Contrary to what we’re all told, hormonal contraceptives are not the only effective option for birth control. If you’ve decided to finally ditch the hormones forever, or if you’re contemplating taking the leap, you’ll still need to know how to manage your fertile window if abstinence isn’t your thing.

Contraception can be used during the learning phase of fertility awareness and charting, when you’re still learning about your body’s unique menstrual cycle, and on wonky days when you’re just not sure (they happen to everyone!).

So forget what you were told in sex ed, I’m breaking down for you the most effective contraceptive options for managing your fertile window that are 100% hormone-free.

Caffeine is the world’s most popular drug.

If you’re one of those women who can’t function until you’ve guzzled your morning cup of coffee, caffeine might be doing more to your body than just giving you a quick energy boost.

If you’re currently pregnant or preparing for pregnancy, you’ve probably heard that coffee is on the naughty list. But is this reputation deserved?

Think back to new year’s eve. The clock strikes midnight, we cheer and hug and kiss and say happy new year.

We’re already likely up past our regular bedtime, glass of champagne in our hand, and since Christmas the week before we have been eating our weight in food, drinking too much and lounging around in the Australian sun, or curled up under a blanket for those of you listening in the Northern Hemisphere.

Either way, do you really think these first few minutes of a new year are really setting you up for success when it comes to new year’s resolutions and healthy habits?

Not so much.

It’s the first week of September which means it’s Women’s Health Week in Australia. This is an event now in its 8th year and is run by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, an Australian not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving women’s health and inspiring women to take control of their health.

This year’s theme is all about Checking In on Your Health – and so in this week’s podcast episode, I’m unpacking the 3 health checks that every woman needs to know about – no matter what age you are or season of life you’re currently in.

A couple of years ago, I was a very different person to the one sitting in front of the microphone right now. I was miserable in my job, hating life and hating the person it was turning me into.I didn’t know it then, but I almost had to hit rock bottom to pick myself back up and find my purpose. And in hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing.