baby is born, their acid mantle, or barrier function is not fully developed yet & Their skin is 30% thinner than adult skin. Therefore it's important to use specialised, gentle skincare product such as GAIA. Water is not enough to effectively cleanse a buildup of dirt and bacteria that's caused by faeces, urine, food and everyday living. Babies are commonly exposed to the dehumidifying effects of climate-controlled environments and changes in the weather, which can quickly result in dry skin. Thankfully GAIA have a range of products to help your little one through everyday life such as their Cradle Cap lotion, Baby washes & Soothing Cream. Meet this weeks expert Nicole Gleeson: Paediatric Emergency Nurse Nicole Gleeson is a Paediatric Emergency Nurse & Founder of Rhythm First Aid. Nicole is highly passionate about providing parents with the knowledge to assess & respond to their child's first aid needs. From an insect bite to performing lifesaving CPR Nicole believes that every parent needs to have the skills to enable them to save their child's life. Within this episode Nicole shares with us vital education regarding normal and abnormal rashes, assessing rashes & when to seek help. What you can expect to learn in this episode: Common skin conditions in newborns & infants such as newborn rash, nappy rash, dribble rash, post viral rashes, eczema + so much more Abnormal Rashes How to correctly assess a rash When should you be concerned about a rash 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.

Introducing our Middee Mini Series - A four part podcast series brought to you by tooshies, GAIA & Milton. With some of Australia's leading healthcare experts such as Dr Golly, Courtney Garland, Nicole Gleeson & Penny Douglas to bring you this educational mini series. This four part mini series has been designed to provide new & current parents with essential education regarding topics that all parents should be aware of such as normal & abnormal baby's output, expressing breastmilk & safe sterilisation, infant skin conditions & the importance of baby massage. About our Sponsor Milton: Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Milton. Protecting your little one from harmful germs is so important whilst their immune system developes & thanks to Milton's sterilisers it has never been easier. By using either their Combi or Solo sterilisers your bottles, teats dummies or who knows what else your baby places in their mouth will be sterilised for your little one in no time and best of all it's so simple! You just add your antibacterial solution or tablet to water and wait up to 2 minutes in the microwave & 15 minutes in cold water. How easy is that? With a strong focus on protecting babies and families from germs, Milton is committed to developing formulas from plant-based technology to limit the impact on the environment and it's users. So get your hands on a Milton steriliser today. Today's episode: Meet our next expert Courtney Garland from @mamalinc . Within this episode Courtney & Mon sit down to unpack everything to do with expressing, storage of breastmilk as well as how to best sterilise bottles, teats & expressing equipment. Both Courtney + Mon have worked with mothers across the maternity ward, at home & in the NICU and have seen just how many parents may need to express at some point in their feeding journey.But with this often comes with the questions & confusion regarding how long you can store breastmilk for or how/what do I sterilise. What you can expect to learn in this episode •When starting to express what should we consider first •What are some of the indications why women may need to express •Expressing in public •Safe storage of breast milk •Preparation of milk •Sterilising equipment 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.

