Episodes
-
As a GP, Dr Sarah Andrews used to regularly carry out six-week checks on new mums. But when she had her own child, she was completely shocked to discover how little she really knew about postnatal recovery.
In this episode, Dr Andrews – co-founder of postnatal health information service Mumie – speaks to Rosie Taylor about why even medically trained professionals aren’t taught about the reality of postnatal symptoms; how she coped with sleep deprivation and hair loss; and why she thinks health support for mums shouldn’t end at the six-week check. You can follow Mumie on Instagram: @mumie.health and on Facebook.
Rosie also hears from the author and campaigner Lyanne Nicholl with an update on the campaign for all mums to have a #9monthcheck. If you’d like to know more about the campaign and how you can help, please fill out this short survey.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence! If you have any concerns about your physical or mental health, please contact your GP. You can also search for a private women’s health physio here.
Pandas and Make Birth Better are organisations which offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Svanberg (@mumologist) speaks to Rosie Taylor about why parents today are experiencing more anxiety, loneliness and isolation than ever before – and how we can find joy in parenting despite that.
She also discusses the links between physical and mental postnatal health problems and why society needs to start valuing parents for the incredible job they do.
You can buy Emma’s latest book, Parenting for Humans, here.
She also offers therapy and group support for parents through The Psychology Co-Operative, here.
You can also follow her on Facebook: Dr Emma Svanberg, Psychologist.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence!
You can request an NHS referral to a women’s health physiotherapist via your GP, or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Sarah Graham, author of the book Rebel Bodies and the blog Hysterical Women, speaks to Rosie Taylor about all the reasons science, medicine and governments fail to recognise the importance of postnatal health – and the revolution beginning to change things for the better.
Sarah chats about medicine’s patronising attitudes towards women and the fact mothers are expected to sacrifice their own health for their children, as well as how she was pleasantly surprised by her own positive experiences of birth and postnatal recovery.
You can buy Sarah’s book Rebel Bodies here and read her blog here. Follow her on Instagram: @sarahgraham7writer and Twitter: @sarahgraham7.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence!
You can request an NHS referral to a women’s health physiotherapist via your GP, or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Yes, there’s a dad on Mother Bodies! Paul Morgan-Bentley, author of The Equal Parent, chats to Rosie Taylor about his experience of becoming a gay dad via surrogacy and how that opened his eyes to gender inequalities in parenthood.
Paul chats about the research debunking the idea that only women are biologically primed to care for babies, his ongoing struggle to find gender-neutral baby changing places - and what equal parenting looks like when there aren’t any cultural pressures for one parent to do more.
You can buy Paul’s book The Equal Parent here. Follow him on Twitter: @pmorganbentley.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
TW: This episode discusses pregnancy loss, infertility and secondary infertility.
Jennie Agg, journalist and author of Life, Almost, speaks frankly to Rosie Taylor about one of the greatest taboos around postnatal health: recovery after pregnancy and baby loss. Jennie talks about her own experiences of recurrent miscarriage, the research developments which could help us better understand infertility and baby loss - and the conflicting feelings she experienced when she finally became a mum.
You can buy Jennie's book Life, Almost here and subscribe to her Substack here. Follow her on Instagram: @jenniemonologues and Twitter: @jenniferagg.
***
If you’ve been affected by issues discussed in this episode, these organisations could help:
Tommy’s provides evidence-based advice and information around miscarriage and baby loss, as well as offering support.
The Miscarriage Association has a support helpline and Sands supports families who have experienced baby loss.
Fertility Network UK has a support group for people experiencing secondary infertility.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues Pandas and Make Birth Better.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Midwife and birth debrief facilitator Illiyin Morrison (@mixing.up.motherhood) speaks frankly about how maternity systems need to change to prevent birth trauma, why the concept of ‘self-care’ is a con designed to make you feel guilty – and how she ultimately found joy in motherhood.
Illy’s book The Birth Debrief is out now – you can buy it here.
You can book a postnatal debrief session with Illy here and buy a ‘pay it forward’ session for someone who can’t afford to pay here.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence!
You can request an NHS referral to a women’s health physiotherapist via your GP, or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Musician, author and Instagrammer Izzy Judd opens up to journalist Rosie Taylor about everything from postnatal anxiety and parenting under the spotlight, to the challenges of breastfeeding and the realities of her physical recovery after having three children. Izzy also chats about the inspiration behind her books Mindfulness for Mums and Dare to Dream - including her attempts to find calm amid the chaos of family life. Follow her on Instagram: @mrs_izzyjudd.
TW: This episode mentions IVF and miscarriage.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence!
You can request an NHS referral to a women’s health physiotherapist via your GP, or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better.
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth and in the months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting the postnatal care we receive – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday.
(And please leave a review if you like what you hear!)
