Some women choose to labour in hospital, others feel they arrive there through the course of their care. If you find yourself in a delivery suite or labour ward for your birth, this episode aims to help you feel the most comfortable and prepared to be there.

I’m speaking to Lily Yuula, a midwife who specialises in holistic care in a hospital setting, about what your expectations should be on a ward, what is in your control, and how you can make your birthing experience a positive one.

Find out more about Lily at www.yuula.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @yuulaofficial

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

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Why is so much importance placed on how much you weigh in pregnancy? Is a mother with over 30 BMI really at a high risk of complications in birth?

This week, I’m speaking to Alice Keely, the Heavyweight Midwife, about the stigma attached to plus size parents, what to expect in pregnancy and labour if you’ve been labelled high risk, and how to approach interactions with healthcare professionals so that you feel more cared for and in control.

Find more from Alice at www.theheavyweightmidwife.com

Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/HealthyPregnancyAtAnySize

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

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This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

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Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

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Our culture surrounds us with pressure to look a certain way and be a certain way, and no more so than after pregnancy. The focus on whether you ‘bounce back’ after birth can be overwhelming. 

My guest this week challenges us instead to focus on postnatal rehab, functional movement and enjoyment. Hollie Grant is a Pilates PT and founder of The Bump Plan. Together we talk about when you can start moving your body after birth, where to start if it’s been a while, and what to look out for in your body to ensure that you don’t go too far too quickly.

Find out more at www.thebumpplan.com
Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram @thebumpplan and Hollie @thepilatespt

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

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Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

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If you’re a regular listener to the show, or you’ve done a Birth-ed course, you’ll know that I really value breathwork in labour, but I hadn’t realised the calm that breathwork can bring to pregnancy until I read today’s guest’s book. 

This week I’m talking to Carolyn Cowan, embodied psychotherapist, yoga teacher and author of Breathing for Pregnancy. Carolyn explains why and how conscious breathing works, gives a short breathwork demonstration and shows how to integrate the practice into your life.

Find more from Carolyn at www.carolyncowan.com
Buy Breathing for Pregnancy, by Carolyn Cowan from Penguin, in all good bookshops.

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

Cheeky Wipes

• Check out the range at www.cheekywipes.com and use the code birthed15, for a 15 cent discount across the range.

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Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

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C-section recovery is one of those subjects that is rarely mentioned before you experience it. So this week, I’ve got together with Clare Bourne, a pelvic health physiotherapist, to talk you through what you need to know to recover well. We cover everything from how to get out of bed in those first few hours, to exercise, to long term recovery and scar massage. 

For more information on Caesarean Sections, see Season 2 Episode 6 - Caesarean Birth with Consultant Obstetrician, Florence Wilcock

Find out more about Clare and her services at www.clare-bourne.com

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-postnatal to access:

• Free Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop
• Free Online Postnatal Returning to Exercise Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Postnatal 

POSTNATAL PLAN: A physio-approved program designed by Hollie Grant while she was postnatal, creating a unique and trustworthy experience for new mothers. This plan includes real-time responsive workouts for holistic recovery and fitness, with 24/7 access to resources and community support. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 for an annual membership, including a 7-day free trial.

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Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

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This episode is essential listening if you’re trying to decide whether to labour in a birth centre or midwife-led unit.

I’m exploring everything birth centres, with my friend, midwife, Issy Bourton. 

Issy and I look at what a birth centre/midwife-led unit is, how your experience there can differ from a hospital birth, what you can expect to happen during your labour, how to request a birth centre labour if you are not low risk, and transferring to a labour ward.

For more information about speaking to your consultant midwife about out of guidelines care plans see Series 1 Episode 12 Birthing Outside of Guidelines with Guest, Midwife Rebecca Savage

You can follow Issy on Instagram @issythemidwife

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access:

• Free 45 minute Pregnancy Workout
• Free Online Active Pregnancy Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Pregnancy

PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial.

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Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

Support the Show.

