It’s go time! The day has finally come! Midwife Cath takes you through when it’s time to head into the hospital, what labour looks (and sounds) like, what you can do to support your partner during contractions and much more. 

Grandads are great aren’t they? They step in to help out when day care falls through, they spoil your kids (like they never spoiled you). But what are the unwritten rules of grandparenting? And how should new parents manage this relationship. Midwife Cath and Chris Taylor tackle these questions and more on the final episode of this season of Birth Baby and Beyond.  

A special episode just for Grandads

In Australia one in five women and one in ten men get post-natal depression, but how much do you know about post-natal depression? Cath and Chris talk about the symptoms of PND, how to support your partner and how to find help. 

LINKS: 

https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/

https://panda.org.au/get-support/support-dads

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents

Understanding postnatal depression (men get it too!)

As life starts to settle back into some shape of normalcy, you may notice that there’s something missing. As a new parent that “something” is probably sleep. Sleep deprivation can be a challenge for new parents. Cath and Chris discuss ways we can manage the sleepless nights, particularly when you’ve gone back to work. 

LINKS: 

https://rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping

Sleepless nights and working days

Coming home from hospital can be scary. Suddenly, keeping a small human alive is up to you. The good news is both Chris and Cath have some very simple and practical tips on how to feel confident in the first weeks and months at home with your new baby. 

LINKS: 

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/support-for-parents

Bringing baby home

Fair enough, blokes can’t breast feed, but there are plenty of things you can do to support your partner in this stage your newborn’s life. Midwife Cath explains what to expect in the first days and weeks of your baby’s life, as well as how you can bond with your baby (without needing boobs). 

Everything you need to know about breastfeeding

What to expect on the Big Day

You’ve got a rough date for when the baby is due (or maybe you have a caesarean section booked in) but are you prepared for the big day? Having recently gone through the experience Chris has a few thoughts on what you might need to be best prepared, and Midwife Cath has some ideas as well. 

Preparing for the big day

You might think there’s only one way a baby is born – but you’d be wrong. In this episode Midwife Cath takes Chris Taylor through all the ways babies come into the world, including where and how they arrive. We’re talking public vs private hospitals, with or without pain relief and more.  

All the ways babies are born

Now you know what’s happening in your partner’s body, how can you help them while they deal with all the nausea, pelvic pain and hormonal changes they’re going through?  Chris always wanted to be as involved as he could; in this episode he gets some tips from Cath on all the ways men can make life a little easier during pregnancy. 

Maternal and Child Health Line Victoria: 13 22 29 

LINKS:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtO-kBhDIARIsAL6Lore3u9mHB-0xhz4szVm-5xsJ6EiE2r7l-s47IUUcGREVAm-dkWNyRqoaApozEALw_wcB

How you can support your partner during pregnancy

After the excitement of finding out you’re going to be a dad, the next nine months can be a bit of a mystery. Your partner is carrying the baby and feels all the things… but as men – we can’t feel so connected. In this episode Midwife Cath and Chris explore all the changes that happen during the nine months of pregnancy. 

What’s happening to my partner’s body? Understanding pregnancy

What happens when all the things go right, you discover you’re pregnant and then your partner has a miscarriage? Cath’s co-host Chris Taylor has been through a miscarriage, so he understands what Midwife Cath calls “a very lonely grief”. They talk about what can lead to miscarriage, how to manage your grief, how to support your partner and where to get help. 

24 hr hotline for miscarriage support: 1300 308 307 

LINKS TO SUPPORT FOR MISCARRIAGE: 
https://www.sands.org.au/

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/emotional-support-after-miscarriage

When it doesn’t go to plan – how to manage miscarriage

There are all kinds of crazy ideas about how you can fall pregnant. Chris and Midwife Cath separate the facts from the fiction when it comes to fertility. No topic is taboo as they discuss ovulation, maximising sperm and just how often one can masturbate and still have strong swimmers. 

So you want a baby? Fertility tips for dads

Birth, Baby and Beyond is the go-to podcast for new parents. In the latest season Midwife Cath is refocussing her attention onto new dads and dads-to-be. Together with new dad Chris Taylor she unpacks everything men need to know about the highs and lows of pregnancy, giving birth and the complexities of parenting.  

* Launches June 19, new episodes every week! 

Birth, Baby and Beyond for new dads  - launches June 19

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) CEO Caterina Giorgi joins Midwife Cath to explain why women shouldn't drink during pregnancy.

Caterina and Cath discuss so much in this chat, including:
Why there is no safe level of drinking alcohol whilst pregnant
Why even drinking while you are trying to conceive can be dangerous for your baby
The science behind the damage drinking while pregnancy can do, even if it's just one or two drinks per week
Why there is still some confusion amongst women about whether they can drink or not during pregnancy
What Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is and how it can impact people into adulthood
What the partner's role is in all of this

This episode of ‘Birth, Baby & Beyond’ was made in partnership with the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education.

