About Hyperemesis Australia

Hyperemesis Australia is a nation-wide charitable organisation focussed on supporting sufferers of pregnancy sickness, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is an under-diagnosed and misunderstood condition and it is our mission to change this. No one should have to suffer in silence or receive inadequate care and we are here to support you during this difficult time.

We are committed to raising awareness of both Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) within the public, media and health care professionals as well as fostering understanding of the conditions and their impacts.

We are advocates for ongoing research into the condition, its causes and better treatment options. We also seek an increase in community support for women with NVP and HG, as well as the funding of hospitals for day clinics and the education of their staff.

This website and our associated resources are designed to be a valuable support to anyone suffering from NVP and HG. We hope to be the first port of call for sufferers and caregivers following the onset of symptoms in initial HG pregnancies, or when the decision is made to pursue a subsequent pregnancy post-HG.

Meet our people

Hyperemesis Australia was founded in 2018 by HG survivor Caitlin Kay-Smith, after enduring a grueling eight months of living with severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum in her first pregnancy.

Yanika Flynn, founder of biglittlethings and biglittlegifting, has been a fierce and proactive advocate for pregnancy sickness sufferers, since experiencing HG during her first pregnancy in 2018. She has supported Hyperemesis Australia since its inception and officially joined the board in 2023.

Both Caitlin and Yanika have personally encountered the widespread ignorance surrounding the treatment of these conditions, along with a noticeable absence of compassion and understanding for those affected. They've bravely confronted the anxieties and doubts that arise when considering expanding their families while grappling with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). In the face of invalidation, inadequate education, and dismissive attitudes from professionals, they've tirelessly advocated for themselves and their loved ones.

This organisation was born out of a desire to create meaningful and practical change for the many Australian families affected by these dreadful conditions each year.

You are not alone.

  • You, Me & HG podcast

    Hyperemesis Australia produces You, Me & HG, a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of pregnancy sickness survivors. Hosted by Caitlin Kay-Smith and Yanika Flynn, You, Me & HG combats the loneliness and isolation experienced by HG sufferers by sharing survivor stories, practical tips, and valuable resources. It serves as an essential resource for sufferers, survivors, and anyone seeking insight into the challenges of a sick pregnancy. Join us for an empowering journey through the world of HG.

    Listen here

  • International HG Awareness Day

    Every year on May 15 the international HG community comes together to mark International Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day. It’s a chance for sufferers and survivors from around the globe to come together, share our stories and take the time to honour our collective strength and shared trauma.

    If you are interested in fundraising for International HG Awareness Day, providing education in a clinical setting, or producing a piece of news media about the day please get in touch.

  • Donate to Hyperemesis Australia

    Hyperemesis Australia, a grassroots non-profit, thrives on the kindness of our community. Your support fuels our vital mission, enabling us to advocate for and support sufferers while catalysing change within the healthcare system. Whether HG has touched your life, or if pregnancy health resonates deeply with you, consider backing our cause financially. Join us in making a difference today.

    Donate here

Media Enquiries

If you are a journalist, writer, podcaster, blogger or anyone else in the media and you would like to speak to Caitlin Kay-Smith about these conditions or the work of Hyperemesis Australia please send her an email by clicking the button below.