Blog posts

Meet Mim - a new childrens' book - which is multifaceted like a mother

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:40:44 GMT

What an intriguing book, when reading it for the first time and not knowing who Mim was! Meet Mim was written by Sandra Severgnini, and was published by EK Books.

Untethered: Living the digital nomad life in an uncertain world.

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:17:59 GMT

Digital nomads work online from anywhere in the world. If you’ve ever wanted to live like this, but don’t know where to start, Untethered is for you. Let a veteran digital nomad take you by the hand and lead you through this new territory. Learn exactly what it takes to engineer a digital nomad lifestyle in a post-pandemic world. With travel stories and case studies interlaced with clear, real-world guidance, you’ll equip yourself with the tools to create your own location-independent life.

Harriet's Hungry Worms

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:46:55 GMT

Harriet's Hungry Worms, is a funny, engaging eco-story with delightful pictures, that invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet's ravenous compost worms. It is interesting to see what they munch on for their wide weekly menu (including something from someone's lunchbox, so Mum didn't know the fruit wasn't eaten).

Mama's Chickens - an empowering new childrens book about early onset dementia

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 19:04:42 GMT

How do you express love when words fail you?

This beautiful picture book by award-winning Australian author, Michelle Worthington, uses the writers own experience of early onset dementia to explore the topic in a child friendly way. The book is illustrated by Nicky Johnston.

Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 13:59:32 GMT

Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is a fabulous new picture book from EK Books that follows the early life of Jørn Utzon showing young readers that there is no limit to what they might achieve if they follow their dreams.

Grub

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 21:41:52 GMT

An entertaining video intro to this book, was followed by the intrigue on turning the pages of this new book from EK Books. What will happen to grub as his body is about to change?

One Book Was All It Took

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:29:51 GMT

I loved opening the box to receive this book. Books have always had a big place in my life and my bookshelves are full, but there is always room for 'one more'. One Book Was All It Took from EK Books, was released in July, by Wendy Shurety and Amy Calautti. Propping an extra cushion behind me I sat to take the time to read this children's book - now it's out of the box.

Milly and the Mulberry Tree

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:50:11 GMT

This delightful new book is a touching read, especially as we have friends who once had a shadehouse full of mulberry trees for their silk worms.

Freddy the Not-Teddy

Fri, 27 May 2022 14:03:14 GMT

Another lovely book from EK Books published this month is Freddy the Not-Teddy. Freddy is Jonah's favourite stuffed toy, but no one knows quite what Freddy is - a funky duck, a peculiar platypus, a punk rock penguin?

Podcast on Postnatal Return to Boxing with PT Sam Kirker

Thu, 26 May 2022 21:17:24 GMT

After her move from Brisbane, Qld to Newman, WA, Personal Trainer Sam Kirker has set up her Iron Sistas Personal Training business, with Boxing classes and PT sessions her starting point. Dianne talked to Sam, about how postnatal mums can prepare for returning to boxing after having a baby in this latest podcast.

Get Ready, Mama!

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:01:12 GMT

This new picture book from EK Books Get Ready, Mama!, written by Perth-based Sharon Giltrow, and Illustrated by talented Taiwanese Australian Arielle Li, cleverly uses role-reversal to turn the morning routine into a bonding experience for children and parents and carers, filled with giggles and relatable moments.

Podcast with Michelle Kenway on Returning to Fitness and Running Postnatally

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:28:34 GMT

Michelle Kenway talks with Dianne about postnatal fitness, sharing her return to running advice. Michelle is a Physiotherapist from Brisbane and author of the international bestselling Inside Out series of books and DVD's. This launches Season 3 of the Running to the Core podcast, as Episode 21.

The Reality Slap - How to survive and thrive when life hits hard

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:32:15 GMT

Bestselling Australian therapist and internationally acclaimed expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dr Russ Harris, shows us how to survive and thrive when unexpected events throw our lives into chaos.

Podcast with Marietta Mehanni on using the Gymstick as a postnatal training tool

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:09:28 GMT

Marietta Mehanni from Melbourne Victoria talks with Dianne about using the Gymstick as a tool for postnatal training and strengthening in returning to fitness and running.

