What if we were taught..

What does "low-tox living" actually mean, and how do you navigate it without becoming overwhelmed? In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Alexx Stuart, founder of Low Tox Life, bestselling author, educator, and one of Australia's leading voices in practical, evidence-based low-tox living. Together, we explore how small, realistic changes can support your health, your family, and future generations—without falling into perfectionism or fear. This conversation is especially relevant for those who are pregnant, preparing for conception, raising young children, or simply wanting to create a healthier home and lifestyle. Alexx shares her own journey into the low-tox world, breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions around "natural" products and greenwashing, and offers practical strategies to reduce toxic load in a way that feels achievable and sustainable. In This Episode We Chat About: What low-tox living really means (and what it doesn't) Why perfectionism can be more harmful than helpful Greenwashing and how to identify misleading product claims The hidden impact of synthetic fragrances and phthalates Simple swaps for personal care, cleaning products, and the home EMFs, baby monitors, Wi-Fi, and practical ways to reduce exposure Mold, humidity, and why indoor air quality matters Food quality, produce vs. processed foods, and feeding children without overwhelm How small changes can create a powerful ripple effect for future generations Why mindset and mental wellbeing are an essential part of any health journey About Alexx Stuart Alexx Stuart is the founder of Low Tox Life, a global education platform helping people make informed choices about food, personal care products, household items, and environmental health. After beginning her own health journey in 2010, Alexx became passionate about uncovering the lack of transparency within the food, personal care, and cleaning industries. Since then, she has built a trusted community focused on practical, positive, and evidence-based approaches to healthier living. She is the author of the bestselling books Low Tox Life and Low Tox Life Food, host of the popular Low Tox Life Podcast, and creator of a range of affordable courses that help families make meaningful changes without the confusion or overwhelm. Want to Dive Deeper into Low-Tox Living? If this conversation resonated with you, you'll find links below to Alexx's books, courses, and educational resources. Whether you're just getting started or wanting to deepen your knowledge, Alexx has done the research for you. Her courses—including Go Low Tox, Low Tox Kids, Preconception Ninja, Inflammation Ninja, Thrive, and Real Food Rockstars—provide step-by-step guidance grounded in evidence and real-world practicality. They are affordable, easy to follow, and designed to help you make confident, informed decisions without needing to spend hours researching everything yourself. By purchasing through the links below, you'll also be directly supporting this podcast at no additional cost to you. Every purchase helps me continue bringing these important conversations to families, and I'm incredibly grateful for your support. Books- check out her Low Tox Life book HERE and her Low Tox Life Food HERE 🎉 Book Giveaway If you're listening to this episode shortly after release, I'm giving away a FREE hard copy of Alexx's bestselling book Low Tox Life. Head over to my Instagram page HERE for details on how to enter. The giveaway will only be running for the next few days, so don't miss your chance to get your hands on this fantastic resource. And even if you're listening later, make sure you follow along—I regularly run book giveaways and special offers as a way of supporting authors and sharing valuable resources with this community. For full show notes and all links mentioned, visit: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Connect with Kate: For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting conversations, follow along on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💛 Instagram: @whatifweweretaught and @the_pregnancy_collective Facebook: The Pregnancy Collective Follow Alexx Instagram —@lowtoxlife Website —www.lowtoxlife.com Please note: All information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the topic of birth trauma — its impact, prevalence, and the many ways it can shape a woman's and couple's journey into postpartum, future births, and beyond. We explore: What birth trauma is and how common it really is Why trauma isn't always physical — it can also be emotional or psychological The challenges of living with trauma in the postpartum period How birth trauma can influence future pregnancies and births The increased vulnerability of women with a history of sexual assault The first steps toward healing and reclaiming your journey Resources and support options for those navigating trauma Practical tools and small steps to help reduce trauma for both women and their partners What birth professionals — midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and other care providers — can do to support change The bigger picture: systematic changes needed to address this serious issue Athena Hammond Is a trauma therapist who is also a registered Midwife with her phd. She has worked in and around the maternity care sector for more than two decades; as a doula, midwife, researcher, university lecturer, group facilitator and educator. In addition to this she also works in private psychotherapy practice and is trained as a person-centred therapist with extra training around trauma, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems theory and interpersonal neurobiology. She has taught counselling skills at university and consults on the topic of birth trauma, including briefing the Select Committee of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma in 2023. This conversation is for parents, partners, and professionals alike, offering understanding, support, and tools for both healing and prevention. Resources for women, partners and proffesionals experiencing distress: Birth Trauma Australia PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Gidget Foundation Centre for Perinatal Psychology Additional links for support around sexual assault & childhood trauma. https://www.steppingout.org.au https://blueknot.org.au/ https://www.survivorsintransition.co.uk/ Additonal support for Midwives: https://www.nmsupport.org.au/ For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Check out Athena on Instagram; The Birth Counsel Visit her website and connect here: https://www.thebirthcounsel.com.au Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In this episode, we're joined by Sal Howe, a breath training expert who breaks down the science and strategy behind functional breathing. Sal explains how dysfunctional breathing patterns—like chronic mouth or chest breathing—can impact stress, energy, sleep, and even labor. She also discusses how breath training is about retraining the respiratory system for optimal everyday function. We explore the four pillars of functional breathing—biomechanics, biochemistry, psychophysiology, and habit—the crucial role of nose breathing and CO₂ tolerance, and how breath directly influences the nervous system via the vagus nerve. Sal also shares how breath training during pregnancy can be a game-changer for both labor and postpartum recovery. Sal Howe Sal Howe is a Surf Coach and Functional Breathing & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist who helps individuals enhance their physical and mental well-being through breath and orofacial retraining. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based methodologies, including The Oxygen Advantage, Buteyko, Survival Apnea, and ongoing studies in Breath Science. Sal teaches practical, accessible techniques to restore healthy breathing patterns—supporting improved energy, focus, sleep quality, and emotional resilience. Key Topics Covered: What breath training really is—and how it differs from breathwork Signs of dysfunctional breathing and how to spot them Why nose breathing is more efficient than mouth breathing Chest vs. diaphragmatic breathing and the stress connection The science of CO₂ and the Bohr effect Breath as a tool to regulate the nervous system Practical applications for breath training in pregnancy and labor 📄 Full show notes and mentioned links: 👉 www.thepregnancycollective.com.au 📸 Follow me on Instagram: 👉 @the_pregnancy_collective Check out Sal Howe at: 🌐 Visit Sal's Website 📸 Follow Sal on Instagram Please note: All information shared on this podcast by the host or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for individual guidance.