Many parents feel that they have to pick a side on the feeding debate - breast or bottle. But the reality is that often families find themselves a compromise, whether that is adding an occasional bottle to their routine, or switching to formula during the day, and breastfeeds when mum gets home from work. Despite this, information about how to go about mixed or combination feeding has been scarce, until now. My guest this week, Lucy Ruddle IBCLC, is author of a guide to mixed feeding, Mixed Up, which guides you through all you need to know.

In our conversation, we touch on why you might want to mixed feed, we cut through the marketing to what you actually need to buy, and we talk about the emotional journey that many parents face when they can’t meet their infant feeding goals.

Find more from Lucy, including details of her four books at www.lucyruddle.co.uk

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-postnatal to access:

• Free Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop
• Free Online Postnatal Returning to Exercise Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Postnatal 

POSTNATAL PLAN: A physio-approved program designed by Hollie Grant while she was postnatal, creating a unique and trustworthy experience for new mothers. This plan includes real-time responsive workouts for holistic recovery and fitness, with 24/7 access to resources and community support. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 for an annual membership, including a 7-day free trial.

_____________________________

Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

Support the Show.

With social media platforms increasingly censoring candid images of birth and women’s bodies, I got together this week with The Naked Doula, Emma Armstrong, to talk about why we need to see real women’s experiences online. Our wide-ranging chat touches on using the correct words for female anatomy in schools, how we set realistic expectations for birth, and how reconnecting with your body through periods, birth and the menopause is truly empowering.

Emma Armstrong is a mother, a birth coach and a talented illustrator. Her new book, The Fearless Birth Book, can be found on her website www.thenakeddoula.com

You can share your views and experiences of censorship of women's bodies on social media as part of the CensHERship campaign here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef_zhCZBkjLfIr46XkedZ2vSu6JtF5I_XVl33Lm4yQdWNFVQ/viewform

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access:

• Free 45 minute Pregnancy Workout
• Free Online Active Pregnancy Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Pregnancy

PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial.

_____________________________

Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

Support the Show.

Continuous Foetal Monitoring can be uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing or misleading, but there’s plenty of evidence for its use, right? That’s the question Dr. Kirsten Small set out to answer after her long career in obstetrics. Her research led her to question everything about trace monitoring, from the case for low and high risk differentials to how centralised monitoring changes care in the birth room.

In this episode, I’m speaking to Kirsten about her findings, and how you can make an informed choice about whether to use CTG monitoring during your birth.

Kirsten Small is a retired specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, working as an educator, writer, and researcher.

Her vision is to promote and protect respectful maternity care for women, babies, families, and their care providers through education and research. 
She is a feminist and is critical of the patriarchal values embedded within healthcare systems, and particularly within obstetrics and gynaecology. 

Kirsten is mother to two lovely grown up people. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s probably reading, sewing, gardening, or cooking. 

Find more from Kirsten on her blog - www.birthsmalltalk.com or follow her on Instagram, Facebook or X @birthsmalltalk

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access:

• Free 45 minute Pregnancy Workout
• Free Online Active Pregnancy Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Pregnancy

PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial.

_____________________________

Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

Support the Show.

The Birth-ed Method is finally here. 

After years of supporting 10,000s of families preparing for their births using hypnobirthing, it’s time for birth-ed to wave that chapter goodbye, and introduce- The Birth-ed Method.

The 4 pillars of the Birth-ed Method, Mind, Body, Choices & Communication provide you with a deep & holistic preparation for birth and early parenthood. 

There’s no point in knowing your choices, if you don’t feel confident enough to communicate what you want. Understanding how your body works in labour is useless, if you don’t have the mindset techniques to manage what you’re feeling.. These 4 pillars of birth & parenting preparation are essential to achieving a positive and satisfying birth & early postnatal experience, skip one, as many antenatal courses do, and the whole preparation falls apart. 

Bringing together a decade’s worth of working in maternity care supporting 1000s of families across the Globe, The Birth-ed Method is EVERYTHING you need to prepare for an empowered, satisfying and supported birth & postpartum on YOUR terms.

In this episode we explore what the birth-ed method is, why I’ve made the change and how it can help you.

Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can!

