When you transition into motherhood everything changes! Identity, relationships, even our brain develops new sensory preferences!! But why is no one preparing us for this! Why are we so busy fluffing around painting nurseries and researching which baby monitor to buy, when we really need to be preparing for this epic life change?! Today, social worker and mum of two, Fiona Weaver unpacks what happens to women as they become mothers. She is warm, personal and so encouraging you’ll feel like...

How well do you know your menstrual cycle? Do you know the day you ovulate each month? Do you understand physiologically what’s going on? Did you know that the changes that come with your menstrual cycle affect more than just whether or not you make a baby each month? This episode, midwife and natural fertility teacher Madeleine Murray shares how tuning in to our own menstrual cycle can act as a tool to knowing ourselves better and living life in a way that is connected to our body’s needs....

Have you ever thought about this idea that we as parents are our children’s first teachers? And what does that mean for the time we have with our kids early on, especially before they start school? And then, when thinking about schooling… do words like Montessori and Steiner make you anxious and worried you haven’t really thought through all the options available for your child’s education? In this episode, teacher and mum of three Hannah Alexander answers these questions and more.

Claire unpacks the incredibly complex combination of birth hormones in both mothers and babies, which if left undisturbed work together to ensure labour and birth progress smoothly. We delve into oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline and prolactin as well as ways to support and promote their release and how to avoid inhibiting the important work they do. It’s all about learning how our bodies work so we can trust birth, be prepared and be somewhat in control of what’s to come…

Have you ever thought much about immunising yourself of your kids? Are you someone who is pro-vaccine but doesn’t actually know much more about the topic. Could you bust some of those reappearing doubts and myths that float around about vaccines being linked to autism or having harmful chemicals. As always, we need to know what’s going on… being educated so we can be confident in the decisions we make for our families. Today I chat with Dr Preeya Alexander, a Melbourne based GP and mum of two...

This episode in honour of Birth Trauma Awareness week, Claire speaks with the Gidget Foundation's clinical team leader Chris Barnes about birth trauma. Chris talks through the many causes of birth trauma, symptoms and how trauma can effect a woman's life and relationships. Chris also shares tips on how to recover from a traumatic birth experience as well as steps to take if preparing/planning another baby.

Ever had that gross sick feeling in the pit of your stomach as you go to throw out the nappy bin each day? Or felt guilty about the amount of plastic toys you have scattered throughout the house? Today I share ten tips to becoming more environmentally friendly for families with young kids. You may already be doing some of them (we all need permission to give ourselves a pat on the back) and others may be things that you can adopt and change. Every little step counts, so be inspired and make...

With 1/5 women and 1/10 men experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression in Australia today, this topic is one that needs the world’s attention. Today’s interview with PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof, covers an overview of the many vulnerabilities and challenges as well as diagnosable mental health illnesses that affect men and women during pregnancy and in the year following a baby’s birth. Julie shares tips on how to notice if your worries go beyond the norm, how to get support, and touches on...

Researcher & midwife Hazel Keedle unpacks her latest research on women’s experiences of planning a VBAC in Australia. She shares her own VBAC experience and passionately promotes the benefits of such an experience. Hazel also shares advice for women planning a VBAC including addressing and revisiting the ‘scary stuff’ in order to emotionally prepare for your next birth.

Hopefully Coach Carr’s “Don't have sex because you will get pregnant and die… OK, now everybody take some rubbers” isn’t the only education you received as a teenager about contraception… Today I talk through the specifics – how contraceptives work, how effective they are and what side effects are common with each method. This episode is for everyone; if you feel happy having been on the pill since 14 years old, or if you’re trying to fall pregnant or currently pregnant – because that 6...

Childbirth is an incredible process, but growing and carrying a baby around for 9 months and then pushing it out comes with its challenges and strains. Today I ask women’s health physiotherapist, Anna Scammell to share her advice on pelvic floor exercises, how to prepare for labour and birth, how to look after your body following birth and pretty much everything you can think might be related to childbirth and physiotherapy.

