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In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by Melanie Francis, Clinical Midwifery Educator and Head of Operations ANZ for GynZone.

Together, Rangi and Mel take a deep dive into the important - and often daunting - topic of perineal tears.

• They explain what perineal tears are, why they happen, and the factors that can increase the risk of tearing during birth.
• They also discuss practical strategies that may help reduce the risk, including perineal massage and the use of warm compresses during labour.
• The conversation also covers the different types and classifications of tears, what recovery looks like, and practical advice for coping and healing after birth.

Join us next week as Rangi and Mel continue the conversation by exploring the important topic of episiotomies.

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In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined again by pelvic floor physiotherapist and researcher Professor Helena Frawley to explore the pelvic floor, why it matters, and how to keep it healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.

This is the first of a two-part series. In this episode Rangi and Helena discuss:

• How the Pelvic Floor changes in Birth and Postpartum
• What is common and normal after birth
• How we can improve symptoms at home
• When and how to seek help if you're experiencing issues

As mentioned in the podcast - here are some resources recommended by Prof Frawley:

• A pelvic health physiotherapist is a valuable support. Website to find a pelvic health physiotherapist: https://cfaphysios.com.au/
• Or ask your maternity care providers to link you up with a physiotherapist
• Web-based resources for download: https://www.continence.org.au/resources-and-tools/fact-sheets-booklets/
• https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/

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" We encourage women to do the exercises during pregnancy because when you contract a muscle and relax it, it becomes more under your control, so you actually have a better ability to contract and relax when you need it to relax. It also improves the blood supply to the muscles, so they're healthier muscles."

In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by pelvic floor physiotherapist and researcher Professor Helena Frawley to explore the pelvic floor, why it matters, and how to keep it healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.

This is the first of a two-part series. In this episode Rangi and Helena discuss:

• What the pelvic floor is and the important role it plays.
• What can happen when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, including incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
• Practical ways to strengthen the pelvic floor, including Helena's evidence-based "2 and 8 is great" exercise program.
• The perineum, how perineal massage may help reduce the risk of birth-related injury, and practical tips for getting started.
• The impact of caesarean birth on pelvic floor health.
• Risk factors that may mean some people need to take a more proactive approach to pelvic floor care.

As mentioned in the podcast - here are some resources recommended by Prof Frawley:

• A pelvic health physiotherapist is a valuable support. Website to find a pelvic health physiotherapist: https://cfaphysios.com.au/
• Or ask your maternity care providers to link you up with a physiotherapist
• Web-based resources for download: https://www.continence.org.au/resources-and-tools/fact-sheets-booklets/
• https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/

Join us next week for Part 2, where Rangi and Helena continue the conversation, focusing on recovery after birth, pelvic floor health in the postpartum period, and long-term wellbeing.

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Preparing for birth and parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not quite sure what to expect. In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by Stefanie Pascolo, clinical midwife at Mercy Perinatal and education midwife with Parent Education at the Mercy Hospital for Women, to demystify parent education classes and explain how they can help you feel informed, confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

Together, Rangi and Stef answer some of the most common questions expectant parents ask, including what parent education actually involves, who teaches the classes, when to book, what you'll learn, and whether your partner or support person can attend. They also explore what makes parent education valuable, how classes are structured, and whether the reality is anything like what you've seen on TV.

Whether you're newly pregnant, deciding if a class is right for you, or simply curious about what to expect, this episode is your practical guide to making the most of parent education and preparing for birth with confidence.

Want to hear more from Stef? As mentioned in this episode, Stef is also co-host of the Both Sides of the Bump podcast, you can listen here on Spotify.

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In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined again by Dr Laura Whitburn, a physiotherapist-turned-researcher and Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University with a special interest in improving the experience of labour pain and intrapartum communication.

In the second episode of this two-part conversation, Rangi and Laura explore:

• What to look for when searching for information and resources for your birth goals
• Why it’s important for support people to be informed and prepared
• What to expect and how to cope when the plan changes
• A fresh look at intrinsic and extrinsic pain management methods, including TENS and pharmacological pain relief
• Practical tips to help you stay in the “zone” during labour

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"What strategies are in your power all the time that you can use whenever you need them? And then what strategies have you got where you might need a little help or support to enact them?"

In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by Dr Laura Whitburn, a physiotherapist-turned-researcher and Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University with a special interest in improving the experience of labour pain and intrapartum communication.

In the first episode of this two-part conversation, Rangi and Laura explore:

• The power of the mind, support people and environment in shaping labour pain
• How labour pain differs from other types of pain, and how meaning and perception influence the experience
• The impact of the social environment during labour
• Intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to pain management
• The role hormones play in labour and pain
• How support people can help during labour

Join us next week for part two, where Rangi and Laura continue the conversation on coping with labour pain.

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“It’s very personalised - there’s absolutely no ‘one size fits all’. You have to look at the couple or person in front of you and take everything into account.”

In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined once again by fertility specialist Dr Sylvia Ross for an insightful conversation exploring Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Dr Sylvia Ross is a highly experienced Women’s Health specialist who has spent more than a decade helping individuals and couples build families, while also managing complex gynaecological conditions. She is also the co-host of the popular Fertility Untamed Podcast.

In this episode, Rangi and Sylvia discuss:

• What Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) actually is
• The different methods of ART:
  • Ovulation induction
  • Intrauterine insemination
  • IVF (briefly introduced ahead of a dedicated episode later this season)
• How long to try different treatment methods
• Navigating the emotional burden of fertility treatment
• The approximate costs of private fertility clinics versus the public system, and the differences in care and access

Stay tuned for a later episode this season, where Rangi and Sylvia will take a deeper dive into IVF.

DISCLAIMER:
This episode discusses fertility struggles and pregnancy loss. If you require support or additional resources, please visit:

• Centre of Perinatal Excellence | COPE
  • COPE provides families and health professionals with evidence-based perinatal mental health screening, resources, education and pathways to care.
• Miscarriage Australia - Navigating miscarriage together
  • Through our research and consultations with individuals, families and healthcare providers, we understand your need for evidence-based information, acknowledgement, and advice regarding miscarriage. We’ve designed this website to help you today, including the myths and facts about miscarriage, treatment options, how to care for yourself and where to seek help and support.
• The Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth
  • Access support services, online resources, and information for parents and families in Australia whose baby has died. These links include services offering counselling, practical support, and information to assist you to make to decisions during this difficult time.

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"By going to see a fertility specialist - you're already doing everything that you can do, and you need to take some comfort in that and give yourself a break"

In this episode, Dr Rangi is joined by fertility specialist Dr Sylvia Ross for an insightful conversation about fertility and infertility.

Dr Sylvia Ross is a highly experienced Women’s Health specialist who has spent more than a decade helping individuals and couples build families, while also managing complex gynaecological conditions. Dr Ross is also co-host of the popular Fertility Untamed Podcast.

In this episode, Rangi and Sylvia discuss:

• What infertility is
• Risk factors that can contribute to infertility, including lifestyle and environmental factors affecting both partners
• Navigating the challenges of unexplained infertility
• What to expect when visiting a fertility specialist, including possible investigations and tests
• The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test - what it measures, what it can indicate, and its limitations
• What trying to conceive can look like, and the importance of understanding your menstrual cycle
• Signs that may indicate ovulation
• And finally - how to get an appointment with a fertility specialist

Join us for the next episode, where Rangi and Sylvia will explore Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).