Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Is radical self-love the missing key in birth preparation? Our guest Virginia Bobro, has been working with pregnant families and new parents for over 22 years and is a mother of three university aged children. This episode we dig deeper into wholehearted birth preparation. While being informed and knowledgeable on what to expect during labour and birth is important, it isn't all there is when it comes to preparing for your birthing time. Self-love is a path of self inquiry, one that takes the seeker to a whole new level of understanding and personal growth, no matter how a birth unfolds.This episode of Pregnancy Birth and beyond was aired live on 99.9 Bay Fm on 27th of November 2017. Guest: Virginia Bobro Host: Lara Martin

Even though the camera was invented over 130 years ago, only in the last 20-30 years has the camera made its way into the birth room, and most of those images were captured by amateurs. But in the last few years we have seen an explosion of professional taken photos, and shared widely on social media. What is motivating families to invite birth photographers into such an intimate occasion? Is seeing these images changing how we view birth?Sally speaks with birth photographer Alex Warland and four mothers who have used professional photographers at their births: Luna, Rhiannon, Anita and Varesha.For more info and to see the photos the women mention, go to: http://www.pbbmedia.org/ne-plus-ultra/capturing-the-momentReferences:www.zandrawarland.com.au"The Art of Birth" film by Shea CapliceImage from Zandra Warland PhotographyFirst aired on 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay, Australia on 20 November 2017.Copyright PBB Media 2017Presenter: Sally Cusack

Looking at the Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual aspects of preparing for childbirth, with Anna Watts. Founder of Celebration of Birth Doula Academy, Anna Watts, is affectionately known as the 'Wise Woman of Doulas' or 'Mama Doula', she has been guiding women and their partners through the journey of pregnancy and birth for over 28 years. Anna believes in honouring and celebrating birth as a ‘rite of passage’ for mother, father and baby, supporting empowered birthing choices and strengthening the spiritual connection in pregnancy and birth.The Celebration of Birth Doula Academy teaches from a holistic perspective, including educational, creative, experiential and spiritual. If you are looking for Doula Training that offers personal as well as professional learning and growth, with on-going mentoring and guidance as you launch your doula career please visit the following pages for more information - Sacred Birth Doula Training and Sacred Beginnings Post-natal Training.Produced by Annalee AtiaPresenter: Annalee AtiaGuest: Anna WattsLinks:https://celebrationofbirth.comwww.pbbmedia.orgCredits:Fields of Gold by Sting

For people listening in today or if you have friends or family with unresolved birth trauma, no matter how long ago, there are birth trauma specific resources such as birthtalk.org, birthing from within, and PANDA.org.au which are dedicate to supporting women, birthers and thier families.Our guest today is Milli Hill, founder of the Positve Birth Movement, Milli set up the Positive Birth Movement from her living room in 2012, motivated by both her own birth experiences, and her growing frustration whenever she heard the words, "They didn't let me" in a birth story. She has since gone on to become a well recognised voice for women in the birth world, writing extensively in the mainstream press (BestDaily, Telegraph, Guardian) and apearing at various confrences and talks. She has three small children and lives in Somerset.The positive birth movement is a grass roots movement, spreading positivity about childbirth via a global network of free Positive Birth groups, linked up by social media.What began in 2012 as one small meeting in the living room of writer and campaigner Milli Hill, is now a global network of over 450 'real life' groups, with a massive social media presence too.And they just keep on growing. They think this is because they break down the walls that the so-called 'birth wars' try to build between women. They don't hold any one kind of birth up above another. They are just concerned with every woman getting the best possible birth experience, for her, on that day.About Milli:Milli Hill is the Founder and Director of the positive birth movement. Milli set up the Positive Birth Movement in 2013 and has since run it from her laptop whilst her three small children sit on her arms. She is passionate about positive birth as a human right for all women and campaigns and speaks on this issue in the media and at high profile conferences and events. She is a Columnist for Telegraph Women and the author of The Positive Birth Book. Milli lives in Somerset and is happy to be contacted on 077 391 391 15 or via info@positivebirthmovement.org.Links:www.pbbmedia.orghttp://www.positivebirthmovement.orgCopyrightProducer/Host: Annalee AtiaInterviewee: Milli HillMusic: Deva Premal and Miten, 'Ida Were Were' (African folk song)

Profile of an activist, volunteer and mother - Nicqui Yazdi. Sally's conversation with Nicqui covers broad terrain from how she came to train as a mental health counsellor, setting up youth support programmes, in particular Byron Schoolies Hub, the lesson she learned from Richard Branson, and the gratitude she feels for all her years of giving, as it has given her so much healing in return. Nicqui has an unwavering belief in service and that "everyone has something to give".More on Nicqui's work at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjoSmCLqpwIWARNING: This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, go to the following resources:* Mental Health First Aid Australia: www.mhfa.com.au* Beyond Blue: Ph 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au* Lifeline: Ph 13 11 14Presenter: Sally CusackCopyright Pregnancy Birth and Beyond Media 2017First aired from 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay, Australia on Monday 30 October 2017.