Visit everymomentmatters.org.au for more information.

The Every Moment Matters project is endorsed and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Why pregnancy and alcohol don't mix with FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi

In this special episode, the Australian Government’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Professor Alison McMillan joins Midwife Cath to discuss the safety and effectiveness of getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is already such an anxious time for women, and throwing COVID-19 into the mix means it’s even harder to figure out how to make the best decisions for you and your baby.

In this chat Professor McMillan shares with Cath the most up-to-date evidence-based advice around the risks of COVID-19 for pregnant women, and the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

They discuss:
Why pregnant women are at greater risk from COVID-19 than others
Why advice around pregnancy and getting vaccinated changed and what the most up-to-date advice is now
Why women can get the vaccine at any time during pregnancy
How the vaccine can also help protect your baby in utero
What immunisation side effects you can expect during pregnancy
And so much more

If you want to learn more about this topic, here are some useful links:
Health.gov.au
Official information about the coronavirus pandemic, how to protect yourself and your family, where and when you can get vaccinated.
The Shared decision making guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy is updated as new information becomes available.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccination Webinar
Experts discuss COVID vaccination in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and those planning to be pregnant, dispelling myths and highlighting the global evidence, which has shown that vaccines are safe for women and their babies. The panel includes Dr Michelle Giles, Dr Clare Whitehead, Dr Vijay Roach, and Professor Sue Walker.
English: https://vimeo.com/606222671
Translated versions: https://linktr.ee/RANZCOG
Australian Academy of Science - Pregnancies, periods and COVID-19 vaccines: what you need to know
A deep dive into some of the discussions happening around COVID-19 vaccines, fertility and menstruation to sift through the claims and the evidence
Link: https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/pregnancies-periods-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-you-need-know
Australian College of Midwives - COVID-19 vaccination online e-learning space 
This online repository equips midwives and pregnant women with the latest information about COVID-19 vaccinations. It and has resources, videos, online courses and more. 
Link: http://acmcovid19info.org/
Jean Hailes Podcast 
This special episode of the Jean Hailes podcast features Associate Professor Nigel Crawford Head of Immunisation Services at The Royal Children’s Hospital. Professor Crawford answers your questions about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines for women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
Link: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/vaccines-safety-and-women

Pregnancy, COVID-19 and vaccination with Professor Alison McMillan

Did you know that 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage? In this episode Midwife Cath unpacks this devastating but common experience with Obstetrician Dr Stephen Cole. He explains some of the factors that contribute to recurrent miscarriages, and the tools available to help women impacted. Dr Stephen Cole also discusses some amazing innovations in his field, including maternal-assisted caesareans and fetal surgery.

Follow Dr Stephen Cole on instagram: @dr_stephencole

Follow Midwife Cath on instagram: @midwifecath

Miscarriages and maternal assisted caesareans with Dr Stephen Cole

Midwife Cath chats to one of Australia’s leading IVF and fertility expert Dr David Wilkinson. They discuss the reasons why people might struggle to fall pregnant naturally and what fertility solutions are available to them if they are struggling. 

Follow Midwife Cath on instagram: midwifecath

 

Fertility issues and IVF with Dr David Wilkinson

In part two of Birth Baby and Beyond's special sleep series, Midwife Cath answers all your questions on sleep. Questions like: 'Why can’t my baby self-settle?' and 'Why has my four-month-old suddenly stopped sleeping?' If you are a new parent desperate for a good night’s sleep and you have LOTS of questions, this episode is for you. 

Follow Midwife Cath on instagram: midwifecath

All your sleep questions answered

In part one of Birth Baby and Beyond's special sleep series, Midwife Cath shares her guide to all things sleep-related for your baby. From the first night home with a newborn, to her effective Bath Bottle and Bed routine, to her proven formula for starting passive-settling with your baby. If you’re the parent of a young baby and you’re desperate for a good night’s sleep, then you’ve come to the right place.

Follow Midwife Cath on instagram: midwifecath

How do I get my baby to sleep?

Taking baby home is so exciting and there is so much to adjust to in the first six weeks which is why its crucial to have great communication between partners.  Brooke raises with midwife Cath the story of Phil.  Phil is not sure what he is doing wrong.  Can Cath help? 

Q&A with Cath – Partners and Communication “Can Cath help Phil”?

Can you reduce the risk of tearing in labour? What is an episiotomy and when is it used? Cath answers your questions.

Q&A with Cath – Episiotomy, tearing and healing after birth

What are your options to manage pain during labour? Your questions answered.

Q&A with Cath – Pain Management and labour

How different is a contraction in labour from Braxton Hicks? Your questions on contractions answered.

