Belly Baby Mom

Today, you get to know us a little bit better :) We are being interviewed for a change! The lovely Karen Wilmot - also known as ‘The Virtual Midwife’ chats with us all about Belly Baby Mom, how we started, why we do what we do, the BIG change we have brought to the UAE, and we also shared all our birth stories and more! Also, have you heard of our probing Doula birth support campaign that we launched during World Doula Week? Lots of exciting free events and more coming up this month. Listen in and we look forward to seeing you soon! You can follow Karen Wilmot on her website and listen to her podcast on the below links: Website: www.thevirtualmidwife.com Podcast (iTunes) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-midwife/id1369615456?mt=2 Lots of love,
Shereen & Ele
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Are you enjoying the podcast? Make sure you hit 'SUBSCRIBE' so you are notified instantly when a new episode is released. 
Leave us a rating and/or review on iTunes/Podcast app (Apple) or a comment on Soundcloud so we know you're listening, but also this helps get the show up on the rankings, so more mamas out there can find us!

Today we share with you a beautiful and positive birth story with 'Bibi'! Bibi tells us of her 1st birth experience with her adorable son, Ghanem, and this girl is hilarious! Listen to what she has to say about why she believes her birth was "the best experience in the world", her fears, how our pregnancy & mom and baby circles helped her gain confidence, her postpartum experience, her advise for moms, oh and her 'party in the room'! Moreover, as we mentioned, we have some exciting pre & postnatal events this month including free educational tasters, workshops and a mom staycation? :) Go on, visit the link below for details and registration! www.bellybabymom.com/event Are you following us on our social? Find us @bellybabymom on Instagram and Facebook and join the conversation! Lots of love, Shereen & Ele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Are you enjoying the podcast? Make sure you hit 'SUBSCRIBE' so you are notified instantly when a new episode is released. Leave us a rating and/or review on iTunes/Podcast app (Apple) or a comment on Soundcloud so we know you're listening, but also this helps get the show up on the rankings, so more mamas out there can find us!

We caught up with 2 lovely midwives, Wendy & Harriet, from The American Hospital Dubai, to talk to us about what role a midwife plays during a mother's labour & birth at the hospital. They define what their medical profession entails, as well as that of Obstetricians & obstetric nurses, and how a birthing team (that includes doulas!) can work well together to best support the birthing couple. They also share with us some fascinating birth story experiences they had in the past! Wendy Menghin also teaches a 2-class Antenatal series at The American Hospital Dubai, for expectant couples birthing in ANY hospital. Classes take place on Saturdays and can be started from around 32 weeks gestation. To book yourself in, email wmenghin@ahdubai.com. Lots of love, Shereen & Ele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your feedback with us! Leave us a comment on iTunes/Podcast app (Apple) or Soundcloud, and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show to get notified of future episodes and to help get the episode to other mamas out there!

In it's 4th edition, our 'Embracing Motherhood Movie Nights are back!'. In partnership with The American Hospital Dubai, we are inviting you lovely mamas and mamas to be, to come join us for a fun, social and educational evening this Saturday from 5p-9pm at The American Hospital Dubai. Lots of yummy details on what to expect during the event, on this podcast episode, so get listening! We are also super excited to introduce you to our new and BIG team of Belly Baby Mom DOULAS - let's connect! Register here: www.bellybabymom.com/event *This event is supported by the awesome Babies & Beyond, who will be at hand to assist with your little ones! * Le Petit bebe (Julie) - The lovely Birth photographer, will be set up at the event, as well as taking care of this event pictures :) Mom & Baby brands who would like to exhibit at the event, please email Eleonora on eleonora@bellybabymom.com (only a couple of tables left!) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Want some more FREE goodies?? We are hosting not 1 but TWO FREE class tasters - Baby Massage & Hypnobirthing, both on the 16th of Feb. Get the updates on our social or email us on love@bellybabymom.com As always, comments and reviews are always appreciated, so keep them coming! Until next time, and we hope to see you on Saturday! Lots of love, Shereen & Ele