______________________

This episode is sponsored by

iCandy

• Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!
• Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!

https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld

https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/

The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access:

• Free 45 minute Pregnancy Workout
• Free Online Active Pregnancy Masterclass
• An exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Pregnancy

PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial.

_____________________________

Hear More from Birth-ed

Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2

Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/

Support the Show.

Modern Maternity Care has a tendency to separate conception, pregnancy, birth, feeding & parenting. But there is a thread that runs from one through to another. The choices you make and experiences you have during and prior to birth have a direct impact on your postnatal experience.

In this episode, we join the dots. What can we do or consider now, ahead of birth, to prepare for the 'fourth trimester' and beyond?

An important aspect of the new Birth-ed Method, start here to get yourself thinking about how you can parent your baby, your way.

Support the Show.

Decision making is a guaranteed part of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. But it can feel like a massive responsibility when you're not really sure where to start. It's often much easier to just 'do as you're told.. often, you don't even realise you've GOT a choice in the first place.

This episode is one you can come back to, time and time again, any time you're feeling stuck, any time you're facing a big decision.. And use it to guide you to make confident choices that feel right for you, your baby and your circumstances.

Support the Show.

I was once told that we should only be sharing with women 'positive birth stories'.. But as the years have gone by, I've supported 10,000s of families in their birth prep, I realised that perhaps it's not quite that simple.

Dive with me into the nuances of this conversation, discover how to use birth stories as a way of deepening your understanding of birth, building your confidence and helping you to make choices for your own experience. Consider the clarity, processing and freedom sharing your birth story can bring you.

And find out a little more about how Birth Stories form part of The Birth-ed Method.

Follow me on Instagram here

Support the Show.

BIG NEWS.

I'm expecting!

Expecting a NEW SEASON of The Birth-ed Podcast (and hey, did you spot the new look?)

A season that once again dives deep into the things you'd expect to learn in your antenatal appointments.. but don't! C-section recovery, fetal monitoring, mixed feeding, hospital birth.. there's so much incoming and it's going to be GOOD.

Launching with a MINI series on Monday 22nd April and Season 4 launching proper on Friday 26th.. make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss a thing.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here 

Support the Show.

 It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about birth plans.. let's explore together-

• Can you really plan for birth?
• Why bother?
• What to include?
• How to write one?
• What to do with it?

Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can!

______________________

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List

Start your list with Little List today!



Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
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It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about pain in birth.. let's explore together-

• What causes pain in labour?
• What does birth feel like?
• What is the purpose of pain in birth?
• Why most conversations about pain relief have got totally the wrong angle!
• Which elements of this are within our control?

Everything you need to know, before you can even start considering what sort of pain relief options you might like to use in labour.

Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can!

______________________

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List and Hot Tea Mama

Start your list with Little List today!

Get 10% off Hot Tea Mama withe the code HOTTEA10


Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
_____________________________

Support the Show.

In today's episode, Psychotherapist, Author and Mother of 3 Anna Mathur & I discuss all things postnatal mental health. Whether you are currently pregnant and getting prepared for what to expect postnatally, or you're in the depths of the early days of motherhood, there's heartwarming chat, practical tools and tons of helpful info to takeaway from this conversation. In this episode we explore:

• The normal ups and downs of emotions in the first year
• Recognising when what are feeling isn't 'normal'
• The Baby Blues & postnatal hormones
• Practical tools and techniques to protect our emotional health postnatally
• Things to consider during pregnancy
• Perfectionism, Control, Identity & 'Type A' personalities
• The art of surrender
• Where to seek more support/therapy

Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can!

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Anna Mathur, physchotherapist, author, podcast host & mum who is widely celebrated for her accessible mental health advice and the light-bulb moments she offers across her platforms, including her Instagram page, incredibly popular podcast ‘The Therapy Edit’ and five-star rated online courses on Reframing Anxiety, People Pleasing and Self-Worth.

Instagram @Annamathur
Anna's website
Shop Anna's books

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BACP Website

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List and Hot Tea Mama

Start your list with Little List today!

Get 10% off Hot Tea Mama withe the code HOTTEA10

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
_____________________________

Support the Show.

