Meet Liz Lush, Women’s Health Physio and Birth Educator. Liz is the next introduction in a series of inspirational women living lives that they love. Enjoy x
Q1 – Tell us a bit about your job?
I have the best job in the world, I get to work with expectant parents and mothers and babies, strengthening their bodies and encouraging them in their precious roles. I’m a women’s health/ pelvic floor physiotherapist, a Pilates instructor and Childbirth Educator. Teaming up with Lisa at Mummy & Co has been magic. She invests so much delight in people and I love the caring attitude of the business.
Q2 What does a typical day look like?
I’m sure I won’t be the first person to say that I don’t have typical days, every day is a ‘fly by the seat of the pants thriller’ to care for family and for patients.
However most days include a morning juggle of kid’s lunch boxes (with dietary restrictions), before school training or musical endeavours, a couple of morning school runs, Mums and Bubs Pilates, patients with a mix of pregnancy or birth related pains and injuries, pelvic floor rehabilitation and sexual health and then after school music, homework wars, dinner and then often there is something on at night
Q3 – Who would you choose as your Mentor in life or professionally and why do they inspire you?
I don’t have to choose, my mentor in life is my mum. She raised five kids in extraordinary circumstances, inspired us to cherish each other and she was a Domestic Violence counsellor. Mum taught me that to love babies, you need to love their mothers. On the professional side, one of the physios I worked for in my early years in private practice was a life changer. His clear thinking and thorough approach whet my love for the ‘detective side’ of physiotherapy. He has gone on to dizzying heights, including becoming Australia’s first forensic physio. Though, if I could teleport myself anywhere and lap up professional knowledge, I would spend a year with world renowned obstetrician and researcher Michael Odent.
Q4 – Do you routinely take time out (for yourself) to rejuvenate or practice some form of self-care?
Haha the best question! Do I routinely take time out. Yes, though with four kids, sometimes the routine has wide gaps! My husband and I try to get up before the kids and spend 30 minutes together praying for our families and friends, or before we get stuck on devices at night time try and take that intentional time together. For both of us, the best self care is building our friendship and intimacy as a couple. The deliriously happy picture of me is our recent night away in Maleny. My personal soul food is a good book, though mental health requires regular exercise for me!
Q5 Advice to my younger self?
“I love you, warts and all. Don’t try and hold it together, accept the love your friends and husband want to give you”
Q6 Last Google search I did?
What’s the difference between preservation and conservation?
Q7 Favourite eats?
So many! Two that spring to mind are: freshly picked and cooked corn on the cob from the garden dripping with butter and pepper, and, the sand crab lasagne at Bardon’s Lutece is worth an annual pilgrimage!!
Q8 – Next holiday coming up?
(That) is our biennial family reunion. My mother’s hard work paid off, we all can’t wait to spend time together. My parents, the five of us siblings and all our spouses and kids crammed into a massive house in Hat Head ready for a week of fabulous beachside fun and delicious food.
Q9 – Book or music recommendations?
Too many! Though last year I finally read the classic “Cry the Beloved Country” by Alan Paton, and apart from sobbing, my soul said ‘yes, this is the story that speaks the true song, the story of mercy and humility and the costly song of love’.
Q10 – Any exciting plans in store for 2016?
Yes, growing our Active Birth Workshops for the business, and starting Storytime Pilates – linking kids body awareness, body regulation and literacy skills. That excites me!
Liz can be found at:
Mummy & Co
Obstetric Physiotherapy
m: 0413 254 55
