"Motherhood Made Magic with Anna Cusack"
The Podcast

Become a patron!

Hello, and welcome to "Motherhood Made Magic", a podcast for the women who won't wait until their kids are grown to follow their dreams, uplevel their allyship, and do the inner work.

While I was writing my first book, I had many mindblowing conversations with women and mothers who were doing just as I was, living their passion in business, art, sports, and activism, while also loving motherhood. This podcast exists to bring these conversations out from behind closed doors and bust the myth that a "good mother" must put her own needs last. I'll be bringing you interviews with exceptional women and parents, reflections on my own experience of motherhood and even my audiobook.

If this sounds like your jam, you can listen right here on this page, or find me on your podcast app. Please remember to click subscribe so you get the weekly episodes delivered to your device. If you want to give back to the diverse guests who share their voices, you can become a patron of the podcast for $5/month.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I can't wait to dive into it more with you!

If you would like to share your unique story as a guest on the podcast, please drop me a line via the "contact" page.

Episodes

S4, Ep5: Now what? Info for breastfeeding/lactating people who test positive for COVID-19

With case rates in Australia through the roof I figured this was something I might need to know about, and you might too.

****This episode provides general information only and does not replace medical advice or conversations with your care providers. All information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge as at 4/1/22 and all sources listed below were accessed on this date. Always seek medical care if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.****

Helpful numbers for listeners in Australia:

National Breastfeeding Helpline (free, 24 hours) - 1800 626 286

HealthDirect helpline (free, 24 hours) - 1800 022 222

Ambulance - 000

Find a lactation consultant - www.lcanz.org 

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html 

2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-breastfeeding 

3. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/communities-of-practice/Pages/guide-pregnant-women-and-new-parents.aspx#feed

4. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/covid-19

5. https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/phar.2649

6. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/common-concerns%E2%80%93mum/supply

7. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19-and-kids

8. https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding/expressing-working-travelling/expressing-breastmilk

9. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX_zS5psgai/?utm_medium=copy-link 

S4, Ep4: What’s the deal with Omicron?

The newest COVID-kid on the block is causing headaches (and much worse) here in NSW and around the world right now. Here is a ten minute primer with what you need to know on the new variant, vaccination, and more.

***This information is general in nature and should not replace conversations and advice with your medical team.***

For further info see the ABC CoronaCast podcast with Dr Norman Swan, and the following doctors and science educators on Instagram: @deplatformdisease @pandemicpregnancyguide @thewholesomedoctor @dr.risahoshino

S4, Ep3. JESS NABB - What is Radical Inclusion?

Meet Jess Nabb - feminist spaceholder, accessible yoga teacher, and nervous system witch, with a side-gig as a church-going, tarot-reading heretic.

Jess offers their wealth of knowledge, practice and lived experience to this conversation, focusing on radical inclusion in community and in business, and radical self-care for parents in the era of intensive parenting.

We discuss the marginalisation of all parents, re-finding their voice, and the pros and cons of pandemic life in relation to our varying needs, identities and intersections.

This is a brilliant conversation with a brilliant human, and we are so pleased to bring it to your ears.

You can connect with Jess at www.liberatedparenthood.co and on Instagram @liberatedparenthood

And continue the conversation with Anna at www.annacusack.com.au, on Instagram @annacusackpostpartum, on Facebook www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum, and grab her book at www.annacusack.com.au/book

S4, E2. MARY GIORDANO - Language, culture, diversity and respectful doula practice in birth and perinatal care

With a background in anthropology, migrant and refugee resettlement and multilingual doula work, I asked Mary to join me in discussion of the interaction of linguistic and cultural diversity and doula care throughout the perinatal period. 

This chat traverses systemic limitations, definitions of “safety” and reflects on the use of traditional practices in the space of birth and perinatal work. 

You can connect with Mary at https//madreluna.com.au and on instagram @mary.giordano_madreluna 

Connect with Anna @annacusackpostpartum and grab her book, blogs and more at www.annacusack.com.au  

Become a patron of the podcast for $5/month to pay the people we learn from: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-Become-A-Podcast-Patron 

.A few resources from Mary: 

The Art of Birth with Naoli https://www.naolivinaver.com/mary-giordano.html 

Playgroups and community hubs for culturally and linguistically diverse families: 

https://vicsegnewfutures.org.au  

https://communityhubs.org.au 

S4, Ep 1: What’s in a name?

 The Motherhood Made Magic podcast is evolving to “Anna Asks”, a place for parents and people to find actual answers to big questions. This is an unapologetically feminist, anti-racist, conscious parenting podcast with 3 primary aims: to pass the mic, pay the rent and become (and raise) better humans. Support the people you learn from here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-Become-A-Podcast-Patron 

S3, Ep7: What’s a ventilator again? Dr. Mikayla Couch explains just about everything.

Dr. Mikayla Couch aka @dr.aboriginal.woman is here to teach us some lessons.

What do the words “in ICU” and “on a ventilator” actually mean?

What are you hooked up to, and what are the doctors and nurses doing and monitoring if you’re that sick?

What health conditions make you more at risk of having severe COVID-19?

As a Doctor working with pregnancy, birth and COVID every day, what are you telling your patients about vaccination in pregnancy?

Why are regional communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in city and regional areas reporting lower vaccination rates than their non-Indigenous city counterparts?

What does she foresee (and fear) for the Northern Rivers/Byron region and its hospitals?

Can we rely on herd immunity everywhere in NSW?

How does being COVID positive or “COVID presumed positive” affect your care, and the care health workers can give for other people in the hospital in emergencies?

How COVID is affecting pregnancy care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in regional communities?

*** Dr. Mikayla is host of the upcoming Bla(c)k Medicine podcast, @bla.c.kmedicine

Find Anna @annacusackpostpartum on IG and FB, and grab her book at www.annacusack.com.au/book 

S3, Ep6: Your Vaccine Questions Answered with Romy Blacklaw, The Immunisation Nurse

What's in the different vaccines? I'm breastfeeding/providing milk to my baby, does anything get through to my baby? What if I'm breastfeeding and I can't get a Pfizer appointment? Are you sure it's safe for me to get me to Astra? How do I know it's not going to hurt my baby long term? Who shouldn't get vaccinated? Expert immunization nurse Romy Blacklaw is here to answer these questions!

Follow along with her content at @theimmunisationnurse

And catch my book and I at www.annacusack.com.au  and @annacusackpostpartum

S3, Ep5: COVID-19 Through The Eyes of Emergency Department Nurse Mariam Abou-Eid

In this episode I am joined by Mariam Abou-Eid, Emergency Department Nurse at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

We discuss what she is seeing in her city Emergency Department and ICU, within her family and the Arabic speaking community when it comes to COVID-19.

She talks us through how vaccination (or the lack of) is effecting hospital admissions and patient care journeys, key periods for deterioration in patients at home and in hospital with COVID, why late pregnancy is a time of greater risk, and what you can do to support people from marginalised backgrounds struggling right now.

You can find Mariam and her information on instagram @mariamaboueid_

Learn more about The Humble Mission at www.thehumblemission.com and @thehumblemission

And find my book and I at www.annacusack.com.au and at @annacusackpostpartum

S3, Ep4: Myth Busting: Calling Out Vaccine Misinformation Dressed Up As “Simply Asking Questions”

S3, Ep 3. Research Update: Fertility, Menstrual Changes, COVID-19 and Vaccination Against It

For the full list of references and articles featured in this podcast, and the transcript, please see: https://www.annacusack.com.au/blog/59594-research-update-3-fertility-menstruation 

DISCLAIMER: The reading I have done is comprehensive but I am not trying to position myself as an expert in this area. I am relaying the findings of the people who are actually the experts in words that you can hopefully understand. This is not instructive or to replace any advice or conversations you have with your medical professional team, it is just to give background so you can feel more prepared to have those conversations in the first place. I appreciate your interest in this topic and thank you for tuning in.

Connect with me here:

Grab my book: www.annacusack.com.au/book 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum 

Insta: www.instagram.com/annacusackpostpartum  aka @annacusackpostpartum

Work with me: www.annacusack.com.au 

S3, Ep2. Pregnancy and the Covid 19 Vaccination

This research update was recorded on 10th Sept 2021 on the topic of pregnancy and vaccination against COVID-19.

This information is information only, and does not take the place of individualised advice and consultation with your medical team.

I hope you find this useful, and please feel free to share this resource with anyone you think might be interested.

