KICBump
KICBump is a podcast hosted by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw that guides listeners from pregnancy through parenthood. It offers advice and insights on birth, baby care, and beyond, drawing from the hosts' experiences and expertise. The podcast is part of the KIC wellness brand, encouraging a healthy and balanced approach to motherhood.
Episodes
How can a pharmacist support you in pregnancy & postpartum? We find out!
Caroline Ficca is a pharmacist and a mum of two young girls. Caroline is committed to making health information practical & accessible through her work in community pharmacies & health education. We learned SO much from this chat with Caroline and we know you will too! Think a pharmacist only dispenses medication? Well, this episode will change the way you think! We speak with Caroline abo
Why your kids need boundaries - with Gen Muir
Gen Muir is a parent educator, an obstetric social worker, and mum to 4 boys. Her latest book ‘Why Kids Need Boundaries: A parent’s guide to reducing the overwhelm and increasing connection by setting limits that work’ is out soon. In this episode, Gen sits down with Steph to speak about what boundaries are and how to set them and why children need them. They also speak about the
What to pack when travelling with a baby
Laura is loving the stage that Atlas is at…even if that stage involves a nugget in the bed. Steph opens up about some of the challenges that she & Josh are navigating at home as well as their whole family weekend in the garden. Also - Laura promised that she’d share the things that made their recent trip to Europe (with an 8 month old baby) a bit easier and this week she’s c
Steph’s honest experience of emotional dysregulation
It’s a big week of updates! Steph shares about Harvey’s recent surgery and Billie’s growing personality, as well as a big night of broken sleep and emotional dysregulation. Laura is persevering with solids and Atlas is standing and rolling. Plus - we open the mailbox to read some of your beautiful messages. SPECIAL SHARE Laura: the Solid Starts app https://solidstarts.com/a
This will change the way you think about mental load - with Professor Leah Ruppanner
Professor Leah Ruppanner is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Melbourne and author of the book ‘Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More’. You might recognise Leah’s name from when we had her on the podcast last year speaking about traditional gender roles and the manosphere (link below if you missed it!). This week Leah is back to speak about the menta
Our baby product recs! Must buy vs never used & new vs second-hand
We’re bringing you something a little different this week!! We’ve had a few messages from you guys asking us for the baby products we recommend buying and the ones that aren’t worth spending money on. So! We both wrote a list of our ‘must-buy’ items, our ‘nice to have but not essential’ items, and the items we never used. We also recommend which ones you s
Laura’s Euro trip with 7-month-old Atlas
We’ve both been on holidays and now we’re back and ready to recap!! Steph shares about her family’s daytrip to Movie World, what she learned about baby seat laws in different states, and also opens up about some of the challenges she’s facing with emotional regulation. Meanwhile, Laura & Dalton took 7-month-old Atlas all the way to Europe! She shares some of the things
Having a 2nd bub after post-natal depression - with Mathew Carter
Mathew Carter hosts the podcast ‘The Secret Life of Dads’ alongside his co-host Lawrence. Earlier this year, they launched their event ‘Pints & Ponytails’ where they invite dads to pubs to learn how to style female hairstyles so they can do their daughters’ hair. Mathew is dad to five-year-old daughter Rae and he & his wife Chessie King is expecting thei
Alice Bleathman on sleep, daycare, and criticism online
Alice Bleathman is a dietitian and creator based near Byron Bay. Alice gave birth to her bub Tide over a year ago - only a few weeks before Steph gave birth to Billie. Steph connected with Alice online over their shared struggles with sleep and we were so excited to have her in the studio <3 In this episode, Steph sits down with Alice to speak about the things she has changed her mi
Laura’s first night away from Atlas
Hi!!! This week Laura shares how she went spending two nights away from Atlas for the first time, including an interstate breastfeeding debacle. Plus - a parental preference win for Steph & Josh, and a vent about fear-mongering content online. SPECIAL SHARE Steph: The Somewhere Co Toy Story collection https://thesomewhereco.com/collections/toy-story Laura: Portable breast mil
The differences between a C-section and vaginal birth with leading Obstetrician Dr Amanda Ward
It’s our OB Dr Amanda Ward! Long time listeners will know that she was the Obstetrician for both Steph when she had Harvey & Billie, and Laura with Atlas. We love Amanda and we know you guys love her too, so we asked you for your birth questions! What do I need to consider if I’m having a C-section? Why do so many OBs not support VBACs? How long do I need to wait between havi
Baby Atlas slept through the night!!!
