Into the world with Frannie and co

Felicity - Ep 48: February 24 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

Do you ever have a chance meeting and think, wow imagine if I never met that person. This is how I feel about a chance encounter with at the time a fellow pregnant mama at skyzone. Rehanna come over and said hi, we bonded over babies been due days apart and becoming insta friends. Fast forward to now she has been a huge support and dear friend in the first year of mothering our baby girls. Rehanna is modest and resilient beyond measure. She has been through so much it was hard to fit into one episode. From motherhood, to a fire that had her leave her burning house with her family, miscarriage to her rainbow baby just as the pandemic hit. So many of us have faced such huge challenges with the backdrop of a pandemic going on. Rehanna is one of those women facing so much and yet carries on so graciously. It’s so important we tell our stories so other feel less alone. I couldn’t be happier we serendipitously met and I have no doubt will remain great friends. Rehanna I hope you see how special you are. You have endured so much. You are brave beyond measure to share your story. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you dear friend ❤️⚡️ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

This week speak with my friend Sylvie Prud’homme. Mother to Béa and owner of two salons here in the west end of Toronto. @thelofttoronto My first job here in Canada was working for Sylvie before having my son Bodie. It’s funny how motherhood changes and reconnects relationships. It’s true to say that’s the case for us. After losing touch for a couple years, both having our baby girls at the beginning of 2020, we found lots of connection and support in the process. Sylvie talks very openly of how motherhood has changed her. Expectations vs reality and how she coped with birth and parenthood for the first time at the beginning of the pandemic. And how that mixed with being a small business owner in lockdown felt for her. Mothers giving birth in the middle of a pandemic for the first time are hero’s in my eyes. What a daunting experience that must be. This episode was recorded back in October 2020. It is comforting listen for those having a baby now. Proof women are doing incredible things in an extraordinary time. Thanks Sylvie for sharing so openly about the reality of pandemic birthing and parenting. I am sure so many will resonate with your experience. You are doing a great job. To support Sylvie, her biz and get yourself an awesome post lockdown hair do. Check her out @thelofttoronto https://www.thelofttoronto.ca/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

This week I speak with one courageous young woman Pavani. *TRIGGER WARNING :This story contains loss in the early months.* One of my youngest guests who has been through so much. From having to have very hard conversations with her family after unexpectedly becoming pregnant with her son Theo. To being blindsided by the loss of him at 5 months. The same day he had dipped his toes in water at he beaches for the first time. Theo’s passing wasn’t very long ago. Pav went on to have Theo’s sibling, Violet during the pandemic on the anniversary of Theo’s passing. She speaks so candidly about the reality she faced being from a culture that is not normally excepting of parenting outside of wedlock. She talks of how she had to address this with her family. Later when Theo was born and her family had warmed and accepted her wishes we learn more about Theo and the mark he left on his family. The love he was surrounded with in his passing moments. With all stories of loss. I am always taken aback by the love that surrounds the loss. It was very heartwarming and bitter sweet to hear. Pav finishes by talking about pregnancy in the wake of loss, in a pandemic no less. This was recorded in 2020. I have so much admiration and respect for women who have had their most challenging moments in a pandemic after losing a child. Pay like many other women is a true hero. Violet and Theo are so lucky to have her as their mother. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

This episode was recorded in pregnancy and child-loss awareness month. Trigger warning for anyone who needs a heads up to find a good time to listen. I am joined by Kieran Powers. You can find her @belcoln_ on Instagram. She helps families find light in the darkness after baby loss or preemie birth, inspired by her son Beckett

Nadine woods on birthing her baby Maya and her business Mayana Genevière and a whole lot more wisdom. In this episode I talk to Nadine woods. She talks very candidly about how motherhood changed her both physically and emotionally and how that propelled her into starting her own company. https://www.mayanageneviere.ca/ She is the founder of said luxury undergarment brand. Who now also make the most amazing masks. As you will hear in this conversation her brand ethos is about so much more than underwear. It is a form of self-care. It's about taking care of the mother physically and mentally. There is so much soul and wisdom in this conversation coming from Nadine there were so many takeaways, here are some of my fave bits - 5 mins- Nadines talks about how she wanted her daughter to fit in with her life and how she made that work in the early months 17 mins- you need to hear what Nadine has to say about body image. Especially if you just had a baby. This is a great takeaway from perspective. Real and insightful. 10 mins - Mums transition into motherhood and healing, body changing and identity shifts 33 mins- Our views on self-care and what it means to us. 45 mins- “What if, is not what IS”- just wow. If you listen to nothing else. Go here. The book she references is - ‘You can heal your life’- Louise Hay. Let me know if you read it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

In the first of the new episodes, Women who inspire. Who better to talk to that my long time friend, fellow expat, success, and life coach Liat Horowitz. Liat is a fellow mother of 3, a success coach, one half of Vlogging duo @findingmomjo, and host of her own Instagram live morning segment- "Minx your morning". Back in the summer, I was a guest on minx your morning, talking about how to get through hard times. Something I am quite used to now. That conversation now feels like a lifetime ago. Since then we started working together, I turned 2020 around from being the year that nearly broke me to the year I launched a new business in a pandemic while on "mat leave" if there is such a thing in 2020. I felt so compelled to share how much coaching this year has allowed me to thrive against all odds. Liat and I have so many shared interests, views and values. I found this conversation so valuable and motivating. I hope her insight is just the inspiration you need to kick start your year. If you are interested in hearing more about Liat - follow her @liathorovitz on Instagram. Happy listening, Love Frannie --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

Hey Hey, Its' been a while. There have been some changes both big and small and I'm here to fill you in with what has been going on and what to expect! Don't worry 'into the world' birth stories are still here to stay just with a few added extras and a quest to be more inclusive in all senses of the word. This podcast was started with a desire to help women tell their truths and show that all of us have an inspiring story that needs be heard. Whether we have kids of not! We are all worthy of tell our truths. So without further ado, I introduce Frannie and co The podcast- Women who inspire. Spoiler alert- that's all of you! Thank you for listening and following along @frannieandco --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/frannieandco/message

Yota's story, bringing Cyrus into the world This week I take to Yota about how her son Cyrus came into the world *very quickly.* It was great to be back with some regularity recording again and hear Yota's story. Her joy and light-hearted nature really came across as she regales how her son came into the world, despite most of us being told how unlikely it is for this to happen fast the first time around. Yota was not in that category and barely had a second to think before she was holding him in her arms! It just goes to show that anything is possible. Thank you Yota for sharing your story, for talking about all things pandemic parenting, and sharing a mutual love for shoes and leopard print. It was a delight talking to you. Happy listening

