# Anna Cusack ## About **URL:** https://www.annacusack.com.au **Tagline:** Postpartum Doula and Author **By:** Anna Cusack — Author, advocate, educator and space holder supporting mothers and parents through their pregnancy, postpartum and parenting journeys. ## Pages - [Milestone ceremonies and events](https://www.annacusack.com.au/ceremonies) - [Speaking and Workshops](https://www.annacusack.com.au/speaking-and-workshops) - [Free Resources](https://www.annacusack.com.au/free-resources) - [In Home Doula Support](https://www.annacusack.com.au/in-home-doula-support) - [Repeat Parents' Program](https://www.annacusack.com.au/repeat-parents-program) - [Contact](https://www.annacusack.com.au/contact) - [About](https://www.annacusack.com.au/about): Anna’s story and specialty training combine in compassionate care to help smooth your postpartum path. - [Book](https://www.annacusack.com.au/book): "Mama, You're Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood" pre-sale information - [Home](https://www.annacusack.com.au/) ## Blog - [NSW Abortion Rights Under Attack](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/120367-nsw-abortion-rights-under-attack) by Anna Cusack (May 23, 2026) - [Who listens to our birth stories?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/108518-who-listens-to-our-birth-stories) by Anna Cusack (Jul 23, 2025) - [Rush or Recharge? Why what happens when school starts isn't a done deal](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/104839-to-rush-or-to-rest-why-what-happens-when) by Anna Cusack (Mar 8, 2025) - [What every five year old wants you to know](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/103585-what-every-five-year-old-wants-you-to) by Anna Cusack (Jan 28, 2025) - [12 Tips To Get Through Sickness When Parenting Solo](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/102223-tips-to-get-through-sickness-when) by Anna Cusack (Nov 29, 2024) - [What's it like getting mental health support as a dad?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/100284-fathers-day) by Anna Cusack (Sep 3, 2024) - [Fear, Love, Gender and Feminism: How mothers are primed to fight the wrong enemy, and why it hurts us all](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99886-fear-love-gender-and-feminism) by Anna Cusack (Aug 15, 2024) - [Birth Options In Newcastle and the Lower Hunter](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56353-getting-ready-to-pop-birth-options-in) by Anna Cusack (Aug 11, 2024) - [Why it's time to stop saying we're "winging it"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99720-why-its-time-to-stop-saying-were-winging) by Anna Cusack (Aug 6, 2024) - [Why all the doulas need a doula, and what to do about it](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99718-why-all-the-doulas-need-a-doula-and-what) by Anna Cusack (Aug 6, 2024) - [I skipped my school reunion (aka "Babies don't care about your career")](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99717-i-skipped-my-school-reunion-aka-babies) by Anna Cusack (Aug 6, 2024) - [On cuddling, and waking up happily](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99716-on-cuddling-and-waking-up-happily) by Anna Cusack (Aug 6, 2024) - [Awareness days are not enough](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99715-awareness-days-are-not-enough) by Anna Cusack (Aug 6, 2024) - [Overtime on an Unpaid Job: Hard Truths on Parenting Kids Who Hate Sleep](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/99454-overtime-on-an-unpaid-job-hard-truths-on) by Anna Cusack (Jul 28, 2024) - [Useful Contacts for Postpartum - Lake Mac, Newcastle and Surrounds](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/98538-useful-contacts-for-postpartum-lake-mac) by Anna Cusack (Jun 6, 2024) - [A Big Month for Birth Reform: A Wrap on the Good and Bad of State and National News](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/98429-a-big-month-for-birth-reform-a-wrap-on) by Anna Cusack (May 31, 2024) - [There Will Never Be A "Good Time" To Put Yourself First](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/96942-there-will-never-be-a-good-time-to-put) by Anna Cusack (Apr 9, 2024) - [Escaping the Sinking Social Ship: On (mostly) subbing out of social media](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/96941-escaping-the-sinking-social-ship-on) by Anna Cusack (Apr 9, 2024) - [Tips for Transitioning to Two (or More) Kids: Seven simple ways to make it easier on everyone](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/96907-tips-for-transitioning-to-two-or-more) by Anna Cusack (Apr 6, 2024) - [When “hard but worth it” just doesn’t cut it: Rewriting the script on motherhood and parent life](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/96906-when-hard-but-worth-it-just-doesn-t-cut) by Anna Cusack (Apr 6, 2024) - [I'm not antisocial, I'm a doula](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95498-im-not-antisocial-im-a-doula) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [Are you a Default Parent?