In today's episode, Osteopath Laura Tilson & I share a little insight into the practice of Osteopathy. Something you may have heard recommended for pregnancy or for your baby. In this episode we explore:

• What actually IS Osteopathy?
• What happens in an appt
• Difference between Osteo, physiotherapy & chiropractic
• Pregnancy Pelvic Pain (What causes it, how to treat it)
• Cranial Osteopathy for the newborn
• Reflux & causes in infants
• The benefits of finding a problem's root cause vs covering up the symptoms.

Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can!

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Laura Tilson and her team work from clinics in South West London and Surrey. You can book or learn more by visiting www.LTosteo.co.uk and signing up for her Mum and Baby Newsletter.  

 Instagram and Facebook @lauratilsonosteopathy  

 To learn more about Osteopathy in general or find an Osteopath closer to you please visit the General Osteopathic Council’s website and search the register: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/register-search/ .  

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SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Start your list with Little List today!

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies


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Pregnancy Sickness is often a welcome and exciting sign of early pregnancy. But knowing what is 'normal' and what's NOT can be hard to navigate. 

In today's episode I am joined by Dr Caitlin Dean, Nurse Specialist Researcher into HG & Chairperson of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support. Caitlin & I have worked together on many contexts over the years and this topic is one very close to my heart, having suffered with HG twice myself.

In this episode we explore:

• What's the difference between 'morning sickness' and 'hyperemesis' 
• What treatments & medication are available & their safety
• What are some of the common side effects of HG or the medications used to treat it.
• The common barriers to care 
• How to advocate for yourself/your partner
• Where to turn to for support
• How HG impact mental health
• How to prepare for a second HG pregnancy

Do share with anyone that you need to understand what your pregnancy sickness experience was like!

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Caitlin Dean & Pregnancy Sickness Support Links

Website: https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spewingmummy
PSS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pregnancysicknesssupport/

______________________________________________

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Start your list with Little List today!

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
_____________________________

Support the Show.

Having a baby is one of the most transformative moments in anyone's lives, and this can go on to have a huge impact on our relationships, especially romantic relationships!

In today's episode I am joined by Dr Jenna Brough, perinatal clinical psychologist, specialising in supporting people through the perinatal period. 

We explore:

• Preparing for the impact that new parenthood might have on your relationship
• How the landscape in which we are parenting impacts our relationships
• Traditional gender roles 
• How parenthood impacts intimacy 
• Communication and how to improve it
• Love Languages
• Birth trauma and it's impact on relationships

NB: Some (not all) of this conversation focuses on a hetrosexual (Male & Female/ Dad & Mum) partnership, in order to explore some of the traditional gender roles and sexism that impact romantic heterosexual relationships. Of course not all families will be 2 parent or heterosexual, hopefully still lots here that anyone in a relationship with their child's other parent can take away!

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Dr Jenna Brough Links

Website: https://www.drjennapsychologist.com/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uZ30WckY4PRlMUuxQ7XRw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenna.psychologist/

______________________________________________

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Start your list with Little List today!

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
_____________________________

Support the show

Support the Show.

Vaginal Examinations, par for the course of giving birth.. or something you have a choice over?

In today’s episode I am joined by Emma Ashworth. Emma is Birth Rights consultant, a retired doula & breastfeeding counsellor, former Trustee of AIMS (The Association of Improvement for the Maternity Services), Maternity Rights Activist, Author of ‘The AIMS Guide to your rights in pregnancy and birth, 'The AIMS guide to giving birth to your placenta'; and co author of 'The AIMS Guide to Safety in Childbirth'. 

In todays episode we explore:

• What are vaginal examinations?
• What helpful information do they give us?
• What risks do they have?
• What are your rights when it comes to declining them?
• How do you decline them?

Essential listening for anyone planning a vaginal birth.

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Emma Ashworth Links

Books: https://shop.aims.org.uk/products/aims-guide-to-your-rights-in-pregnancy-birth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_ashworth_birth_rights/?hl=en-gb

______________________________________________

SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
_____________________________

Support the show

Support the Show.

If you are hoping to breastfeed your baby, it's really important to prepare yourself for what to expect.