From the throes of sleep deprivation to driving our children from one activity to the next, parenthood can wreak havoc on our usual schedule. As such, parenting and exercise are not usually words you see in the same sentence. Our needs will often come second to those of your children and fitness and health can become a much more difficult task. Understandably, this cost can be detrimental to our overall health, but also to our our capacity to parent effectively. In this episode we talk with Horst Tomsan; father, husband and health professional about parenting, exercise, food and well-being.Horst speaks from the heart in exploring the importance of setting up a family culture that recognises the importance of healthy lifestyles in parenting.This episodes guests: Horst Tomsan, owner of Knox & Aya Vegan Ice Creams www.knoxandaya.com Producer and show hosts: Lara Martin and Sean Tonnet broadcast on the 23rd of Octoer, 2017 from the studio's of 99.9 Bay Fm, from the heart of Byron Bay, Australia.

Fertility challenges can take many forms. Women may have experienced miscarriages, inability to fall pregnant, chemical pregnancies, or more. This has a huge impact on not only women but those who are close to them. In this episode of PBB we delve into the impacts of fertility challenges on relationships. Kimberley Lipschus gleans the wisdom from Sharon Covington, psychotherapist and clinical social worker with over forty years experience supporting women, men and couples in fertility counselling. First aired on 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay Australia on 16 October 2017SHARON’S ARTICLE LINKShttp://www.covingtontherapy.com/resources/articles/SHARON http://www.covingtontherapy.comEnding music credit: Calm of Night, Neil CrossPhoto credit: Photo by Farica Yang on Unsplash

In this episode we will be looking at the links between our family kitchen and food sustainability. How and where our food comes from, the impact we are having on the food chain and how coming back to our roots, to a deepoer connection with food, can do a world of good for ourselves, our families, communities and the world around us.Our geust is Eva Perroni, Eva is a freelance researcher-writer who uses food as a window to explore social, environmental, cultural and spiritual matters. She holds an MA in Development Studies from the University of Melbourne and has written for prominent thought-leaders in the food justice and sustainable farming sectors. She absolutely loves to cook and finds nothing more pleasurable than sharing good food and wine with others. Mother and PBB team member Meggie Danielson also features in pasrts of the interview.www.pbbmedia.orghttps://foodtank.com/news/author/eva-perroni/Produced and Presented by Annalee Atia for PBB MediaCopyright Annalee Atia, Eva Peroni, PBB Media

Breastfeeding, a biological norm, while natural is a learnt skill for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding is for many an intrinsic part of the parenting journey, yet it can be full of tears and also full of joy. With all the conflicting advice and messages new parents receive not to mention the newness of parenting a baby, getting off to a good start can be challenging. However, when it comes to breastfeeding there are a few essentials to know. This episode we discuss ins and outs of breastfeeding 101. Also featured in this episode: - Breastfeeding in public - Breastfeeding into early childhood- WHO recommendations on breastfeeding - The marketing of artificial milk substitutes (formula) - Australian Breastfeeding Association Our guest is Samaya Askill mother of 3, who had breastfeed for 12 years and was a breastfeeding counsellor for 8 years. Hosts: Lara Martin and Kimberly Lipschus. aired live on 9th of Oct 17. Resources for this episode: www.breastfeeding.asn.au https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/2010-australian-national-infant-feeding-survey/contents/table-of-contentshttp://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/infantfeeding_recommendation/en/

The first minutes, hours and days with a newborn baby are crucial for setting up the best possible adjustment to life outside the womb, learning to breastfeed and recovery for mother and baby. This is best achieved through supporting new parents to be the main ones handling the new baby. We hear from Dr Robyn Thompson, midwife and breastfeeding researcher, on why it is so important for handling of a new baby by others is best kept to a minimum if all is well - even hospital staff. New parents need lots of quiet time to adjust to their lives as parents, to recover from birth and to support the baby's own process of learning to breastfeed.We also hear from a mother of two children who knew instinctively the importance of minimising lots of outside contact during the early weeks and as a consequence, her babies were very calm. However, not everyone understood her intentions, but she held her ground on this. She calls for extended family and friends to respect new parents' choices to keep life quiet and simple in the early weeks. If new parents aren't explicit in their wish for this, it is worth asking if that is what they would like and how you can support them.This information is to support expectant parents and help prevent issues arising postnatally. Birth and breastfeeding takes its own path and can have unexpected turns. There are specialised services for parents to discuss their births, no matter how long ago, including: www.birthtalk.org, consiousbirth.com, birthingfromwithin.comCredits: - Dr Robyn Thompson, www.breastfeedingconsultant.com- special thanks to Petria, mother, for sharing her personal storiesReferences:Dr Robyn Thompson - http://www.breastfeedingconsultant.com/single-post/2017/09/02/The-First-Breastfeed​The Birth Pause: thebirthpause.com​Dr Nils Bergman: http://thebirthpause.com/tag/skin-to-skinSarah Blaffer Hrdy, Mother Nature (1999) Babies Celebrated: “ For species such as primates, the mother IS the environment.” ​​Microbirth Movie: microbirth.comProducer: Sally Cusackcopyright www.pbbmedia.org2017First broadcast on 99.9 BayFM, Byron Bay, Australia on 25 September 2017.