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95497-are-you-a-default-parent) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [Flu season, carers' leave and the career stumbling block we don't speak about](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95496-flu-season-carers-leave-and-the-career) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [Desperately seeking silence: When raising kids means living in a sound bath, and not in a good way](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95495-desperately-seeking-silence-when-raising) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [Queering Messy Motherhood](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95494-queering-messy-motherhood) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [On the nose - The smells of postpartum](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95492-on-the-nose-the-smells-of-postpartum) by Anna Cusack (Mar 19, 2024) - [From bliss to psychosis and the long road back to mental health - An interview with Emmeline Tyler](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/95332-from-bliss-to-psychosis-and-the-long) by Anna Cusack (Mar 9, 2024) - ["What about the Children?!" - The ethics and outcomes of surrogacy](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/94717-what-about-the-children-the-ethics-and) by Anna Cusack (Feb 22, 2024) - [Bigger Bodies and Birth: Cutting through the BS to help make the best decisions for you](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/94696-bigger-bodies-and-birth-cutting-through) by Anna Cusack (Feb 16, 2024) - ["Regretting Motherhood": 6 Key Learning Points for Doulas and Parents](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/92931-regretting-motherhood) by Anna Cusack (Jan 6, 2024) - [3 tips to do 70% of your best in 2024](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/93662-tips-to-do-70-of-your-best-in-2024) by Anna Cusack (Dec 30, 2023) - [Christmas is not a valid reason for induction](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/93103-christmas-is-not-a-valid-reason-for) by Anna Cusack (Dec 15, 2023) - [An angry mother is an underresourced mother](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/92864-an-angry-mother-is-an-underresourced) by Anna Cusack (Dec 7, 2023) - [The Epidural - How the gift of the few became the curse of the many](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/77941-the-epidural-how-the-gift-of-the-few) by Anna Cusack (Jan 21, 2023) - [“Breastfeeding is free!” and other nonsense - Why there is no “free” way to feed a baby](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/76674-breastfeeding-is-free-and-other) by Anna Cusack (Nov 26, 2022) - ["Such a good age": Why eight months postpartum can feel like anything but](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/72434-such-a-good-age-why-eight-months) by Anna Cusack (Jun 8, 2022) - [The Cover Up: When motherhood is not as it seems ](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/72012-the-cover-up-when-motherhood-is-not-as) by Anna Cusack (May 31, 2022) - [Risky or Rubbish? The real stats on going "overdue"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/71511-risky-or-rubbish-the-real-stats-on-going) by Anna Cusack (May 9, 2022) - [Beyond Amazing: The Excruciatingly Slow Steps of a Mother's Labour of Love](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/70219-beyond-amazing-the-excruciatingly-slow) by Anna Cusack (Apr 21, 2022) - [The doctor and my daughter: A lesson in body safety](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/69731-the-doctor-and-my-daughter-a-lesson-in) by Anna Cusack (Apr 3, 2022) - [Why do I talk birth when I'm a postpartum doula?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/69730-why-do-i-talk-birth-when-im-a-postpartum) by Anna Cusack (Apr 3, 2022) - [Why I won't ask to hold your baby](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/69729-why-i-wont-ask-to-hold-your-baby) by Anna Cusack (Apr 3, 2022) - [3 Years In: What Would I Change?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/69728-years-in-what-would-i-change) by Anna Cusack (Apr 3, 2022) - [Where is this leading? What it looks like when systemic birth interventions go unchecked](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/69727-where-is-this-leading-what-it-looks-like) by Anna Cusack (Apr 3, 2022) - [The Default or The Doula? Why We Need To Talk About Birth Partners Now More Than Ever.