RAWR The Podcast

Grab a coffee or a wine and enjoy this chat between friends - it's a goodie!   This episode really does have a bit of everything, including Jorden's fight for a diagnosis from the very beginning for her handsome boy Lincoln, sibling comparisons, diving deep down the medical/disability rabbit hole (if you know, you know), finding a community who get it, and her passion for raising awareness and connecting with others in this space. Jorden is so down to earth and so damn relatable! We know you'll love her as much as we do! Mentioned in this episode: - Jorden's Instagram: @lincolns.journey - Second Scout Routine Helpers - Hayley – Alee Disability Support Services - FreeArm - Tubie Fun

We had a very special guest join us for this episode – our friend Lizzy, AKA @mumof2pinks, who is super vulnerable in sharing her experience of being a full-time carer to her daughter Georgia. Lizzy breaks down the walls – and the stigma – and shares some hard (but oh so relatable) truths about losing her identity, the constant fight in all areas of her life, and her struggle every day to wake up and do it all over again. There's no bullshit here, it's honest and raw, and we are so thankful for her vulnerability (but don't worry, there's still plenty of giggles!) This episode is sponsored by Rudie Nudie: Waterproof playmats and picnic rugs for families that love fun! Mentioned in this episode: - Melanie Dimmitt @the_special_book

We're back!! Welcome to what we're calling Season Two, cos it makes it sound like we totally planned the 6 week break and have this all under control! But seriously, we are feeling FRESH and ready to keep fighting the good fight alongside our community of RAWR-ers. This week's chat is just that – a RAWR Real Talk catch up between friends about everything that's been happening over the past few weeks, including Riley's upcoming PEG surgery, Jack's chronic cough and how it's absolutely OK to cut back on therapies. Thankyou for being here, please help us get back up the charts and into people's ears by rating, reviewing, subscribing, and sharing us far and wide. This episode is sponsored by Ultimate Patch : Natural health patches packed with ingredients known to assist with moods, sleep, stress, anxiety, fatigue, balance and libido! Amy & Grecian x Mentioned in this episode: - Ronald McDonald House Charities - Go Fund Me: Grow Baby Gracie  - Squiqz - Alee Disability Support Services - Melanie Dimmitt, author Special & The Blend - Colleen Hoover (Books)

Emma's BAAACK! RAWR's original co-host Emma came back for a 'no bullshit' check-in and to once again break the stigma surrounding some very important and poignant topics. We laughed, we cried and we didn't hold back talking about the anxiety and trauma of high-risk pregnancy after loss, as well as the lack of control and heartache we feel when things don't go the way we hoped. Emma talks about her struggles with societal expectations of pregnancy and birth and what that should look like, and how heartache and gratefulness can co-exist. Her words are powerful and need to be heard far and wide. What a woman.  This episode is sponsored by Zoono: the next level germ protection you've been waiting for. Zoono currently have a 40% off summer stock clearance sale!  Mentioned in this episode: Blog: The anxious reality of a high-risk pregnancy 

This was SO much fun! In honour of the recent Feeding Tube Awareness Week (FTAW 2023), we wanted to squash the myths and misconceptions of tube feeding, and who else do you turn to other than the queens in this space?! We sat down with Melanie Dimmitt, author of The Blend, and Sarah Thomas, founder of Wholesome Blends, to share some of our own personal experiences and stories as mama's of children with a feeding tube, and let us just say it's so freaking refreshing to be surrounded by people who can laugh at the same ‘not so average' mama stuff that you don't read about in the baby books! If you don't have or know a tubie, I highly encourage you to listen through this and learn something new – it is likely that your own child will go to school with a child with a feeding tube or a disability and we think it's so important that us as parents teach them about and celebrate differences. And if you are the parent of a tubie yourself, grab a wine and enjoy this chat between friends – this is going to fill your cup for the week!  Mentioned in this episode: Wholesome Blends 'The Blend' Magazine Special Book Too Peas in a Podcast Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation

