The No BS Approach to Motherhood Podcast

n this episode, Kappi opens up about her postpartum journey from three to six months after welcoming her second child. She shares the emotional and mental realities of this season, what has surprised her most this time around, and how matrescence continues to shape her.Together, we explore the pressure society places on mothers to "bounce back" and return to work, the invisible load of running a household, and the challenge of meeting the needs of children at different ages and stages. It's a conversation about the constant stretch of motherhood, the shifting identity that comes with it, and the truth that so many families are navigating without the support of the village that once existed.If you're currently in the thick of postpartum life, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. And if you're beyond this stage but have friends, sisters, daughters, or loved ones welcoming babies, consider this your reminder to check in, offer support, and hold space for them.A raw, honest conversation about motherhood, matrescence, and the becoming that continues long after birth.Links for additional support:https://www.panda.org.au/https://comfykoalas.com.au/collectionshttps://www.dineamic.com.au/https://www.dineamic.com.au/collectionEmma Morris episode: The overachieving Motherhttps://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lWaiUEh143bThis episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

If your to-do list is the only thing that makes you feel in control, this one's for you.This week Shelley and Katherine sit down with Emma Morris, nutritionist, psychology graduate, and someone who has genuinely lived this, to talk about the High-Achiever Mother archetype. The woman who was rewarded her whole life for being capable, competent, and getting it right. Then motherhood showed up with no grades, no KPIs, no gold stars. So she made her own.Emma breaks down exactly where this pattern comes from, what it looks like in your body (wired at 7am, collapsed by 2pm, jaw clenched, PMS spiking, sound familiar?), and why slowing down feels physically impossible when your nervous system only knows how to cope by doing.This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation between women who get it.Follow Emma:https://www.instagram.com/emmamorris.co/https://www.instagram.com/maiamothers.collective/https://www.maiamothers.com.au/This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

When it comes to your baby’s immune system, the first two years are everything.In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to support your little one’s immunity from newborn through to toddlerhood in a way that feels simple, practical and evidence-based.We cover the supplements we personally use and recommend in clinic, how to navigate fussier eaters without the stress, and what your baby may actually need whether they’re breastfed or formula fed. We also dive into the key foods that can naturally support immune development, and how to incorporate them into your child’s diet in a realistic way.This is the episode to listen to if you want to feel more confident supporting your child’s immune system without the overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:• Immune development in babies from 0–2 years• Supplements for newborns, infants and toddlers• Breastfed vs formula fed considerations• How to support fussy eaters• Immune-supportive foods and nutrients• Practical tips you can start implementing straight awayThis episode is proudly sponsored by All Things BetterIf you’re looking for a simple, high-quality way to support your child’s immune system, their Better Immune range is one we genuinely use and recommend.It’s thoughtfully formulated to support immune health, gut function and overall resilience in growing bodies, making it a great addition during those early years when their immune system is still developing.You can check them out here:https://allthingsbetter.com.au

Today we’re joined by the incredible Nicola Laye — a breathwork coach who specialises in guiding women to reconnect with their bodies and find calm through the power of breath.This session is completely pregnancy-safe and perfect for the woman who’s feeling overwhelmed, scattered in her thoughts, or simply craving a moment of stillness.Take this time for you — to pause, slow down, and calm your nervous system. Allow Nicola’s gentle guidance to help you drop back into your body and breathe a little easier.Save this episode so you can revisit it whenever life feels a little full — and gift yourself a few moments to simply breathe.

Have you ever been told your thyroid tests are “normal” but you still feel exhausted, flat, anxious or unlike yourself? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about thyroid health — from understanding how this powerful master control gland works, to learning how to read your own blood pathology results with confidence.We talk about why thyroid dysfunction can be brewing beneath the surface for years before showing clearly in standard blood tests, the symptoms women are often dismissed for, and what you can actually do to support your thyroid long term.You’ll learn:• What thyroid blood tests really mean (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies)• Why “within range” doesn’t always mean optimal• Early symptoms of thyroid dysfunction• The connection between thyroid health, hormones, energy and mood• Nutrition, lifestyle and long-term strategies for thyroid supportIf you’ve ever felt like something is off but you can’t quite explain it — this episode is for you.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the world… yet it’s still widely misunderstood, especially when it comes to women, postpartum recovery and motherhood.In this episode we’re joined by nutritionist Laura from Chief Nutrition to break down everything you need to know about creatine and why it might be one of the most supportive supplements for mums.We chat about what creatine actually does in the body, why it’s often associated with gym culture, and the emerging research showing benefits for energy, brain health, muscle recovery and overall resilience — all things mothers could use more of.If you’ve ever wondered:• Is creatine safe for women?• Can it support postpartum recovery?• Will it make me bulky?• How much should you take?• When is the best time to take it?This episode answers all of your questions and clears up the confusion so you can make an informed decision for your body.Whether you’re navigating the early postpartum period, rebuilding strength after babies, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of motherhood, this conversation is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss.As always, we love hearing from you. Come join the conversation over on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode.Other episodes spoken about:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ejd97zGuZVuVpxiWZoYRO?si=8e1fd6a262214411✨ This episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition — the brand we’re a little bit obsessed with. Their clean, high-protein snacks are made from real food, nothing fake or processed, and they actually taste amazing. Whether it’s their beef bars, collagen bars, or liver capsules — we’re huge fans. Use the code BARELYBALANCED for 20% off your order.