If you’d prefer to read through the information a transcript is available at www.annacusack.com.au/blog. An audio only version will be available on the “Motherhood Made Magic” podcast soon.

I support you 100% whatever you choose

Questions are welcome, blatant misinformation or bullying is not.

S3, Ep1. Research Update: Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Vaccination

What does the data say? I have compiled this academic research update regarding breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccination. As it says in the video, this is for information purposes only. It is comprehensive but not exhaustive and does not replace discussions with your medical team regarding your personal vaccination choices. 

You are welcome to share this episode with any people who provide breast or human milk to their babies, parent support professionals or others who you feel may be interested in the contents of this episode. 

A transcript of this video is available at www.annacusack.com.au/blog should you wish to read it instead. 

Research articles cited: 

Hare, H., & Womersley, K. (2021). Why were breastfeeding women in the UK denied the covid-19 vaccine? British Medical Journal, 372:n4. doi:10.1136/bmj.n4 Baird, J. K., Jensen, S. M., Urba, W. J., Fox, B. A., & Baird, J. R. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected in human breast milk post-vaccination. medRxiv. Advance online publication. doi:10.1101/2021.02.23.21252328 Pace, R. M. et. al. (2021). Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Antibodies, and Neutralizing Capacity in Milk Produced by Women with COVID-19. mBio, 12(1). doi: 10.1128/mBio.03192-20 Kelly, J. C. et. al. (2021). Anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies induced in breast milk after Pfizer BioNTech/BNT162b2 vaccination. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 225(1), 101-103. doi 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.031 McLaurin-Jiang, S., Garner, C. D., Krutsch, K., & Hale, T. W. (2021). Maternal and Child Symptoms Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Breastfeeding Mothers. Breastfeeding Medicine. Advance online publication. DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2021.0079 Twohig, K. A., et. al. (2021). Hospital admission and emergency care attendance risk for SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) compared with alpha (B.1.1.7) variants of concern: a cohort study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00475-8 I also referred to: -RANZCOG statement updated 18th August: https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/covid-19-vaccination-information -ABA position as at August 2021: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/covid-19 -The WHO “Interim recommendations for use of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, under Emergency Use Listing” last updated 15th June 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-vaccines-SAGE_recommendation-BNT162b2-2021.1 -This Healthline article explaining how Astrazeneca and Pfizer work: https://www.healthline.com/health/astrazeneca-vs-pfizer-vaccine 

You can contact Anna Cusack via www.annacusack.com.au

12/12 - CONTENTMENT + CONCLUSION - "Mama, You're Not Broken" Audiobook by Anna Cusack

10/12 BOREDOM - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

Hello and welcome to part 10 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. This chapter is all about boredom. You know it well, I know it well. It can be a really itchy and uncomfortable feeling especially when everyone is banging on about this being the best time of your life, but also asking “so, what do you actually do all day?”. Sometimes our new lives can feel boring, sometimes the things we used to be interested in before kids can be boring… Like everything else related to being a mum it’s a mixed bag. I know you’ll relate to this one, so enjoy.

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum.
Become a patron of the podcast or jump into mentoring with Anna here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/
You can grab your copy of the book and download a full list of references and further reading suggestions at www.annacusack.com.au/book/
Continue the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/ and Instagram @annacusackpostpartum
And find her meditations on the Insight Timer app.

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this audiobook, it must not be treated as a substitute for medical or psychological consultation. Always consult a qualified, supportive practitioner if you are concerned about your health and safety, or the health and safety of your children. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any claim arising from the use or misuse of suggestions made in this book, and are not liable for any person’s failure to access or implement individual professional and/or medical advice.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. All permission requests are to be directed to the publisher using the contact form at www.annacusack.com.au.

9/12 - GRIEF - "Mama, You're Not Broken" audiobook by Anna Cusack

Hello and welcome to part 9 of the “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook, written and read by me, Anna Cusack. Grief. Nothing like raising kids to rip the proverbial scab off every wound you’ve ever had. Grief is unavoidable and inextricable from the experience of motherhood. This chapter explores the places it can spring up, and why its intensity might take you by surprise. Consider yourself warned that this episode requires all the trigger warnings you can think of. Go gently with yourself, talk with those close to you and remember Lifeline is available at 13 11 14 if you need immediate support. (Lifeline is an Australian crisis line, if you are overseas, please Google "mental health crisis support" for your area's service).

*

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum.

Become a patron of the podcast or jump into mentoring with Anna here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/

You can grab your copy of the book and download a full list of references and further reading suggestions at www.annacusack.com.au/book/

Continue the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/ and Instagram @annacusackpostpartum

And find her meditations on the Insight Timer app.

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this audiobook, it must not be treated as a substitute for medical or psychological consultation.

Always consult a qualified, supportive practitioner if you are concerned about your health and safety, or the health and safety of your children. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any claim arising from the use or misuse of suggestions made in this book, and are not liable for any person’s failure to access or implement individual professional and/or medical advice.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All permission requests are to be directed to the publisher using the contact form at www.annacusack.com.au.

8/12 - ANGER - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

Anger. Rage. Fury. So many parents, especially mothers, tell me they never felt the same white hot anger before they had kids as they do now. A few mums have written to me and said they skipped straight to this chapter, and others have told me they’ve given this one to their partners to read because it gave words to the experience they couldn’t properly describe to get the message through. We cover mental health, theories around maternal anger, making amends with our kids after an outburst, and take a new look at anger through the lens of opportunity. I recognise this episode is to be released when many parents are in lockdown and do not have the same support systems and tools for self-regulation available as when this book was originally written. Take the bits that resonate, and leave the bits that don’t. Enjoy. 

*** 

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum.
Become a patron of the podcast or jump into mentoring with Anna here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/
You can grab your copy of the book and download a full list of references and further reading suggestions at www.annacusack.com.au/book/
Continue the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/ and Instagram @annacusackpostpartum
And find her meditations on the Insight Timer app. 

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this audiobook, it must not be treated as a substitute for medical or psychological consultation. Always consult a qualified, supportive practitioner if you are concerned about your health and safety, or the health and safety of your children. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any claim arising from the use or misuse of suggestions made in this book, and are not liable for any person’s failure to access or implement individual professional and/or medical advice. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. All permission requests are to be directed to the publisher using the contact form at www.annacusack.com.au.

7/12 - OVERWHELM - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

6/12 - LONELINESS - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

5/12 - FEAR - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

This episode looks at fear. No sidestepping this one - it’s a pretty scary time in world history to have kids really isn’t it? We talk a bit more on our brain’s survival skills as we practice parenting, as well as covering climate, coronavirus, post-natal anxiety, unwanted harm thoughts and more.

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, Certified Motherhood Studies Practitioner and mum.
Become a patron of the podcast or jump into her membership and mentoring program here: https://www.annacusack.com.au/products/135362-The-Lighthouse-Membership-Allyship
You can grab your copy of the book and download a full list of references and further reading suggestions at www.annacusack.com.au/book/
Continue the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/and Instagram @annacusackpostpartum
And find her meditations on the Insight Timer app.

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this audiobook, it must not be treated as a substitute for medical or psychological consultation. Always consult a qualified, supportive practitioner if you are concerned about your health and safety, or the health and safety of your children. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any claim arising from the use or misuse of suggestions made in this book, and are not liable for any person’s failure to access or implement individual professional and/or medical advice.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. All permission requests are to be directed to the publisher using the contact form at www.annacusack.com.au.

4/12 - INVISIBILITY - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

2/12 - GUILT - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

1/12 - INTRODUCTION - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” audiobook by Anna Cusack

My entire audiobook is coming to you, live and free, right here! 

Get your print copy, dive into sources and further reading, browse my blog, join my Lighthouse Mama membership or become a patron of the podcast, all at www.annacusack.com.au 

I’d love to connect on socials too - you can find me @annacusackpostpartum on Instagram and Facebook. 

This, from the back cover: 

“What is wrong with me? 

Am I the only one who feels this way? 

I can't keep this up... how are all the other mothers doing this? 

Why did no one tell me it would be like this? 

For too long, the first rule of motherhood has been not to speak about the reality of motherhood. We are warned about the dizzying highs, the moments of heart bursting love, and the depths and despair of exhaustion, yet the in-between bits don’t rate a mention. 

