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In this episode, I’m joined by the lovely Lucinda McKimm — Mum of two, Writer, Producer and co-host of the Ready or Not podcast, where she and her co-host Loz have honest conversations with women about work, motherhood and everything in between. We chat about: Her two very different pregnancies and births Navigating early labour, fast births and the unpredictability of it all Returning to work after babies (and why it’s rarely straightforward) The mental load, childcare juggle and what actually helps The conversations every couple needs to have before going back to work And the mindset shifts that make a real difference when you’re in the thick of it There’s so much wisdom & warmth in this chat, and I know you’ll laugh and feel seen if you’ve ever wondered how on earth am I meant to make this all work?! Links & Resources: – Follow Lu @lucindamckimm_ @readyornot.pod - Listen to Lu’s podcast: Ready or Not  – Book Your Birth Class (online + Ballarat) with Lauretta or grab a free guide here Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

This week on The Midwife Memos, we’re talking directly to partners and support people, and what it really means to support someone through labour. Because there is often a misconception about what their role is…  And it isn’t to fix or rescue. It’s to be a calm, grounded presence. A cheerleader (without the pom poms!) Someone who can hold space, be hands on AND an advocate, but that's not easy! In this episode, I walk you through: – why labour can feel overwhelming for support people (and why that’s normal) – the common “fix and save” mindset — and why it can actually make things harder – understanding pain in labour vs pain that signals somethings wrong – how your beliefs about birth impact your ability to support – how to support safety (and why this matters for labour progress) – practical ways to advocate — even if you’re not medical – and why sometimes… it’s not about doing anything at all This is such an important conversation if you’re preparing for birth together — because a good support person can have a huge impact & matters more than most people realise. 🤍 Prepare for your birth with me → Your Birth Class (Online + Ballarat) 🎧 Birth Plan Episode → Listen Here 🤍 Get my FREE Birth Plan guide → Birth Plan like a Pro Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

This week on The Midwife Memos, I’m chatting with Tess — midwife and mum of three — about her experience planning and having a vaginal birth with her DCDA twins. And honestly… this episode is such a powerful reminder that birth isn’t about getting it “perfect”. It’s about feeling informed, supported, and in charge of your decisions. We dive into:– navigating the research around twin birth (and how hard it is to actually find balanced information)– the difference between blanket recommendations vs individualised care– epidural vs no epidural (and why you don’t always need to decide beforehand)– CTG monitoring and understanding your options– and the mindset piece that so many women carry… 👉 hearing other people’s birth stories and feeling like that might become yours We also talk about something I think so many women will resonate with —the pressure to make all the “right” decisions before labour… …when actually, you’re allowed to get there and decide in the moment. Tess generously shares her decision making and how she navigated it all, including her early postpartum, I just know this episode will benefit ALL women and especially those birthing twins. Want birth education that actually prepares you? Check out Your Birth Class - in-person or online You can get in touch or follow Tess @twinswithtess Resources mentioned - The Great Birth Rebellion - Episode 42 - Twins with Dr Stuart Fischbein - The Great Birth Rebellion episode with - Episode 114 - Is CTG ever beneficial? - Tess's twin Breastfeeding pillow - Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

In this warm and practical episode, Lauretta chats with Joelleen Winduss Paye (Midwife, Lactation Consultant + Naturopath) about how to prepare for breastfeeding before birth and navigate those tender first few weeks postpartum. Joelleen shares her holistic approach to breastfeeding education, what’s normal newborn behaviour, and how to troubleshoot common challenges like nipple pain, milk supply worries, and engorgement. Together, they explore how nutrition, nervous-system regulation, partner support, and realistic boundaries all play a role in making breastfeeding smoother and more sustainable. Joelleen also opens up about her own breastfeeding experience — from expressing colostrum during pregnancy to navigating an unexpected NICU stay — and what she learned about advocating for herself We cover: What to learn about before birth  What to expect with breast changes, supply and feeding patterns Night Two and how to navigate it Pain and breastfeeding Breastfeeding beyond 6 months and common challenges What to ask & check when seeking support or advice around breastfeeding Common early-days challenges (and how to troubleshoot them) Connect with Joelleen: 🌐 jwp.care 📸 Instagram @jwp.ibclc Resources Mentioned: Dr Pamela Douglas’ work on responsive breastfeeding and “micro movements” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020 breastfeeding statistics Want support to prepare for birth & beyond? Work with Lauretta to prepare for Birth - find all my offerings both in-person and online here  Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

In this episode I’m joined by Zoe — a first-time mum — for a raw, real and honestly so reassuring chat about pregnancy, birth prep, decision-making in labour and the early postpartum weeks. Zoe shares what helped her feel confident going into birth and the part of labour she’s still processing (hello… early urge to push). We cover; - Choosing private care (and the thing many people don’t realise) - Early labour at home: movement, TENS machine tips, and Zoe’s strategy - The early urge to push — what it felt like and why it can be so intense - Decision-making as a team in labour (and what helped Zoe feel in control) - Assisted birth + episiotomy + pain relief — and why her birth still felt positive - Postpartum reality: anxiety, the slow-burn bond, and learning your baby (and yourself) 🫶 Book Your Birth Class here Other Resources: Supporting Women’s instinctive pushing behaviour during birth - Rachel Reed  PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

