Clinician's Guide to the First 2000 Days

Fuelling toddler growth in our communities

This episode explores nutrition for children aged 12 months to school age, emphasising healthy growth and development. It highlights key nutritional needs and community-based supports through child health nursing. Experts discuss how parents and caregivers can access resources and guidance to foster optimal growth and wellbeing for young children, ensuring children receive the best start to life.  In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Fiona Nave and Leonie Trembath. Fiona is an Advanced Paediatric Dietitian with over 20 years' experience working with children and their families to support them towards achieving better nutrition outcomes.   Fiona currently works at Health and Wellbeing Queensland, leading on the first 2000 days. She also continues to work privately, supporting children with restricted diets. Fiona is passionate about healthy eating and regularly presents on radio or pens blogs to help increase parent confidence and knowledge in supporting kids to eat nutritious foods with enjoyment.  Leonie Trembath is the Clinical Nurse for Child Youth and Family Health currently based at South West Hospital Health Service in Charleville with outreach clinics across the Hub sector. Working across many decades Leonie has backgrounds in nursing, midwifery, child and family health lactation consultancy, continence and health promotion, working with families and services in partnership to support transitioning into parenthood and navigating varied health challenges with families.

Smiles and sounds: Toddler oral health and speech development

“Smiles and Sounds” explores speech and oral milestones from 12 months to school age, focusing on key developmental stages. Experts discuss routine milestone assessments that help identify potential issues early, offering insights into prevention and the importance of early intervention. The conversation emphasises how healthcare professionals can support children’s speech and oral health for optimal development before school.  In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Stephen Moore and Kym Dunston. Kym is a paediatric speech pathologist with over 25 years’ experience in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, supporting children with communication and literacy development, whether that be in a clinic or in homes, schools, and childcare services.   Kym’s current role in the Centre for Children’s Health and Wellbeing team involves bringing together what is known about the Social Determinants of Health and the importance of the early years to improve health equity, especially for vulnerable children. Stephen Moor is an Oral Health Therapist with over 35 years' experience working for Metro North HHS across both the Queensland Children’s Hospital at South Brisbane and the Oral Health Centre at Herston.   Stephen provides dental care to children requiring special care, including children with cleft lip and palate, cranio-facial anomalies, medically compromised children, children diagnosed with ASD and cerebral palsy.    He is passionate about promoting the importance of good oral health to prevent dental disease and provide children with a fun and inviting environment to experience positive outcomes.

Toddler and pre-school years: Growing up healthy

Childhood development in the early years is crucial for long-term health and wellbeing. This episode delves into growth milestones and the importance of early intervention. Experts discuss how primary care providers can monitor development, offer preventive care, and address concerns, ensuring timely support to promote healthy growth and development from toddlerhood to preschool.  In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Dr Nicole White and Dr Jennifer Deacon. Dr Jennifer Deacon has been a Paediatrician since 2005 and is currently a Senior staff specialist at Gold Coast University Hospital, the Paediatric Lead of Lavender Mother Baby unit, a Statewide maternal mental health unit and   Medical Lead of Children’s Hospital in the home. Jennifer has a special interest in infant and toddlers and loves working with families to improve the long-term health outcomes of the community.   Dr Nicole White is an experienced GP, providing comprehensive care to children and young people.  In addition to her clinical role, she sits as a GP representative on a number of paediatric clinical networks and is a GP Liaison officer at Children’s Health Qld. Dr Nicole is passionate about growth and development, health promotion and wellbeing of children and young people in our community.

Recovering and thriving as a new mum

This episode focuses on the health and wellbeing of new mums, exploring both physical and mental health aspects as they transition into motherhood. Discussions cover the physical recovery after birth, mental health challenges like postpartum depression, and the psychosocial changes women experience. Our experts provide insights into supporting a mum’s overall health during this transformative period.  In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Melissa Billiau and Dr Sarah Thomas. Melissa is an advanced pelvic health physiotherapist with over 12 years experience working with women’s and men’s pelvic health concerns. She is the clinical lead in a primary health clinic at Ripley Satellite Hospital supporting Specialist Outpatient Department waitlists for Gynaecology and Urology.  Dr Sarah Thomas is a Perinatal Psychiatrist, currently working at the Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane in a Consultation Liaison role, Sarah leads the Perinatal Psychiatry clinic at Catherine's House for Mothers, Babies and Families, as well as working at the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health providing psychiatric care to First Nations Women in the Birthing In Our Community program. Sarah is passionate about upskilling other healthcare professionals working in the perinatal space with mental health education.

Infant health: Growing strong

The episode delves into infant development during the first 12 months, covering key topics like breastfeeding, sleep, physical milestones, and “well baby checks”. Our experts discuss the importance of vaccinations and explore the social supports available to parents in navigating their baby’s needs.   In this episode, Dr Sam Manger speaks to Dr Mairaed Crawford and Brigitte Corcoran. Dr Mairaed Crawford is a GP at Neighbourhood Medical who has a keen interest in antenatal care, breastfeeding, and lactation support.  With a diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and an accredited provider of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mairaed brings this experience to her consults with women and families to support them wholistically as they transition to parenthood.    Brigitte is a highly experienced Paediatric Dietitian with over 28 years of expertise in paediatric nutrition. She has advanced skills in managing infants with feeding and growth challenges, as well as children with immediate and delayed-onset food allergies. Widely recognized as an authority in infant feeding, Brigitte has worked across diverse healthcare settings, including major tertiary hospitals, regional hospitals, and community health centres, both in Queensland and internationally.