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/66921-the-dad-or-the-doula-why-we-need-to-talk) by Anna Cusack (Feb 22, 2022) - [Again? Birthing Parents Ignored Again While Hillsong Parties Down The Road](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64749-again-birthing-parents-ignored-again) by Anna Cusack (Jan 18, 2022) - [Start Early: Why Waiting To Be The "Fun One" Falls Flat](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64748-start-early-why-waiting-to-be-the-fun) by Anna Cusack (Jan 18, 2022) - [Mothers And Birth Parents Are Not Doormats. It's Time We Stopped Trampling Them.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64418-not-your-doormat) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022): “I’ll schedule your induction for Wednesday” “I’ll check your cervix now” “This will make the placenta come faster” “They’re latching fine, you’ll get used to it” - [The Village Starts When You Decide It Does. Here's How.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64417-the-village-starts-when-you-decide-it) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022): There is a wonderful story in Julia Jones’ book “Newborn Mothers” from an English midwife named Theresa. When she first came to Australia, she’d insist mothers make a meal roster, so friends would drop meals over once the baby was born. Most would answer “Ah, but he [my partner] can cook”. Theresa would reply: “I know he can cook, and he can wash, and he can clean, but it’s gonna take two of you until 2pm just to sort out this 8 pounds of baby. And if there are other kids involved, his role is more to be with them, while you sleep and feed the baby”. In short, the village starts when you decide it does. - [Hey Partners! Here's How to Get Us Hot Under The Collar](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64416-what-gets-me-hot-under-the-collar) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022): You know those calendars where sexy men are doing housework? I can do one better, and it’s not just men doing the housework in real life. Sure, people with and without appendages can cook and clean, and in most cisgender opposite-sex couple households, it’d be long overdue for men to do more of these things. Yet to me these are the minimum of adulting, not what’s going to get me hot under the collar. - [Losing The Plot? Unfortunately, It's On Us.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64415-in-the-process-of-eating-this-pasta) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022) - [Running Yourself Ragged? Why We Matyr Ourselves Even When We'd Rather Not](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64414-do-mothers-benefit-from-matyring) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022): What would you say if I told you that mothers benefit from matyring themselves? I know it sounds cracked. Mothers, birth parents and parents socialised as women are absolutely conditioned to give, give, give until there is nothing left - to martyr themselves “for the good of others”. - [Pandemic Motherhood Getting You Down? It's Not Just You.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64413-dad-worked-such-long-hours) by Anna Cusack (Jan 12, 2022): “Dad worked such long hours... how did you do it alone for so long?” Mum tilted her head and thought a while. “We had an excursion each day. We did the groceries or met someone at a park, went to playgroup and swimming. And we had excellent neighbours.” I thought of the weeks and months we’ve spent staying home - [What now? Information for breastfeeding mothers and lactating people who test positive for COVID-19](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/64177-positive-test-information-for) by Anna Cusack (Jan 5, 2022) - [Using a travel cot? Check your little sleeper is safe this holiday season](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63779-using-a-travel-cot-check-your-little) by Anna Cusack (Dec 23, 2021) - [What’s the deal with Omicron?