Heather’s story, bringing Hayden into the world, a pregnancy announcement, and a whole lot more. Meet Heather, a long time Instagram friend, so much so I feel like I knew her story inside out. Heather's story is layered and unusual. A birth that left her needing to use a cane to walk for a long while. She was later diagnosed with a condition called Femoral/Peroneal/Sciatic Nerve Damage from Labor/Delivery. This story isn’t here to scare. In fact, what happened to Heather was so incredibly rare. This podcast's purpose is and always has been to hold space for the truth through the eye of the storyteller/mother that lived it. She left the episode saying that the women she met on Facebook who globally supported her were like angels. There really is nothing like a group of women to lift each other up and see them through a tough time. Thanks, Heather, for being so open and so real. It was cos lovely to finally chat in realtime with Hayden in the background and all. Such a true representation of parents' reality in 2020 trying to make do and get on with kids home. I hope you enjoy listening to it again. I know it has been a while, but much like everyone else, I’m trying to work out how everything fits back into new routines too. Hopefully, things will get easier for us all soon. Much love Frannie

Alanna's story, bringing Kadeem, Solange and Celeste into the world This conversation has been a long time in the making, yet so very timely and topical. We both finally found some time in ‘COVID life’ to sit and have a proper conversation. Alanna a mother of 3, raising two girls after the loss of her son Kadeem at 26 weeks, has so many intricacies to her story. Many I had never heard of, others I have never had to think of. Yet throughout so much resonated with me. It always surprises me how so much of our situations, circumstance, and experiences differ, yet at the core, we all find commonality and comfort in hearing other women’s stories, however different or similar they are. It was great to get Alanna’s perspective, have her share so much of her journey. I loved hearing what it was like to have her sister there to share in her birth experiences not only as a sister but also as a midwife. I also have to thank Alanna for sharing her experiences as a black mother in such a historic time for #blm movement, not just now while it's trending but across the course of her life. I appreciate her vulnerability, it was eye-opening, interesting, and most of all a lot of fun chatting with her. The perfect antidote to life right now. Alanna said- 'As a Black woman, I can add that I feel very strongly about advocating for black mothers' experience in birthing and with the medical system. I went into my pregnancies and my births very well informed but still encountered many of the stereotypically negative experiences black women go through while dealing with the health system. I struggled with feeling like no matter what I thought were protective factors for myself (economic security, education, support, etc.) I still fell victim to the statistics (i.e. black women and losses, black women and pre-term labour/low birth weight, etc.)' To add to that, for anyone that doesn't know black mother's are 4 times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts. This needs to change and we all need to be part of making that change happen. So here it is #intotheworldpodcast back after a little life break. Thanks for listening. Please help me continue by rating, reviewing, and subscribing, oh, and happy listening!

Alia’s story, bringing Kennedy, Spencer and Bennett into the world. Alia is the founder of Molo baby, Alia caters to bump, baby and beyond all part of her holistic living approach. She is a doula, hypnobirther, kids yoga instructor, essential oil educator, and general spreader of joy and beautiful soul. You will no doubt hear from our conversation what infectiously positive energy she has. We initially wanted to chat several months back about her 3 homebirths and how we need to talk more about positive birthing experiences and outcomes to help change the fear in the birthing narrative. But as timing would have it our chat didn't happen until just last week. The night before Blackout Tuesday. Before either of us were aware that would be taking place. I wanted to ask Alia how race has affected her experience as a mother and how she is doing right now in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. I appreciate how open, honest, and compassionate Alia is in this conversation and how she leads with kindness, positivity, and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her point of view, education on birth, essential oils, and more. It *almost* made me want another baby. For those wanting to learn more about Alia and Molo baby, visit her website, www.molobaby.ca and @molobaby.ca on Instagram. If you, like me are trying to educate yourself further on racial injustices and how to address them. I highly recommend the kitchen table conversation Alia and her 3 sisters had, which you can now view on youtube or through her website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBe-KMcJFhs&feature=youtu.be Happy listening, safe well.

The Rebel mamas, on birthing their babes, their book, and everything in between. These women are making waves in the motherhood world, changing the conversation, and providing a book that feels like a combination of a hug a good belly laugh with a girlfriend for the rest of us still trying to navigate through sleepless nights and toddler tantrums while holding onto out identities for dear life. I had such a laugh talking to Nikita and Aleks. It was a pleasure to have them on the podcast, their Virgo energy, their take on motherhood, and birth. A very refreshing and uplifting chat a few weeks back when lockdown was intense. They passed on their wisdom and added another level of how not to lose your Shit in a pandemic. If your a mom or a mom-to-be and you haven't read their book- you need to. I laughed my arse at every page turn while nodding profusely. It’s relatable, funny, and everything you need to know about motherhood, without the BS. The cheat sheet if you will for all the other baby books out there. Complete with a cocktail list, need I say more? The book is just one of their many accomplishments and I have no doubt they are on their way to world domination. They are a force to reckoned with and I very much enjoy following their accounts. If you aren’t already following them too, do it @therebelmamas and @handbookforcoolmoms AND buy their book, you'll thank me later https://www.amazon.ca/Rebel-Mamas-Handbook-Cool-Moms/dp/1443461393/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1590712318&refinements=p_27%3ANikita+Stanley&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Nikita+Stanley Thanks ladies for the lockdown laughs and all you are doing to support women and mothers! Happy listening.

Jen’s story bringing Logan and Wyatt into the world. Jen has been a support to be on here since I since my time on this app started. Both living away from home and raising a family we connected in our DM’s. Later connected further by grief and loss. Something that struck me when we were chatting about her being on the podcast. Since sadly being widowed, suddenly and tragically around 11 months ago. Jen feels she is the keeper of her family stories and son’s birth stories, in particular, something I wouldn’t have thought about. And I am lucky enough not to have to. Thank you, Jen, for your open and honest dialogue on the reality you face daily without your husband Warren. Thank you for sharing all aspects of it with us and your gorgeous boys, their stories and for showing us the true strength it takes to keep going… in a pandemic no less! You are a badass!! As I write this, its mother’s day here in Canada, and again I remember what a hard day it is for those widowed and how forgotten that narrative is on days like these. What Jen has to say- “Both my births were pretty traumatic and nothing like I expected them to be. Because of that I feel compelled to share about them, not to scare expectant mothers but to know it all going sideways, no matter how you plan is completely normal. And with my husband's death, it is also important to me to have a record of that time when it was just the two of us working together to bring our boys into the world.” Happy listening

Amber’s story, A conversation on her 3 Girls coming into the world. Molly, Olive, and Charlotte. I came across Ambers story online in a rather serendipitous way. In a past life, I owned a T-shirt company selling 'Mama' Tees, donating to women’s mental health and child loss charities. I came across Amber’s story and charity ‘The Olive harper foundation’ in honor of her daughter that she sadly lost at 25 weeks. So much of what she wrote resonated with me. Her foundation was part of the charities we once donated to. Our stories have some similarities. Amber has such wisdom and a wonderful way of talking about her girls. Words that stuck with me that we both have experienced through the lense of loss are- “There is light in the darkest of moments.” I could have chatted with Amber all day, it was so good to chat. Especially in these weird times where contact and proper conversation with others are so scarce. I’m trying to hold onto her words as I struggle with day to day life. I hope we all find some light in this darkness. Amber thank you for sharing your story and your girls and all that you do to help other families, in dear Olive’s name. She would be so proud. Happy listening

