Squiggly Motherhood | Reflective Motherhood, Honest Stories & Intentional Parenting

I was 20 weeks pregnant with my miracle baby when I heard the words "it’s cancerous." In this conversation, Ethlyn shares the raw reality of undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy while pregnant, losing her father just days after her diagnosis, and the incredible science of how her body protected her daughter through it all. Timestamps: 00:00 The moment of diagnosis with my son in the...

I sat down with independent midwife Daisy to discuss why so many women feel traumatized by their birth experiences and how we can finally find healing. We talk about the shocking reality of modern maternity care, navigating unexpected delivery outcomes, and why true support matters much more than pain management. Connect With Me: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood * Tiktok: http...

I’m joined by NHS consultant psychiatrist Shivani to uncover your "Parenting Blueprint" and how to break unhelpful generational cycles. We explore why we often parent unconsciously, the myth of the perfect parent, and how to use reflective parenting to move from criticism to curiosity. Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood Face...

I am taking a short temporary break from Squiggly Motherhood to focus on my identity as a working mum and ensure we continue providing the high-quality content you deserve. In this episode, I’m getting vulnerable about why "life has been life-ing" and why a pause is necessary for sustainability. Key Takeaways The Identity Shift: Exploring who I am outside of being a mother and employee....

I’m joined by Maryam Javaid, founder of Black and Brown Parenting, to discuss how generational trauma and colonial history impact the way we raise our children today. In this episode, we explore why traditional "gentle parenting" often feels inaccessible to our communities and how we can begin the urgent work of breaking cycles while still honoring our ancestors. Key Takeaways:* The &quo...

I’m sharing the five essential things you must do before your first child is born to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood. Preparing for a newborn is more than just buying a crib; it’s about intentional recovery and mental health. In this episode, I dive into why you need to "invest in your postpartum" by prepping for physical recovery and managing your changing identity. I also...

Child-free by choice is an active, purposeful decision, yet I’ve found that society often treats it as a "default" failure or a phase. In this episode of Squiggly Motherhood, I’m joined by Suzie and Hannah to discuss the mental load of the "maybe," the fear of regret, and the incredible freedom found in finally saying no. Whether you’re currently on the fence or firm in your de...

Working mums  often face the daunting challenge of balancing  career success  with the high-pressure  mental load  of parenting, especially when there is  no family support  nearby. In this episode of  Squiggly Motherhood , Elizabeth Ajayi, a Director at Capgemini, explains how she navigated a major  career move  from PwC shortly after maternity leave, a decision many considered the "wrong ti...

Hey, welcome back to  Squiggly Motherhood ! Have you ever been caught off guard at a birthday party or in the middle of the grocery store when your child asks, "Mummy, why do you have that and I have this?" If that question makes you feel hot and bothered or a little bit awkward, you aren't alone but we need to talk about why that is. In this episode, I’m diving deep into why it’s so...

Why does motherhood feel so hard.. even when you love your children? You’re not failing. You’re experiencing something called  matrescence . In this episode of  Squiggly Motherhood , I’m joined by  Rebecca Hogan , mother, life coach, and author of  Me to We , to explore the identity shift that comes with becoming a mother and why it can feel so disorienting. We talk about matrescence, identity los...

Breastfeeding a toddler is intense and for me, it reached a point where I knew I needed boundaries to keep going. In this episode, I share what it’s really like to nurse past infancy and the boundaries I’ve had to put in place to protect my sanity, my body, and my capacity as a mum. I talk about choosing boundaries that actually feel right, staying consistent when you can, and preparing yourself f...

In this episode, I talk with Rose Webb, a pre- and post-natal personal trainer, about why movement in motherhood isn’t about weight, “bouncing back,” or perfect workouts... it’s about survival. We explore the uncomfortable truth that mothers often put their health last, even though motherhood is incredibly physical. From carrying and feeding to sleep deprivation and mental load, our bodies are und...

In this episode, I’m sharing what it really felt like entering a new year not with excitement, but with fear, pressure, and a lot of anger. After one of the hardest years of my life, I’m questioning the lie we’re sold as mothers that we can have it all. I talk honestly about identity loss, decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the fear of future regret. About feeling stretched too thin, time po...

I’m joined by mindset and vision board coach  Carina  for a powerful conversation about identity, self-trust, and the words we say to ourselves as mothers. We talk about how motherhood can quietly disconnect us from who we are, how negative self-talk becomes belief, and why personal growth starts with feeling calm and grounded, not fixing or reinventing yourself. This episode isn’t about becoming...

This unscripted episode is a heartfelt thank you to every listener and guest who has supported Squiggly Motherhood. What began as a small idea has grown into a meaningful community, and I am deeply grateful. The podcast isn’t stopping, and there are exciting stories and guests coming next year. Thank you for being the reason Squiggly Motherhood exists. Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhoo...

In this episode, I reflect on the conversations that shaped Squiggly Motherhood this year. From building a village to making informed choices, resting, and investing in ourselves, this episode is a reminder that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you’re not doing it wrong. Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok:...

Christmas with young kids isn’t always magical and that’s okay. In this episode, I talk honestly about the intensity of the Christmas period with young children and share a calmer, more realistic way to move through it. Less pressure. More ease. More support for you. Join the community:  https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok:  https://...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Marie-Claire Frederick , founder of  Nurture Network , a UK based community designed to help women thrive in their careers and businesses. She is a passionate advocate for community, connection, and women supporting women. We dive into a topic so many mothers struggle with:  why it’s so hard to ask for help , even when we’re overwhelmed. Marie-Claire shares her stor...

In this raw and honest episode I talk about my biggest failings and one of my hardest years. I open up about my difficult transition back to work, trying to do too much for too many people, and not asking for help. I share my lessons learnt and what I plan to take into the new year. Join our Community:  https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood T...

In this episode, I sit down with independent midwife Daisy Kelly to talk honestly about the reality of giving birth in the UK today. Daisy shares why intervention rates are rising, why so many women leave birth feeling traumatised, and what’s really happening inside maternity care from someone who has worked both in the NHS and independently. We discuss informed consent, continuity of care, racial...

In this Q&A episode, I answer a listener question so many of us can relate to: how do we stay calm when our toddler is having a full-blown meltdown? I share why tantrums can feel so triggering, what’s happening in our bodies in those moments, and the simple grounding techniques that help me and other parents regulate before reacting. I also talk about: Setting clear and confident boundaries ar...

In this episode, I sit down with Kendra to talk about the real experience of fostering a baby while raising her own young children. She shares the moment she got the call, what day one looked like, and how she prepared her kids for a foster placement. We explore what the first year involved — from appointments and family time visits to building relationships with birth parents — and what it felt l...

When I became a mother, I expected change, but I never expected the depth of what I’d lose or the strength of what I’d gain. In this episode, I open up about the friendships, freedom, and identity shifts that came after having children. I share the honest truth about grieving my old self, rediscovering confidence, and learning to love the woman motherhood created. You’ll hear me talk about: The fr...

In this episode, I speak with Becca, who left her career in the charity sector to become a stay at home mum. We talk about what it really means to make that choice in today’s world and why it can feel like such a radical act. We explore identity, ambition, privilege and the confidence it takes to go against the grain. Becca also speaks on how she found purpose and fulfilment at home. It’s an hones...

The words we use with our children become the voice they hear inside their heads. In this solo episode, I explore how to help you develop your child's inner voice to be confident, kind and resilient. I share why this matters to me, what I've learnt through therapy about the power of language, and the simple practices I use at home to strengthen my children’s sense of self. In this episode, I talk...