Mum Era

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

Keywords
motherhood, parenting, mastitis, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, work-life balance, travel with kids, creative play, healthy eating, community support

Episode Summary:
We’re back for season 2 (thank you for being so patient)! In this episode of the Mum Era podcast, hosts Renee and Olivia share candid conversations about the challenges and joys of motherhood. They discuss personal experiences with mastitis, sleep deprivation, and the complexities of returning to work after maternity leave. The conversation also touches on the importance of community support, creative play for children, and the balancing act of healthy eating amidst the chaos of parenting. With humour and honesty, they navigate the messy realities of being a mum, emphasising the need for connection and understanding in this journey.

What to Expect in This Episode:
Mastitis is a painful experience that many breastfeeding mothers face.
Sleep deprivation can lead to increased anxiety and insecurity.
It's important to find a supportive community of other mothers.
Traveling with young children can be challenging but also rewarding.
Creative play can help children develop skills and keep them engaged.
Frozen meals can save time and reduce stress for busy mums.
It's okay to rely on screen time occasionally for children's entertainment.
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a difficult transition.
Finding joy in parenting is essential for mental well-being.
Every mother's journey is unique, and there should be no judgment on choices made.

Things We Mention:
Mastitis support: Qiara probiotic, homeopathy blends (Olivia) and vitamin protocols
Baby gear: Il Tutto nursing chair & co-sleeping bassinet, BabyBjörn bouncer, Lovevery play gym
Carriers: Artipoppe, Bumpsuit and the Mamatoto toddler carrier for travel
Meal support: Harvest Lane, Made For Mothers, Le Purée purées
Shows: Mobland, The Better Sister, Department Q, Building the Band, Wild Croc Territory, Sirens
Books: The Wedding People, The Housemaid, The Housemaid’s Secret
Movement: hiring a treadmill from Pace Fitness Hire

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