Motherness

This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. In this episode, I speak with clinical nutritionist and mother of four, Gina Urlich about her own feeding journeys with her babies, as well as how she thinks about formula and breast milk from an expert standpoint. We discuss the differences between the two types of milk, how you can best support your baby's gut health in their first year of life, and how we can continue to make headway on breaking down the toxicity of formula feeding culture while still promoting breastmilk as the ‘gold standard'.To work with Gina or her team, visit her website. You can dowload her e-book on introducing solids here too.Follow Gina Urlich on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. Content Warning: This episode discusses anxiety. If this theme is triggering for you, please take care while you're listening.In this episode, I speak with mother of one, Haley Hall about her motherhood journey with her daughter, Cerys. During her pregnancy, Haley was told that Cerys had a cleft lip and palate so today we discuss what it was like receiving that diagnosis, how their first year has been in terms of breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, and their surgery experience. This is a beautiful episode that Haley and I both hope will bring more awareness to cleft cuties like Cerys.For mental health support:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Follow Haley Hall on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

This mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. Content Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss. If this theme is triggering for you, please take care while you're listening.In this episode, I speak with mother of one, Lee-Anne Murray about her first year of motherhood with her son, Hugo. At 31 weeks pregnant with her rainbow baby, after multiple miscarriages, Lee-Anne was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Today, she bravely shares what impact this had on her ability to breastfeed, how she navigated treatment while adjusting to becoming a mum, how cancer has given her perspective as a parent, and what the future looks like for her health and her family.For pregnancy loss support:- Visit miscarriagesupport.org.nz- Visit sands.org.nz- Call the SANDS support line on 0508 72 63 72- Join the private Miscarriage Support NZ Facebook GroupFollow Lee-Anne Murray on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

This Māmā & Milk mini-series is proudly brought to you in partnership with Haven A2 Protein Toddler Milk Drink. Content Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss and stillbirth. If these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you're listening.In this episode, I speak with mother, stylist and writer Erena Te Paa about her motherhood journey with her three children. She lost her daughter Penny during pregnancy and went on two have her two sons, Costa and Sol. Today, we focus on her feeding experiences with her boys where she struggled with breastfeeding and went on to formula feed. We discuss mum guilt, judgement, persistence and perspective within the context of feeding and how she reflects on her journey now.For pregnancy loss support:- Visit sands.org.nz- Call the SANDS support line on 0508 72 63 72Follow Erena Te Paa on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

Content warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma and mentions sexual abuse. If any of these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you're listening.This is the final episode of season two and I'm so proud that it's this one because I feel like this is the kind of conversation that sets the tone for what's to come for Motherness. Conversations that are deeper and more evolutionary than before.Today's guest is Annaliese Erin, a peaceful parenting coaching and mum to her two-year-old daughter Alaska Blue. Today she talks to her own childhood trauma and feelings of inadequacy around parenting, she never actually planned to have kids but just wait till you hear of how far she's come. This episode is as practical as it is thoughtful. Annaleise shares strategies, tips, techniques and examples for managing behaviours and emotions - both ours and our child's. We discuss shadow work and inner child work, self-healing, reparenting, emotional regulation, punishment vs consequences, and how to move forward from our own childhood trauma without blame.This episode may just be the permission slip we all need to show up for ourselves, in order to show up for our tamariki.To book in with Annalise for one-on-one coaching or group coaching, or to take her parenting course, visit her website.Resources mentioned:The Holistic PsychologistThe Whole Brain ChildAnnaliese's video on setting boundariesHelp services:Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor at any timeVisit the Safe to talk website (or freephone 0800 044 334) for help with sexual harmVisit the Parent Help website (or freephone 0800 568 856) for parenting adviceFollow Annaliese Erin on TikTok.Follow Annaliese Erin on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

In today's episode I'm joined by my Vedic Meditation teacher, Georgia Vavasour. We discuss how the practice works, the science behind this technique, and exactly why it’s so restorative, healing and calming for mums especially. Adaptation energy up, reactivity down. If you’re craving more calm, listening to this episode may be exactly what you need. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. For a list of upcoming intro talks and Vedic Meditation courses, visit Georgia's website.Follow Georgia Vavsour on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

Welcome back to another episode of Motherness. I'm sorry it's been a while between episodes but I'm so excited to bring you this interview with writer and mum of two, Jess Urlichs.In this episode, we discuss the transition from one to two after she and her husband had their children, Harry and Holly one year apart. Jess also talks about her experience with postnatal anxiety and intrusive thoughts during her first Fourth Trimester. We talk about what it has been like raising a Highly Sensitive Child and the unlearning she's had to do to parent gently and intentionally.Buy Jess' new book, The Rainbow in my Heart online at jessicaurlichs.com.Follow Jess Urlichs on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

This episode is brought to you by our first Motherness community event, a screening of the documentary Birth Time. This exclusive screening is on April 29 2021 at 8pm at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland. Buy your tickets here.Today’s guest is Julia Matthews, a mum of one and a proud business owner of Two Islands. She never really switched off after having her baby, Lenny, but she officially went back to work at two months postpartum and we explore that in detail today. Through the lens of being a working mum, Juls and I discuss her experiences with feeding, pumping, formula, sleep deprivation, mum guilt, child care, self care and so much more. She is and always has been unwaveringly self-assured about the choices she’s made for herself, her son and her business. So should you need or want to go back to your career - or if, like me, you have already - I hope this episode is a source of comfort, reassurance and courage for you as you embark on this next season in the evolution of your motherhood journey.Follow Julia Matthews on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

Today's guest is Bree Hutchieson, a  māmā of two girls who takes us through her deeply spiritual home birth experience of her second daughter Saffie, after the cascade of interventions in hospital for her first birth of daughter Beau. We  discuss her journey of stepping into her power, all that has come her way throughout her journey since her first birth, the emotional landscape of motherhood, the intersection of western medicine and ancestral healing, breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem feeding, weaning, body image, triggers in parenting and so much more.Follow Bree Hutchieson on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram. 

