E163. Why you should be optimising your health before pregnancy

E3. Why Yoga is so beneficial to Pregnancy with Alecs Donovan: Your body in pregnancy is undergoing huge physiological adaptions and performing incredible changes in its dedication to growing and nurturing your baby. Caring for your body and mind during your pregnancy journeyis imperative to your wellness and yoga can form a key part of this.The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week during pregnancy. Alecs Donovan, former Welsh rugbyinternational player, hasfound the concept of Pregnancy Yogability. This incorporates some elements of traditional yoga with functional movement and the foundations of strength and flexibility in a safe environment for pregnancy.  Whether you are new toexercise, experienced or looking for a new way to nurture your pregnant body and help combat common aches and pains Alecs’s classes are ideal. Carefully designed flows help to prepare your body by Midwife Pip Podcast

45 min listen

E6. Your Pelvic Floor Health with Clare Bourne: This week I am delighted that Clare Bourne, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist,is joining us toanswer all of our pelvic floor questions.We debunk common myths and preconceptions and discuss why understanding the function and power of our pelvic floor makes pelvic floor chat turn from a dull lecture to fascination and empowerment.Clare explains how pelvic floor dysfunction is actually very common, what to look out for, how to prevent issues arising and highlights that there is a way through,and no one should be suffering with symptoms.This episode is packed full of tips and knowledge to empoweryou on a positive pelvic health journey for life. @clarebournephysioEnjoying listening and don' forget to subscribe and leave a review.Let's create a Pregnancy Wellness Movement.Midwife Pip by Midwife Pip Podcast

58 min listen

E2. Lockdown Life and Motherhood: #1. Lockdown Life and Motherhood Living in a global pandemic and being a mother are hugely anxiety provoking and challenging times. Covid-19 has forced change into our lives in unprecedented ways and we have all been navigating our way through it. For those raising young children who cannot fully understand the path that the world is on and the restrictions of lockdown the challenges are amplified.  This week’s episode I am joined by Fi Sharrad, a real mum sharing her raw, unedited experience of raising two toddlers in lockdown. The obstacles, the opportunities and mechanisms to cope and make the best of the situation we have been plunged into. Managing working from home, staying mentally and physically well and making lockdown memories. Who knows what the worlds “normal” will look like but motherhood cannot be paused and children will continue to make us giggle.Reflecting on the experience, recognising where our by Midwife Pip Podcast

55 min listen

E4. How to have a positive Caesarean Birth with Delivery Suite Coordinator Naghmeh: Currently in the UK 1 in 4 women give birth by caesarean section and it can be medically necessary and lifesaving for both mothers and babies. But a Caesarean Section birth can also be an empowering, positive and wholly fulfilling experienceregardless of whether it is a planned or an emergency procedure. All too often women feel that giving birth via a Caesarean Section is in some way failing and can be associated with unnecessary guilty emotions. Women who give birth via Caesarean Section are warriors, it is impossible to fail at birth regardless of how it happens, and all birth is birth and is equally as momentous. Naghmeh a Delivery Suite Coordinator with over 40 years of experience, she featured as the star of Emma Willis’s Delivering Babies show and is one of the most passionate and dedicated midwives. On this week’s episode Naghmeh joins me to discuss what to expect from a Caesarean by Midwife Pip Podcast

71 min listen

E16. Mindfulness for Pregnancy during the Coronavirus Pandemic: Pregnancy and the Postpartum can be very anxiety provoking times, add into that mix a global pandemic, self-isolation and a huge amount of uncertainty on future lockdowns and prospects and we can find ourselves amidst a challenging time to say the least. Equipping ourselves with mindfulness tools and techniques can be game changing in helping us manage our daily stresses and anxieties. I was, like many, a mindfulness sceptic until I actually tried it and realised it is not all about chanting and crystal balls as it is often portrayed. By all means chant away if that is what works for you but for so many it can be a powerful way of focusing our minds and bodies on the present, breathing and relaxing into a calm state that enables us to take on the day in a positive way.  On this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by Rachel @_stronglikemama_ , a qualified hypnobirthing practitioner, from Kent by Midwife Pip Podcast

