Birth & Baby - Advice You Can Trust

Margreet Barnardt: Midwife (PhD)
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Shaping the future of humankind with nature, knowledge and experience, in pregnancy, birth and family health.

  1. 1d ago

    Birth & Baby Ep. 109 - Life After the NICU: Preterm Birth, Trauma & Long-Term Care

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this deeply personal and insightful episode, I sit down with Tasmin Bota—Founder and Executive Director of Preemie Connect, Founder of Preemie Baby World, Podcast Host of Life, Luv, Everything, and Parent Representative for the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (GFCNI). Tasmin shares her personal story of giving birth to her son at just 28 weeks, weighing 1 kg, and the unscripted journey that followed. Now a proud mom of a thriving 9-year-old, Tasmin reflects on the realities of premature birth, the sudden shock of transitioning home from a 24/7 monitored NICU environment, and why life after discharge requires far more long-term support than most parents are prepared for. We explore how healthcare professionals can better bridge the gap between clinical care and home life, the importance of comprehensive follow-up care, and how to navigate developmental milestones without letting anxiety take over. Passionate about creating safe spaces for families, Tasmin works tirelessly to ensure parents of premature infants feel heard, understood, and supported well beyond the hospital walls. Connect with Tasmin & Preemie Connect: Preemie Connect Support Hub If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

  2. Oct 1

    Birth & Baby Ep. 108 - Maternal Mental Health Explained

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, Dr Margreet Barnardt sits down with Clinical Psychologist and mother of two Kiara Sunder for an honest, compassionate deep dive into maternal mental health. Transitioning into motherhood—a process known as matrescence—brings profound physical, emotional, and psychological shifts that are rarely discussed openly. Drawing from both her extensive clinical expertise and her personal journey through motherhood, Kiara offers grounded wisdom, practical guidance, and deep validation to help navigate the unseen struggles of pregnancy, postpartum, and identity after baby. Whether you are an expectant parent, a mother in the thick of the newborn days, or a healthcare professional supporting growing families, this conversation will equip you with clear insight and gentle reassurance. About Our Guest Kiara Sunder is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Durban (HPCSA, BHF, and PSYSSA registered). She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology Cum Laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, receiving multiple academic scholarships and National Research Foundation awards for research excellence. With experience spanning district hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and private practice, Kiara specializes in individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychometrics, and child and adolescent mental health. Beyond clinical practice, she is an expert speaker for the Babies R Us Mama Club National Campaign and contributes to mental health columns reaching over 220,000 readers nationwide. She is deeply passionate about psychoeducation, maternal mental health advocacy, and empowering families through evidence-based, compassionate care. Follow Kiara: @kiara_sunder_psychologist If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

  3. Sep 1

    Birth & Baby Ep. 107 - Exercise for Pregnancy and Postpartum

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we sit down with Lee van der Westhuizen, founder of Fit Expectations Pilates, to dive deep into movement, strength, and recovery during pregnancy and postpartum. Whether you're currently expecting, navigating postpartum healing, or curious about the truth behind pelvic floor health (yes, we tackle the infamous Kegel question!). Lee shares clear, compassionate, and evidence-based insights to help women move safely through every stage of motherhood. Lee van der Westhuizen is the owner and principal trainer of Fit Expectations Pilates in Robindale, Randburg. With over 10 years of experience as a certified BASI Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Group Training Instructor, Lee specializes in prenatal and postnatal movement. As a mother of two, she blends deep clinical expertise with authentic personal experience to help women build strength, stability, and long-term wellbeing. What We Cover in This Episode Meet Lee & Fit Expectations Pilates: Lee's journey into specialized prenatal/postnatal instruction and her holistic approach to movement. Safe Exercise During Pregnancy: Practical guidelines, key principles, and advice for staying active safely while pregnant. The Kegel Debate: Is the traditional Kegel still relevant, or are we missing the bigger picture when it comes to pelvic floor function? Preparing the Body for Childbirth: How functional movement, breathwork, and alignment actively benefit the labor and delivery process. Postnatal Recovery & Returning to Movement: Realistic, restorative advice for honoring your postpartum healing timeline without rushing the process. Birth & Baby Online Pre- & Postnatal Exercises:  https://birthandbaby.co.za/pre-postnatal-exercise-classes If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

  4. Aug 4

    Birth & Baby Ep. 106 - The Truth About Colostrum Harvesting During Pregnancy

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we sit down with Lactation Consultant Samantha Crompton (SACLC / IBCLC) to unpack a massive trend dominating the modern prenatal space: antenatal colostrum harvesting—known clinically as antenatal colostrum expressing. While TikTok, Instagram, and "momfluencers" push specialized consumer kits and intensive prenatal expressing as essentials for "prepared" motherhood, Samantha helps us look at what the science actually says. We dive deep into the clinical evidence, look at the hidden risks of indiscriminate prenatal expressing, and discuss how to separate evidence-based practice from consumer-driven anxiety. Links & Resources Mentioned Connect with Samantha Crompton: https://www.easybaby.co.za  Find a lactation consultant: https://www.salactationconsultants.co.za Essential Breastfeeding Course: https://birthandbaby.co.za/essential-breastfeeding-course If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

  5. Jul 1

    Birth & Baby Ep. 105 - Equipped for the Night: Navigating Baby Sleep with Sr Marion Wing

