Rural Child Health Chats

Rural Child Health turn 5! In This Episode, We Talk About: Celebrating five years of Rural Child Health Rebecca’s personal journey into motherhood and how it reshaped her as a nurse Why how health professionals make parents feel truly matters The stark difference between city and rural access to child health services How telehealth opened the door to supporting rural families differently Rebecca’s five favourite parts of being a child health nurse, including: witnessing mothers’ hidden strengths, delighting in children when parenting feels hard, holding space for mums at their most vulnerable, connecting families with aligned, values-based health professionals, the moment a mum finally feels seen and supported The vision for a future where every family can access the care they need, regardless of postcode Why supporting mums is the key to healthier, happier families And as always please reach out and share your favourite takeaway from this episode.

This week Two Blokes Chatting catch up with Rebecca Bradshaw from Rural Child Health. Instead of focusing on physical health, Rebecca opens up a conversation about mental and emotional wellbeing—why it matters, why we’ve come a long way, and where we still need to improve. From the changing attitudes across generations to the role of community events and the importance of asking better questions than just “Are you okay?”, this episode shines a light on how we can all support each other in more genuine, meaningful ways.

This Father’s Day, we’re putting dads, blokes, and male role models in the spotlight. Join Two Blokes Chatting and Rebecca Bradshaw as they talk about the importance of fathers and the everyday impact men have in shaping the next generation. We unpack the transition society is going through, the challenges men face in defining new roles, and how communities—from sports clubs to workplaces—can nurture healthier examples of masculinity. Plus, a gentle reminder for dads everywhere: it’s time to book that health check.

You might not think there would be increased "burn danger" in winter, but emergency rooms say otherwise. In this eye-opening episode, Rebecca Bradshaw from Rural Child Health joins with 2 Bloke Chatting to unpack why burn incidents spike in the colder months—and what you need to know to stay safe. From heaters and campfires to cooking mishaps and Crocs, we dive into the hidden burn hazards that come with winter living. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔥 Why burns increase in winter—yes, more than summer! 🔥 Common causes: fireplaces, heaters, campfires, and even hot shoes 🔥 Why Crocs and campfires don’t mix 🔥 The best-practice first aid for burns (spoiler: no butter, no ice!) 🔥 Why 20 minutes of cool running water is the gold standard 🔥 How to manage burns in the bush or without running water 🔥 What burns need hospital care—and why 🔥 Smart burn prevention tips for the kitchen, campsite, and on the motorbike 🔥 The lasting consequences of improper burn care—and how telehealth is changing the game in rural areas

In this episode, Rebecca chats with Anne—aka the Babywearing Physio—about all things baby carriers and how babywearing can support families through the early stages of parenting. From her beginnings as a rural physio to her journey through motherhood (including twins and preemies), Anne shares how her personal and professional experiences led her to become a lactation consultant and babywearing educator. Anne explains how carriers can be a game changer for families, especially those dealing with complex medical needs, disabilities, or simply the chaos of the fourth trimester. She highlights practical advice, safety considerations, and how choosing the right carrier can be life-changing for both parent and child. Come say hi on Instagram, or we'd love to you to leave a review Ann @babywearingphysio Bec @ruralchildhealth

In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged phrases in child health: “Failure to Thrive.” Rebecca, a rural mum and nurse, unpacks the chaos and confusion that can surround growth tracking—heights, weights, and percentiles—and how this often leads parents to feel like they're failing, when in fact, they're doing an incredible job. We talk honestly about: - Why growth charts can be helpful—but also harmful The damaging impact of outdated terms like “failure to thrive” - What slow growth really means (and what it doesn’t) The importance of context: genetics, family history, and common sense - How to advocate for care that works for you and your baby - Why you are the expert on your child—and what to do when a provider makes you feel otherwise This is your reminder that your worth as a parent is not measured in percentiles. You’re doing a brilliant job, and if no one’s told you lately! If you loved this episode or it helped you please feel free to leave a review or head over to Instagram @ruralchildhealth and leave a review

In this insightful episode, Bec from Rural Child Health sits down with psychologist Emma Richards, who brings not only professional expertise but lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children. Together, they explore how families can move beyond the traditional therapy room to create calmer, more connected homes. Emma shares her passion for supporting the entire family unit, not just the child in isolation, and offers practical advice for parents who often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unheard by the healthcare system. Whether you're raising a child with ADHD, autism, giftedness, or other neurodivergent traits, this conversation offers comfort, clarity, and most of all—hope. If you loved this episode please send us a DM and let me know. @ruralchildhealth for Bec or @emmarichards.psychologist for Emma  