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63706-what-s-the-deal-with-omicron) by Anna Cusack (Dec 19, 2021) - [If you're buying me a Christmas present...](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63623-if-youre-buying-me-a-christmas-present) by Anna Cusack (Dec 16, 2021): “What’s on your bedside table?” the interviewer asked me. I wracked my brains and eventually remembered. On my table was a book by an author I loved. Despite my good intentions, it had sat unmoved, dust-covered and guilt-inducing for many months. “Read me,” it had whispered every night. Eventually, when many nights had passed lying beside but not touching, it had fallen silent like a jilted lover and become part of the furniture. - [I tried so hard to get my child to take a comforter](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63622-i-tried-so-hard-to-get-my-child-to-take) by Anna Cusack (Dec 16, 2021): There are times I’ve loathed that responsibility, especially at bed time. I have felt so stifled, craving a night away (or even dinner out) with friends, or whatever other opportunities I’d very rarely take up but resented not having the option of entertaining. Tonight, staying in our fourth bed in four nights, I realise THIS is freedom too. There is no comforter, no familiar room or cot needed. There is only me, and wherever we are together, she will feel safe to sleep. There is no bedtime routine required, she will run and play until she drops, and then we will go to bed together, and she will feel safe to sleep. - [The Christmases my body ached for a baby.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63457-the-christmases-my-body-ached-for-a-baby) by Anna Cusack (Dec 9, 2021): I remember the Christmases my body ached for a baby. The way I felt less than festive entering the party as the only non-pregnant or childless woman. How my voice choked when a man told me I was “the luckiest lady there” because I could drink as much as I wanted. - [Parents, when you don't know what to say, try this. ](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63456-parents-when-you-dont-know-what-to-say) by Anna Cusack (Dec 9, 2021): Sometimes parents ask me “What do I say when my child does xyz?” They don’t want to yell but don’t know what to say instead and get stuck in old patterns. To those people I say “How can you know what to say before you’ve listened?” Every behaviour is an attempt at communication and connection, however misguided or seemingly irrational. - [ I 100 per cent get how tired you are right now](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63195-i-100-per-cent-get-how-tired-you-are) by Anna Cusack (Dec 1, 2021): “Oh, the sleep deprivation. I 100 per cent get how tired you are right now.” So says the bearded tradie I’ve never met before, who is currently in my kitchen attempting to fix our under-sink plumbing. It’s just after 8am and I am on the couch nearby in my pyjamas, bleary-eyed, feeding my squirming toddler. We’ve been up together since 4am, except for the not-sure-if-it-was-worth-it nap I wrangled between 7.15am when hubby got up to get ready for work and 8am when the plumber banged on the front door and the kid-baton was passed back to me. - [Seven Minute Bluey Parenting Challenge](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63194-seven-minute-bluey-parenting-challenge) by Anna Cusack (Dec 1, 2021): Every episode of Bluey is seven minutes. When you think cartoon dogs are doing better at parenting than you, remember you are only seeing them parenting for seven minutes across a day. Sometimes being “fun” is the last thing we want to do, but we can totally do seven minutes. Set a timer to be totally child-led and phone-free for seven minutes. - [No, I Do Not Support Your Parenting Choices](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63193-no-i-do-not-support-your-parenting) by Anna Cusack (Dec 1, 2021): Some people will say they will support you in your parenting choices, whatever those choices are. I am not one of them. If an adult hits or threatens to hit another adult, that’s abuse. If a parent hits or threatens to hit a child, that’s abuse. If you know that smacked children are more likely to become adults who misuse alcohol, experience depression and engage in anti-social and aggressive behaviours, and still choose to use violence or threats of it against your children, I can not support that choice. If an aged care worker wilfully ignores an elderly resident’s calls for assistance overnight, that is neglect. If a caregiver wilfully ignores a baby or child’s cries for assistance through the night, that is neglect. - [Is It Time For A Royal Commission Into Birth?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/63066-is-it-time-for-a-royal-commission-into) by Anna Cusack (Nov 25, 2021) - [Gentle Parenting is Not Unboundaried Passivity ](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/62950-gentle-parenting-is-not-unboundaried) by Anna Cusack (Nov 23, 2021): Gentle parenting is developmentally appropriate guidance and support, not a lack of discipline. Gentle parenting is expansive for parents, not self-minimising. Gentle parenting creates confident, resilient individuals, not spoiled ones. Gentle parenting is an active, effortful choice, not avoidant passivity. - [To the Parents Playing the Long Game](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/62949-to-the-parents-playing-the-long-game) by