Mum Talk

Merry Christmas Everyone. This week Emma & Ali are re-releasing the conversation Emma had last year with Anna Mathur in the run up to Christmas. Emma welcomes Anna Mathur, psychotherapist, author, best seller, writer, podcaster and mother onto the podcast to equip and prepare us with personal tools to avoid overwhelm and burnout over the Christmas period. A lot is demanded of us over the next few weeks, this is a must listen!Merry Christmas & thank you for your continued support this year! Please do subscribe rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.Links:Anna's books and offerings HERE.Mum Talk InstagramAli Bastian Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING - Allergy discussion including description of allergic reaction. NOT MEDICAL ADVICE - Please seek medical advice if you or your children are suffering from allergies. Ali is kindly sharing her journey as an allergy parent NOT medical advice. This week on the podcast Ali shares her journey as an allergy parent, the journey Ali, David and Isla have been on as a family with Islas allergies, the hourly/daily challenges they face, the stress, anxiety and PTSD Ali and David have suffering and of course Islas allergies, what this looks like, the preplanning involved and what's next as they look forward on their journey. Especially with this episode, please do share, there are many who we believe will be supported by this conversation. & please don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Find Ali and Emma here:Mum Talk InstagramAli Bastian InstagramResources & Support:The Allergy Team Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December is here and Ali and Emma are talking Christmas! Ali and Emma share their childhood memories of Christmas triggering just why Christmas hasn't always been a magical time for them both. Emma shares how merging of cultural traditions has shaped what Christmas looks like in her home and how Ali's daughters allergies have encouraged Ali to realise what the perfect Christmas looks like for them. Emma and Ali share how Christmas can trigger overwhelm & anxiety and agree on the most special gift they would both like for Christmas. Please rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Links:Action for ChildrenFind Ali and Emma here:Mum Talk InstagramAli Bastian Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali and Emma are back this week with one of the main topics that bonds parents…..SLEEP and sleep deprivation! Who doesn't love and NEED to sleep. Without enough sleep the human brain cannot function properly. Ali and Emma share their experiences with sleep from newborn to toddler, how children can be polar opposite, the importance of turning off the noise and tuning in to what works for you and your family. For your children and YOU'RE sleep/sanity!Ali and Emma go on to talk about how lack of sleep, sleep deprivation, and the introduction of a baby can hugely impact relationships, which can leave us in total shock at such a vulnerable time. Just how can we meet each others needs and the needs of a tiny newborn baby?Mentioned podcasts:The Don't Buy Her Flowers Podcast with Steph DouglasAlso listen to Steph and I's chat on Mum Talk back in 2019 here!Dirty Mother Pukka with Anna Whitehouse and guest Kate Lawler Please rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Find Ali and Emma here:Mum Talk InstagramAli Bastian Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to know us! Ali and Emma have their first catch up in months and months and share it with you!In true Ali and Emma oversharing style, they wear their hearts on their sleeves from the start, sharing about motherhood, their personal battles and the effect parenting in a pandemic has had on their mental health. Ali shares with us how she is feeling in her pregnancy with baby number two and a well kept secret! Ali and Emma deep dive into the motherhood juggle, relationships, parenting and how they feel about the baby making journey potentially coming to an end.Please rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.Mum Talk InstagramAli Bastian Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma is back with a brand new series and brand new conversation with her CO-HOST Ali Bastian, who you may recognise from hit TV shows, Hollyoaks, The Bill and Strictly Come Dancing. Ali and Emma are in the thick of motherhood and are here to deep dive into it all with you. Motherhood changes you as a person, physically and mentally, it seems (from personal experience)to give you the most incredible sense of purpose, self-worth and strength you didn't know you had, whilst simultaneously leading you to question your ‘self' and more or less everything you have ever known. Ali and Emma have one goal, as it has always been from the beginning of Mum Talk almost 5 years ago, to share in the hope no-one ever feels alone in motherhood. Ali and Emma are here for it all, the highs, the lows, the journey that is motherhood, the realities of building a family, life, love, laughter, tears, heartbreak you name it. Grab a cuppa or pop your headphones in and head out for a walk, join Ali and Emma for ‘hearts on sleeves' mum talk and journey through motherhood together. Mum Talk Podcast InstagramAli Bastian Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for a long overdue catch up where I share the last 6 weeks which has been rather messy! From covid to preschool...grab a cuppa and pop me a message if you're listening @mumtalkpodcast on insta.     

This week on the podcast:  Elwoods sleep progression Amandine starts preschool  The Motherhood mental load and the game of tetris! The relationship maze  Enjoy!  Please share with me if you listen over on @mumtalkpodcast  and if you have a moment rate and review whereever you get your podcasts!

Motherhood at 3 years 11 months, with an almost 4 year old and 1 year old.  On todays podcast I chat about motherhood and the kids plus: Running journey What to wear, especially when hot  Having a third child  Relationship with other half after baby number two Relocating to the coast Every day routines Day to day with kids Adventures - do we do enough? Getting kids out on adventures big and small Local places we enjoy with children in the heat Its so lovely catching up with you all. Please do join our community over on @mumtalkpodcast on instagram and please do share with anyone who you might think will enjoy the podcast! As always it really helps if you rate, review and subscribe. Thank you! Xxx

Its the end of the series, which means a big catch up with me! I'm sharing about sleep, 1 year vaccinations, travel, magical moments with the kids and magical moments solo, finding more of a balance and the fact I now have a walking toddler!   