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Little Bambinos is offering all Motherness listeners 10% off storewide - enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount.Content warning: this episode discusses pregnancy loss and infertility. If either of these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. Just a reminder that this episode is a personal story and any information shared in this podcast should not be used as a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice.Today’s guest is my beautiful friend Rachel, a mum to Winnie and wife to Dre. She and Dre lived through 8 years of trying to conceive before they had their perfect little girl six months ago so if you’re looking for a happy ending kind of fertility story – this one of the most joyous ones I know. Rachel takes us through their entire journey with fertility treatment, their two miscarriages, and all the feelings and emotions that come with trying to conceive. I hope this episode is the kind of conversation about infertility that many of you feel is needed – a true, raw and completely honest account about life on the other side of deeply longing for a child and doing whatever it takes to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. For miscarriage, pregnancy loss and infertility support: Visit miscarriagesupport.org.nzVisit sands.org.nzCall the SANDS support line on 0508 72 63 72Join the private Miscarriage Support NZ Facebook GroupJoin the private Fertility Family NZ Facebook GroupFollow Rachel Hawke on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Just’nCase nursing pads. Just’nCase pads are super-absorbent and leakproof, so they won’t let you down when you let down. Just’nCase is offering all Motherness listeners 15% off storewide. Visit justncase.com and enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount.Content warning: this episode discusses depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. There’s also a mention about sexual abuse in the context of extended breastfeeding. If any of these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re concerned about your own mental health or that of someone you love, call 0800 LIFELINE to seek support. Additional help services are also listed in the show notes.In this episode, I interview mum of three Emma Collins about her feeding journeys with each of her daughters. Through traumatic birth, mental illness, exclusive pumping, mixed feeding, formula feeding, oversupply, tongue tie, feeding through pregnancy, dry nursing, tandem feeding, extended feeding and natural term weaning, there’s more she can talk to when it comes to feeding than not. Now working as a breastfeeding peer supporter and as an administrator for Mother’s Milk NZ Charitable Trust, breastfeeding has become Emma’s superpower.Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Breastfeeding support services: Breastfed NZ - Support Group on FacebookLa Leche LeaguePlunketPregnant and Tandem Breastfeeders Australia & NZ group on FacebookBreastfeeding Older Babies and Beyond group on FacebookFollow Emma Collins on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Little Bambinos is offering all Motherness listeners 10% off storewide - enter the code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive your discount.Today's episode is with mum of two, Gemma Sanders. she takes us through what it was like to have no complications naturally conceiving her first son, Max, but then she and her husband, Ev experienced unexplained secondary infertility, they had two miscarriages, and eventually chose to undergo IVF to have their second son, Jasper. This episode is a reminder that you just don’t know – no one knows - how quickly or how long it could take to conceive, whether it’s your first pregnancy or a subsequent one. I have no doubt that in Gemma bravely sharing her very personal story with you today, this episode will shift perspectives on what we think we know infertility to be.For miscarriage and pregnancy loss support, visit miscarriagesupport.org.nz.Follow Gemma Sanders on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Edwards & Co. Edwards & Co is a Kiwi owned and operated family business producing a range of strollers and other incredible baby products.At some point, we’ve all known a mum who when we find out what she’s experienced, we say ‘I had no idea’. Today’s story is a little bit like that – and a fitting reminder that you never truly know what another person might be going through.In this episode, I speak with mum of three daughters, Georgie Sanders about her motherhood journey, from the surprise conception of her first and all the moments in between as she and her partner, Henry have grown their family.We talk about studying during her first pregnancy and sitting the bar, adjusting to motherhood for the first time, contracting meningitis in her second pregnancy, the concept of 'two under two', having a high needs child, being diagnosed with PTSD, her recovery and healing from that experience, having a third baby, and how her relationship has been during the past six years of parenthood.Thank you so much for joining me, Georgie.Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Follow Georgie Sanders on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Content warning: today’s episode discusses depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these topics are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help. Today‘s episode is with mum of one, Lucy Ross who bravely shares she and her husband’s story where they were both affected by mental health challenges. Lucy's husband, Jono developed postnatal depression, severe anxiety and became suicidal within a number of weeks of their daughter being born in New Zealand’s first level 4 lockdown, and, as a result, Lucy developed anxiety herself and was under the care of maternal mental health. Today, she reflects on their journey. Thank you, Lucy for so bravely sharing your story.Lucy and Jono have said they'd be happy to talk to other parents or couples who have experienced similar challenges. If you'd like to connect with Lucy, you can follow her on Instagram @lucyvross.Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Follow Lucy Ross on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Today’s guest is counsellor, mindfulness trainer and parent coach, Shirley Pastiroff. I went into this interview with Shirley thinking that mindful parenting was about everything that I’m not as a mother, and I left realising that it’s also about everything that I am. I left knowing that not only are my feelings are valid but they’re healthy. That my triggers are valid but my child hasn’t caused them, the responsibility of managing them is mine and mine alone. And that I am everything I hope to be as a mother – just as I ask my guests in their final question. The fact that I care, that I’m growing as a parent, and trying to do better, proves that I am worthy of this gig, even on the days where I feel like I’m not. Shirley is the author of the life-changing book, The Mindful Parent. It is available to purchase locally in NZ through www.renewyourmind.co.nz, and globally through Amazon, Book Depository and other online retailers. If you struggle with the confronting nature of parenting and "doing it right", I hope you feel that this episode is as much of a permission slip for you as it was for me.Resources mentioned:How to Speak Toddler-ese with Dr. Harvey KarpMindful Parenting Course with ShirleyFollow Shirley Pastiroff on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with mum-of-one, Kate Holland about her journey to becoming a mother to her daughter, Rylee. She and her husband, Jon had a fertility journey through IVF that spanned over eight years before they pursued adoption, first domestically and then internationally. The process of adoption took four years before they brought Rylee home from Thailand. Today, we discuss the details of their story, including how they coped emotionally going through IVF, their first adoption of a boy from Russia falling through, and eventually being matched with Rylee. We chat through what it was like becoming parents overnight and how they bonded with their daughter. Kate also bravely opens up about her experience with post-adoption depression.Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 Follow Kate Holland on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Welcome to this bonus episode of Motherness. If you’re part of my private Facebook group for the podcast then you’ll know that season two is coming in January but given it’s been slightly longer between seasons than I’d initially planned, I wanted to drop a new episode so you can get a little Motherness fix while you wait!In today’s episode, I speak with midwife and mum of one Tash Porter about her entry to motherhood with her daughter Milly. If you’re a mum, like me, who had a baby who didn’t have reflux or colic, you likely suffered the typical amount of sleep deprivation in the first year or two of their life. But for a mum like Tash, whose daughter did have reflux, she was forced to survive on one hour of sleep – total – each night and one nap per day. After listening to her today, you’ll have a whole new appreciation and understanding for those parents who battle a similar journey. Despite all that Tash went through in their first year, she is incredibly pragmatic and somehow positive about a time that I truly believe would break many of us. So, if you’re listening and you’re in the trenches of a challenge then this is for you. For you, the mum who feels a little lonely even with a community, the mum who feels like she can’t leave the house, the mum who’s only just surviving. We see you and this episode is for you. Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 Follow Tash Porter on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Mildred&Co. Mildred&Co is a lovingly curated baby and wedding gift registry and everyday gift store.Trigger warning: this episode details bipolar disorder, mania, depression, anxiety, and other topics around mental illness. If any of these themes are triggering for you, please take care while you're listening. If you're worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354).Today’s guest is Hannah Hardy-Jones, a beautiful māmā and founder of The Kite Program who was diagnosed with postpartum bipolar disorder after the birth of her first child, Alice. I saw a post on Hannah’s Instagram of her daughter, Alice holding a drawing that says ‘My Mum helps mums.” I felt it so greatly. "My mum helps mums." And she does. I knew seeing that photo and having this korero with Hannah that this episode was the perfect one to end season one of Motherness on. Ultimately, that’s my hope for Motherness too. Mums helping mums. Holding space and compassion for each other and honouring our journeys, as challenging, as beautiful, and as different as they all may be.So, here’s Hannah for you today on all that she went through with her rare and crippling mental illness, her road to recovery, bravely choosing to have another child, the healing, the learning and the creation that has come from what she describes a Kite once damaged beyond repair. But now? Hannah has rebuilt her Kite and it is soaring. Mental health support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757Mental Health FoundationParent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) Follow Hannah Hardy-Jones on Instagram. Visit The Kite Program.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Your Birth Project. Your Birth Project is a New Zealand based online birthing class that encompasses Hypnobirthing and Calmbirthing practices, created by Jordyn Gregory who is the host of the Kiwi Birth Tales podcast. I’m a firm believer that what’s best for you as a māmā is what’s best for your baby. Your needs and your child’s needs aren’t mutually exclusive and today’s guest shares a story that is a perfect illustration of that. Today, Michaela takes us through her traumatic birth of her daughter and the implications of that experience, their breastfeeding difficulties, her decision to exclusively pump for seven months, and returning to work when Ava was still a newborn to run her own PR business. She subsequently chose to forgo her work during this season of motherhood and become a stay-at-home mum instead - the pay-off of which has been immense for both her daughter’s development and her own wellbeing and she discusses that with us today. Michaela perfectly embodies the fact that the hardships of motherhood do not define us but ultimately shape us into the māmās we are destined to become. This is a beautiful story of coming full circle and I know you’ll appreciate Michaela’s vulnerability and strength as do I.Thank you again to Jordyn from Your Birth Project for sponsoring this week's episode of Motherness. Follow Your Birth Project on Instagram.Follow Michaela a'Court on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Noopii, a New Zealand and women-owned Social Enterprise company making premium eco-luxe nappies and pants that are non-toxic, chemical-free and made with Manuka Hydrosol - a world first. Use the code MOTHERNESS10 to receive 10% off Noopii storewideBy now you’ve hopefully realised that on Motherness we keep it super real, but real doesn’t always have to mean difficult. In fact, today’s guest, the Ariana Bell is proof that you truly can have a dreamy Fourth Trimester and a positive entry into Motherhood for the first time. A lot of people talk about unicorn babies but today’s story isn’t necessarily that. There are elements of her journey that have been cruisy and dare I say ‘easy’ but I think it’s her perspective on loving fully, embracing all that it means to be a māmā, being conscious, considerate, and present with her son… that’s what makes the magic. I’ve always loved the saying, ‘no rain, no flowers’ and for Ariana she explains that the most challenging aspect of her experience has been the change in herself and her marriage – one that she and her husband are aware of, showing up for and continuing to navigate… like most of us are. So, Here’s Ariana with her beautiful Motherness story for us all.Thank you again to Noopii for sponsoring this week's episode. Visit the Motherness Instagram account to enter our giveaway for a carton of Noopii nappies.Follow Ariana Bell on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This special bonus episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by New Edition NZ. Their PUMPD silicone breast pump is the only designed and manufactured breast pump in New Zealand. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, PUMPD is durable, comfortable, and easy to use. Soft and simple, favoured with breasts of all shapes and sizes, it’s designed to work naturally with your let down, with a smoother-than-normal flange which creates a stronger and more comfortable suction. New Edition NZ is currently offering all Motherness listeners 25% off PUMPD and their PUMPD bundles. Enter the code MOTHERNESS25 at check-out to receive your discount.Happy International Breastfeeding Week and welcome to this bonus episode of Motherness. I’m joined by our resident lactation consultant, Cathy McCormick from HolisticBaby. This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Cathy for the podcast but we’re technically calling this episode part three.In the first two episodes, we dove into all things newborn feeding and getting breastfeeding established, so this time we thought it would be helpful to look at the other end of feeding being weaning – including night weaning because so many of you asked for help with that. Goodness knows we’re all as sleep-deprived as each other. We also talk about some of the very real and often emotional challenges in between, such as returning to work, biting, and breast strikes. Cathy and I also discuss the thought-provoking topic of donor milk and the normalisation that needs to occur for mothers to recognise this as an option should they need it. As always, Cathy is practical, empathetic, and compassionate in the advice she gives. I hope you find this conversation as pragmatic as you do empowering. Follow Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby on Instagram. Visit her website here. