Practicing Mums

Practicing Mums
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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.

  1. 1 day ago

    EP 24: The Beautiful, Messy Reality of Breastfeeding

    This episode is all about breastfeeding, the realities of the breastfeeding journey, and how every mum’s experience can look different. Nadia and Althea share their personal experiences, reflecting on the beautiful moments, the challenges, and the adjustments that come with feeding and eventually weaning their children. They kick things off by discussing their intentions to breastfeed and what those early days looked like. From painful latches and nipple damage to navigating mastitis, they talk honestly about some of the physical challenges that can come with breastfeeding. They also share what helped them through those early struggles and how having support from midwives, family and other mums can make a difference. The conversation explores the emotional side of breastfeeding, including the special connection it can create, the feeling of being needed, and the ways it can shape everyday life. Nadia and Althea discuss the challenges of balancing breastfeeding with work, social plans and personal time, as well as how feeding on demand can sometimes leave mums feeling restricted or isolated. They reflect on how their approaches changed between their first and second children, and why every baby and every breastfeeding journey is different. They also talk about breastfeeding in public, including an uncomfortable experience Althea had while feeding her baby at the beach. The discussion highlights why mums should feel safe and comfortable feeding their babies wherever they need to, without judgement or inappropriate comments. As they move into the topic of weaning, Nadia and Althea compare their experiences and the different ways their children adjusted. They discuss the emotions that can come with ending breastfeeding, the physical discomfort of a changing milk supply, and the importance of finding a gentle approach that works for both mum and child. They finish by recognising just how much time, energy and commitment breastfeeding takes, reminding mums to give themselves credit for every part of their journey, regardless of how long it lasts or how it unfolds. Tried and True Nadia shares a moving tip that made the process feel more manageable: spreading the move across three separate days rather than trying to get everything done at once. Moving the garage contents, boxes and larger furniture on different days helped reduce the mental load and made the experience less overwhelming while moving with kids. Althea shares a handy tip for backing up thousands of photos and videos from iCloud. Instead of manually downloading everything through the Photos app, she discovered that you can request your iCloud data from Apple and receive your photos and videos in downloadable ZIP files. It made transferring around 50,000 photos and videos to an external hard drive much quicker and easier! 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.

  2. 1 Nov

    EP 23: Nadia’s moving houses! But how can we prepare kids for the big change?

    This episode is all about moving house with little ones, managing big transitions, and finding ways to help children feel safe and settled through change. Nadia and Althea chat about Nadia's upcoming move, the excitement and chaos of preparing a new home, and what it can look like for young children when everything familiar starts to change. Nadia shares how she's been preparing for the move, from packing and organising the house to thinking about how her children might respond emotionally. They discuss how moving can feel very different for little ones, who don't always have control over decisions like where they live or what happens to their belongings. Nadia reflects on the importance of giving children space to express their feelings, acknowledging what they might miss about their old home, and explaining the move in ways they can understand. The conversation explores practical ways to make the transition easier, including showing children photos or videos of their new home, helping them become familiar with the space before moving day, and keeping some things consistent. Nadia shares how she's been introducing familiar bedding ahead of the move and plans to set up the children's bedrooms first so they have a comforting space straight away. They also talk about maintaining familiar routines and using things like familiar scents to help children feel grounded in a new environment. Nadia and Althea discuss some of the changes parents might notice during a big transition, such as emotional outbursts, changes in eating or toileting, and other signs that children may be finding things overwhelming. They also reflect on the importance of giving ourselves grace as mums, recognising that moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and allowing ourselves to slow down rather than expecting everything to run perfectly. Plus, the conversation touches on relationships, what we look for in a partner as we grow older, and how our priorities can shift as we think about family life and parenting. Nadia also shares some of the fun moments she's been enjoying with the kids during the school holidays. Tried and True Nadia shares her latest bedroom find: an all-in-one quilt cover with the quilt already attached. After struggling to keep traditional quilt covers looking neat on the kids' beds, she found a washable option that makes bed-making a little easier while still looking lovely. 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.