Happy Feeding Tube Awareness Week! In honour of FTAW, we invited the incredible powerhouse Sarah from Wholesome Blends onto the pod. Sarah is such a good time, she found a gap in the market as a consumer - she wanted and needed a product for her own tube fed child and couldn't find – so she created it! We will let the expert herself tell you all about it during the episode, but in a nutshell, Wholesome Blends is real food for tubies. We chat with Sarah about her journey to tube feeding her son Lewis, to creating her successful enterprise, and her tips and tricks on starting out with blends. Sarah is back later this week for a BONUS episode to help us debunk some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding tube feeding – what a week it's going to be!! Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Wholesome Blends: Australasia's first REAL food option for enteral feeding. Each shelf-stable pouch of Wholesome Blends is high in calories and contains nothing but fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins. No nasties, added sugars or preservatives. Mentions Wholesome Blends FTAW - Feedingtubeaware.com.au IDDSI organisation Ausee Inc Melanie Dimmitt – Special The Blend HECSA Tubie Fun Vitamix and BlendTec Blenders - Both available from Wholesome Blends

Just because it's too cute not to share with the world!! Enjoy a bite-sized chat and some giggles with our little darlings Riley & Jack (with some Hanna & James mixed in!) We think they're pretty special! 

We sat down with our eldest darlings, Adelyn and James, and asked them about the ups and downs of life as big siblings and how they feel about Riley and Jack's disabilities and medical needs. Basically a whole bunch of cuteness that the world needs to hear! Enjoy!  And you heard our little legends - please leave us a review, give us 5 stars, and share us with your friends! Mentioned in this episode: Rosalyn & Rae Alee Disability Support Services

Introducing a VERY special guest to RAWR The Podcast, Tori Meskin aka Nurse Tori! Tori is an absolute powerhouse, she is a registered nurse with 10 years experience specialising in neonatal and paediatric intensive care, as well as a blogger, content creator, keynote speaker AND podcaster. She is a natural born leader and a positive and inspiring role model who is passionate about presenting a fun and relatable side of the healthcare world full of education, health, wellness and motivational topics. Amy sat down with Tori (unfortunately Grecian was in hospital at the time with Riley) to gain an insight into NICU life from a nurse's perspective, including the highs and lows of being a NICU nurse, her tips for both nurses and families who experience NICU, the realities of caring for the tiniest of babies and their families, and we also asker her your listener questions! This episode is sponsored by Smoo Mini Smoothie Cups : helping parents navigate fussy eating, encouraging healthier habits using a positive and playful approach. Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY with Smoo over on Instagram on either (or all) of these pages: @smoo.com.au | @rawr.thepodcast | @growing_our_tribe | @miraclemumma Mentioned in this episode: Tori's Instagram: @nurse.tori_ Tori's Website: Tips from Tori Tori's Podcast: The Cellfie Show Podcast March of Dimes Perfectly Preemie Miracle Mumma Every Tiny Thing

This week we talk about advocating and fighting for your child (we've all been there), the many different factors that come into play, and how it's not always as simple and easy as it seems. Alongside our own experiences, we break down the six main 'negative' themes identified in the blog titled 'The how to advocate for your child one' by Penny from Sick Happens that parents have encountered when in hospital with their sick child.  Disclaimer: the purpose of this episode is not to 'bag out' healthcare professionals or systems, but to give families a voice and shine a light on some of the ways that we struggle to advocate and feel heard when our child is unwell.  Mentioned in this episode: - Sick Happens  https://www.sickhappens.com.au/blog/the-how-to-advocate-for-your-child-one - Hospital Paediatrics 2020 Study 