One of the main things I hear women say when they first find out they are pregnant is ;" I have no idea where to start"! In this short solo episode I give my top 3 tips on what to do as soon as you find out you are pregnant. So if you are pregnant and wondering where to start with this minefield then this is the episode for you. This also marks the final episode for 2024. Wishing each and everyone of you a very Merry Xmas. We will return Feb 2025 and boy do we have an exciting lineup install for 2025!! For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Follow me on Facebook; The Pregnancy Collective. www.boutiquepelvichealth.com Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

This episode was inspired by Lauren, a fellow Mum who joined us on Episode 21 where she shared her own beautiful and inspiring birth stories. Following that episode she asked if she could turn the table, so to speak, and interview me about my births. I loved so much connecting with Lauren and the dynamic of our heart felt conversations that I felt privileged to say yes. So today, I share with you my own birth stories of both Tallow- born in the hospital and Jax born at home. In this episode we chat about; How I prepared for my birth How I chose my birth team How incredible Nelson, my partner was during my birth - he was everything, knew everything and I fell so much deeper in love with him during our births! What I learnt from my first birth. The differences I found between hospital verse home birth The struggles I faced during the Postpartum. It's taken a while to share my journey. I sincerely hope it inspires, empowers and helps prepare you for not only birth but also The Postpartum- a time that truly needs to be about Resting, Restoring and Bonding. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

In today's episode we are joined by Danielle and Daniel Lamb where they share their incredible VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) story. This is a beautiful heartfelt episode where both Daniel and Danielle authentically share the challenges of their first birth with baby Noah which resulted in a Caesarean, through to the transformative VBAC birth of baby Zara. It is so special to be joined by both parents to hear their own experiences of two very different births. In this episode; They share the challenges they found during their first birth, the hindsight's and insights they took from this experience and the changes they then applied to their second birth. How communication as a couple was such an essential element to their second birth. They share the importance of the environment, the team and preparation for birth. They share what techniques they employed and the mindset shifts they adopted for their second birth and Danielle shares her top tips for the support partners of birth. Daniel beautifully shares his perspective of birth as the support person and what helped him the most for their second birth. I wish to acknowledge Danni and Dan for sharing their story here. I feel so deeply honoured to have met them. Thankyou both for sharing your story with us all. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Follow Danielle on Instagram: danielle_betamenutritionist Find out more about Danielle at; www.betame.com.au Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