Hollie, founder of The Bump Plan, is back with me this week sharing her expertise and indepth knowledge on getting back to exercise after having your baby and the realities of what this may look like. If you are wondering what this may look like for you or you are thinking of going on a few local strolls or donning your running shoes, this is a must listen! Hollie also recommends looking at the Active Pregnancy Foundation website.  You can connect with Hollie at The Bump Plan HERE!  As always if you found todays podcast, or this series helpful and supportive please do rate, review and subscribe! Lastly thank you to our sponsor Expectful.com  use the code either on the app or website MUMTALK25OFF for 25% off your annual membership. 

This week on the podcast I am joined by the co-founder of Tinto,Idia Elsmore Dodsworth.  Idia and I share a wonderfully relaxed chat about using technology to support women to thrive ( welcome Tinto!), the realities of motherhood and starting a business, especially during Covid, identity, wellbeing, mum juggle and so much more. Grab a cup of tea and sit down on the sofa with us for a relaxed mum to mum chat.  As always please do take a moment to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen!   

This week on the podcast I am joined by the wonderful Midwife Pip. Midwife Pip talks us through Cesarean sections, assisted labour, water births and realistically what to expect after birth. We go right into the detail of each topic, if birth is on the horizon for you this is a must listen and a real insight into birth from a Midwife's perspective.  Please do take a moment to rate, review, subscribe to the podcast.  Thank you always for listening! 

Today I am joined by my dear friend Annie Clempner Clarke who shares with us her journey to pregnancy and motherhood through IVF.  This was an incredibly insightful conversation for me personally as I had little knowledge of the process. I hope this episode is of support to you whether embarking on this journey yourself or supporting someone through it. If you would like to reach out to Annie you can find her over at @annieclarke_ As always please share if you enjoy the conversation and if you have a moment please rate and review where you get your podcasts.   

This week we have one of our first ever guests returning onto the podcast, Siobhan Miller founder of The Positive Birth Company. Siobhan joins me today to explain just what Hypnobirthing is and what it isn't. Siobhan shares with us her knowledge and expertise on hypnobirthing, how it can support you and your birth, support your birth partner and prepare you for the fourth trimester and early motherhood. We also chat about Siobhans own incredibly exciting news and how she is feeling about birth.  For more information head to The Positive Birth Company  . I hope you enjoy listening. Please do rate and review to help the podcast reach those who may like to feel supported by our community.  Back next week!

This week on the podcast I am joined by Hollie Grant, also know as The Pilates PT, founder of The Bump Plan. Hollie is sharing with us today her knowledge and expertise on fitness in pregnancy. What are the recommendations, how to keep fit and strong in pregnancy and what to avoid.  Hollie will be joining us back on the podcast in a few weeks to share her expertise on Post natal fitness, keep an eye out!  For more information on The Bump Plan or to contact Hollie head to @thebumpplan.  Please remember to rate and review, it really does help the podcast to be seen and support others on this journey. 

The title sums up todays podcast, but I will elaborate a touch below.  Today I am back for another catch up with you all, after sharing your favourite episodes were with me, I couldn't keep you waiting for another catch up!  I am chatting motherhood, the emotions that come with, overwhelm, Amandines transition from balance to pedal bike without stabilisers, Elwoods birthday, vaccinations, sleep and preparing for our drive to France with the kiddos.  Within this podcast I also share and review Elwood's next stage car seat the Sirona Z i-size which was kindly given to us as an ongoing collaboration with Cybex. Both Amandine and Elwood have their car seats and I highly recommend them.  Keep an eye on instagram this week @mumtalkpodcast where I will visually share a lot of what I am chatting about within this epiosde of the podcast. I hope you enjoy listening, next week Hollie from The Bump Plan will be joining us to talk all things Fitness in Pregnancy.  Please do take a moment to rate and review the podcast where ever you listen!     

I am joined on the podcast this week with Clare Bourne, Pelvic Health Physio. Today we talk all things pelvic health; where and what is our pelvic floor, pelvic floor in pregnancy and pelvic health post natally. We also chat about the facinating mind-body connection and how that helps to support and prepare your pelvic floor for/during birth. Lastly Clare urges us to not suffer in silence, if leaking or finding sex uncomfortable please seek advice, there is so much that can be done post birth. Clare has so much knowledge and expertise to share on the subject, I highly recommend following her on insta @clarebournephysio.  If you have a moment please do take a second to rate and review!  

We are back for a new series of Mum Talk! This week I am sharing what we have been up since the last series, the realities of parenting two and the highs and lows that come with!  Tune in next week on the podcast to join me in welcoming Clare from Clare Bourne Physio who shares the facts on Pelvic health.  If you have a moment please, whereever you listen to your podcasts, rate and review. It really helps other mums, parents, carers to find the podcast and be supported by our community. Also don't forget to follow @mumtalkpodcast to keep up to date with new episodes! 

