The First Two Years: Building Your Baby’s Immune System (0–2 Years)

Last week Leila Armour took us through the birth that changed everything. This week? What happens when you walk back through the front door. Last week, Leila Armour shared the birth story that had us all in tears. This week, we’re picking up where we left off: coming home. Leila walked back through the front door with a newborn, four other children and a household that doesn’t pause for anyone. So how do you actually do it? In this episode, Leila opens up about how she prepared for postpartum before her baby arrived, the support she put in place, and how she set herself up to cope with newborn life on top of running a busy family. She also gets really honest about the reality of those early weeks, the parts that went to plan and the parts that didn’t. As nutritionists who work with mums every day, Katherine and I see how often postpartum gets left off the birth plan. We put so much energy into preparing for one day and very little into the months that follow. Leila’s story is a reminder that recovery, nourishment and support aren’t luxuries. They’re what get you through. Whether you’re pregnant with your first, about to welcome number five, or somewhere in the thick of it right now, this one’s for you. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen to Leila’s birth story first. And if this episode resonated, share it with a mum friend who’s about to head into her fourth trimester. She’ll thank you for it. Find Leila here: ✨ https://villageformama.com/ This episode is proudly sponsored by: ✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

This week we’re joined by the gorgeous Leila Armour from Village for Mumma. In Part 1, Leila takes us through her second twin pregnancy and the incredible birth of her second set of twins. One baby born at home, the other born in hospital... in a completely different state. Yep, you read that right. We chat about what that pregnancy was really like, how it all unfolded on the day, and how Leila held it together through the most unexpected birth plot twist we’ve ever heard. Grab a cuppa and settle in, and make sure you’re following so you don’t miss Part 2. Connect with Leila: https://villageformama.com/ This episode is proudly sponsored by: ✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.

Starting solids can feel like a full time job you never applied for. This week Katherine is sharing exactly how Goldie's food introduction is going so far, and spoiler, she's not making everything from scratch. We chat about the convenient options she's leaning on, how she saves time without compromising on nutrition, and why choosing easy doesn't make you any less of a great mum. If you're time poor, a bit overwhelmed, or just want permission to make life simpler, this one's for you. This episode is proudly sponsored by: ✨ Little Harvesters - Puree pouches that are organic and packed with the stuff we actually care about as nutritionists. That means more protein, bone broth, healthy oils like avocado and olive oil, and real superfoods. No added sugar, no cheap fillers. Use code BarelyBalanced10 for 10% off your first order at littleharvesters.com.au

Trigger warning: this episode discusses pregnancy loss. This one is close to our hearts. Katherine recently lost a pregnancy and today she's sharing all of it, openly and honestly. The grief. The relief, and how confusing it is to feel both at once. How Goldie started rejecting the breast almost the moment it happened. And the trauma from her long fertility journey that she never really got the space to process until now. There's no neat bow on this conversation. It's raw and it's real, and if you've been through loss yourself, we hope it helps you feel a little less alone. Be gentle with yourself while you listen, and it's completely ok to save this one for another day. If you need support, Pink Elephants and Red Nose Grief and Loss are there for you. This episode is proudly sponsored by: ✨ All Things Better – A carefully curated online wellness store bringing together the best in natural products, home essentials, and feel-good finds. They source brands that align with health, sustainability, and style, so you can shop knowing you’re choosing better for yourself, your family, and the planet. ⁠Explore their range⁠.

This episode explores the complex relationship between postpartum and perimenopause, highlighting how hormonal changes can overlap and impact women's health. Hosts discuss real-life experiences, clinical insights, and practical tips to navigate this transitional phase with confidence. Key Topics: The relationship between postpartum and perimenopause Common symptoms and their overlaps The role of thyroid health in hormonal balance Importance of holistic testing and support How to prepare and support your body during transition Takeaways: Hormonal changes can start as early as 35 and last over a decade. Postpartum symptoms that persist may indicate perimenopause. Thyroid health significantly impacts hormonal balance during postpartum. Open conversations and shared experiences help women understand their bodies. Holistic testing and support are crucial for managing symptoms. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to postpartum and perimenopause 01:58 Common symptoms and overlapping signs 04:09 The role of thyroid health in hormonal balance 06:06 Postpartum hormonal changes beyond the first year 07:58 Real-life stories of women experiencing these shifts 10:46 Supporting women through holistic approaches 14:01 Practical tips for managing symptoms 16:52 The importance of testing and professional support 19:55 Breaking the stigma and having open conversations 21:54 Resources and next steps for women in transition ✨ This episode is proudly brought to you by Comfy Koalas, our go-to low-tox nappy and wipe brand. If you haven’t tried their subscription boxes yet, they’re a total game changer — no more running out of nappies mid-week! You can get $35 off your first box with the code BARELYBALANCED, which pretty much means two free bags of nappies.