Briar Rose- coming into the world. Kind of a big deal... my last birth story. And what a finale it was. Doing a grand tour of Toronto’s birthing facilities starting at home, spending most of my labour at the birth center (which felt like a spa stay) before dashing to the hospital, almost giving birth in my midwife's car before she burst into the world just minutes after arriving. Proving to me that no matter how many births you have and how much you think you have it sussed. Control isn’t there to be had. Much like her personality, she is the calm after the storm. Our very own sleeping beauty. The little life that has taught me you never know what’s around the corner, yet life is better for her calming presence. Thinking about Briar's birth seems so abstract to life right now. It makes me realize how much has changed in a matter of weeks. Especially in the birthing world. I’m so grateful I got to have her when I did. That I was privileged enough to have my husband and bestie/birth partner there. That I got these wonderful photos. That my trainee midwife could massage me for through THE WHOLE THING. (She was fantastic btw). That PPE wasn’t present. That the hormonal newborn phase had passed just in the nick of time for the pandemic to hit. That I had choices. It was fun to chat with my sister again, in true tradition, and remember her birth. To remember all the joy she brings and document it. Whatever happens next I’ll have these memories. I’m so so smitten. It’s like she just arrived again. She is the dream baby I needed to make this all ok. She is just what the dr ordered. She was meant to be and the timing was divine. If only I could have seen that last year? Or maybe that’s the point. I needed not to see what was coming right now?? I don’t feel worthy of this ‘happy ending’. I never thought I’d get here and yet here I am. Family complete. Thanks for tuning in. My weekly chats with guests for this podcast gives me hope and excitement to keep going. I have so many fantastic women coming up. .... watch this space. Happy listening. Love Frannie

Jo’s story, bringing baby Teddy into the world in the peak of a pandemic. Women giving birth during this pandemic are HEROs! Jo is one of them. She is a dear friend of mine and it was such a pleasure talking to her about bringing Teddy into the world. Teddy’s in Jo’s second son. Henry was born over 5 years before and as Jo explains it wasn’t a good experience for her. So much so she had feared giving birth again from then on. Like myself, she started hypnobirthing to prepare herself. Not realizing just how much it would come into play for her in the end. Sally from @thefeelgoodbirthco has seen us both through our most recent births and my god what a difference it made for both us! Thank you so much, Sally. Her services are perfect for pandemic birthing. I did all of my learning with Sally online and on FaceTime. This is such a feel-good story, the happy birth story we all need to hear right now. The perfect antidote to all the pandemic birth fear. Jo got the birth she wanted despite all the restrictions, she had a calm experience and the first thing she said when I asked how it went was “it was amazing”. That gave me hope that if she can have an amazing birth during a pandemic, following previously difficult experiences, there his hope for everyone. In this episode we talked all things lockdown home birth, how she overcame fear, dealt with birthing restrictions, and all the ways she made good of a difficult time and lots in between. For the rest of the story, ill let you listen, it really is a great one. Jo, I’m so proud to know you, I hope you are proud of yourself too. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me mid pandemic and thanks for the hope and positivity you are spreading to all the other preggo mama’s out there. Happy listening.

Emma’s story, bringing scout into the world on the edge of a pandemic. Its been really interesting chatting about birth on lockdown and a lot less scary than I imagined, more uplifting than anything and a very welcome break from family life, some really joyous moments. My chat with Emma was exactly that. I found Emma’s Instagram account a little before Xmas. Much like her feed, she is a ray of sunshine. She is a kids culture expert and has her own business/agency consulting with huge household names on the trends of kids and play. I think that’s what makes her point of view so interesting and inspiring. I’ve followed a lot of her pregnancy journey as a fellow 3 kid mama. Scout was born just before the UK went on lockdown. Emma’s story is interesting and mirrors my own in a few ways. The expectations of having a third, knowing it’s your last, doing hypnobirthing, yet things playing out a little differently to planned and the realities Of what it’s like to have a newborn in a pandemic. I found Emma fascinating to talk to and her feed brings me so much joy. I think as an avid follower, mums like myself look to her for guidance and never has it been more useful. I urge you to check her page out. She really has inspired me in these weird times to live more playfully with my kids. Happy listening. Link in bio and stories.

Louise’s Story, twin pregnancy, loss of a twin and Eva coming into the world (3 months early) if that doesn’t sound eventful enough a Pandemic baby is due any week now! I have been trying to navigate my thoughts on putting out birth stories in this pandemic crisis. The landscape for mums to be is ever-changing and frightening. But this episode made me realize it’s needed even more. Louise's point of view was so refreshing and positive. It gives me hope for all women giving birth in 2020. A testament to the woman she is and all she has endured in recent years. Anyone pregnant reading this, I hope this episode provides you comfort. You are not alone! Louise you were a delight to talk to, thank you for sharing so much and making me laugh. This episode was made to be aired right now. You’ll get what I mean when you listen. A word from Louise - ‘When Fran first asked me to be on the podcast we thought it would purely be about my first twin pregnancy, how I dealt with the loss of one baby and how I got through the prematurity and early days home with the surviving baby. We thought that would be a complex enough topic to unpick, but that was before I fell pregnant again and am due to give birth right in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic in UK! This podcast was so healing to do to process my emotions about both pregnancies. I am always so happy and humbled that anyone wants to hear my story and I want to thank Fran so much for having me - I set up my Insta account to help any mums who may have had similar experiences and share love, so hope this podcast gets to those who need it.’ Follow @helpamummyout on Instagram to see more of Louise’s journey. Happy listening.

*recorded pre - Pandemic* *EDIT* I wasn’t sure whether it was appropriate to put out more podcast episodes or not right now. But I’ve decided I need something to do and you guys probably need something to listen to. This week's guest is a special uplifting human. The kind the world needs more of. I am reminded of that even more so in these weird times. Which is why I want to share her story this week. Last weekend this wonderful human @emilydphotogaphy came to our porch (at a safe distance) to take our family ‘Porch-trait’ photo in exchange for us buying from a local female-run business. (

Into the world's first sequel and what an honour it was to record Simone's story for a second time. I met Simone for the first time IRL this week at a wonderful event run by @therebelmamas @100daysof and @lostandfoundto. I have to thank them all for tackling a taboo subject and having a conversation that's so necessary- love, loss and grief. It was heartwarming to be part of. Simone is just as warm, kind, wise and just plain lovely IRL, as you see come through in her words on the podcast. It makes me very grateful for this online community and the support I've received not just from Simone but all of you too. This episode is EVERYTHING! I hope you enjoy listening and Simone Thanks for sharing Grace, Margaux, Liam and so much insight with us. A word from Simone- 'In my previous episode, I mention that each of my kids has taught me something. Liam made me a mom and taught me everything about relinquishing control and following your children’s lead. Margaux taught me that even in the most terrible circumstance there is beauty to be found. Well Grace, ironically has taught me about grace. They say that Grace isn’t something that you can earn or be given, it’s just something that you have to allow yourself to be open to receive. You can’t earn grace any more than you can earn the delicious taste of raspberries or the beautiful smell of fresh rain. Learning to accept the gift of a baby after loss is very difficult. But by being open to the beautiful gift that we have been given and not consumed by fear, it allowed me to fully enjoy having a baby again. She truly is the grace that fills our hearts. The grace that fills our home. And I’m so grateful.'

