The Lowdown with Bravemumma

60: The number one thing we all can do today. From one mum to another find out how we can make birth better for all our girls, with Aminata Conteh-Biger

DESCRIPTION In today's Season 2 final we have saved one of the most impactful episodes until last for a reason.  While we are on a break from the show, we want you to continue the great work of our community by supporting other mummy's around the globe.  Without giving too much away, I can promise today will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.  My favourite quote from this chat: "Motherhood should mark a beginning, not an end". This episode is for you if you want to know more about: childbirth in Australia and in Africa birthing 10 days overdue epidural  shoulder dysplasia insight into how our prodigious plays a role in the work of this Foundation what we can be doing right now to help our fellow mummas - and we should be doing all we possibly can.  LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Aminata Conteh-Biger - Foundation  Send a Direct Message to me to share your number one takeaway @bravemumma CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

59: Bonus: Why sexual health literacy is important living with pelvic organ prolapse and the practical ways you can get back to your ultimate sexual wellbeing, with Sexologist Chantelle Otten

DESCRIPTION Today we are sharing a sneaky bonus episode for Season Two. Initially, this episode was only going to our private Tips & Tricks for Women Living with POP - Facebook group. Then after listening through after production, I was like, how can I not share this with everyone who tunes into this podcast? Because you might find some things in here that are really helpful for you as a parent in terms of how to start conversations about pelvic sexual health with your own children.  Our conversation with Psycho-Sexologist, Chantelle Otten is so important to anyone who is wanting to feel better about their sexual health, self-esteem, and communication. If you're like many of us, talking about this may not come easy. This is why having conversations like this on a podcast is the best way to have access to this information without anyone needing to know!  Please note: we are sharing a special announcement in this episode which means the introduction goes beyond our normal 3-4 minutes. If this is something that's not for you, simply skip to around 10 minutes in.  My favourite quote from this chat: "Just go gently, it's not something you have to rush into". This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic floor dysfunction  pelvic organ prolapse  sexual health and wellbeing  tips to helping your intimate life with yourself and/or your partner how to start the conversation about your sexual health with your partner  when to start talking to your own children about their pelvic health and wellbeing LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Chantelle Otten - Sexologist Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram for the letter script @bravemumma CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

58: Three Top Tips to Finding Joy and Becoming the Mum you Desire by Reawakening Your True Inner Self, with podcast host Melissa Clampitt

DESCRIPTION Today we have invited Melissa to come and share her top tips for feeling the best you can as a mum (and human).  Melissa is the host of the Reawakened Mom podcast, which focuses on putting yourself back on that priority list as a mum because she wants to help us feel less alone. As a mum, there were so many things that Melissa shared that I too felt like, wow, I needed that nudge. I needed that reminder. So I hope by the end of this episode, you too get a little bit of a tap on the shoulder or a little jolt to help you feel lit up and good about yourself again, because we are so much more than just mums. We are brave mamas here!   My favourite quote from this chat: "Let's cut up the Supermum cape". This episode is not to be missed for all mumma's.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: Becoming a step-mum Network Marketing Finding the balance between motherhood and working in paid employment  Self-care Vs survival  How to get out of the mum - overcommit Enjoying motherhood with all the tasks How social media can confuse your own thoughts Seasons of motherhood Incontincence  What is a 'She-hawk' Mummy timeout Finding yourself again LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Melissa Clampitt from 'The Reawakened Mom Podcast' Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Listener feedback - Jackie Amsden - These Moms Write Podcast This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

57: How to manage pelvic organ prolapse and Lichen Sclerosus as a young woman, with Natashja Simone from ’Living with Prolapse U.K’.

DESCRIPTION In today's episode, our guest is one of the first women that we are speaking to who lives with pelvic organ prolapse and has not yet become a mum. That's right, Natashja was only 18 when she discovered that she had prolapse. Now, I don't want to give too much of her story away, but I do just want to let you know when I welcome her to the show you are going to hear me call her Simone and you might think, oh, Steph's losing the plot. She doesn't even have the name of her guest right.  I've only ever known her as Simone and I think we need to address this point. When Natashja first started her prolapse journey and started talking about it openly, she had so much fear of the shame and taboo of talking about women's pelvic health and then the extra layer of being so young and then the extra layer of not yet being a mum. Natashja started her Instagram account and called herself Simone as a pseudonym as a level of protection, I guess. And I am so proud of her. I'm so proud of her for sharing her journey with us today because she is so brave to be able to do that. This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic organ prolapse  Lichen Sclerosus uterine prolapse  hysteroscopy  septate uterus  misdiagnosis  how to communicate with your loved ones about prolapse  perinatal decent  how chronic constipation is a risk factor for POP  women's pelvic floor physiotherapy  sex with pessaries finding ways to live your best life with prolapse  LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Natashja Simone - Living with Prolapse Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Join the free Facebook group - Tips & Tricks for Women Living with Prolapse  This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson   * A special thank you to our Bravemumma community for your understanding this episode being published a couple of days late. 

