What I Know Now - the Suite Set Podcast

How do I host a baby shower?What are the best baby shower presents?  (hint, a suite set)What are the best baby shower ideas?How do I do a virtual baby shower?These are Google's top baby shower questions, and I have answered them all in one special podcast. This baby shower podcast is a great one for parents to be to listen to, but it is a ripper to pass on to anyone who has been given the honour of arranging a baby shower.In this episode, you won't get any tips on balloon wreaths, or actual baby shower ideas - but you will get the most practical, positive steps to arrange a stress-free, inclusive and easy baby shower.We've got tips on virtual baby showers too and some ideas on the most important sort of presents parents-to-be really need at their baby shower.This podcast is presented by Dear Mama Store, and we've got two whopping shopping discounts for you in the episode.Links Ceci Fertility HandPolka DropRemember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.We acknowledge the Yugambeh people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Bundjalung land on which we live and run our business - where this podcast is recorded.We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.⁠

What I know now, couldn't be a more apt title for this episode of the podcast.I drank the odd wine when I was pregnant, a glass of celebratory champagne here and there. And I drank when I was breastfeeding, on one occasion (one of my bestie's 40th's) more than the odd wine. But I didn't know the information I know, now. And I would change that if I had the chance to again.This was a really hard podcast to decide to do - because it's such a controversial topic, and we're always loath to sound like fun police and we are certainly not shaming anyone who chooses to drink - we're just sharing the latest information.I was spurred on to do this podcast because I saw some simply wrong and not based in fact or evidence information on a new mum's site last week.If you'd like more information on drinking and pregnancy here is the official govt download Drinkwise campaign with Dr Andrew Rochford and Zoe Marshall links can be found here FASD information hub here and The Feedsafe app hereFor more on the suite set, and for your discount code  WIKN- please visit hereRemember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

We've collated the best online resources for pregnant people and parents. We know the online space is increasingly crowded, overwhelming and it's hard to determine where and who to trust with important parenting information. It's hard to regulate the space, and sometimes it's hard to work out the best advice - so in this episode of What I know Now - the suite set podcast - I've done all the research for you.These are mostly female funded and founded - and share the Suite Set values of robust information and service to families.I do go on a little rant about cyber hygiene  - and people who pray on the vunerablities of parents to be, and new parents.Here are the links I mentioned.Online courses and great Instagram sources and PodcastsEdwina at Birth Beat   Tiny Hearts Education Australian Birth Stories website and podcastParental As AnythingThe Fitnest Mama podcastOnline factsheets and expert articlesParents You've Got ThisMurdoch Children's Research Institute factsheetsSIDS and kids safe sleep - what's a safe cot.Royal Children's Hospital factsheetsMental Health SupportBeyond BluePANDACOPEGenetic Testing here from Mackenzie's Mission.Apps Family HQ - download it here This is hands-down the best app I've purchased as a parent.For information on taking away the overwhelm when it comes to working out what clothes baby needs for year one, visit us hereFor more on the suite set, and for your discount code - please visit hereRemember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

I see so many forums online ask What do I really need for Baby? and there is so much information out there, most of it tied to a product. The lists that the big stores give you for free are really just marketing tools - so we set to reviewing almost every baby product on the market and put it into one good downloadable. You can read the detailed PDF hereby clicking on The Ultimate Shopping Guide for Baby.In this episode, I run through a few products on the list and focus on ways things can feel a bit calmer.My key tips - Don't panic buy.You don't need all the things immediately. Don't buy in bulk until you've well and truly product testedFor some products cheap is better - save your money for the good things.It's important to remember your own safety and budget considerations when shopping for a baby, and know that there are many ways to get good baby products that are right for your family.Show links here - Our online course on everything you need to know to buy clothes and dress baby for year one  For less than the cost of a wondersuite - you can get all the info you need in videos and downloadable lists - here ).The winner of the workhorse, best ever product for shopping is the humble terry-towelling nappyOur choice of the best newborn clothes - soft, safe for baby.For the first two weeks - this is the sort of singlet I know to be best. When I talk about bottom button singlets - this is what I mean. Rearview mirror for baby here - don't splurge.Scroll down in this article for information on doonas, bumpers etc. ACCC on product safety for cots and sleeping hereBaby sleep suits we used and loved, for ease.