On episode three of the Festive Motherhood special we welcome Anna Mathur, psychotherapist, author, best seller, writer, podcaster, mother and founder of The Mothermind Way onto the podcast. Anna joins me to equip and prepare us with personal tools to avoid overwhelm and burnout over the Christmas period. A lot is demanded of us over the next few weeks, this is a must listen! You can find Anna's books and offerings here https://www.annamathur.com . Lots of love  Emma x

For the final episode, episode 4 of the Festive Motherhood Special, I am joined by the brilliant Charlotte Stirling-Reed of SR Nutrition. Charlotte is a baby and child nutritionist with a wealth of experience and in depth expert knowledge. Charlotte guides us through weaning and feeding over the Christmas period, taking away any form of stress around this topic.  Find Charlotte here: https://www.srnutrition.co.uk . I can personally highly recommend Charlotte's weaning book (not an ad, I purchased) which we are currently using to wean Elwood. If you are sleep deprived, it is a game changer, all the thinking is done for you. I so hope you have enjoyed this series. Please do leave a review if you can, it truly helps others to find the podcast and listen in. Thank you.  Love  Emma x 

Welcome back to episode two of the festive special. Today I am joined with Hattie Frank, certified baby and toddler sleep consultant from Not Another Peep. Hattie has joined me today to chat with us about children's sleep over the festive period. Within the podcast she shares advice on how to get over excited children to bed, maintaining a bed-time routine over the festive period, especially if you are travelling or staying away at family or friends. And lets not forget, how to politely respond to sleep related comments from well-meaning family and friends.  Towards the end of the podcast Hattie also shares some of her top tips for baby sleep. If you follow along on instagram you will see my little boy of 6 months is struggling with his sleep and she shares some tips which may help if you find yourself going through the same, which I know a lot of you are!  Thank you for tuning in, please do share, rate and review and keep a look out for the two remaining episodes of the series with Anna Mathur and Charlotte Stirling-Reed.  Lots of love Emma 

Well hello! I am back with some fantastic guests for a festive special! Over the next four episodes I will be talking to guests who are going to put our minds at ease about some key parenting stresses over the festive period. A lot is asked of us over Christmas and I for one need to have some tips and tricks in my personal toolbox to come out of the other side. Hattie Frank, certified baby and toddler sleep consultant from Not Another Peep is joining me to talk sleep over the Christmas period, Anna Mathur, psychotherapist is joining me to equip us with tools to mentally get us through the Christmas period and Charlotte Stirling-Reed of SR Nutrition is joining me to discuss feeding through the festivities! We are going to be well prepared! This week, on this episode, I am catching up with you since I last shared with you all. I share about sleep, well the lack of sleep, Amandine and her progress becoming bilingual, how Amandine behaves with Elwood, our definite threenager stage and life goings on!  I hope you enjoy and don't forget to keep an eye out for the next episodes in this 4 part festive series!  Please do share, rate and review, it really helps other mums, dads, carers, parents, find the podcast. Especially at this time I would like the podcast to support as many who may need it!  Lots of Love Emma 

Hello and welcome to this weeks podcast, which brings us to the end of this series! Today Karen joins us to talk us through the female genitalia and the changes this area may go through during and post pregnancy.  Karen trained as a midwife at The University of Leeds and during her career has worked at numerous hospitals in West Yorkshire. As well as working in the Delivery Suites, Karen was a founding member of the Leeds Homebirth Team, working to support women and helping to develop midwives' skills in physiological birth. Her passion lies in homebirths and waterbirths and also supporting women to own their choices in pregnancy and childbirth. Talking points include: What do women know about their bits? What are the parts of the female genitalia called?  What is vaginal discharge? Pre, during and post pregnancy Does vaginal discharge change in pregnancy? What are the signs of abnormal vaginal discharge? UTI's, cystitis, thrush, self-help remedies and medical treatments. What other changes can happen during pregnancy to the vagina and vulva area? Swelling of the area, haemorrhoids/piles, vulvar varicosities and why this is more common during pregnancy and postnatally. What can be done during labour to protect your bits? Positions during birth for active birth and bed/epidural birth, benefits of water/waterbirth, perineal compresses. Huge thank you to Karen for joining us and the whole My Expert Midwife team for supporting this series of Mum Talk. It has been a dream partnership for me. I hope you have all picked up some goodies for yourselves with the discount within the podcast.  If you have a moment please do rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts, it keeps me going and helps others find our podcast and be supported by our community.  Emma x 

This week on the podcast we are talking all things toddler behaviour with parent consultant, Harriet Crouch.  From screaming, hitting, biting, whining to introducing the new baby to sibling and fussy eaters we cover it all. Harriet is a fountain of knowledge, lead by many many years experience in childcare settings and from parenting her own children, Harriet shares with us just how to handle the more challenging times every parent faces with a toddler!  Please if you have a moment leave a rating and review, it really helps for others to find the podcast and feel supported by our community. Emma x 

This week on the podcast I am joined by Dr Cristina Soma to talk all about skincare whilst trying to conceive, during pregnancy and postnatally.  We talk through the specific products which are unsafe during pregnancy, how to avoid pigmentation, whether you can avoid stretch marks, follow treatment regimens, guidance on skincare when trying to conceive and whilst breastfeeding, plus common pregnancy skin conditions post birth and treatments for these.  If you sent in a question through mumtalkpodcast instagram we go on to answer those too! I hope you find our conversation as useful as I did, I wish I had had this convo when I was pregnant, it would have saved hours of googling! Enjoy, love Emma x

Hello! This week I could have delayed putting the podcast out because it has been a week, but instead I wanted to chat with you all in the moment. It has been an emotionally exhausting week with illness, jabs, our toddler really testing the boundaries and a rise in anxious thoughts. This is real motherhood too, and this podcast is the highs and lows...too often on social media and podcasts we hear about the highs, so this podcast is a little more of the challenging times. I am sure a lot of you can relate.  Please do reach out and connect if you're feeling the same, over on mumtalkpodcast insta.  Thank you so much for tuning in. Have a lovely rest of your week.  Xxx

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of Mum Talk. Today I am joined by antenatal and postnatal fitness expert, personal trainer, trained baby wearing expert, father of two and founder and creator of CARiFiT, Vern Hill! Today Vern shares his in-depth knowledge on the incredible benefits of baby wearing for both baby and parent, including what to look for in a carrier, what if baby won't settle in the carrier, how to dress baby in the carrier. We also chat through postnatal fitness, how to fit this into your new schedule and of course answer all your questions. You can connect with Vern and find out more information on CARiFiT at https://www.carifit.co.uk . Huge thank you to Vern for joining me on this weeks podcast, and thank you to our series sponsor My Expert Midwife. Be sure to check out their offerings at www.myexpertmidwife.com and make use of the fantastic discount code within the podcast!   