Today we’re joined by Davina Rankin — Certified Spinal Energetics Practitioner, Somatic Therapist and Embodied Counsellor — for a deeply honest conversation about love, healing and what it really means to reconnect with yourself before inviting someone else in.Davina shares her personal journey through celibacy and how that intentional pause became a powerful season of self-discovery. We talk about nervous system healing, embodiment, breaking old relationship patterns and learning to feel safe within yourself first.This isn’t just a conversation about dating — it’s about identity, self-worth and showing up differently when you’ve done the inner work.If you’ve ever found yourself repeating the same relationship dynamics, questioning your standards or wondering what it would look like to truly choose yourself first… this episode will land.Raw, reflective and incredibly empowering. You’re going to love this one. 💫Show links:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2shlh9Q6JuGaxzi8D1Pyv9?si=yHszNCsXRZCTo68V91rl-gThis episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

This week we’re joined by the brilliant Solaine Douglas, Nutritionist and women’s health expert, for a deep dive into gestational diabetes — what it actually is, why it happens, and how women can support their bodies through it.We unpack the new reference ranges now being used in Australia, what they mean for testing, and why more women than ever are being diagnosed.Together, we chat about:✨ What gestational diabetes really means for you and your baby✨ Why blood sugar balance matters long before the test✨ The new Australian guidelines — explained simply✨ Nutrition strategies that actually help✨ Why diagnosis isn’t a failure — and what to do nextWhether you're currently pregnant, planning to be, or supporting someone who is — this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and far less anxious about the GTT.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.✨ This episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition — the brand we’re a little bit obsessed with. Their clean, high-protein snacks are made from real food, nothing fake or processed, and they actually taste amazing. Whether it’s their beef bars, collagen bars, or liver capsules — we’re huge fans. Use the code BARELYBALANCED for 20% off your order.

Today, Katherine and Shelley have a real and honest catch-up — and things get personal. Shelley opens up about her feelings around wanting a fourth child, the tug-of-war between heart and logic, and what life has really been like with three kids under three.They dive into:- The pros and cons of expanding their family- The emotional thought process behind the “maybe baby” conversation- The realities (and chaos) of having three little ones so close together- Why Shelley and her husband decided on a vasectomy — and how that decision feels nowIt’s a raw, relatable chat for any parent who’s ever wondered if their family is complete… or if there might be room for one more.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ This episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition — the brand we’re a little bit obsessed with. Their clean, high-protein snacks are made from real food, nothing fake or processed, and they actually taste amazing. Whether it’s their beef bars, collagen bars, or liver capsules — we’re huge fans. Use the code BARELYBALANCED for 20% off your order.

This week we’re joined by the beautiful Davina Rankin for a conversation that every woman — and especially every mother — needs to hear.Together we explore what it means to reclaim your energy, reconnect with your body, and remember the woman underneath all the layers of motherhood, work, and daily life.Davina shares gentle yet powerful wisdom around self-love, boundaries, and learning to trust the flow of life again.In this episode, we chat about:✨ Reclaiming your energy as a woman and learning to say no without guilt✨ Letting go of the people-pleasing patterns that leave you feeling depleted✨ Rediscovering who you are beyond motherhood✨ Sitting in the pleasure of the present moment (even when life feels messy)✨ How to love yourself harder — right now, as you are✨ Simple daily practices to check in with your body and heart space✨ Tuning into signs from the universe, god, or angels — and trusting the process✨ How reconnecting with yourself brings more pleasure, clarity, and joy into your lifeThis conversation is your gentle reminder to slow down, come home to your body, and celebrate the woman you’ve become.This weeks show sponsor:This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