Control what you can. The rest? Come what may. And it may......Welcome back to What I Know Now, and welcome to the new year. If you're a new parent, a parent to be or a wishing to be parent - our mission is to provide you with researched and evidence-based information, backed by our real-life experiences.Today's podcast is an easy entry into the podcasting year for us - we wanted to start by sharing some really practical ideas on how to get calm before the baby arrives. It is all (evidence) based on the concept of taking small action steps to feel calmer. It's about controlling the controllable. There is a lot that we can't control going into giving birth, but there are some things we can do to be best prepared. Now it's important to recognise the difference between the two, and to know that by controlling what we can, it helps to have some confidence when the uncontrollable happens.In this episode, we talk about - 

How can I choose a good prenatal vitamin? We've shaken up our format for today's bonus podcast - because it's such an important topic, I really needed to call in the big guns. Today on the podcast we have the amazing Brittany Darling, BHSc Nutr speaking about the importance of good supplementation for prenatal, pregnancy and postnatal. I am passionate about sharing the best, researched and science-based information and Brittany has dedicated her career to supporting women with robust information and evidence-based nutritional medicine so it made sense to get some serious expertise in on the podcast today. This will be the longest podcast we do I think, but there was just so much to talk about. Pre and anti-natal vitamins are the ultimate in overwhelm, it's important to get it right and I know for a fact that it's hard to work out what is best. It's also important to find something that works for you in those early stages of pregnancy when you just want to lay on the floor, sleep or vomit. In this episode of what I know now, we talk about all things to consider when choosing a prenatal and postnatal vitamin.Brittany explains What to look for in a vitamin or supplementationfolate and/or folic acid  - and the MTHR gene.Choline, the methylation process and baby's brain development.We also myth bust about lifestyle and need for supplementation and we navigate micronutrients. We talk about coming off the pill and what that means for supplement support too.And we round out the episode by talking about the top snacks for breastfeeding mums and do some more myth-busting about snacks and breastfeeding.Some helpful Instagram posts from Brittany at https://www.instagram.com/wholefoodhealing/PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT SHOPPING GUIDE - https://www.instagram.com/p/CMqQlAKD763/HOW-TO DECODE PRENATAL SUPPLEMENT LABELS//https://www.instagram.com/p/CMsuDsSDcf8/FOLIC ACIDhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CMwLO_sDV2v/Brittney's other accounts to follow - https://www.instagram.com/im.nutrients/For those parents thinking of starting solids, and moving into eating here is a great free downloadable. https://wholefoodhealing.sellfy.store/p/jzqa/For more on the suite set, please visit us at https://www.thesuiteset.com/pages/our-gift-to-you.Remember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

The best tips for introducing your baby to your dog  - with some extra cat tips too.In today's episode, we cover a really common step many parents of new babies have to take, introducing them to your fur baby and four-legged friends. This episode is supported by the amazing team at Dogshare.Getting this right is really important, you, your baby and your dog deserve this to be well-thought-out and done to the best of everyone's ability. It's a topic to take really seriously, and one of those things where it pays to do the work in getting it right.It's a massive topic and can be really complicated. In this podcast, we've touched on the following points-Pet wellness before a baby is born.-Preparing the nursery and other big-ticket items.-Rewards and baby crying sounds - link here -Importance of having a well-exercised pet before and when baby is home.  -Introduction to baby (link here to Terry towelling nappies - an absolute must-have for any parent of a new baby, dog or not ).-Pet aggressions-Enrichments and rewards  - link to likimat here- Language and speaking to babies about pets- pets and sleeping spaces, spaces for pets- active supervision (the baby gates we used here )Because it is such a huge topic, I've included some resources and good links here.Dogshare – Get some regular walking and/or company for your dog in the lead up to and after babies' arrivalFamily Paws – Parent Education to support new families with dogs and to find a suitably qualified trainer: https://www.familypaws.com/Cooper & Kids – Dog Trainer in Melbourne, Specialises in creating safe environments for dogs and children: https://cooperandkids.com/And just because I'm obsessed, here is the adairs dog bed I really want! Myth v Reality of bringing baby home.This episode has been fact-checked. For more on the suite set, please visit us here and use the code in our podcast for a whopping 20% off all our site.Remember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.We acknowledge the Yugambeh people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Bundjalung land on which our family lives and on which we recorded this episode.  We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.⁠

