The Truth About Wellness Trends with Clinical Nutritionist Brooke Kelly | Selfdom Ep. 116

What actually happens to a woman’s brain when she becomes pregnant, and why are we still calling it “baby brain”? In this episode of Selfdom, I’m joined by neuroscientist and author Dr Sarah McKay to unpack the incredible neuroscience of pregnancy, matrescence and motherhood. We explore how the brain physically changes during pregnancy, the role hormones play in rewiring the maternal brain, why emotions and protective instincts can become heightened, and whether “maternal instinct” is something we’re born with or something our brains develop. We also dive into why your priorities and identity can begin to shift, how long these neurological changes last, and the empowering truth about what the maternal brain may actually be becoming better at. This conversation completely changed the way I think about pregnancy. Rather than seeing these changes as something we lose to motherhood, the science shows just how extraordinary and adaptive the female brain really is. Whether you’re pregnant, already a mother or simply curious about the female brain, this is an episode every woman should hear. Sponsors: ExploreForaged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) . Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off. Connect with us: Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Dr. Sarah Sarah McKay PhD Neuroscientist (@drsarahmckay) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay/?hl=en) Home - Dr Sarah McKay (https://drsarahmckay.com/) Baby Brain The Women's Brain Book by Dr Sarah McKay (https://drsarahmckay.com/books/#babybrain) Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected]) Produced by Talkback Media: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected])

Enjoy this special interview of Dominique Elissa on The Balance Theory podcast. You are allowed to let go of the rules and routines that no longer fit your healthiest self, and this episode might just be the permission slip and re-evaluation you've been waiting for. In this episode of The Balance Theory, I sit down with Erika for a conversation that moves through pregnancy, body image, grief and gratitude, and keeps landing on the same question: what does it actually mean to be well when your body, your routine and your world are all changing at once? This is not another conversation about doing more, optimising harder or adding one more rule to your routine. It is an honest look at why flexibility, not discipline, is what actually makes you well. If you have ever caught yourself thinking: "I am doing all the right things and it still is not enough" "My body is changing and none of this feels like mine anymore" "I want to trust what my body is telling me instead of following another rule" "I know gratitude is supposed to help, but some days it feels impossible to even try" Then this episode is for you.

How much choice do we actually have when it comes to giving birth? In this episode of Next Self, I sit down with Dr Melanie Jackson, better known as Melanie the Midwife, to unpack the birth options every woman deserves to understand. We talk physiological birth vs medical intervention, choosing between midwifery and obstetric care, C-sections, birth plans, informed consent and how to advocate for yourself during labour. This isn’t about there being one “right” way to give birth. It’s about understanding your options, asking better questions and feeling empowered to make informed decisions for you and your baby. Sponsors: Water Wipes: The world's purest baby wipes 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract Toddler & Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin (https://www.waterwipes.com/au/en) Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off at Foraged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) Connect with us: Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Melanie Dr Melanie Jackson (PhD) (@melaniethemidwife) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/?hl=en) Shop Selfdom: Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected]) Produced by Talkback Media: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected])

After 16 years working for some of the world’s biggest luxury beauty brands, Tulita founder Lucy Bradshaw found herself burnt out, disconnected from purpose and questioning the products she was using every day. In this episode, we unpack what’s actually inside our perfume, why fragrance formulations have traditionally been so secretive, and whether the fear around fragrance, hormones and fertility is backed by science. We also explore Lucy’s mission to prove that fragrance can still feel luxurious and elevated while being more transparent, considered and sustainable. Connect with us: Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Tulita Evolutionary Fragrance (@tulita.co) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/tulita.co/?hl=en) Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) Produced by Talkback Media: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or simply wanting to better understand your hormones? This episode is for you. Today I'm joined by degree-qualified naturopath, clinical nutritionist, certified fertility awareness educator and co-founder of Mother Natal, Ema Taylor. With over a decade of experience supporting women through preconception, pregnancy and postpartum, Ema shares evidence-based, practical advice to help women feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their journey into motherhood. In this episode, we discuss: Why sperm quality is declining in Western societies and what men can do to support their fertility How to prepare your body for conception The nutrients that matter most before and during pregnancy How to support egg quality Whether prenatal supplements are necessary The role of carbohydrates in fertility Hormonal acne during pregnancy and what can safely help Common pregnancy nutrition mistakes How to prepare for postpartum recovery The impact of stress on hormones and fertility Finding balance in a world obsessed with optimising our health Whether you're planning for pregnancy, expecting your first baby or simply looking to better understand your body, this conversation is full of practical takeaways that will leave you feeling more confident and informed. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. Sponsors: Water Wipes: The world's purest baby wipes 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract Toddler & Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin (https://www.waterwipes.com/au/en) Use discount code SELFDOM10 for 10% off at Foraged For You (http://foragedforyou.com/) Connect with us: Follow Selfdom Selfdom (@selfdom__) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/selfdom__) Follow Dom Elissa Dominique Elissa (@dominiquelissa) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa) Follow Ema Taylor Naturopath & FertilityEducator (@emataylornaturopathy) • Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/emataylornaturopathy/?hl=en) Shop Selfdom: Gratitude journals + more: Selfdom (Selfdom (https://selfdom.au/) ) For partnership inquiries: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected]) Produced by Talkback Media: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) (mailto:[email protected])