Mamastay Healthy, The science behind parenthood with Mariella

We talked about this topic so much that we had to split it in 3 parts. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, this is an episode where Federica shared the latest evidence base and statistics about home birth. When someone says they’re considering a home birth, the response is often immediate: “But isn’t that dangerous?” In this episode of the Mama...

Why Yoga & Mindset Matter for Labour: The Science Behind Calm Birth PreparationIn this solo episode of the Mama Stay Healthy podcast, host Mariella, a pregnancy and postnatal yoga instructor, former NICU nurse, and postnatal transition coach, debunks the myth that yoga, breathwork, and mindset are just “nice extras” for birth. She shares research from systematic reviews and meta-analyses sugge...

In this episode Mariella  is joined by Elo, founder of Luminara, a forthcoming digital platform designed to support and advocate for mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. In this episode Mariella and Elo challenge the myth that postpartum is only about the baby, emphasizing the importance of the mother’s identity, emotional wellbeing, and mental health, and how these directly influence a ba...

Do New Mums Need New Friends? Postpartum Circles, Matrescence, and Building Your Village with Village MamaOn the Mama Stay Healthy podcast, Mariella is joined by Charlotte, an ex-trauma nurse and founder of Village Mama in Southwest London, to bust the myth that you don’t need new friends after having a baby. Charlotte shares her own journey into motherhood and early postpartum.. They discuss matr...

Pregnancy nutrition can feel like a minefield: “eat this,” “avoid that,” “don’t drink this,” “you need double the calories,” “exercise is risky”…But how much of this advice is actually true? In this episode, Mariella sits down with Francesca , a GP trainee with a passion for evidence-based women’s health, to debunk some of the biggest pregnancy myths around food, supplements, caffeine, and movemen...

​​Postpartum psychosis is not as rare as everyone thinks, it is a misunderstood, and often hidden mental health condition, yet it is a medical emergency that can affect any new mother. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Mariella, NICU nurse, pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach, is joined by Aaisha Alvi , author, advocate, and survivor of postpartum psychos...

When people hear “hypnobirthing,” they often imagine something airy or alternative , all about deep breathing and wishful thinking. But what if the real power of hypnobirthing lies in science, mindset, and informed preparation ? In this episode, Mariella sits down with Stephanie , founder of Calm Parents, Calm Birth , to unpack the myths and reveal the evidence-based benefits behind mindful hypnob...

Many parents enter pregnancy believing that once labour begins decisions are no longer theirs to make, especially if it’s an hospital birth. But the truth is: you always have rights in birth . In this episode, Mariella is joined by Lisa Harris , an experienced doula and passionate birth advocate, to bust common myths around consent, choice, and autonomy in maternity care. Together, they explore: W...

Most people assume intimacy naturally falls back into place after having a baby, but for so many parents, that couldn’t be further from the truth. From physical recovery to emotional overload to identity shifts, postpartum intimacy requires rebuilding . In this deeply validating episode, Mariella is joined by Kidy , postpartum coach and founder of Bump2Baby Coaching , who supports mothers through...

There’s a common belief floating around that hospital birth automatically means surrendering your choices, that once you walk through those doors, birth just “happens to you.” But is that really true? Or can you create an empowered, informed, deeply supported birth even within the hospital system ? In this powerful episode, Mariella sits down with Mitsuzi Green , Labour & Delivery nurse, doula...

In this special bonus episode, Mariella, a NICU Nurse, Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga Teacher, and Postnatal Transition Coach, shines a compassionate light on a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply needed:  men’s mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period . While birthing people are often the focus of support, fathers and partners face their own emotional struggles, often in sile...

Motherhood changes everything—but it doesn’t erase you. In this season finale, Mariella—NICU nurse, yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach—challenges the idea that women should disappear into motherhood. She explores the emotional, mental, and physical identity shifts that happen after birth, and how movement and mindful self-connection can help you feel more like yourself again. You’ll lear...

Breastfeeding is often described as “natural”—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy, intuitive, or effortless. In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, postnatal transition coach, and yoga teacher—explores the truth behind this well-meaning myth. You’ll learn how posture, breath, stress, and physical tension can all impact your breastfeeding experience. Mariella also guides you through a short, calm...

In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified postnatal yoga teacher, and transition consultant—breaks down the real science behind postnatal leaking. You’ll learn why pelvic floor issues aren’t just about weak muscles, why breath is a foundational tool for healing, and how yoga supports recovery from the inside out. She also guides you through a gentle breath practice to reconnect with your pel...

Is it really too soon to move after birth—or is there a gentle, supportive way to begin reconnecting with your body? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified postnatal yoga teacher, and transition consultant—explores how mindful movement can begin earlier than you might think. She explains why rest and movement aren’t opposites, how breath plays a key role in recovery, and guides you throug...

What happens when the nurse becomes the parent? In this powerful conversation for NICU Awareness Month, Mariella is joined by Sam, a mum, a friend and a colleague from the NICU nursing days.  Sam’s own baby was born with a genetic condition and needed intensive care. Together, they explore what it’s like to stand on both sides of the NICU doors—caring for families as a professional, then experienc...

Is postnatal recovery really complete at 6 weeks? Or is this just another myth rooted in unrealistic expectations and outdated milestones? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified postnatal yoga teacher, and transition consultant—debunks the “bounce-back” narrative and offers a more compassionate, evidence-informed view of healing after birth. She shares what’s really happening in the body...

The NICU is a place most parents never expect to find themselves—but it’s where some of the most powerful stories of resilience, courage, and love unfold. In this special bonus episode for NICU Awareness Month, Mariella—former NICU nurse, yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach—shares what life inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit looks like from a nurse’s perspective. She talks about the...

Is pain just part of the deal when it comes to birth? Or is there a more empowering, science-informed way to think about labor? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified pregnancy yoga teacher, and postnatal transitional coach—reframes the narrative around pain in birth. She explains the difference between pain and intensity, the physiology of labor, and how your breath, mindset, and movemen...

Does a “strong core” mean you’re ready for birth? Or is this just another myth rooted in outdated fitness advice? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified pregnancy yoga teacher, and postnatal transitional coach—reframes the idea of core strength in pregnancy. She explains the true function of the deep core system, the importance of breath and pelvic floor synergy, and why tightness doesn’t...

Is birth something that just happens to you? Or can you actually prepare your body and mind to meet labor with more confidence, ease, and strength? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified pregnancy yoga teacher, and postnatal transitional coach—challenges the passive birth narrative. She shares how breath, movement, positioning, and gravity can positively impact labor, and why birth prep i...

Is yoga really too risky during pregnancy? Or is this just another outdated myth that’s holding women back from feeling strong, connected, and prepared for birth? In this episode, Mariella—NICU nurse, certified pregnancy yoga teacher, and postnatal transitional coach—breaks down the fear-based advice around prenatal yoga. She shares what movements to avoid (and why), how to practice safely, and wh...

We've all heard it: "Take it easy, don’t overdo it—just rest, you're pregnant!" But is stillness really what your body needs most during pregnancy? In this first episode of The Science of Motherhood , Mariella—NICU nurse, pregnancy yoga teacher, and postnatal transitional coach—busts the myth that rest is always best. She dives into the science and benefits behind safe, intentional movement in pre...

Hosted by Mariella—NICU nurse, pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach— The Science of Motherhood is your trusted space to bust myths, move smarter, and feel truly supported from bump to beyond. Each episode blends evidence-based insights with practical tools to help you prepare for birth, navigate postpartum recovery, and reconnect with your body through every stage o...