Early pregnancy can feel exciting, exhausting, confusing… and sometimes all at once. In this first episode of Season 2, I’m kicking off with a gentle, evidence-based guide to surviving (and understanding) the first trimester. Even if it looks like not much is happening on the outside, your body is doing a LOT of work behind the scenes — and there is a reason you feel so tired. In this episode, we cover: A little life update from me What’s actually happening in your body during the first trimester  Practical ways to manage early pregnancy exhaustion while juggling life, work, and other children Nausea, vomiting, food aversions and hydration — plus when to seek help Bleeding in early pregnancy  Supplements to discuss with your GP or midwife (including folate and iodine) What to start thinking about during early pregnancy 🔗 Helpful links mentioned in this episode: Episode: Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (Season 1) Episode: Choosing Your Pregnancy Care (Season 1) Free guide: Choosing the Right Pregnancy Care for You Want to work with Lauretta to prepare for Birth - find all my offerings both in-person and online here  This episode is proudly sponsored by Australia’s favourite pregnancy pillow Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow Other References; NSW Health – Folic acid & iodine recommendations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/pregnancy/Pages/vitamins-minerals.aspx  Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Vitamins & supplements information: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/vitamins-and-supplements-during-pregnancy  RANZCOG – Planning for Pregnancy guidance (folic acid): https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/ (search “Planning for Pregnancy”)  NHMRC – Iodine supplementation statement: (search “Iodine supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women NHMRC”)  The Women’s – Food & nutrition in pregnancy: https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/a-healthy-pregnancy/food-nutrition-in-pregnancy   Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

In this episode we cover all things Oral restrictions - often known as tongue ties, with the incredible Tamika who is an Endorsed Midwife, IBCLC and Orofacial Myology therapist. It's a BIG complex topic and Tamika helps us unpack it all in a compassionate and nuanced way (because as you'll learn it's not black & white) we cover: - What Oral restrictions are & signs & symptoms (inlcuding my own experiences). - The whole body impact beyond the mouth - Key things to look for when seeking support - The importance of bodywork and a team approach - The different options for treatment - conservative management Vs laser or other methods - Why there is SO much controversy around this topic! - Tamika's key message for families navigating this challenging issue This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Want to work with Lauretta to prepare for Birth - find all my offerings both in-person and online here  Guest info:  Tamika Newman - Private Midwife, IBCLC, Orofacial Myology Therapist  Website: https://tamikanewmanibclc.com/  Instagram: @midwifetamika Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

This week I’m joined by Hannah Willsmore — Midwife, Lactation consultant, Birth educator and NDC-accredited practitioner — for a reassuring, myth-busting conversation about infant sleep. If you're pregnant my hope is that this episode supports you to go into the world of babies and sleep with realistic expectations, or if you’re already there - help you feel reassured and less worried that you or you baby are doing something wrong!  We chat about: What’s actually 'normal' for baby sleep The NDC/Possums holistic approach and why it’s so freeing (and supportive for mental health, feeding and sleep!) The biggest myths that cause unnecessary stress for parents How parents can actually support their babies sleep  This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Want to work with Lauretta to prepare for Birth - find all my offerings both in-person and online here  Guest info: Connect with Hannah & the Held Midwifery Team Website: https://www.heldmidwifery.com.au Instagram: @heldmidwifery Hannah’s Course – Held in Sleep & Motherhood A beautiful, evidence-based online course to support infant sleep and maternal wellbeing Resources Mentioned: NDC / Possums ApproachEvidence-based sleep, feeding & mental health support  https://possumsonline.com The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr Pamela Douglas https://possumsonline.com/product/the-discontented-little-baby-book/  Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

In this episode of The Midwife Memos, I’m diving into the physical side of birth prep — and why we need to give it just as much attention as mindset work.  I cover: Why body prep matters and how it influences baby’s position & movement through the pelvis What tension in the body can tell us — and how to address it 3 simple things you can do today to support your body for birth Links mentioned: Free Birth Prep Guide  Your Birth Class (+in depth body prep) - online & in person classes Internal Pelvic Release Info Internal Pelvic Release Aus wide Practitioner Directory This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns. Disclaimer

Ask a Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist In this week's bite-sized episode we’re changing up the ‘ask a midwife’ to ‘ask a Midwife & Chinese medicine practitioner’ Kate is answering; Is Acupuncture safe in pregnancy? How often should you go as you move through pregnancy? How can Acupuncture help with preparing for birth? Guest Info: Kate is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Privately Practicing Midwife located south of Perth in Western Australia. She is passionate about supporting women throughout all stages of life. Kate loves working in partnership with women providing knowledge, education and support. You can find her here https://www.themamasalchemist.com/ & on instagram @themamasalchemist Based in Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh?Explore how Lauretta supports women with Acuneedling (based on Chinese medicine - provided by a Midwife for pregnancy, birth & postpartum). Find out more here Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