  3. 25 Oct

    EP 22: What do mums really need to prepare for after birth? With midwife, Jenny

    This episode is all about postnatal care, preparing for life after birth, and navigating those first few weeks with a newborn. Nadia and Althea are joined by a very special guest, Nadia’s mum, Jenny, a midwife with over 40 years of experience, who shares her knowledge and practical advice for new mums. They discuss why so much preparation goes into pregnancy and birth, while the postnatal period can sometimes catch parents off guard. Jenny explains what to expect after giving birth, including recovery from a caesarean section, managing pain, and being flexible when birth doesn't go to plan. They also talk about the importance of having the opportunity to debrief after an unexpected or difficult birth experience, and knowing when to seek additional emotional support. The conversation dives into the realities of breastfeeding and newborn behaviour in those early days. Jenny explains why babies may want to feed frequently, what cluster feeding and day-two behaviour can look like, and how milk supply develops over time. They also discuss common breastfeeding challenges, including sore or cracked nipples, finding the right attachment and position, and trying different approaches when something isn't working. Jenny reminds mums that every breastfeeding journey is different and that understanding what's normal can help ease some of the worry and uncertainty. Nadia and Althea also reflect on the exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn, especially when babies are unsettled at night. Jenny shares practical tips for getting rest whenever possible, prioritising sleep over housework, and leaning on partners for support. Above all, she encourages mums to prepare for the postnatal period, ask questions, and remember that they don't have to figure everything out on their own. This is an honest conversation about the parts of motherhood we don't always feel prepared for, the importance of consistent support, and how the right information can help mums feel more confident during those early days. 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.

  4. 18 Oct

    EP 21: What’s your parenting style? Authoritative, Permissive, Neglectful or Authoritarian

    This episode is all about parenting styles, gentle parenting, and how our approaches to raising children evolve as we navigate motherhood. Nadia and Althea explore the four main parenting styles, how they show up in everyday situations, and how we can balance emotional connection and understanding with clear boundaries. They reflect on the parents they thought they would be before having children and how their experiences have shaped their approach to parenting. Drawing on Nadia’s background in psychology and Althea’s experience as a mum, they break down permissive, authoritative, authoritarian and neglectful parenting, using relatable examples like snack requests and meltdowns to explain the differences. The conversation explores why gentle parenting is often misunderstood on social media and confused with permissive parenting. Nadia and Althea discuss how validating a child's feelings doesn't mean giving in to every demand, and why empathy and consistent boundaries can go hand in hand. They also acknowledge that parenting isn't always perfect, especially when we're tired or overwhelmed, and highlight the importance of repairing relationships and reconnecting with our children after difficult moments. They reflect on how our own childhood experiences influence our parenting, why unlearning familiar patterns takes time, and how perspectives on children's sleep can change as we learn more about emotional wellbeing and secure attachment. They also discuss social media pressure and remind parents that every family is different, and it's okay to change your mind as you discover what works for your children. Tried and True Nadia shares her DIY fabric birthday banner idea, using different fabrics for each letter and iron-on bonding tape instead of a sewing machine. It's a fun, reusable decoration that can involve the kids, too! Althea talks about her experience with the Huckleberry app for tracking children's sleep and feeding. While it can be helpful for some families, she found that tracking every detail sometimes increased her anxiety and made it harder to trust her instincts. They discuss how these tools work differently for everyone and why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. 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.

  5. 11 Oct

    EP 20: Autism & ADHD Assessment process in Australia, explained by Psychologist Nadia