Swirling (and often simultaneous) emotions like fear, overwhelm, anger, guilt, grief and even boredom are all but missing from the conversation completely. Anna Cusack’s "Mama, You’re Not Broken" breaks the silence on these taboo topics, exploring the emotional underbelly and physiological processes of being a mother within a social framework that doesn’t value the work of raising children. 

Part wakeup call and part warm shower (alone), Cusack draws on research and personal experience to shine a light on the ways we can transcend the feelings of inadequacy, isolation and altogether not-enoughness that plague us as modern mothers. This book is an invitation to mothers to move beyond the myth that “this is just the way things are” in order to cultivate a more meaningful and satisfying life than the perfectly pleasant, self-sacrificing version of motherhood we’ve been sold, for ourselves and for our children. 

It’s time to unmask the unspoken emotions of modern motherhood.”

24. Exposing the Institution of Motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock

The good girl, good woman, good wife, good worker and good mother narratives are all intertwined - is it any wonder today's mums are struggling? Join me in conversation with Motherhood Studies sociologist Dr. Sophie Brock to unpack the social construction of motherhood. We discuss the inherent interdependence of the mother-child relationship, the flawed argument behind maternal self-sacrifice and how mothers and the practitioners who work with them can begin to get unstuck and effect change in their lives and the broader social landscape that is motherhood.

You can connect with Dr Sophie via
Her website: www.drsophiebrock.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/drsophiebrock
On Instagram: @drsophiebrock
And on her podcast, The Good Enough Mother

Podcast host Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist.
You can find her online and become a patron of the podcast for $5/month at www.annacusack.com.au/podcast
Order Anna’s book "Mama, You're Not Broken" here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta @annacusackpostpartum
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

23. Beyond The Bias: The Science of Motherhood and Postpartum Nutrition with Dr. Renee White

We all hear about "evidence based" health advice, professional practice and baby care, but what does that even mean? Join Dr. Renee White and I as we cut through the crap around research, biases and books that aren't what they're cracked up to be. We discuss the intersection between not-so-scientific sources, social media and mamas desperately seeking solutions, and how postpartum nutrition is both a new site of exploration and ideological contention and an ancient artform in the practice of nurturing mothers in their early postpartum. 

You can connect with Dr Renee on Instagram @fillyourcup_ And on the web www.ifillyourcup.com 

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother. 

You can find her online and become a patron of the podcast for $5/month at www.annacusack.com.au/podcast  

Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/ 

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/ 

On insta @annacusackpostpartum 

On clubhouse at annacusack 

On YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ 

And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

22. Twin Chaos, Kids' Books and Life as a Defence Force Family with Katie Bowman

21. Matyrdom, Motherhood Support and Maternal Health research with Dr. Haya Zedan

Dr. Haya Zedan is an maternal support professional, public health researcher, academic and mother. With one eye on health policy and the other on individual experience of motherhood, she has a unique take on what motherhood means in her home country of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Haya is a translator of scholarly research to the mothers on the ground (in both English and Arabic), an identifier of gaps in the academic knowledge base, and a woman doing her best to fill them without losing sight of the preciousness of her own wellbeing.

You can find Dr. Haya and her maternal health resources in English and Arabic at @maternalwellnessska

In this episode we mention:

"Untamed: Step pleasing, start living" by Glennon Doyle

Craig, L., & Churchill, B. (2020). Dual-earner parent couples’ work and care during COVID-19. Gender, Work & Organization 28(S1), 66-79. Access via https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12497

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.
You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

20. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Birth Recovery, Divorce and Pandemic Parenting with Lucy Howlett

Lucy's dream of a "natural birth" did not go to plan, but her experience with birth trauma-related PTSD did lead to her a love affair with helping women recover holistically after childbirth. She is a physical therapist, master of many healing touch modalities and speaks to what has helped her in her recovery from birth trauma. We discuss emotional sensitivity, separation, worthiness and parenting through a pandemic in the UK. Enjoy!

The book Lucy refers to is "How to Heal a Bad Birth" by Melissa J. Bruijn and Debby A. Gould.

You can connect with Lucy on Instagram @thebirthrecoverycoach
Facebook - www.facebook.com/thebirthrecoverycoach
And her website www.thebirthrecoverycoach.com

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.
You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

19. Racism, Re-education, and Realities for First Nations Women in Birth and Motherhood with Alicia Johnson

Introducing: Alicia Johnson. Alicia is an Indigenous woman, academic and mother.