Top 9 Pregnancy Fitness Tips Podcast with Angelina Lee, Physiotherapist

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:06:29 GMT

Recorded at the time where the restrictions start to ease in Australia, this podcast gives pregnant mums specific advice to help during this unusual time in our lives. Dianne Edmonds speaks with Angelina Lee from PhysioForward in Tasmania, and together they go through 9 Pregnancy tips.

Postnatal Fitness Tips Podcast with Angelina Lee from PhysioForward Tasmania

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 12:52:45 GMT

The recording of this podcast was prompted due to the challenges faced by us all as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. For postnatal mums, we compiled these tips to help bring some focus into your fitness and health. Dianne speaks again with Angelina Lee from PhysioForward in Tasmania, and together go through 9 Postnatal tips for mums at this time.

Once, I Was Loved

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:06:58 GMT

Thanks to Exisle Publishing I was able to receive a copy of this new book Once, I was Loved.
Set against the backdrop of iconic moments in 20th -century history this book, by Anzac Ted author Belinda Landsberry, celebrates the timeless nature of love in a changing world.

Postnatal return to running podcast with Angelina Lee

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:25:29 GMT

It was great to discuss postnatal return to running and fitness with Physiotherapist Angelina Lee from PhysioForward in Penguin Tasmania. Angelina shares her insights from both her professional experience and personal experience in returning to running and fitness after pregnancy and the birth of her children.

Podcasts with Sam Kirker, PT Iron Sisters North Brisbane

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:03:22 GMT

Recently Dianne talked with Sam Kirker, Personal Trainer from North Brisbane who runs her studio Iron Sisters. We did two podcasts on Postnatal Fitness, including talking about resistance training both during and after pregnancy, with Sam also telling her own story about fitness and motherhood.

Postnatal exercise podcast with coach and PT Tara Ruscoe

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 16:12:35 GMT

Tara Ruscoe, PT and Coach from Feel Good Fitness in Mandurah WA, talks with Dianne about the short and longer term effects of training and coaching, sharing some of her personal insights through her fitness journey as a mother of four.

Changing my exercise routine podcast with Bobbie Wright PT

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:15:51 GMT

During her pregnancy Bobbie Wright, a Personal Trainer, helped Dianne with some filming used to update two pregnancy online training courses for fitness professionals, demonstrating some of the pregnancy core exercises and breathing training moves as she applied them to her own pregnancy training regime.

Postnatal return to running with Jo Cordell-Cooper Podcast

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:48:48 GMT

In our first podcast for Series 2, Holistic PT from Hobart, Tasmania, Jo Cordell-Cooper talks about why "runners love running" and the benefits for postnatal Mums in getting back safely to running.

Book review - Arebella and the Magic Pencil

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 13:23:46 GMT

It's nice to pause for a moment and read a childrens story book again. This new book from EK publishing is helpful for any child coming to terms with a new sibling, while engaging in fantasy about changing family dynamics when Arabella's new brother, Avery, arrives and changes everything.

The Power of Healing Herbs

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 12:21:19 GMT

Nick Polizzi, Founder of The Sacred Science has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. In this blog post he talks about the benefits of gardening with some healing herb suggestions to plant, some helping to reduce stress.

Podcast with Katie Drage Physiotherapist

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 16:09:47 GMT

Katie Drage from Total Concept Physiotherapy in Halls Head, Mandurah, Western Australia, talks with Dianne Edmonds, Director of The Pregnancy Centre, about some of the challenges for Mums returning to netball after pregnancy and birth.

Podcasts with Jo Cordell-Cooper, Holistic PT

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 14:06:25 GMT

Jo Cordell-Cooper is a Holistic PT from Hobart, Tasmania with a special interest in women's health, and pregnancy and postnatal fitness. In this 3 part Podcast series Jo talks with Dianne about how she became passionate about this area of fitness.

Podcast with Elisa Bellairs from Embraced Mamma

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 15:24:08 GMT

We met with Elisa Bellairs for our first podcast interview series. Elisa is a personal trainer who coaches mums to restore and reclaim themselves after having children. She runs Motherhood Movement Classes from the studio at The Little Aussie Cafe in Erskine, Mandurah WA.

Sharing '1 Thing'

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:33:26 GMT

Dianne was asked to share 1 thing that she had learned, over the years of working in women's health and fitness.
In the '1 thing' feature in the new Network magazine, Spring 2018, Dianne shares 1 thing she has learned. Countless women can benefit from working with fitness professionals and physiotherapists in their women's health journey during and after pregnancy.