We invited Hayley from Alee Disability Support Services onto the pod to discuss all things NDIS - plan reviews, gaining access, therapist reports, providing evidence, support coordination, ‘parental responsibility', and so much more! We also answer some of the most frequent listener questions in this space and provide recommendations for support. This episode is extremely informative. We hope it will help many of you who are navigating the NDIS and feeling overwhelmed AF.  Mentioned in this episode: - Alee Disability Support Services Email: hayley@aleedisability.com - NDIS Gaining Access - NDIS Know-how Podcast - The Special Book by Melanie Dimmitt - Twenty One Gifts - Grecian's Reco: Germanica 7.7L Airfryer - Amy's Reco: Koala Mattress & Bed Base - Amy's Reco: Firefly Lane on Netflix

A sneaky bonus ep to catch us all up to date....basically sit in our Friday night therapy sesh where we chat through Grecian's Christmas in hospital with Riley. Nothing fancy, just the RAWR truths of being a medical mama.  Happy New Year x

It's been a little hectic, so we've dropped another Life Update on Jack and Riley...from Jack's recent psychologist appointment to Riley's ENT surgery and extended hospital stay. We discuss the usual bits - sleep, poop, and emotions - as well as the heart-wrenching juggle of hospital and home life, and a brief sneak peek into NDIS leading into the next episode. We share your Mum Brain Moments and also introduce our new segment: 'RAWR Recommendations'. It's jam-packed, and we hope you love it!  Mentioned in this episode: - Subo The Food Bottle - Ikea Battery Milk Frother - Kmart USB Blender - Tubie Fun Reusable Pouches - 'The Poo in You' Educational Video - 'Everyone Poops' by Taro Gomi Read Aloud - 'Toilet Time' Adelaide OT - 'The Feeling Series' Books by Trace Moroney - Alee Disability Support Services - Kidzshack (Cubby) - Nurse Tori (Instagram: @nurse.tori_)  

We're back! It's been a hot minute, so we've kept it very simple this week and just talked shit (at times literally) for the whole ep. Just your typical A & G life update, including: - The very real ups and downs of our recent family getaways – holidaying is just parenting in another place, right? - Riley update – ENT surgery and a well-deserved equipment grant! - Jack update – Therapies, progress, and sleep…should we bunk the boys together? ...with so many inappropriate laughs in between - I mean, is it even a RAWR Real Talk episode if we don't talk about bodily fluids and orifices?! Enjoy, we've missed you! Mentioned in this episode: - Spotify Wrapped - Running for Premature Babies - Variety Charities - Lively Eaters

This week we chat with Elle, a mama of 2 boys up in the sky and 1 boy here on earth, with another little guy on the way via surrogate. Ellie's story is another difficult one, but is also filled with hope, acceptance and gratitude. We discuss the loss of Elle's boys Taj & Lenny at 20 and 21 weeks of pregnancy, her battle with unexplained infertility followed by multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts and an endometriosis diagnosis, a NICU journey with 25-weeker Sonny, and her current experience with surrogacy – Elle is currently filled to the brim with love as she awaits the arrival of her next little boy with her amazingly kind-hearted surrogate Sarah. Elle tackles her challenges with such grace and transparency, and opens up about how she's learnt to surrender and trust the universe, as well as the inward work she's done to accept her journey, to find peace and hope and to welcome the path she was given.   We think she's an absolutely remarkable woman and we know you will too! Mentioned in this episode:  - Elle's Instagram: @elle__turner - Elle's Blog: Hey Little Miracle

In Part 2 of this ‘Real Talk' episode we give a life update before jumping into how and why we downplay our OWN shit to protect ourselves and others. We then get vulnerable by exposing some of the darker complexities of medical anxiety, including the ways we worry when our child improves medically. We then have a LOL (with you, not at you!) as we share some of your very best medical mama fails.  We hope you love it RAWR-ers! Mentioned in this episode: - Australian Podcast Awards - The Rare Life (Episode #64 - ‘Improvement-triggered grief')

In Part 1 of this ‘Real Talk' episode we talk about toxic positivity, also known as bright-siding, also known as the opposite of what we need as parents of children with medical and special needs! This topic comes up every single week, so we think it deserves its very own episode. We break down how toxic positivity is displayed, how it downplays and invalidates the emotions of others, the damage it can cause, and how we can manage or escape it.  We have a good chuckle in this one, we hope you do too!  Mentioned in this episode: - New Moon Support Services - Life Uncut Podcast (Ep 29:Gas Lit City Baby)