In this episode, Rebecca dives into one of the most stressful parenting situations: family dinners and gatherings with little ones in tow. She talks about how to navigate generational parenting differences, overstimulation, bedtime battles, food negotiations, and the well-meaning but often unhelpful commentary from relatives. From handling unsolicited advice to sticking to your child’s routine (or flexing when needed), you’ll find reassurance, humour, and solid strategies in this relatable episode. What You'll Hear In This Episode: - Setting boundaries at family gatherings—and why you’re absolutely allowed to - Tips for managing food expectations - The “Thank you, I’ll have my baby back” script every parent should practice - Strategies for dealing with bedtime routines away from home - Managing your own expectations vs. others’ perceptions - Baby-wearing and pram tricks for protecting your little one’s space - One-liners to shut down parenting criticism with confidence and grace And if this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please shoot me a DM on Instagram and I'd love to hear your story about family events or your experience, or if there's something you really got out of that episode!

In this episode, we head “down to Jackson” — quite literally — to chat with Rebecca Bradshaw, rural child health nurse and founder of Rural Child Health, based near Roma, Queensland. This conversation dives deep into the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare, emergency services, and child health support.

In this lively and practical episode, the hosts connect with Rebecca Bradshaw from Rural Child Health to tackle one of the toughest holiday challenges: surviving long road trips with kids. From funny travel stories (including the red button toy and the noisy fish keyring) to serious advice on staying safe and healthy on the road, this episode is packed with relatable moments, expert tips, and a lot of laughs. Whether you’re hitting the highway this Easter or planning a family getaway, you’ll come away with practical strategies for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable journey.

In this episode, the Two Blokes chat with Rebecca Bradshaw, a rural health expert, about the healthcare referral system in Australia — when you need a specialist, how referrals work, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting seen faster. The conversation touches on topics from orthopedic surgery and cardiology to the value of detailed GP referrals and patient advocacy. Plus, the team shares laughs about knees, colonoscopies, and the occasional musical detour!

In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, Rebecca shares a pivotal childhood experience that planted the seed for her lifelong career in nursing. At just 10 years old, a broken arm led to an overnight hospital stay — and an encounter with one extraordinary nurse who changed everything. This story isn't just about pain or hospitals or even the injury itself — it's about how someone made her feel in a moment of fear and vulnerability. That feeling, that kindness, and that sense of safety became the driving force behind Rebecca's passion for healthcare and her mission to offer the same comfort to others through her work. In this episode, Rebecca reflects on: - Why human connection is at the heart of healthcare - The ripple effect of kindness, even when you don’t know you’re creating it How a childhood hospital stay shaped her entire career - The beauty in reaching back to say “thank you” — and the surprising outcome of doing just that Whether you're a fellow nurse, a parent, or someone who’s been touched by a kind stranger, this episode will remind you that how we make people feel can echo for a lifetime. 🧡 "People won’t always remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

If you’ve ever wondered how to fund that new community oven, clubhouse flooring, or even bring in someone like me to support your team — this episode is for you. In this practical and jam-packed conversation, I sit down with Liz Fleming from The Grants Club to talk all things grants — and how to actually get them. Liz shares: - Why creating a “wishlist” is the #1 thing every community group must do before searching for grants - The 3 levels of grants in Australia: Local, State, and Federal — and how to find them - How to work out what size grant you need ($5k? $50k? $500k?) - Why being strategic is key — and how to make it feel less overwhelming - The truth about what grants will (and won’t) fund — and why they aren’t just for “big” organisations - How to get quotes now so you’re ready to go when a grant pops up - The power of collaboration — and why sharing the load can help your small town win big We also chat about how you can apply for grants to access services and workshops like mine, and how Liz’s step-by-step resources and fortnightly grant writing workshops can help you feel confident, clear, and grant-ready. Whether you're a time-poor mum juggling five community hats or just someone with a big idea and no budget, this episode is your permission slip to start where you are — and know that funding is possible. Connect with Liz on her website www.grantsclub.com.au, Instagram @grantsclub_lizfleming or email [email protected]