This week Laura celebrates Atlas sleeping through the night for the first time and how she & Dalton did it, and Steph is struggling with her sleep. Plus! The little white lies you tell your kids. WE MENTIONED This is the Catchy https://catchyandcrew.com.au/products/catchy-the-food-catcher-for-high-chairs? SPECIAL SHARE Steph: Oi Frog https://www.dymocks.com.au/oi-frog-by-kes-gray-and-jim
Laura's honest thoughts about postpartum identity shifts
Big week of updates this week, y’all! Steph is loving a new way of connecting with Billie and investigating some medical things with Harvey. Laura feels like a mixed berry smoothie and she’d love to be deconstructed, please. Plus - Laura & Dalton’s have some new calendar invites. And! We open the mailbox and hear Angelica’s bub’s transition to the cot. SPECIAL SHA
What no one says out loud about being a step parent step-parent - with Kris Byrnes
Kris Byrnes became a step-parent when she was 24, before she’d had children of her own. Now Kris & her husband are raising 4 children together - two from her husband’s previous relationship and two of their own. Kris has taken everything she has learned from step-parents and now offers coaching to others who are navigating blended families. In all the years of making KI
Laura’s confronting realisation & how Steph is handling Harvey’s nightmares
Hi!!! This week we start with opening the mailbox. Kate had a hot tip about a wolf movie on Netflix for Steph to avoid, Ella has a recco for a sleep sack, and Em has an app she’s loving. Then our highs & lows! Including - an update on Harvey’s nightmares, a first from Billie, and a shocking realisation for Laura. WE MENTIONED Missed Steph’s story about the wolf? It’s in
Josh & Dalton take over for an honest conversation about fatherhood - with Dr Zac Seidler (Movember)
We’re doing something different today! There’s no Steph or Laura this week - instead we handed the mics to their husbands Josh & Dalton and Dr Zac Seidler - the Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movember. Earlier this year Movember published their ‘More Than A Provider’ report based on a survey of 1,216 Australian fathers with at least one child aged bet
Abbey Holmes’ birth story - what you didn't see on Instagram
Channel 7's Abbey Holmes is a broadcaster, sports reporter, and boundary rider for Channel 7 AFL, as well as Mum to Braxton. In this episode, Abbey sits down with Laura to share about her birth story, and how the days afterward were anything like the loved-up baby bubble that people dream of. Abbey also shares about her decision to return to work 7-weeks postpartum and the criticism she copped onl
How Steph celebrated Harvey’s 5th birthday + sleep update from Laura
Hello!! This week Steph shares about how she & Josh celebrated Harvey’s 5th birthday, plus an accidental parenting fail. Laura shares an update on how Atlas is sleeping and where she & Dalton are at with arms in or out. Plus we answer some of your questions about our night-time routine episode from last week. And as always! Our parenting highs & lows. WE MENTIONED We’ve ha
Steph & Laura unpack their night-time routines
This week Steph & Laura share all the details of their night-time routines: Laura with 4-month-old Billie and Steph with 11-month-old Billie & almost five-year-old Harvey. Steph also goes into more detail about her experience working with a sleep consultant. Plus - our parenting highs & lows of the week! Disclosure: Steph worked with Sarah from Swoop Baby - this service was gifte
Being a mum to QUADRUPLETS - with Taylah Tudehope-Glachan
This is an episode like we’ve never done before!! Taylah Tudehope-Glachan is a mum to two-year-old quadruplets: Daisy, Archie, Billy and Charlie. In this episode, Taylah shares about the trouble she had conceiving and then finding out that not only was she pregnant, but she was having quadruplets, the differences between pregnancy with four babies compared to one, birth, and the day-to-day r
A sleep update from Steph
It's been a while since Steph shared a sleep update so that's what we're doing this week! Plus - working with a sleep consultant and where Steph is at with breastfeeding Billie. We also share your feedback on our episode a few weeks ago about communicating like a sports team and the value of a pre-game meeting. Plus - our parenting highs & lows <3 WE MENTIONED The sleep consultant Ste
Laura & new dad Dalton Henshaw!