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Advanced Health Chiropractic.Today’s guest, Katie Pritchard is a practicing chiropractor and owner of Advanced Health Chiropractic, nestled in the beautiful West Auckland. Together with husband Ash, and their team including 6 chiropractors, Advanced Health is a wellness-based, family practice which has the pleasure of nurturing whole families from birth onwards. Their sole purpose is to set strong foundations for connected, thriving families so that their community can experience the ripple effects of living an amazing, healthy life.With this in mind, the team is trained to support pregnant mothers throughout their journey as they best prepare their bodies for new life and birth. Like you would nurture the environment of a beautiful garden in order for it to flourish, a child is best prepared for growth, development, and connection from the moment they receive their first adjustment.In this episode, Katie and I talk in-depth about how seeing a chiropractor throughout pregnancy and postpartum can support not only you and your little one but the holistic health of your entire family. We go back to basics, discussing exactly what a chiropractor does, what an adjustment looks and feels like for each of you, the science behind the practice, and the myriad of benefits for both mum and baby in terms of feeding, sleep, colic, reflux, mental health and so much more. Thank you so much again to Advanced Health Chiropractic for sponsoring this week’s episode of Motherness. Advanced Health are kindly welcoming anyone from the Motherness community to have an initial consult at a reduced rate of $95 for an adult, and $55 for a child – which are usually $185 and $75 respectively. Simply mention this episode of Motherness when making your booking enquiry. Follow Advanced Health Chiropractic on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Noopii, a New Zealand and women-owned Social Enterprise company making premium eco-luxe nappies and pants that are non-toxic, chemical-free and made with Manuka Hydrosol - a world first. Use the code MOTHERNESS10 to receive 10% off Noopii storewide. Today's guest is Amy Fraser, a mum who suddenly became a single mother at five months pregnant and uprooted from New York City to move home to New Zealand to have her son. Today, we talk through that experience in detail and the beginning of her journey as a mother to her son. An initiation that she herself says was traumatic on many accounts but also a time of letting go, moving forward and becoming an even better version of herself than before. While Amy is pretty frank in discussing the emotional turbulence of this time for her, she’s somehow also gracious in acknowledging that the hardships of motherhood are real for all of us.You’ll hear in this episode that Amy truly is resilience personified and ultimately, that she is a shining example that a mother's love can and will transcend anything. She is a true heroine. She is wahine toa. This is her story of The Fourth Trimester. Thank you again to Noopii for sponsoring this week's episode. Visit the Motherness Instagram account to enter our giveaway for a carton of Noopii nappies.Follow Amy Fraser on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with Britt McNabb, a beautiful new mum to her son Aston and a baby who she miscarried in her first pregnancy. Today, we start at the very beginning when she first became a mama to the little one who she miscarried. She bravely opens up about how this affected her at the time, how she reflects on that experience now, and the appreciation it has given her for her new baby, Aston who was born as New Zealand first entered lockdown in March. It wasn’t an easy start for her little family, with level 4 COVID restrictions in place and Aston needing to spend some time in NICU, but it’s clear that the fighting spirit Aston has comes from Britt – a kind and mindful mama who is has wholly embraced her role as protector and nurturer. She has felt it all in their first few months and describes it so poignantly for us today. We talk a lot about our identity as mothers and it seems to me, from talking to Britt, that as challenging as their time has been, being a mother is the truest essence of her soul and she has never known more purpose. I’m sure you’ll join me in agreeing that she is everything she hopes to be already – and more. Follow Britt McNabb on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This week's episode of Motherness is proudly sponsored by Edwards & Co. Edwards & Co is a Kiwi owned and operated family business. They've recently expanded their nursery range with the launch of the SnuzKot Skandi Collection, alongside the already popular SnuzPod Bedside Bassinet. Today’s guest is Tehani Buchanan, a beautiful māmā who was the catalyst for sparking my awareness of decolonising mamahood. To say Tehani’s journey is varied would be quite the understatement but ‘journey’ really is the perfect word – her entry into motherhood began with a traumatic c-section birth at 33 weeks which left her with a mental injury that she says was raw, her daughter had a long NICU stay, and she exclusively pumped for a while as well. Then, with her second, a home birth after cesarean, exclusive breastfeeding to extended breastfeeding, wet nursing, feeding to sleep, immersing her tamariki in Te Reo Māori, and becoming a single mama. Thank you, Tehani for trusting me with the gift of sharing your experience, there is so much power in these words…Thank you again to Edwards & Co for sponsoring this week's episode. Visit the Motherness Instagram account to enter our giveaway for a SnuzKot from Edwards & Co.Follow Tehani's Aro Māmā Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Today’s episode is one of the more thought-provoking ones and intentionally so. I speak with Christchurch mother-of-two, Kendall Green about her complex but beautiful feeding journeys with her daughters. Kendall was one of the first listeners to message me about Motherness and told me from the outset about her passion for advocating for milk sharing. I immediately knew she was someone I had to have on the podcast. Kendall’s experience covers a lot – a homebirth birth turned hospital birth, supply issues, lactation consultants, donor milk top-ups, feeding via an SNS tube, and weaning off top-ups to exclusive breastfeeding. She then went on to donate milk herself, set up a milk sharing service, and do extended breastfeeding. I know, it’s a lot. But feeding is a lot. And as Kendall says, it’s a fraught topic. In my experience, there is nothing more controversial, questioned, or debated more in motherhood than the way that you choose to feed your baby. I want to be clear that we’re not at all anti-formula, but what we are calling into question is mothers knowing that donor milk is an option. My hope is that this episode brings to light the amazing benefits of it, and allows you to consider the sacredness of human milk from Kendall’s perspective. Because an informed feeding decision is the best one, whichever path you choose to take. So, here’s Kendall on hers…Products mentioned:Haaka SNSMedela SNS Lact-AidFollow Kendall Green on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode is proudly sponsored by HolisticBaby, a positive support service for mothers and families that is holistic in its approach. They offer antenatal classes, lactation consultancy, coffee groups, free early pregnancy sessions, postnatal wellbeing support, baby sleep consultancy, and an infant first aid & CPR course. Visit holisticbaby.co.nz to book.In this episode, I speak with Auckland-based postpartum doula, Ashleigh Borrie of Sacred Beginnings. Ashleigh's work is all about supporting mothers to have a