Introducing our Middee Mini Series - A four part podcast series brought to you by tooshies, GAIA & Milton  I was so lucky to sit down with some of Australia's leading healthcare experts such as Dr Golly, Courtney Garland, Nicole Gleeson & Penny Douglas to bring you this educational mini series. This four part mini series has been designed to provide new & current parents with essential education regarding topics that all parents should be aware of such as normal & abnormal baby's output, expressing breastmilk & safe sterilisation, infant skin conditions & the importance of baby massage. We will be dropping these episodes on our podcast MIDDEE every Saturday for the next four weeks. You do not want to miss any of these episodes because they are jam packed with some seriously great education! About Our Sponsor Tooshies As a midwife I've changed my fair share of nappies and by far my favorite brand has to be tooshies. With a strong focus on the environment tooshies ECO nappies are designed to provide up to 12 hour of leak proof protection and are made with ingredients. Such as organic bamboo ensuring that their products are better for not only your baby but  also the planet. Better yet tooshies is owned and loved by an Australian family business based in Melbourne Having specialised in bringing quality baby products to Australians for over 30 years. So get your tooshies nappies and wet wipes today to make those tricky nappy changes that little bit easier! Click here  Todays Episode Meet our expert Dr Golly (Dr Daniel Golshevsky). He is a Melbourne-based paediatrician and father of three. Specialising in unsettled babies and poor sleep Dr Golly has a focus on empowering parents and protecting mothers. Within this episode Dr Golly shares his knowledge and expertise on everything to do with newborn output including some of the most common & uncommon types of nappies, normal output and immediate reg flags for parents to look out for. What you can expect to learn in this episode: How do I know if my baby is getting enough? Output in your baby's first week of life Stool colour & what it represents Abnormal nappies and when to be concerned 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 our last episode of 2022 (don't worry we will be back in January) our host Mon shares with you her live recording from ergoPouch's master sleep series on postpartum sleep + parents mental health. Earlier this year Mon was invited to host an hour live session in collaboration with ergoPouch where she shared her knowledge about how parents can best manage the postpartum period with a big focus on mental health & how important it is to prioritise their sleep as well as some of the consequences that come with sleep deprivation. Covered in this episode is: •The first 48 hours after birth, what you can expect in the hospital, and transitioning home •Sleep deprivation and how it impacts mental health •Identifying and coping with baby blues & PPD •The mental health of dads •Seeking support and asking for help If you ever need help please reach out to these organisations: - PANDA : PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306 -Beyond Blue : Free, anonymous Forums and confidential Support Services are open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. -Lifelife : 13 11 14 -Your MCHN -GP - Emergency services The Middee Society is wishing a Merry Christmas & a happy New Year! We will back in your ears in January 2023! 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 Mon sits down to unpack the different types of models of care available to pregnant women in Australia specifically within the public system. Ranging from standard midwifery based care, one to one midwifery, obstetric led care & GP shared care. Over the last three years Mon came to the realisation when seeing women antenatally and asking them what type of model of care they wanted to participate in, It was far too often that women would have no idea about the types of models available to them. Mon shares with us some of the pros and cons of each model of care including how to make the right choice for you about your antenatal care provider. As mentioned in this episode some hospitals may have their own type of models of care which may be referred to by a different name. Therefore it's important to always check with your healthcare provider. 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.

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Bliss Birth - Australia's favorite birth & labour tens hire. In today's Episode our host Mon speaks with Sian Healy, mama and founder of Her Keeper about her two contrast birthing experiences of an emergency caesarean & a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Sian shares with us how she went into her first pregnancy unprepared and uneducated allowing herself to be swept up in the medicalised pathway of labour & birth - resulting in an induction at 37 weeks on the dot, an epidural & emergency CS at 9cm. This left Sian confused as to why things happened the way they did and she knew she wanted her next birth to be different. After investing in education & support from a doula Sian strived for a vaginal birth & that's exactly what she did - But with this came overcoming the challenge of believing in her body to birth naturally & overriding the suggestions placed on her from the medical maternity system. Sian also shares with us her breastfeeding journey struggles as she had insufficient glandular tissue which prevented her from producing the amount of milk her baby required. Please welcome the lovely Sian. More about our amazing sponsor Bliss Birth. Bliss birth is Australia's leading labour and birth TENS hire. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and it is the ultimate birth tool as it maximizes your body's natural pain-fighting abilities by releasing feel good endorphins & distracting pain receptors in the brain. As a midwife myself, I've supported hundreds of women in labour where i've seen first hand the positive impact that a Bliss birth TENS machine can have on achieving an empowering birthing experience. And the best part? TENS machines are one of the only pain relief options that can be used both at home and in hospital during early & active labour where you are in total control of your level of pain relief- it even has a boost button for the peak of those contractions. Now you've all heard me talk about the importance of staying active in labour & with a TENS you can do just that as it's non restrictive allowing you to take it anywhere or be in any position - whether that's at home, in the car, in hospital or who knows where women go in early labour! So how can you get yourself a bliss birth TENS? It's as easy as heading over to their website www.blissbirth.com.au and booking. Your TENS will then be scheduled to arrive 4 weeks before your due date & easily returned in the prepaid satchel provided 4 weeks after your due date. Be quick to book yourself a blissbirth TENS today. Use discount code MIDDEEPOD for 10% off storewide! Visit their website here Visit their 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.