64 min listen

E11. Your guide to Assisted and Instrumental Birth with Consultant Obstetrician Aamna: The concept of an assisted birth is an anxiety provoking one amongst most pregnant women and many are desperate to avoid the use of forceps of ventouse instruments during their birth. However instrumental assistance is currently used in around 1 in 8 UK births and so it is imperative women are informed and empowered about them. On this week’s episode I am joined by Consultant Obstetrician Aamna to discuss the ins and outs of assisted and instrumental birth, to help you realise that it is not something to be afraid of and that an assisted birth can still form a hugely positive birthing experience. When the lovely Aamna is not chatting to expectant mums or supporting birth on labour ward she can be found on Instagram @aamnasasanow Enjoy listening and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.  Midwife Pip www.midwifepip.co by Midwife Pip Podcast

59 min listen

E30. All things Skin health with Erica Rodriguez: All things Skin health with Erica RodriguezMaintaining or even achieving a healthy, glowing complexion seems to be a never-ending mission. From dry to oily, breakouts to pigmentation our skin complaints are extensive and the range of products on the market are an absolute mind field.After all, our skin is the biggest organ on our body and it is always on show so it’s no surprise we want it to be as healthy as our insides. Our skin can be affected by so many different factors from genetics to environmental and nutritional influences. And like many women out there I am always on the search for the best way to hide my sleep deprivation sins and reduce the signs of ageing, so I am very excited to be joined on this weeks episode by registered nutritionist and skin health expert Erica Rodriguez to debunk common skin myths and to help us boost our skin health.Erica is a London by Midwife Pip Podcast

55 min listen

E19. What you need to know about Exercise in Pregnancy with Charlie Barker (Bumps and Burpees): What you need to know about Exercise in Pregnancy With Charlie Barker (Bumps & Burpees)We all know that moving our bodies and exercising has so many health and wellness benefits, that is no surprise. But when it comes to exercising in pregnancy and feeling confident that you can do so safely there is a whole lot more confusion. It is also sensible to consider exercising in a way specific to pregnancy, to prepare your body for birth and the postpartum journey. But with so many myths and inconsistent information in the media I am thrilled to be joined by Pre- and Post-natal exercise expert and founder of Bumps and Burpees, Charlie Barker.Charlie Barker is a first-time mum and the founder of Bumps & Burpees, the go-to community for new and expectant mums who want to stay strong, healthy and happy throughout their pregnancies an by Midwife Pip Podcast

60 min listen

E13. Navigating the World After a Stillbirth - Josephine’s Story With Josephine Wood: This week, Thursday 15th October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Unfortunately the death of a baby is not a rare tragedy and so it is imperative that we break the silence on this issue, give bereaved families a voice and banish any taboo or stigma associated with losing a baby.I am honoured today to be joined by Josephine, mum to Oliver who was born sleeping in January this year. Josephine shares so honestly and bravely her journey in coping with the loss of Oliver and navigating her way through the world after his stillbirth. She is an inspirational woman who is on a mission to raise awareness about baby loss and help to support others who have been affected.Josephine has been sharing her journey via blogging and on her social media @precious_little_footprints.Please note that this is a very emotive subject that may trigger stress or trauma, I by Midwife Pip Podcast

63 min listen

E7. Olympic Gold Medallist’s Perspective On Pregnancy with Dani Rowe Olympic and GB Cyclist: I am honoured to be joined on this week’s episode by Dani RoweMBE. Dani is a world class athlete as a former GB road and track cyclist, Olympic Gold medallist and one of the most successful British cyclists of all time. Dani was very deservingly appointed an MBE in 2013 for her services to cycling. Dani has continued to dedicate her life to cycling and encouraging others, particularly women, to participate in sport. Founder of Rowe and King, her cycle coaching company Dani now works with and coaches all cyclists of any experience level from the most amateur to the elite. Dani is a truly inspiring woman currently undertaking a new life venture as she is pregnant and expecting her first baby.I speak to Dani about how her journey from athlete to mum has been and how her cycling career has influenced her pregnancy. We chat through the highs and lows as by Midwife Pip Podcast

