The Motherhood Guide: Birth & Beyond

SAY THANK YOU FOR THE POD AND BUY ME A COFFEE HERE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/breatheintob This week we have Jay, a postnatal doula based in Glasgow, sharing her insights on the role of doulas and how to be supported in the postpartum period. We talk how to support new mothers, the importance of postpartum care, and practical tips for both parents and visitors to navigate this transitional peri...

In this episode, I share my unexpected journey into loving journaling and its transformative effect it's had on my life. I also introduce you to my new baby - my specially created Motherhood Guide Planner Journal, now available on Amazon, designed to help busy women and mums manage their hectic lives while focusing on gratitude, mental health, and self-improvement. I delves into various journaling...

This episode is an insightful and powerful conversation with Emma, who shares her challenging experience of developing PTSD following birth trauma. Emma discusses the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding postnatal PTSD compared to more commonly discussed postnatal issues such as depression and anxiety. She highlights the importance of raising awareness to help others recognize symptoms...

When it comes to birth, many are reluctant to create a birth plan out of fear of being disappointed if things don't go the way they expect. But does this actually help us avoid disappointment? Are you better to go with the flow and take birth as it comes? Here's what 3 years of experience working with women and preparing them for birth has taught me... Birth plan template here: https://www.breathe...

Grab a cuppa and let's catch up! In this chatty episode, I share the goings on of the February school break from slow mornings, work hacks in the soft play and even - the stars aligning allowing me to sleep off the dreaded mum flu without kids in tow! I share the things i've loved about the school holidays, but also the parts that have been tough. About the Host Hi, I’m Kelly - a mum of 2 and Hypn...

In this episode I chat with Mandy Millar from Assertive Birth, who shares her very different birthing experiences with her 5 children, in which the latest was a freebirth. We also chat about the difficulties in navigating and birthing within the NHS system within the UK and how we can make sure we get the best out of the experience. Mandy also gives us some honest insight into life with 5 children...

Big feelings, tantrums, meltdowns, whatever you call them - every parent experiences them! But here's my hot take. Slow down, find calm in the chaos first then start working on teaching them how to cope with their feelings. In this episode I give you easy, logical ideas on how to make those difficult behaviours children can sometimes display more manageable for you and them. About the Host Hi, I’m...

This week it's all about cesarean sections! I explain the difference between planned and unplanned C-sections, the importance of preparation and knowledge, and help dispel some misconceptions about c-sections. We talk about what the process of a c-section is like and highlight the significance of understanding and respecting birth preferences. There's a strong emphasis on focussing on the aspects...

In this episode, we discuss why a majority of births are still taking place in medicalised settings despite evidence now showing that this has a negative, direct impact with the interventions we may be offered/may require in our birth experience. We address some common concerns and worries about home birth, and talk about how we can improve our chances of having a more positive birth experience by...

This week we have Emma from Dietitian With a Difference, a pediatric dietitian and mother, who shares her professional insights and personal experiences to help parents navigate issues surrounding children's eating habits. Emma explains the differences between fussy eating and problem eating, offers practical strategies and advice to help encourage a more positive relationship with food. We also c...

This episode follows on from Episode 3, providing an update of the experience I’ve had helping my little girl transition to her first year of primary school. I share our journey, the emotional challenges we’ve had but also some tips and the strategies we’ve implemented to try and help both me and my little girl get through it! I talk about the importance of acknowledging the difficult feelings, pr...

New year, new you? As we approach 2024, your mind may have turned to aims for the year, and new years resolutions, but as a mum this time can be challenging for us. A whirlwind festive period being the "memory maker" and now you have to try and better yourself and add another thing on you to-do list? Let's explore the pressures of the festive period and how you can tackle New Year as mum who may a...

In this episode, we talk about the chaos i've experienced in the past 6 years and why I just want to do less. My life is still filled with lots of responsibility, but now I'm finding better ways to prioritise my needs whilst still meeting my responsibilities and letting go of what no longer feels good, and I share how you can do that too. We look at how slowing down and honouring your needs not on...

Not going to lie - mornings used to be my pain point with my 2 kids! Trying to get everyone ready and out the door was stressful and chaotic. Until I realised it had to change and I felt a really strong pull towards slowing things down. In this episode, I talk about the ways I've 'slowed down' and implemented changes to my mornings and other aspects of my day to create more calm and appreciation....

In this bonus episode, I share my experience in attending my very first retreat - hosted by none other than Jenny, from Mellow Mummas who I interviewed last week! This retreat was a "Mindful Motherhood Retreat" focusing on finding calm and connection in the chaos of motherhood and boy did it deliver! This experience was a little out of my comfort zone and like nothing I have ever done before but i...

In this episode, we look at oxytocin and the vital role it plays in labour & birth in stimulating contractions, influencing other hormones, and even controlling our pain thresholds as well as it's place in the postnatal period too. I share tips on how to build oxytocin during labour, linking it with familiar experiences of love and comfort and how to ensure you feel you have safety and privacy...

In this episode, I chat with Jenny, the creator of Mellow Mummas and boy did we CHAT! We covered just about it all! We spoke about the benefits of yoga and creating her business as well as Jenny's different experiences with birth preparation for each of her three pregnancies and how she's constantly learning and evolving as a mother. We also dive into topics around loneliness in motherhood, the im...

In this episode, I discuss what a negative birth experience is, the crucial nature of having positive birth experiences and the long lasting effects negative births can have on your mental health. I then explore the concept of Hypnobirthing and how it can help you feel more knowledgable, prepared, calm and empowered in preparation for your birth experience. The episode is not only informative but...

In this episode, I interview emotional wellness mentor for moms, Sophie Hale. Sophie discusses her journey from health and fitness enthusiast to a renowned emotional wellness mentor helping mums cope with the challenges that come with motherhood. Key discussion points include the importance of somatic practices such as breathwork and EFT tapping, her personal experiences raising two children under...

In this episode, I explain the role of adrenaline in the childbirth process and how it can easily cause a birth to go off plan! I suggest ways to identify why you’d build adrenaline in birth as well as minimize or manage it so you can help your labour progress more efficiently. I also draw attention to the importance of building oxytocin, the 'love hormone', for a smoother labour process and advis...

In this episode, I get vulnerable and give you an insight into my brain as I talk about my experience and fears about my children growing up and my daughter starting Primary school. I share my worries about being away from the kids, dealing with their discomfort, and letting go of control over their day to day activities as well as my own feelings of loss and identity outside of being a mother. I...

In today’s episode, we talk about the often-ignored fourth trimester of motherhood. Learn about the changes experienced by both you and your baby during this time, why crying is normal for your baby, how to understand your baby's needs, and how to ensure your own needs are met as well. Also, explore some practical strategies for managing this intense period, from sling wearing to co-sleeping, prep...

In this episode I chat about my journey towards valuing and implementing self-care as a mother and give you a run down on the societal pressures that often lead to mothers neglecting their own needs. But there’s hope - I show you how you can elevate basic necessities into self-care rituals and shares the importance of finding joy in the little everyday moments. There’s importance in not feeli...