Welcome to Season 3!! Today we chat to the lovely Dru Campbell. If you have been pregnant, currently pregnant, a new mom or currently breastfeeding, you most probably have heard of or have been to see Dru. Dru is the Head Midwife and IBCLC Lactation Consultant at Health Bay Policlinic - Verve Villas, and has been supporting mothers for 10 years there, through her consultations, talks & Antenatal classes. We asked Dru many of the common questions we as doulas get asked by the mothers we support and she shared with us lots of very useful information, tips and advice that we are certain would be useful for our breastfeeding mamas, or those planning and thinking to breastfeed. We also discussed topics with regards to latch, tongue ties, baby sleep, pumping, feeding a premature and much more. Health bay in partnership with Elite Babies & Tots have a lovely FREE upcoming talk for their Elite Mama mornings with Dru Campbell on 'Breastfeeding Basics' on Tuesday January 29th at 10-11:30am at HealthBay Policlinic Verve Villas Villa 20-A. To book your place email Midwives@healthbayclinic.com Lots of love, Shereen & Ele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your feedback with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there!

To end this wonderful year in a positive note, I (Shereen) wanted to share with you, dear pregnant mamas, my personal favorite 5 Tips for a Positive Birth Experience. This is what I have personally experienced and what I have seen worked for the moms I have supported over the years. I also share with you what to expect from us in 2019 - so make sure you're subscribed to your website and following us on our social media channels to get the updates - lots of exciting things planned for you! As always, keep your requests, suggestions and feedback coming, as it is only through them that we are able to bring to you what you really want to hear! If you have a friend that you think may benefit from listening to our podcast, please do share it with them - let us work together to empower more women worldwide! Finally, wishing you all a lovely New Year, spend it well and enjoy every moment with those that matter the most. Until next time, with new episodes for season 3, take care and stay blessed! xxx Lots of love, Shereen & Ele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your feedback with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there!

What is normal birth? After have just completed educational certifying seminars, taught by Elena, for both Lamaze International and DONA International, we are even more pumped about 'normal' birth and specifically the 6 healthy birth practices set by Lamaze! Elena Carrillo is an inspiring and passionate Birth professional - a Doula & Childbirth Educator & Trainer, also serving as a Board member at both DONA and Lamaze International. Elena has 40+ years of experience in the birth field and shares with us her story, what inspires her, her aspirations and also takes us through Lamaze's very important healthy practices, that should be the standard for all normal births. It was with great pride and joy, that together with Elena, we successfully hosted and completed the very 1st Lamaze certification training seminar in the UAE, along with a DONA Doula certification workshop, where now women have even more options and support available to them, in the hopes that together, we are able to welcome happier mamas, happier babies and happier families. Enjoy! To view numerous Lamaze International resources please visit: https://www.lamaze.org/ To view numerous DONA International resources, please visit: https://www.dona.org/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your feedback with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there! Until next time! With love, Shereen & Ele

Meet Chirin, the beautiful mother of 2 and founder of pregnancy subscription box, Mama's Box, who shares with us her pregnancy and birth journeys, the challenges of motherhood and her thoughts on whether a work & life balance really exists. She also delves into the importance of taking time off to yourself and not being so hard on yourself, so that you can offer to your loved ones, the best version of yourself. Finally, you will learn from Chirin why she was inspired to launch Mama's Box, how it all works and what all you can expect to receive in the boxes with your subscription. To know more about Mama's Box or to order yours, visit www.mamas-box.com and follow them on Instagram on @mamas.box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your experience with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there! Until next time! With love, Shereen & Ele

We are super excited to share with you our lovely chat with Camila, a beautiful mom who shares with us her empowering VBAC birth story. Camila briefly runs us through her 1st traumatic birth experience, and how she decided to take control and plan ahead for a positive birth experience with her 2nd child. She talks to us about her preparation and what she has done to recover from that. She speaks about how this new experience has transformed her and how she wishes women to own their births to achieve the births they want. Interestingly, find out what her husband has done, which according to her, was his way of healing from the 1st birth! You go mama! If you have any questions for us or Camila, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! Also, we share a couple of exciting events coming up soon :) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share your experience with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there! Until next time! With love, Shereen & Ele