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Women’s health and sexual wellbeing advocate Clio Wood speaks to journalist Rosie Taylor about all things postnatal sex. Whether you're in a straight or LGBTQ+ relationship, becoming a parent can turn your sex life upside down. Clio chats about everything from when it is “normal” to restart your sex life after birth, where to seek help for common postnatal sexual health problems, and why it can seem impossible to feel like a “good mother” and “sexy partner” at the same time.
Clio’s book Get Your Mojo Back is out now and you can buy it here. Follow her on Instagram: @andbreathewellbeing and @itscliowood.
You can find out more about And Breathe's family and postnatal retreats here.
***
Please don’t suffer in silence!
You can request an NHS referral to a women’s health physiotherapist via your GP, or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations which offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better (for birth trauma).
***
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she speaks to fascinating guests about how politics, prejudices and systemic problems are affecting postnatal care – and what we can do to improve parents’ lives for the better.
Subscribe now to get new episodes every Monday. And please leave a review if you like what you hear!
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
“I felt so looked after during pregnancy but as soon as I had my baby, I felt like I didn't matter anymore.”
Journalist Rosie Taylor is on a mission to find out why we so often fail to give mothers the care and support they need after birth - and in the weeks, months and years afterwards.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, she uncovers the politics, the prejudices and the systemic problems in postnatal healthcare which are affecting parents’ lives.
In this second series, Rosie chats with experts and well-known mums to debunk myths around the maternal mental load, break down taboos on sex after birth, reveal why the system is failing women who experience birth trauma or pregnancy loss, uncover the secrets to enjoying motherhood – and much more.
Mother Bodies is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why everyone seems to stop caring about your health the moment you have a baby.
You’re not alone.
Listen in every Monday to be reassured, informed and empowered.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Lyanne Nicholl speaks to journalist Rosie Taylor about the inspiration for her book Your Postnatal Body: A top-to-toe guide to caring for yourself after pregnancy and birth. Lyanne shares why she felt abandoned after the birth of her first child; the challenges she faced caring for her second baby during lockdown; and how big gaps in women's health research have a real effect on our postnatal wellbeing. She also discusses the encouraging new schemes which could improve life for new mums in the UK - and why making a postpartum plan could be the best thing you ever do.
You can order Lyanne's book here and follow her on Instagram: @thatLyanne and Twitter: @ThatLyanne.
There is some information here on the maternal mental health hubs and some here on the plans for pelvic health hubs, including lists of pilot areas, which Lyanne describes in the episode. If your region is on the lists you should be able to search for details of your local service.
If you're interested in booking an appointment with a women's health physio, you can request an NHS referral via your GP or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better (for birth trauma).
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
How would you feel about being shut alone in a dark room for two weeks after having a baby? How about going back to work in a factory 24 hours after birth? Academic Dr Jessica Cox chats to journalist Rosie Taylor about some of the strange and contradictory Victorian attitudes and practices around new motherhood. She discusses the progress we've made since the 19th century, the things that haven't changed - and what this tells us about our society's treatment of new mothers today.
Jess's latest book Confinement: The Hidden History of Maternal Bodies in Nineteenth-Century Britain will be published by the History Press next year. You can get updates on where you can preorder and hear more from Jess by following her on Twitter: @JessJCox. You can see some of her previous books on Victorian literature here.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Pelvic health physiotherapist Emma Brockwell chats to journalist Rosie Taylor about what science says about the best ways to return to running and high-impact exercise after pregnancy and birth. Emma, who is the author of the pregnancy and postnatal health guide Why Did No One Tell Me?, also reveals the things that most surprise almost every new mum she sees in her clinic - and why it's OK not to be perfect at doing your pelvic floor exercises.
You can follow Emma on Instagram: @physiomumuk, Facebook: @PhysioMum and Twitter: @emma_physiomum. For more information on returning to running, the guidelines are available on her website: www.physiomum.co.uk. You can also check out her podcast with Gráinne Donnelly, At Your Cervix.
If you're interested in booking an appointment with a women's health physio, you can request an NHS referral via your GP or search for a local private physio here.
Organisations that offer help and support with postnatal mental health issues include Pandas and Make Birth Better (for birth trauma).
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Sara Tateno, a mum-of-two, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Happity baby class booking website and app, talks to journalist Rosie Taylor about how joining baby classes saved her sanity as a new mum, why she learnt to code on maternity leave, and how the world of work needs to change to improve the lives of both mums and dads.