Hello and thank you for tuning into this weeks podcast. This week I share with you our progress with Elwoods sleep and naps, Amandine's boundary seeking, what's coming up over the next week, my love of quarantine and I answer your questions as best I can on on newborn routine, partner and newborn bonding, toddler tantrums and keeping the romance alive (definitely need an expert on for this one)! If you have a moment please do leave a review and rate, it really helps make the podcast visible to those who may need it.  Thank you again to our series sponsor My Expert Midwife. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out their offerings at www.myexpertmidwife.com. Have a lovely rest of your week.  Xxx

Hello and welcome back for episode 4!  This week on the podcast I am sharing: our journey from France back to the UK and our experience so far of COVID test and trace system Quarantine Elwoods sleep Elwoods milestones and moments Current thoughts on expressing and introducing the bottle Amandine's moments (thats what I'll call them) the parenting moments that come with all of the above and of course answer your sent in questions! Don't forget, tomorrow, Thursday 29th 8pm we are hosting a Q&A with Lesley from My Expert Midwife on all things preparing for birth and recovery! Please join us and Lesley will answer all of your questions.  Thank you so much for tuning in again, I so appreciate you listening and being a part of our community. If you have a moment please rate and review. Lots of love Emma x

This week on the podcast I share with you the realities of mothering two! I of course wouldn't change a thing, I adore our family of four but it sure does come with its challenges! We have been on many a failed beach trip but we did manage a very successful first horse ride and a trip to the zoo! Life far from stops when you have a toddler and newborn! I open up about my feelings of jealousy and guilt, and getting used to not being able to do anything for me. I also answer all your questions on; Newborn sleep, dealing with mosquitoes and heat, H going back to work, the realities of being away and more.  A huge thank you to our series sponsors My Expert Midwife. If you haven't already found the discount code within the podcast make sure you do, and stock up on their goodies! You can check out all their offerings at https://myexpertmidwife.com .  If you haven't already please take a moment to rate and review, it means so much and helps others find our community! xxx

Hello from France! On todays episode of Mum Talk I share with you our first journey abroad, actually our first long journey anywhere with two children! Our journey involved a five and a half hour afternoon ferry followed by a seven hour car journey through the night. It wasn't a disaster! We dropped all expectations for the journey and I think thats my biggest piece of advice! Over the weeks leading up to our journey we constantly explained to Amandine what we would be doing so by the time the day came she was well prepped and knew what to expect. I really do believe this made a huge difference.  Any questions at all please do let me know, DM me over at mumtalkpodcast on instagram Thank you so much for tuning in and I hope our shared experience helps for any future adventures you are headed out on!  If you have a moment please do rate and review, it truly helps others to see and be a part of our community.  Thank you again to our wonderful series sponsors My Expert Midwife, check out their offerings at www.myexpertmidwife.com and listen out for our discount gift to you within the podcast.  Xx

Hello and welcome back to series 10 of Mum Talk! This week on the podcast I share with you how these first 6 weeks with our new addition have been. It has certainly been a juggle. I share our experience of newborn sleep, feeding, routine, bonding with baby, getting out and about. I also answer all your questions which include baby carriers, the change from one to two children, how we chose Elwoods name, postpartum care, hormones and how to cope with the juggle!  I am no expert on any of the above but I hope by sharing my experience with you it will help to normalise everything we are feeling as new mums and parents! I would love to hear from you and your experience, please do connect with me over instagram at mumtalkpodcast .  Huge huge thanks to our series partners, My Expert Midwife! I honestly wouldn't be without them through pregnancy and postpartum. Check them out here: www.myexpertmidwife.com .  Thank you so much for joining for another series. Please, if you have a moment, rate and review, it really does help other mums and parents to find the podcast and be part of our community.  Xx

SURPRISE! Bonus episode sharing all the details of my homebirth birth story. TRIGGER WARNING: use of words contraction & pain. E did get stuck and needed a little help from the midwives. Please listen with care.  Surprise!! A sneeky bonus episode for you all before series 10 gets underway in a few weeks.  Within this bonus episode I am talking through my homebirth, birthing our little (big) boy Elwood. The brain is amazing, some bits I have already started to forget yet some have remained very clear. Despite Elwood getting stuck and needing some help, it was an amazing birth experience and I would absolutely have another home birth but I am well aware I can say this because we have a beautiful boy in our arms.  Within the first episode of series 10 I will be answering all your questions about today's episode so please do follow mumtalkpodcast on Instagram and get your questions in when I pop up the question box! Happy to answer everything and anything!  So good to be back sharing with you all even if it is a little trickier than before! The mum juggle!  Huge thank you to our sponsors Purflo for supporting this episode. Don't forget to check them out at www.purflo.com, they make amazing sleep bags, I really rate them and they are offering you all 10% off using MUMTALK on check out across the whole range!  Xxx