A hot topic between moms, moms and their care providers, and between moms and their birth partners or doulas. How important is having a birth 'plan' sometimes called a 'birth preferences' or 'birth wishes' list? Can we really ‘plan’ for birth? Why have one and what typically goes in one? We answer all these questions and more, in this in-depth episode, examining the different sections that make up a birth preferences document and what you may want or not want to consider, when preparing for your big day! Share your experience with us! Leave us a comment on the podcast link (on whichever podcast listener you’re tuned in to!), and don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show so we know you’re listening and to help get the episode to other mamas out there! Catch us in November with a brand new episode! With love, Shereen & Ele

We are back!! We hope you've had a lovely summer :)In today's episode, we are happy to introduce to you our newest team member Ellis - a trained and certified Birth & Postnatal Doula, and she takes it upon her to ask us LOTS of questions on the true role of a doula! Listen in to our FAQ's and let us know if we've missed anything you'd like to know! We are also super excited to bring to you 2 of the world's most renowned Childbirth Educator & Doula professional trainings this November! These trainings apply to anyone with or without a background in childbirth; our only pre-requisite is having a passion for supporting women :) Should you want to receive details, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ele on eleonora@bellybabymom.com. Until next time! Love, Shereen, Eleonora (and Ellis!) . . . If you enjoy our podcast, please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!
Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.

We are back with Barbara Harper! If you have not yet listened to part one of this two-part episode, then go ahead and tune in to episode 12! Barbara Harper is a leading voice for childbirth and maternity care reform, an author, educator, midwife and internationally recognized expert on the use of warm water immersion for labor and birth. In this episode, Barbara talks to us all about WATER BIRTH. It's benefits and risks, who makes a good candidate, why it benefits both mom and baby, and so much more! If you enjoyed this 2-part episode, then go ahead and share it with those you think might enjoy from it! Listen in to find out more about our upcoming ‘July' & August events, and take a moment to visit our website and sign up to our monthly newsletter for regular updates! www.bellybabymom.com . . . If you enjoy our podcast, please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!
 We would really appreciate your feedback here, and please email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.

In today’s very special episode, in her cozy and warm hotel room, we sit down for a lovely and inspiring chat with Barbara Harper, a leading voice for childbirth and maternity care reform, an author, educator, midwife and internationally recognized expert on the use of warm water immersion for labor and birth. Barbara is a true guardian of Gentle Birth practices; her award winning book and DVD, Gentle Birth Choices, has influenced hundreds of thousands of parents and professionals worldwide. Her mission is for women to have gentle respectful births and ’to ensure that waterbirth is an available option for all women in all birth settings’. Barbara takes us back to how it all started for her, why she does what she does today, her beliefs and experiences with birthing women and newborn babies and most importantly why she believes women deserve to have gentle births. Don't forget to check back in for part 2! Listen in to find out more about our upcoming ‘July’ events, and take a moment to visit our website and sign up to our monthly newsletter for updates! www.bellybabymom.com . . . If you enjoy our podcast, please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!
Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.

In today’s episode, we discuss a very important topic that can affect many women during pregnancy and the early postpartum period - Emotional Health. We sit down with Dr. Marie Thompson, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at Vivamus, who breaks it all down for us. The different postpartum disorders, the difference between the baby blues, Postpartum Depression and even what Postpartum Psychosis is. What are the signs that you or your partner can watch out for, and what you can do to help yourself if you find yourself experiencing emotional difficulties during and after having your baby, We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and so pls feel free to reach out if you have any comments, suggestions, or would like to share your own personal experiences. Listen to the details for our upcoming Positive Birth Antenatal Workshop, Baby Massage group course and Hypnobirthing course all happening this month. Enjoy x Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes.

In the beautiful offices of Malaak Mama & Baby care, we sit down with UAE’s very own ‘Baby Whisperer’ Cecile, who talks to us all about Baby Sleep! She takes us through the E.A.S.Y routine for baby sleep [from the book ‘Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg], that she implements in her very own ‘Good Habits’ programme, helping mothers to understand their babies better, which is key to better sleep for all. We discuss what H.A.T is, the 6 sleep states babies go through during each sleep cycle, and how you can recognize the signs that your baby is now ready for some sleep, or that you may have just missed that window of opportunity! Also, some burning questions! Is co-sleeping right for you & your baby? Should babies be ‘sleeping through the night’? And a personal favorite…. Can formula feeding your baby before bed make him sleep longer? Listen in to hear what Cecile has to say. Until next time! Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. * * * * * DISCLAIMER: 1. The assumptions, views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the show, the hosts or the company, Belly Baby Mom. 2. Information shared on this episode may contain inaccuracies or may support beliefs that may not reflect those of each of our listeners. We highly recommend our listeners to do their own research & seek guidance from their care providers in order to make the best well informed decisions for themselves. Love & hugs,
 Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com
 eleonora@bellybabymom.com