It’s been a while since Dalton has been on the podcast, so this week we’ve got him back on to answer all your questions! Like…How did you feel in the birth suite? Did you bond with Atlas straight away? Are you really sharing the load or are you just saying that you are? How’s your mental health? What’s your advice for new and soon-to-be dads listening? Baby Atl
We’re both feeling touched out right now
There’s a bit going on this week! Laura reflects on her maternity leave now that she’s in it vs what she thought she’d want before she had Atlas, we’re both feeling extremely touched out, Laura & Dalton tried having sex again, and Atlas did his first poo in the bath 💩 Plus! Our highs and lows for the week. SPECIAL SHARES Steph: the Chatbooks 'Monthly Mini’ b
The essentials of postpartum nutrition - with Pre & Post-Natal Dietitian Caitlin Ireland
Caitlin Ireland is an Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist, a Certified Prenatal Dietitian, a qualified Sports Dietitian with over 10 years of experience, and our new KICBump dietitian!! We wanted to have Caitlin on KICBump to talk all things pre-natal & post-natal nutrition, including nutritional requirements during pregnancy & postpartum, incorporating allergens into your d
How do you not keep tally with your partner?!
It’s time to Ask Aunty Steph!! This week Laura wants Steph’s help on a question that’s been bugging her: how the HECK do you not keep tally with your partner when you’re parenting together?! Plus - our parenting highs & lows for the week. And! If you listen to our other podcast you’ll know we share a recommendation (aka a Special Share) every week. Now we&rs
What Steph & Laura miss about life before kids
A few weeks ago we asked for your questions for Laura’s postpartum debrief and some of the questions were SO good that we decided to spend a whole episode answering them. This is one of them! You asked: what has been easier than you expected and what has been harder? We both take it in turns answering. Plus - our parenting highs & lows for the week. Shout out to other mums who see us <
CATCH UP: Laura had sex again!
Don't listen to this one with kids around! Laura got the green light from her pelvic floor physio to have sex again so she & Dalton decided to give it a go with...mixed results. Plus! Our parenting highs & lows of the week. KICPod PODCAST Looking for our other podcast? It’s called KICPod and you can listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We publish episodes there on Mondays & Wedne
BONUS: How Steph feels about stopping at 2 kids
Hello again! If you listened to our episode with Josh yesterday you would’ve heard Josh talking about his & Steph’s decision to stop at two kids. Steph shared her perspective on an episode of KICPod (our other pod!) at the end of last year. We know a lot of you listening to KICBump haven’t listened to KICPod before, so, ICYMI, we decided to share it here too. It was originall
A catch up with Steph’s husband Josh Miller
It’s been two years since Josh has been on the podcast so we thought it was time to have him back on! A lot has happened in the past two years - Steph has been diagnosed with ADHD, Steph & Josh have had a second baby, they’ve moved house and started a renovation. For this episode we asked you for your questions and this is what you wanted to know: how do you feel about stopping at
Laura's postpartum debrief: more kids, sleep, intrusive thoughts & sharing Atlas’ face
You guys sent us sooo many good questions for our postpartum Q&A that we had to spread them over two episodes. This week Laura answers: would you choose a C-section again? How are Bill & Ben going with Atlas? How was your first day alone with Atlas? Must-have postpartum items, and lots more!! You can send questions any time via our DMs on Instagram (we’re @kicpod) or email us a
Jess King’s pregnancy & birth story - endometriosis, anxiety, body image & not loving every moment
Jess Rae King is a curve model, a writer and body confidence advocate. Nine months after Jess shared publicly about not feeling ready to have kids…Jess was pregnant! And nine months after that, Jess gave birth to her son Kit. In this episode Jess sits down with Steph to share about her pregnancy, birth story and how she’s going 8 weeks postpartum. Jess also speaks about ho
Laura's postpartum debrief: healing after c-section, scar, breastfeeding & return to running
This week we pick things up from where we left off at the end of Laura’s birth story episode. Laura & Dalton spent five days in hospital after Laura gave birth to Atlas in early December and this week we talk about what happened next. Are you healing better or worse than you expected? How’s your cesarean scar? Are you doing anything to try and get rid of it? How is breastfeed
BONUS: why Laura decided to have an elective c-section
Hello again! When we posted Laura’s birth story episode earlier this week, a lot of you commented asking why Laura decided to have an elective cesarean. Laura spoke about how she made her decision on our other podcast, KICPod, last year and so we decided to share it here too in case you were curious. We’ll be back on Tuesday with a Q&A on Laura’s postpartum experience!
