The Lowdown with Bravemumma

Your healing journey with pelvic organ prolapse - POP When you've just been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse you can feel so alone. The journey to heal, to move forward and be the best you can takes some time. The first thing you need to do is surround yourself with the right people who can support you, known as your A-Team.  Find out who needs to be on your team and how to find them.  These tips can be yours to download free - HERE

DESCRIPTION As a clinical psychologist, executive coach, wife, mum and stand up comedian - Nicola Brown was working through her own lived experience with pregnancy loss, while supporting other women as a fertility counsellor.  Nicola shares her heroic journey about how her and her wife lived through 7 years of trying to become mums and when that special day arrived - it was nothing like they imagined...and more so what was to come next.  Warning: This episode talks about birth trauma, miscarriage and suicide.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; IVF  pelvic organ prolapse  birth trauma  multiple miscarriage  episiotomy and forceps delivery  mums and bubs separated at birth  C-section birth and vaginal birth  complicated births and the impact on midwives  childbirth education and information overload  Women’s pelvic health physiotherapy  family history of breast and ovarian cancer  prolapse surgery, risk factors, relapse  misdiagnosis of prolapse through multiple medical professionals  prolapse and pain  physical exercise with prolapse  men and non-binary gender diverse people with pelvic floor issues  different stages of prolapse and bilateral avulsions  suicide and chronic pain caused by POP   colostomy bag  emotionally isolating  pessaries  reformer pilates  time and healing LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Where to find Nicola Brown:  Website: https://nicolabrown.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolabrown/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsnicolabrown Helpful links mentioned in the show: FemFusion: https://www.femfusionfitness.com/ Head Space: https://www.headspace.com/ Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/ https://www.curablehealth.com/ CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION When your surgeon says, ‘your pelvic pain is due to a sexually transmitted infection’ (STI), but your gut knows differently - what do you do?  Isabelle Gosling and her mum had to self-advocate for better diagnostic surgery and answers. Isabelle was finally listened to, only to discover she was living with endometriosis and adenomyosis.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; painful periods  endometriosis  adenomyosis  chronic illness how to have open conversations with your daughter  advocating for better pelvic health support pelvic surgery and Laparoscopy  infertility and IVF  how to get specialised help Intrauterine Device (IUD) for hormone management and conception breakthrough bleeding  Pouch of Douglas  how to manage symptoms of Endo like fatigue, pain build your A Team to support you vaginismus  sexual health  invisible illness and disability  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Let's. Talk. Period. Podcast  CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson   

The Lowdown with Bravemumma are trialing a LIVE format with the idea of having conversations about women's health that are unscripted, because as we know sometimes the best things come from those unplanned experiences.  This conversation is for you if you want to know more about:  perinatal and postnatal anxiety  adjustment to motherhood and parenthood  perfectionism, OCD and control in parenthood SIDS  how to work through information overload some signs to look out for when caring for someone with mental health needs  sleep deprivation  Mum's and Bubs mental health support unit  how becoming a village can help you and others how COVID impacts mental health for new parents  common does not mean it's 'normal'  fears and miscarriage  medications Links for you: World Mental Health Day 2021 Bravemumma Co-host Tammy from: Mumma Life Is Now  The Gidget Foundation Lifeline 13 11 14 for 24/7 Crisis Support  Thank you to Tammy for sharing her story LIVE and helping other mumma's living with anxiety and/or depression.   