Emily's story, bringing Orion into the world and a whole lot more. This week I'm talking to Emily, mostly about her son Orion's birth and how she made peace with her other births to have this experience. We touch on some quite heavy subjects. Her story is extraordinary. From how she came into the birthing world professionally, some unique working experiences, to her struggle with postpartum psychosis and mental health. How she has overcome so much and founded @thegoodbirthco. I commend Emily for talking about the darker rides of maternal mental health. Emily's story is so multifaceted. I can't do it justice in one post. There is a lot we unpack in her episode. She has experienced and go through so much, has so much professional knowledge that it makes for a particularly interesting conversation. Hence why this week's episode is a little longer. Stay tuned for this weeks giveaway, Emily is hosting it and its a great win for moms to be out there. Emily, thank you for all you do to support women, thank you for sharing the highs and lows of your motherhood journey, for having the courage to share even the darkest parts and shedding a light on so many topics both personally and professionally. Happy listening. Link in bio and stories Check out more of what Emily is up to @thegoodbirthco

Care's story, bring Ben, Lucy, Penny and Fred #intotheworld. (With a whole lot of professional knowledge thrown in there too.) This week is a very special and informative episode. If your curious about home birth then this is the episode for you. I'm speaking to Carolyn, most commonly known as Care. She is all things motherhood and someone who feels so maternal to me. With 4 kids of her own, Care is a Registered Midwife, CPR Instructor, Certified Car Seat Technician, Babywearing Educator & Infant Mental Health Specialist, business owner, community leader, and content creator, she does a lot. She has home birthed all of her kids. And has a wealth of knowledge on the matter. The reason I wanted to talk to her beyond her incredible journey is that I wanted help getting some facts out there about birth from not only an experienced mama but also a professional qualified to answer such questions. Especially about some of the myths about birth and the fears surrounding homebirth. It was a very interesting, informative and insightful conversation. I was so touched listening to her relationship with her mom and how losing her has affected motherhood for her. I could have talked to Care all day as she has so much experience and of course 4 births to share. Her perspective is so well thought out, considered and judgment-free. The support she offers parents is incredible. Thank you Care for sharing so much with us, from your wealth of professional knowledge to your precious mom and your gorgeous photos. Even though I'm only 2 weeks out and sworn to never do it again listening to your story and seeing your photos warms my heart enough to wish I could repeat this all again. Midwives are simply incredible humans, thank you for being one of them. As always this was such a pleasure. To find out more about how Care is supporting parents follow her @with_care. Or stay tuned to see what course she is giving away two spots for this week. Happy listening.

This week's episode is with a very special and dear friend of mine. I've known Emma since I was 5 years old we have been through all of our school years together have sisters the same age. So many shared memories over the years. She now lives in my husband's hometown and we share even more friends. Sadly we also have some shared experiences on loss. One of my biggest fears was and still is knowing someone closely who has lost a baby or a pregnancy. having lived through it myself its so hard so know the pain and watch someone else I love suffer. I’m sure lots of people feel the same. I received that kind of text just back in march of 2019. Emma sadly lost her second son Lachie and reached out to let me know. I felt that immediate heartache for her. As horrible as it's been to bear witness to Emma’s pain, I think we have both helped each other cope and provided some comfort in each other's journeys. I'm so so proud to know Emma. Her strength is exceptional. I know all women who get thrust into this club have no choice but to face their reality whether they like it or not. But she has been a true inspiration in how she has dealt with life. She has let those around her know what she wanted and how she wants Lachie to be remembered, she has since gone on to change a lot of about her life including starting a new job, changing careers and studying to be a reflexologist, raising money in her sons name and doing so much to help others and honor him. Emma your soul is as bright as Lachie is shining in your life. I love you to death and I can't thank you enough for everything you have done to help me. We recorded this back in the summer when Emma and Lachie's story was even rawer. Since then she has completed her reflexology course and we are both pregnant. (At the time of recording). She guessed I was before I even dared to tell her and then by the time I did she had just fallen pregnant herself also unexpectedly. Her baby is due on Lachie's anniversary and mine 11:1 Jan so if you believe in numerology then both dates are very interesting in our journeys. Having Emma to share this crazy journey with has been so comforting and I can help but think its no coincidence Emma its been an honor to share your story you are the bravest person I know and its a real privilege to call you a life long friend, the laughs and cries we have had together are like no other. Good luck with all things baby number 3. Love you and thank you!

Heather’s Story, bringing Oliver into the world I've known Heather a little while now through the wonderful Instagram community. I enjoy and feel incredibly inspired by her account @veganishmama. Heather is such a sweet soul, so open, honest and funny too. I love seeing what she is getting up to with her son and I’m inspired by her vegan lifestyle and how she went from being a cheese taster to a plant-based life. I get a lot of tips on how to live a greener life with a family from her page. Her story is heartbreaking in part and we have shared some similar situations, as well as both, being pregnant at the time of recording. She talks about the heartbreak of losing her first son, at a very hard time for her having already lost her Dad unexpectedly. What it was like for her and how she coped losing a baby around 20 weeks. We talk a lot about the caution and anxiety that follows any loss as well as her birth story to second son Oliver. She has another baby on the way in 2020 and I love the humor she always inserts into her storytelling. She is a pleasure to talk to and follow along with. Wishing you all the best in the rest of pregnancy heather thanks for being so open and for your infectiously positive energy. Happy listening

This week Suzanne shares her 5-year-old daughter's Kae birth story. It was so fun to do my first in-person podcast in my very own recording space you may have heard me going on about in my Woman cave in my basement. I met Suzanne a while back and have been following her journey on Instagram. As a clothes obsessed style-conscious person myself who likes to express myself through what I wear I can relate to her business- and how passionate she is about dressing for yourself, your personality and your body shape and passionately loving every piece in your wardrobe. You can find her on @yourshopgirl In her episode, we talk more about her textbook pregnancy, how having a birth plan carved out in stone doesn’t always serve you and how she shared the experience with her best friend. talking about what happens when friends have to navigate the loss of a child. Suzanne speaks so beautifully about her dear friend, how to support a friend through loss. Their joined love and loss touched me and resonates. I believe how she managed in supporting her friend to be a beautiful part of the story, heartwarming and heartbreaking and great advice too. Thanks, Suzanne for sharing your story and such a big part of your life with us. Link in bio and stories.