In this episode, Rebecca from Rural Child Health sits down with Penny from Sick Happens — a seasoned peadiatric nurse, educator, and mum — to talk all things childhood illness. While Rebecca works primarily in the well-baby space, Penny thrives in the trenches of managing unwell children, and she’s on a mission to take the fear out of sickness for parents everywhere. Together, they explore: - The difference between illness management and first aid (and why both matter) - Why sickness is inevitable and how to feel less overwhelmed when it hits your home - The mental load of decision-making for parents during illness and how Penny’s resources can help reduce it - The importance of knowing your child and communicating that to healthcare providers - How Penny created a role that didn’t exist — and turned her passion for parent education into a powerful resource that’s now helping families and clinicians alike Whether you're a brand-new parent navigating your baby's first fever or a seasoned mum who's sick of second-guessing when to go to the doctor, this episode will leave you feeling more confident, empowered, and prepared. 🔗 Connect with Penny on Instagram @sick.happens 📘 Grab her downloadable resources & explore her courses at sickhappenseducation.com

Parenting in rural areas comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to accessing health services for our kids. In today’s episode of Rural Child Health Chats, Rebecca talks us through the process of securing referrals to specialists and allied health professionals, like speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and more. She discusses how to make the most of your GP appointments, what essential information should be included in your referrals to ensure timely care, and how you can stay proactive with your child’s health needs. Rebecca also shares practical advice on how to navigate the funding options available, whether you’re looking at private services, subsidies through Medicare, or the public system. What You’ll Learn How to prepare for a referral to a health professional Key information to include in your referral to get the right attention The triage process and why it’s important for getting on the right waitlist How to follow up with health professionals to avoid missing your spot Funding options for health services, including Medicare rebates and private insurance The benefits of GP management plans for accessing subsidies for health services Rebecca’s down-to-earth advice and easy-to-follow steps will leave you feeling empowered to advocate for your child’s health care needs, no matter where you live. Plus, Rebecca shares her tips for handling the mental load of coordinating multiple health appointments, so you can feel more organised and less overwhelmed. If you found this episode helpful please come over and say hi on Instagram 

In this episode, we dive into how farmers and agri-business owners can successfully pitch their ideas, diversify their operations, and set themselves up for sustainable growth. Our guest, Paige from Cross Country Management, shares her expertise on making your business vision a reality, offering practical tips for approaching bankers, outlining clear proposals, and identifying key risks and solutions for long-term success. Key things we chat about - How to find the right person to pitch your idea to and what you need to include in your proposal. - Why clarity and professionalism are crucial when pitching, from asking for funding to diversifying your farming practices. - The importance of planning, doing due diligence, and being open to adjusting your path as opportunities arise. - How you can mitigate risks, including coverage for key personnel, and ensure your business remains sustainable. - Practical advice on turning an idea into a viable business opportunity, whether it’s purchasing land, expanding your farm, or diversifying into new ventures. Paige emphasizes that planting the seed for a new idea and having the right conversations can open doors for future growth, even if the results don’t happen immediately. It’s all about staying committed, exploring different opportunities, and not letting setbacks discourage you. If you’re looking for professional guidance on your agri-business strategy, Paige offers introductory calls and is available to assist with business planning, financial proposals, and much more.  Resources: Cross Country Management Follow on Instagram: @crosscountrymanagement Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, I reflect on the incredible women who have shaped my life—through both positive experiences and hard-learned lessons. I dive into the three core values that define the relationships I cherish:  Kindness Over Criticism – Lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down. Connection Over Competition – Building genuine relationships rather than comparing or competing. Encouragement Over Judgment – Celebrating the little things that bring joy to ourselves and others. I also share how small gestures—whether it’s complimenting a stranger, delighting in someone’s baby, or simply acknowledging someone’s effort—can brighten someone’s day (and your own!). If you’ve ever hesitated to say something kind, this episode will inspire you to embrace the power of simple, meaningful connections. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on socials and share your experiences.

In this episode as a guest on podcast Two Blokes Chatting, we dive into the world of smartwatches and their impact on health and wellbeing. Are they a useful tool for tracking fitness, heart rate, and sleep? Or are they just another source of stress and obsession? We chat about the pros and cons of wearable health technology, the importance of understanding your data, and why you shouldn't replace your doctor with a gadget. Topics Covered: How smartwatches track health – and when it's useful The fine line between health awareness and health anxiety The importance of interpreting your health data correctly The role of sleep, hydration, and movement in overall wellbeing Why you should NOT connect your smartwatch to every notification The birthday-month health check: a habit worth starting   Do you use a smartwatch for health tracking? Has it helped or made you more anxious? Let us know!

In this episode, Rebecca from Real Child Health is joined by Susan Davies, founder of Wise Plan Management, to unpack the world of NDIS plan management and how it can help families reduce stress and stay on top of their child's funding and services. What We Cover: What is NDIS plan management, and what does a plan manager do? The difference between agency-managed, self-managed, and plan-managed options. How Wise Plan Management supports rural and remote families. Breaking down NDIS budgets — how to track, allocate, and stretch your funds. What happens if you're audited — and how a plan manager helps. How to switch from self-managed or another plan manager to Wise Plan Management. Why plan management doesn’t cost you anything extra. Reducing parental mental load and appointment overwhelm. You don't have to navigate NDIS alone — and it doesn't cost extra to have expert support. Connect with Wise Plan Management:  www.wiseplanmanagement.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @WisePlanManagement

Parenting in the bush brings its own set of challenges—long distances, isolation, and the never-ending juggle of commitments. In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, we dive into the realities of managing our capacity as mothers. How do we know when we're at our limit? Why is it so hard to ask for help or say no? And what happens when life throws unexpected hurdles our way? Through honest storytelling and personal experience, Rebecca explores the pressures of people-pleasing, the guilt of canceling commitments, and the importance of prioritising our mental well-being. Join us as we unpack: ✔️ Recognising when you're at capacity ✔️ Overcoming the guilt of saying no ✔️ Giving yourself the same compassion you’d give others ✔️ How setting boundaries benefits both you and those around you If this episode resonates, share your thoughts, tag us, and connect with our online resources for more support on your parenting journey. Remember—you are enough, and you are never alone in this. 💛 Follow the podcast & check out our free masterclass and blog for more rural parenting insights!

In this episode, Rebecca from Rural Child Health chats with Mel from The Face Place, an Oral Health Therapist & Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, about the often overlooked yet critical role of oral function in children’s health. What You’ll Learn: What an Oral Health Therapist & Orofacial Myologist does Why mouth breathing isn’t normal – and what it means for your child How oral function affects sleep, digestion, posture, and more The connection between tongue ties, feeding, and development The truth about crowded teeth – it’s NOT just genetics! How early assessment & intervention can prevent lifelong issues Mel also shares details on her upcoming parent education program to help families navigate concerns like tongue ties, mouth breathing, and oral function with confidence. Resources & Links: 📌 Mel’s Podcast: The Face Place Podcast (Available on Spotify, Apple, Google) 📌 Free Download: Understanding Oral ties 📌 Find Mel online: https://www.thefaceplaceofm.com.au/ or instagram  🎧 Listen in and discover why oral health is about more than just teeth—it’s the foundation of lifelong wellness!

In this episode of Rural Child Health Chats, Rebecca sits down with the Annie from Gidgee Speech to explore the fascinating world of speech pathology. From helping little ones with their first words to supporting muscle function for feeding, Annie shares her passion for empowering children and families. What You’ll Learn: - The wide-ranging role of a speech pathologist (hint: it’s more than just speech!) - How muscle function affects both talking and eating - When to seek speech therapy—red flags and early signs - Why “wait and see” isn’t always the best approach - How telehealth speech therapy can be just as effective (even in a paddock or caravan!) If you’ve ever wondered whether your child could benefit from speech support, this is the episode for you. Annie shares practical insights, real-life examples, and a deep passion for holistic, child-centered care. Resources & Links: Learn more about Gidgee Speech: www.gidgeespeech.com.au Follow Gidgee Speech on Instagram: @gidgeespeech Check out speech development milestones: Speech Pathology Australia Remember to subscribe and share this episode with other parents who might find it helpful!

This episode chats about mens health and wellness and where to start if you're wanting to have a quick health check in.

This week's episode continues the discussion how to start getting your child ready for prep.

This week's episode discusses how to start getting your child ready for prep.

This week's episodes chats about general sickness, and viral illnesses. We also discuss what illnesses that may or may not need antibiotics.

In this week's episode Rebecca Bradshaw discusses how to safely visit a newborn baby.

Today we discuss sleep habits and hygiene from babies to grandparents! 

Today we talk about how to find Micro Moments each day to "fill your cup" and find joy in your every day.

Here we chat about how your baby moves and grooves... from big movements like crawling, walking and running to smaller also important moves like feeding themselves and doing up buttons.

Today I chat with 2 Blokes Chatting Radio about sun safety, how its changed over the years. Why its important to get yearly skin checks at all ages and some red flags that might surprise you!

Rebecca emphasizes the importance of early speech development, starting right from the womb. Discover the enchanting ways parents and grandparents can kickstart communication skills with the tiniest members of the family. Spoiler alert: They can hear your tunes from inside the womb! 🤰🎶