Today we’re joined by the wonderful Deborah Freudenmann naturopath, author, and mum who is passionate about root-cause health and disease prevention. In this episode, Deborah shares her personal story of living with type 1 diabetes, navigating postpartum stress and anxiety, and what she’s learned about the profound impact stress has on our bodies. We dive into why stress regulation is more than “calming down” it’s disease prevention and how to build your own personal toolkit for resilience.We chat all things:• Deborah’s personal journey with stress and motherhood• What actually happens in the body under chronic stress• Why supplements and one-size-fits-all toolkits don’t work• How to experiment and find the stress tools that are truly yours• The invisible link between a mother’s regulation and her child’s• Simple, realistic practices to weave into your dayYou can connect with Deborah on Instagram @deborah_108 (https://www.instagram.com/deborah_108/) https://youtrulyshine.com You can also join her free weekly Wellness Letters here (https://youtrulyshine.com/pages/newslettersignup) And explore her newest eBook A Holistic Approach to Stress here (https://youtrulyshine.com/products/a-holistic-approach-to-stress-ebook) 150+ pages of education, insights, checklists, and tools to reset your nervous system.This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ Chief Nutrition – Our go-to for clean, high-protein snacks that actually taste amazing. Their bars and beef jerky are made from real food ingredients you can trust — perfect for keeping energy steady through busy days (and long appointments). Use code BARELYBALANCED at checkout for 20% off your first order. ⁠Shop here⁠.✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

We’re joined by Dr Rob McLeod, a Specialist General Paediatrician based in the Illawarra, who works across Wollongong Public and Private Hospitals and runs a busy private clinic, Friendly Paediatrics. Dr Rob is also the Co-Founder of AllerStart, Australia’s first allergen introduction product, designed to make introducing allergens to babies simple and stress-free — helping reverse the rise of food allergies in Australia, where rates are among the highest in the world.In this episode, we dive into the essentials of introducing allergens to babies, including:Why timing matters – the best age to start allergen introduction and how it can impact allergy preventionStep-by-step guidance – practical tips on how to introduce common allergens safely at homeIdentifying signs and symptoms of a food allergen.Confidence in feeding – how to overcome anxiety and feel empowered during allergen introductionPractical tools – how products like AllerStart and Le Puree make the process simple, safe, and stress-freeWe’ll also be sharing an exclusive launch offer for all of you parents who are navigating the food introduction stage with your child/ren. This episode is proudly sponsored by:✨ AllerStart Kit + Le Puree - First Bites Single Ingredient Veggie & Fruit Purees as an “Allergen Introduction Bundle” for $60. Developed by paediatricians, GPs, dietitians, and food scientists, this is the first allergen kit to include fish and shellfish and introduces the top 11 allergens. Made with real food rather than processed ingredients, it’s designed to be simple and stress-free — just sprinkle, mix, and serve, with no guesswork or overwhelm.✨ Chief Nutrition – Our go-to for clean, high-protein snacks that actually taste amazing. Their bars and beef jerky are made from real food ingredients you can trust — perfect for keeping energy steady through busy days (and long appointments). Use code BARELYBALANCED at checkout for 20% off your first order. ⁠Shop here⁠.

Creatine isn’t just for gym junkies and bodybuilders — but is it really all it’s cracked up to be? In this episode of Barely Balanced, we’re breaking down creatine from a clinical nutritionist’s perspective.We’ll cover:What creatine actually is (spoiler: your body already makes it!)The science-backed benefits beyond muscle growthCommon myths that need to be left in the 90sHow to dose it safely (and whether you really need to “load”)What to look for in a quality brandIf you’ve been curious about whether creatine deserves a place in your daily routine — or you’ve been side-eyeing that white powder in the supplement aisle — this chat is for you.Show Sponsors:Chief NutritionWe love Chief products because they do what so many bars and snacks on the market don’t: they use real, wholefood ingredients that actually nourish your body. No weird additives, no hidden nasties — just nutrient-dense, high-quality fuel that gets our clinical nutritionist tick of approval. Perfect for busy days, post-gym snacks, or keeping mum-life energy steady.👉 Check them out at www.wearechief.com.au and use code barelybalanced for 20% off your order.All Things BetterSupplements that actually work. All Things Better takes the confusion out of supplementation by focusing on evidence-based, high-quality formulas that deliver results without the fluff. When we say better, we mean it.www.allthingsbetter.com.au