Sophie is a hero in our eyes - and it's no surprise she has been publicly recognised as one. Her story and what she's created in response to her grief has already touched so many. In this episode, Sophie opens up about tragically losing her triplet sons and how she and her husband Ash founded the Australian registered charity Running for Premature Babies in their memory. She later went on to have two more sons before losing Ash to an aggressive form of brain cancer. Sophie has turned tragedy into hope and finds beauty in the smallest moments.  Today, Running for Premature Babies has raised $5 million for life saving neonatal equipment and research to give premature babies a better chance of survival and better quality of life. In memory of Sophie's late husband Ash, and their babies Henry, Jasper and Evan. This episode is sponsored by Marsupi Australia: the most comfortable and easy to use baby carrier you will ever own. Mentioned in this episode: - Premmie Marathon Challenge - register HERE! *Don't forget to join the Miracle Mumma team during registration, or donate to our team HERE! - Book: 'Sophie's Boys' - Running Bare - charity sponsor - Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick - Lachy Wiggle @lachy_wiggle - Parents Who Have Been There

We're so excited to welcome Krysten @the_therapist_parent to the podcast! Krysten is a highly-skilled and knowledgeable child psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children and families. We really made the most of her knowledge and covered so much, including… - Medical trauma - Can we be too lenient? - Sensory differences - Regulating emotions in both ourselves and our children - Why she doesn't support rewards and punishment - Toileting e.g. poo - Autism - Supporting siblings …and she also answered a number of your specific listener questions! Krysten focuses on gentle parenting but she also recognises that it's bloody tough and it's completely normal and ok to not have it together all the time. Every single minute of the episode is full of incredible tools, strategies and advice for real-life and relatable parenting situations specific to our community, and we just wish every parent on the planet could hear it! We feel so honoured and privileged to bring this episode to you! This episode is sponsored by Peach & Pip, an Australian based, family operated, online toy store with one goal in mind: providing high-quality non toxic and sustainable toys for every little Pip. Mentioned in this episode: @the_therapist_parent The Therapist Parent Book - ‘The Dream Director' by Krysten Taprell  

In this week's episode Amy & Grecian go back to the beginning and talk about how to best help and support a friend who has a baby in NICU, as well as what not to do/say and the best gifts you can give – we're not lying when we say the best gift is ‘doing' without being asked! We recall the memorable things that people did to support us personally, as well as some harder parts of the experience that we wish others could better understand. We hope it provides some insight and is shared far and wide for those who are currently in the depths of NICU life. Today's episode is sponsored by Miracle Mumma: an online store and community supporting families of premature and/or unwell babies by providing hope, comfort and a sense of belonging. Mentioned in this episode Miracle Mumma Blog Post Aug 2016: “How to help your friend who has a baby in NICU” Miracle Mumma “Your Little Head Start” by Nick & Hannah Stenmark ABC News Article Sept 2022: “Program encourages parents to read to their newborns in neonatal intensive care” Running for Premature Babies – Premmie Marathon Challenge Miracle Mumma Team

In this episode we share a story that's different to anything else we've had here before, it's truly eye-opening and brings so much perspective. Danielle is a mum to 4 beautiful children, 3 girls all born healthy and 1 son Chase who has a rare genetic disorder. Danielle opens up about the overwhelming joys and sorrows of raising a child with a severe disability and high needs, proving that disability isn't a burden, it doesn't define us and isn't something to pity – it is filled with fun and adventure and the very best challenges and the brightest of moments.  We seriously believe Danielle could change the world, we fell in love and we hope you do too. Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by 3 Little Rabbits Bums: creating handmade items aimed at special needs mama's and their superhero children. Mentioned in this episode: - 3 Little Rabbits Bums - High needs for adventure and travel - Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

