Practicing Mums

Practicing Mums
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Parenting

Welcome to Practicing Mums — hosted by Nadia and Althea. Two friends. Two therapists. Two mums. With over 20 years of combined experience as a psychologist and occupational therapist, we talk about motherhood, parenting, child development and the realities of balancing careers, ambition and family life. Between us, we run award-winning allied health businesses while raising young families, and we know motherhood is both beautiful and messy. Each week, we share honest conversations, practical strategies, research-backed insights and relatable stories about the mental load, the milestones and everything in between. Practicing Mums is a space for both sides of motherhood, the wins and the overwhelm, the ambition and the burnout, the chaos and the connection. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @practicingmums, @nadiainpractice and @evolvewithalthea for podcast updates, behind-the-scenes moments and more.

Episodes

  1. 49 mins ago

    EP 5: Understanding Sleep in Young Children with Evidence Based Strategies PT 2

    In Part 2 of our sleep series, Althea and Nadia explore the many different approaches families take when it comes to supporting sleep in young children. Drawing on both research and their experiences as a paediatric OT, psychologist and mums, they discuss why sleep is not one-size-fits-all and how factors such as age, temperament, sensory needs and family values can influence sleep. This episode explores co-regulation, connection before sleep, responsive caregiving and the importance of finding an approach that aligns with both your child's needs and your family's wellbeing. Taking a neuroaffirming and evidence-based perspective, Althea and Nadia share practical insights to help parents navigate sleep with confidence and compassion. Tried & True Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life. Nadia's recommendation: Nadia's tried and true recommendation is sharing bedtime responsibilities by alternating nights between parents, giving each parent dedicated one-on-one connection time with their child while also creating a more sustainable and balanced routine for the whole family. Althea's recommendation: Althea's tried and true recommendation is intentionally creating small moments for yourself throughout the week. She shares how something as simple as making a coffee and stepping into another room for a few minutes while her children are safely engaged in independent play helps her recharge, reset and show up more present for her family. Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice ) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea ) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between. Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode. If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes. Disclaimer The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

    33 min

  2. 21 June

    EP 4: Understanding Sleep in Young Children with Evidence Based Strategies PT 1

    Navigating Sleep in the Early Years Sleep is one of the most common topics parents ask us about, and for good reason. In this episode, Nadia and Althea unpack the science of sleep in the early years, exploring everything from circadian rhythms and melatonin to bedtime routines and sleep hygiene. They discuss why sleep needs vary from child to child, practical strategies that may support better sleep, and the importance of finding an approach that works for your family. Whether you're navigating bedtime battles, frequent night wakes or simply wondering if your child's sleep is "normal", this conversation offers evidence-informed insights and reassurance that sleep challenges are incredibly common. Tried & True Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life. Nadia's recommendation: Brio trains paired with IKEA train tracks Althea's recommendation: A flower mindfulness walk Links mentioned in the episode: Sleep Health Foundation Australia https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between. Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode. If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes Disclaimer The views and information shared in this podcast are general in nature and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not intended as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician-client relationship. Always seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

    25 min

  3. 14 June

    EP 3: Travel Tips for Travelling with young Kids

    This segment is all about travel tips when travelling with young children. After recently returning from her family's first international holiday with two little ones, Althea joins Nadia to share the highs, the challenges and the lessons they learnt along the way. Together, they chat about what helped make travelling with kids more enjoyable, including expecting change, making the most of overnight flights, packing lots of snacks and having a few tricks up your sleeve for those tougher moments. Whether you have a trip coming up or are simply dreaming of one, this conversation is packed with practical tips and honest reflections from two mums who know that travelling with kids isn't always easy, but the memories made along the way are so worth it. Tried & True Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life. Nadia's recommendation: Travel Pram from Facebook Marketplace Althea's recommendation: Kmart inflatable seat extender https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-seat-extender-grey-43403806/?sku=43403806 Links mentioned in the episode: Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between. Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode. If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.

    39 min

  4. 7 June

    EP 2: The Reality of Raising Children in High Level Sport with Lara Co Founder of MaxFit

    How Do We Help Kids Thrive in Sport Without Burning Out? | With Lara Perret, Founder of MaxFit What does it look like to support children in high-level sport while protecting their wellbeing, confidence and love of movement? In this episode of Practicing Mums, we sit down with Lara Perret, founder of MaxFit and mum of four, to talk about the realities of raising children involved in competitive sport. Lara shares her family's personal journey, the lessons she's learned as both a parent and coach, and why movement can have such a powerful impact on children's physical and mental wellbeing. This is an honest and thoughtful conversation about balancing ambition, enjoyment and family life, while helping children develop confidence, resilience and healthy relationships with sport. We discuss… Lara's experience raising children involved in high-level sportThe benefits of movement for children's mental health and wellbeingHow sport can build confidence, resilience and life skillsSupporting children through setbacks, disappointments and challengesFinding the balance between encouraging and pushingWhen competitive sport becomes too muchHelping children stay connected to the joy of movementThe role parents play on the sidelinesNavigating family life around training schedules and competitionsWhat children really need from us when they're striving for big goalsWhy every child deserves opportunities to move their bodyCreating environments where children can thrive, regardless of ability or performance Tried & True Each week, we share something we're loving (or not loving!) in motherhood, business or everyday life. Nadia's recommendation: YOTO Player https://au.yotoplay.com Althea's recommendation: Scoot & Ride https://discounttoyco.com.au/scoot-ride-highwaykick-1-ash/?srsltid=AfmBOor18Q0eS1qElRrSSZA2X2KQlH5fJFJ1Pqnz7k7YtRgHC764nJm7hhI Links mentioned in the episode: MaxFit The Hills: https://maxfitthehills.com Practicing Mums is hosted by Nadia Bachler (@nadiainpractice) and Althea Smith (@evolvewithalthea) — two mums, business owners and clinicians navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, work and everything in between. Come say hi over on Instagram and let us know what resonated with you from today's episode. If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love it if you could share it with a friend, leave a review, or follow along for future episodes.

    33 min

  5. 31 May

    EP 1: Inside Nadia’s Calm and Empowering Homebirth Story

    In this episode, Nadia shares the story of becoming a mum through two homebirths. From preparing for birth and navigating the unknowns of labour to welcoming her babies into the world and adjusting to life postpartum, this is an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, identity, and the early years of parenting.

    26 min

  6. 21 May

    Pilot Episode: Get to know your co-hosts Nadia & Althea!

    We’re kicking off Practicing Mums by sharing a little about who we are, how we got here, and what inspired this podcast. From motherhood and business to friendship, chaos, and lessons learned along the way, this episode is a relaxed conversation to help you get to know us.

    29 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Practicing Mums — hosted by Nadia and Althea. Two friends. Two therapists. Two mums. With over 20 years of combined experience as a psychologist and occupational therapist, we talk about motherhood, parenting, child development and the realities of balancing careers, ambition and family life. Between us, we run award-winning allied health businesses while raising young families, and we know motherhood is both beautiful and messy. Each week, we share honest conversations, practical strategies, research-backed insights and relatable stories about the mental load, the milestones and everything in between. Practicing Mums is a space for both sides of motherhood, the wins and the overwhelm, the ambition and the burnout, the chaos and the connection. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @practicingmums, @nadiainpractice and @evolvewithalthea for podcast updates, behind-the-scenes moments and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Practicing Mums
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Practicing Mums
  • Show Website
    Practicing Mums

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