After a very successful and informative Belly Baby Mom 'MOVIE NIGHT' on April 21st....we are back! The movie night saw numerous parents to be, parents & Birth professionals, who were invited for a free screening of the award winning documentary 'Birth Story - Ina May Gaskin & The Farm Midwives, inspiring talks as ell as various mother & baby business stalls for all to visit. In this episode, we listen to 3 inspiring talks from 3 wonderful and passionate women who spoke to our audience that evening. In case you have missed the event, here's your chance to catch the highlights! The talks were given by Avon Strahle (Assistant Director of Nursing - Dubai Hospital), Nikky Oliver (UK Trained Midwife), Dr. Ani Enberg (Specialist OBGYN at Drs. Nicolas & Asp / Saudi German Hospital) and Cecile De Scally (Midwife Educator - Malaak Mama & Baby care). Hope you enjoy these inspiring talks! If you do, make sure you share this episode with family & friends whom you feel it would make a small yet significant difference to. Let's do this! Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs,
 Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com
 eleonora@bellybabymom.com

Can a cesarean section birth be an empowering experience? We sat down with Carla, a working-from-home mom, who shared with us her beautiful family centered & gentle belly birth experience, that came about after being diagnosed with Placenta Previa, doing ALOT of research and then making a tough decision to go ahead with a planned birth. Carla tells us what she thought were the key aspects that supported her and why she believes that every birthing woman has the right to ask questions and go after the births they believe in. We also are SUPER EXCITED to invite you to our next MOVIE NIGHT event on April 21st! With the theme, ‘Supporting Women: Doctors, Midwives & Doulas”, with great food, mom & baby stalls, prizes & goodie bags up for grabs! Please make sure you register on the below link if you would like to attend. See you Saturday! www.bellybabymom.com/event ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs,
 Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com
 eleonora@bellybabymom.com

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!** Our long awaited 3rd edition MOVIE NIGHT is on! Make sure you SAVE THE DATE for Saturday, April 21st - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@bellybabymom) and subscribe to our website www.bellybabymom.com for details & updates to come! In today’s episode, we speak with Halima, who shares her inspiring journey, for achieving the VBA2C she had planned and hoped for. Halima has had 2 previous c-sections and takes us through the birth stories of all her 3 children. We go on to chat about the birth scene in Dubai, how things are done in the NHS (UK), the roles of midwives, doctors & doulas, and what she believes got her to have a successful Vaginal Birth after 2 Cesarean Sections. Enjoy the show and let us know your thoughts! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------- Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs,
 Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com
 eleonora@bellybabymom.com

In this week’s episode, in the cozy (yet busy!) lobby of the Dusit Thani Dubai hotel, we sat down with Jasmine for a chat, as she just finished attending a Lactation Education Conference at the hotel. Jasmine Sneyd, a long serving British midwife, first started her career in the Corniche Hospital in Abudhabi, in 1982. She retells her experiences back in the 80’s…how women birthed and how they were supported, how midwives were respected for their roles and how they were known as the ’special ladies’ , the parenting education she supported couples with but also how she wishes that births today were less medicalized and hopes that one day, things go back to the way they were. Jasmine also shares with us the birth stories of her 4 children whom were all born in Al Corniche Hospital in Abudhabi. Grab a cuppa - enjoy this episode! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Also SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs, Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com eleonora@bellybabymom.com

Meet Aida. An Emirati working mother who boasts a lively & outgoing personality that is truly infectious! Aida wears MANY hats and also holds a respectable position at Dubai Tourism, as a Director in Marketing Management, yet somehow, she manages to do it all. She tells how she creates that balance, which can be fulfilling, yet not always perfect. Aida also takes us through her birth experiences and what she has learnt along the way, to make informed decisions for pregnancy & parenting, that were just right for her and her family. An inspiration to all working mothers out there, please have a listen, and enjoy :) > > > Please leave the show a 5 Star rating and review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs, Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com eleonora@bellybabymom.com

