The Family Tree

Expectation vs Reality in Motherhood

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 [https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytree.podcast/] and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamilytree.podcast] to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to date Email us at thefamilytree.pod@gmail.com - we would love to hear from you!

Beyond First Words: All things speech development, dummies, reading and more!

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.au [https://www.instagram.com/jessicalibby.au/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytree.podcast/] and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamilytree.podcast] to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to date Email us at thefamilytree.pod@gmail.com - we would love to hear from you!

From Labour to Motherhood: Birth, Motherhood and Your Nervous System

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_birthcollective [https://www.instagram.com/bloom_birthcollective/#] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytree.podcast/] and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamilytree.podcast] to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to date Email us at thefamilytree.pod@gmail.com - we would love to hear from you!

All Things Daycare: Tips, Red Flags & Expert Advice

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 way Join us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytree.podcast/] and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamilytree.podcast] to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to date Email us at thefamilytree.pod@gmail.com - we would love to hear from you!

Understanding Baby Sleep: From history to what's happening in their body

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 Ball You can find more on the Possums approach @thepossumsclinic 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 [https://www.instagram.com/thefamilytree.podcast/] and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thefamilytree.podcast] to see the behind the scenes and to stay up to date Email us at thefamilytree.pod@gmail.com - we would love to hear from you!