In today's episode of Middee our Host Mon speaks with Bliss Birth Founder Ariel Blackman about her motherhood & business journey. Ariel shares her empowering labour and birth story highlighting how intense yet magical birth can be. She compares her two births reflecting on the types of natural pain relief options she used including second labour experience with a TENS machine. This sparked her love for TENS and she knew she had to do what ever she could to spread the word about how great they were with managing pain in labour. Fast forward a few years and now Ariel is a successful business owner of Australia's leading Birth Tens machine hire Bliss Birth. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and it is the ultimate birth tool as it maximizes your body's natural pain-fighting abilities. After listening to this episode you will understand how a TENS machine works as well as the many benefits it can provide you during labour. If you're looking to purchase a TENS machine Bliss Birth is the place to go. Ariel has been kind enough to share an exclusive discount code for Middee listeners. Use code MIDDEEPOD for 10% off the entire store. Head to their website here or find them on 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.

In today's episode our host Mon speaks with expert women's health physio Jess Kostos aka the.mama.physio about Pelvic Health Postpartum. More specifically pelvic floor and healthy bladder & bowel function. As two health professionals Both Jess and Mon identified that too many women postpartum suffer in silence with urinary incontinence and bladder control. Today they discuss what exactly the pelvic floor is and the vital role it plays, what ‘normal' bladder function postpartum is and how to identify the ‘abnormal' & when to seek help. Please welcome back to the podcast the very knowledgeable Jess! 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.

Hi Middee Listeners I'm super excited to share the News that The Middee Society is launching their very own Child birth education classes in Melbourne. Run by yours truly Mon! So if you're an expecting mama in 2023 or know someone who is reach out to us on Instagram @themiddeesociety or email hello@themiddeesociety.com.au to find out more. We can't wait to make you feel empowered, confident and excited about all things labour Birth & postpartum In today's episode our host Mon speaks with Erin Martins about her motherhood journey, in particular her postpartum experience with incontinence and the significant impact this had on her mental health. At the young age of 26, Erin never imagined that she would not be able to control the function of her bladder after giving birth. Weeks into her postpartum journey Erin decided to seek help herself & after many specialist appointments which involved hours of travel with a newborn baby & an expensive bill in cost of treatments the pressure of trying to act like everything was okay eventually built up and left Erin at breaking point. Erin shares her battle with mental helath and some of the barriers she faced when trying to seek help from our healthcare system. This story is real, raw and at times quite disappointing that in a country such as AUstralia where helathcare is supposedly accessible, vulnerable Mums are let down and not supported enough. Erin and I hope that this conversation provides a platform for other Mums who may be experiencing incontinence and Postpartum depression not feel as alone. Next week on Middee I will be speaking with women Health Physio Jess Kostos also known as the Mama Physio about all things normal bladder function. Please welcome Erin! 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

