Selfdom

Dominique Elissa

Selfdom is defined as the essence of one's self. I want to share my own journey to help inspire others to live their best life. Life throws you curve balls, and change is inevitable so I hope to help you see how adversity leads to growth, and that you are not alone..

  1. 3 days ago ·  Bonus

    Next Self: What Pregnancy ACTUALLY Does to Your Brain: Neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay Explains

    What actually happens to a woman’s brain when she becomes pregnant, and why are we still calling it “baby brain”? In this episode of Selfdom, I’m joined by neuroscientist and author Dr Sarah McKay to unpack the incredible neuroscience of pregnancy, matrescence and motherhood. We explore how the brain physically changes during pregnancy, the role hormones play in rewiring the maternal brain, why emotions and protective instincts can become heightened, and whether “maternal instinct” is something we’re born with or something our brains develop. We also dive into why your priorities and identity can begin to shift, how long these neurological changes last, and the empowering truth about what the maternal brain may actually be becoming better at. This conversation completely changed the way I think about pregnancy. Rather than seeing these changes as something we lose to motherhood, the science shows just how extraordinary and adaptive the female brain really is. Whether you’re pregnant, already a mother or simply curious about the female brain, this is an episode every woman should hear. Sponsors: ExploreForaged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) . Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off. Connect with us:  Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Dr. Sarah Sarah McKay PhD Neuroscientist (@drsarahmckay) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay/?hl=en) Home - Dr Sarah McKay (https://drsarahmckay.com/) Baby Brain The Women's Brain Book by Dr Sarah McKay (https://drsarahmckay.com/books/#babybrain) Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: hello@selfdom.info (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) Produced by Talkback Media: info@talkbackmedia.com.au (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au) (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au)

  2. 13 Oct ·  Bonus Video

    Next Self: What No One Tells You About Labour with Melanie the Midwife

    How much choice do we actually have when it comes to giving birth? In this episode of Next Self, I sit down with Dr Melanie Jackson, better known as Melanie the Midwife, to unpack the birth options every woman deserves to understand. We talk physiological birth vs medical intervention, choosing between midwifery and obstetric care,  C-sections, birth plans, informed consent and how to advocate for yourself during labour. This isn’t about there being one “right” way to give birth. It’s about understanding your options, asking better questions and feeling empowered to make informed decisions for you and your baby. Sponsors: Water Wipes: The world's purest baby wipes 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract Toddler & Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin (https://www.waterwipes.com/au/en) Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off at Foraged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) Connect with us:  Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Melanie Dr Melanie Jackson (PhD) (@melaniethemidwife) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/?hl=en) Shop Selfdom:  Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: hello@selfdom.info (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) Produced by Talkback Media: info@talkbackmedia.com.au (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au) (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au)

  3. 6 Oct ·  Bonus Video

    Next Self: Preparing for Conception & Pregnancy Nutrition with Naturopath Ema Taylor

    Trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or simply wanting to better understand your hormones? This episode is for you. Today I'm joined by degree-qualified naturopath, clinical nutritionist, certified fertility awareness educator and co-founder of Mother Natal, Ema Taylor. With over a decade of experience supporting women through preconception, pregnancy and postpartum, Ema shares evidence-based, practical advice to help women feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their journey into motherhood. In this episode, we discuss: Why sperm quality is declining in Western societies and what men can do to support their fertility How to prepare your body for conception The nutrients that matter most before and during pregnancy How to support egg quality Whether prenatal supplements are necessary The role of carbohydrates in fertility Hormonal acne during pregnancy and what can safely help Common pregnancy nutrition mistakes How to prepare for postpartum recovery The impact of stress on hormones and fertility Finding balance in a world obsessed with optimising our health Whether you're planning for pregnancy, expecting your first baby or simply looking to better understand your body, this conversation is full of practical takeaways that will leave you feeling more confident and informed. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Sponsors: Water Wipes: The world's purest baby wipes 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract Toddler & Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin (https://www.waterwipes.com/au/en) Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off at Foraged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) Connect with us:  Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Ema Taylor Naturopath & FertilityEducator (@emataylornaturopathy) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/emataylornaturopathy/?hl=en) Shop Selfdom:  Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: hello@selfdom.info (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) Produced by Talkback Media: info@talkbackmedia.com.au (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au) (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au)

  4. 29 Sept ·  Bonus Video

    Next Self: How to Prepare for Labour & Birth: A Doula's Guide with Anna Maria Boelskov