DESCRIPTION  What do childbirth, prolapse, Hypopressives and motherhood all have in common? This amazing woman - Hayley Wildsmith.  This episode is so impactful. After recording I was left feeling surprised by what I learned and inspired to do further research on Hypopressives. Women living with POP and Levator Ani Avulsions are often told there is nothing they can do to ‘fix’ their prolapse. This chat with Hayley may just flip this common opinion on its head?  There was so much to cover in this important conversation. It’s both thought provoking and in depth. With it being so extensive, it’s well worth grabbing a BIG cuppa and listening until the end.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: pelvic floor dysfunction pelvic organ prolapse     Levator ani avulsions  POP surgery  Top tips for women thinking about surgery and/or recovering from surgery  Postnatal depression and anxiety for women living with POP  pelvic floor exercises and anatomy   Hypopressives pain with sex Hypotonic   *professional advice from your medical care provider should be sought prior to commencing any programs or exercises to see if it suitable to you and your body.  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Auckland Hypopressives is offering our first 50 listeners a special for the General Online Hypopressives course. Use the code: NZD50 (in capital letters)   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  Bernadette is a trained midwife and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with women's health particularly in the area of women’s pelvic health. Bernadette spent many years working as a midwife around the world with different cultures and in regional remote areas of Australia.   This episode is for you if you want to know more about: Pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic organ prolapse and avulsion Women's Health Holistic approach to pelvic health Pregnancy programs Epic health and birthing Caesarean birth Vaginal birth Incontinence Pelvic floor functions during daily activities and during childbirth Importance of exercise  Your vulva is not your vagina  Incontinence from an early age Birthing politics - birth wars  *Language warning: a couple of 'f-bombs' trickled throughout our stories  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Bernadette is gifting 15% off her online courses for our listeners: Use this code: brave15 https://coreandfloor.com.au/   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  When you’ve interviewed over 250 women and had three very different births of your own, you are more than qualified to talk to us about birth stories.  Sophie Walker is the creator of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast. She has created a platform for women and their partners to listen and become informed about all birthing methods through the lived experiences of others.  In this episode we talk about how Sophie’s passion for helping others began when her first birth did not go to plan and her subsequent pelvic organ prolapse. She knew she wanted this to change for her next birth - and she did. Find out about Sophie’s next exciting project.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: Various methods of childbirth Pelvic organ prolapse during childbirth  Birth trauma for mums and their partners  Episiotomy and forceps in childbirth  Postpartum haemorrhage How we lose confidence in the birthing process How to support pregnant women and new mums during COVID-19 Childbirth education  *Sophie shares her first birthing experience which was traumatic. It could be triggering for some listeners, you can skip past beyond 6:50mins, or choose to tune in later.  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Sophie Walker is gifting $20 off her online courses for our listeners: $20 off online childbirth education course The Birth Class or  $20 off postpartum course Discovering Motherhood Use this code: Bravemamma https://australianbirthstories.com/shop   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  September 20th marks World Gynecologic Oncology Day. Our guest is Kath Mazzella, advocate for change in gynaecological and sexual health asks the question: Why is it that our society still refers to the vulva as the vagina? Kath is a cervical cancer survivor and following her own difficult journey into the unknown realm of women's  gynaecological health and subsequent surgery is passionate about ensuring women and all sectors of society are educated and comfortable with conversations relating to this very important subject.  There is little information relating to cancer or health related issues with the vulva. Shame and embarrassment relating to gynaecological cancers...to this day there are no vulva diagrams. There is still so much we have to learn about women's health.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; Female genitalia Societal shame and lack of information Recognising symptoms of genitalia health issues Sexual health Taking action when something 'doesn't feel right' Gynaecological cancer risk factors Pain during sex and urination   Pudendum Your vulva is NOT your vagina LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Websites: World Gynecologic Oncology Day We would like to give a special thanks to Kath. She kindly agreed to let us share her story today on World GO Day, even though she has been pioneering for change and created 10 September as International Gynaecological Awareness Day (IGAD). www.kathmazzella.com   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  Have you been told you’ll need to have IVF to become a mumma? Has endometriosis affected you and your ability to fall pregnant?  