What an inspiring birth story! Today, through fits of laughter, we chat to the beautiful (and adorably funny!) Maisa, mom of 5 year old Maya, and most recently, mom to Kai & Max, her adorable twin boys, that she birthed in Dubai. She takes us through her pregnancy, birth and parenting journey with her twins, and the experience she describes as 'heavenly'. Through a challenging pregnancy, Maisa achieved her goal of a drug free, vaginal and empowering birth, and she owes it all to her instinctive belief and the great support team she had throughout the experience. Sit back, and listen to her story. #WelcomeToMamahood * Note: Maisa gave birth at The Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, with the support of her OBGYN Dr. Anni Enberg, her husband and doulas, Eleonora & Larissa. We would love to hear your feedback! Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show in front of others! Feel free to leave your feedback here, or email us also with topics you would like us to discuss in future episodes. Love & hugs, Shereen & Ele shereen@bellybabymom.com eleonora@bellybabymom.com

Hi everyone! So... this week has been hectic! Eleonora couldn't join me on this one, so I've recorded this very quick spontaneous episode to keep you in the loop with some new things going on but most importantly, a Pregnant Women's Circle' gathering we have coming up, and I'm so excited about it! Will catch you next week, gotta go! - Shereen Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show out there! Feel free to email us for anything else on shereen@bellybabymom.com or eleonora@bellybabymom.com

Today, we chat with Nicola (Nikki), a UK trained midwife with many years of experience, and working at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, who tells us all about the different types of inductions out there and the processes involved with each of them, all evidence based information that we found useful and insightful. Nikki also has a very informative blog that covers extremely interesting pregnancy & birth topics. So if you wondered about something or have any questions for Nikki, please feel free to reach out to her! Find her links below & enjoy this episode! Guest info: thefitmidwife@gmail.com www.thefitmidwife.com We would love to hear your feedback! Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show out there! Feel free to email us for anything else on shereen@bellybabymom.com or eleonora@bellybabymom.com

It is 2018 and we're officially back! :) So excited to share some super duper awesome news with you, updates on the upcoming 'Embracing Motherhood' Movie Night that is happening this Saturday and themed around 'Breastfeeding' (make sure you register NOW!), and finally a lovely chat with Ele (The Hugging Doula) about some myths we have come across regarding Breastfeeding! #WelcomeToMamahood CLICK HERE TO RSVP TO THE MOVIE NIGHT (Few spaces available): www.bellybabymom.com/event We would love to hear your feedback and if you have come accross any breastfeeding myths, let us know and we will discuss them in a future episode! Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show out there! Feel free to email us for anything else on shereen@bellybabymom.com or eleonora@bellybabymom.com

I'm back!!! It's been a few weeks where I've been MIA! You'll know why in this episode, but more importantly I share some exciting updates with you on this one, including my upcoming Hypnobirthing group classes in January AND the date that has been set for our next Movie Night, yaaay! I've been grateful for so many things in my life and chose this time to reflect upon and sharing them with you. Let's hope 2018 is even a better year for all of us, and until next year, wishing you a Happy holiday and a wonderful New year, let's do this!! #WelcomeToMamahood I would love to hear your feedback & suggestions! Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show out there to even more mamas! Feel free to email me for anything else on shereen@bellybabymom.com

It all started at 8am with a meeting on the beach….. we talked, we laughed, we were inspired…… to record another podcast! So I quickly headed to Ele’s home (before having to do the school run!), with no idea what we were going to talk about, but we did manage to have quite the conversation talking about her Belly casting artwork, the home made natural belly bombs, herbal teas, ‘super nursing power gems’ she prepares for expectant moms, and the ‘Flower of Mariam’ used during labour?? We also delve into a brief conversation about the traditions we may have lost and the difference between how a mother was welcomed into motherhood in contrast to how we do it today. Womb blessings, Birth circles & baby showers! Sit back and listen. #WelcomeToMamahood *If you’d like to hear more from Eleonora and the other services she offers, head back to Episode 1 on the podcast!* Guest Contact: www.thehuggingdoula.com eleonora@thehuggingdoula.com Reference: https://www.barakabirth.com/blog/2013/11/08/the-flower-of-maryam