Jenn’s story of Sully coming in the World. This week's episode I chat with Jenn. I loved hearing more about Jenn’s love story and how she went from actively telling everyone she knew she didn’t want to have kids to meeting her now-husband and not being able to imagine not bringing one of their children into the world. I loved every factor or her story. We touch a lot on giving in to expectations of our birth plans and also pushing back when we need to. We shared, probably quite controversial views on swearing and language we use around our children and what's important when it comes to raising compassionate children in 2020 and beyond. Jenn is also a business owner and founder of @babymamafitness. I am yet to try one of her classes but watch this space. Her ethos is one I respect and stand by myself. Jenn helps Mamas get their fitness back in a safe and body-positive way. No gimmicks, no shakes or pills, and no diet talk. We talk a lot about the unrealistic ‘snap back’ culture and what’s important about body image after having a baby. Also the aspect of community and working out and how that is so often overlooked. I know myself the importance of having great women around you after having a baby. Jenn’s brand is about more than just working out. Again a topic I think we both could have chatted about all day. Watch out for this week’s giveaway too. I’m so many of us are feeling like we over indulged this xmas. Jenn is giving away 2 awesome prizes geared to get you feeling great about yourself in 2020. Watch this space and happy listening.

Stacey’s story, bringing Cooper and River into the World This week I am talking to Stacey. She is a mum of two, Cooper age 11 and River 17months ish by now. Along with her two births almost 10 years apart, we cover a multitude to topics from what it's like to be the first of your friends to have a baby, to having a big age gap between her kids. Her first birth with her then-husband and then River with her now wife. It was an education talking to her about how Stacey and her wife approached the process as a same-sex couple. Sadly in between, she lost a baby at 17 weeks, we talk about about how different people deal with grief and how it affected her subsequent pregnancy with her son River. Thanks for sharing your experiences Stacey, you were great fun to talk to, so real, honest and open. It was a real pleasure. Happy listening people and look out for this week's epic giveaway.

Jen’s story, bringing Mighty Jack into the world… What Jen has to say about her experience… ”You'll need to bring your son to SickKids in the next hour." Those were the words I heard on the phone on March 7, 2018, while holding my 18-day old son as he slept in my arms. The last thing a family rushing off to The Hospital for Sick Children is thinking about is grabbing a camera to take photos. But that's precisely what I did when I frantically packed to get to SickKids after I received that call. The week before this, my son had worn a heart Holter for 24 hours, a device that measures a person's heart rate. The results of that Holter are what prompted the phone call and the urgency to get to SickKids. The week before that he entered the world with the biggest bang that none of us could have expected. I knew there were more issues with my son's heart than we initially thought, even after evidence in utero and hours post-birth. My mama intuition was finally validated. I cried because I had wanted to speak up when we heard it in utero for a couple of seconds, but tried to be a "good pregnant woman" and let the experts do their job. I cried because post-birth I was in such a fog from both an exhaustingly long and traumatic labour and birth and couldn't advocate more for my son - something I learned in hindsight. I cried because his paperwork was lost between hospitals, and we waited far too long to get this information. My son, nicknamed Mighty Jack was resting at 300 beats per minute (bpm) when we arrived at SickKids… A normal heart rate for a newborn is 120-160 bpm. When Jack was 18 days old we were admitted to the inpatient 4D cardiac ward at Sick Kids and spent 4 days monitoring my son on beta-blockers for his congenital heart disease (CHD). My experience becoming a Mother was NOT what I anticipated in any way shape or form. I've grieved the birth into Motherhood I didn't have. It's still tender and still something I'm working on. But from that experience and our time at SickKids, something else was born. @projectmightyhearts was born from trauma. We provide free, compassionate and authentic photography sessions that document the raw experiences of families whose children have CHD's. For every session sold through Jen Allison Photography, one is gifted to a heart family through Project Mighty Hearts. Life doesn't just happen in a photography studio, with perfectly posed infants and colour coordinated outfits. Life happens in the mundane, the magical, and amid struggle. Life happens in hospital rooms, and that life deserves to be documented too. -Jen. For so many, talking about birth stories is so difficult. Trauma is relative to how we feel and I am amazed by how many women are affected by such feelings. All the more reason why listening and being a witness to the stories being told it so important. Thanks Jen for sharing your story with us. I know it wasn’t easy and I thank you for having the courage. To follow more of what Jen is up to go her Instagram @jenallisonphoto and of course, go give @projectmightyhearts some love. Happy listening

Well, if you tuned in last week you will have heard Amy's pretty wild story, but you also might have noticed it got cut short. The universe had done a number on me and deleted some of her recordings and so we decided to do a little update episode to get you guys up to speed! The original was recorded back in August time and a lot has been going on for Amy since then so here is an update on her journey, more on how her son Roger is doing and a twist in the plot on how her own health has developed. Again Amy thank you for sharing. Never is there a dull moment for you. I've never met anyone who has such an outlook on life, no matter what is thrown your way. For anyone wanting to follow more on Amy's journey, follow her @the.enigmom on Instagram. Thank for listening and look out as this week we have two episodes airing! Double the podcast love- happy listening.

I’m talking to my lovely friend Tanya aka Dr. Tanya Cotler, PhD CPsych She is @drcotler on Instagram, a psychologist specializing in maternal wellness and infant development as well as a mother of 3 and an all-round lovely human. We met through Instagram and she has been a great support to me as well as a true friend. This week we aren’t sharing her story but after last week’s share of Amy’s story- where we unpacked a lot. It hit home for me the importance of storytelling and bearing witness. So with that being said, we will be talking about the power of both, from the perspective of birth stories and this podcast. Also how scientifically the processes can benefit us. So I guess you can say this episode is about the power of storytelling. I loved having this conversation with Tanya and I think for anyone whatever their experience there is a lot to be gained to listening to Tanya's wise words and advice. I’ve linked below where you can get help should you be struggling with trauma, loss, motherhood and any type of mood disorder. Happy listening. And don't forget Amy's update episode is there to download this week too!Postpartum support international https://www.postpartum.net/ Postpartum stress centre https://postpartumstress.com/ In Canada Hospital programs for women struggling postpartum at Sunnybrook https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=womens-mood-anxiety-clinic-repro-transition Woman’s college https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/ Mt Sinai https://www.mountsinai.on.ca/care/psych/patient-prog Dr Cotler's contact for help with a referral for treatment to herself or other providers trained in maternal mental health and/ or infant development across the GTA Tanyacotlerphd.com

.... continued! We left you on a bit of a cliff hanger there! Here is part two of her story. Thank you Amy for having the courage to share your story now and also your ongoing journey. I'm sure it's not easy but you pass through the world with such grace and humour despite all the challenges your family face and continue to face. Happy listening! follow along with where we left on Instagram @the.enigmom.