In this week's episode Amy & Grecian share a life update (gosh we love a chat!) before delving deep into siblings, sleep, and going back to work after maternity leave. We chat through the ups and downs of raising siblings with different needs, and the associated impact this can have on emotions and relationships. We then discuss all things sleep (yep, you asked for it!) along with the often unrecognised anxiety that can come with returning to work after an extended period of time off with your baby. Run a bath, pop us in your ears and enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Smoo Mini Smoothie Cups : helping parents navigate fussy eating, encouraging healthier habits using a positive and playful approach. Mentioned in this episode: - Quote by 'Unknown' "If you want to know how to treat a child with special needs, look at their sibling. They'll show you." - Quote by Sally Phillips “The siblings of special needs children are quite special. Absolutely accepting and totally loving, from birth, someone who is different mentally, and has a different way of seeing the world, is a wonderful trait. It's a trait I wish there was another way of getting, but there isn't. And it does involve a degree of not having it fantastically easy.” - Zazu ‘Sam the Lamb' - Riff Raff Sleep Toys - Kasey Brooks @_mrskaseybrooks_ - see Episode 15

In this episode we speak with Georgie, the incredible mama of ‘one in a million' Eve, who has an incurable rare genetic lung and heart disease, the only one in Australia. Georgie talks about the unknowns of Eve's condition and the realities of not having a proper diagnosis for your child, along with the ins and outs of having an older child on oxygen and how she advocates for Eve both medically and socially – she is a wealth of knowledge and has some great tips and tricks on these topics! We also talk about their decision to have another child after Eve, and their recent stay in ICU with BOTH of their babies at the same time due to the dreaded RSV. Georgie is such a bright light of positivity – we just love her energy and joy for life, and we hope you love the episode!

This episode Amy & Grecian talk all about school mum life – the juggle of the morning rush, drop off and pick up, big emotions, dividing time between children, school holidays and the mental load of, well, everything! This one is suited to ALL mama's, but we do of course touch on the extra hurdles and challenges we face with our ride or die darlings with additional needs. We hope you love it! This episode is sponsored by Jellystone Designs: Australia's favourite silicone chews for nurturing wellbeing and curiosity. Mentioned in this episode: - Enlightened Hair Studio - ‘First Day of School' Poem by Wendy Silva - B-Box (Bento Lunchboxes)

This episode Amy and Grecian give a run down and life update on their tough past few weeks with Jack (lungs) and Riley (tube feeding), and we also answer some of your questions. We get real vulnerable and share our battle scars - sometimes we hurt in places we least expect it. This one's a bit of a rollercoaster, there's a lot of raw truths, tears and laughs. Thanks for coming along for the ride and RAWR-ing alongside us.  This episode is sponsored by Forever Toys: an Australian mama-run shop featuring quality open-ended wooden toys for all ages that ignite imagination, creating memories to treasure forever. 

This week we chat to another downright phenomenal guest, Rachel, from @our_rough_journey on Instagram. Rachel is a mama to three beautiful children, one who is earthside and the other two who are sparkling bright in the sky. Rachel shares her story of a full-term stress-free pregnancy with her first child Kai, followed by two complicated pregnancies involving intra-uterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, abruption and premature birth which both devastatingly ended in neonatal death. Rachel and her partner found out they are carriers of the LARS1 gene, that has only 25 recorded cases worldwide. There is a 1 in a million chance to have a baby affected with this disorder and it happened to them twice. Now, they are starting IVF with embryo genetic testing to fulfil their dream of bringing their fourth child into the world.   Trigger warning: This episode talks about traumatic experiences including pregnancy complications, premature birth and infant loss. We recommend you protect your heart and your soul and turn this podcast off now if these topics are triggering for you.  