In her work, studies, motherhood and all other areas of her life, she is navigating colonisation in the 21st century, challenging racial stereotypes and type casts of what it means to be “black, fat, proud and a mummy”!

Alicia combines her usual hard-hitting social commentary with trademark humour and stories from her own life.

You’ll also hear about “Midnight Mothers”, her biggest professional project yet that invites those interested in re-educating themselves to review the world of birth through the lens of First Nations women.

You can connect with Alicia on Instagram @8983aj, on Youtube and TikTok, and find her co-hosting the Unapologetically Blak podcast.

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au

Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/

On insta as @annacusackpostpartum

On clubhouse at annacusack

On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ

And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

18.Connecting All Kids and Their Communities with Culture with Tanieka Riley

17. Finding Your Magic Formula - Making Mixed Feeding Work by Choice or Necessity with Lucy Ruddle, IBCLC

Breast or bottle? If we’re being realistic, explains Lucy Ruddle, it’s not as simple as one or the other. Most most mums spend time in both camps, and even more spend time using both their own and extra milk simultaneously for significant parts of their feeding journey.

Lucy is one of the most passionate (and funniest) women on the internet. She talks us through how to make it work – how to protect your own milk supply while mixed feeding, how to see through capitalism’s hijacking of the life saving medicine that is formula, how to get the support you need in whichever direction you’re headed.

Connect with Lucy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lucyruddleibclc
and Instagram: @lucy.ruddle.ibclc

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta as @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

16. Prolapse, Perfectionism and Empowering Mothers to Move Well with Kimmy Smith

15. “Owning it all” – Queenhood and Channeling Our Inner Beyonce with Zoe and Tracey Meacham

What is Queen energy? How can we cultivate it inside the (ironically masculine) practice of mothering, and within our relationships with our partners, colleagues, children and even our baristas?

Mother daughter duo Zoe and Tracey Meacham are enamoured with embodiment, relationship and all things feminine energy. This episode discusses how we can inject Queen vibes into our everyday experience as women and feminine core people, and why it’s always about us, not our Kings.

Find Zoe on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/missZoeMeacham

And instagram @zoe.meacham

And Tracey at www.traceymeacham.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tracey.meacham1

And instagram @meachamtracey

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta as @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

14. Mama Monologue - “Mama, You’re Not Broken” has landed, here’s the intro!

13. Like a Deer in the Headlights - Annie Tayleur on prepping partners for birth

11. Nurturing the parent-infant bond through loving touch and infant massage - with Claire Ward

Baby massage, parent bonding, reflux, maternal mental health, postpartum support and the lack of... this chat with Claire goes every which way, just like the experience of early motherhood. I'm so glad to share this episode with you and have her serving mums in my local Lake Mac area.

Get in touch with Claire at @babymassageaus

Contact The Nurture Centre - https://www.facebook.com/thenurturecentre/
@thenurturecentre

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta as @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

10. Attention seeking or connection seeking? Cooperation over control through play with Shelley Clarke

9. Teaching our kids to be the boss of their own bodies through safer, stronger parenting with Caroline Ellen

8. "It's designed naturally, but it doesn't come naturally" - The Letdown on Breastfeeding with Emma Maher, IBCLC

Want the letdown on breastfeeding? How can we prepare ourselves to breastfeed, and what do partners need to know to support us in our quest?

Meet Emma Maher, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, midwife, nurse and mum of two. She is passionate about breastfeeding education, troubleshooting breastfeeding and giving families the expert information they need to make empowered choices.

You can find her at www.empoweredlactationwithemma.com.auand on Instagram @empoweredlactation_withemma.

In this episode we mention:

The LCANZ directory to find an IBCLC – www.lcanz.org

The Australian Breastfeeding Association 24/7 helpline – 1800 686 268

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/
On insta as @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse at annacusack
On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ
And listen to her meditations on the Insight Timer meditation app

"It's Not Just Another Thing to Do": Exploring the 4 Pillars of Motherhood Health with Dr. Ali Young - Episode 7

Dr. Ali Young is a chiro on a mission to unfck motherhood once and for all. We speak about her experiences of expat, stay-at-home (SAHM), fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) and working motherhood, as well all digging into birth, moving well, nourishing our bodies, calming our brains and feeling good without it being just another job to do.

