Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, the girls explore the realities of motherhood through the lens of nutrition, self-care and connection. They unpack the creation of Sheridan Austins Foraged For You, a nutritional supplement designed to support mothers. The episode highlights food as medicine, the mental load of modern parenting, and the importance of simple, sustainable habits that help bring balance to family life.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood can feel overwhelming, but caring for yourself is essential.

• There’s more to understand about folic acid and its impact during pregnancy.

• Food is medicine – nourishment supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.

• Simplifying nutrition can create calm in the chaos.

• Comparison is the enemy of peace.

• Nourishing yourself enables you to better nourish your children.

• Focus on protein and whole foods rather than perfection.

• Establish non-negotiables in your family’s approach to nutrition.

• Social expectations around food can create unnecessary pressure.

• Trust your intuition – you know your family best.

  
  

  Episode Chapters

  00:00 – Navigating Motherhood and Health Challenges

  03:31 – The Birth of Foraged: A Nutritional Journey

  10:01 – Understanding Folic Acid and Its Implications

  16:34 – The Importance of Food in Pregnancy

  23:08 – Balancing Motherhood and Personal Identity

  32:36 – Simplifying Nourishment for Busy Mums

  37:50 – Non-Negotiables in Family Nutrition

  44:04 – Comfort Meals and Quick Recipes

  53:30 – The Social Aspects of Food and Parenting

  01:01:21 – Final Thoughts: Stripping Back to Basics

  
  

  Sponsor

  iL Tutto Website: ⁠⁠iltutto.com.au⁠⁠

  Use code mumera20 for 20% off full-priced items.

  Offer valid until 16 November. Terms and conditions and exclusions apply.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@iltutto⁠⁠

  Guest: Sheridan Austin Instagram: ⁠@sheridanjoyaustin⁠ ⁠@foragedforyou_⁠

  Connect with Mum Era Podcast Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com ⁠⁠

  Instagram: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast⁠⁠

  Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

  Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

We switched things up with a listener Q&A! Renee and Olivia answer your Instagram questions — from whether after-birth contractions feel worse the second time, to the hardest parts of going from one to two kids, how to keep a toddler occupied while breastfeeding, getting out the door with a “selective hearing” toddler, and the messy juggle of returning to work. With humour and honesty, they share real day-in-the-life rhythms, small hacks that make big differences, and why repair beats perfection when we inevitably snap. It’s a loving reminder that the season is fleeting, the village matters, and you’re never doing it alone.

What to Expect in This Episode:After-birth contractions can feel stronger with subsequent births (experiences vary).Time is the toughest part of going from one to two — for kids, partners and yourself.Early weeks are logistics heavy; routine returns and outings get easier with practice.Day-in-the-life: park/library runs, nap overlaps, bath play, and flexible evenings.Breastfeeding a newborn with a toddler around: simple set-ups and (sometimes) screen time.Leaving the house: get low, make eye contact, offer two choices, keep it playful.Gentle bribery (hello babychinos and lollipops) can smooth transitions.Freezer back-ups and “combine the chaos” dinners with friends save sanity.Returning to work is individual; release perfection and prioritise repair over “perfect” days.Doubt and snapping happen — apologise, reconnect, and keep going.

Things We Mention:

• ​Low-stimulation kids’ picks: Snail and the Whale, Zog (ABC iview; also on Stan for downloads)
• ​Toddler entertainment: sensory/activity boxes, magnet tiles, simple pre-set play scenes
• ​Music/TV: The Wiggles (used intentionally and in short bursts)
• ​Bribes/treats: babychinos, FUNDAY sweets lollipops for travel/transitions
• ​Household helpers: whiteboard on the fridge for reminders; Koala Eco for gentler cleaning
• ​Meals & freezer staples: Made For Mothers (Sri Lankan chicken curry), Le Purée purées, backup lamb cutlets, meatballs, frozen veg
• ​Practical parenting tips: “choices over commands,” prep outfits the night before, carrier at witching hour

Connect with Mum Era Podcast Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠ Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com ⁠

Instagram: ⁠mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠

In this deeply personal and moving episode of Mum Era, Renee Bargh shares the intimate details of her recent home birth, supported by her private midwife, Janine O’Brien. Janine was also the midwife for co-host Olivia Davies’ home birth with her son, making this conversation feel especially tender and connected.

Together, they explore the layers of emotional connection, the importance of safe, supported environments in birth, and the healing power of telling our birth stories. From navigating fear to celebrating unexpected joy, this conversation is a love letter to women’s health, sovereignty in birth choices, and the midwives who hold space through one of life’s most sacred transitions.

Sponsor:

iL Tutto

https://www.iltutto.com.au

Discount code for 20% off: MUM20

Instagram: @iltutto

Guest: Janine O’Brien

Instagram: ⁠@janineatibirth

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠

Motherhood is a wild, beautiful, and often chaotic journey—one that can leave us feeling stretched between self-identity, family life, and career. In this episode of Mum Era, we sit down with Cat Sanz, a fashion entrepreneur and powerhouse, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey. Cat opens up about navigating motherhood while staying true to herself, curating a personal style that feels authentic, and embracing life’s transitions with confidence.

We dive into the delicate balance of raising kids, running a business, and prioritising self-care, all while acknowledging the ever-present mental load of parenting. Cat takes us through her career evolution—from working in her husband's real estate business to launching her own fashion brand—and how motherhood reshaped her sense of identity and style. She offers invaluable insights on feeling confident in postpartum dressing, the importance of comfortable fashion, and redefining personal style as a mum.

