Christie Hayes is back behind the Hit Network mic following the birth of her daughter, Marigold “Goldie”, in November last year. Returning to the show she hosts alongside Dan Taylor which airs across Tasmania and regional Victoria, Christie said she was “so glad to be back” and thanked Hit Workday announcer Issy Roldan, who filled in during her maternity leave.
Christie brought Goldie into work and used her return to discuss the realities of motherhood as a working parent. she has been open with listeners about her fertility journey and IVF struggles.
This month Dan & Christie are raising awareness and funds for Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) through the national Walk for Autism campaign. Inspired by Christie’s 11-year-old son Hendrix (“Hendy”), who is Level 3 autistic and has limited speech, the show will spotlight stories from families, carers and advocates throughout May.
Christie: I’ve missed you guys – it’s so good to be back! We love our beautiful listeners. Issy did an outstanding job. It’s just so good to be back, and there’s so much for Dan and I to catch up on after six months!
Dan: We’ve got a new co-host on the show; it’s little baby Goldie!
Christie: Say hello, Goldie! Little baby Goldie is in studio… I know she’s not saying much, sorry everyone (laughs). She’s only five months! Hubby Justin has to work this morning, so Goldie has come to work with me today.
Dan: She can anchor our show if she likes and press the panel buttons…
Christie: There you go sweetheart; we have a job for you (laughs)! It’s a funny thing, isn’t it, balancing motherhood or fatherhood with work? I was a little bit stressed thinking I was going to have to breastfeed her at some point today. I was like, ‘Why am I stressed about that?’, we’re legally allowed to do it, encouraged to do it, and of course, Dan is my best friend in the world and makes me feel comfortable. So, I was like, why am I worried about that? I think that needs to be reminded and reiterated: for a new Mum, don’t worry about it! It’s the most normal thing on the planet.
Dan: A fed child is better than a screaming child, so feed your child! There is nothing wrong with it. You’re a mother. It’s about comfort, connection, and love; you’ve just got to look after your child.
Christie: Women have been screaming this for years! So, it’s good to hear a man say that to make us feel more comfortable. There are wonderful guys out there that understand that. It’s so important to create that environment for returning Mums to the workplace from maternity leave and creating an environment where you’re comfortable balancing both. We need to normalise breastfeeding at work.
Listen to Dan & Christie across Tasmania and Regional Victoria on the Hit Network from 6-9am weekdays and also on LiSTNR.
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