We chat with another incredible guest this week, Hayley from @hayleyandtheboys_ivfmiracles. Hayley is an IVF warrior times two, the second time around they endured 23 rounds over multiple years. Throughout all of this, her first son Liam was diagnosed with global developmental delay, autism, ADHD and epilepsy, amongst others. In this episode we chat with Hayley about how this all came to be diagnosed, the early signs and behaviours that Liam displayed and how they managed in those earlier days. We then talk about Liam now and what a typical day looks like for their family including little brother Alexander who just turned one, and how they've learned to know what is best for Liam and the routines they've put into place to support him. This episode is sponsored by Second Scout: magnetic timber weekly planners and routine helpers designed by an Australian Mum of two that empower and promote independence for kids of all abilities.

In Part 2, Amy & Grecian focus on sensory differences, regulation of emotions, poo (all the poo!) and medical trauma in children. They talk through their own personal experiences with these everyday challenges, what has/hasn't worked for them and trying to access supports and therapies for these specific areas.  Mentioned in this episode: @the_therapist_parent @justkeepstimming_ @ot_mama_of_twins

In Part 1, Amy & Grecian discuss the everyday juggle and challenges of therapies and the importance of finding the right team. They talk through their own personal experiences with oral aversion, feeding and speech delays, along with trying to find the right strategies to navigate challenging behaviours. This episode is sponsored by Busy Books Australia: interactive activity books that empower children of all ages and abilities to foster a strong, fun relationship with learning that lasts a lifetime.

This one is a little different and will affect you in a big way – it certainly left us in awe! Jade shares an unfiltered account of ‘taking life one minute at a time' as a mother battling BPD, PTSD & ADHD. She shows a shitload of courage by stepping up and being a voice for an under-represented and invisible group in the hopes she can reach not only other mothers who are battling with mental health conditions, but also those who are unfamiliar and have a lot to learn. This is a mother's story of struggle, determination, hope and love, and it's so damn powerful. This episode is sponsored by Smoo Mini Smoothie Cups : helping parents navigate fussy eating, encouraging healthier habits using a positive and playful approach.   

This week Grecian chats to her husband Justin about his experience as a father of a child with additional needs. Justin gives an honest and profound insight into navigating the everyday realities of Riley's diagnosis of cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, epilepsy, and possible autism/sensory processing disorder. Together, Justin and Grecian reflect on the challenges of twin and sibling comparisons, missed milestones, the frustrations of fighting for answers and the contrast of expectation versus reality. WHAT. A. TEAM! This episode is sponsored by ZOONO® : the next level germ protection you've been waiting for.

Please join us for Grecian's very first episode as co-host!! We talk about the isolating, heart-breaking and downright frustrating realities of navigating winter with a vulnerable child. This episode has everything from the anxiety of everyday outings and fear of the common cold, to the impact of isolation (guilt, anyone?) and being made to feel over-cautious or unreasonable. If you cringe when you hear people say 'you just need to build up their immune system', then this one is for you!  Mentioned in this episode:  - Miracle Mumma Blog: Premmie isolation during winter is no joke! - 'Running for Premature Babies' Kids Fun Run  

This week Amy chats with her very own Mumma Bear, Robyn, about being both a Mum and a Nanna who has closely experienced all the hardships alongside her daughter over the past 8-ish years. Robyn provides a valuable insight into the profound impact that infertility, NICU and special needs can have on our loved ones and our biggest supporters. She describes the heavy weight of the worry, how she feels double the pain, and the daily heartache she has endured while watching her children and grandchildren withstand continuous suffering and adversity.   This episode contains constant high-pitched laughs, constant use of the word ‘shit', and even a snort!! Don't miss it!