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Her Keeper - an inclusive place to find beautifully curated products to assist you or a muma-to-be's journey into pregnancy and postpartum care. In today's Episode our host Mon speaks with Carla Sikes about her motherhood experience. Carla's son Ethan was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at 20 weeks gestation. Early in pregnancy his spinal cord had failed to close properly which resulted in part of it being exposed in a fluid-filled sac, protruding from his lower back. Once Carla received Ethan's diagnosis there was no question that she needed to do whatever she could to give him the best outcome in life. At 24 weeks the decision was made for both Ethan and Carla to undergo an Rare and complex in-utero surgery at Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane which was the 12th of it's kind across all of Australia and New Zealand in an attempt to help increase the likelihood of Ethan being able to walk unaided. This surgery put both her life and Ethan's life at risk. Ethan, Carla & their entire family have had to overcome a lot of obstacles in a short period of time but Ethan truly is a little miracle who is kicking goals today. Both Carla and I hope that this conversations helps to raise awareness about spina bifida - please welcome Carla About our sponsor- Her Keeper: Her Keeper is an inclusive place to find beautifully curated products to assist you or a muma-to-be's journey into pregnancy and postpartum care. Browse online from a range of gorgeous bundles to make gift giving so easy- they truly support mum (and baby) offering keepsake and comfort products to soothe through pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery. (including some of our favourites such as Haakaa, Partum Panties, Mére, and Cle Naturals ranges to name just a few) Her Keeper also offer a range of modern menstrual care alternatives, self care items (we all need these), herbal teas to support hormonal stages and mementos for gifting. They are simply the place to turn for self care and to support the special women in your life. Check out their online store now at herkeeper.com.au and follow @herkeeperau on instagram or facebook today. 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 the incredible Midwife Sam Arbidans for part two of Kate & Nathan's birthing story. Sam was Kate's primary midwife during her pregnancy with Angus and when hearing about Nath's accident she knew she needed to do everything she possibly could to ensure that the remainder of Kate's pregnancy & birth was everything that their family deserved. Nath sustained a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) on his return to amateur rugby league, Kate was 7 months pregnant at the time. Nath was immediately paralysed, unable to breathe for himself and was deprived of oxygen for 16 minutes with an off duty Nurse keeping him alive. Both Kate and Nath share their experience of this and their journey since in last weeks episode. Today Sam talks to us about how Nath's ICU and the maternity ward worked together to ensure that Nath could be there on the day of his son's birth taking into consideration things like the equipment required, sufficient space, adequate staffing plus so much more. Sam shares some of the most memorable moments that she shared with Nath and Kate as well as highlights the beautiful people they are. Please welcome Sam! As mentioned in the show you can donate to Nath's Gofundme by clicking 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 our host Mon has the pleasure of speaking with Nath and Kate Stapleton about their journey into parenthood. Nath and Kate's story captured the heart of Australia when it was aired on a current affair a few months ago after Nath sustained a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) on his return to amateur rugby league, Kate was 7 months pregnant at the time. Nath was immediately paralysed, unable to breathe for himself and was deprived of oxygen for 16 minutes with an off duty Nurse keeping him alive. Both Kate and Nath share their experience of this and their journey since including discussing the moment Nath was able to be there for the birth of his second son Angus. Most importantly Nath shares how despite sustaining an injury that has taken so much from him, he wants his story to be so much more than just that and rather wants to provide hope for others and show that in times of adversity it is still possible to find a positive. Nath and Kate's love & support for one another and their family is truly inspiring & we are so pleased to welcome them to the show. As mentioned in the show you can donate to Nath's Gofundme by clicking Here Today's episode is proudly brought to you by ergoPouch ErgoPouch, make premium, certified organic, and natural fibre TOG-rated sleepwear and sleep solutions. Their safe-sleep approved range covers ages newborn to 12 years and takes the guesswork of what to dress a child in for sleep. They have exceptional sustainability credentials, stylish prints and gorgeous products that are ergonomically designed for each age and stage of your mini's development in the first six years. Here at The Middee Society we love ergoPouch because they simplify how to safely dress your child for sleep, which is precisely what all tired parents need. ergoPouch has just launched their fresh spring-summer collection in a range of new and exciting prints, designed and curated exclusively in-house in Melbourne, Australia. ergoPouch are peeking into the garden and celebrating the creatures you'll find hidden beneath the blooms and trees. Clutch your gumboots, pack a picnic, and waltz into the garden, where the bees are buzzing, and the critters are busy. Flowers are in bloom, and the garden is dancing to the smell of spring. Inspired by cute critters and humming bees, this collection takes references from deep within the garden beds. Led by a sumptuous natural colour palette of warm ivory and golden honey, contrasted with powder blue, butter, crisp green, punch orange, blossom pink and rich earthy tones. Point out and discuss your mini's favourite critter, butterfly, flower or buzzing bee as part of your night-time ritual. Then, settle in for the SS season with a party in the garden and a restful night's sleep in their award-winning TOG-rated sleepwear. Head to ergoPouch here to grab your sleepware today!