Anna Cusack (Nov 23, 2021): To the parents playing the long game Gentle parenting, responsive parenting, conscious parenting… whatever you want to call it, it’s not easy. There are a million times you will want to send them to their rooms, introduce some kind of rigid sleep or feeding schedule, tell them to get over it. There will be a million times you’ll get side-eye in the supermarket while they’re crying, wind up crying yourself, wonder if your relationship will survive this. There will be a million times you’re told you’re spoiling your child, that they’re too dependent on you, that you’re using them as crutch for your own issues. - [Lockdown Was Easier Than This](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/62948-lockdown-was-easier-than-this) by Anna Cusack (Nov 23, 2021): At the risk of sounding like an ungrateful cow... lockdown was easier than this. Not necessarily better, but definitely easier. I know I’m in the acute minority for whom this is the case, how beyond fortunate I am, how this might sound hugely selfish or plain ridiculous to some, but it’s true for me. During lockdown, my partner was working from home on reasonably flexible hours. - [Motherhood and child-raising are framed as sites of competition.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/62654-motherhood-and-child-raising-are-framed) by Anna Cusack (Nov 15, 2021): Motherhood and child-raising are framed as sites of competition. From the very start, you’ll be told you don’t want your child to be at the smaller end of the growth chart. You want them to be ahead of their milestones. You want them to be “keeping up” at school. - [I’m not anti-men, I’m anti patriarchy.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/62033-i-m-not-anti-men-i-m-anti-patriarchy) by Anna Cusack (Nov 5, 2021): I’m not anti-men, I’m anti patriarchy. I’m not anti-white, I’m anti-racism. I’m not anti-life, I’m anti rich, white men exercising control over women and womb-having bodies then restricting their access to welfare, secure employment and affordable childcare; committing them and their offspring to a lifetime of poverty; creating fodder for the foster care and prison systems they profit from; all regardless of the person’s consent (or ability to consent), age, welfare, contraception efforts, level of relevant education, hopes, dreams, preferences or capacity to care for a child. - [My Kids Are Not The Problem. Your Expectations Are. ](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/61679-my-kids-are-not-the-problem-your) by Anna Cusack (Nov 1, 2021): Kids are not good sleepers, by adult standards. Kids eat frequently, by adult standards. Kids are emotionally volatile, by adult standards. - [Mothers As A Foghorn For The Family's Needs: Why It's Not As Simple As Telling Fathers To "Step Up"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/61645-mothers-as-a-foghorn-for-the-family) by Anna Cusack (Oct 30, 2021) - [Parenting Affirmations and the Cult of Presence](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60704-i-will-not-be-present-all-day-long) by Anna Cusack (Oct 25, 2021): This morning I listened to a body relaxation and affirmations recording I used when my daughter was tiny. It told me I would be “present” today. It told me I would smile because I knew I was “doing my best in every moment”. - [When Leaders Don’t Lead, We Must Dismantle Things From Our Insides Out](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60703-what-to-say-what-to-do-where-to-next) by Anna Cusack (Oct 25, 2021): I have been at a loss about what to say here lately, or if I should say anything at all. We have a NSW Premier who thinks priests shouldn’t be mandatory reporters of sexual assault, and drops signing interpreters from health briefings on the double. We have a PM who treats climate change as a joke, spend billions (trillions?) on nuclear submarines while making countless diplomatic bungles. - [Self-Employed or Social Media Employee? Resetting A Boundary For Your Business.