calm, nurtured and respected fourth trimester whether they are entering motherhood for the first time, or with subsequent babies.Today, we discuss her postpartum philosophy, the services she offers as a postpartum doula, the importance of nutrition for healing during this time, as well as her tips and advice for this sacred time in a mother's life.The key message from Ashleigh’s work is that we all need and have the right to support as we transition into this new season of our life – whether that’s with a professional like Ashleigh or with the love from family or friends.I hope you enjoy this episode and feel empowered to ask for the gentle, soul-fulfilling support that you deserve when your fourth trimester comes. Resources mentioned:The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng OuNurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi CohenThank you so much again to HolisticBaby for supporting this episode of Motherness.Book in with Ashleigh at www.sacredbeginnings.co.nz.Follow Ashleigh Borrie on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with mother-of-one Suhina Kaur about her fourth trimester experience with her six-week-old son, Ari who was born at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland during level 3 of New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown.Suhina is of Indian/Malaysian descent so had planned for postpartum confinement with the help of her parents and in-laws for the first 40 days after birth. She talks through the focus of this time being nourishment and bringing warmth back to her body after birth from both food and self-care. We talk through the challenges and benefits that came with her confinement, what it was like having so much support and help from her parents and in-laws, and how much of her postnatal recovery she attributes to this cultural custom.Suhina speaks of her difficult breastfeeding journey with Ari and her decision to formula feed, as well as her gradual bonding journey with her baby - one that she admits is still evolving.I’m so thankful to Suhina for bringing us into her world during such a sacred time and passing on the wisdom she already embodies, despite her own motherness being very much in its infancy.Thank you, Suhina for joining me on Motherness.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Today’s episode is about birth trauma – whether you’ve experienced it first hand, are on your journey of healing, or want to support fellow mothers on theirs – this episode is for all of us. I’m joined by the founder of the non-profit charitable organisation, Voice For Parents. Carla Sargent helps mothers and whanau to heal their hearts after broken births and quite simply, the mahi she does is incredible.I’ve wanted to speak to Carla since the inception of Motherness, knowing that the saying of ‘at least you’ve got a healthy baby’ that we all hear or sometimes dish out is often well meaning but invalidates and dismisses the right and deservedness we all have to a positive and empowering birthing experience. To many of our mothers, that sentiment that you should be grateful for the physical safety of themselves and their baby is detrimental and it fails to recognize the lasting effects birth can have on the Fourth Trimester and well beyond the immediate postpartum period. The message from today’s episode is clear: however you feel about your birth, your feelings are valid. If today raises some feelings of trauma about your own birth, please reach out for help. Resources:Voice For Parents website & Facebook Carla's Birth Trauma survey reportMy Birth StoryGentle Birth Gentle Mothering by Dr Sarah BuckleySpinning Babies Kelly Spriggs Facebook page Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin Where the Heart Is by Carla Sargent Birth Trauma Support NZ Facebook group Support services:Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757 Lifeline - 0800 543 354 Parent Help - 0800 568 856 Anxiety Phone Line - 0800 269 4389 PlunketLine - 0800 933 922 For a referral to Maternal Mental Health please contact your midwife or GP Mental Health Crisis services (for emergencies only) This episode discusses perinatal depression and anxiety, and mentions suicide which may be triggering for some people, so please take care while you’re listening and take a break if you need to. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with mother-of-one Shani McGee about her entry to motherhood and Fourth Trimester with her daughter Harper.Shani takes us through her ventouse delivery and subsequent days at Birthcare where she felt great physically but her anxiety began to take hold. We cover her breastfeeding journey which seemed easy at first but resulted in Harper not gaining weight so Shani decided to transition to formula feeding, of which we discuss the things she loved about it, as well as the challenges such as judgment from others. Shani openly speaks of her discovery and diagnosis of her stage three uterine prolapse and the recovery which included seeing a postpartum physio and wearing a pessary. She also bravely speaks about the ensuing anxiety that came about from this and how she sought professional help over a number of months from a therapist. As difficult as this has been for Shani, she looks at what her recovery has given her: presence with her daughter.Follow Shani McGee on Instagram. Follow her childrenswear brand, Everyday. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today’s episode, I speak with a beautiful mum-of-one, Anna Miles. Going into this interview, I had no idea that Anna had anxiety – she’s the sort of mum who makes it look beautiful and effortless – which by the way, isn’t a bad thing. She radiates positivity and she’s loved for it. But I am truly grateful for how she opens up in this episode about the toll her anxiety took on her entry to motherhood and I know those of you who do or have struggled with mental health will appreciate it too. Today, we talk about her decision to co-sleep with her son from an early age, the impact of this and having a newborn on her marriage, how she met the criticism of others, and how she overcame the ‘shame’ she felt for bedsharing. We discuss Anna’s breastfeeding journey, the pressure she put on herself to breastfeed, how she improved her low supply, and her gentle parenting philosophy. Anna has a blog and I read every single post – her writing is as poignant and relatable as our conversation today and I hope you love it as much as I do. Read Anna's blog - www.annajanemiles.com.Follow Anna Miles on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with a mum of one, Francesca Lunjevich about her Fourth Trimester with her son, Leo, and her journey with postnatal depression and anxiety. We cover Fran's 'textbook' birth at Auckland hospital, how she didn't feel an instant bond with her son, and how that experience played out over the coming days and weeks as her anxiety began to take hold. Fran then details when she realised that her mental health and emotions were more than the standard postpartum baby blues, taking us through her diagnosis and recovery from postnatal depression and anxiety. We speak about the importance of sleep, her breastfeeding struggles but how she grew to love it, how her husband Ben coped with being a new dad, as well as how their relationship fared during her mental health struggles. Her advice for anyone struggling is to please reach out for help and know that you aren't alone.I’m so grateful to Fran for her unwavering strength and bravery in sharing her story. So, thank you Fran for having this incredibly important and helpful conversation with me. Conversations like this are how we eliminate the stigma of maternal mental health, so I encourage each of you listening to please reach out to a mum or mum-to-be that you know - whether you think she’s struggling or not - just to check in and see how she is.Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode mentions depression, anxiety, and suicide so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. It’s never too late to ask for help.Follow Fran Lunjevich on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today's episode, I speak with mother-of-two and yoga teacher Maddie Brosnan. We focus on her most recent Fourth Trimester experience with her eight-month-old daughter, Āio, but we touch on her journey with her 22-year-old son, Neihana as well. The age gap between her babies is a fascinating component in itself - 22 years. Maddie’s perspective on motherhood, despite entering it for a second time and with the wisdom of life experience, is still fresh like that of a first time māmā and we talk at length about her deliberate decision to approach it this way. Something we can all learn from, I’m sure. We also speak about using breastfeeding as your meditation, returning to yoga and exercise, babywearing, cosleeping, the importance of sex and intimacy with her partner, how he embraced their baby girl, the ritual of returning Āio's whenua (placenta) to the land, and so much more. Perhaps my favourite thing about this episode is its refreshing nature – much of our conversation is about Maddie’s experience. Less about tips and techniques for baby, and more about surrender, learning, and growth for her as a mother and as a woman. It’s truly beautiful, and I know you’ll feel as uplifted from listening to Maddie as I did from interviewing her.Follow Maddie Brosnan on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with Kelsey Tatton-Brown, a beautiful listener who has recently moved through her first Fourth Trimester experience and offered to share her unique story with us all. Kelsey speaks of her HELLP Syndrome diagnosis following her code red emergency c-section where her son Boston was delivered while she was under a general anaesthetic. We talk about their first moments, her breastfeeding and pumping experience, her approach to sleep, how having a newborn and such a traumatic birth has affected her relationship, and a recent trip to the hospital for a UTI where Boston was falsely diagnosed with COVID-19. Much of our conversation, however, is dedicated to discussing Kelsey’s slow bonding experience with her son and her heightened emotions during her entry to motherhood. In this, she talks through the various experiences she attributes these feelings to, such as her birth and a previous miscarriage. I don’t know Kelsey personally, but I love and appreciate the rawness of our conversation today and how kind she seems to be to both herself and her family who she loves so dearly. So, thank you, Kelsey, for joining me. Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode mentions pregnancy loss and depression so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELINE to seek support.Follow Kelsey Tatton-Brown on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with Nic Winslade, who is known on Instagram as Virgin Mum. Nic is a mother-of-two to son Marlo and daughter Blair, and today we chat through both of her Fourth Trimester experiences, including her birth stories, postpartum, all the lessons she learned along the way, and the wisdom that comes with being a second-time mum. We cover her reflux experience with son Marlo, her thoughts about society’s sleep expectations for newborns, the transition from one-to-two, her contrasting breastfeeding journeys, and her trying physical recovery with a rectal prolapse which she recounts with the honesty and hilarity she’s loved for.Nic also talks of the miscarriage she had between her two children and how leaving the emotions of this experience undealt with affected her bonding with daughter Blair later on. It's also what she attributes to her postnatal depletion.Like Nic says throughout, when it comes to being a mum, especially with a baby, we just want to know that what we’re going through is normal and temporary, so I hope you find comfort in our conversation today if that’s what you’re seeking. Amongst the honesty, there's a lot of laughs about the realities of motherhood which many of us will be familiar with!Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode contains strong language and mentions postnatal depression and pregnancy loss so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELIFE to seek support. Follow Nic Winslade aka Virgin Mum on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today's episode, I speak with sex therapist and relationship counsellor Jo Robertson - (MSc Sex Therapy, PGDip Counselling) about all things sex and relationships during the Fourth Trimester and beyond. Jo has worked in her profession for many years and specialises in postpartum. She is a mum to three beautiful boys so she knows first hand of the challenges couples can face after having a baby. Jo is also the co-director of Practical Parenting Antenatal classes with midwife friend, Grace Nixon.Today, we chat about having sex for the first time after birth, intimacy without intercourse, managing expectations of ourselves and our relationship, causes of low libido and how to improve it, breastfeeding and the sexualisation of breasts, the analogy of seasons, advice for partners, and practical tips for prioritising your other half and therefore, your relationship.Needless to say, no matter where you’re at in your parenting journey, we can all benefit from Jo's advice and feel empowered by the knowledge she kindly shares. There were so many questions submitted by you all and I'm sorry if we didn't get to yours. If you'd like to work with Jo, please get in touch with me and I'll connect you directly.You can sign up to her antenatal classes at www.practicalparentingantenatal.com. Jo and Grace are also hosting a one day antenatal webinar in association with OHbaby! on May 2, 2020. Spots are limited, sign up here.Follow Jo Robertson on Instagram here. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with my beautiful friend and mother of two, Sarah Murray. Sarah recalls her fast, natural birth with her son Rafferty and the love bubble she was in when he first arrived. She then goes on to share how she navigated the coming weeks with her father unwell from a long battle with cancer, and his eventual passing when her son was just under four weeks old. Sarah reflects on what it was like juggling all of the trials that come with having a newborn baby, alongside her grief and sadness from the loss of her dad. We then talk about her daughter, Sloane's birth and her arrival into the world via emergency c-section as a premature baby at just 33 weeks gestation. Sarah opens up about what life was like when Sloane was in SCBU at North Shore Hospital and later when she was brought home. We talk in-depth throughout the episode about each of her breastfeeding experiences, and the importance Sarah puts on sleep and sleep training from the outset. Sarah also shares her experience with feeling mum guilt as she navigated grief and having a newborn, and later, her feelings about her daughter’s early entrance and trying first months in the world. This episode is incredibly emotional. I asked a lot of Sarah for this, so thank you, Sarah. You are one of the strongest, bravest and most gracious woman I know. I hope that we can all have a little more compassion and understanding of life, love and loss after listening to your story. Follow Sarah Murray on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I'm the one being interviewed! I asked Lucy Slight (from episode one) to host a conversation with me about my Fourth Trimester experience with my daughter, Albie.We begin by talking about my long labour experience which lasted three days and how I still had a positive hypnobirth despite choosing to have pain relief. We detail my physical recovery, and in that, how I reconciled my feelings about my postpartum body during and beyond the Fourth Trimester. We also talk about my struggles with breastfeeding and the challenges my daughter and I overcame to still be breastfeeding at 13 months, including latch issues, oversupply, and two breast strikes. In this, I share some great tips I received from the lactation consultant we saw when Albie was two weeks old. We also talk at length about the pressure of motherhood as a whole, my approach to sleep including my love of dummies and the pressure I felt to not create bad habits, plus so much more.