#ozfitnetwork

Podcasting with Pelvic Floor ABC's

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 12:24:57 GMT

Podcasting ABC’s

We’ve been learning to Podcast – putting away the aim of Perfectionism and “Just getting started”.

Just like children learn their ABC’s, our second podcast starts with A from the Pelvic Floor ABC's in part 1 of this series.

Gifts a Mom Must Give Herself Every Day

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:43:15 GMT

As a mom, being first in the queue for a little self-care and attention just does not happen. We are taught that as women, we can have everything; the career and the family. In practice, however, we are not geared up to ensuring our self-care is a priority. Simply Life has put together this article with some gifts for Moms to consider giving themselves daily.

Reach Your Goals Without Stressing Out

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:07:02 GMT

A High-Achiever's Guide to a Successful Life, by Clinical Psychologist Chantal Hofstee.

Discover the brain hacks that are key to working smarter not harder, so you can spend less time wheel-spinning and more time doing things that make your life meaningful.

Self Care: The Dark Side - by Shelly Prosko

Sun, 13 May 2018 22:09:40 GMT

Self care is something I've written about a few years back, learning to add different aspects more deliberately into my day, through the work of Dr Sara Gottfried and also Lisa Grace Byrne from Well Grounded Life. One of the posts was called "Start with one small thing for your self care", with explanations from Lisa saying: This is like putting in one fence post and getting that one fence post in place, before adding more things.

Happiness is a Red Teapot

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 13:26:43 GMT

"A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards."
A.A. Milne

I do have a red teapot, and a copy of the book Happiness is a Red Teapot to view the beautiful images and read the quotes, collected by Anouska Jones.

Engaging Adolescents - a new book for parents with Teens

Thu, 25 May 2017 14:12:24 GMT

When I started The Pregnancy Centre, I was "pre pregnant", and there were a couple of years dedicated to nurturing and getting The Pregnancy Centre up and running. Many moons ago. Now I have teens!!!

Women Wiser then Me

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:12:52 GMT

Just reading from my favourite teacher Dr Sara Gottfried in her email this week how has learned from a friend about the idea of essentialism.

She says, “It means, simply: Do less better”.

Merry Christmas 2016

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 23:28:52 GMT

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

We are 17!!! Happy Birthday to us.

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:35:26 GMT

This month signifies 17 years on line for The Pregnancy Centre.

We just want to say Happy Birthday to Us!!!

3 Things I have learned from Dr Sara Gottfried

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 17:02:54 GMT

Four years ago I began to encounter the work of Dr Sara Gottfried as she was working on her first book, The Hormone Cure. Now published and a New York Times best seller, this book began the journey to learning about deeper levels of self care and reinvesting time back into ourselves to balance hormones, particularly important in the life of a mother.

Feed Your Brain

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:34:45 GMT

There is a new Australian book on the market, one that many of us need as it is "The Essential Guide for Anyone Who Cares About Their Brain". Feed Your Brain is the ultimate guide to getting your brain in tip-top shape and keeping it healthy via the foods you eat.

Start with one small thing for your self care

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:03:08 GMT

Reading a recent e newsletter from author Lisa Grace Byrne this week was a reminder of how the small scale things can make a difference, when we focus on what we can do, not on what we cannot do. Lisa used the Starfish Story to put this into context.

Sleeping - How can I improve my sleep quality?

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 12:10:29 GMT

Sleep is such an important part of life - rejuvination and rest are needed to continue with fully functioning in daily life. While often during pregnancy and with babies and small children, this is a time of interrupted sleep, there are still things that can help to improve the quality of sleep that you do have.

Anzac Ted

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:49:54 GMT

Receiving this amazing book from the publisher was such a blessing, it is a heart rendering story touching the depth of spirit of the Anzacs. As we approach another Anzac Day next month, this book will form the perfect gift this year.

Easy Tips for Cooking with Depression

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 22:48:10 GMT

I've heard about decision fatigue a few times lately, and with the many choices in motherhood, often coming up with meal ideas can be challenging. This blog post from the website Kitchen Stewardship gives some good easy tips for time poor or depleted mums. With or without depression these are good ideas.