We also explore the influence of social media on self-perception, the power of personal branding, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect mental wellbeing. With humour, warmth, and honesty, we discuss the realities of juggling it all—work, kids, relationships, and self-worth—while also touching on resilience, healing through loss, and the strength found in familial bonds.

Whether you're in the thick of early motherhood or looking for inspiration to reconnect with yourself, this episode is packed with heart, style, and relatable moments. Tune in for a conversation that encourages you to embrace imperfection, find joy in the little things, and prioritise yourself alongside your family.

Guest: Cat Sanz

Instagram: ⁠@catsanz

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

Birth is often framed as something to endure rather than embrace, but what if we could shift that narrative? This week, we’re joined by the incredible Bernadette Lack—renowned midwife, birth educator, and founder of Core and Floor Restore—who is on a mission to help women feel strong, informed, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

In this powerful conversation, B shares her deeply personal journey, from struggling with incontinence post-birth to becoming a leading advocate for women’s health and birth trauma awareness. With wisdom and warmth, she unpacks the nuances of childbirth and postpartum recovery, shedding light on the physical, emotional, and societal factors that shape a woman's experience.

We dive into the often-overlooked realities of birth trauma, how it manifests, and why it’s crucial to acknowledge and address it. B also highlights the incredible role of oxytocin and the parasympathetic nervous system in fostering a positive birth experience and explains how we can better support women during this transformative time.

From the impact of intergenerational trauma to the importance of understanding our menstrual cycles, this episode is a rich exploration of the many ways women can reclaim their power in motherhood. If you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or simply want to better understand the innate strength of the female body, this conversation is for you.

Join us for an inspiring, eye-opening episode that reminds us of the power, resilience, and wisdom that lie within every mother.

Sponsor:

Nudie Rudie

https://www.nudierudielunchbox.com.au

Discount code for 20% off your entire order: mumera

Guest: Bernadette Lack - Core and Floor Restore

Instagram: ⁠@coreandfloorrestore

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

The holiday season has come and gone, leaving behind memories of tangled lights, chaotic moments, and the magic mums create for their families. As we embrace the rhythm of a new year, we reflect on the unique challenges of parenting, balancing family life, and preparing for the arrival of a new family member.

With so much love and excitement, Renee shares that she’ll soon take maternity leave from the podcast to welcome her baby. But don’t worry—Mum Era isn’t going anywhere! Olivia will continuing to bring heartfelt conversations to your ears, and Renee will return when she’s ready.

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Jess Urlichs, mother, poet and author whose words have touched the hearts of mothers around the world. Jess shares her journey from navigating postnatal anxiety to building a supportive community through her writing. Her poetry beautifully captures the raw, transformative, and tender moments of motherhood, offering solace and connection.

From tantrums to messy surprises, we laugh, reflect, and share stories every mum can relate to. Jess’s poignant poetry and our honest anecdotes shine a light on the highs, lows, and unbreakable bonds of motherhood.

Join us for an episode filled with warmth, inspiration, and plenty of heart as we navigate the ever-evolving journey of parenthood together.

Sponsor:

Once Upon Photo Books ⁠Get started here⁠

Use code MUMERA25 for 25% off until January 30, 2025!

Guest: Jess Urlichs

Website: ⁠jess urlichs⁠

Instagram: ⁠@jessurlichs⁠

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@mumerapodcast⁠⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠⁠@reneebargh⁠⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠⁠@oliviajdavies⁠⁠

In this heartfelt episode, Renee and Olivia sit down with beloved journalist, presenter, and mum, Edwina Bartholomew, to explore her incredible journey through a transformative year. Edwina shares candid reflections on her recent diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, and how it has shaped her perspective on motherhood, self-care, and the importance of prioritising health.

Throughout the conversation, Edwina opens up about the bittersweet transitions of motherhood, from the emotional moments of letting go as her children grow to the hilarious parenting mishaps that all mums can relate to. She discusses the challenge of balancing the demands of raising two young children with a high-profile career in breakfast television, sharing her strategies for finding joy and maintaining perspective amidst the chaos.

Edwina’s diagnosis has brought a new focus to her life, emphasising the importance of health check-ups and self-care. She reflects on how this experience has reshaped her priorities, helping her find clarity about what truly matters. Her journey is a powerful reminder for mums everywhere to take care of themselves while caring for others.

The episode also delves into Edwina’s unique family dynamics, as she and her husband navigate life in separate towns while raising their children and working on an ambitious project to renovate a boutique hotel. Her warmth, humour, and wisdom shine as she shares her story, offering valuable insights and encouragement for parents seeking balance in their own lives.

Join us for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt reflections, and a celebration of the beautiful messiness of parenting.

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and join the Mum Era Podcast Facebook page for support, community, and more inspiring conversations.

Sponsor:

Nudie Rudie Lunchbox

https://www.nudierudielunchbox.com.au

Discount code for 20% off your entire order: mumera

Guest: Edwina Bartholomew

Instagram: ⁠@edwina_b

Connect with Mum Era Podcast

Email: ⁠hello@mumerapodcast.com⁠

Website: ⁠mumerapodcast.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@mumerapodcast⁠

Connect with Renee: Instagram: ⁠@reneebargh⁠

Connect with Olivia: Instagram: ⁠@oliviajdavies⁠