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60702-being-where-i-am-irreplaceable) by Anna Cusack (Oct 25, 2021): An advisor once told me that a successful business is one where every employee is totally replaceable. If you’re self-employed like me, that sounds impossible to achieve, and in many ways it is. But when I create content for social media, I am essentially an employee. Apps are making their money by you and I making content and putting it next to ads. If I don’t make content for a day, no one’s feed will be empty - I am replaceable here. - [The 9 Week Wait: My AZ Experience](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60701-nine-weeks-ago-i-was-sitting-here-crying) by Anna Cusack (Oct 25, 2021): I had a Pfizer appointment booked a few weeks later, but regional Pfizer doses kept getting rediverted. Knowing I wanted to be protected before schools reopened, I had taken what at the time felt like a massive risk and made the call to get an AZ. The nurse was lovely. I gave my consent and hardly felt the shot. Afterwards she asked me if I was ok, but when I tried to answer her no sound came out. I was part relieved to start the process, but I was also very, very scared. - [The Wiggle House: Representation Can’t Be The End Of This Story](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60700-my-hopes-for-tsehay-the-new-yellow) by Anna Cusack (Oct 25, 2021): Did anyone else’s Little Wiggle get a bit knocked around the by the skivvy handover announcement?  As mum to a two year old daughter, it’s been wonderful having Emma’s voice in our speaker and presence on stage as a female band member.   Clearly, representation matters.  - [Why The Pandemic Shadow Stretches Longer For Mothers and Primary Carers](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60432-post-pandemic-recovery-looks-good-if-you) by Anna Cusack (Oct 15, 2021): Research tells us that rates of depression and anxiety have increased during the pandemic A. When lockdowns occur, and B. When case numbers rise. - [This is What Career Suicide Looks Like](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60280-this-is-what-career-suicide-looks-like) by Anna Cusack (Oct 8, 2021) - [“‘Underlying health conditions’ is the new ‘but what was she wearing?’”](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60276-underlying-health-conditions-is-the-new) by Anna Cusack (Oct 8, 2021): The pandemic is a social problem too, not just a medical or ‘patient problem’. Addressing it requires taking social responsibilities. It’s not a person’s fault for getting ill. Regardless of their health history, everyone’s life matters. - [Reimagining Post-Lockdown Life](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60278-where-do-my-priorities-lie) by Anna Cusack (Oct 8, 2021) - [Identity Through The Eyes Of A Child](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60277-no-dad-it-s-just-my-muummmmm) by Anna Cusack (Oct 8, 2021) - [Catching Up Post-Lockdown? 6 questions you can ask new parents before you meet their new baby](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/60279-questions-you-can-ask-new-parents) by Anna Cusack (Oct 8, 2021) - [Seeding Doubt: Why “Asking The Question” Can Mean So Much More](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59821-just-asking-the-question) by Anna Cusack (Sep 30, 2021) - [Research Update 3: Fertility, Menstruation, COVID-19 and Vaccination](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59594-research-update-3-fertility-menstruation) by Anna Cusack (Sep 20, 2021) - [Are There Societal Silver Linings To Lockdown?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59491-ending-segregation-by-age) by Anna Cusack (Sep 15, 2021) - [Do Your Own Research?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59490-do-your-own-research) by Anna Cusack (Sep 15, 2021): Without a doubt the two most utterly stupid phrases trotted out in the past 18 months are 1. “It’s not a race.” Righto ScoMo, how about you go tell that to the people of Wilcannia and all the other communities you and the state Libs have right royally let down. And 2. “Do your own research.” - [Research Update: Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccination](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59367-research-update-pregnancy-and-covid-19) by Anna Cusack (Sep 10, 2021) - [The answers you seek aren’t in your feed](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59366-the-answers-you-seek-aren-t-in-your-feed) by Anna Cusack (Sep 10, 2021) - ['Know Thy Enemy' (This is How it Works re Covid)](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59332-covid-management-this-is-how-it-works) by Anna Cusack (Sep 9, 2021): #KnowThyEnemy How did we get here? What is the state and federal government's responsibility? Here's how it works. - [Meet Me By The Fountain](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59271-meet-me-by-the-fountain) by Anna Cusack (Sep 6, 2021) - [Research Update: Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Vaccination](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59206-research-update-breastfeeding-and-covid) by Anna Cusack (Sep 2, 2021) - [White Privilege and My Empowered Home Birth](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/57748-white-privilege-empowered-home-birth) by Anna Cusack (Jul 28, 2021) - [How I "Get So Much Done"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56928-how-i-get-so-much-done) by Anna Cusack (Jul 10, 2021) - [Birth Rights are Human Rights](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56781-birth-rights-are-human-rights) by Anna Cusack (Jul 5, 2021) - [I knew I’d be tired, I didn’t know I’d be furious.