Q&A with Cath – Contractions in labour and Braxton Hicks

If your waters break does this mean labour has initiated? Listener questions answered on waters breaking!

Q&A with Cath - Waters Breaking

Your questions answered in Season 5 of Birth, Baby and Beyond with Midwife Cath Curtin.

Intro to Q&A with Midwife Cath

Becoming a parent is an exciting time, as well as a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety.  In recent weeks the challenges of becoming and being a parent have been compounded by COVID-19.  Midwife Cath discusses with Brooke Carrigan the impacts to; new mothers, mothers and parent groups, support networks and seeks to remind us that despite the challenges, there has never been a better time in history to have and raise our families.

Despite Covid: Science, Medicine, having our families and free classes with Cath!

There is a lot of fear around controlled crying. Midwife Cath Curtin calls it passive settling and discusses with Brydie Huggins why and how she uses it as a tool with her three children. Cath explains why it’s a technique she believes is valuable for some parents.

Controlled crying – passive settling

Breastfeeding, is it a foolproof form of contraception? Join Midwife Cath Curtin, Brooke Carrigan and Dr Sue Hiscock and find out the varied contraception options available to you after birth.

Contraception

For everyone who is curious about having sex after babies. Midwife Cath Curtin, Brooke Carrigan and Dr Sue Hiscock breakdown in great detail ‘sex after birth’ and cover everything from hormones, lubricant, uterine prolapse and the notion of housework as foreplay.

Sex after birth – is it fun?

Give the grandparents a list and “spell out how they can help you”. Acclaimed Australian author Hazel Edwards, “There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof” talks with Midwife Cath Curtin and Brooke Carrigan about the importance of grandparents, the changing roles and responsibilities of grandparents and the meaning of ‘house rules’.

Grandparents and boundaries

Parents all have challenges but what if you didn’t have enough water to bath your kids? Adelaide Elliott and her family live in remote regional Australia. She talks to Midwife Cath Curtin about the unique set of challenges and joys of being a mum in regional Australia.

Rural mum

Be inspired by Dads Matt Tinney and Danny Williams whose children have extra challenges. They talk candidly to Midwife Cath Curtin about their personal, emotional, psychological and financial journeys - the joys of their families and the importance of hearing from dads.

Dads of children with extra challenges

Do you want to know about surrogacy? After 9 years trying to start their family, Katie and Tom Rattigan turned to surrogacy and they now have a beautiful son. They share with Midwife Cath Curtin and Brooke Carrigan the ins and outs of their surrogate journey in the hope of helping others.

Surrogacy a success story

New mums Bec Sutherland and Emily Ward talk with Midwife Cath Curtin about the influence of mummy bloggers, social media, breastfeeding, relationships, mothers’ groups and body dysmorphia. Mums the word!

New mums’ panel uncensored!

The death of a child is devastating and for many unspeakable. How do we deal with grief, continue to parent and manage our relationships? We thank Yolanda Care for sharing her deeply personal story with Midwife Cath Curtin and Brooke Carrigan

Death of a child: parenting and grief

The stresses and joys of fatherhood. Hear Western Bulldogs Premiership player Matthew Boyd tell Midwife Cath Curtin why you shouldn’t wish your kids to meet milestone too quickly, setting boundaries, being a dad and why 7pm is his favorite time of the day.

Matthew Boyd on parenting

Can you do it all? Hear Australian Olympic freestyle skier gold medalist Lydia Lassila speak to Midwife Cath Curtin about high performance, multitasking, expectations of children, giving birth and motherhood.

Lydia Lassila on multitasking and motherhood

Cancer is terrible but especially in children. Kylie Grogan tells us how at 10 months old, a bath time massage led to the early detection and cancer diagnosis of her son Leo. A mother takes Midwife Cath Curtin through her journey and the emotional roller coaster of cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Childhood cancer

Midwife Cath Curtin on setting boundaries, the word no, being scared of children, extreme discipline and how what you say now will shape the future tone of the voice in their head.

Toddlers, biting and behaviour

Introducing food can be an anxious experience. When and how do you do it? Midwife Cath Curtin takes us through when to introduce food, varieties of food, how to deal with fussy eaters, aversion, gagging and how to make it fun! Get her top tips.

Introducing solids to baby

Having trouble sleeping or getting your baby to sleep? Midwife Cath Curtin explains the foundations of sleep for you and your children and provides you with her top tips.

Get baby to sleep – top tips

Two mums, VFLW Essendon player Natasha Hardy and her wife Natalie East share their story of becoming same-sex parents to Macey with Midwife Cath Curtin. Macey is the first baby in Australia to have same-sex parents recorded as “married” on her birth certificate. Go Macey!!!

Same-sex parenting Natasha Hardy

For women who are wanting or trying to have a baby, hear why Midwife Cath Curtin and Dr Sue Hiscock think pre-pregnancy planning is brilliant. 