Hello, and welcome to the final episode of the preparing for birth and baby mini series! This week I am wrapping up the series talking through all the final things I can think of. This week I am focusing on late pregnancy and the hormones, irritability and nesting urges that seem to come to me at 38 weeks! I talk through the birth pool we have very kindly been loaned by https://www.gentlebirthsbirthingpoolhire.co.uk , how it works, what you receive and how it goes back. We are going to be preparing our 'birth room' on Thursday, I will be visually sharing that on mumtalkpodcast instagram so do follow if you would like to see but I talk this week through our intentions.  I also touch on childcare for different scenarios, organisation, finishing our little boys nursery and the postpartum period.  This week I share with you two brilliant products, one from Cybex https://cybex-online.com/en-gb/car-seats/cloudzisize who we have worked with before and really rate them. If you are after an infant car seat that swivels on a base PLUS can be used without a base and with a car seatbelt AND has a lie flat function have a listen! It really is a brilliant infant car seat. The second product, after mentioning it on episode two is the brilliant PacaPod changing bag https://www.pacapod.com/ , its beautiful, have a listen and watch mumtalkpodcast highlights at the same time so you can see what I am talking about.  Here are the links to kindly gifted PR products which have just made our nursery - the Kidly Lion Rug https://www.kidly.co.uk/products/tapis-petit/lion-rug/10749?colour=ocher & Kidly Giraffe animal head https://www.kidly.co.uk/products/kids-depot/animal-head-wall-decor/10829?colour=giraffe  We will be back with series 10 late June/early July! I am so excited already! As always huge thank you for listening and making this community what it is. if you have a moment do leave a review and rate, it helps new mommas find the podcast.  If you have any questions between now and series 10 please reach out through mumtalkpodcast instagram! I will come back to you and will be running a few Q&A's to stay connected with you all.  Lastly don't forget to enter the amazing My Expert Midwife giveaway for international day of the midwife today! Head to todays episode post on mumtalkpodcast to enter! Lots of love  Emma Xxx

This week on the podcast I am chatting to the brilliant Rebecca Oxtoby author of Mums the Word books. Rebecca mum to one joins me this week to have a wonderfully relaxed mum to mum chat. We cover; pregnancy, fears when pregnant vs now, birth, child care, sleep, relationships, identity, underwhelm, the transition through motherhood emotions, followed by a few quick fire questions around preparing for baby and so much more.  It really is a podcast to pop on in the background, curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea or if you really must beaver on with some jobs! Rebeccas books are available on Amazon, her 1st book came out May 2020 is an Amazon number one best seller and her 2nd is out in just a few days on May 1st! Next week is the final episode of this mini series and it is going to be full of so much birth prep, baby prep thoughts and feelings! Keep an eye on @mumtalkpodcast instagram this week for the question box to get your questions in!  Love Emma x 

Welcome back for episode 2 of Mum Talk mini series, all about preparing for birth and baby! This week, as promised I am talking through what to expect in the early days for Mumma and baby (I have reminded myself by listening to a few of the episodes I recorded when Amandine was just a few weeks old - I have highlighted episodes on last weeks instagram post on mumtalkpodcast). The focus of the podcast is baby and Mumma essentials! I have by no means covered everything but it is a start! I focus on essentials post birth again for Mumma and baby, sleep essentials for baby, hospital bag essentials, home birth essentials and when the time is right to get out and about essentials! I also share essential recommendations which some of you shared over on mumtalkpodcast instagram, thank you for your input as always!  I will do a follow up post later on this week listing out all of what I mentioned as I think it is sometimes helpful to see it in black and white, so do keep an eye out for that on insta. As always thank you for listening, if you have a moment do leave a review, it means so much.  Love Emma x

Welcome back for Mum Talk mini series, all about preparing for a baby! If you are just tuning in for this mini series, we are personally preparing to welcome baby number two in around 5 weeks which is very exciting but also daunting as I realise I have forgotten everything! In this weeks episode I share with you how pregnancy is going, my goodness is it different to pregnancy with my first. I also share with you my most recent midwife visit which included our birth chat, a few sneaky wobbles about having a home birth, preparing the baby room, preparing Amandine for the arrival of her baby brother and what I am doing mentally and physically at this moment to prepare for birth.  For this weeks podcast, which I will do every week I also asked our listeners over on @mumtalkpodcast instagram for their insight into all the topics above, I share their answers so we can combine all knowledge and you can pick and choose what sounds right for you. I will note here there were some wonderful book suggestions for sibling preparation for number two, these were: The Tale of me and the new baby What about me  I'm a big brother/sister I also mention an instagram page which is absolutely worth looking at as they share some brilliant ideas and thoughts: Big Little Feelings.  If you are not yet following @mumtalkpodcast on instagram, make sure you are! I will be sharing how I make padsicles over the next few weeks and will also be sharing lots about preparing over there! Next week I am back and will be sharing what to expect in the early days (once I have reminded myself, listening back to my early podcasts!), baby essentials (again sharing listeners essentials..as we all have different opinions on what is essential), hospital bag, sleep, travel, getting out and about and I am sure as always a lot more! Please if you have a moment do leave a review, it really helps other mums to find the podcast and hopefully feel supported by our wonderful community. Love Emma xx  