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56780-i-knew-i-d-be-tired-i-didn-t-know-i-d-be) by Anna Cusack (Jul 5, 2021) - [Support services and resources for expecting, new and experienced fathers.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56436-support-services-and-resources-for) by Anna Cusack (Jun 22, 2021) - [When It Stings, But Isn’t Meant To - Social Commentary is not a Personal Attack](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56294-when-it-stings-but-isn-t-meant-to) by Anna Cusack (Jun 15, 2021) - [“Keeping The Peace” - Reflections On The Policing of Mothers](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56267-keeping-the-peace-reflections-on-the) by Anna Cusack (Jun 14, 2021) - [Where Has Our Gut Feeling Gone?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/56266-where-has-our-gut-feeling-gone) by Anna Cusack (Jun 14, 2021) - [Postbirth Pelvic Floor Tips](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/55770-postbirth-pelvic-floor-tips) by Anna Cusack (May 24, 2021) - [Please, No Gift Cards](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/54951-please-no-gift-cards) by Anna Cusack (May 1, 2021) - [Top Tips for Partners Post-birth](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/54924-top-tips-for-partners-post-birth) by Anna Cusack (Apr 30, 2021) - [Teaching vs experiencing body safety: Why my child isn't "just a bit shy"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/54423-teaching-vs-experiencing-body-safety-why) by Anna Cusack (Apr 19, 2021) - [Things they don't tell you about motherhood #2739 (and 10 things that help)](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/54421-things-they-dont-tell-you-about) by Anna Cusack (Apr 15, 2021) - [What's wrong, Mama?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/52135-whats-wrong-mama) by Anna Cusack (Mar 5, 2021) - [The Mothermorphosis](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/51776-the-mothermorphosis) by Anna Cusack (Feb 20, 2021) - [Why Investing In Mothers Will Help Solve the Childhood Physical Inactivity Epidemic](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/50804-why-investing-in-mothers-will-help-solve) by Anna Cusack (Jan 28, 2021) - [A Letter To My Mum Across The Border](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/45901-a-letter-to-my-mum-across-the-border) by Anna Cusack (Oct 18, 2020) - [What going "overdue" taught me](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/45760-what-going-overdue-taught-me) by Anna Cusack (Oct 12, 2020) - [What I Want For Dads This Fathers' Day](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/44367-what-i-want-for-dads-this-fathers-day) by Anna Cusack (Sep 3, 2020) - [Bring your whole self to the experience](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43962-bring-your-whole-self-to-the-experience) by Anna Cusack (Aug 23, 2020) - [Confession Time: My Personal Postnatal Rehab Story](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43908-confession-time-my-personal-postnatal) by Anna Cusack (Aug 20, 2020) - [Babywearing - more than a Sensitive New Age trend](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43679-babywearing-more-than-a-sensitive-new) by Anna Cusack (Aug 8, 2020) - [Why breastfeeding is about way more than boobs!](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43678-why-breastfeeding-is-about-way-more-than) by Anna Cusack (Aug 8, 2020) - [Obstetrix: Mothering the mother beyond birth](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43677-obstetrix-mothering-the-mother-beyond) by Anna Cusack (Aug 8, 2020) - [Why the silence around breastfeeding as pain relief for teething is a pain in itself](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43676-why-the-silence-around-breastfeeding-as) by Anna Cusack (Aug 8, 2020) - [How do you know when you're "done" having babies?