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Lucy Slight on Instagram.Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak to my friend Victoria White, mum to Maxim and Luka. Vic has been through a lot - she and her husband, Mace went through IVF to conceive their son Maxim who was born via emergency c-section at Auckland hospital after a long labour. Following this, she developed a wound infection and she openly details her experience of this for us. She speaks about how her postpartum recovery affected her physically and mentally and she also speaks frankly about her breastfeeding struggles which she experienced with both of her babies. In this, she talks about coming to terms with the guilt of switching to formula feeding too. We talk about her unexpected pregnancy with her daughter, Luka when Maxim was just five months old and how she coped with the emotional toll and reconciled the guilt of their close age gap. We cover both babies' NICU stays, as well as the transition from one to two, and how her relationship with Mace was throughout each Fourth Trimester experience.Vic is nothing short of incredible – she is such a beautiful mother and wife and is someone I admire greatly for how she takes the journey of Motherness in her stride. Always with humour, boundless love and an infectious get-on-with it attitude. I know you’ll adore her story and have the utmost respect for her perspective and openness, as do I.Follow Vic White on Instagram.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today’s episode I speak with the lovely Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby about all things breastfeeding. Cathy is a mother-of-three, a qualified nurse, a midwife of 26 years, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Our conversation is thorough and long, so you’ll see I’ve released it in two parts, but both episodes are available now so you don’t have to wait to hear all of Cathy’s wisdom, tips, and advice. In this first part, we talk about what mothers can expect from the first few days and weeks when breastfeeding in terms of the types of milk we produce and the benefits. We go over the average breastfeeding timeline during the Fourth Trimester, what to expect from cluster feeding and what its purpose is, and we cover what your options are if you think you have low supply. And just quickly, a little disclaimer before we begin. As you know, my intention with all Motherness content is to hold space for mothers in all their glory – in all your glory. This episode is in no way me advocating for all or nothing when it comes to breastfeeding. I’ve always maintained the opinion that if you breastfed your baby when they were first born, you breastfed. If you breastfed your baby for a few days, weeks or months, you breastfed. If you pump and give your baby a bottle, or if you mix feed, you breastfeed too. However long or however breastfeeding looks for you, you’ve done it and that’s something to be celebrated. I hope this episode with Cathy enlightens and informs you, especially if you’re expecting, that it supports you and helps you on your feeding journey if it has begun. Follow Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby on Instagram. Visit her website here. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today’s episode, I speak with the lovely Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby about all things breastfeeding. Cathy is a mother-of-three, qualified nurse, midwife of 26 years, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. If you haven’t listened to the first half of our conversation yet, I highly recommend going back and listening to that episode first, before starting this one.In this second part, we talk about nipple pain and Cathy gives a great analogy for what’s normal and also guides us on when you should ask for help from your midwife or a lactation consultant. Cathy gives insightful advice for partners in supporting a mother who’s breastfeeding, and she talks about tongue ties including what can be done if it’s affecting your feeding or whether or not you should cut one if it’s not, in fact, causing any issues. We also go into spilly babies, tips for introducing a bottle, her thoughts on pumps, and advice she has for mothers embarking or in the Fourth Trimester.I hope you enjoy.Follow Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby on Instagram. Visit her website here. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In today’s episode, I speak with the incredibly knowledgeable Caitlin Day, mum of one and a qualified women's, men's and pelvic health physio. She goes by The Vagina Physio on Instagram so that says it all really - we talk about vaginas.. a lot. But we also go over c-section recovery, sex after birth, returning to exercise and above all else, what ideal postnatal recovery looks like. Therefore, we also cover what lies outside of that as pelvic floor issues, such as prolapse, vaginal tightness, abdominal separation, and discomfort during sex. We go into detail about pessaries too. You’ll quickly discover from our chat that despite it often being regarded as such, leakage or pain 'down there' doesn’t have to be your new normal, but it is really common. My hope for anyone listening to this conversation is that if you feel like something’s not right ‘down there’ that my chat with Caitlin makes you feel at ease and empowered to take your pelvic health into your own hands and consult a physio. I’m 12 months postpartum and I’ve booked in to see Caitlin myself, so even if you, like me, don’t think you have any issues, consider this permission (not that you really need it but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded) to put yourself first and get your pelvic floor checked by a professional. This episode is not sponsored, I reached out to Caitlin myself. If you'd like to book in for a postpartum pelvic health consultation with her, visit www.innercorephysio.co.nz and keep an eye out on Instagram to hear when Cailtin's new physio and pilates studio, Unity Studios will be open.Thanks so much, Caitlin!Follow Caitlin Day of The Vagina Physio on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with Meg Raynor, mum to twin boys Cooper and Theo. Meg openly details her experience with having an emergency c-section when her waters unexpectedly broke at her chiropractor appointment at 31 weeks pregnant. Due to her gestation, she was sent by ambulance to Waikato hospital as she couldn't birth at Tauranga Hospital for the boys were too early. She shares what it was like having her babies spend two weeks in NICU at Waikato hospital and another six weeks at SCBU in Tauranga Hospital, including what it was like day-in and day-out of having babies in care, being discharged from hospital for the first time without her babies going with her, hand expressing and pumping for her babies for weeks on end, the nerves she felt around breastfeeding for the first time and the milestones the boys needed to reach to go home.We cover what life was like when they got home in terms of sleep and feeding, and how Meg had a 'breastfeeding holiday' to mimic cluster feeding in order to get the boys breastfeeding from her exclusively and eliminating bottles for top-up feeds of her pumped milk. She speaks candidly about her gradual bonding experience with the boys and how having twins has been for her relationship. Meg also touches on how she feels about her postpartum body, especially in light of her difficulties with restrictive eating and over-exercising in the past, and how she recovered physically from her c-section after consulting a postpartum physio. When listening to Meg, you’ll hear that despite her considerate, gentle demeanor, when it comes to her babies she’s