For many of us, when we have a baby in a hospital setting, it is a rare occasion to be a patient in the hospital. Hopefully, our experiences of being in a hospital are limited and so, therefore, hospitals can seem unfamiliar and can be daunting.One criticism of hospitals is that they're “too institutionalised”, well, yes, hospitals are an institution, but they're also very safe, accessible, and caring spaces to have a baby and become a family. They're also spaces that can be filled with great love and support.Here are a few ideas on how you can make a hospital feel more like home for that short time you're there.Our key pointsDo your researchMake the most of the access to health professionals and midwivesYou can say no to visitors - if they're allowed under restrictionsDon't give a s@it what anyone else thinksBYOAnd some special tips on aromatherapy and other things we like to take to the hospital - is it a yes or a no? and The one thing that truly makes a hospital feel like home.Hospital safe aromatherapy Pregnancy and Breastfeeding safe brightening, exfoliating mask here because we need all the bright we can Mama! And this lovely face oil adds some extra lux, this one is nourishing and brightening too here. If you're in the market for the best birth suite lip balm, it's here Earbuds here Non-candle, candle hereA suite playlist for your hospital room "My wishes for you" hereIf you're in Melbourne and want some pampering in the hospital room, have a look at the gorgeous Jayney here This episode is fact-checked and supported by www.familyhq.com.au - thanks Liz and Sarah.For more on the suite set, please visit us at here  and to say thanks for listening, use our WIKN20 code for a whopping discount.Remember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

What is Group B strep?Oh hi, it's me and my little podcast with a topic for a podcast that does not sound like true crime at all. Group B streptococcus (GBS, or group B strep) is a bacteria that can be carried by about 20% of all women, however, it is often undetected.  As my 5 year old would say "Bap bowm. Not a winner".Not a winner, but super important to be across. Sorry for being boring. true crime fans.It's really important to know about Group B strep, because not all hospitals and doctors order the tests and so it's great to have some extra information around your risk profile and what group B strep actually is so you can talk to your GP or care provider about it.In women, it's found in the intestine and vagina. In most pregnancies, it causes no problem but in a small number of pregnancies, it can lead to infection for baby. This can happen just before or during labour, that is called early-onset infection. It can also affect babies some weeks or months down the track. It is really important to be clear - if you carry Group B Strep it's not a sign of poor hygiene or "uncleanliness"  it's normal bacteria  - so it is nothing to feel shame about. You may come across some info online about the use of probiotics during pregnancy to prevent GBS infection and or ways to "fix" it with food and supplements.  It's useful to research this information but equally important to remember that although the infection numbers are low, severe GBS infection is a very serious infection when it occurs. For information on Group B strep, here are the Australian Government's health resources, they're pretty technical. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/pregnancy-care-guidelines/part-f-routine-maternal-health-tests/group-b-streptococcusFor an easier to read version, but still detailed here is extra information from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists https://ranzcog.edu.au/womens-health/patient-information-resources/group-b-streptococcusThis episode is fact-checked and supported by www.familyhq.com.au - thanks Liz and Sarah.For more on the suite set, please visit us at https://www.thesuiteset.com/pages/our-gift-to-you and in this episode we share a whopping discount for our What I know now listeners. Remember, the information here is from our research and fact-checking and based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