48 min listen

E23. Positive Birth Story: Positive Birth StoryEm and OliveThere are so many birth stories to be read, but the power of listening to and reading positive and empowering birth stories as you prepare your mind and body to meet your little one is incredible.Birth really is a whole-body experience that requires as much if not more psychological preparation as physical. And your birth is not merely one day it is an experience that stays with you forever so preparing is really important to having a positive experience regardless of the twists and turns that may crop up.There is no right or wrong way to birth. Hospital birth, home birth, water birth, epidural birth, induced birth, vaginal birth, forceps birth, caesarean birth – they can all be empowering and truly positive experiences.I am so honoured to be joined by the lovely Em today to chat about her birth experience. Em is a personal trainer and founder of Surrey studio <a href="https://www. by Midwife Pip Podcast

51 min listen

E10. Returning to Exercise After Having a Baby with Wendy Powell Founder of MUTU System: For many women exercise forms part of their identity and hugely influences their overall wellness. The benefits of exercise for our physical and mental health are well understood and after giving birth this is often more important than ever. During pregnancy and birth women’s body’s are devoted to growing, nurturing and birthing their baby and to do so they undergo huge physiological and psychological changes so it is important we return to exercise in a sensible and safe way in the postpartum. Guidance seems to be very generalised and there exists a huge amount of vague and confusing information around the processes of postpartum exercise so I am thrilled to be joined on this week’s episode by Wendy Powell the founder and CEO of MUTU system and a woman who is as passionate as I am about supporting women to embrace safe exercise in a way that will enhance their health and by Midwife Pip Podcast

56 min listen

E14. Understanding Physiological Birth with Angie Willis: It comes as no surprise that our bodies undergo incredible changes during labour and birth. But how much do we actually understand about the ‘normal’ physiological process? On this week’s episode I am joined by midwife Angie Willis who explains why women should understand what their body is doing and the amazing things it is capable of. We hear of terms such as contractions, the birth canal and cervical dilation but what actually are these and how does labour andbirth work?This is a hugely empowering and enlightening listen and Angie mirrors my ethos that all women should be fully informed about their bodies. So, I am thrilled that Angie has come on to chat about birth physiology and address this gap in understanding.Angie can be found on Instagram @theecomidwife where many cute eco nappies feature!Enjoy listening. www.midwifepip.com  by Midwife Pip Podcast

90 min listen

E12. Disordered Eating and Relationships with Food - with Consultant Dietitian Maeve Hanan: Food can trigger such a huge spectrum of emotions from positive to controlling and incredibly negative and can ultimately lead to the damage of physical as well as psychological health. Eating disorders are complex mental illnessesand so many men and women are living with distorted perceptions of their body image and around the consumption of food.On this week’s episode I am so pleased to be joined by an expert in this area-Consultant Dietitian Maeve Hanan who has a range of experience in clinical nutrition and nutrition communication. Maeve is the founder of Dietetically Speaking which promotes evidence-based nutrition messages online and on social media. https://dieteticallyspeaking.com/Maeve is on Instagram @dieteticallyspeaking and her page is packed with free, simple information about nutrition and health.Maeve is also an author, her new book “Your N by Midwife Pip Podcast

62 min listen

E29. Pregnancy Relaxation with Midwife Pip: This week The Pregnancy Wellness Podcast is taking a mini pause. Because sometimes in life we all need to hit that pause button for a moment. So this week I have recorded a little bonus episode for you- a short, simple pregnancy relaxation. I hope this helps to bring a little calm to your chaos and restores some peace in any of our busy lives. Let's get comfortable and enjoy... If you have found this podcast useful, please don't forget to subscribe and leave a review so it can help reach other expectant parents. For more information on the services and courses I offer (Antenatal Education, Your Pregnancy Journey and to get your hands on my free birth plan... Please visit: <a href="//www.midwifepip.com">www.midwifepip.com</a> Or check me out on my social media pages <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midwife_pip/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@midwife_pip</a> En by Midwife Pip Podcast