Laura’s birth story
It’s finally here!! Laura gave birth to baby Atlas on December 3rd, 2025. In this episode, Laura sits down with Steph to share her birth story - from what she & Dalton did the night before, to all the nitty gritty of her planned cesarean, and the first five days of Atlas’ life. Also! KICBump is now its own podcast!! We’ll be publishing new KICBump episodes every Tuesday so su
KICBump - with Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw
Welcome to KICBump - your podcast from birth, to baby, and beyond with Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw. New episodes dropping every Tuesday. FOLLOW US KICPOD @kicpod on InstagramSteph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram, @steph_claire_smith on TikTokLaura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on TiktokJoin our virtual mothers' group in the the KICBUMP Facebook gro
Domenica Calarco’s pregnancy & birth story - KICBUMP
Domenica gave birth to her daughter Dove in August this year. In this week's KICBUMP, Domenica sits down with Steph to share about her pregnancy and birth story, including the mental state she was in going into pregnancy, her traumatic pregnancy which included sickness, hives & thyroid issues, deciding to have an elective epidural & induction, and the judgement she got from other women for
How postpartum depression & anxiety changed Larissa Leone’s life - KICBUMP
Larissa Leone is the founder of the postnatal stay Homb. Larissa went through postnatal anxiety and depression after giving birth to her daughter Valentina almost 13 years ago. That experience, and knowing that no other postnatal stay like it existed, inspired Larissa to create Homb. Steph stayed at Homb after giving birth to Billie earlier this year and knew a little bit about Larissa’s sto
Is pumping for everyone? KICBUMP with Lactation Consultant Dr Kavita
Dr Kavita is a Lactation Specialist, mum of three, and Steph’s go-to for all things breastfeeding. In this episode, Steph speaks with Dr Kavita about all things pumping and bottle feeding: who should be pumping? How and when should you incorporate pumping, bottle feeding, and formula? What does pumping and using formula do to your supply? And do I need to have a freezer full of breastmilk!?