Please note: in this podcast I do talk about pregnancy and preparing for baby. This week on the podcast, after a little catch up with me, I am chatting with Laura Clifford, Head of Pre-Prep at Blundell’s Preparatory School.  Having studied for a Bachelor in Primary Education at Edinburgh University, Laura has worked across a range of Nurseries and Primary Schools. Laura took a short break from teaching in schools to have both her boys, (now 7 and 4) but set up her own Educational Support business for families and children within this time. She provided early learning parent workshops, private 1:1 tuition, a blog and small groups for home schooled families. She returned to school life in September 2018 when she took up the role of Head of Pre-Prep at Blundell’s Preparatory School in Tiverton, where she continues to build a thriving and hugely happy Nursery and Pre-Prep up to Year 2. Laura is dedicated to support families and children particularly at the early stages of the education journey and passionate about allowing each child to develop and grow to the best of their ability.  Today Laura joins me on the podcast to talk about choosing a nursery and preparing your little one for nursery and school. We also cover all your listener questions.  Topics: What age is it recommended for little ones to start nursery? Do you see a difference if they start early? What does nursery provide children? What should parents be looking for in a nursery? What happens at nursery? Can little ones nap at nursery? How to cope as a parent when leaving your little one for the first time What are your thoughts on Forest school?    Listener specific questions:  What sort of approaches would be expected for dealing with behaviour issues? Is it ok to take our 1 year old out of nursery for school holidays or will this unsettle her? My 9 month old boy is due to start nursery soon, v spewy baby, how many clothes to pack? If starting at 3 years old, what key things should we look out for/ show a great setting? The longer you leave it to start nursery is it harder for child to adjust? Struggle leaving Mum and Dad etc? Best thing to do to prepare your 2.5yr old? Especially after lockdown/less social contact. I have heard summer babies tend to lag behind in school as they are the younger in their year. Is this true? Also worth sending them to school a year later? 14 month old does tiny naps at nursery (2 naps). How to help - she does 4 days. I didn’t realised how long waiting lists would be. When is it best to register baby for nursery? My mother in law keeps telling us to look at a private school for my child who will be starting reception, be we have an excellent state primary on our doorstep. What are the differences? What to expect of nursery during covid? Thank you so much for listening, I will be back in a couple of weeks with a brand new mini series! Covering all things baby prep and more!   Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Love  Emma x

This week I am chatting with my dear friend Charlotte and mum of 2 beautiful girls about her experience of Hyperemesis gravidarum, HG. Charlotte and I met when pregnant with our first girls through our local NCT group and I remember her saying she had HG but I never knew or understood just how debilitating and actually life changing during pregnancy and beyond it can be.  Charlotte shares her honest personal experience of HG with us, I do hope if you are suffering yourself you find comfort and support in Charlottes words or if you know of someone who is suffering, you have like me, learnt just what they may be going through.  We talk about some very sensitive subjects within this podcast, please refer to the show notes below to see exactly what topics we discuss and if it is at all triggering please do turn it off and look after yourself! Topics: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) Personal experience with HG (when it started, hospitalisation, fluids, eating, what helped what didn’t)  - how it affected you, husband and toddler  - how it effected you mentally & physically  - preparing for it with a second child  - making the decision to have a second child after such a challenging experience  Support you sought How you got through having a toddler this time around Managing friends expectations/talking about it with friends/did they understand? The change to two children How do you do it?  Has it been easier going 1-2 rather than 0-1? How are you managing through covid? Future nursery plans etc if any?  What does your routine look like? How has your toddler adjusted? Does she help out? What do you do for you / self care to keep you sane?  Thank you so much for listening. Next week is the last episode of this series and I’m going to let you decide what you would like to hear! Make sure you are following over at mumtalkpodcast on instagram where I will be posting a poll! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Lots of love    Emma

This week on the podcast you have me! I am catching up with you on life with a 2 1/2 year old toddler whilst 30 weeks pregnant.  Trigger: please if you find listening to pregnancy chat at the moment difficult, look after yourself and switch off if you need to! I have done my very best to separate the chat during the podcast and at minute 33 I talk more about pregnancy so please do skip! Topics I touch on are: - Amandine 2.5 year review - A's relationship building and language development - Biking - A's new bed sparked by my incredible need to nest during this pregnancy - A's sleep environment and The Little Green Sheep Mattress and protector review: https://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk (kindly gifted) - Potty progression - Pregnancy at 30 weeks Plus I answer all your questions! Thank you so much for listening! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Lots of love  Emma xx

This week on the podcast I am joined by Clare Bourne, a pelvic health physiotherapist with a passion to support women and men throughout their lives. She believes in talking openly about taboo topics and ensuring everyone feels comfortable to get support even for problems that may feel embarrassing. Clare has a particular passion in supporting women during pregnancy and after birth, helping them to seek treatment for any pain or pelvic floor dysfunction they experience. Clare is also a mum of 2 and having lived pregnancy and the postnatal experience she knows what a precious but also vulnerable and sometimes lonely experience it can be.  Clare joins me today to talk all about pelvic health, from pelvic floor exercises to painful sex. Plus answers all your questions! If you had questions from my chat with Charlie from Bumps and Burpees that we didn’t answer they are answered within this podcast with Clare!  General Topic: General pelvic health - what is it, what do we want, how do we want it to feel?  Questions:  Prenatal Pelvic girdle pain Had hip pain in last pregnancy and etc again - best ways to protect against this? 2nd pregnancy - need to do perineal massage? Pain during sex - under discussed topic Can a strong pelvic floor hinder pushing phase in labour? Could I ask solutions for back pain? I heard the belt is not always the best option? I’m rubbish at remembering - does doing a couple pelvic floor exercises here and there still have benefits? I have pelvic floor pain quite bad at 29 weeks will me labour likely be worse because of this? Or after it?   Postnatal Is there any way to minimise the c-section pouch of skin? C- section exercises to get rid of lip over scar? Diastasis recti: treated and is now less than 1cm but still looks awful what can I do? Prolapse Heavy dragging feeling? Had third degree tear. Pregnant with 2nd. Chance it will happen again? Can I opt for a c section? I have a pretty good pelvic floor my little boy is 9 months old but trampolines are a no go. Any tips or advice? Get a dull ache in my vagina while on my period. I had a 3rd degree tear 1 year ago - still under a physio. Post birth when I get up out of the bath I cant control the need to wee! No other issues, what to do. Starting to leak urine, almost 3 years postnatal. Help! Why is purple pushing coached so much when it can damage the pelvic floor?   Thank you so much for listening, next week on the podcast you actually have me!! I will be catching up with you all on all things Amandine and of course pregnancy and my unknown incredible nesting ability! If you are not already following head over to @mumtalkpodcast on instagram where I will be asking if you have any questions for next weeks episode.  Have a lovely rest of your week! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Love Emma x