On December 9, Belly Baby Mom launches "Embracing Motherhood - Movie Nights!" with the screening of an incredible documentary titled 'Childbirth - All or Nothing' that follows the journeys of 4 women all making VERY different birth choices. In the first half of the episode, I take you through all what to expect during the event - the movie, a talk with Dr. Anni Enberg (OBGYN), the Dubai Doulas Sisterhood, the various Mother & Baby pop up stalls that will be there, the complimentary beauty treatments and gift bags filled with goodies from our generous partners & contributors! Oh, and dads to be are welcome too! For details and registration, visit www.bellybabymom.com/event. Spaces are limited! In the second half of the episode, we talk... Birth Options. What does it mean? What choices do we have? And why do we need to make them? #WelcomeToMamahood I would love to hear your feedback & suggestions! Please leave the show a rating or review on iTunes to help get the show out there! Feel free to email me for anything else on shereen@bellybabymom.com

Have you ever wondered why sometimes we, as parents, continuously get frustrated or upset at something our child says or does? To the point that it happens every single time for that specific situation, and you find yourself losing control?    So... if you’re like me, and this has happened to you once, or twice or more….. then you my dear mama, have been triggered! Today's episode is going to explain to you what might be happening here, because we discuss 'Parenting Triggers' with the lovely Nicki Anderson, an Occupational Therapist in Family and Child Health, and founder of Journey to Wholeness, as she tells me all about what Parenting triggers are, why they occur, how we can identify them, and then each of us also shares one of our personal parenting triggers! This has almost got me to tears, and was oh so enlightening! Have a listen.... #WelcomeToMamahood ​ ** Nicki is offering one complimentary session to our listeners! To arrange, kindly contact Nicki on the email below (don't forget to mention us!) ** ​ Guest Contact: www.facebook.com/journey2wholenessDubai journey2wholeness@hotmail.com

This week, I chat to Helen Farmer, the lovely personality  from the (very) honest & popular Dubai blog, 'The Mothership Dxb'! Helen is also an editor, journalist, blogger... as well as a wedding celebrant! We chat about the highs and lows of parenting in Dubai, how she manages to balance family and work, 'real parenting', and then also shares with me her breastfeeding struggles and a quick overview of her two birth stories! If you don't already follow Helen already, I highly recommend that you do! #WelcomeToMamahood  ​ Guest contact: www.themothershipdxb.com www.instagram.com/themothershipdxb www.facebook.com/themothershipdxb helen@themothershipdxb.com ​ I would love to hear your feedback & comments! Please feel free to comment/leave a review on iTunes or email me on shereen@bellybabymom.com

As a follow up to Episode 12 ’Open Book’, where I shared my 3 birth stories, I speak to Nicky Langley, who was my Doula supporting me throughout my 3rd pregnancy & birth, about HER experience of my birth, how I came to choose her as my doula, as well as how I managed to move back my Estimated Due Date (EDD) by 2 whole weeks! Nicky is also a Child Birth Educator, who like me, teaches ‘The Wise Hippo Birthing Program’, and has supported many families throughout their pregnancy & birth journeys. We review how the Wise Hippo techniques have helped me and many women stay positive, remain calm and confident, and most of all achieve ‘The Right Birth On The Day’. #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact:
 www.nickylangleydoula.co.uk Let me know what you think! If you like what you heard, please consider to ‘Rate & Review’ this episode on iTunes! Share your comments, feedback and suggestions on here or email me on: shereen@bellybabymom.com

We all know the many great benefits that Breastfeeding has to offer, and you may have heard the saying 'Breast Is Best'... but is it really? Today, I chat to Farangis, mom of 3 & Founder and admin of Breastfeeding Q&A UAE, the popular breastfeeding support group, that aims to support moms throughout their breastfeeding journey. We share quite a laugh as we discuss both our experiences with breastfeeding , the top breastfeeding challenges women face, why she started the group, as well as why (and how!) she breastfed her daughter for 5 years! (You rock mama!) Farangis also shared with me a beautiful poem called 'Wean Me Gently' by Cathy Cardall, written from a breastfeeding mom's perspective asking her child to 'wean her gently' as she wishes her journey doesn't stop just yet. Please find link under 'references' section below. #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact: www.facebook.com/groups/242418372502807/ https://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingqauae/ References: http://www.nancyholtzman.com/wean-me-gently-poem/ Let me know what you think! Share your comments, feedback and suggestions with me: shereen@bellybabymom.com