7 Ways to Connect to Your Pelvic Floor

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:23:31 GMT

The pelvic floor is a hidden muscle, not seen or viewed from the outside, so often it is hard to feel certain that you are correctly connecting to the muscles when you do your exercises.

Five Minutes Matter for Mums

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 00:10:43 GMT

I remember timing myself and counting the number of interruptions while trying to write a Blog post, when my children were younger. Knowing how much 5 minutes matters to Mums, we wanted to revisit one of our previous Blog posts called Five minutes matter for Mums.

Birth Over 35

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:15:08 GMT

More and more women are having a baby in their 30s or 40s. Many have already built successful careers, and bring their experience and maturity to pregnancy and birth. This is a time for extra special advice for those entering or reentering the journey of motherhood at this stage of their lives and this book by the renowned birth expert Sheila Kitzinger, is a warm, confidence boosting classic.

You Sexy Mother - A life-changing approach to motherhood

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 19:47:49 GMT

Recently another book came across my desk from Exisle Publishing - one that caught my eye. "You Sexy Mother - a Life-changing approach to motherhood", by Jodie Hedley-Ward invites you to look at your role as mother in new and empowering ways.

Drops of Awesome and It's our Birthday month!

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 19:14:03 GMT

As we look back over another birthday month celebration, we can reflect on the many accomplishments we have made over the 16 years of life of The Pregnancy Centre.
Sometimes things seem slow to grow, but we have accomplished much over the 16 years since The Pregnancy Centre's birth back in 1999. Then life on the internet wasn't the same as it is now, and we are glad that we are still around to see the many changes in the world of motherhood, pregnancy and postnatal fitness and women's health both on and off line.

"Aquacise Your Pelvic Floor"

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:53:04 GMT

One of the best things about working as the Special Projects Officer during the development phase of The Pelvic Floor First campaign, was having the honor of working with some of the leading fitness professionals in Australia. One of the key professionals, now a leading ambassador campaigning the Pelvic Floor First message widely is Marietta Mehanni. Together we compiled some practical ideas on how to include pelvic floor safe exercise into aqua, using Marietta's extensive experience in the aqua arena.

Water and your Pelvic Floor

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 19:39:12 GMT

While water may lift your pelvic floor a little and take the weight of your pelvic organs (and if you are pregnant, lifts the weight of your baby off your pelvic floor), you will still need to consider the pressure upon your pelvic floor when you use water weights or resistance equipment.

Exercise Modifications during Pregnancy

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:35:53 GMT

While there are modifications of exercises recommended during pregnancy and for postnatal women, there are often times that modifications within these exercises themselves need to be made. Each woman seen by a fitness or health professional needs individual attention at regular intervals during their pregnancy.

How to Hug A Hedgehog - 12 Keys for Connecting with Teens

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 16:49:48 GMT

When I saw this new book by Exisle Publishing come across my desk in an email, I was very keen to take a look, now that I am into my 14th year of Motherhood.

I was very excited to get my own copy last week and start to read this book, "with entertaining stories and 12 principles that open the cages, unlock the doors, gently tear down those walls, and get you talking". How to Hug a Hedgehog explores everything from communication to what you might have missed on the teen "warning label".

10 Step Guide to Protecting the Pelvic Floor with Exercise

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:04:30 GMT

When developing resources for The Pelvic Floor First campaign, the team put a lot of thought into how to best get a clear message across on how to protect the pelvic floor with at risk clients, when there are so many exercise variations available. Principles which had been developed by Pelvic Floor and Women's Health Physiotherapist and author Michelle Kenway, were used to give a guide on protecting the pelvic floor and this is an essential consideration when giving women exercise programs both during and after pregnancy.

Top 10 Tips to Teaching Pelvic Floor Exercises in Pregnancy

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 23:08:07 GMT

Are you a fitness instructor working with pregnant women?

Do you have a plan for teaching pelvic floor exercises to your clients as a part of their overall fitness program?

Are you aware of the variations in ways to teach pelvic floor muscle exercises?

Health and Fitness instructors have an amazing opportunity to reinforce the correct pelvic floor technique in their pregnant clients. Training pelvic floor fitness needs attention to detail as part of your clients overall pregnancy program.