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In a world saturated with digital "sleep gurus" and rigid, one-size-fits-all routines, new parents are facing unprecedented anxiety when it comes to infant sleep. In this episode, we sit down with veteran healthcare professional Sister Marion Wing, who brings over 45 years of clinical wisdom, passion, and heart to the table. We cut through the commercial noise and dive deep into the actual evolutionary biology of how babies sleep. Sister Marion breaks down why infant sleep cycles look so different from adult cycles, the vital role of the parent-infant "dyad," and how parents can prepare themselves antenatally for the realities of life with a newborn. If you are an exhausted parent looking for realistic, compassionate, and science-backed insights, this episode is your sanctuary. Struggling with your little one's sleep right now? You don't have to navigate this alone. Today's episode is proudly brought to you by our 'Sleep Like a Baby' Online Course—a practical and sensitive approach designed to change the nights in your home for the better. Learn more below! Change the Nights in Your Home for the Better! If your nights feel overwhelming, we want to reassure you that this is not an impossible problem—there is a silver lining! Our 'Sleep Like a Baby' Online Course offers a practical and sensitive approach to understanding your baby's sleep without tears or rigid, stressful training. Rediscover the joy of parenting and bring peace back to your evenings. Enroll in the 'Sleep Like a Baby' Online Course Here. Do you prefer reading? Download the Baby and Toddler Sleep Guide. Connect with Our Guest Website: www.marionwing.co.za ; Social Media: @the_baby_clinic If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

  6. Jun 1

    Birth & Baby Ep. 104 - Smarter Solutions for Recurring UTIs in Pregnancy and Beyond

    Welcome and thank you for listening! Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, but when they become a recurring nightmare—or flare up during pregnancy and postpartum—the stakes become much higher. Many women find themselves trapped in a cycle of repeated antibiotic use, relying on traditional remedies like cranberry juice that don't quite deliver. In this episode, we are busting the biggest myths around urinary tract health and diving deep into the science of prevention and treatment. Joining us is Jason Stewart, the driving force behind Probitec Health, to unpack the fascinating connection between the gut, the vaginal microbiome, and the bladder. We explore why pregnancy makes women more vulnerable to UTIs, the clinical risks of leaving them untreated, and the breakthrough science behind "Activated Cranberry" and advanced probiotic delivery. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Perinatal Vulnerability: Why UTIs are more common during pregnancy, why they become more serious, and the potential risks to both mother and baby. The Conception & Postpartum Window: Why addressing urinary and vaginal health before trying to conceive is crucial, and why these issues often flare up after giving birth. Busting the Cranberry Myth: The scientific reality of what cranberry actually does (hint: it doesn't kill bacteria!) and why most standard cranberry products fail. The Power of PACs: What Proanthocyanidins are, why dosage matters, and how they physically prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. The Microbiome Connection: Why combining 30 billion probiotic bacteria with cranberry is a game-changer for long-term urinary tract resilience. Delivery Technology Matters: What Phytosome® technology is and how it ensures active ingredients and probiotics actually survive to do their job. Resources Mentioned: Learn More about Probitec: ProBitec South Africa Part 1: Why Most Probiotics Fail: Gut Health & Your Second Brain If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

  7. May 5

    Birth & Baby Ep. 103 - Trusting the Model: How Midwife-Led Care Transformed Gabriella Szabo's Birth Story

    Welcome and thank you for listening! What happens when your dream of a 'natural birth' turns into a whirlwind of medical interventions? In this episode, we sit down with Gabriella Szabo—homeschooling mom and advocate for informed birth—as she pulls back the curtain on her deeply personal experiences navigating the maternity care system. Gabriella's first birth was the "textbook" cascade of interventions: starting with a natural-minded goal but ending in an induction, an epidural, and ultimately, an emergency C-section. For her second pregnancy, Gabriella changed her strategy entirely. By shifting to a midwife-led model of care, she successfully achieved a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). Now expecting her third child, she shares the wisdom gained from both sides of the birthing room. What We Discuss in This Episode: The "Natural-Minded" Trap: How to vet providers to ensure your birth goals align with their clinical practices. The Cascade of Interventions: A firsthand look at how one medical intervention can lead to the next, and the emotional toll of an unplanned emergency C-section. The Power of Midwifery Care: Why the midwife route was the turning point for Gabriella's successful VBAC. Research as Empowerment: The specific insights Gabriella gained that helped her reclaim her birth experience. Advice for Partners & Pros: Why this story is essential listening for support teams and healthcare providers alike. Key Quotes from Gabriella: "All the things I didn't want to happen, ended up happening. It was the ultimate lesson in the importance of who you choose to have in your birth space." Find out more about or reach out to Gabriella Szabo: Website: www.thefrankiejourney.com Social Media: @thefrankiejourney  If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

  8. Apr 2

    Birth & Baby Ep. 102 - Birth is a Life Event, Not a Disease: Navigating Choice and Complexity with Lilo Mthembu

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, I sat down with Lilo Mthembu, a private midwife based in Johannesburg who views her role in birth work as a true ministry. Lilo shares her deep-seated philosophy that pregnancy and birth are natural life events rather than medical conditions, advocating for every woman to begin her journey with a midwifery-led, natural approach. We dive into the vital role of the midwife as the "expert in the normal," trained to identify exactly when a natural process requires medical assistance. Lilo explains the importance of the collaborative relationship between midwives and obstetricians and provides a compassionate, practical guide for parents on how to navigate the emotional and physical pivots when birth doesn't go exactly as planned. In This Episode, We Discuss: Midwifery as Ministry: The heart and calling behind Lilo's work in Johannesburg. The "Normal" Expert: Why starting with a midwife ensures the best foundation for a low-intervention birth. Collaboration Over Competition: How midwives and obstetricians work hand-in-hand to ensure safety. When the Plan Changes: Practical advice for parents on preparing for complications without fear. Empowered Decision-Making: Educating women to make the right choices for their bodies and their babies. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

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Shaping the future of humankind with nature, knowledge and experience, in pregnancy, birth and family health.

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