Here's where you can connect with Dr. Ali Young:

Email: ali@draliyoung.com

Web: www.draliyoung.com

Instagram: @unfck_motherhood

Podcast: Motherhood Unfcked with Dr Ali Young

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum/

On insta as @annacusackpostpartum

On clubhouse at annacusack

On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ

Order Anna’s book here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/

"What is best for them is what's best for me" - Soulwork and sisterhood with Teagan Towns - Episode 6

"Somehow I was failing”: Mothering the new mother and moving beyond people pleasing with Naomi Chrisoulakis - Episode 5

Naomi Chrisoulakis is a postpartum doula from Sydney with a focus on postpartum food and emotional nourishment. With her background in journalism, Naomi is spreading the message of mother care on her supremely popular instagram account @cocoonbynaomi, via her website www.cocoonbynaomi.com and her podcast "Tales From The Fourth Trimester".

We talk postnatal anxiety, desperately seeking sleep and mustering support from the right people at the right times. We hope you enjoy this episode, and the background gurgles from her seven month old baby.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

www.PANDA.org.au and their helpline1300 726 306

The work of Dr. James McKenna https://cosleeping.nd.edu/

PURPLE Crying http://purplecrying.info/

“The First Forty Days” cookbook by Heng Ou

Episode 4: “You Will Blow Your Own Mind”: Blogging, Bestsellers and Business with Carlie Maree

What a joy it was to interview Carlie Maree, author of Wall Street Journal bestseller “Soul Modes”, solo host of the "Go Hack Yourself" podcast and half of the powerhouse podcasting team that is "Million Dollar Mamas". We spoke about the journey from blogger to bestseller, relationship breakdown to a blended family, and the growth of her online empire.

Carlie shares with us her beliefs about life and love, and how these form the basis of her bangin’ business, underpin her book writing process, and allow herself to blow her own mind with just how beautiful her life can be. 

You can connect with Carlie via the links below:

Online: carliemaree.com
On Facebook: facebook.com/mscarliemaree
On Instagram: Instagram.com/mscarliemaree

Anna Cusack is a Motherhood Revolutionist, author, podcaster, postpartum doula, exercise physiologist and mother.

You can find her online at www.annacusack.com.au
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/annacusackpostpartum
On insta as @annacusackpostpartum
On clubhouse as annacusack
On YouTube at https://youtube.com/channel/UC0ejqfsLQneApXlLI9ZkdXQ

Anna’s book “Mama, You’re Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood” presale is now open for Australian orders!

Grab your signed copy here: www.annacusack.com.au/book/ Viva La Motherhood Revolution Revolution

Episode 3 "Don't Martyr Yourself" Fulfillment, Release & the Moon with Kirra Rose

Meet Kirra Rose! Kirra is an astrologer, mother and all around wild woman, spreading the message of fulfilment, release and the cyclical nature of women's energies. She talks not only about reclaiming motherhood, but claiming the menstrual rhythms of our bodies from puberty. A world where young women learn only self-love, rather than unlearning period-related body shame later, is certainly one to aspire to. 

You can find her on Facebook and Instagram as @wildkirrarose.

Episode 2: "Dealing with the Feeling" - Mental Health the Mind-Body Way with Bronte Spicer

This week I speak with Bronte Spicer. She is a powerful voice for mental health, applied mindfulness specialist, beautiful sacred space holder and primary teacher from way back. Bronte teaches people how to apply advanced mindfulness to painful memories and negative self-talk so they overcome depression and anxiety and create the life they dream of, just as she has done for herself with kids in tow. Her own published book 'It's Okay to Cry' is to be released in October 2021. 

You can find her at www.brontespicer.com, enjoy her meditations on the Insight Timer app, and follow her on instagram as @bronte_spicer and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontespicer

Episode 1: "It's not a race" - Sammy Anna on Child Development and Motherhood

Sammy Anne is a parent guide and mentor, specialising in helping families with neurodiverse children map the maze of support options. We talk about her experiences of motherhood and miscarriage, and the ways she aligns her passion for work and her mothering values. You can find her on Facebook @SammyAnne.MTM and on her website, https://www.sammyanne.com/