In today's episode our Host Mon speaks with Hannah Bryans about her journey into becoming a Mum. Hannah had always dreamt of becoming a Mum Ever since she started to learn more about conception and after a trip to bali with her highschool sweetheart, Hannah & her Husband found out they were pregnant at 24. Working as a Midwife herself, Hannah felt well prepared for labour & birth. After spontaneously going into labour Hannah was progressing well, but her contractions began to slow when her birthing environment was changed and the suggestion was to break her waters to encourage labour to progress. This was the beginning of a cascade of interventions which ended up with an epidural, forcep delivery, episiotomy & a postpartum haemorrhage. Hannah explains her experience & the impact it had on her postpartum including the role that it still plays in her inability to work as a midwife in the birthing suite. Hannah shares with us her second healing birth story where she birthed her baby surrounded by love and support in the bath. Please welcome Hannah. 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 Marketing leader of Ergopouch Amanda Benson all about safe sleepwear & safe sleep when it comes to children. Ergopouch is Australia's biggest sleepwear company which focuses on empowering parents to feel confident in making safe-sleep decisions for their child and help them navigate their way through the tougher phases of their sleep journey. As a current parent or upcoming parent when it comes to the sleep of your child it can be so daunting - from choosing the right sleepwear, to tackling tricky milestones, juggling sleep deprivation, adjusting to warmer weather + the challenge of daylight savings. Amanda is a sleepwear expert and helps reassure + educate us on ways you can best support not only yourself but also your baby from 0-5 years old. ergoPouch master series: I'm super Excited to announce I've teamed up with @ergopouch for their master sleep series alongside some incredible Women ✨

In today's episode our host Mon speaks with Mum of four & Midwife, Lauren Brenton. Lauren's journey into motherhood began when she was just 19. For Lauren, being pregnant at a young age also came with the fear of being judged by others for being a 'teen Mum'. When it came to attending birthing classes Lauren couldn't face the potential judgement she would receive & rather chose not to attend. Lauren reflects on this experience & how having such little knowledge at the time allowed her to be pushed through the medical system. This journey sparked her desire to become a midwife & since then Lauren has broken down the stereotype of a 'teen Mum' going on to run a very successful Midwifery page & creating a hospital policy on Maternal Assisted Caesarean's. Lauren touches on her other experiences including her own maternal assisted caesarean & how having knowledge is power in advocating for the birth you desire. Ergopouch master series: I'm super Excited to announce I've teamed up with @ergopouch for their master sleep series alongside some incredible Women ✨

