THE MAMA LIBRARY

Welcome to the Mama Library, your go to resource hub for all things motherhood. Here, you'll find a curated collection of links to informative websites, our favourite podcasts and books, practitioner directory, practical worksheets, and thoughtful questions designed to support and empower you on your parenting journey. Whether you're seeking advice, looking for helpful tools, or just need a bit of inspiration, the Mama Library is here to provide you with the resources you need to navigate motherhood with confidence and ease.

Practitioner Directory

Follow the link to view some of the wonderful resources and supportive people in our community. Here you’ll find women physios, midwives, massage therapists and more!

PODCASTS WE LOVE
(Click to Listen Now)

AUSTRALIAN BIRTH STORIES
BEYOND THE BUMP
THE MOTHERKIND PODCAST
IS IT NORMAL?
HELLO BUMP
THIS GLORIOUS MESS
TWO PEAS IN A POD
PARENTAL AS ANYTHING
TALES FROM THE 4TH TRIMESTER
WORKING MUMMA
WELL, HELLO ANXIETY
MILLENIAL MOTHERHOOD
DARLING, SHINE
THE GREAT BIRTH REBELLION
THE MORNING RITUAL
THE AWAKENED PREGNANCY PODCAST
SLOW DOWN AND THRIVE
FERTILITY COLLECTIVE PODCAST
THE KICK

BOOKS WE LOVE

THE MOTHERHOOD
BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
WHY HAS NOBODY TOLD ME THIS BEFORE
RASING A HAPPIER MOTHER
THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN GUIDE TO PREGNANCY AND BIRTH
THE DOULAS GUIDE TO EMPOWERING YOUR BIRTH
THE BIRTH SPACE
THE MOTHERHOOD SPACE
LIFE AFTER BIRTH
AWAKENING FERTILITY
THE FIRST FORTY DAYS
NINE GOLDEN MONTHS
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SELF CARE FOR MUMS TO BE
DARING GREATLY
DARE TO LEAD

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DRS, YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER.

  • 1. What screenings and tests should I have at my age?

    2. How often should I have a Pap smear and HPV test?

    3. When should I start getting mammograms, and how frequently?

    4. Are there any specific vaccinations I should get as an adult?

    5. What can I do to maintain a healthy weight?

    6. How can I manage stress effectively?

    7. What birth control options are available, and which do you recommend for me?

    8. Can you provide information on menopause and its symptoms?

    9. How can I improve my bone health and prevent osteoporosis?

    10. What are the symptoms of common female cancers, and what should I watch out for?

    11. How can I manage menstrual pain and irregular periods?

    12. Are my current medications and supplements safe and effective for my health needs?

    13. What should I know about my family medical history and its impact on my health?

    14. How can I maintain a healthy heart?

    15. What steps can I take to improve my mental health?

    16. What are the symptoms of STDs, and how can I protect myself?

    17. How can I improve my sleep quality?

    18. What dietary changes should I consider for better health?

    19. Are there any specific exercises you recommend for women my age?

    20. What are the early signs of pregnancy, and what steps should I take if I suspect I'm pregnant?

  • 1. What tests will you perform to assess my fertility?

    2. What are the common causes of infertility in women?

    3. How does age impact fertility, and what are my chances of conceiving based on my age?

    4. What are my treatment options if an issue is identified?

    5. What are the success rates of these treatments?

    6. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my chances of conceiving?

    7. How does my partner's health affect our chances of conceiving?

    8. Are there any specific dietary or nutritional recommendations you suggest?

    9. How can stress and mental health impact fertility, and what can I do about it?

    10. What are the potential side effects and risks of fertility treatments?

    11. How many cycles of treatment should I expect to go through?

    12. What is the cost of fertility treatments, and what are my payment options?

    13. Are there any supplements or medications I should take to boost fertility?

    14. How does my menstrual cycle impact fertility, and how can I track it effectively?

    15. What are the next steps if initial treatments do not work?

    16. Can certain medical conditions affect my fertility, and how can they be managed?

    17. What role does genetic testing play in fertility treatments?

    18. What should I know about IVF, and is it the right option for me?

    19. How can I prepare my body for pregnancy during treatment?

    20. Are there support groups or counseling services available to help me through this process?

  • 1. Am I getting enough sleep each night?