With between 25-50% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage it’s something that unfortunately many women will experience. Despite this frequency however, research shows that women feel isolated and lonely following pregnancy loss and many recall vivid negative social responses and poor support. Today Claire unpacks a range of different types of early pregnancy loss and then jumps into how to practically support someone through miscarriage, what to do and say and what to avoid saying…

Midwife & mum Krystal Richardson shares her experience of molar pregnancy, persistent gestational trophoblastic disease, chemotherapy and finally twins. This emotional rollercoaster is raw and educational as Krystal opens up about her story from a personal and professional perspective.

One of the biggest concerns a pregnant woman has is her impending labour. And of course it is! As women who’ve done it before share their ‘wise words of wisdom’ and traumatic birth experiences, pregnant women are bound to be caught up in fear and nerves about what their own labour and birth experience will bring. And the reality of labour is – that it’s painful. But getting your head around why pain is necessary, what in fact is going on, and what can be some ways to manage the pain will set...

When you hear the saying “parents are their child’s first teachers” what feelings does it evoke? Pressure. Stress. Excitement. Confidence? This episode Claire talks with lecturer and researcher in early childhood literacy and learning at Macquarie University – Emilia Djonov. Hear about how building early literacy skills in our children from 0-5 years can dramatically affect their future academic achievement. Get tips on how to appropriately use technology and take note of the great list of...

This week Claire talks with researcher Haylee Fox about the overuse of obstetric interventions in labour and birth in Australia today. Research suggests that this wonderful, physiological and normal event of childbirth is becoming somewhat over-medicalised through the potentially unnecessary use of obstetric interventions like caesarean section, instrumental deliveries, episiotomy, and induction of labour. Interventions that can be life-saving when used as needed, have now become overused and...

What is labour really like? How long does it go for? What do the stages of labour mean? Listen in to hear answers to these questions and get some insiders tips on what to expect for labour and childbirth.

Homebirth is definitely one of those love it or hate it ideas in Australia today. Something that was once so normal is now seen as potentially dangerous, selfish or stupid. But is it really any of these things? The other side of the debate see homebirth as safe, empowering and beautiful. Hear midwife Janine O’Brien’s perspective through working as a privately practicing midwife and having her own homebirth

The saying ‘breast is best’ is one that brings up a lot of controversy, emotions and debate worldwide. So, is it true? Tune in to hear part 2 of Claire’s research and experiences as a midwife, as she unpacks the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, and lets you in on some insiders’ tips to establishing good breastfeeding practices.

The saying ‘breast is best’ is one that brings up a lot of controversy, emotions and debate worldwide. So, is it true? Tune in to hear part 1 of Claire’s research and experiences as a midwife, as she discusses Why breastfeed at all? and what the benefits of breastfeeding are for mothers...

Bum first. Breech. It’s not the way most babies make their way into the world, but for 3-4% of babies they end their pregnancy bottom down, and still need a way to come out. This episode Claire talks all things breech birth with Obstetrician and Medical Co-Director of Maternity at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney - Dr Andrew Bisits. Claire gives glimpses into her own vaginal breech birth experience whilst Dr Bisits gives statistics, explains why vaginal breech birth is so rare and gives...

Nappies... Are they really that bad for the environment? Join Claire on her search for the most environmentally friendly nappy option whilst being realistic about how much we can really do as mums. Be educated about how disposables, biodegradables and cloth nappies compare and have a closer look at 5 biodegradable options on the market in Australia and which comes out on top. To get the full show notes and links to resources used head to www.mumwillknow.com

Looking for a magic solution to parenting? Where your kids fight less, ask to go to bed earlier, have less screen time, and are generally happier? Well, this is the episode to listen to! Claire chats with teacher and mum of three, Hannah Alexander about her family’s year outdoors, where they spent a minimum of 3 hours outside every day. Hannah beautifully shares stories from her experience as well as delving into what the research has to say. It’s captivating and will have you reflecting on...

Midwife becomes mum. Listen in to Claire’s journey through miscarriage whilst working as a midwife, shift work whilst pregnant, to having her dream vaginal breech birth. Birth stories are the best, and well, in my opinion, this one pretty much tops the lot!

You find out you’re pregnant, and with that comes all the emotions. But what’s the next step? Where do you go from a positive pregnancy test. Ultrasounds, doctors appointments, vitamins… there’s a lot to consider. Do you feel lost or alone? Join Claire, midwife and mum, as she unpacks those important first few weeks and gives you all the insiders tips and what-to-expects when things are just getting started.