We had such a big response to our post on Instagram on re-entry into "real life" when you're pregnant or have a new baby. A lot of the feedback was about the tips for visitors and how handy they were.  We decided to record it quickly today as a podcast.Please share it with anyone you know for some practical tips on having visitors, being social or visiting with a newborn. This podcast is broken down into two parts.The first is for parents and at 13 min mark, it's for visitors. So what now for parents? Lockdowns are being lifted, but that doesn't mean you feel like doing all the things, or maybe you're feeling a bit anxious about reentry. Here we go through ways to manage this. Well done you. You've had a baby in a pandemic. You've had a lockdown baby. You are awesome and your baby is so lucky it has you. I am proud and a bit in awe of you.As the parent,  it's your job to protect your baby and your home - physically and emotionally.The only thing you need to focus on is this - Your baby comes first - not anyone else's feelings or needs or wants. Not your in-laws, not your parents or your siblings, not your besties or your elderly neighbours who just want to pop in after they've been to chaddy. So let's set about making sure we can make sure the next few weeks of reentry are as ok as they can be. It is ok to want to do all the things and see all the people, but it's also totally ok and natural to want to stay in your newborn lockdown cocoon.Keep a close eye on your mental health, if you feel your baseline is slipping, click here for tips from Dr Aileen, make a telehealth appt asap with your GP or with your maternal health service - call PANDA or COPE or beyond blue. At 13.15  For Visitors:We get it - one of your besties or your sister has had her baby and you are FINALLY. ALLOWED. TO. VISIT. And it is big and massive and if you're anything like me  - you can not wait a second more to get your hands on the bebe. Also, if you're like me you watched a lot of Schitts in lockdown. If you're visiting new parents be really mindful that everything is new for them - everything, this little person has turned their world upside down and they're surviving on dopamine and caffeine. Add in a pandemic and case numbers that sound super high -and it will be pretty common that new parents - and indeed pregnant people - to feel some significant anxiety. First and foremost, this isn't about you. Said in the most loving and caring way. For many of you  - the thought of meeting this baby has got you through some tough moments, but it's important to be mindful that baby needs to come first. Everyone loves company and help with a newborn, but this “new normal” isn't normal - so let's be super kind and supportive. Let's take it gently. with love xo

Like anything new, the first pregnancy appointment can be quite daunting.Do you think you're pregnant? I suppose you'd better confirm it! This first pregnancy appointment is important. It is great to get into a good relationship with your GP and really consider them as part of your team to bring your baby into the world.This first Doctor appointment can be daunting like any first thing is, but knowing what to expect can help you feel a bit more prepared.And that's the whole point of this podcast.In this episode we go through - Tips to find a fit with your GP.What to say in your appointment.What to expect in this appointment.Due date facts and maths.What your GP should be running through.Your current medication update.Hot Tips -Any questions you have for your GP write them down and bring them with you to your appointment.This is a big and exciting appointment with lots of information so don't be afraid to take notes in this appointment, don't be afraid to ask your GP to repeat information.The period tracker I use is: Clue: Period and Ovulation Tracker for iPhone and AndroidWe would love your help to share our great researched information with your friends who may need some great tips. Please share.We've got a whopping discount code in this podcast too for The Suite SetsThanks so much to the team at https://www.familyhq.com.au/ for supporting this episode. 

What does it cost to have a baby in hospital? What does medicare cover when you have a baby? Is there a big difference between public hospital and private hospital costs?I mean, c'mon. Where is the true crime? Isn't this a podcast? Isn't it rude to talk about money? Well, I hate to be the one to say it but these are the facts.This episode is a must-listen when you're making the decision about where to have a baby, and it's a follow on from E 03 What I Know Now - What is the difference between public and private hospitals. When you become a parent it is the ultimate in adulting, so it's important to get clear on the costs of having a baby in a hospital.  You do not want a surprise here.  Get clear on the costs and what the add on extras are.Know if you're choosing private too, know it's a business model and you want to make sure you get value for money. I've listed some ideas on what sort of questions you can ask when you book into the hospital.  Tips - Make sure you're all up to date with medicareMake sure you're across all the costs - no surprises!If you need help, you can ask admissions for a patient liaison.BONUS DISCOUNT 20% on www.thesuiteset.com - code in the podcastsFor more information on Medicare, visit this link https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/how-enrol-and-get-started-medicare/enrolling-medicareThis episode is fact-checked and supported by the team at www.familyhq.comThe information herein WIKN is from our research and fact-checking. It is based on our experience, so make sure to always seek your very own professional advice before making any individual medical or wellbeing decisions.