Conceiving with endo, 27-hour posterior birth & balancing motherhood with business - KICBUMP with Rachel Vasicek
Rachel Vasicek is the Co-Founder of Francesca Jewellery with her sister Hannah. Rachel and Hannah have both been on the KICPOD before and now Rachel is back for KICBUMP! For this episode Rachel sat down with Steph to share about conceiving in spite of having endometriosis and being warned she might struggle to fall pregnant, her spontaneous labour, her 27 hour posterior birth, and life with baby R
Jordan Lambropulos' incredible story of becoming a mum to twins
Jordan Lambropoulos was last on KICPOD in August 2023 when she told us her story of living with Chron’s disease and undergoing a stem cell transplant. This week Jordy is back for KICBUMP after giving birth to her twin girls Indigo & Capri in January. Jordy always assumed she would be infertile, so it was a huge shock to herself, and her medical team when she discovered she was pregnant,
A catch up on worry, anxiety, overwhelm & how we deal with it - KICBUMP with Nicole Maycroft
This episode includes mentions of miscarriage. As a second-time mum, there’s a lot that Steph has figured out. But a second child also introduces a whole bunch of new worries & anxieties into the mix too. In this episode, Steph sits down with friend Nicole Maycroft to share about how anxiety & worry shows up in their lives and how they handle it. Plus - how they’ve both na
Madeleine Edwards' birth story, post-birth complications & relationship with her body
Madeleine Edwards is a skincare creator, beauty therapist and first-time mum to baby Carmine. In this week’s KICBUMP, Madeline sits down with Steph to talk through her pregnancy, birth story and the complications that resulted from her episiotomy. Maddie also shares about how her relationship to her body has changed due to the post-birth complications she experienced and how pregnancy,
Steph asks Laura your pregnancy questions - KICBUMP
A few months ago we asked for your pregnancy questions for an episode with Laura & Dalton, and we got soooo many questions that we had to do a second episode. This time, with Steph! You asked: how are you feeling about work? Have you experienced “pregnancy brain”? Do you have a birth plan? Have you & Dalton been having sex!? And lots more… FOLLOW US KICPOD @kicpod on Ins
An honest sleep update with Steph & Dr Billy Garvey - KICBUMP
It’s KICBUMP fave - Dr Billy Garvey! Billy is back this week to talk about our favourite topic…sleep. This time it’s a little different as Steph & Billy are both in the newborn phase with babies Billie and Heidi. In this episode, Billy and Steph both share what sleep is looking like in their homes right now, the things they’re proud of, and the things they’re les
A solo KICBUMP with Steph answering your postpartum questions
Steph is back!! For her first KICBUMP episode back, Steph answers your questions about postpartum life: going from one to two, postpartum rage, the age gap between Harvey & Billie, sleep deprivation, prolapse, and more! WE MENTIONED Steph shared her birth story with Billie in the episode 'Welcome baby Billie! Steph’s birth story'. You can listen here https://pod.fo/e/2eb71c Steph s
Jaye Green’s incredible 80-hour labor & home birth - KICBUMP
Jaye Green dreamed of an unmedicated birth at home. Her labour started on a Friday afternoon and she gave birth to baby Honey on the following Tuesday morning. In this episode she shares with Steph about everything that happened in between! Jaye and Steph also speak through her decision to have a home birth, how Jaye learned what to do, her incredible midwife, and the importance of having a partne
How Steph & Josh are introducing Harvey to four-year-old kindergarten - KICBUMP with Catharine Hydon
With Harvey now well into three-year-old kinder, we thought it was the perfect time to welcome back Catharine Hydon to KICBUMP to talk through the transition to four-year-old kinder, as well as answer all your kinder questions. Catharine Hydon is an independent early childhood consultant and Director of Hydon Consulting where she works with a wide range of organisations and governments. We h
Your sleep questions answered - KICBUMP with Dr Billy Garvey
Dr Billy Garvey is back! We had Billy on KICBUMP earlier in the year to talk about all things sleep and this week he is back to answer all your questions. Like: I have a toddler and I’m pregnant with my second. Will I ever sleep again? What does sugar and screen time do to a kids’ sleep? What if my kid only ever catnaps? How do I transition from a crib to a toddler bed? Using melatonin
Big life changes & parental preference - KICBUMP with Lael Stone
Lael Stone is a speaker, educator, author, and a KICBUMP fave <3 In this episode Steph sits down with Lael to talk about supporting kids through big life changes - in Steph’s case - moving house and welcoming a second baby into the family. They speak through parental preference, establishing & letting go of loving boundaries when they’re no longer working, what we can lear