A Groundbreaking New Self-Care Program For Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:51:25 GMT

A new book written by Marianne Ryan.

"It is time for women to consider each stage of healing post-birth and take the time needed for full recovery. Baby Bod ® will help women who are still postnatal many years later, as well as new mums, make the journey to recover from pregnancy and childbirth".
Shared from "Praise for Baby Bod ® ", Dianne Edmonds, Director and Founder of The Pregnancy Centre, Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer.

Time goes by - 14 years of Motherhood later

Tue, 05 May 2015 18:50:14 GMT

While I haven't blogged for a while, it's interesting to ask why. It's easy for time just to pass by.
This one will be short, but as I look to soon celebrate my 14th year of Motherhood, my 14th Mothers Day will come. Once my 'little girl' was just a baby (no the baby bathing image is not her) and now she's almost as tall as me.

Anzac Ted - a story book opening the world of the Anzacs to Aussie kids

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:39:58 GMT

The Hormone Reset Diet

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:20:35 GMT

Having "followed" the work of Dr Sara Gottfried, Harvard Trained MD for around 2 1/4 years I am so grateful for her work and do not know where I would be without learning the insights from her on many areas of women's health and self care. I saw the launch of her first book "The Hormone Cure" and now she is launching her new book "The Hormone Reset Diet" which releases March 17th.

Zero to Six Months With No Crying by Ursula Morgan

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:10:14 GMT

I was pleased to receive a copy of a newly published book across my desk.
Zero to Six Months with No Crying provides education and support to establish a parenting style that results in minimal infant crying.

Getting Back to Basics

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:19:12 GMT

It’s interesting going through another season of transition, settling back into clinical work again, in a maternity setting. I thought I had left that opportunity behind, but now I am embraced into a warm environment working with Obstetric GP’s and Midwives – who only see pregnant and postnatal clients (and those wanting to become pregnant) in this clinic.

Are You Playing Games with "The Core"?

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:35:42 GMT

'Core’ fitness is a buzz word, but do you know what it means?

There has been a move in the fitness industry over the past 3 1/2 years to start to understand the role that the pelvic floor has in forming the base of the deep core. At the bottom of a cylinder in the body, is the pelvic floor and at the sides and front are the abdominal muscles, made of layers.

Taking a Pregnant Pause.

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:14:38 GMT

As we look to the future, it's time for "Pressing the Pause Button", a term learned from Dr Sara Gottfried, author of The Hormone Cure.

Give Me a Break

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:54:26 GMT

Written a few months ago - it's timely to post this now during the final stages of the Pregnancy and Pelvic Floor Health - Managing the Motherload National campaign by The Continence Foundation of Australia 2014. We know firsthand how juggles in motherhood can affect our ability to take time for ourselves, even something as simple as finding time to do some pelvic floor exercises to improve our health and wellbeing. Why does something so important to so many areas of our lives, get put aside by so many women due to the other factors of life? Well now there's a new app available to help remind you to do your pelvic floor exercises, but in case you feel you want to know you are not alone in the busyness of life, here's a story for you.

Motherhood, Hormones and Breastfeeding

Thu, 08 May 2014 12:57:02 GMT

I have been a fan of Dr Sara Gottfried for 18 months now and learned about the amazing Lisa Grace Byrne and her heart for mothers, through an interview with Dr Sara and Lisa last year.
Lisa has just written this blog post for Dr Sara's community and I'd like to share it with you, as you read further to learn more about fuel for your journey, for those who have 'been there'.
http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/motherhood-how-breastfeeding-and-weaning-affect-your-emotions/

Unsure how to transition from person to parent?

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:35:30 GMT

“All the frozen casseroles in the world can’t prepare you for the emotional roller coaster that comes with
a new baby. However, Dr Melanie Strang can guide you through this maze of ‘mother feelings’ with
empathy, understanding and simple practical strategies.
Mother Love should be on every new mother’s coffee table, for reassurance that she is not alone ,
that she is a ‘good enough’ mother and, with the right support, she can enjoy this precious and
exciting time with confidence. “
Pinky McKay, Lactation Consultant and Baby Care Author

Fit for Birth and Beyond: The guide for women over 35

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:18:03 GMT

On my desk I have a copy of the new book, from Exisle Publishing called Fit for Birth and Beyond : The guide for women over 35, deemed ‘Likely to become the defining book of exercise in pregnancy,’ Obstetrician Dr Dereck Souter FRCOG.

