‘Before the beginning’ explores the often-overlooked phase of preconception — the period before pregnancy. This episode explores how health and environmental factors can influence reproductive health and how healthcare professionals can support parents-to-be to optimise their wellbeing long before trying to conceive.

In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Dr Terri-Lynne South and Dr Shelley Wilkinson.

Dr Shelley Wilkinson is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian with a PhD in Psychology. She is currently working with the Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane to create an evidence-informed, co-creation approach to the delivery of care within Obstetric Medicine. Dr Shelley Wilkinson is also the Director and Principal Dietitian of Lifestyle Maternity, a specialised dietetic practice focused on providing nutrition and lifestyle support for women throughout their fertility journey, pregnancy, and the first year postpartum.

Terri-Lynne is both a Medical Doctor (GP) and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with a specific interest in obesity management and health conditions associated with a higher BMI.

Terri-Lynne is the medical director of a community-based multi-disciplinary health centre that focuses on holistic management of any health condition associated with a higher BMI.

She is the current chair of the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practice) Specific Interest Group in Obesity Management and a a member of several national organisations that promote multi-dimensional advocacy for people living with obesity.