What Steph will do differently with baby no. 2
All of the lessons that Steph learned with Harvey that she’ll do again, or leave behind, for baby number two! Last year we posted a question box about Steph’s second pregnancy and sooo many of your questions were about what Steph will do differently this time around - so we’ve put all the things together in this episode. Think - nappies, monitors, communication, sleep routi
An emergency C-section, breech baby, two-under-three + Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex - KICBUMP with Georgie Sian
Georgie Sian is mum to two-year-old Frankie and five-month-old Billie and one half of the TikTok account Georgie and Zac with her partner. Georgie shares her life open and vulnerably online but this week Georgie sits down with Steph in her first podcast interview. Georgie shares about the differences between Frankie & Billie’s births, including delivering a breech baby (Frankie) vaginall
Balancing a career you love with motherhood - KICBUMP with DJ Tigerlily
In the FIVE years since Dara (DJ Tigerlily) was last on the podcast, both she & Steph have had babies and now they’re both pregnant with baby number two! In this episode Steph catches up with Dara to check in with how she is going with her first-born Lando and her second pregnancy. They chat through Dara’s career as a DJ, finding the balance between motherhood and work, being away
Is sleep training the answer? How Steph is planning for baby no.2 - KICBUMP with Dr Billy Garvey
This week it’s all about sleep! With baby number two on the way, Steph has been thinking about how she’ll approach sleep this time around and if she & Josh will use the same techniques as they used with Harvey. To help - Steph sat down with developmental paediatrician (and KICBUMP fave!) Dr Billy Garvey. Billy is a senior specialist at one of Australia’s largest tertiary paed
Q&A on Steph’s pregnancy - KICBUMP
You ask…Steph answers! A few weeks ago we asked for your questions about Steph’s pregnancy and you guys sent SO many questions we decided to make it its own episode. How did you know you were pregnant? How did you tell Josh? When did you tell your friends & family? What was your experience with the IUD? Will you use the same care provider as last time? When are you due? Will you find out the
Steph and Josh speak with Dr Golly about having another baby - KICBUMP
Dr Golly is a paediatrician (he’s actually Harvey's paediatrician!) specialising in unsettled babies & poor sleep, and a father of three. His third children’s book ‘Our Baby, Our Baby What Did You Say?’ reveals what toddlers can pick up in babies better than parents....which is a very convenient topic at the moment as Steph & Josh navigate how they tell their three-year-old Harvey that he’
How Producer Mandy overcame her fear of having kids - KICBUMP
If you’re a long-term listener of KICPOD you’ll remember Producer Mandy! You might also remember that Mandy was producing the podcast when Laura opened up about her fear of not coping with kids, and Mandy said she felt exactly the same. Fast forward just over one year later and Mandy is now the proud mum of her first daughter, Lyla. In this episode we asked Mandy back in the studio to sit on the o
Busting breastfeeding myths - KICBUMP with Dr Kavita
Dr Kavita Krishnan is a Lactation Specialist, member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, and a mum of three, so she’s had experience both first-hand and in practice teaching thousands of women how to breastfeed. 96% of women initiate breastfeeding but by 4 months fewer than 16% exclusively breastfeed and 83% of women stop breastfeeding earlier than they’d like. In this episode, Steph sits do
Tammin Sursok battled eating disorders for 8 years. This is how she’s raising her two daughters - KICBUMP
If you’re an Australian millennial woman, you know Tammin Sursok. She played Dani Sutherland in Home & Away in the early 2000’s and Jenna Marshall in Pretty Little Liars. Tammin has been in the public eye since she was a teenager. Faced with that pressure, Tammin struggled with eating disorders throughout her teen years and early 20’s. Now Tammin has two daughters. Her experience with eating
How Jadé Brycki is coping with postpartum and newborn life - KICBUMP
Jadé was our first ever guest on the KICPOD! Now she’s back five years later, and this time on KICBUMP, after she and her partner Lachie welcomed baby Fletcher into the world in June. In this episode Jadé shares about her birth story, including going into spontaneous labour, using a TENS machine, and getting an epidural, the early stages of postpartum, how she’s dealing with work, separating her
What to do before, during & after your kid’s meltdown - KICBUMP with developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey
Dr Billy Garvey is a developmental paediatrician and a senior specialist at one of Australia’s largest tertiary paediatric hospitals. He has over 20 years experience working with families and children, and training other professionals on how to work with children, plus he’s the dad of two little ones, so he's able to see first-hand how his research and advice plays out in real life. Billy’s book ‘
Our tips for traveling with newborns and toddlers - KICBUMP with Lisa De Sanctis
It’s tips galore in this episode! Steph invites her friend Lisa De Sanctis (aka See Want Shop) into the studio to share tips for traveling with toddlers and newborns. Should you book a flight during their nap time or awake time? Do you book accommodation with one room or two? How do you anticipate and handle big emotions on flights? Are travel prams and sky bunks worth it? Plus mourning your holid
Gen Gregson is a better marathoner because she’s a mum - KICBUMP with Olympian Gen Gregson
A must listen ahead of the women's Olympic marathon marathon this weekend! In the heat of the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Games, Gen Gregson fell and ruptured her achilles tendon. As devastating as it was that Gen’s steeplechase career was over, and her return to elite sport was uncertain, Gen saw an opportunity to fulfil another dream: becoming a mum. Gen gave birth to her son Archer
Your guide to screen time - KICBUMP with Mandy from Raise Toddlers
How much screen time is too much? Mandy Richardson is a child development and early parenting specialist and the creator of Raise Toddlers: a platform created to inspire and equip parents with the skills and tools they need to raise children from birth to six years old. Very importantly, Mandy is not anti-screens! But when she notices her three daughters have spent too much time on screens, she in
There’s no perfect in parenting - KICBUMP with Lael Stone
You can’t be what you can’t see and for most of us (for better or worse) our only parental role models will be the people that raised us. So are we destined to raise our children in the same way that our parents raised us? And if you want to parent differently…how can you unlearn the way you were brought up? Lael Stone is a speaker, educator and author who helps adults understand the imprints we l
Parenting with a prosthetic leg - KICBUMP with Jess Quinn
Jess Quinn was one of our very first KICPOD guests way back in 2019. This week Jess returns, but this time for KICBUMP, after welcoming her first daughter Marla into the world last November. In our first conversation with Jess she shared her story of childhood cancer and having one of her legs amputated when she was nine years old. In this episode, Steph and Jess talk about Marla and the reality
Letting kids fail & encouraging a growth mindset - KICBUMP with Jess Sanders
Jess Sanders is a social worker and children’s author. Her latest book ‘You Can Do Hard Things - A Little One’s Guide For Not Giving Up’ helps children see disappointments as opportunities. A growth mindset empowers children to believe in themselves and reach their full potential. From building blocks, to learning times tables, children are constantly faced with difficulties, and a growth mindset
Recognising the signs of grooming and what to do about it - KICBUMP with Jayneen Sanders
This episode is tough but a really important conversation for every parent and person with young people in their lives. Grooming refers to an older child or adult establishing a trusting relationship with a child or their family to sexually abuse or exploit the child. The average age that a child is abused is 6.8 years old and 90% of children who are abused know their abuser. To help make sense o
Everything you need to know about kindergarten - KICBUMP with Catharine Hydon
If you haven’t been to kinder since you were IN kinder, you’ve probably forgotten what it’s all about and what the big deal is. So as Harvey gets closer to kindergarten age, Steph speaks with early childhood consultant Catharine Hydon about all things kindergarten. They talk the big things, like: what do our kids actually learn at kinder, how does it help them transition to school, and how is my
Losing a loved one & giving birth 3 weeks later - KICBUMP with Katie Lolas
Katie Lolas is beloved by her online community who she shares her life with. When Katie’s sister, Nadia passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at 31 years old, Katie’s community grieved alongside her. But Katie had another job to do: she was 35 weeks pregnant and in three weeks’ time, she was due to deliver her first child, Harper, via C-section. When Katie was trying to grieve one life changing event,
Birth story, prolapse & baby Parker - KICBUMP with Brooke Jowett
Brooke Jowett is a Kic trainer and an Australian Survivor All Star. Six months ago she and her partner Chris welcomed their first bub, Parker, into the world and it’s safe to say they’re obsessed. As a trainer, "the Kic HIIT girl", and a keen runner, Brooke ran until she was 26 weeks pregnant when it stopped feeling right for her body. Now she’s back running, taking it one run at a time. Brooke jo