Pre-pregnancy planning

Mums be vigilant! It’s easy for mothers to prioritise new babies and sleep over their own health. Midwife Cath Curtin and Dr Sue Hiscock on post pregnancy checkups

Post-pregnancy health

Preparing to have a baby - there is so much out there to buy! Midwife Cath Curtin talks with the director of The Amazing Baby Company, Carrie Edwards-Britt about how much is too much, what is really necessary and measuring your wants with your actual needs. From prams, containers, car seats to the do's and don'ts with muslin wraps.

Baby things you want vs the things you need - Carrie Edwards-Britt

A discussion on the pressures of parenting with Midwife Cath Curtin and psychologist Dimitra Spalas covering post-natal blues, crying, anxiety and depression. How can we help women in pregnancy and post pregnancy, what can be done and how do we know if we have post-natal depression?

Anxiety and the pressure of parenting - Dimitra Spalas

We often hear about the glow surrounding pregnancy but what of the common and excruciating aches and pains! Exercise, aches, pains and your post pregnancy body. Midwife Cath Curtin talks with physiotherapist Ben Gold on abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles and those sore hips and pelvis we get during pregnancy.

Post pregnancy body - Ben Gold

Midwife Cath Curtin talks about the partners experience of pregnancy and birth with father of two, and one of her favourite young dads, AFL premiership winning Captain Trent Cotchin. A father at 24, Trent talks everything from the awe of the delivery room to the importance of positive parenting.

Dads and parenting - Trent Cotchin

Midwife Cath Curtin and Paediatrician Dr Brendan Chan talk about why babies do what they do. Why are they SO noisy at night, why do they get reflux and what exactly is reflux? They talk about immunisation, coughs and colds, the insights you can gain from nappies and when to call the doctor!

Baby ins and outs! - Dr Brendan Chan

Mums, Virginia Millen and Sara Kowel share intimate details on life after babies and how it changes your life. Midwife Cath Curtin leads a discussion on the intimate experience of motherhood covering mastitis, sleep deprivation, anxiety, postnatal depression, going back to work, the challenges of the sisterhood, doing too much too early and the utter joy of parenthood.

The mumzone - Virginia Millen and Sara Kowel

Breast versus formula - it's one of the most politicised aspects of having children and it's often a confusing, challenging and anxious topic for new parents. While you may have the intention of exclusively breast feeding, "..not all women do and not all women can". 
Madeleine Morris is a journalist, author of parenting guide Guilt-Free Bottle-Feeding and an advocate for 'Fed is Best'. Madeleine joins Midwife Cath Curtin in an informative and robust conversation on the history and politics surrounding breast and bottle feeding, her own experience formula feeding her two daughters, the myths and pressures for new mothers along with analytical data surrounding bottle feeding. A must listen to for new and expectant parents on how you can make sense of all the noise out in the community.

Brottle feeding (the battle of breast and bottle) - Madeleine Morris

Crying, nappies, reflux, breast feeding, sleep deprivation, fatigue and changes in your relationship - the first six weeks can be a shocker. Midwife Cath Curtin talks candidly with new mum and fitness expert Tiffany Hall (Australian author, podcaster, journalist and television personality best known from appearances on Gladiators and The Biggest Loser) about her first six weeks with a new baby; leaving the hospital, visitors, sleep deprivation, hormones, emotional outbursts, sick babies and much more around what new and expectant parents can anticipate and plan for.

The newborn - what to do in the first six weeks - Tiffany Hall

Midwife Cath Curtin explores the impact our expectation for "a perfect birth" has on our birth experience and self-esteem. Do we unconsciously set ourselves up for failure? Join Cath as she breaks down our fantasies around child birth with the realities of what we can expect behind the curtain. A discussion unlocking the minutia of everything from the cervix and how it dilates, epidurals, types of birth, the baby straight after birth, bonding, skin to skin and breast feeding.

Labour, birth and drugs - fantasy vs reality

Midwife Cath Curtin and Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sue Hiscock discuss the often-unspoken changes and challenges we undergo when falling pregnant. From nausea, sex during pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy, scans, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage - how often and why it happens, to anxiety and diabetes Midwife Cath and Dr Hiscock break it down.

Pregnancy the unspoken ways our bodies change - Dr Sue Hiscock

Having a baby will be the best thing you ever do - but it's not all smooth sailing! A frank discussion navigating the overwhelming overload of information encountered by new and expecting parents covering pregnancy, nausea, miscarriage, childbirth, drugs, breast feeding, exercise, fatigue, taking your baby home, the first six weeks, post-natal depression and discovering the difference between essential purchases and those that belong on a wish list. What do we envisage when we plan a family and what actually happens? Join Midwife Cath Curtin and Brooke Carrigan touching on the realities of birth, baby and beyond and the issues discussed in depth across the series.

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