In this episode I am joined by Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife, Shaheda Khan. Shaheda provides one to one support in person and online and offers tons of free support via her website and social media ‘Mother Shaheda’.

In this episode, Shaheda and I explore:

• What can you do to prepare for breastfeeding?
• How can you get breastfeeding off to a good start?
• The politics, culture and systems that undermine breastfeeding in a modern world.
• Normal infant feeding behaviour
• How birth impacts the feeding journey.

Whilst there are many ways you may choose to or need to feed your baby, for the sake of being able to provide focusses info, this episode makes the assumption you are exploring the idea of or hoping to breastfeed your baby.

Worth listening to ahead of or during pregnancy or to find answers to your feeding difficulties further along the line.

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Shaheda Links

Website https://www.mothershaheda.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mother.shaheda/

Global Health Media: Breastfeeding videos

https://globalhealthmedia.org/topic/breastfeeding/

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SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies


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Matresence is the period of growth and transition in the early years in becoming a mother. Whilst turmoil and identity shifts are expected in 'adolescence', it's only recently that such shifts have been recognised and validated in our becoming of a mother too. 

In this episode I am joined by Zoe Blaskey, transformational coach, founder of Motherkind and host of The Motherkind Podcast. 

In this episode, Zoe and I explore:

• What is matresence, what causes it and how long does it last?
• What can we do to support ourselves through these enormous shifts in identity.
• Is there anything that we can do in preparation, before becoming a mother?

Worth listening to whether you're pregnant and this period of your life is fast approaching, or you're right in the throes of it, with young children at home.

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Zoe Blaskey Links

Motherkind Website

Follow Zoe on Instagram

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SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children

Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama

Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music
Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
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Support the Show.

If you're pregnant after a previous caesarean birth, you might be starting to explore your options for birth this time around.

In this episode I am joined by midwife Dr Hazel Keedle who specialises in supporting birth after caesarean choices.

This episode focuses on vaginal birth after a caesarean, complimented by S2E6- episode on caesarean birth, including planned repeat caesarean birth.

In this episode we look at-

• The statistics and research around the safety of vaginal birth after a caesarean
• How to make choices and advocate for yourself
• Your wider options including birth place, monitoring etc.
• How to maximise the chances of a VBAC
• The importance of emotional safety and value of experience

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Dr Hazel Keedle Links

• 'Birth After a Caesarean' Book
• Follow Hazel on Instagram

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SPONSORS

This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and OR Collective

Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama

Use code BIRTHED50 for 50% off your first month with OR Collective

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Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
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Support the Show.

We talk a lot about decision making for birth- Where might you choose to birth your baby? Do you want an epidural? Should you have an induction? etc etc.. but the decision making (and the impact of those decisions) actually starts MUCH earlier on in pregnancy.

This week I am exploring all of this with friend and community midwife Laura Green, whose approach to informed choice, birth education and advocacy makes my heart sing! She brings a brilliant insight and balance to this conversation through her experiences both working inside the maternity system and supporting families privately outside of the NHS- always centring women and families at the heart of her care. It is a conversation steeped in warmth, evidence, nuance and honesty- everything I love a 'bit of' here at birth-ed!

In this week's episode we chat about:

- What's going on in maternity services and how is this impacting rates of intervention?
- What are the common things in pregnancy that might affect our birth experience? (Screening for Gestational Diabetes, Low PAPP A, Routine Scans, Growth Scans etc)
- How to navigate these decisions in pregnancy and understand the longer possible impact of these decisions.
- How to advocate for yourself once your decision has been made.

This episode is worth listening AS EARLY ON in pregnancy as you can. Though even if you're due soon or have had your baby, it will hopefully give you some perspective on your experiences so far.

So, set aside an hour, grab a pen and paper if you can, and enjoy!

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Laura Green Links

Laura's  Website

Follow Laura on Instagram

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This episode is sponsored by OR Collective. For 50% OFF your first month's subscription, use the code BIRTHED50 at the checkout.  Sign up here

Join the Birth-ed Online Course
Join the BUMP CLUB FREE
Follow us on Instagram
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Support the Show.