56: Women’s Health Week 2022 - Celebrating, Acknowledging and Talking about why focusing on our health is so important.

DESCRIPTION This special episode is to celebrate Jean Hailes - Women's Health Week 2022. We have flipped the mic and invited a new host to interview Steph Thompson - Bravemumma herself.  While we know about Steph's journey after becoming a Mumma, today she shares intimate stories about how life can take unexpected turns and work out for the best.  We also find out where the Bravemumma community is heading and how you can be part of this amazing safe space for women living with pelvic organ prolapse.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: living with cancer  what true resilience means  how to keep going through adversity  living with pelvic organ prolapse  where to seek help for your own health needs  dynamic disability  how to talk with your loved ones about women's health * Apologies I was not able to find the name of that parenting book. If you know the one that talks about 80/20 parenting, send me a DM via Instagram @bravemumma LINKS FOR YOU www.bravemumma.com Instagram: @bravemumma This episode is coming to you thanks to our Bravemumma community.  CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

55: No two journeys to motherhood are the same. Find out how Mumma, Brooke and her husband welcomed a baby into their lives via adoption and what it means now for both families

*IMPORTANT NOTE This episode has been produced for the best sound quality possible. There were some recording issues which means you may hear a slight humming in the background. Because this episode is so important, we are sharing this interview via video on YouTube upon request. You can DM @bravemumma on Instagram or email stephanie@bravemumma and we will share the link with you.  DESCRIPTION Today on the show, we have invited Brooke to share not only her journey to motherhood but that same journey for her husband, her baby, and her baby's birth family. We are talking about adoption. I know by the end of this episode, you will feel inspired and your heart will open. I'm also hoping that by listening to this amazing story, you will be able to sit and reflect and think about how we talk and how we respond to different journeys to motherhood. This is a really special one today.  This special episode is dedicated to a very special friend who will feel seen and heard here. 'You and your family are amazing and beautiful, this episode is for you'.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: journey to motherhood  adoption  open adoption and closed adoption  interrupted and failed adoption  tips on how to support a family on an adoption journey LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Hello Brooklyn Instagram Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

54: How Marcia was able to finally recognise that menopause was the cause that changed her in ways she never thought and now she is rewriting her narrative towards health and wellness.

DESCRIPTION Today on the show, you are going to be energised by our amazing guest Marcia Lee.  Marica is changing her narrative. She's now a host of the 'Cut the BS' podcast, which talks about your health, your choice - to enlighten, educate and elevate in regards to health and wellness. Marcia shares her journey with menopause to help us understand how important it is to be having conversations with our trusted circle much sooner and how to prepare for your medical appointments to ensure the best level of care possible.   This episode is for you if you want to know more about: menopause journey  symptoms  women's health advocacy  how to rewrite your health journey  starting hard conversations  LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Marica Lee Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Reviewer Lisa Higgins - Period Coach This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

53: LIVE Q&A - What is a Dynamic Disability and how does it impact women living with POP?

Today we talk about Dynamic Disability and understanding your own journey better, which could lead to being able to communicate your needs for better support.  This is our final LIVE Q&A for Season 2. Our weekly interviews continue each Wednesday. Be sure to tune in next week if you'd like to hear more about menopause.   Watch the Invisible Disability short film here: https://youtu.be/CAOsa2PQyKs Request to join the online free support group for women living with prolapse. 

52: You’re not alone...find out what happened when women’s health perinatal physiotherapist - Kath Baquie discovered her own prolapse after childbirth.

