I recently sat down with Heidi, founder of The First Aid Nest, to record an episode of her podcast.
About The First Aid Nest
Heidi has worked as a paediatric nurse for more than 25 years, specialising in childhood allergies. Through The First Aid Nest, she delivers first aid courses and offers real time allergy support for parents, as well as feeding and weaning memberships. These programs are designed to help parents confidently introduce foods — including common allergens — and to support families navigating diagnosed allergies.
What we discussed on the podcast
Our asthma and allergy journey
From a very young age, my son experienced breathing difficulties whenever he caught a virus. Many visits to The Royal Children’s Hospital became part of our reality, along with inhalers and steroid treatment. Carrying asthma medications wherever we went quickly became non-negotiable.
In addition, at age six, he was diagnosed with walnut and pecan allergies after reacting when eating a walnut cake while we were dining out. I share the shock of that moment and the confirmation through specialist testing, including a 20mm skin prick test reaction.
Life as an allergy family
An allergy diagnosis changes you. Eating out and travelling are no longer carefree; there’s always an added layer of awareness. But we’ve learned that preparation is empowering. We still travel and dine out — we just plan, ask questions and stay ready with all our medications safely organised in our Med Ready Bag.
The My Med Pouch story
I also share how, as a burnt-out lawyer post-COVID, I felt called to create something meaningful. After completing a short course created by Mia Freedman of Mamamia, her advice to build something you’re passionate about resonated deeply. I realised I was already living the problem — carrying a medical bag everywhere, yet never finding one that truly worked. So I designed my own. That’s how My Med Pouch began. If you want to take a closer look at what I have created you can check out the Med Ready Bag HERE.
Or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
I hope you enjoy listening to our story.