You can follow Sara on Instagram: @happity.sara and follow Happity: @happity.co.uk. You can find and book baby classes in your area here.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Journalist Rosie Taylor visits the Royal College of Midwives' annual conference in Newport, Wales, to find out what midwives think about the what's going on with postnatal care in the UK. She speaks to midwife Lia Brigante, the RCM's quality and standards advisor, about why postnatal care is still seen as the "Cinderella" of midwifery, why midwives aren't able to provide as much care to mothers as they would like to at the moment - and what we can do about it.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Since 2018, broadcaster Helen Ledwick has been publicly sharing her experiences of her postnatal prolapse - firstly on Instagram as @whymumsdontjump, and then on the award-nominated podcast Why Mums Don't Jump. On this episode of Mother Bodies, she tells journalist Rosie Taylor her postnatal story, what inspired her to start breaking taboos by speaking out about prolapse and how we could empower women by teaching everyone more information about pelvic floors.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Silke Thistlewood, author of The Mother-Loving Guide and founder of Raise Up Mums, talks to journalist Rosie Taylor about how her postnatal anxiety inspired her to develop wellbeing resources for mums who just don't have the time to take time out. She discusses why having a second child was harder than she imagined and the tools she uses to stay grounded when everything feels overwhelming.
Check out Silke's resources (lots of them are free) on the Raise Up Mums website or join her free support community on Facebook: Raise Up Mums Community. You can order a copy of The Mother-Loving Guide here. Silke is also on Instagram @raiseupmums.
If you're based in the UK, these organisations are good places to start if you're looking for mental health advice or support:
:: The Maternal Mental Health Alliance has a list of available services, including a link so you can search for local services by postcode.
:: PaNDAS offers support for parents and families affected by postnatal depression.
:: The Birth Trauma Association offers support and advice to people affect by birth trauma.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Dr Eloise Elphinstone is the GP we all wish we'd had at our six-week check. A mum of two and a specialist in women's health, she's passionate about improving the quality of postnatal healthcare mothers receive. In this episode, she speaks to journalist Rosie Taylor about why her own birth experiences fuelled her interest in this field, how women can make the most of their six-week checks - and what needs to change to improve the health service for mums everywhere.
You can follow Dr Elphinstone on Instagram: @the_womenshealth_gp and on Twitter: @EloiseElphinst1. You can also book a private appointment with her in person via the Menopause Care clinic in London. The postnatal health information leaflet that she wrote for the Family Planning Association is available here (you may need to register first but it's free to download).
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
TW: This episode features discussion of abortion.
The U.S.-based journalist and author of Doing Harm Maya Dusenbery chats to journalist Rosie Taylor about why women often get second-rate medical care, the loss of birth information that used to be passed down through generations of women, and how social media is helping empower us with vital knowledge about our health. Maya also shares her own experience of abortion and discusses why the controversy around the issue is leaving women without practical information about how it works and how they'll feel afterwards.
You can find out more about Maya and sign up for her newsletter here - or follow her on Twitter @mayadusenbery.
If you're based in the UK and would like impartial advice and counselling on abortion, you can contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS).
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
TW: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma.
Author of After Birth Jessica Hatcher-Moore talks to journalist Rosie Taylor about healing your body and mind after having a baby, her disappointing six-week check experiences and why jumping in freezing cold rivers helped her find herself again after becoming a mum.
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
Jessica's book After Birth: What Nobody Tells You - How to Recover Body and Mind is out now in paperback - you can order it here. You can also follow her on Instagram @jessicajanehatcher and Twitter @jessiehatcher.
If you've been affected by any of the issues affected in today's episode, you may find these links helpful:
:: The Birth Trauma Association offers support and advice to people affect by birth trauma.
:: MASIC supports women with severe perineal birth injuries.
Rosie's birth injury mentioned in the episode is called pubis symphysis diastasis (dislocation of the pelvis). Unfortunately there's very little information out there on this condition but if it has affected you or someone you know, she would really love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] if you'd like to chat.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Professor Amy Brown, child public health expert and author of Covid Babies, talks to journalist Rosie Taylor about the lasting impact of lockdown on parents, the unexpected joy of strangers cooing over your baby and why pet shops are not adequate substitutes for health visitor clinics...
On the Mother Bodies podcast, Rosie is on a mission to find out why postnatal health is still so overlooked and to uncover the biases and inequalities which mean women so often don’t get the care, support or treatment they need after having a baby. She speaks to fascinating guests about their personal stories of recovery after birth, how the politics of postnatal health affects us all - and the big ideas which could change mothers' lives for the better.
You can order Covid Babies or any of Amy's other books - and sign up to her newsletter - here. Follow her on Instagram @prof_amybrown, on Twitter @Prof_AmyBrown or join her Facebook community @breastfeedinguncovered.
These organisations are good places to start if you're looking for mental health advice or support:
:: The Maternal Mental Health Alliance has a list of available services, including a link so you can search for local services by postcode.
:: PaNDAS offers support for parents and families affected by postnatal depression.
:: The Birth Trauma Association offers support and advice to people affect by birth trauma.
www.motherbodies.com
Insta: @motherbodies
Twitter: @motherbodies
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Montre plus
