For this In Conversation  we get a candid look behind the scenes with Jessica D’abadie, situated in the creative hub of the Northern Rivers, Jessica is the co-founder of interior design studio We Are Triibe and most recently Milk, a brand anchored to supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. As Jessica prepares to welcome her next babe we offer a moment of reflection, asking about the gestures that left an impact in previous postpartums and the words of advice she would give her past self with the benefit of hindsight. We explore the ebb and flow of approaches to navigating paid work, the birth of Milk and the unattainable concept of balance as a working mother and the notions that create a sense of ease. 

For this edition of the journal we welcome Jessica Mincher, getting a glimpse into what navigating motherhood, returning to community alongside finding creativity has looked like through the different seasons of motherhood. After having her first son, Jessica and her partner were drawn back to the Sunshine Coast, craving community and connection. In the process, they quickly became aware of the amount of food wastage occurring across local farms. Feeling a pull and deep passion for sustainability, Mary Valley Food Co was born, working with the seasons to repurpose imperfect fruit into handcrafted garnishes. There is an underlying theme of community throughout Jessica’s pursuit of Mary Valley Food Co, from building connection with local farmers to working closely with direct suppliers before products land gently in customers drinks. Outside of her pursuits with Mary Valley Food Co, we get insight into the rituals and daily practices that are a constant for Jessica. 

A gentle note that this interview discusses experiences of early birth and loss. If this is a sensitive or painful topic for you, please prioritize your well-being and feel free to skip this post. To those navigating this experience or supporting someone who is, you are not alone & support is available at Pink Elephant. What began as a shared passion for women's health has seen an evolution and ebb and flow of offerings from therapeutic products to education and supporting clients through their unique journeys. Currently, both Kat & Hunna dedicate their time to mothering and share their honest and vulnerable accounts of their experiences transitioning through matrescense. In this interview Kat also openly shares her experience of navigating early birth and loss and the tools that supported her during this time. Whilst Hunna shares insight into the naturopathic tools that have guided her through postpartum and words of wisdom for those nearing their postpartum season.  A truly beautiful and relatable account of navigating early motherhood that I hope you enjoy. 

A simple guide to filling your freezer for your fourth trimester including all you need to know to make it a super easy and approachable process, some of my favourite recipe suggestions and additional tips for you.

For this edition of In Conversation we have the absolute pleasure of welcoming Libby Hucker. Libby speaks  candidly to her experience of early motherhood and postpartum, including the challenges of welcoming her eldest Charlie into the world whilst living abroad in Scotland & the role of community support during this time. Having been deeply tied to the creative space for many years, creativity now takes a different form since the transition into motherhood, a testament to reframing and the ebb and flow of capacity through the different seasons of motherhood. We also get a glimpse into the grounding tools, daily rituals and what an ideal day looks like in Libby’s world.

For this edition of In Conversation we hear from Edie Bartley, Art Therapist & Sexologist. We explore what career and creative pursuits have looked like from studying art therapy to working in the birth space with a curiosity for the inner workings of our emotional and psychological worlds has been a constant. Edie speaks to her deep connection to creativity and how this has informed her practice and role as an art therapist. In addition, Edie generously shares tools around navigating intimacy and tuning into your sensual self in the postpartum phase. I hope this piece leaves you feeling curious and reflective around what acts can be integrated to support you through your day to day. 

For the first collaborative In Conversation series between Slow Moments and Tender Space we welcome Renee D’arcy, naturopath, doula and mother of three. Renee candidly shares her experience of transitioning into motherhood and finding a deep passion for supporting others. We get a glimpse into the rituals, practices and tools that offer connection to self and respite amongst daily rhythms. We also explore the balancing act of motherhood whilst simultaneously pursuing a career and the push and pull that comes with this, alongside words of wisdom to support anyone readying themselves for their own postpartum.

For this edition of In Conversation we have the pleasure of hearing from Jess Smouha, nutritionist, mother & founder of Made for Mothers. Founded in 2020, MFM lovingly creates botanical broths and traditional meals made accessible through delivery across Australia. Jess explores with us what ignited her interest in postpartum nutrition and founding MFM alongside speaking to her favourite ingredients to include in the fourth trimester. We dive into the daily rituals that are a constant in Jess’s life, what balance feels like and the artist she always finds herself returning to.

In Conversation explores community, connection and navigating motherhood alongside careers, creativity and passions. For our first edition we welcome Sunshine Coast based artist Kirstie Edwards. We learn of Kirstie’s journey into photography, where she turns when seeking inspiration and what informs her visual story telling. We get a look behind the lens learning of the daily rhythms and rituals that bring balance and joy.