If there was ever anyone that perfectly represented the RAWR community, it's Jade! In this episode, Jade shares the story of Toby, who sadly passed away after 204 days in NICU. She opens up about the lead-up to Toby's premature birth, followed by his long turbulent NICU journey, where she became an expert and advocated hard until the end, leaving no stone unturned. Jade bravely talks us through the day Toby passed, options for after death, and how she fought through all the uncomfortable moments and said yes to the things that were hard. Thankyou Jade for your courage in helping to break the taboo so we can do better in this space. This episode is dedicated to Toby James Phillips 13/01/2021 – 04/08/2021                                    Mentioned in this episode: The PPROM Foundation

Amy chats to Grecian about the premature birth of her twins, the push-pull of having two babies in the nursery, how a subsequent baby can bring a sense of healing, and the frustration of fighting for a diagnosis. There's sooo many relatable ‘nodding along' moments in this one, we hope you love it! *This episode also includes an update on RAWR moving forward, and announces a special Giveaway!  Mentioned in this episode:  - Raphael Services, St John of God

"We don't treat him any differently but we just do stuff differently".  Part 2 of Amy's chat with her husband Scott focuses on the highs and lows of being a special needs Dad. Scott talks about receiving a diagnosis, the toll of a relentless schedule and how he feels as a father supporting his child through medical trauma. Scott gives a beautiful insight into how he wouldn't change anything, and how it's made all of us - especially our two boys - who we are today.   

This week Amy chatted with her husband and biggest supporter Scott (well, Amy chatted, and Scott sat

A 'short and sweet' episode this week introducing Miracle Mumma's newest team member Nadine to the wider premmie and NICU community! Nadine shares her experience of having a 25-weeker after two full-term babies and has some touching insights into enduring a lengthy NICU and hospital stay during covid, the added isolation of being a long way from home, along with the challenges of having older siblings of a baby in NICU. Mentioned in this episode:  - Ronald McDonald House Charities  - Miracle Mumma

This episode is a special one! We are joined by the incredibly inspiring and much-loved members of the premmie, NICU and loss community, Kasey & Trent Brooks. We chat about the toll of enduring child loss and a subsequent high-risk pregnancy, along with grief, men's mental health (the realities of being a NICU Dad) and what the future holds. We hope you love it!  Mentioned in this episode:  - Bodhi and Friends @bodhi_andfriends  

We welcome Tara back to the pod (from ep. 12) to talk about the impact, repercussions and ongoing challenges of a disability diagnosis. We touch on the feelings of both anger and relief that can come with a diagnosis, how we struggle to advocate for ourselves, our natural desire to protect and shield others, and the challenges of good ol' social media. We know so many of you will relate!  You can read more about Tara & Jude's story here:  Blog: Heart of a Warrior  Instagram: @lionheart_mumma 

This episode is dedicated to Willow Mae Bone. 29/4/20 - 28/4/21. Forever in our hearts and shining brightly in the sky. This week we honour the memory of Willow. Amy invites Kate from 'Milkshakes for Marleigh' and Emma from 'The Carers Club' to talk about holding space for grief and honouring special dates and anniversaries, while remembering Willow and holding Emma, Dylan and Hazel close to our hearts. Please note: this is a raw and unfiltered chat about infant loss and bereavement and may be triggering.  Mentioned in this episode: - Milkshakes for Marleigh - The Carers Club - Audio: 'Winter Bear' by Coby Grant - Audio: 'And if you can't' by Sydney Hatcher of Carmen's Miracle Makers "Run darling, run as fast as the stream flows. And if you can't, I'll run for you." - Sydney Hatcher  

In this week's episode, Tara shares the journey of her warrior Jude, who fell devastatingly ill at just a few weeks of age. Their lives as they knew it were sent into complete turmoil and nothing could have prepared them for the challenges and devastation they were faced with, including sepsis, seizures, meningitis, brain damage and a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery. This story is quite heart-wrenching but also gives so much hope. In Tara's words, its a journey of love, pain, strength, resilience and everything in-between. We just know it's a story the world needs to hear. Mentioned in this episode:  - Heart of a Warrior (Tara's Blog) - HeartKids - Ronald McDonald House Charities - Miracle Mumma

In our first 'RAWR Real Talk' episode we go back to the basics and have a casual chat about life - the good, the bad and the ugly. Emma talks about her recent break from the pod, sharing her truths and vulnerabilities about how despite society's expectations, grief doesn't get easier a year on. And Amy talks us through where they're at with Jack and how his increased awareness and insight of his medical procedures has been difficult for the family.  Mentioned in this episode:  Nurturing Gnomes @travelingwithgrief Moving forward we aim to do a 'RAWR Real Talk' every month about life in general, where we're at emotionally, and what's happening behind the scenes. We hope you feel comfort knowing that you're not alone in the moments that others don't see.   