If you have only ever seen birth on TV shows and movies you'll notice it tends to go for drama and often portrays birth as a medical, painful and dramatic event right? But is this really what birth is like? Most people have never seen what a physiological birth can actually look like- let alone a home birth. If this is so, they have not seen the POWER, the MAGIC and the HEALING ability that birth truly can be. Finally, we have a film that shows us what birth can truly look like. Born at Home is a stunning documentary film exploring what it takes to have a positive and transformative birth experience and emphasises that where and how women choose to birth matters. So today we are joined with Producer and co creator Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie -co creator as well as documentary filmmaker, videographer, photographer of this incredible film. If you are wishing to explore the possibilities of birth and learn about the different choices available, then this is the episode for you. In this episode we chat about; The creative process behind the scenes of this film The overall message or "feeling" that they wanted this film to portray Eleanor shares her traumatic birth experience with her first baby and how making this film empowered her to have her own home VBAC! What inspired Amanda to make this film a reality The incredible panels that they produce at screenings in Australia And so much more. If you have the chance to see this film on the big screen I highly encourage you too- or bring a screening to your own town through demands films which we chat about in this episode and you can check out HERE. This episode is an important one. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Check out Born at Home over at; www.bornathomefilm.com.au Follow on Instagram at; @bornathomefilm Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

If you are thinking about having a baby then this is the episode for you! In this episode I am joined with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to talk all about her new book Real Food for Fertility which she co authored with Lilly Nichols. When I first heard about this collaboration I was beyond excited because I understood the immense collective knowledge that these two power house women would bring to this much needed space. In Real Food for Fertility, they show how preconception nutrition and lifestyle choices support your health and vitality and lay the essential groundwork for your baby's development. From promoting optimal egg and sperm quality to regulating your menstrual cycle and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications, the benefits of this investment are priceless. But this book isn't just about nutrition. They delve into topics like the menstrual cycle, fertility awareness, birth control, stress management, toxins, artificial reproductive technology, and the most common reproductive health challenges affecting your fertility. It is a book that I truly believe has the potential to dramatically change the current trajectory of fertility issues for the better. Lisa Hendrickson- Jack Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. She is the author of three bestselling books The Fifth Vital Sign, the Fertility Awareness Mastery Charting Workbook, and her most recent book Real Food For Fertility, which she co-authored with Lily Nichols RDN. Lisa works tirelessly to debunk the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognising the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to help women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health. With well over 4 million downloads, her podcast, Fertility Friday, is the #1 source for information about fertility awareness and menstrual cycle health In this Episode we chat about; The concept behind the book and who wrote which part What a normal healthy menstrual cycle should look like Why we should consider the menstrual cycle as a vital sign How our society normalises dysfunction rather than addressing the underlying issue Dispelling common myths that most of us were taught (and are NOT true) surrounding our cycle. How the pill works Potential side affects of the pill When is the ideal time to come off the pill if we are thinking of conceiving. What fertility awareness is and how it help with conception. Male fertility! We chat about the the current sperm guidelines and how they were developed, and why they don't represent what would be 'optimal' for conception. The impact the sperm has on placental development What men can do to optimise their sperm quality How fertility awareness can help men with low sperm count conceive And so much more.. This episode is an important one. I invite ALL health care professionals to listen to this so that we can provide women with current research surrounding nutrition for fertility and the role our menstraul cycle plays. For full show notes and links mentioned in this episode head over to: www.thepregnancycollective.com.au Follow me on Instagram; the_pregnancy_collective Check out Lisa Hendrickcon- Jack over at; https://fertilityfriday.com Follow Lisa on Instagram at; fertilityfriday Check out Lisa's Podcast at; Fertility Friday Radio Check out Real Food For Fertility (and download the first chapter for FREE) at; https://realfoodforfertility.com Please note; all information shared on this Podcast by myself or guests is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.