I couldn’t write a better caption that Amy has to summarize her story, so here she is... *link I’m bio to listen to her episode* So grateful for her courage to share everything she has been through. Please share, subscribe, and send her some love. “My pregnancy, my birth experience, my son, they have one thing in common: they are rare. ⁣ ⁣ I had a high-risk pregnancy due to a large tear in my uterus followed by the discovery of my baby’s heart condition and abnormalities. My labour consisted of rare complications from the epidural, being dropped off the delivery table in the middle of a contraction (yep, you read that right), tearing that required over 80 stitches to what I now lovingly refer to as my “Frankengina”, and culminating in a beautiful, brief moment with my son before he was whisked to the Cardiac Care Unit at the children’s hospital. ⁣ ⁣ Almost 2 years after giving birth to my sweet son Roger I am only now starting to work through the events surrounding his birth. It’s been a whirlwind of an entrance into motherhood! After aggressive testing, therapies, and many more hospital visits, we’ve discovered my son has a rare, genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which - amazingly - may be the missing link to explain many of my own medical anomalies. ⁣ ⁣ Roger is now a happy, hilarious and mischievous toddler. We’ve got a great team managing his health, and after almost a year of physio, he recently started walking! As we’ve settled into a new normal I finally have the time (and emotional bandwidth) to revisit my own experience of him entering the world. Thankfully, my dramatic birth was a rare one… but it makes one heck of a wild story!” To find Amy and follow along with her journey go to her Insta @enig.mom

INTO THE WORLD PODCAST IS BACK and gracing your ears weekly. Starting with my 3rd birth story, bringing Cub into the world. You may have seen part of the video but there is a little more to the story so tune in to listen. In a lot of ways, Cub and his birth were in part my inspiration behind starting this project. As I birthed him this also took off. I have very fond memories of recording episodes with him feeding on my lap. His story has taught me a lot: That no two stories are the same, that you can never know what to expect, or have it all planned out and babies themselves are much the same - so individual. I've had to learn to be a mum all over again. Watching back his video reminded me that one experience does not define the next. So fear of the past does not help with the future or even have anything to do with it. There are definitely moments of this birth where I felt so empowered and proud and in awe of how the human body works and how It is possible to birth unmedicated given the right circumstances and support but there were definitely some moments of pure fear. I was terrified not to be closer to a hospital and all I wanted was something stronger than essential oils to soothe the pain. I’d of happily taken any medication in those last moments. I may have felt calm in parts and my video (which is unedited minus 30 seconds where I couldn’t maintain my modestly- and the cord was being unwrapped) I’m not sure how I would have faired had it gone on a moment longer. Regardless of what happened, I am proud I got through it, as I believe we all should be no matter what. Much like his birth story Cub is like a whirlwind bursting into our family so quickly, bringing lots of chaos and lots of joy but making us all happier for his presence. FUN FACTS- *This birth took place unexpectedly in my spare room. In under 3.5 hrs. *There were 9 people in this room inc Cub not that you can see them all. *It was my student midwife's first birth outside of Venezuela. *We had no curtains up and I'm pretty sure our neighbours could see in. *My son was watching paw patrol in the next room *My friend/ birth partner didn’t think she would be able to attend as she had to work at a wedding 3 hrs after I called her. And guess what - he arrived before she had to leave. *I didn’t remember any of the videos until I watched it the next day. Happy listening, look out for this week's giveaway too, make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out.

Nikki’s story- bringing Gabrielle into the world. Nikki is many things but for the context of this podcast infertility and IVF warrior, mother and Pilates instructor and founder of @bellemethod. I started following Nikki for my love of Pilates and her very informative and practical Instagram content. I love her videos and although I’m yet to get to one of her classes, I have used her videos regularly to help with my core and pelvic floor. I continue to follow Nikki for her openness and I’m drawn to her as a person. It’s so refreshing to hear someone speak so honestly about their journey in such a beautiful way. It was a real pleasure talking to Nikki and I’m honoured to share her story. She has faced a lot of challenges with such grace and yet helping women is at the forefront of everything she does. Swipe right for a video of just after she gave birth a real testament to her openness. I feel honoured to share such a beautiful moment and I couldn't stop crying as I watched! This is what Nikki had to say- “ They told me I was high risk. This was a geriatric pregnancy. I was 36. We did IVF. I have a heart condition. We had miscarriage earlier. The midwives would not take me. I was told I would need an epidural because of my SVT heart condition. The medical messages I got were that my body was somehow faulty. BUT, instead of accepting that, it fuelled the fire in my belly. I refused to believe that my body was broken. My body is NOT a lemon, I said to myself. I’ll show you. Tell a woman she can’t do something enough times, and she’ll either start to believe it OR rebel. My birth was my ultimate act of rebellion. My birth healed my heart and my soul, literally. I was at a higher risk level 3. hospital. And I’ll always remember when my OB said to me during the final pushing stages of labor, well this could have been a home birth. " Thanks again Nikki! Love Frannie

Sally’s story bringing Lyra and Rory into the world. Sally is a dear school friend of mine. It was great to chat with her, hear her story and catch up. We talking about how her birth experiences have lead her to her passion- Hypnobirthing. You might imagine that she had two perfect 'Hypno-births' to be so passionate but actually, the stress of her first birth is actually what lead her to give hypobirthing a go, educate herself and search for a better outcome, uncovering a new passion along the way. You can tell by how she talks just how excited she is about all things birth. This was recorded a while back and since recording, she has started her company @feelgoodbirth for the UK based listeners you should check her out. She offers everything from taster classes to one on one classes as well as online options. She teaches the @theyesmumbirthproject syllabus. Sally is such a fun and warm person to chat to and has such a positive, yet realistic approach to birth and feels that at the heart of everything is the right support and the right to choose what’s best for you and your family. I really couldn’t agree more with her philosophy. The process and mindset can do nothing but good. It undoubtedly helped me a lot, even when I was induced and my birth plan went out the window. Thanks for sharing your story and your passion with us Sally and I wish you all the best in your venture. I have every faith it will be a huge success. I'm still laughing about your funny motherhood moment. I mean I'm sure loads of people have taken their kids to a posh garden centre wrapped in a towel in winter. You'll have to listen to get the full scoop on that one. Here is what sally had to say... After a “textbook” but stressful labour and birth of my daughter, and an anxiety-filled second pregnancy, someone recommended I try hypnobirthing. I was skeptical but desperate. Bring on the woo-woo. But… Instead of the woo-woo, and much to the relief of both me and my even more skeptical husband, we had a wonderful experience during the classes, which were practical and science-based. We were brought closer together practicing the techniques we learned in preparation for labour and this all led to the most incredible birth of our son. For me, it was even more life changing - I finally knew what I wanted to do when I grow up! I want to shout from the rooftops how much of an impact hypnobirthing makes; how some very simple tools can be astonishingly effective; how astounding a woman’s body is during pregnancy, labour and birth; and how what a women learns through hypnobirthing can take can take her from a place of fear to fearless, to embracing birth as being one of the most empowering experiences, which they will remember and cherish forever. The moment you hold your baby for the first time is the glorious destination. Hypnobirthing can ensure the journey is equally magical. Whether you’re expecting your first or your tenth baby; if you’re planning a home-birth or choosing to have a caesarean; you want a drug-free birth or want to take anything they can give you; hypnobirthing gives you the tools and knowledge to ensure your baby’s arrival is everything you could hope for, creating memories that will forever fill you with joy. You can find Sally at the following https://thefeelgoodbirthco.com or on Instagram @feelgoodbirthco Happy listening