We chat with Amy's fertility specialist Dr. Ray Yoong about all things infertility. Join us for an unfiltered and informative discussion about everything from endometriosis, AMH levels and laparoscopic surgery, to the hard conversations and when to say no. This is an episode everyone can learn something from and one that every woman needs to hear!  Mentioned in this episode:  - Dr Ray Yoong - Repromed

Infertility warrior Olivia shares her ongoing struggle with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis, including multiple surgeries, chemically induced menopause, egg & embryo preservation and IVF.   Liv opens up about this taboo subject with such courage and grace in the hopes that others can stop suffering in silence. She says "we celebrate pregnancies with all our friends, family and the community but when it doesn't happen or doesn't go to plan you're expected to deal with all those emotions yourself. It has never made sense to me."   Mentioned in this episode: - Dr Ray Yoong - Repromed

This week we had a chat with one of our fav SuperMama's Hayley about the misconceptions of parenting a child with a chronic medical condition and invisible disability, the psychological impact of medical trauma and a child's subsequent need for control, Hayley's recent cancer diagnosis, and her firecracker daughter Pippa who is the face of a very special @costco_aus campaign supporting @wchfoundation. Mentioned in this episode:  WCH Foundation - https://wchfoundation.org.au Costco - https://www.costco.com.au Total Support Services - https://totalsupportservices.com.au Carers SA - https://www.carerssa.com.au We hope you love it, thankyou for listening!  Emma & Amy x

This episode we chat to Sydney Hatcher, founder of Carmen's Miracle Makers, three-time author, and above all, mother to four girls, one of which resides in heaven. We discuss the loss of Sydney's 'heart warrior' daughter Carmen, including their long PICU stay and how Sydney found hope and brightness in the small but mighty moments. Pain and passion collided, and Sydney's mission ever since has been to continue Carmen's story by assisting other families in obtaining joy and finding the good in each day. This ep has something for everyone and feels like a big old hug from your very best friend.

This week we discuss the unknown and unexpected challenges of taking your premature baby home from hospital, including the misconceptions, guilt, grief, loneliness, self-doubt and lack of support. The premmie journey doesn't end when you leave NICU, and for some, it is just the beginning. We're here to remind you that there's a community of parents standing beside you who get it, and we've got your back. 

This week we chat with Kate from 'Milkshakes for Marleigh' about the realities of parenting medically complex kids, including carer burnout, isolation, NDIS, medical trauma and the things people should never say! We provide invaluable first-hand insight and advice while reflecting on our own experiences and coping strategies, with the hopes of making this journey a little less lonely for others. The Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast tells the survival stories of blood product recipients. Both Emma & Amy's families have benefited from Australian blood donors, making this pod extremely close to our hearts. You can find them wherever you get your pods, and be sure to register your next blood donation against their Lifeblood team!  We also mention The Carers Club in this episode, a community providing online and in-person support for carers, bereaved carers and friends of carers. You can find them here: www.thecarersclub.com.au Thankyou for listening!

This week we introduce our very first guest, Dani, who nearly lost her daughter Mahlia multiple times, enduring 8 surgeries and spending 310 days of her first year in hospital. Mahlia now lives with short bowel syndrome, a life-long condition requiring IV nutrition via a central line in her chest. Dani is a true inspiration and very loved member of our community - her story is one you don't want to miss!

This week we introduce you to the other half of the 'RAWR The Podcast' Team, Amy! Her story gives a raw and real insight into navigating infertility, premature birth, medically complex and special needs parenting. Amy opens up about her traumatic birth with James, the subsequent anxiety she experienced during her high-risk pregnancy with Jack and his ongoing medical challenges, with a few light-hearted laughs along the way.