Is it easier to go shopping than to do your pelvic floor muscle exercises?

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:56:35 GMT

I was just looking around at women in the shopping mall with babies and toddlers, and thinking – it’s much easier to set time to go shopping than to set time to do pelvic floor exercises. Or is it? What about if we consider that there are numerous opportunities during a shopping trip to also invest in your pelvic floor.

A moment of calm

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:12:09 GMT

Up pops the GPS for the Soul app just as I sit down with my Japanese green tea at the computer. Practicing a new level of ‘self care’ during the day where I pour from a pot and enjoy the flavour, instead of just making a quick teabag cup of green tea.

Back to School

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:47:34 GMT

I have heard from three mums in the last three days, the ‘yay’ of back to school days. While we love having the school holidays and the freedom of the unstructured days, there is a new level of freedom again that comes from having some child free hours in the day to think, focus and create.

A Year in Reflection

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:56:38 GMT

What starts out as what I think of as a challenging year, in reflection, was a pretty amazing year of milestones professionally, personally and in the life of The Pregnancy Centre.

In January I received my certificate as an Elite Personal Trainer from Australian Fitness Network, the first certificate of qualification I have received since graduating as a Physiotherapist back in 1987.

Deposit some zzz's

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:04:06 GMT

I smiled to myself as I turned the page back and realised that it was only one page back that I had started to read the chapter on Restorative Rest, in the book called Replenish, by Lisa Grace Byrne.

I found my marbles!

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:35:13 GMT

Sounds strange, but about 5 months ago, well before we moved or knew we were moving, I bought a tall vase looking glass blue jar, and some marbles. I was going to be dedicated to implementing some of the self care practices that Dr Sara Gottfried, author of the book The Hormone Cure, suggested.

Transition takes a long time

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:33:33 GMT

Transition is sometimes one of the more difficult parts of going through in labour. Recently as we have been moving over the past three months, the process has been painful, tedious and sometimes taken way too long. Just like transition in labour for some of us.

I am not a lacky band

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 16:12:57 GMT

How much can a woman’s body stretch? During pregnancy we can expand both in our capacity to grow a child inside of us, as our uterus grows, our abdominal muscles and the skin outside stretches and expands. If the growth occurs too fast, like when our baby has a growth spurt, our skin can expand too quickly, and we can get stretch marks.

When Things are Just Out of Reach

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 11:38:51 GMT

Have you ever had the experience of reaching towards your goals, but never quite getting there?

The feeling of “I’m almost there”, but the things that you want to do or plan to do, don’t quite get your time and attention, or sometimes start to feel further away. There is always another mountain of washing to do as a mother, or a face to feed, more shopping to do to keep the fridge and cupboard stacked.

If at First I don't succeed? I will use my female brain.

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 15:10:30 GMT

Have you ever started something 'again', determined to get it right THIS time?

Top 60 / 100 Blogs

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:56:00 GMT

It was a really great thing to hear that we'd been chosen as number 60 amongst the top 100 blogs to follow in 2013! Thanks Ron for choosing us.

How can I have Tiara time when I can't find my Tiara?

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:30:34 GMT

Tiara time is something Dr Sara Gottfried, author of the new book for women called The Hormone Cure, promotes for women, which she spoke about on the Ricki Lake Show last year.

She advocates using a tiara to signify to your family, children, significant other or even work colleagues, that you are taking some time out for now for your own self care.

I only asked for 10 minutes

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:42:02 GMT

How many times when that 10 minutes mattered to me, and “would have” saved my day from going downhill, in these days of raising children? It was highlighted again this morning, when my walk was short, the mornings being darker now, and I get home still in time for my husband to go to work.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:21:19 GMT

I love those words by author Katrina Kenison in her book The Gift of an Ordinary Day. I read the first chapter yesterday. After hearing her speak in an interview with the Power of Mums recently, I ordered a number of her books to read, including Magical Journey, An Apprenticeship in Contentment.

While I have written about sleep before.....

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:08:40 GMT

While I have written about sleep before, when I said in my last blog that I was going back to my postnatal 0-3 weeks set of exercises, I didn’t mean that I also wanted to feel sleep deprived. But, with nearly a week of interrupted sleep at the time of writing this, I am.