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43675-how-do-you-know-when-youre-done-having) by Anna Cusack (Aug 8, 2020) - [Baby Blues? This is why your mood crashes on day three](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/43018-baby-blues-this-is-why-your-mood-crashes) by Anna Cusack (Jul 21, 2020) - [How To Lighten Your Load Through Mutually Fulfilling Minutes](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42875-how-to-lighten-your-load-through) by Anna Cusack (Jul 16, 2020) - [How "Baby Brain" Makes You Smarter](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42874-how-baby-brain-makes-you-smarter) by Anna Cusack (Jul 16, 2020) - [How Choosing a Car Seat Changed My Ideas on Parenting](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42819-how-choosing-a-car-seat-changed-my-ideas) by Anna Cusack (Jul 14, 2020) - [When Breastfeeding Feels Never Ending](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42816-when-breastfeeding-feels-never-ending) by Anna Cusack (Jul 14, 2020) - [Hair Cuts and Helicopters](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42811-hair-cuts-and-helicopters) by Anna Cusack (Jul 14, 2020) - [Bluey and Boundaries](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42815-bluey-and-boundaries) by Anna Cusack (Jul 14, 2020) - [The "Busy Mum" and Man Flu: A Revelation](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42484-the-busy-mum-and-man-flu-a-revelation) by Anna Cusack (Jul 2, 2020) - [So Anna, what do you actually do?](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/42308-so-anna-what-do-you-actually-do) by Anna Cusack (Jun 27, 2020) - [Matrescence: The One Word You Need To Know To Feel Less Crazy](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/41490-matrescence-the-one-word-you-need-to) by Anna Cusack (Jun 17, 2020) - [How to Set Boundaries On Visitors (Without Sounding Ungrateful)](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/41294-how-to-set-boundaries-on-visitors) by Anna Cusack (Jun 9, 2020) - [Your Mothering is Political, and That's Not a Bad Thing: My Attempts at Anti-Racism Through Mothering.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/41238-your-mothering-is-political-and-thats) by Anna Cusack (Jun 7, 2020) - [Notes From A "Recovering Perfectionist": Why I Will Never Be The "Perfect Mother" And Neither Will You.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/40867-notes-from-a-recovering-perfectionist) by Anna Cusack (Jun 2, 2020) - [Stand Up To "Mum Posture"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/40799-stand-up-to-mum-posture) by Anna Cusack (May 29, 2020) - [Three things new mums can learn from cats](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/40646-three-things-new-mums-can-learn-from) by Anna Cusack (May 22, 2020) - [10 Tips To Help Dads Pick The Perfect Present For Their Partner](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/39600-10-tips-to-help-dads-pick-the-perfect) by Anna Cusack (May 12, 2020) - [How to build your mama village (without compromising your values)](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/39396-how-to-build-your-mama-village-without) by Anna Cusack (May 9, 2020) - [How to not have a baby shower (and feel even more loved)](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/39395-how-to-not-have-a-baby-shower-and-feel) by Anna Cusack (May 9, 2020) - [What Mums Want This Mothers' Day.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/39308-what-mums-want-this-mothers-day) by Anna Cusack (May 6, 2020) - [Massage for the Sole and Soul](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/39286-massage-for-the-sole-and-soul) by Anna Cusack (May 5, 2020) - [Essential Autumn - Warming Mums from the Inside Out](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38913-essential-autumn-warming-mums-from-the) by Anna Cusack (Apr 30, 2020) - [Babywearing - friend or foe? An exercise physiology perspective.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38677-babywearing-friend-or-foe-an-exercise) by Anna Cusack (Apr 26, 2020) - [The online opportunity - why virtual Mama Circles tick all the boxes.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38825-the-online-opportunity-why-virtual-mama) by Anna Cusack (Apr 25, 2020) - [The myths and truths of maternal instinct](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38607-the-myths-and-truths-of-maternal) by Anna Cusack (Apr 19, 2020) - [Reclaiming the "nap trap"](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38605-reclaiming-the-nap-trap) by Anna Cusack (Apr 19, 2020) - [Lunch - the forgotten hero of newborn motherhood.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38606-lunch-the-forgotten-hero-of-newborn) by Anna Cusack (Apr 19, 2020) - [You and me baby ain't nothing but mammals.](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38451-you-and-me-baby-aint-nothing-but-mammals) by Anna Cusack (Apr 19, 2020) - [Newborn Motherhood in the COVID-19 Era](https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/38330-newborn-motherhood-in-the-covid-19-era) by Anna Cusack (Apr 15, 2020) ## Products - [Mothers’ Circles](https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/177801-Mothers-Circles): Relax. 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