Do I or don't I want kids? - KICBUMP with Laura Henshaw
The decision to have kids is one of the biggest ones we’ll ever make. Last year Laura opened up about this decision, weighing up what it would mean to her career and her identity, what scares her about having kids, and her fear of leaving it too long. We know this is a question on so many people’s minds, which is why we want to create a podcast miniseries asking the questions we can’t find anywher
An honest catch up with Josh Miller
How do you find time for each other? What’s the hardest part of parenting right now? Why do people assume your marriage is on the rocks? It’s been a while since Steph’s husband, Josh, was on KICBUMP so he came into the studio for an honest chat about all the things you want to know: parenting, relationships, and whether or not Steph and Josh will ever do another 30 day intimacy challenge. Plus a H
Finding community through a cerebral palsy diagnosis – KICBUMP with Kic community member Kim
Kim was 27 weeks pregnant with her first daughter when she noticed a tiny amount of bleeding. After almost a week in hospital, and a traumatic birth experience, Kim gave birth to Elsie. Elsie then spent 11 weeks in the NICU and in that time, Kim and her husband Greg learned that Elsie had suffered a brain injury through pregnancy or birth and she was given a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cereb
The best thing you can teach kids about food, movement & body image – KICBUMP with Taryn Brumfitt
Taryn Brumfitt is a body image activist, documentary director, writer, speaker, and the 2023 Australian Of The Year. Taryn created the documentary ‘Embrace’ to help us change the way we think about our bodies and ‘Embrace Kids’ to teach 9-14 year olds how to respect, move and nourish their bodies. Kids learn their first messages about food, movement and body image from their parents but parents ca
You don’t need to be ashamed of your intrusive thoughts – KICBUMP with Julie Borninkhof PANDA CEO
Julie Borninkhoff is a clinical psychologist, mum and CEO of PANDA: Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia, an organisation committed to supporting the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood. 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience perinatal anxiety and/or depression and it can affect parents at any time and with any child. PANDA works to
Don’t call it a “cookie” - talking to kids about consent & body safety – KICBUMP with Jayneen Sanders
Jayneen Sanders is a mum of three, author and educator. Her childrens' books teach kids about body boundaries, respect, consent, body safety, feelings and emotions. It’s every parents’ worst nightmare to think of something happening to their kid. But Jayneen’s work seeks to empower kids to become the boss of their bodies and teach parents how they can model respectful behaviour and boundaries at h
Is it normal to resent your partner during the newborn phase? – KICBUMP with Leonie Akhidenor
You’re exhausted from feeding all night and your partner is playing golf. If you’re currently in the depths of the newborn phase, and resenting your partner for going back to their normal life, you’re not alone. Mum of two, relationship coach, and host of the ‘Parenthood’ podcast Leonie Akhidenor has heard it all (and worse) so we asked for her help to answer your questions. Steph & Leonie dis
The pressure to “bounce back” after childbirth - KICBUMP with Em Clarkson
Em Clarkson is a new mum and the founder of fitness community ‘The Have A Goes’. At 8 months postpartum, Em's body looks and feels different to what she’s used to, but instead of getting caught up in the pressure of “bouncing back”, she’s appreciating what her body is capable of and finding empowerment through rebuilding her strength and fitness. Steph & Em discuss how Em went from running in
Sex life after kids & asking for help when you need it - KICBUMP with Chessie King
Chessie King is a content creator and the founder of BABYHOOD - a platform to support, guide and empower parents through their first 40 days post-partum. In today's KICBUMP episode, Steph chats to Chessie about some of the similarities and differences between their kids Rae and Harvey who are similar ages, how she balances work and motherhood, overcoming struggles with sleep, building your own mot
The challenges of solo parenting - KICBUMP with Rachel Maksimovic
Rachel Maksimovic's 4 year old son Lenny came into the world pretty unexpectedly when she was living abroad in Bali, and with someone she had only been seeing for a few months. Given the cultural differences between them and some other challenges they faced once she fell pregnant, Rachel moved back home to raise Lenny on her own. As any single parent would know, there are some extremely tough mome