    Birth is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can go through, yet for so many of us, it's also one of the least understood. In today's episode, I'm joined by my incredible doula, Anna Maria Boelskov. Anna Maria is a naturopath, herbalist and experienced doula who has spent more than 15 years supporting women through pregnancy and birth. As a first-time mum, meeting Anna Maria completely changed the way I think about labour. She helped me replace fear with confidence, curiosity and trust, and I'm so excited to share her wisdom with you. Together, we explore what a physiological birth really means, the different birth options women may experience, how to prepare your mind and body in the final weeks of pregnancy, and why your nervous system plays such an important role in labour. We also discuss the first signs of labour, when to head to hospital, the different stages of labour, how to create a birth environment that supports oxytocin, advocating for yourself while working alongside your care team, and how to navigate decisions around interventions and epidurals with confidence. Whether you're currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or supporting someone through their birth journey, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more informed, empowered and excited for what's to come. As always, this episode is intended to educate and empower. Every pregnancy and birth is unique, so we encourage you to discuss your individual circumstances with your healthcare team. Sponsors: ExploreForaged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) . Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off. Connect with us:  Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Connect with Anna Maria Experienced Sydney Doula | Anna-Maria’s Birth Support Services. (https://www.annamaria.com.au/) Shop Selfdom:  Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: hello@selfdom.info (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) Produced by Talkback Media: info@talkbackmedia.com.au (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au) (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au)

  5. 27 Sept ·  Video

    Why Are So Many Women Iron Deficient? Dr Libby Weaver on Hormones & Women’s Health | Selfdom Ep. 137

    Why are so many women iron deficient, and are we overlooking the signs our bodies are giving us? Today on Selfdom, I’m joined by leading nutritional biochemist Dr Libby Weaver to unpack one of the most common health issues affecting women: iron deficiency. We explore the difference between low ferritin, iron deficiency and anaemia, the symptoms women often dismiss as “normal,” and the role of menstruation, diet, gut health and iron absorption. Dr Libby also explains why iron needs increase during pregnancy, what women should know about supplementation and iron infusions, and why ongoing exhaustion, particularly postpartum, can sometimes deserve further investigation. This episode is about helping women better understand their bodies, ask the right questions and feel empowered when it comes to their health. Follow Dr. Libby Dr Libby (PhD) (@DrLibby) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/DrLibby/) Dr. Libby’s work: Internationally Acclaimed Nutritional Biochemist, Author & Speaker (http://www.drlibby.com/) Iconic Iron and the other food-sourced supplements are at: Food-sourced nutritional supplements | OnBlends (http://www.onblends.com/) Iron for a day: notes Please note, this is not a prescribed day (unless it appeals). It is simply to demonstrate how much food, as well as the focus, that is required to obtain the minimum daily requirement for iron to prevent deficiency across the menstruation years when the RDI is 18mg. If periods are heavy or the woman is an athlete or trains like one, her requirements will be even greater. Also, those who eat vegetarian or vegan require 1.8x the RDI to account for lower iron bioavailability since their intake of inhibitory substances is typically higher (e.g. phytic acid, oxalic acid) and all of their iron is in non-haem form. Omnivorous eater – iron 2 eggs = 1.7mg 1 cup raw spinach (~30g) = 0.5mg ½ tomato = 0.2mg 2 slices good quality bread = 1.3mg 30g cashews = 1.5mg 1 banana = 0.3mg 200g tinned line-caught tuna = 2.2mg ½ cup cooked kidney beans = 1.8mg 1 cup cooked brown rice = 0.8mg 100g mixed vegetables = 0.6mg 2 dried figs = 0.6mg 200g cooked beef or lamb = ~6mg (varies depending on cut; some higher, some lower) ½ cup broccoli = 0.5mg 1 medium potato = 0.6 Total = 18.6mg Vegetarian/vegan eater – iron 100g muesli with dried fruit and nuts = 4.6mg (the cereal is fortified with synthetic iron) 30g cashews = 1.5mg 1 banana = 0.3mg 1 cup cooked chickpeas = 2.9mg ½ cup broccoli= 0.5mg 1 cup cooked quinoa = 2mg 30g walnuts = 0.8mg 1 slice good quality bread = 0.7mg 1 tbsp peanut butter = 0.3mg 100g firm tofu = 2.9mg 1 cup raw spinach = 0.5mg 100g mixed vegetables = 0.6mg 1 cup cooked brown rice = 0.8mg Total = 18.4mg (but RDI is really 32.4mg for vegan/vegetarian eaters) Connect with us:  Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: hello@selfdom.info (mailto:hello@selfdom.info) Produced by Talkback Media: info@talkbackmedia.com.au (mailto:info@talkbackmedia.com.au)

4.8
out of 5
133 Ratings

About

Selfdom is defined as the essence of one's self. I want to share my own journey to help inspire others to live their best life. Life throws you curve balls, and change is inevitable so I hope to help you see how adversity leads to growth, and that you are not alone..

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