I know Podcasts are meant to be about true crime, I know, not paps smears and pregnancy! This topic is too important not to soar up the podcast charts! In today's super-fast episode I talk about the Cervical Screening Test (CST) its importance and the facts about CST and pregnancy.*Spoiler alert - it is safe to have a CST when you're pregnant*The benefits of being on top of CST ( the new form of pap smear) far outweigh the uncomfortable bits.  In the past five years, the way CST are undertaken have changed so CST is a really good topic to add to your list of questions to ask your GP.For information on how a CST works visit herehttps://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program/getting-a-cervical-screening-test/how-cervical-screening-worksSome extra information from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists https://ranzcog.edu.au/womens-health/patient-information-resources/cervical-screening-in-australiaThis episode is fact-checked and supported by www.familyhq.com.au - thanks Liz and Sarah.For more on the suite set, please visit us at https://www.thesuiteset.com/pages/our-gift-to-you

This is a big decision - where will you welcome your baby into this world?In this episode, we go through the differences between public and private hospitals here in Australia and talk about what models of care are offered. They are both really great options for safe birth - but their services and costs differ.This is such an important topic, you need to feel comfortable in your choices - because you need to feel comfortable where you have your baby.I've included a link to the Australian Govt Pregnancy information page here https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/choosing-where-to-give-birth and it runs through the different birth choices available, including home birth.A good place to get local recommendations if you don't have family or friends networks local to you- is through moderated Facebook pages or through local maternal health services, to learn more about them click here  https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/the-role-of-a-child-health-nurseA great podcast for birth stories is hosted by Sophie at Australian Birth Stories https://www.australianbirthstories.com/aboutThis podcast was fact-checked by the team at Family HQ, it's the best, most simple family medicine and illness tracker on the market - it is my go to.If you've got a topic you'd like an explainer for, email me  sally@thesuiteset.com.au and if you want the very best packed baby bag in the business - visit our shop at https://www.thesuiteset.com/collections/the-suite-setIn this podcast, I use words like vagina. I don't think these are explicit, but if you've got young ears listening, here is a fair warning. As a side note, it's great to use the real words for kids! 

This is a must listen and must share for all those pram pushing parents as the weather here in Australia begins to heat up.Here is some extra info on prams, pram covers and hot weather.The experiment on heat and prams  - https://www.cprkids.com.au/2019/11/21/the-pram-temperature-test-results-you-need-to-see/from ABC on pram covers - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-17/pram-covers-can-overheat-children-safety-experts-warn/10721062

Welcome to The Suite Set Podcast - where we share What I Know Now. There is so much information on being pregnant and becoming a parent that is circling around our phones, we wanted to make sure there was a quick reference to all the things we know now - the lessons we learned on the job, and fact-checked by the best in the baby business.In today's introduction - excuse the dodgy music editing - we talk about our why for the suite set, our promises of this podcast and we share some great and sort of obscure hospital bag packing tips.We are here for all parents, for all families and for all the good info.Have you got any questions you want a quick, robust answer to? email me at sally@thesuiteset.com.au  For more on the suite set, visit  https://www.thesuiteset.com/collections/the-suite-setAnd some real life media on how we came up with the idea -  https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/starting-a-startup-how-i-came-up-with-the-idea-for-my-business-20191014-p530fz.htmlfor more what I know now, visit https://www.thesuiteset.com/blogs/journal