In this bite-sized episode of Thriving Parenting, we dive into the ins and outs of bridging naps—the handy little power naps that can help you survive tricky days with babies and toddlers.

You’ll learn:

• What exactly is a bridging nap and how it works
• When to use it (and when it might backfire)
• Why it’s especially helpful for babies under six months
• Real-life examples for toddlers and older babies
• Troubleshooting tips for early risers and nap refusals

From newborns waking at 5 AM to toddlers crashing after playgroup, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable stories (including soggy netball mornings and motocross wins!).

You’ll walk away with another great tool for your parenting toolbox—perfect for navigating nap gaps, early wake-ups, and overtired little ones.

👉 Got your own nap-time story? Message us on Instagram or inside the Thriving Together membership—let’s talk sleep wins and struggles!

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 71 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers

In this deeply validating and enlightening episode, your host welcomes Emma Snelgar—Mental Health Nurse, ex-midwife, birth therapist, and founder of Empower Matrescence. Emma supports women across Australia in processing difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth and postpartum experiences, offering in-home sessions in Perth and Telehealth options nationwide.

Together, we unpack:

• What birth trauma really means (and who defines it)
• How to identify the signs that your birth may still be impacting you—weeks, months, or even years later
• The emotional and physical responses often misunderstood as just “new mum stuff”
• Why grief, anger, and disappointment after birth are valid, even if you had a "healthy baby"
• The protective power of birth debriefing and why it's never too late
• The essential but under-discussed transformation of matrescence—the emotional, hormonal, social, and neurological shift from woman to mother

Emma shares her professional insights, her personal experiences, and the systemic challenges faced by both mothers and care providers. She also offers empowering suggestions for preparing for birth and reclaiming your story—no matter where you are on your parenting journey.

Whether you’re a new mum, planning your next birth, or still processing one years later—this conversation is a reminder: your experience matters.

Guest Bio:

Emma Snelgar is a Mental Health Nurse, birth therapist, and former midwife, specialising in supporting women who have experienced traumatic or emotionally difficult births and postpartum periods. Through her private practice, Empower Matrescence, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed support to help mothers debrief, process, and heal. Emma sees clients in-home across the Perth metro area and via Telehealth for women throughout Australia. She will soon offer Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.

Connect with Emma:

Website: www.empowermatrescence.com

Instagram: @empowermatrescence

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 70 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers

In this heartfelt episode of Thriving Parenting, we explore why co-regulation is more than a trendy term—it’s an essential tool to help your child feel safe, connected, and understood. Jen paints relatable scenarios, like calming a baby after vaccinations or soothing a toddler mid-meltdown, to illustrate how your nervous system influences your child’s.

You’ll learn:

• What co-regulation actually is (and what it isn’t)
• How it wires your child’s brain for future self-regulation
• Why you can’t co-regulate when you’re dysregulated yourself
• Simple frameworks to anchor yourself before you step in to help
• Why “saying less and being more” is often the best approach
• How to handle common barriers like sensory overload, exhaustion, and unhelpful cultural advice

Jen also shares powerful reminders: that self-care isn’t selfish, and your calm presence is the ultimate gift to your child’s emotional development.

Key Takeaway:

Co-regulation is about lending your steady nervous system so your child learns they are safe in all their feelings. When you prioritise your own regulation first, you create a foundation of trust, resilience, and lifelong emotional strength.

Would like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 69 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.

Until next time, Thrivers