9 1/2 m...no years....Post Natal

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:29:37 GMT

Ok, I will admit it. I am 9 ½ years post natal! I have been going to make a ‘come back’ since my second child, my son, was 6 weeks old, but it still hasn’t happened.

Becoming a Hormone Evangalista

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:13:25 GMT

Ever since “finding” Dr Sara in October 2012, when listening to an interview with her via the Great Parenting Show, I’ve been listening to her, reading her emails and have enrolled in a number of her courses, jumping in straight away. Why?

In the first two minutes of listening to her I found out that there were “cute little glands in our mid back” called our adrenal glands, that release cortisol, and that “high cortisol will make you store fat where you can pick it up easily, as if you have a tiger chasing you ALL of the time”.

Say and not do

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:31:40 GMT

I expect a lot from my children at times, and sometimes (well maybe often) get frustrated when I ask them to do something, they say they will and then they don't. Along with someone else in the household who will remain nameless.

Yet, here I am admitting that I am doing the same thing. Last year in our newsletter I posted that I would be now writing a weekly blog, and well, the most I managed was to write two in January!

And on the way

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:54:05 GMT

In 1999 I started the journey into the land of the internet, giving women around the world insights into how to better look after their bodies and deal with some of the problems of pregnancy that arise. I shared stories...

Transformation

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:25:11 GMT

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Full of Beans

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:41:45 GMT

I often find myself running out of ideas for a family dinner. However, I have recently discovered that by serving up a different kind of salad now and again can make me feel as though I have invented a whole new meal.

Taking the plunge

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 19:28:32 GMT

On the other side, three days later, since writing this - is experience, a lot more ideas, and the satisfaction from having spent two days with some awesome fitness professionals. Looking back and looking forwards is always interesting, and to see how far we have come, we often need to stop for a moment and reflect.

What matters most?

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:54:49 GMT

It was interesting at a new mum’s group to hear the talk about postnatal adjustment and the changes the new mum’s experience, as they learn and grow with their baby.
Motherhood is an unfolding process, and a journey of discovery with its joys and challenges. One key point that came out, is the importance of knowing yourself and what matters most to you each day.

Is Anyone Listening

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:59:07 GMT

Many years as a physiotherapist have been spent listening to women, who have felt like no one is listening. As a mother and wife I can understand and relate to the times when it seems like you are not being listened to. Deep in your heart there is often that inner need that is not being met, that source of life that you can tap into that makes your eyes spark and your passion stir.

Five minutes matter for Mums

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:52:14 GMT

A five minute break, may help mum avoid a mistake!

Can I have one too?

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:30:50 GMT

We don't always get it right and knowing does not always translate to doing. I look back at a little story I wrote last year, and despite knowing that this special red fruit is very good for me too, it was easy to give it away rather than give it to me.

Sleep deprivation - a slow form of torture

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:37:23 GMT

How is it that mothers can run and operate on little sleep, still being tuned in to their baby’s cry or their children’s call in the night? It is not until I had some interrupted sleep again, that I realised how tired I must have been those years ago. Although there are some awesome stories of babies who sleep soundly throughout the night from a young age, there are also many mums I know, who found that wasn’t the case.

Winter Warmer

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:40:09 GMT

Promoting healthy eating is something that The Pregnancy Centre is very proud of. However with the arrival of the cooler weather, there is nothing quite like a sweet indulgence to scare away the winter blues – a sure way to bring about some smiles on those cold rainy days.

I love to use my slow cooker during the winter months but until recently I had never thought of using it for a dessert! Much to my delight, for the first time I made a self-saucing chocolate pudding in my slow cooker and it was a huge hit with my children. It’s a very straight forward and simple recipe that I would recommend to anyone and the best thing, just like all other slow cooker recipes, is that you can make it at the beginning of the day and then forget about it until the evening. I hope you and your family enjoy our chocolatey winter warmer.

Stop and Sit Down

Thu, 31 May 2012 23:54:00 GMT

I like nice chairs. They look good and appealing. So do lounges, swing seats, outside benches, hammocks, wooden outdoor settings and fold out lazy chairs. Over a number of years, I have accumulated all of them, some as gifts, some in furnishing our first home, some outdoor seats I have bought more recently in my endeavour to take time to stop and sit down.