**This is a special episode that I dedicate to all the mamas out there who have lost their little angels in pregnancy or infanthood, as we approach International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day this October 15th.** Lala Langtry White, from Small & Mighty babies & mom of premature twin boys, joins me on an in-depth conversation about her challenging yet rewarding birth & parenting experience with her twins as well as the incredible support work that she does everyday for parents of premature babies & those who have lost their little angels. Throughout the interview, I am in awe of her stories, allowing Lala her space to passionately lead the way, as I take a back seat and listen. Together, with a great support network around her, special memory boxes are now available & a lovely remembrance event is set up this Saturday 14th October. *Image of Lala and her twins are photographed by Barefoot Dubai* Guest Contact: www.smallandmightybabies.com www.facebook.com/smallandmightybabies www.facebook.com/thedifferentdoula smallandmightybabies@gmail.com References: https://www.facebook.com/littleangelssupport/ https://www.facebook.com/footprintsinthesanduae/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/TwinsPlusME/ https://www.facebook.com/remembermybaby/ www.lighthousearabia.com www.barefootdubai.com

So I have been holding off recording this episode for a while now, and had only just realized I wasn't sure why. I guess a part of me felt uncomfortable to share a personal part of my life with the world, but I also realized that many listening to it, could actually learn from my experiences, making their own so much more informed, confident and positive. Today, I share with you all my 3 birth stories and why I believe my last c-section birth was a very positive birth experience. Here we go! #WelcomeToMamahood #CesareanBirthIsBirth ​ I would love to hear your feedback & comments! Please feel free to comment/leave a review on iTunes or email me on shereen@bellybabymom.com

Would you consider hiring a birth photographer to document your birth? How does a birth photographer go about managing a birthing space yet still produce the most compelling pictures? Today I speak to Lana, a Birth photographer in Dubai, chatting about our kids going to nursery for the 1st time, but more importantly, she takes me through her journey into becoming a birth photographer, her work ethos and work process, and to my surprise, the similarities we share as birth photographers and birth doulas! **Lana is offering a 10% discount on birth photography to any of our pregnant mama listeners! (Just make sure you are subscribed to the podcast!)** #WelcomeToMamahood www.lanaphotographs.com www.dubaibirthphotography.com www.instagram.com/lanaphotographs info@lanaphotographs.com

After a LONG summer break, we are back! I get a chance to catch up with Baida, about our summers, kids & her work as a Doula & Childbirth Educator in Abudhabi. We carry on with an interesting chat, sharing our perspectives, based on feedback received from mamas & mamas to be in the region, about what are considered to be the TOP 5 FEARS OF CHILDBIRTH. The list is eye-opening and we had so much more to say than we had time for!. P.S - This episode was recorded over Skype and unfortunately had faced MANY technical issues with this one that I considered scrapping the whole episode, BUT thought there was so much useful info and insight on there that decided to keep it! So.. putting that aside, I hope you still enjoy it! x ​ www.facebook.com/ChildBirthabudhabi www.instagram.com/Doula_baida Doulabaida@gmail.com ​ #WelcomeToMamahood

In this episode, in the comfort of my home and through fits of laughter, I chat to my sister from Germany, during her visit to Dubai, and she shares her beautiful water birth story with her 2nd daughter, Kaya. From being told by her doctor that birthing in a Birth Center is a selfish and irresponsible choice, to her trusting her instincts and doing just that, Nesreen retells why her choice was the best thing she could've done for herself and her baby. A truly inspiring birth story (and I'm bummed I missed it!), so sit back, grab a cuppa, and have a listen.. ​ #WelcomeToMamahood Please dont forget to subscribe on iTunes and leave the show a review - it really helps put the show in front of others! https://itunes.apple.com/ae/podcast/belly-baby-mom-podcast/id1252442602?mt Email me with your comments, feedback and suggestions! shereen@bellybabymom.com ​

