The Parent Diaries

In the final episode of TPD season 1 we discuss Lochlan (aka Baby C) coming home, navigating the highs and lows of week 0 with a newborn and share a glimpse of what's to come in season 2.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In the penultimate episode of TPD Season 1 we pick up where we left off and finish sharing the raw and honest account of our birth experience. Tune in to hear how things took a slightly unexpected turn but ultimately led to the happy arrival of our beautiful baby boy. Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

Our most hotly anticipated episode yet - the episode you've been waiting for… We give a raw and honest account of our birth experience and arrival of Baby C. We've so much to cover, we've split it into two episodes. Part 1, out this week.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This week we have a bonus episode for you. We talk about the time between the final weeks of pregnancy and Baby C's arrival; why you should maybe think twice about asking someone if they've had their baby yet; and how a full moon could determine when your baby arrives.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

It's the final countdown and our penultimate episode before Baby C arrives! We spend some time answering your questions – covering everything from baby names; who we think Baby C is going to be most like; what we're most looking forward to about becoming parents; as well as what to expect from season 2 of The Parent Diaries. All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.BBhugme pregnancy pillowSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

Sit back, relax and strap yourselves in for this epic, 30+ minute episode… with Kate now over 38 weeks pregnant, we reflect on life in the third trimester and how we've been preparing for birth, both physically and mentally. We also talk about what we've packed for the hospital and will share final lists, including the specific products, post-birth!In the meantime, all products and resources mentioned in this episode are linked below.Hottea Mama ‘The Final Push' raspberry leaf teaSqueezy - Kegel exercise appElvie Smart Kegel trainerSpinning BabiesPerfect MamaTENS machineSpritz for BitzSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about our final scan and delve into how we plan to survive the first few months as new parents. We also talk about the kind of parents we hope to be to Baby C. All products mentioned in this episode are linked belowYour Baby Week by WeekThe Science of ParentingThe Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)The Wonder Weeks appSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we revisit 'Baby Essentials' focussing on progress in the baby's room... although we spend more time talking about the possibility of Baby C turning up during our baby moon to Cornwall than anything else.All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.Tutti Bambini CoZee Air Bedside CribTutti Bambini Roma Sleigh Cot BedTutti Bambini Roma baby changing unitFreerider Co SlingCocoonababy Nest Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about our birth preferences – where we'd like to give birth; the birth environment; the various stages of labour and how we'd like to navigate these; comfort methods we'd like to stick to; and then how we'll respond if a physiological birth is no longer an option. Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about the scan we had a 32-weeks to find out if Kate's low-lying anterior placenta has moved up and out of the way.And as soon to be first-time parents we discuss some of the best advice we've received, as well as some of the more interesting soundbites…Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about hypnobirthing – what it is; how it works; and tools/techniques you can practice in the lead up to, and during birth.Despite the terrible name, its foundations are based entirely in the science, psychology and biology of labour, and how to influence these for a positive birth experience. Hypnobirthing tools and techniques we cover are:Breathwork‘Hacking' your birth environmentThe ‘BRAIN' framework for making informed choicesPositive mindset work including positive affirmations, guided meditations, visualisations and positive birth stories What we don't mention is all these tools, not just hacking your birth environment, help maximise your oxytocin (happy hormone), which supports your labour and minimise the adrenaline / cortisol (stress hormones), which slow it down. In our opinion, learning about and practising hypnobirthing is a total no brainer for expectant parents! As mentioned previously, The Positive Birth Company has some excellent resources we highly recommend you check out if interested.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about why, particularly as first-time parents, you might consider doing antenatal courses; the options available; and our experience having done a number of these. We also discuss what we found most useful in each.All antenatal courses mentioned in this episode, including more info about each, are linked here.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

Hear about the moment we got to see Baby C's face in high definition – one of the craziest, most special moments of the pregnancy journey so far. Seeing their face led to a debate on who they most resemble… but let's be real, all babies kinda look the same! :)To find out more about Peanut follow, click here and follow this link to download the app.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about our experience of the second trimester, charting our highs and lows, the key pregnancy appointments and some of the common symptoms that can crop up. Luke gives us a brief update on exercise adjustments to consider and Kate reveals what's been getting her in the pregnancy feels these past few months…All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter (supersize)Secret Saviours – The Stretch Mark Prevention Bump Band KitSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health. 

