When you’ve got young kids, you can be distracted on Sunday’s at church. With children pulling at your clothes, needing help on the toilet, in desperate need of their water bottle, and keen to go home, it can be hard to hold a conversation.

But what happens if you're in full-time ministry, and the congregation is relying on you to preach, or walk with them through a crisis?

In this episode we unpack one mother's experience of having four children, planting a church in another country, and the windy road that led her back to God after her own mother passed away.

Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Emma Mullings.

You can find out more about Emma's Church Plant: http://www.historymakers.church/

Also, if you want to continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod".

Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

Becoming a parent can be a bit overwhelming, especially when advice pours in from all sides.

But here's some more for you to take or leave anyway!

This episode is a collective brain dump of tips and tricks and recommendations for new and expectant mums.

We hope there's something helpful for you.

Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by the Mum's Group Community.

Subscribe to Mums' Group on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod".

Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

Giving your children the gift of siblings is a great joy. Those heart explosions when your kids are playing well together are worth all the fights you need to referee throughout the day.

But how do you foster strong sibling bonds? How do you intentionally parent kids that are at different developmental stages? Is it possible to avoid jealous or competitive rivalries?

In this episode, two mums share their experience of having multiple children – the joys, the challenges, the guilt, and their insights into how to foster a strong friendship between their kids.

Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Tahnee Appel & Kirsty Lawrenson.

Subscribe to Mums' Group on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod".

Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

Every birth is wild. As long as everyone makes it out okay, we say, that’s all that matters. And of course, in the big picture, there’s truth to that.

And yet, research tells us, birth experiences matter a great deal when it comes to how things unfold in those initial months and can be extremely triggering when a mother considers having future children.

Obviously, there's the physical damage, but the emotions that come with a traumatic birth can be just as, if not more, challenging to overcome.

In this episode, one mother shares her story of a traumatic pregnancy, birth and post-labour that she experienced with her second child, and the steps she's taking to process it all.

Trigger Warning: This episode may be triggering for anyone who has experienced a miscarriage or traumatic birth.

Visit the Gidget Foundation for resources and support if you are experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression including intrusive thoughts and feelings associated with a traumatic pregnancy, birth or post-natal period: gidgetfoundation.org.au

Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Kirsty Lawrenson.

Subscribe to Mums' Group on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod".

Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

In keeping with the season’s focus on the toddler years, in this episode, we turn our attention to the ‘P’ word – play! A big part of a toddler’s day, play allows them to be creative, learn to problem solve, share, and so much more. For parents, playing with our little ones offers us great opportunities for bonding and quality time. Though actually engaging in play can feel like anything from genuinely fun one minute to frustratingly repetitive and exhausting the next. Two mums share their experience of toddler playtime – the joys, the mess, the hacks, the guilt, and their insights into how to make the most of play for the whole family. Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Tahnee Appel & Kirsty Lawrenson. Subscribe to Mums' Group on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod". Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

Are you feeling disconnected at church? Have you stopped serving in the way you’re used to, or started missing Sunday worship all together? From the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn to the tantrums and separation anxiety with toddlers to juggling service times and naps, constant interrupted conversations and the challenges of getting to a Bible study regularly enough to feel connected. At times it can all feel too hard. In this episode, everyday mums share their experience of navigating motherhood and church life – finding a sense of belonging, purpose, and new joys in this season of Sundays – with little ones in tow. Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Katherine Francis and Kirsty Lawrenson. Subscribe to Mums' Group on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Continue the conversation on facebook - just search "mums group pod". Or send an email to mumsgrouppod@gmail.com

Raising the next generation is one of the most rewarding endeavours we can pursue in our lifetime. But the work we pour into parenting and all that it takes to make a home often isn't as obvious or measurable as in our modern workplaces. In this episode, we unpack one mother’s experience of being a full-time stay-at-home mum and all the joys and challenges that come with choosing to pursue motherhood as your sole vocation for a season. Hosted and Produced by Ally Barnes. Joined by Katherine Francis.