Exercise... We all know the wonderful benefits of exercise, but how important is it to exercise before & after pregnancy? What exercises should you avoid, what is diastasis recti and urinary incontinence, and how can you avoid it?! Larissa is a lovely and passionate Doula & Antenatal Educator, a pre & post natal Massage & Aqua exercise instructor, a Physical Educator, and also teaches belly dancing and Capoeira! She believes that exercise during the pre & post natal period is about feeling good and not pushing your limits. Lots of good and useful information shared here! #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact:     www.artmaternity.com larissa@artmaternity.com

What is the practice of Reiki? How does it work and how can it benefit expectant moms? As I know it, Reiki is a Japanese alternative technique for stress reduction and relaxation, one that also promotes healing. Meet Tatjana, a mom of 3 and birth worker, who offers Reiki treatments to mamas to be, friends and even to her own family! Let's hear more about it. #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact: www.doulatouch.com tatjanamac@gmail.com References: www.thespiritualcompany.com FB: @spiritualcompany

Did you know there is a profession such as a 'Birth Story Listener'? Yes, it exists! It is someone who will listen to your story, with no judgement, and guide you to answers you may have been looking for all along. Meet Gabi... a Birth Story Listener who tells us all about it, how and why it helps women postnatally and why it is important to share your story, positive or negative. Of course, I couldn't let Gabi go without asking her to share her own 2 birth stories (C-section & VBAC!) with me, while I sat down and listened.  #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact:     gabpezo@gmail.com

What does life look like for a parent and child whose life is constantly challenged because of an additional / special need? What goes on in the mind of a special needs child? Andrea and Donna, founders of  'Amazing Mums Sensory Supplies', talk to me about their amazing children who live through Autism, SPD, Aspergers & OCD. Sit back, and have a listen. #WelcomeToMamahood Guests Contact:     Amazing Mums Sensory Supplies -   www.facebook.com/amazingmumssensorysupplies Andrea Jane Guy - www.thedotingdoula.com

Have you ever considered cloth diapering? Why would (or should!) someone consider cloth diapers for their baby rather than store bought disposables? Mom of 3 (and 1 on the way!) Sofi, founder of the popular Eggs & Soldiers website, shares with me her experience with cloth diapering, how it works, and how it can be a great option even for 1st time moms!  #WelcomeToMamahood Guest Contact:                           www.eggsnsoldiers.com

What are the benefits of wearing your baby? What are the different carriers out there and where can I try them out? Today, I spent a lovely morning with Sarah, founder of Luxe Carriers, who shares with us lots of useful tips on the correct ways of wearing your baby, how to choose the best carrier for you & your baby, as well as how you can sign up for a private baby wearing consultation!  #WelcomeToMamahood www.bellybabymom.com Guest Contact:                           www.luxecarriers.com  |  sarah@luxecarriers.com ​ References: https://luxecarriers.com/pages/useful-links http://www.sheffieldslingsurgery.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/user/WrappingRachel https://www.youtube.com/user/Bikerbaby2011

Welcome to The Belly Baby Mom Podcast! I'm Shereen, and I'm happy that you're here, so thank you! Have a listen, so you can find out what you can expect to hear on the podcast, topics we will discuss and more! #WelcomeToMamahood www.bellybabymom.com shereen@bellybabymom.com

In this episode, I chat to Eleonora, a Birth & Postpartum doula & Baby Massage Instructor in Dubai, who also goes by the name 'The Hugging Doula'. We discuss her journey into birth work, her love for doula-ing as well as the many beautiful services she offers to expectant and new mamas such as women circles, belly casting and rebozo sessions! Ele also shares with us her very inspiring (and funny!) birth story. Have a listen. #WelcomeToMamahood www.bellybabymom.com Contact: www.thehuggingdoula.com eleonora@thehuggingdoula.com

Today I'm joined by the co-founder of Love Parenting UAE, Amy Vogelaar, a Lactation Consultant as well as a Parenting & Antenatal Educator, hosting various classes around Dubai for when before baby arrives and all the way right up to the toddler years! Have a listen to learn more about them, and to all the wonderful advice that Amy shares with us. #WelcomeToMamahood www.bellybabymom.com Contact: www.loveparentinguae.com amy@loveparentinguae.com