This episode focuses on the health and wellbeing of new mums, exploring both physical and mental health aspects as they transition into motherhood. Discussions cover the physical recovery after birth, mental health challenges like postpartum depression, and the psychosocial changes women experience. Our experts provide insights into supporting a mum’s overall health during this transformative period.

In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Melissa Billiau and Dr Sarah Thomas.

Melissa is an advanced pelvic health physiotherapist with over 12 years experience working with women’s and men’s pelvic health concerns. She is the clinical lead in a primary health clinic at Ripley Satellite Hospital supporting Specialist Outpatient Department waitlists for Gynaecology and Urology.

Dr Sarah Thomas is a Perinatal Psychiatrist, currently working at the Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane in a Consultation Liaison role, Sarah leads the Perinatal Psychiatry clinic at Catherine's House for Mothers, Babies and Families, as well as working at the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health providing psychiatric care to First Nations Women in the Birthing In Our Community program. Sarah is passionate about upskilling other healthcare professionals working in the perinatal space with mental health education.

The episode delves into infant development during the first 12 months, covering key topics like breastfeeding, sleep, physical milestones, and “well baby checks”. Our experts discuss the importance of vaccinations and explore the social supports available to parents in navigating their baby’s needs.

In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Dr Mairaed Crawford and Brigitte Corcoran.

Dr Mairaed Crawford is a GP at Neighbourhood Medical who has a keen interest in antenatal care, breastfeeding, and lactation support. With a diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and an accredited provider of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mairaed brings this experience to her consults with women and families to support them wholistically as they transition to parenthood.

Brigitte is a highly experienced Paediatric Dietitian with over 28 years of expertise in paediatric nutrition. She has advanced skills in managing infants with feeding and growth challenges, as well as children with immediate and delayed-onset food allergies. Widely recognized as an authority in infant feeding, Brigitte has worked across diverse healthcare settings, including major tertiary hospitals, regional hospitals, and community health centres, both in Queensland and internationally.

In this episode, we explore shared care as mothers’ transition from tertiary services back to primary care. Focusing on women's health checks and preventive conversations, our experts discuss the bio-psychosocial and cultural support systems available for mums and partners in the first 12 months in Queensland, considering challenges such as cost of living and access to healthcare.

In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Emma Shipton and Dr Dale Garred.

Emma is a Registered Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a PhD Candidate at the University of Queensland. She has experience across the pregnancy spectrum and has a particular interest in how health professionals can best support families into the fourth trimester. Emma currently works a midwife at a tertiary hospital, and as an Associate Lecturer at UQ, focusing on fostering passion in student midwives and highlighting the importance of postnatal support for the woman-baby dyad.

Dr Dale Garred is a Brisbane based GP who is passionate about Women’s’ Health and in particular preventative medicine and the key role of General Practitioners in optimising general health and wellbeing. Her experience is broad across the lifespan having worked as a nurse before completing her medical degree and spending time early in her career working in emergency medicine in both rural and urban settings. She is aligned with multiple Brisbane maternity hospitals and regularly sees patients for both antenatal and post partum care.