In this episode we have a delightful and enlightening chat with Amy Maree, who’s been through it all when it comes to becoming a mumma. When it takes 8 - IVF transfers and numerous procedures to fall pregnant, Amy thought her birth was going to be the ‘easy’ part...her birth had a different plan.  It doesn’t get any more real than hearing her harrowing journey with this Mummy Blogger, who shares her all in the hope it can help others.  This episode is for you if you want to know about; Endometriosis, symptoms and signs (and ‘silent’ endo) Heavy, painful periods  Invisible illness  Laparoscopy / Cone biopsy / Hysteroscopy  IVF Abnormal pap smear  Ectopic pregnancy Pelvic organ prolapse  Childbirth  Birth story / traumatic birth *trigger warning  Rainbow baby  Lost identity Motherhood  Beauty and self-care Fertility acupuncture / Chinese medicine  Holistic approach to fertility  Sex and pregnancy The financial costs of infertility and IVF  Women’s Health Physio to prepare for birth  Epi-no / forceps, epidural and uncontrollable shaking in childbirth    LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Website: www.amymaree.com.au   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  The Vagina Museum...have we got your attention? Florence Schechter - is the Director of the Vagina Museum located in the United Kingdom and is a space dedicated to everything vagina in an attempt to break down stigmas and raise awareness about everything relating to women's health. The museum is a great source of information provided in a safe environment and encourages open conversation and learning. This episode is for you if you want to learn more about: vagina and vulva ways we can shift societal norms and barriers to female sexuality and women's health LBGT community  breaking taboos and stigmas about vaginas the stigma of vagina   reliable information for everyone  feminism and women's liberation  periods  vagina merchandise  shadow ban from social media    LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Website: www.vaginamuseum.co.uk   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  Many women living with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can no longer wear a tampon. They just don’t stay in. So what are we meant to do, tampons and pads are just not working?  When Kristy Chong was training for a marathon after the birth of her second child, she noticed urinary incontinence. Not satisfied with the limited options available to manage incontinence, she decided to take matters into her own hands.  This episode is more like a chat from one mum to another. Even though Kristy is a CEO, she’s also a wife and mumma with four children. Find out the inside story of the woman who developed the first Period and Incontinence Underwear in Australia. This episode is for you if you want to know about; periods and mensuration  motherhood    incontinence  period poverty  how to make a difference in the ‘women’s health space'  what women can be doing now to help make change   how to have the conversations about periods smashing taboos about women's health in general  FemTech supporting women and their health  LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use: BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  A special gift from Modibodi. Use BRAVE15 to receive 15% off your purchase.  Modibodi T&C’s: 15% off products excluding Give a Pair, Maxis, Bundles and Gift Vouchers. Min spend $100.00 Expiry date: 30/9/21   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  We know Pinky McKay as a best selling author, Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding experts - but there is so much more about this amazing woman’s journey.   Today we talk about the fearless nurse who was a natural born leader from a very young age. We learn about how her mischievous nature led her to become an icon for mothers everywhere. You’ll need a big cuppa for this episode as we dive deep into many aspects of pre and postnatal topics for mumma’s.  This episode is for you if you want to know more about: becoming a mother and having a baby in newborn intensive care unit (NICU) breast pumps throughout the years  breast feeding, blocked ducts and breastfeeding culture   finding your own ‘village’  La Leche League    working mums in a corporate world parenting books & literature  how women prepare for birth throughout the generations  birthing your placenta  postpartum haemorrhage trusting your motherhood instincts - how do you know when they aren't saying anything?  ‘surrender’ - what if you just can’t?  postpartum doula  caring for mums during COVID-19  birth trauma  ‘baby blues’, anxiety, postnatal depression and birth trauma  how we make birth better for our girls pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal tears, episiotomy  Mums and Bubs Unit for mental health   LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  FREE  first Chapter of Sleeping Like a Baby https://www.pinkymckay.com/sleeping-like-a-baby/  FREE ebook, Making More Mummy Milk, Naturally https://www.boobiefoods.com.au   HELP & SUPPORT Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week   PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306 Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7.30pm   Lifeline: 13 11 14 Open 24/7   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson 

DESCRIPTION  Hello & Welcome!  The Lowdown with Bravemumma Podcast is here to inspire, educate and talk about all things; periods to pregnancy and motherhood to menopause.    LINKS FOR YOU Grab yourself a cuppa from Madame Flavour and use code BRAVE20 to receive 20% off your first order.  Website: Bravemumma   CREDITS Host - Stephanie Thompson Executive Producer & Editor - Dave Stokes Podcast logo artist - Khrystyna lukashchuk Brand Designer - Brodie-Rose Original Soundtrack - Steven Robinson