DESCRIPTION Today on the show, you are going to be hearing from a Women's Health Physiotherapist, Kath Baquie. She is the mum of three daughters and shares her personal journey of discovering pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth.  Kath also shares her tips on how to live the best life you can, in spite of prolapse.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic organ prolapse  pre-birth education women's pelvic floor physiotherapy  finding ways to live your best life with prolapse  online pre and postnatal exercise  LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Kath Baquie  Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

51: LIVE Q&A - A step in the right direction

Today we talk about the new policy document to move away from 'Towards Normal Birth' which is what I would say led to my birth trauma and injuries.  'Connecting, Listening and Responding' is the new blueprint for action. While we can't fix or change childbirth overnight, this is positive to see some steps towards better birth.  Join the conversation next week:  Send your questions to contact@bravemumma and we can answer them each Friday on this short 10-minute LIVE show.  Request to join the online free support group for women living with prolapse. 

50: How to find what lights you up and feel like an awesome mum at the same time, with Rietta Boksha.

DESCRIPTION Today on the show, you are going to be hearing from amazing author and podcast co-host, Rietta Boksha. She is the mum of a wonderful young son and shares her personal reasons why after one baby, she knew her family was complete.  Rietta also shares her journey about how she would have liked to have been more supported throughout her difficult pregnancy and beyond.  Tune in to hear how Rietta is finding herself once again and finding her right balance.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: constant sickness in pregnancy hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) how to decide if you're family is complete after one baby coping with judgement from those closest to you can sex really bring on labour and delivery  how to find the things that light you up LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Rietta Boksha  Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Tips and Tricks eBook - here This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

49: Discover the top tips for having an empowering labor and delivery with The Vagina Blogger, April Davis.

DESCRIPTION What would you consider to be successful labor and delivery? Because we would all have our different views, thoughts, and opinions about childbirth.  I'm guessing that you're here because you probably have more questions about this childbirth space than you've been able to find answers. And while we certainly don't pretend to have all the answers, this is why we invite special guests like April Davis to the show. You may know her from her Vagina Blog. What you may not know is that she also has many, many years in this birthing space in her previous life as a doula. And she was a birthing photographer as well. So April has seen it all. She has been to so many different types of birth. And what she's bringing to this conversation will give you so much value because it comes from a range of different perspectives. If you want to find out more about how to find a really good healthcare provider, that will sit down with you to say, how can I best serve and care for you? Then tune into this episode.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: the many options for your childbirth  how to find a health care provider that best suits your needs tips for having the labor and delivery you want when to start the conversation about your next labor and delivery LINKS FOR YOU Guest Website: The Vagina Blog Modibodi Code: BRAVEMUMMA22 This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at Modibodi. If you'd like to give Modibodi a go, use code BRAVEMUMMA22 for 15% off your first order excluding sale items, bundles, gift cards, and Maxi-24hrs. Expires 31st of December 2022. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

48: Do you feel your birth was traumatic? Sandy Lowres shares her top tips to avoid trauma in your next birth.

DESCRIPTION We are going to continue to recognize and acknowledge birth trauma awareness week. Even though it's a designated one week out of the year, we feel that it's something that can continually be talked about 365 days of the year.  Today on the show, you are going to hear from a beautiful woman called Sandy Lowres. She's a podcast host, and has her own magazine for women beyond 40. Sandy talks about all things, menopause, and women's pelvic health.  I love that Sandy is able to share her story with so much heart. She also then talks about the practical things that we could be doing to try to avoid having to tell these stories anymore. Tune in to this episode, if you would like to find out more about how we work towards the future for our girls and to make this childbirth space better. This episode is for you if you want to know more about: maternal mental health  traumatic birth  navigating the legal system with birth trauma  finding support and help to heal living beyond birth trauma  Obstetric shock   LINKS FOR YOU Guest - Women Beyond 40 - Sandy Lowres Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Tips and Tricks eBook - here This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

47: LIVE Q&A - It’s Okay Not to Be Okay - Are you tired of riding this rollercoaster?

Today we talk about the healing journey of a pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis and how it's not linear.  Join the conversation next week:  Send your questions to contact@bravemumma and we can answer them each Friday on this short 10-minute LIVE show.  Request to join the online free support group for women living with prolapse. 

46: Can We Talk About This? (Of course we can) Speaking about birth and prolapse with Amber-Lee.