In this bumper, extended episode we continue our quest for baby essentials by doing some in-person research and getting advice from industry experts. We share our top picks in every baby essential category before making our final decisions on the big-ticket items.Complimentary baby personal shopping appointments:John Lewis - New Baby A-Z appointmentMamas & Papas - In-store personal shopping appointment All products mentioned in this episode can be found here.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesukDisclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In our 10th episode (woop!) we share the latest update on Kate's pregnancy journey which includes a visit to the midwife, before tackling the age-old topic – what does a new born baby actually need? Based on our own research, and conversations with friends, we talk about the things we think are ‘must haves' for Baby C.Items mentioned in the episode are listed below:Out and about: travel system (pram, carry cot/bassinet and car seat); changing bag and mat; and baby carrier i.e. sling/other.Feeding: Breastfeeding – nipple cream; nipple shields; breast pads; and milk storage bags. Formula/combi feeding – bottles; bottle steriliser (micro/electric/chemical); and formula.Sleeping: bedside crib/co-sleeper; moses basket, cot/cotbed; mattress (new and waterproof); crib and cot bedding (cellular blankets); baby monitor.Nursery: storage i.e. wardrobe, baby changing unit (including drawers); nursing chair; room thermometer; nappy bin; play mat; portable changing table that hooks to top of cot.Misc/other: Babyclothing – sleepsuits; baby grows/suits; sleeping bag/gro bag (with different togs); pramsuits; cardigans; hat; mittens; muslins; day wear outfits. Bathing – baby bath tub; soft hooded towel; bath bowls; soft sponge/flannel; large cotton pads. Other: baby bouncer.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about a pregnancy milestone - the 20-week anomaly/anatomy scan - and how it went for us.  We debate whether or not to know the sex of Baby C which leads us onto an even more important decision we have to make… And finally, we discuss how we revealed Kate was almost five months pregnant to our families and friends, including their reactions – it was definitely worth the wait!Baby converse Foil ultrasound print Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk  Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we discuss our plans for announcing the pregnancy including who to tell, when to tell them and why. Kate talks us through the 16-week midwife appointment, we get to hear Baby C's heartbeat for the first time, plus find out why Kate feels ‘bump-shamed'.All products and resources mentioned in this episode are linked below.Peanut appSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This week we discuss how we've reached another pregnancy milestone. Everything you've ever wanted to know about the 12-week scan, and more.All products and resources mentioned in this episode are linked below.The Nub Techs LtdHarmony NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal test)Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk  Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This bumper, extended episode is all about lifestyle considerations during the first trimester. We talk about exercise, alcohol, smoking, nutrition and supplements and dispel some common pregnancy myths - should you be eating for two; what can you or can't you do when it comes to exercise in pregnancy; and a bit of advice for all you scuba-diving pregnant ladies out there! We spend some time at the end of the episode talking about an early pregnancy scan we had done at 10 weeks which leads to a little confusion over Baby C's ETA.All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.Seedlip Spice 94 non-alcoholic ginSeedlip Garden 108 non-alcoholic ginSeedlip Grove Citrus 42 non-alcoholic ginThorne Research Basic prenatal vitaminsSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk  Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This week's episode focuses on the very early stages of pregnancy. We talk about the things we've done to give ourselves (mainly Kate!) some reassurance she's actually pregnant. We also go through what to expect in your first NHS appointment and touch upon what it's like being pregnant in a pandemic. All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.Medichecks Pregnancy Progress Blood TestClearblue Pregnancy digital test with weeks indicatorSubscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This episode takes an unexpected turn – listen from the start to find out why... We also discuss baby-making, intimacy and how to keep the spark alive when you're trying to conceive, including the effects it can have on your mental health. All products mentioned in this episode are linked below. Clearblue Fertility Advanced Monitor Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This episode sees us talking about lifestyle and the impact it can have on fertility when you're trying to conceive (TCC), as well as the adjustments we've made or have been struggling to make! Luke is an exercise physiologist and Personal Trainer of 15 years so comes pretty well qualified to share some insights on the topic. Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we focus on maximising the chances of getting pregnant and what to be aware of when trying to conceive (TTC). We talk about the basics including some important things to consider that we ourselves only recently discovered. Kate talks about the ways she's tracking and understanding her cycle, as well as the pros and cons of each. All products mentioned in this episode are linked below. Easy@Home Smart Basal ThermometerClearblue Fertility Advanced Monitor Ovusense (we got the starter pack with 2 months free subscription)Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

Meet your podcast hosts Kate & Luke, as they begin their journey to starting a family.Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it's outGive us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  To get in touch, drop us an email: theparentsdiariesuk@gmail.com – we'd love to hear from you!Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.