Help Help Who can Help?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:24:52 GMT

Many women still don’t know what I would call the essential basics on how to look after their own bodies during and after pregnancy. While they may hear a lot about labour preparation, they are sometimes missing out on understanding their bodies fully in areas that can have quite a long term impact on their life.

My favourite muffins

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:44:04 GMT

Written by Jeanette, mother of two.

This recipe was given to me by our Grandma who is now 84 years young. It’s an absolute favourite in our family. I love making these to have on hand over the weekend. They are great to take on picnics and handy to pop in school lunches.

Are you confidently doing the WRONG thing?

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 23:53:43 GMT

Lately there have been a number of articles on postnatal exercise, and getting back into shape after pregnancy, but many still ignore the pelvic floor!
With the rise of the plank and hover exercises, women seem to be advised to go from gentle abdominal postnatal bracing exercises working the transversus abdominus, straight to hovers , planks and sit ups.
That is like going from Kindy to High School in one jump.

"Mum, what's for dinner?"

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:35:37 GMT

“Mum, what’s for dinner?” is the most common chorus that echoes down my hall way about 5pm. Sometimes I dread to answer that question because often I haven’t quite decided myself or because I know my children are not going to be particularly pleased with the answer.

Why am I eating this?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:38:16 GMT

One day a few years ago, I realised I was eating sausages because that’s what my son liked at the time, but I remembered that I actually didn’t like sausages. Well very rarely, they had to be good. So what am I doing eating this? How can someone who knows about health and fitness slip into bad habits? I can list as many excuses or “reasons” as anyone.

Giving your Baby the Best Start

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:23:13 GMT

We all want to give our children the Best Start in life, and for those of us whose children are no longer babies and toddlers, we can’t turn back that clock and start again. We can give insights though to help those who are starting on the journey of parenthood, or who have new babies coming into their family.

A touch of Christmas Cheer - Mini Fruit Cakes

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:48:01 GMT

Fruit cake is a nice high energy snack that’s good for mum during and after pregnancy. But it’s still an oldie and a goody for any occasion, especially Christmas! We have a lovely recipe for Mini Fruit Cakes. These are perfect to have on hand around the Christmas and the New Year period to share with family and friends. They also make the perfect homemade gift.

Help! I am slipping.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:03:11 GMT

Mothers can cope with many things, and go through the day and night soldiering on to attend to feeds, nappies, teething babies, washing, work, putting things away, teaching children moment by moment while learning themselves.

The Pregnancy Centre turns 12

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:27:10 GMT

The month of October was The Pregnancy Centre's 12th birthday! There have been a lot of new arrivals and celebrations in this time, including our new website.

Learn to say NO

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:16:26 GMT

At a time where I am learning to say no to some things, I spoke recently with two other people on the same day who said, “I couldn’t say no”. One had chosen to say yes to something she was passionately interested in, and so driven to say yes. The other had said yes to making costumes so was busily spending the night before the performance making them, part of her wishing she hadn’t said yes, part of her happy to help. There is always the dilemma in saying no, or learning to say no, so that we can say yes to the things that matter the most. Saying yes to too many things, can leave us with little or no time left over for the more important things that we would actually like to do ourselves.

Wanny's Springtime Soup

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:11:33 GMT

This recipe was given to me from a good friend and I love it. This is great for lunch or a quick dinner, particularly at the end of a busy day as it calls for few ingredients and very little planning. I have found that even the fussiest children enjoy it. They may not be too keen on the ‘green stuff’, but they somehow seem to put up with it because it has noodles!
You can adapt this recipe to suit – you may prefer to use chicken instead of pork and any vegetables can be included.

What about that cup of tea?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:27:27 GMT

I remember some years back when my children were both younger, my brother saying to me “Are you going to make that cup of tea?” I would keep going to the kettle, continually re-boiling it but never following through to the stage of actually making the cuppa.

Take time for me

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:25:23 GMT

I have a picture clock made by my son at school last year which says “Make time for me”. I am wondering though, as a mother, should I also consider “Take time for me”. As mothers or mothers to be, we know that time is precious, but then again so are we. Twice today have I spoken with key mothers who I know, and talked about the importance of giving ourselves time and attention, in areas of our lives.