The Memo: Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture for Pregnancy, Labour & Postpartum with Private Midwife + Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Kate Thomson from The Mamas Alchemist This week, Lauretta sits down with Kate — a privately practising midwife, Chinese medicine practitioner, and mum of two — for a beautiful, honest conversation on how Eastern medicine can support women across pregnancy, labour and postpartum. In this episode, we chat about: Kate’s lessons from her pregnancies & births What Chinese medicine actually is (and why it’s more than just needles) The “40 days for 40 years” philosophy for postpartum recovery What a typical treatment looks like across trimesters How we can all apply chinese medicine practices in simple ways How Kate blends her midwifery and Chinese Medicine background to support women Guest Info: Kate is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Privately Practicing Midwife located south of Perth in Western Australia. She is passionate about supporting women throughout all stages of life. Kate loves working in partnership with women providing knowledge, education and support. You can find her here https://www.themamasalchemist.com/ & on instagram @themamasalcehmist Based in Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh? Explore how Lauretta supports women with Acuneedling (based on chinese medicine provided by a Midwife within the scope of pregnancy, birth & postpartum) Find out more here  This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Disclaimer:The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

This week I'm talking to Fiona Rogerson - a Perinatal & Trauma Counsellor, my hope is that it will be helpful if you're preparing for birth to learn about what can contribute to experiencing trauma and how to seek support if you resonate with what Fiona shares. We cover; What birth and perinatal trauma really means — and why it’s not just about “bad births” How trauma is rooted in a lack of safety (not disappointment or unmet expectations) The full perinatal spectrum: how trauma can arise during conception, pregnancy, birth or postpartum The nervous system's role in how we experience trauma — and how symptoms can show up emotionally, physically, cognitively, and behaviourally Common but misunderstood signs of trauma, including “mum rage”, avoidance, panic, or disconnect How partners can also experience trauma, and what that might look like The overlap between trauma and mental health How trauma affects relationships and parenting What is EMDR and somatic approaches for trauma What to look for when seeking support from a practitioner Fiona’s memo moment & takeaway message If you feel you need support please speak to your GP or contact PANDA or COPE Guest info: If you'd like to connect with Fiona her website is linked here & she is on Instagram @fionarogerson.counsellorperth Disclaimer: This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Want a weekly 'midwife in your inbox?' Join my newsletter, The Birth Buzz – Get midwife-approved insights, birth prep tips & all the resources mentioned in each episode straight to your inbox. The Birth Buzz  ✨ Ready to take charge of your birth, your way? Your Birth Class – My midwife-created, holistic birth class (online or in-person - Ballarat & Bacchus Marsh) Find everything in one place: My Website  Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

Navigating birth trauma, partner fears, and growing confidence the second time around In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma — a mum of two — who shares her two birth stories: her first in an MGP program & a hospital, assisted birth during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, and a slower, calm, home-birth in a publicly funded home birth program with her second. We talk about; What she would go back and tell her first time birthing self  Dealing with a posterior labour, her experience with an epidural and staying ‘in’ labour with one Dealing with Birth trauma & how it can be stored in the body  Navigating getting on the same page with your partner around birth choices The difference between her hospital and home-birth Why expectations can be the enemy Gemma’s Memo moment & key takeaway for other birthing women A quick heads up: In this episode, Gemma shares her first birth experience, which she experienced as traumatic. If you need support, you can contact: COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia or 1300 726 306 You can also speak to your GP, midwife or Obstetrician for further support. This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Free resources & courses: www.midwifelauretta.com.au Disclaimer- The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

In this bonus episode #08 -  I’m sharing part of a talk I gave at a local event in Ballarat ‘The Wisdom She weaves’ by the very inspiring Sarah from LOTS financial planning. The topic was What I Wish Women Knew — and in this episode, I’m sharing; What I wish women knew about Birth What I wish women knew about self advocacy & trusting your Gut (for birth & life!) I also share a bit about my own experience as a Midwife & learning to hold less tightly to what I couldn't control & to focus on my small circle of influence in a micro way - which might be helpful for my fellow Midwives:) Next week, I’m chatting with Gemma — a mum of two — about her hospital and home births. Want more support for your birth prep? Check out Your Birth Class - Fully online at your own pace or in person group classes, now launching in Bacchus Marsh & Ballarat. This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.

In this short 'Ask A Midwife' episode, I’m answering two questions: - “What if I just want to wing it?” -“What if my care provider doesn’t believe in birth plans?” Free Guide: Plan Like a Pro Download the guide  Birth Plan Template My one-page, midwife & obstetrician approved template  Your Birth Class Fully online at your own pace or in person group classes → Your Birth Class Have a question you’d like answered in a future Ask A Midwife episode?You can reply to the podcast email or send me a DM on Instagram @midwifelauretta This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.