always been fiercely protective, but in the same sense, I really appreciate her honesty about how she feels when reflecting on her Fourth Trimester. I won’t spoil it for you but I think many of us will echo Meg’s sentiments even if your journey looks different to hers.Follow Meg Raynor on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with qualified sleep consultant and mother of one, Lucy Burns of The Sleep Scout. Known as a 'gentle' sleep consultant, I quiz Lucy on the science of newborn sleep and what normal sleep patterns look like for babies in the Fourth Trimester. We cover what it means to have a gentle approach, and when she believes it is a good time is to consider sleep training. The thing I love about Lucy is that she's firm in her opinion that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep and is completely supportive of families doing what is right for them and their babies. She's not your stereotypical cry-it-out sleep consultant by any means, and this episode is not intended to encourage sleep training with your newborn. I think you'll find it's quite the opposite! We talk about why she likes dummies, as well as other positive and negative sleep associations - and she offers great insight into how to best ditch dummies and transition out of swaddles. We discuss the dreaded four-month sleep regression, how this is a progression of a baby's sleep cycles, and cover the difference between self-settling and re-settling. Whether your baby self-settles, is fed to sleep, rocked to sleep, worn to sleep, patted to sleep, shushed to sleep, cuddled to sleep, or you co-sleeping, you do you mama. I hope everyone who listens finds this episode both comforting and practical. This episode is not sponsored, I reached out to Lucy myself. But I do use Lucy's guides for my daughter, Albie's routine and when we started following them she began sleeping through the night. Coincidence? I think not! If you'd like to book in for one of Lucy's sleep consultations, visit www.thesleepscout.com and use the code motherness10 for 10% off both standard and express consults until March 12, 2020. You can also email Lucy to purchase her guide and mention this episode for 10% off this as well! Thanks so much, Lucy!Follow Lucy Burns of The Sleep Scout on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Little Bambinos, a lovingly curated online store for minis and their mamas. Use code MOTHERNESS at checkout to receive 10% off storewide. Visit littlebambinos.co.nz to shop. In this episode, I speak with Jess Britten, mum to 15-month old daughter Stevie. Jess shares her positive birth experience, where she had Stevie in the water at Parnell Birthcare. She then goes on to detail the first days with her newborn and how she recovered physically from birth - nothing is left unsaid in this episode, we chat about easing the pain of tearing when peeing and the anxiety of the first post-birth poo. Yes, really! Spoiler alert: it's not as scary as you think. We also talk at length about her intense emotional journey during the Fourth Trimester and her desire to stay quiet and insular with her little family as they got to know each other. I was also excited to speak to Jess about her and her partner, Warren's choice to bedshare with Stevie from day one at home. We cover safe sleeping practices as well as where she finds her confidence to make intuitive decisions that are right for her baby and her family, despite concepts like bedsharing not being supported by organisations such as Plunket and regardless of the constant questioning she faced about Stevie's sleep from early on. She maintains how important it is to find sources of support that align with your own parenting approach so you don't feel isolated in your choices as a mother.Jess is, in my opinion, a shining example of motherness – self-assured, positive, dedicated and unapologetic in her parenting choices yet incredibly open about the challenges, flaws and doubts we all face. I know you'll love her episode. Thank you so much again to Little Bambinos for supporting this episode of Motherness.Follow Jess Britten on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak with mum of three, Mandy Duncan about her newborn journeys with each of her children. Mandy talks about her first long labour which ended in an emergency c-section and her desire to have elective c-sections for her subsequent births - both times Mandy was already in labour having contractions but chose to proceed with the c-section. She speaks of her struggles with breastfeeding her first two children due to a lack of education and support around what was normal but goes on to share how she breastfed her third baby for a year. As a result, her approach to sleep with her third baby was different from the independence of her first two children and she talks about how she chose to feed-to-sleep and co-sleep with Oakly. We speak at length about motherhood as a whole and she talks about the challenges having children placed on her marriage. She details the importance of learning to put herself first in order to save her marriage. Mandy also openly shares her experience with an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage and explains how this gave her a new perspective on the Fourth Trimester her third time around. The strength in Mandy's vulnerability as she shares is incredible. I hope you take something valuable away from Mandy's episode. Thank you, Mandy. Thank you so much. Follow Mandy Duncan on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram. Follow Motherness on Instagram.

In this episode, I speak to mum of one, Lucy Slight about her newborn journey with her now 6-month-old daughter Tui. Lucy talks us through her long labour and ventouse delivery of Tui and speaks positively of the nights she spent at Auckland's Waitakere Hospital following her birth where they established breastfeeding thanks to the help of midwives. She then goes on to talk about how Tui was a small baby who was slow to gain weight and how Lucy was encouraged to pump and give expressed breastmilk top ups before she saw a lactation consultant when Tui was six weeks old. The LC assisted Lucy in ensuring Tui had a deeper latch and this appointment was a game changer for increasing Lucy's supply.We cover their sleep routine in the early months where Tui preferred to nap on Lucy during the day and how they overcame witching hour by breastfeeding frequently and establishing routine. We also discuss how Tui was quite an unsettled, sensitive baby and how Lucy coped emotionally with the difficulties of trying to help Tui be more content, as she battled windiness and gas. Lucy generously shares all the things they tried including putting Tui on Losec (Omeprazole) and seeing an osteopath. Lucy is also incredibly honest about the emotional toll the Fourth Trimester took on her, and how her bonding experience with Tui wasn't the newborn love bubble that she expected but how okay and normal that is. We touch on expectations of motherhood, strength in her relationship with husband, Clint, and where she found support during this time.I'm so grateful to Lucy for her generosity, honesty and openness and I know you will be too. Thank you, Lucy. Thank you so much. Follow Lucy Slight on Instagram. Follow Skye Ross on Instagram.Follow Motherness on Instagram.

Hi, I'm Skye Ross, a mum to my almost one-year-old daughter, Albie and I live on Auckland's North Shore with my partner Mark.This trailer episode is an introduction to Motherness and our first season, The Fourth Trimester where I'll be interviewing modern mothers with varying stories and experiences of the newborn period, as well as professional experts. I invite you to join me as I sit down for conversations that are diverse, mindful and above all, exceptionally honest, covering topics related to raising newborn babies and navigating motherhood that are so often missed in antenatal classes. Nothing is off limits on Motherness.Follow Skye Ross on Instagram.Follow Motherness on Instagram.