Today I am speaking with Cat Gazzoli - founder of Piccolo, one of the UK’s fastest growing premium baby and toddler food brands. Before setting up Piccolo, Cat worked in the charitable sector of the food world. She began her career with the United Nations food agencies in Rome, where she created campaigns and programmes promoting sustainable livelihoods for farmers, as well as promoting female parity and equal opportunities. She then became the CEO of Slow Food UK, the global campaigning organisation for good, clean and fair food. Cat a Mum of 2, birthing her second daughter in lockdown, joins me today to share her birth experience, growing a business in the pandemic with children and the importance of healthy eating as a family. Specific topics include: Giving birth to her second daughter, just as lockdown was announced in London How her bond with her NHS midwife (who has her own little boy) made her birth that much easier on her Her tips for self-care and looking after newborns in lockdown Growing a business in a pandemic while raising a family Surviving lockdowns all in the same flat  The importance of healthy eating as a family & tips on how to do so  I will catch up with you all next week, have a lovely week! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community. Love Emma xx

This week on the podcast I am joined by Charlie Barker, founder of Bumps & Burpees, a community of mums and mums-to-be wanting to stay fit, happy and healthy during pregnancy and into motherhood.  Charlie a former gymnast, later became a personal trainer and specialised in pre- and post-natal fitness and health.  Her goal is to help mothers build core strength and stamina so they can support their bodies through pregnancy and beyond. Today Charlie joins me to talk about her personal experience of conceiving, pregnancy, her birth story and shares general advice for women around pre and post natal fitness and how to fit in time to exercise. We also answer your listener questions which include: Exercises for pelvic girdle pain  Where to start with exercising again? How do you set realistic fitness goals with a baby/babies? How much standing is too much standing during pregnancy? Is it possible to walk too much during pregnancy? Should there be a limit? Any tips for exercise whilst wearing baby? Post natal exercise that doesn’t feel like your bits are going to fall out? Exercise for diastasis recti? Are there any safe exercises for your core during pregnancy? Or just avoid all? What ab exercise are safe in pregnancy please? My core still feels like jelly 20 months pp. what can I do to strengthen it? I do insanity 3 times a week. Should you stop exercises that cause that ‘heavy’ feeling down below or is that new normal?  Exercises that are good for rebuilding pelvic floor? Any advice on exercise POP, is running ever achievable again? Working out around baby and older sibling? There are a few questions we haven't answered which are better suited to physio advice. I will be chatting with a physio later in the series and will get answers for you! Thank you so much for listening, I will catch up with you all next week, have a lovely week! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Emma xx  To find out more go to bumpsandburpees.com Instagram @bumpsandburpees

This week on Mum Talk I am chatting with Rebecca Wilson founder of @whatmummymakes. Rebecca is a mum, recipe developer and founder of the popular What Mummy Makes food channel. Sharing her easy, quick, fresh meal ideas, suitable for all the family, including babies reaching the weaning milestone as well as older siblings. Rebecca wants to show parents and carers that introducing solid foods can be fun, exciting, easy and delicious! Today Rebecca shares with us where her passion for cooking came from, how what mummy makes came about, weaning and meal time tips plus answers all your weaning questions!  Specific talking points include: Rebecca’s upbringing and where her love of food and cooking came from.  How WMM began and grown to over 400k followers on instagram in just a couple of years. Weaning & Meal times How to cook just once for you and your baby (all of Rebecca’s recipes are suitable for babies from 6 months old, plus older children and parents too) Making the most of your family mealtimes - the benefits of eating with your little one Raising confident little eaters - tips and tricks  Tips for fussy eaters Weaning hacks and cooking for children  Favourite go to quick recipes How to plan and organise meals to take the stress out of feeding your family  Pantry staples to have in your cupboard Followed by Listener questions. Thank you so much for listening, please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums, parents and carers to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Love Emma x

This week on the podcast I am joined by Amanda Thompson, co-founder of Bundle London and Antenatal Teacher. Amanda is a qualified antenatal teacher, having gained her qualification with the NCT. She is also a baby massage instructor and has supported new parents for over 12 years. Being a mother of 5 herself (2 sets of twins and 1 in the middle – now all in their teens), she completely understands how challenging and wonderful parenthood can be. Amanda’s passion stems from struggling in the early days with loneliness, feelings of being out of control and trying to sift through reams of conflicting information.  Today Amanda shares with us her personal experience especially with two sets of twins and professional expertise of those newborn early days. We go on to talk about how important support for mum is, caring for your baby, newborn sleep, baby massage and touch on breastfeeding and when to seek help.  Specific topics: -Inspiration behind becoming an antenatal teacher -Early days - support for you and your baby (fourth trimester) -Caring for your baby  -What to expect from newborn sleep  -Benefits of baby massage  -Breastfeeding - how to know you are doing it right for you and when to seek help? You can reach out to the wonderful team at Bundle London here: www.bundlelondon.com  Thank you so much for listening! I will catch up with you all next week, have a lovely week! Please do leave a review, subscribe and rate - it really helps other mums to find the series and be supported by our wonderful community.  Lots of love Emma x