    2. Do I have time set aside each day for myself?

    3. How do I feel physically and emotionally right now?

    4. What activities bring me joy and relaxation?

    5. Am I eating a balanced and nutritious diet?

    6. Am I staying hydrated throughout the day?

    7. How often do I exercise, and is it something I enjoy?

    8. Do I have a support system I can rely on?

    9. When was the last time I did something just for myself?

    10. Am I feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and if so, why?

    11. How can I simplify my daily routine to reduce stress?

    12. What boundaries do I need to set to protect my time and energy?

    13. How often do I check in with my mental health?

    14. Am I being kind and compassionate to myself?

    15. What hobbies or interests have I neglected that I'd like to revisit?

    16. Do I take time to celebrate my achievements, big or small?

    17. How often do I connect with friends or family members?

    18. What steps can I take to improve my overall wellbeing?

    19. Am I seeking professional help if I need it, whether for physical or mental health?

    20. How can I model self-care and self-compassion for my children?

  • 1. What values do you think are most important to teach our child?

    2. How do you envision sharing parenting responsibilities?

    3. What parenting style do you believe in, and why?

    4. How do you think we should handle discipline and setting boundaries?

    5. What are your thoughts on screen time and technology use for our child?

    6. How do you want to approach education and homework?

    7. What are your expectations for family routines and traditions?

    8. How do you feel about our child participating in extracurricular activities?

    9. What are your thoughts on religious or spiritual upbringing?

    10. How do you want to handle discussions about difficult topics like sex, drugs, and peer pressure?

    11. What are your biggest fears or concerns about parenting?

    12. How do you think we should support each other as parents?

    13. What are your expectations around household chores and responsibilities for our child?

    14. How do you want to approach conversations about money and financial responsibility with our child?

  • 1. What’s one of your favorite memories of us together?

    2. What’s something new you’d like to try together?

    3. What is a dream or goal you have that you haven’t shared with me?

    4. How do you feel we’ve grown as a couple since we first met?

    5. What qualities do you admire most in me?

    6. What’s something you’ve always wanted to ask me but haven’t?

    7. If you could travel anywhere in the world with me, where would it be and why?

    8. How do you like to spend your alone time, and how can I support that?

    9. What’s a book, movie, or show you think we should experience together?

    10. How do you envision our future together in the next 5, 10, or 20 years?

    11. What’s your favorite way for us to spend a lazy day together?

    12. How can we make our relationship even stronger?

    13. What’s something that makes you feel deeply connected to me?

    14. What’s a fun or adventurous activity you’d like us to do as a couple?

    15. How can we better support each other’s personal goals and dreams?

    16. What’s your idea of the perfect date night?

    17. How do you feel about where we are in our relationship right now?

    18. What’s a hobby or interest of yours that you’d like to share with me?

    19. What’s something small I do that makes you feel loved and appreciated?

    20. How can we make more time for intimacy and connection in our busy lives?

Here is a list of helpful Australian resources, including support for breastfeeding, parenting, and maternal mental health:

  • National Breastfeeding Helpline

    • Phone: 1800 686 268

    • Details: Free breastfeeding advice from trained counsellors, available 7 days a week.

    • Website: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au

    PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

    • Phone: 1300 726 306

    • Details: Provides support for those struggling with perinatal anxiety and depression, offering counselling and resources.

    • Website: https://panda.org.au

    Raising Children Network

    • Details: A government-supported site offering reliable parenting advice, resources, and tools for all stages of child development.

    • Website: https://raisingchildren.net.au

    Maternal and Child Health Line (Victoria)

    • Phone: 13 22 29

    • Details: Free 24-hour telephone service providing advice from maternal and child health nurses.

    • Website: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/maternal-and-child-health-line

    COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)

    • Details: Provides information and emotional support for mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

    • Website: https://www.cope.org.au

    Australian Government Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline

    • Phone: 1800 882 436

    • Details: Provides information, advice, and counselling for pregnancy, parenting, and baby health.

    • Website: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au

    Australian Lactation Consultants Association

    • Details: Offers a directory of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) for personalised breastfeeding support.

    • Website: https://www.lcanz.org