Today we are doing something a little bit different. We're switching it up. I'm on the other side of the microphone. Amber Lee from 'The Power of Birth' is interviewing me on her podcast called; Can We Talk About This? It's an amazing show that talks about all things, Women's Health, and the things that you're just too afraid to say out loud. Amber Lee is an amazing host. She actually gets me talking about things that I don't even think I've really mentioned here in the podcast or in the book. We are sharing this episode with you this week to continue to acknowledge the importance of Birth Trauma Awareness Week. While you're listening to this episode if some things start to come up for you. Please make sure you reach out to someone who can assist you, support you and help you through this.  Thank you Amber-Lee.  Listen to more episodes here: Can We Talk About This Podcast The Power of Birth Insta  

45: How birth trauma survivor, April Hagan has come full circle to live a happy and fulfilling life, despite pelvic organ prolapse

DESCRIPTION Today, April Hagen is bringing you her journey that talks about her birth trauma for about a split second. And the reason why I'm sharing this with you is that she talks a lot about what happened next... I think it's important to know how women can work through this trauma space, and seek appropriate, help and support to come out the other side to continue living a fulfilling life.  What I think you're going to love the most is that after her experience and despite living with pelvic organ prolapse, she has still created an amazing business that started as a simple side hustle on something that she just loved doing. Now she has this amazing business where prolapse is not the center of her universe and her life, and her career are back on track. So if this is you and you've been through a birthing experience that was traumatic, you've been left with pelvic organ prolapse or other injuries, and you are looking for some hope, for some light at the end of the tunnel, you'll need to listen to this episode with April Hagan.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic organ prolapse  maternal mental health  traumatic birth  navigating the legal system with birth trauma  finding support and help to heal living beyond birth trauma  living with pelvic organ prolapse  LINKS FOR YOU Tips and Tricks eBook - here Guest - April Hagan Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma Season 1 Episode with Dr. Elizabeth Skinner - listen now This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

44: LIVE Q&A - Where to From Here

How it started, where we are now, and where we are going in the future.  Hear a little of our backstory and where we want to take you next on this prolapse journey.  To celebrate 10K downloads, for the next 10 days you can receive $10 off our new Tips & Tricks for Living with Pelvic Organ Prolapse eBook Buy here: https://bravemumma-tipsandtricks.mailerpage.io/ Help decide the future directions of our online support group by answering these 10 questions.  Survey here: https://subscribepage.io/tipsandtrickssurvey

43: Are you new to prolapse and feeling lost? Start here with Dr Nidhi Sharma

DESCRIPTION I know that you are going to get so much from this episode today. I'm chatting with Dr Nidhi Sharma, who is a pelvic floor physiotherapist from New York.  You'll love her honesty, her knowledge of the pelvic floor, and her clear and actionable steps that you can take right now to start feeling better while living with pelvic organ prolapse. You will want to tune in if you've ever considered electrical stimulation devices to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Sharma also shares her wealth of information via her Instagram reels. And this will be especially helpful for those who are new on this pop journey.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic organ prolapse  bladder and bowel leakage  pessaries  electrical stimulation devices for prolapse treatment  what changes we need to see to help improve pelvic health outcomes. LINKS FOR YOU Leave your review - here Guest - Dr Nidhi Sharma Continence Foundation of Australia Send a Direct Message to the team on Instagram @bravemumma This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson

42: LIVE Q&A - Do We Just Have to Resign Ourselves to the Fact We Feel Broken with Prolapse?

Today we answer the question from one of our community members about how to live with prolapse now.    Join the Tips & Tricks for Women Living with Prolapse Support group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tipsandtricksforwomenlivingwithpop/   NEW Tips & Tricks for Living with Prolapse eBook https://bravemumma-tipsandtricks.mailerpage.io/   Let us know what you think? Was this helpful? Leave a comment at the bottom of this episode.    Join the conversation next week:  Send your questions to contact@bravemumma and we can answer them each Friday on this short 10-minute LIVE show.   

41: Get Colour and Joy back into your (prolapsed) life with these positive tips from the host of ’Why Mum’s Don’t Jump’ Podcast, Helen Ledwick

DESCRIPTION Today we connect to chat with fellow podcaster and prolapsed Mumma, Helen Ledwick.  She shares her journey with prolapse and how she's been able to move forward by talking with other women and finding connection and community via her podcast 'Why Mum's Don't Jump'.  We have a serious chat about how prolapse changed our lives as well as finding parts where we can have a laugh and feel joy again.   This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic organ prolapse  c-section birth, breach birth, VBAC prolapse and motherhood finding hope living with pelvic organ prolapse how to find connection with other prolapsed women LINKS FOR YOU New eBook - www.bravemumma-tipsandtricks.mailerpage.io/ Guest Helen Ledwick - Why Mum's Don't Jump  Continence Foundation of Australia This episode is coming to you thanks to our partners at the Continence Foundation. Call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to a Nurse Continence Specialist for free confidential advice, Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson