The Family Tree

We all had ideas about the kind of mothers we’d be…the organic snacks, the slow days, the calm nervous systems, the beautifully curated lives.And then motherhood happened.In this episode, we’re unpacking the gap between expectation and reality - the things we swore we’d never do, and the mothers we’ve actually become. We chat about the pressure of societal ideals, the juggle of work and motherhood, the very real impact on our nervous systems, and how long it can take to find yourself again in it all.This is an honest conversation about letting go of perfection, setting boundaries, and intentionally creating the village.If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite the mum you imagined you’d be, this one’s for you.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own way.Join us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, NDC Accredited Practitioner and mum of two, to explore what speech development really looks like from the very beginning.We unpack the idea that communication starts long before first words, and how it’s always a two-way process between you and your baby. Jessica shares how to support speech, low pressure milestones and how to tune into your child’s cues with more confidence.We also dive into hearing and what to look out for early on, the role of dummies, the value of reading together, and simple ways to foster connection that supports communication over time.It’s a big, practical and reassuring conversation that brings the focus back to what matters most – responsive, connected relationships as the foundation for speech and language.You can find Jessica here @jessicalibby.auThe Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

In this episode, we’re joined by midwife and Calmbirth educator, Elle, to explore how understanding your nervous system can transform the way you experience labour and birth. We dive into the powerful connection between mind and body, and how learning to work with your physiology, can support a positive, grounded birth experience.We also unpack how this preparation doesn’t end at birth. The tools, awareness, and self-trust built during pregnancy can carry forward into motherhood, shaping how you respond to challenges, connect with your baby, and care for yourself in the early years.This is a conversation about tuning in, letting go of fear, and stepping into birth and motherhood - feeling informed, supported, and deeply connected to your body.You can find Elle here @bloom_birthcollectiveThe Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

This week, Bree and Jess dive into the world of daycare. From touring centres and spotting green flags to red flags and the must-ask questions, they cover everything parents need to feel confident in their choices. Jess brings her firsthand experience from working within daycare businesses, sharing practical insights and tips for integrating your child smoothly. Plus, Bree answers some of the most common questions she sees in her clinical work - helping you navigate daycare with ease and confidence.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

Join us for a deep dive into the world of baby sleep! In this episode, we explore the history of sleep practices from the early 1900s to today, unpacking how approaches have evolved over time. We break down the different sleep options - sleep training, nil intervention, and working with your baby’s biological rhythms so you can make informed choices for your family.We’ll also cover the science behind what actually controls sleep in your baby’s body and how you can support healthy sleep right from the newborn stage. Plus, we explore how feeding, sensory experiences, and motor development all fit into the sleep picture. Packed with practical tips, insights, and key takeaways, this episode is your guide to helping your baby (and you!) get better rest.The book mentioned is this chat is How Baby's Sleep by Professor Helen BallYou can find more on the Possums approach @thepossumsclinicThe Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

What do we actually do when our baby or toddler completely falls apart?In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist Brianna as we unpack what dysregulation really is and why it’s so common in little bodies. We explore the concept of sensory-motor nourishment and how unmet or overwhelmed sensory needs can leave children feeling scattered, explosive, clingy, or shut down.Rather than focusing on behaviour, we go deeper into what’s happening in the nervous system. Why does your toddler suddenly lose it? Why does your baby seem impossible to settle? And how can we shift from “fixing” to truly supporting?We talk about:What regulation actually means in babies and toddlersPractical ways to co-regulate in hard momentsHow to bring your child back toward a regulated stateWhy your own nervous system matters more than you thinkThis conversation will leave you feeling more equipped, less alone, and with a deeper understanding of what your child is really communicating in those big, messy moments.You can find Brianna's work at Access Health and Community in Victoria, AU.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

In this week’s episode, we unpack what we know from a research perspective about what truly optimises long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We explore cued care - how we come to deeply know and understand our own unique baby and why this matters so much more than one-size-fits-all advice.We break it down in a digestible, practical way, sharing key takeaways you can begin experimenting with straight away. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what makes our babies tick, how your responsiveness shapes their development, and how to support yourself in the process.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

In this week’s episode, we take you behind the scenes of the past few weeks - sharing our weeds, seeds and blooms, chatting through the never-ending laundry cycle, swapping travel hacks, and touching on screen time in real life.It’s a tangential, warm and very human conversation - the kind that reminds you you’re not doing this alone.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

In this candid conversation, Jess opens up about her journey through motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum, self-discovery and life with a partner serving in the Australian Defence Force. She reflects on the first year postpartum with both of her children, the challenges of sleep deprivation, building a supportive “village,” and learning to trust her intuition as a parent.Join us for an honest discussion about reclaiming your identity as a mother, the highs and lows of early parenting, and how to nurture yourself while nurturing your family.Trigger warnings: This episode touches on postnatal depression, pregnancy loss, and fertility challenges.Timestamps for sensitive topics are available below.15.35 - 16.45 Fertility20.10 - 23.40 and 28.15 - 32.05 Postnatal Depression38.45 - 40.02 Pregnancy LossThe Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram  and TikTok  to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

This week, Jess turns the mic toward co-host Bree for a heartfelt deep dive into her personal family tree. Together, they explore Bree’s life before children, what led her to become a mother, and her ongoing journey with both of her sons. Bree speaks openly about her blooms - the moments of growth and joy - and her weeds - the challenges that have shaped her - offering a raw, honest reflection that invites listeners to truly get to know her.The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram ⁠here⁠ and TikTok ⁠here⁠ to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!

Welcome to our first, introductory episode where Jess and Bree sit down together to talk through why The Family Tree exists and to meet the people behind the voices!The Family Tree is a podcast hosted by Jess Rooney and Bree Cosgrove - helping you grow your family your own wayJoin us on Instagram here and TikTok here to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to dateEmail us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!