    This episode is all about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD assessments, helping parents understand when to consider an assessment, what the process involves, and how it can support their child’s development. Nadia and Althea sit down for an insightful conversation about the assessment process, with Nadia sharing her experience as a child psychologist who has worked with children and families for over 15 years. They explore some of the common questions parents have when considering an assessment, including the differences between seeking an autism or ADHD diagnosis, which professionals can help, and how to decide on the right pathway for your family. They discuss what happens during an assessment, from gathering information from parents, teachers and other environments to completing standardised assessments, observations and feedback sessions. Nadia explains why it’s important to consider a child’s experiences across different settings and how a thorough assessment can help families better understand their child’s strengths, challenges and support needs. They also touch on early intervention, potential funding and support options, assessment costs, and why it’s worth understanding the process before booking an appointment. The conversation also explores the emotional side of seeking a diagnosis, including the uncertainty and anxiety some parents may experience. Nadia shares practical advice for families who are unsure about taking the next step, including starting with a screening tool and speaking with their child’s school or preschool. Most importantly, she reminds parents that regardless of the assessment outcome, their child is still their child, and every family’s experience and feelings throughout the process are valid. Plus, Nadia and Althea share their latest life updates, from Nadia’s journey towards prioritising self-care after a demanding period of motherhood and business ownership to Althea’s home renovation plans. Tried and True Nadia shares her latest creative obsession: needlepoint, a modern take on traditional tapestry and cross-stitch. She loves having a relaxing, hands-on activity to enjoy while watching TV, giving her a chance to unwind and spend less time scrolling on her phone. Althea shares a practical tip for families with young children: consider professional upholstery and furniture cleaning before replacing your couches, dining chairs or rugs. She explains how a professional clean helped refresh her furniture for a fraction of the cost of buying new pieces, even if keeping everything clean with little ones around is another challenge altogether! 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.

  6. 4 Oct

    EP 19: Women in Business Awards debrief + Althea’s recent trip away

    This episode is all about women in business, celebrating achievements, and the realities of balancing motherhood, work, and everything in between. Nadia and Althea catch up after attending the Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards, where they were both nominated in the Health Improvement category. They share their experience of the evening, the inspiring women they met, and why being recognised for the hard work behind running a business can be so meaningful, regardless of whether you take home an award. They reflect on the challenges of being working mums and business owners, from the guilt of spending a night away from their children to the pressure of juggling family responsibilities and professional goals. They also discuss why hustle culture shouldn’t be glamorised and why there’s no single right way to approach motherhood, work, or success. The conversation highlights the importance of celebrating achievements, finding time to switch off, and recognising the effort that goes on behind the scenes. Plus, they share a few life updates, including Althea’s family trip to Vanuatu, Nadia’s home renovation decisions. Tried and True Althea shares her toddler sling, a handy travel essential for carrying little ones when they’ve outgrown a baby carrier but aren’t quite ready to walk everywhere. https://amzn.asia/d/0eirhvkF Nadia recommends hiring a dress for special occasions as a more affordable alternative to buying an outfit you may only wear once or twice. 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.

  7. 27 Sept

    EP 18: Let’s Catch Up! From Home Renos to Postpartum Reflections

    This episode is all about checking in, reflecting on life, and sharing the honest behind-the-scenes moments of motherhood, work, family, and everything in between. Nadia and Althea switch things up with a “good and growth” check-in, sharing what’s been going well in their lives and the areas they’re currently finding challenging. They chat about Nadia’s home renovation and the excitement of creating a new family home, while Althea reflects on how much has changed since the more overwhelming days of early motherhood. They talk honestly about juggling business, work, parenting, rest, and self-care, and why finding balance doesn’t always mean giving every part of life equal attention. They also discuss adjusting expectations, asking for support, recognising when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and using a simple “reset, restart” mindset to come back to the present moment. The conversation also turns to family traditions, creating core memories for children, and finding simple ways to make birthdays and special occasions meaningful without adding more pressure to mum’s already-full plate. 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.

  8. 20 Sept

    EP 17: When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go to School: What Can Parents Do?

    This episode is all about supporting children who are struggling with school and helping them feel safe, supported, and able to thrive in their school environment. In this episode, Nadia and Althea focus on children who may be struggling at school, whether they’re finding it difficult to attend, becoming overwhelmed by the school day, or simply not seeming like themselves. They explore why it’s important to look beyond academics and consider a child’s emotional safety, sensory needs, social experiences, and overall wellbeing. They discuss the roles parents, teachers, and health professionals can play in supporting a child, from teaching social-emotional skills and co-regulation at home to building strong partnerships with teachers and making appropriate adjustments within the school environment. They also talk about recognising patterns such as difficulty getting to school, exhaustion after school, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, and feeling misunderstood. Nadia and Althea share practical strategies including reducing demands before school, helping children regulate their nervous systems, creating predictable routines and visual schedules, understanding their triggers and strengths, and starting with one manageable strategy at a time. They also discuss supporting neurodiverse children and why strategies may need to change as a child’s needs and environment change. 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.

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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
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Practicing Mums
  • Show Website
    Practicing Mums
  • Provider

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