When a baby is born, a new family unit is also birthed. There is a lot to learn, and to adjust to. While life goes on around you, for a new parent or parents, their world with a newborn shrinks. It becomes their entire universe. This episode we talk with Natasha Marchand and Bianca Sprague, founders of Bebo Mia on what to expect and how to prepare, antenatally, for the postpartum journey ahead. If you would like support for yourself or your partner during this time, visit us at PBBmedia.org for the blog post that will go with this episode with links to support services. Bianca and Natasha have created a postpartum plan work book to allow parents to be to go through all the things we have talked in this episode and more. This is a freebie gift so parents to be can feel as prepared as you can be for the incredible amazing roller coaster ride of the baby moon time, Download at beboMia.com/postpartumplanThis episodes guests: Natasha Marchand and Bianca Sprague founders of bebomia www.bebomia.com Producer and show hosts: Lara Martin and Kimberly Lipschus broadcast on the 11th of September, 2017 from the studio's of 99.9 Bay Fm, from the heart of Byron Bay, Australia.

Our Australian Healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world, it came shy just after the U.K. Second best. Countries that provide their citizens with universal healthcare not surprisingly, sit at the top of the list. The USA with its failing and ailing system came at the 11th hour, just making it. Our Aussie system offers generally really good healthcare to all Australians.That being said; there are a few factors that hinder our wonderful health care system. Around the world Healthcare is going through major transformations and new models of Medicine are emerging. Tune-in to find out how medicine emerging is changing the landscape of healthcare and how we fare here in Australia. Produced and Presented by Annalee Atia.Go to our website for citations, links and the full article www.pbbmedia.org

This episode of Pregnancy Birth and Beyond we are talking about raising kids who care for the earth, sustainability and farm life. Our guest is Annie Bryant, storyteller and musician. Annie lives on a hubby scale farm on the far south coast of Australia with her family. Annie's stories and music for children are inspired by nature and the rhythms of life. Annie's son Jonahki also join to accompany Annie for a live song. We also have some great ways you can incorporate environmental sustainability into your family life. Environmental Sustainability and sustainable growth is development that meets current demands without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and enjoy the earth. This definition of sustainability comes from the Brundtland Report in 1987, setting the standard for sustainable development. Produced and hosted by Lara Martin and Gaby Tudor Guest: Annie Bryant www.talesandsongs.com visit us at www.PBBmedia.org

Were talking about blended families, parenting and fatherhood in this episode of Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. Our guest Erik Adams is a father, long-time practitioner and supporter of the healing and wellness movement and local to the northern rivers in NSW, Australia. Erik ran Funkey Forest for many years, a well known Byron Shire retreat centre and later on managing the Mullulmbimby hub of Santos Organics, the shires respected food & lifestyle nerve centre. He currently runs a successful Wellness Centre in downtown Brunswick Heads and navigating But what of the times when you are not defined by work or purpose, rather just by being. Erik speaks of the impact of the labels we ourselves use and the value society puts on them, the difficulties many men face in becoming fathers and being in relationship and what happens when relationships break down.. what happens when you break down?Moving from being a couple with a child, to then being single then to being in relationship again with a partner who also has children and meanwhile your first ex is getting together with another and having babies.. Blended families can be complex at best, intriguing and sometimes downright fun. We discuss all this and more in this episode of Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.Links:http://www.puravidawellness.com.auwww.annaleeatia.comwww.pbbmedia.orgCredits (music snippets):Salif Kaita, YamoreGeorge Harrison, Sat SingingCopyright:PBB Media 2017Annalee Atia

According to the Relationship Research Institute in Seattle, approx two thirds of couples find their relationship has suffered within three years of the birth of a child. Within five years of the birth of a first child, 13 percent of married couples divorce. This rate goes up to 39% for defacto couples 5 years after the child’s birth.*Surely there’s some preparation couples can do, rather than adjusting their relationship on the run after baby arrives.In this episode we meet Tondi Gilfillan and Sean Tonnet, relationship counsellors from Interrelate Family Centres, and discuss the importance of preparing our relationship during pregnancy for the enormous challenges. We explore how to build 'relationship scaffolding' and understand 'your dance as a couple'. A key tip is to discuss expectations you have about your new lives together, for example who will care for the baby and how.Further reading:"Becoming Us" by Elly Taylorwww.interrelate.org.au* https://www.babble.com/relationships/breaking-up-after-baby/Closing music: "Natural Selections" by SampologyAired on 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay Australia on 7 August 2017.Produced and presented by Sally CusackCopyright PBB Media Sally Cusack 2017