Amanda's story, bringing Winnie and Norah into the world. ( and a hell of a lot of sleep chat) This week I am talking to Amanda. As you all know she helped me sleep train Cub the second time around. She has gone from being online friends to an IRL friend. In fact, it’s our first in-person meet recording this podcast. We talk about her bringing her two daughters into the world and how she went from being a teacher to a full-time sleep consultant. How she suffered from anxiety and how that showed up for her as a mother. We talked a lot about sleep. I want to start by saying this episode is not here to force you to sleep train. Or to make you feel bad about how much of little sleep you are getting. There is no judgment in this space and we both come from a place off knowing its not right for everyone or the time for everyone. We just hope whatever you are doing, you are getting enough and feeling good. We are both passionate about how sleep has changed our lives and also the importance of taking fear and shame out of the conversation. So we try to squash any myths with facts. I can't even express how much @babysbestsleep has saved me from the depths of despair, but she did. I was a true skeptic. Until I had Cub I had no need to sleep train, but everything changed and I just couldn't cope, put simply nothing else worked. I hope you enjoy Amanda’s story and that you find it informative. I also hope the facts and our experiences provide some comfort, if you need it. As you can hear for yourself Amanda is so passionate about helping people. She is straight-talking, funny, kind and REALLY knows her stuff. Thank you again Amanda for making the impossible, possible. For easing my anxious mind and giving my cranky, sleepless baby a new lease of life and a hell of a lot more sleep. Not to mention how incredibly different I feel. I couldn't do this podcast and all that does long with it, on no sleep. Oh, and we talk about the @profemilyoster books, "expecting better " and ‘crib sheet’ for those interested in reading you can buy both on amazon. Find Amanda on Insta @babysbestsleep And check out her podcast ’Slumber Party” with Amanda Jewson on iTunes. https://babysbestsleep.com/ for all your sleep consultancy needs. Happy listening and sleeping!

Julia’s story, bringing Lucia, Fiama and Into the world I met Julia through the wonderful instagram community that is instagram. I love nothing more than connecting with people on this platform, so it was a real honour that so many if you applied to participate and that I finally got to meet someone in person. This is the first in person chat I had so bear with us fumbling on technology. Julia is the kid of warm person you meet once and feel like you have known for a life time after just an hr or two. It’s no surprise to me that she has 3 kids as she feels so kind and maternal to be around, I left her presence just wanting to give her a big hug which I think we did. We talk about what its like to have 3 kids. She really sold the good parts to me and I was left with her comments about letting this go on the days that seem a real challenge. Something I really struggle with and I am sure everyone can relate to. We also talk about how having gestational diabetes affected her journey and how that made her feel as someone who describes herself as over weight. She has some great insight, really uplifting birth stories and great connections to her kids names that really made me think about the connection of my own kids names to their stories and personalities. Thanks Julia for your honesty, warmth and kindness. I hope to see you again soon.

Rosanna's story. This week I’m talking to my lovely friend Rosanna coincidently I met her through @momstoronto events on my last mat leave. (The founder, Alana shared her story last week) Rosanna is so calming and zen to be around that it’s no surprise she is a yoga teacher among other things. Although our stories are very different there is a lot about her story that I relate to. Having said that, becoming a single mom at 24 is beyond my comprehension. Rosanna your calm resilience is amazing and your kids are such a credit to you. Both you and Brandon have raised them so well. In this episode take about body image, how we both workout for the sake of our mental health. We also talk about how we think PPD is on a scale that we all sit somewhere on. We cover a range of topics and Rosanna tells us how she overcame PPD with her first and how Brooke shields book ‘along came a spider' really touched, how a good friend saved her live and most importantly what it’s like to raise multiracial boys. I hope you enjoy her episode. She has the best answer yet to the question- "What would you do with your dream day, kid-free?" I'll let you guys listen to find out more. Thanks for sharing Rosanna, so happy we met! Love Frannie

Alana’s story- bringing Elias and Essa Franki Sunshine into the world. If you aren’t already following Alana @momsto and her amazing podcast @momsthatsay on IG- Well, you should be. I met Alana on my first mat leave at one of her incredible events designed to show Moms a good time. She is the CEO Momsto and she is most certainly revolutionizing maternity leave. As someone who moved here knowing no one. I found the motherhood journey rather lonely. She really turned it around for me. I met and made a lot of new friends at her events and most of all reconnected with myself doing the sorts of things I loved to do pre-kids like eating at nice/ quirky restaurants. Both our kids were born just days and weeks apart so I’ve really been watching Alana’s motherhood journey unfold alongside my own. She is a force to be reckoned with. I’m sure we will look back in years to come and she will have taken over the world or be in the Forbes magazine. She is certainly using her “mat leave” (if you can call it that as I’m pretty sure she doesn’t sit still for a second) to kick start her passion project which is growing by the day. Even as we recorded she doubled up by having her hair cut (kinda ironic while talking to me- a hair stylist) there is never a second where this women in not on the go. I loved hearing Alana’s story, she had two home births and is a real advocate for pushing for what you want from your birth, even when your own family isn’t sure about your choices. To hear more of Alana’s hilarious stories, anecdotes and what she is doing for moms everywhere - click the link in my bio and my stories to swipe up. Honestly you'll be in stitches. Thank you for sharing your story Alana and for all that you have done for the community of Mom’s on mat leave in Toronto and beyond! While you are here, download her podcast too- http://momsthatsay.com/ Oh, and she is being nominated for a High five grant to support her and vote click the link https://momsto.com/2019/07/were-nominated/ Join me, by buying tickets for her legendary event MOMFEST -https://momfest.ca/ Happy listening, people. Love Frannie

Jackie’s story - bringing  Francesca and Alexandra into the world.  Aka mine and my sister’s birth story.  I thought we would start at the beginning with how my sister and I came into the world and what that was like some 34 plus years ago. I roped my mum in, it's her first podcast and I think it blew her mind. It was interesting to hear her/ my story. Like most of us, I never really thought to ask in such detail what it was like to give birth to me. I turned up 2 weeks late and upside down, sounds about right if you know me really. So this is a planned C- section story. Well, two if you inc my sister’s.  We talk about what it was like then Vs now. We talk colic, The dummy/(pacifier) love/hate debate that only a mother and daughter could have. And she has me in stitches along the way. My mum is one special lady and I feel so grateful to have her in my life, sad she lives so far away but she is endlessly supportive regardless. I hope you enjoy our story and that you are able to share in our bond in the process. Pretty fitting as she arrives this week to visit too.  Thanks, Mum as always for jumping on board with all my crazy ideas and projects. I love you and appreciate you.  Happy Listening  Love Frannie  Follow along with more of my motherhood journey @frannieandco