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of Mum Talk. This week I have the absolute pleasure of chatting to Lesley Gilchrist, Registered midwife, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of My Expert Midwife.  As a Registered midwife, Lesley has worked in some of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe and has extensive experience as a labour ward co-ordinator and community midwife. With over 16 years’ experience in bumps, births and babies, Lesley is an expert in pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal care, specialising in the effects and treatment of birth trauma.  Lesley is extremely passionate about tackling pregnancy taboos and improving the experience of pregnancy and childbirth by empowering women with choices that will make a significant difference and that is exactly what she joins us here today to do! We talk through preparing for birth and answer all your questions!  Talking points include: preparing for birth: perineal massage - what it is and how to do it preparing for a c-section preparing for a hospital birth (including what and how to pack your hospital bag) preparing for a home birth  how to protect your perineum during birth Listener questions include: - How is covid affecting the choices that labouring mums have? - Traumatic 1st birth, are second births genuinely better or should I be prepping for forceps? - Is there any way to avoid second baby being breech if first one was? - Would it be possible to use a birthing pool for VBAC? - Pros and cons of epidural  - Taking baby aspirin when TTC? - Is 2nd labour quicker? First was 2 hours! - Best position for delivery with prolapse? - Is it unlikely you can have an epidural with your second? - Is it ever possible to have a home birth VBAC? - Are there differences in care if giving birth age35+?  - How common is it to delivery vaginally after having a c-section with first baby? - Is a second c-section a good idea or more risky that attempting a VBAC? - I had pain down there until 6m pp, saw a pelvic floor physio but never discovered the cause. I’m wondering if it could be from pushing when baby wasn’t in the right position? - Are elective c-sections at 40 weeks or 38 weeks assuming everything good with mum and baby? A huge thank you to Lesley for coming on the podcast and sharing all her extensive knowledge and expertise with us. You can find more over on the My Expert Midwife blog, head to https://myexpertmidwife.com/blogs/my-expert-midwife . Thank you so much for listening, if you have enjoyed and haven't already please do leave a review and subscribe.  See you next week Emma xx

Welcome to a brand new series of Mum Talk. Thank you for tuning in! In this weeks episode I am catch up with you all on: Amandines language development, sleep, potty regression, toddler testing and naughty words! I talk through my current pregnancy, thoughts on having a home birth this time around and being pregnant with a toddler.  I answer your questions around pregnancy, toddler beds, preparing for the new baby, our festive period, mum guilt and more.  If pregnancy chat is a trigger for you at the moment (which I can completely understand) tune out between 41.65 -65 minutes.  Thank you so much for listening, please do review and subscribe if you aren't already.  Love Emma x 

I can't quite believe we have come to the end of yet another series!  On this weeks episode: - I am sharing what we are up to, our Christmas activities and where we have hopefully reached a compromise on Father Christmas traditions!  - Pregnancy (head to minute 29 if pregnancy is a trigger for you and you would like to avoid it). Within pregnancy I share the gender and emotions surrounding this, Pelvic Girdle pain, anxiety, 16 week midwife appointment and current thoughts on birth. I then move on to your questions and share the wonderful advice and experiences from our listening mums! These include: - child learning French when not spoken in household - when to have baby no.2 - stopping driving 2 year old to sleep - worries about 2nd baby pushing marriage over the edge - how lockdown has affected babies - dealing with sadness of stopping breastfeeding - group B strep experiences - coping with hyperemisis - gender disappointment - child care for baby no.1 when labouring with baby no.2 - sending 1 year old to nursery - secondary infertility A huge thank you to all of you who have listened through this series! I cannot wait to connect with you all through series 9! Make sure you are following @mumtalkpodcast on instagram for updates and the odd Q&A over the Christmas period and we will be back next year!  Lots of love Emma     

Hello! This week covers such a broad range of topics once again all with wonderful advice and shared experiences from you! This week we chatting about Christmas Traditions and how to start creating them for your little ones. We go on to talk about explaining Santa to children, stocking or Christmas Eve box and mixing traditions.  I also talk through your requested topics and questions this week, sharing wonderful experiences, advice and tips from other mums who have been through similar. Topics include; tv, routine, toys, stopping breastfeeding, returning to work, colic, inlaws and so much more! As always thank you so much for listening. Do subscribe if you haven't already and please do leave a review.  Catch up next week Emma x

Hello! Thank you for tuning in this week.  Today there are four parts to the podcast, starting with pregnancy (if this is a trigger for you skip to 16 minutes in). Pregnancy chat is followed by your array of questions, followed by potty training and telling a sibling of a new baby.  On the podcast this week I am sharing your advice and experience with both potty training and telling a sibling of a new baby. What is better than other mums advice who have been in the exact place you are now? I explain why I have done this on the podcast, but it is so incredibly helpful and I really appreciate all of you who wrote in to share your experiences with all of us.  Back next week!  Please do head over to mumtalkpodcast on instagram to be a part of the conversation and share your wonderful advice with us all on the podcast next week. I will be putting question boxes up in the next few days. Lots of love Emma x