In honour of father's day this week our host Mon speaks with Dad of four beautiful kids Stuart Bainbridge where he shares with us his journey into becoming a parent. In this episode we discuss some of the emotions that come with finding out you're going to be a Dad for the first time, how Dad's can be proactive in preparing & educating themselves for whats to come & ways you can support your partner in labour & when settling in at home. Often the focus can be on the Mother & the newborn however, becoming a Dad also comes with some challenges. Stuart shares what it felt like to return to work as a parent, some of the pressure to earn an income to support a family & some of his own tips on how to manage life with 4 little ones. 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 our host Mon speak's with Sarah Duncanson about her journey into parenthood. Sarah is a Mum to 4 beautiful children & a passionate paediatric ICU nurse & educator. Throughout her first pregnancy Sarah was often faced with the term “big baby” requiring multiple growth scans and an Induction of Labour. As a first time Mum this left Sarah feeling very vulnerable & in a negative mindset when preparing for labour and birth as she lacked trust with her body & the ability to birth her baby vaginally. However, Sarah overcame this fear and rather believed in her body, going on to have 4 empowering Vaginal births of baby's larger than 4kg. Sarah talks about her postpartum journey with her children and highlights how every child's needs are different & that no two baby's are the same or follow the same routine. We discuss the unrealistic expectation many women place on themselves to raise their children following strict guidelines rather than following their own intuition. 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 our host Mon speaks with Sarah Weller about going into motherhood solo. After a lengthy fertility & conception journey consisting of 4 stimulation cycles & two failed IUIs baby Hartley was successfully conceived via IVF. Sarah discusses some of the challenges she had to overcome prior to becoming pregnant including the pressure she felt by the always ticking fertility clock, making healthy lifestyle choices & preparing to tackle Motherhood by herself in the middle of a pandemic. Sarah touches on her 'Private Hospital' experience including choosing her mode of birth, requiring a cervical suture & her special care journey with a premature baby. Haaka Discount Code: I've teamed up with HAAKAA - use the discount code 'MIDDEE10' for 10% off your purchase. Head to their website now. 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 our host Mon speak's with Madi Dodd about her unique journey into motherhood. After an emergency caesarean with her first baby, Mads knew she wanted to try for a vaginal birth when pregnant with her second - and that's exactly what she did. However, after an empowering labour and birth Mads found herself in a position she could have never imagined 2 weeks postpartum - her vagina had been sewn completely shut and she had been diagnosed with female genital mutilation at the hands of a doctor.. Mads shares with us her raw & personal recovery journey including birth trauma, miscarriage , mid trimester loss and how her experience has played a role in what she does today. Haaka Discount Code: I've teamed up with HAAKAA - use the discount code 'MIDDEE10' for 10% off your purchase. Head to their website now. 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 our host Mon speaks with Jane Nixon about her experience into motherhood. After an intervention free labour that was progressing well Jane found herself in a cold operating theatre at fully dilated preparing for a trial of forceps. After a successful forceps which avoided an emergency caesarean Jane was adjusting to the fourth trimester not really understanding what had just happened, but like many women she pushed her feelings aside & got on with newborn life. Nearly two years later Jane found herself pregnant again and these feelings that she had once pushed aside surrounding her birthing experience had started to creep back into her mind. Jane discusses how she identified & overcame her birth trauma in preparation to welcome her second baby and how she advocated for herself to have that empowering birth she had always dreamt of. Haaka Discount Code: I've teamed up with HAAKAA - use the discount code 'MIDDEE10' for 10% off your purchase. Head to their website now. 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

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Rhythm First Aid. In today's episode our host Mon speaks with Chantel, more commonly known as the Queen of organising, styling + cleaning tips Mama Mila. Chantel opens up on her motherhood journey including her extremely quick labours + births as well as her struggles with identity loss and the never ending Mum guilt that comes with being a parent. Chantel shares with us time saving cleaning & organising advice to make the juggle of parenthood and running a household that little bit easier. A little bit more about our sponsor: Rhythm First Aid are disrupting the first-aid training scene through giving a youthful, fresh outlook to courses that positively impact families and businesses across Victoria. In addition to life saving education, they have also used their medical knowledge to create the perfect first aid kit for the home, which contains useful contents to monitor temperatures, treat grazes, and manage unexpected accidents. Best of all, our kits contain everything you need to fix up your little adventures and turn those frowns upside down. A team of health professionals have hand-picked 123 premium hospital grade products that are safe to use on children. The timber first aid kit can be made extra special with personalisation. Add custom letters or a name to the leather handle. Use the code MIDDEE20 to receive free personalisation valued at $20. Find them on Instagram @rhythm.firstaid Visit their website: https://www.rhythmfirstaid.com.au/ 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

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Sleepy Belly. Remember what it was like to get a restful night's sleep before being pregnant. When you didn't have to worry about falling asleep on your back, fighting your partner for more space in bed or swimming in multiple pillows just to support your growing bump? Well look no further because Sleepy Belly have got you covered with their unique dual support pregnancy pillow proven to aid better sleep. Experience a deeper, more restful sleep while having back, side & tummy support. Get yours 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. The best part is... Sleepy belly offers a 30-night money back guarantee so you can try it risk free. We know how important a restful night's sleep is for all Soon to be Mama's so grab your Sleepy Belly today In this episode of Middee our host Mon is joined by The Founder of Rhythm First Aid and Paediatric Emergency Nurse Nicole Gleeson. Nicole + Mon discuss the most common injuries & conditions we see in newborns, infants and children, how to best assess your child if they are unwell, performing basic life support + so much more. Nicole explains what you can expect when you come into an ED and shares some helpful tips on how the emergency systems prioritse care. This is an hour of life saving education - we hope you enjoy. Book in to your course today at https://www.rhythmfirstaid.com.au/ and visit them on instagram @rhythm.firstaid 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