The story of Bodie coming into the world. My second birth, my second born son but the boy who allowed me to experience motherhood. A year to the day his brother was due pretty much. It was a weird anxiety filled time. With many unusual coincidences and circumstances. Much like many pregnancies that follow loss. I hated most of the pregnancy. I had mild PTSD that largely went unnoticed. But aside from that it was relatively plain sailing. I was induced a few days early cos little did I know my baby was basically a sloth and in movement and future personality trails. But at the time he caused a lot of panic. I spent most of the last 20 weeks laying on my side drinking sugary drinks to promote the slightest prod. So it’s no shock now that Unexplained lack of fetal movement for hours upon end lead to a swift induction, broken waters, more pitoci than I would wish my worst enemy, a failed epidural and about 8 hrs later after a few short pushes... THERE HE WAS! I was in disbelief and in awe that I finally had a child to care for. I really didn’t think I’d see the day. All the anxiety washed away and for a while there it seemed like nothing but happily ever after.. *spoiler alert* that didn’t quite last forever

Simone’s story- bringing Margaux into the world. This is by far the most heartfelt, beautiful and healing conversation I’ve ever had with a virtual stranger. Talking to Simone was a pleasure. There is something about loss that unites women in a way that doesn’t even need to be spoken sometimes, but also talking can be just what we need. Simone and her daughter Margaux healed me in a way I didn’t know I needed to be healed. She has such wise words that instantly resonated with me and explained what I’ve been trying to express for the last 4 years. I urge you to take the time to listen. You will leave the conversation uplifted! Thank you, Simone, for sharing Margaux's story. Here is what Simone has to say. - 'A mom of soon to be 3, I’ve learned so much from each of my kids. Mostly about myself but also about life and unconditional love. This is Margaux’s story. My second child. Forever 40 weeks and 5 days old; born still on April 16 2018. As I approach her first birthday I thought sharing her birth story was the perfect way to mark the day. Talking about loss is one way I feel less lonely in grief, so thank you, Frannie, for creating a safe space to talk about all the hilarious, heartwarming and hard aspects of motherhood. And to my darling Margaux, thank you for teaching me that even in the darkest and hardest moments, there is beauty to be found

This week I'm talking to Lisa about her water Birth. Lisa is a nurse, midwife and she now teaches. She has 5 kids ranging from the ages of 5-19. She is also my cousin and has been a great source of info since my motherhood journey began. I had also hoped she would deliver my children but I went and moved to Canada. Her support in difficult times made a huge impact- I really needed a medical professional to tell me what was going to happened to me and my baby and she walked me through everything. Thank you Lisa you don’t know what a difference it made. With 5 children we could dedicate a whole series to Lisa. But he decided to talk about Jake coming #intotheworld. Her 3rd birth and her second son. Lisa tells me how her experiences influenced her to become a midwife and we talk about why no one cares if you poo during child birth - among many other things. Lisa says- Thank you so much for having me take part, I hope you enjoy listening to my birth experience, mainly about Jake, as we would need the whole podcast series to discuss all my birth stories! I am so very lucky to have birthed 5 amazing children, all amazing experiences and all healthy. With all of my births I received some form of intervention and I feel with Jake, despite this I still managed to have such an amazing experience that felt like the most natural process in the world! “ Thank you Lisa, the women who have you as a midwife are incredibly lucky.

Kate's story- bring Freya & Joshua into the world (10 years apart) This week I am talking to my dear friend Kate, she was my first close friend to have a baby and a real super mum. I've always admired her and how she coped as a new mum when the rest of our friends were more worried about what we were doing at the weekend. Her story is serendipitous, funny and eventful that's for sure! This is what Kate had to say about her birth's... (to hear more link in bio & stories) "At 22, I found myself over 4 months pregnant, despite being on the contraception pill. As I’d bypassed all the initial tests & had abnormal hormone levels & a small baby, I was deemed high risk for Downs & monitored at the hospital every 2 weeks. It also meant I had to give birth in the labor ward, with both me and baby hooked up to monitors. Although I ended up bypassing pain relief as I couldn’t get to grips with the gas & air, the whole birth experience felt very surreal and distant. Freya was delivered naturally after 4 hours, with no complications or health issues, thankfully. Fast forward 10 years & I found myself pregnant on the pill again (you’d think I would have learnt the first time). Medicine had moved on a lot during this time & my abnormal hormone levels were dismissed as just my weird pregnancy state & not an indicator of a problem with the baby, so I was told I could have the baby in the birthing centre. Joshua had other plans & was unexpectedly born at home, after thinking I was hemorrhaging, in the speediest of deliveries (3 pushes), in a very memorable location, shortly followed by the arrival of the ambulance crew and a local midwife. Despite its speed, I felt so much more present during this birth and really loved it. I would really encourage people who are considering home births to go for it, not having to be in the hospital was just so wonderful. " Love Kate brought to you by @newmummycompany & @frannieandco

Kathryn’s story - bringing baby Emie ‘into the world’. Who better to talk to than your best friend, your ultimate supporter and all round amazing human. Kathryn is my best friend, the kind of friend we all need, beautiful inside and out. (I meant who else could look this good after a c-section) I’ve known her since were 11. Sometimes we talk everyday and sometimes we don’t talk for weeks but honestly it doesn’t matter cos we are so close and have been there for each other through all of life’s up and downs. Including miscarriage and babies born just weeks apart. #friendshipknowsnodistance Although Kathryn only briefly touches on her miscarriage in this episode, it’s something that really effected her. She found great comfort in choosing to believe that the timing wasn’t right for her and partner Shaun and that that loss brought her Emie. Kathryn and I talk about every from her planned c-section, her 3 week hospitalization and making the best of hard situations. How she copes with life’s trials is a real testament to the kind of person she is. Plus quite frankly she is hilarious, probably the reason her nickname is ‘chuckles’. The only person i know comfortable enough to call me from a loo (toilet) lol! Thank you Kathryn for sharing Emie’s story with us. For making me laugh out loud. For always supporting me and participating in this podcast cos I know how out of your comfort zone it is. As always you are even more brilliant than you realize. Emie is lucky to have you, as am I. Happy listening people. This one is a real treat. brought to you by @thenewmummycompany

This week I'm talking to Megan about the birth of her son Sasha.  Megan had Sasha (in her words) "lightning speed" at the birth centre in Toronto.  Megan is a doula and a single mom by choice. I loved talking to Megan as she is so warm and open about her experiences.  We talk about her fast birth, how shocked she was by the pain but also her experience in general and how that shock stayed with her for weeks. She tells me about her struggles to breastfeed Sasha and the impact that had her.  I say absolutely wayyy too many times but we have a laugh or two along the way. It was a pleasure and an education. Thank you Megan for sharing Sasha's journey into the world.

Into the world was born out of a need to connect and share experiences with other moms/mums welcome to my podcast: This week I talk to my sister on my own experience of motherhood. The birth of my first son Phoenix, how I overcame losing him and what lead me to start this podcast. *Trigger warning* this story includes aspects of child loss which some may find sad. Although it’s a tragic story, we believe it’s as beautiful as it is sad. Happy listening. Love Frannie Brought to you by @newmummycompany