9 min listen

E1. The Midwife Pip Podcast is Born: Welcome to Midwife Pip Podcast, where we are on a mission to empower women and improve health.   Midwife Pip will be chatting with leading experts and special guests to bring you honest, evidence- based information about all things pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  Leaving no stone unturned we will be discussing all of the possible the twists and turns and the best tips and tricks from conception right through to motherhood to support you on your journey. Remember to hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out on any of the upcoming episodes.  We will be chatting very soon! www.midwifepip.com by Midwife Pip Podcast

3 min listen

E25. Infant Feeding with Stacey Zimmels: Infant Feeding - With Stacey ZimmelsAs you move through pregnancy and into motherhood one of the main things you may be considering is how to feed your baby.Breast, Bottle, Expressing and Mixed Feeding are amongst some of the many terms and choices we hear of when we start to navigate our choices.From the benefits, equipment to purchase, tounge ties and feeding positions it can feel like a mind field.On this week’s episode I am very excited to be joined by the perfect expert to help you navigate these choices and crucially to share some of her expert tips and tricks to a successful feeding journey.Stacey Zimmels is a feeding and swallowing specialist speech therapist (SLT) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Stacey has worked for almost 20 years supporting infants and  children with a wide range of feeding and swallowing difficulties. Her breadth of knowledge and experie by Midwife Pip Podcast

63 min listen

E9. Understanding The Fourth Trimester with Dr Punam Krishan: You move from pregnancy to birth and then your whole world changes as you welcome your newborn into the world. But how well prepared are we or can we be for the immediate postnatal period and weeks of parenthood?Dr Punam Krishan, mum of two and GP, joins me this week to discuss navigating life as a new parent. Sharing her honest and unedited moments to let all mums know that they are not alone and support can be provided in many forms. We discuss the tools and tips you can use to make your fourth trimester a positive and memorable time and the importance of recognising both mental and physical health. On Instagram Punam has shared her recent fourth trimester journey through lockdown in the most raw and real way –see more @drpunamkrishan.Please don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Enjoy listening,  Midwife Pip by Midwife Pip Podcast

52 min listen

E21. Eco-Motherhood Tips with Angie Willis: Eco-Motherhood Tips - With Angie WillisIn a world where we are all seeking to be more environmentally friendly and are on a mission to be kinder to our planet there seems to be a mind field of considerations and choices to make over our lifestyles and purchases. Many new and expectant mums are seeking ways to parents in a more eco-conscious and sustainable way than we have done in previous generations.  Even the smallest adjustments to everyday living can have a huge impact on supporting the momentum towards greater sustainability and the production of less waste.On this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by Midwife and mum, Angie Wills to discuss her top tips for easy eco-motherhood hacks that will also help save you some money along the way.Angie has worked as a midwife in a variety of settings including delivery suite and birth centre and is now practicing in the community. She is also a traine by Midwife Pip Podcast

68 min listen

E5. Expert Infant Sleep Advice with Tori Drew: This episode is an absolute must listen for all parents. I don’t think I have ever met a parent who hasn’t, at some point, struggled with a newborn or child who is having difficulties with the concept of sleep.In this week’s episode I am joined by Tori Drew who is a fully qualified infant sleep consultant specialising from newborns’ up to 5 years. Tori discusses her tips and addresses the common sleep obstacles that parents come across with their infants. We talk naps, creating a night-time environment, soothing tips and establishing routines. I have no doubt that you will uncover some sleepimproving knowledge bombs in this episode.Tori has a wealth of experience and knowledge around infant sleep which she regularly shares with free resources on her Instagram page @thisparentcan. Enjoy Listening, don't forget to leave a review and subscribe too.  Midwife Pip by Midwife Pip Podcast

53 min listen

E17. Welcome back... I have some exciting news...: To those of you who were Season 1 listeners welcome back and to those of you who are new to my podcast welcome to season 2 of The Pregnancy Wellness Podcast hosted by me, Pip. I am a practicing midwife and enthusiastic of all things women’s wellness, especially when it comes to pregnancy and motherhood. Do you find yourself with lots of pregnancy questions unanswered? Do you feel extra midwifery support would be useful to you? Do you fully understand how to enhance your pregnancy wellness? You are in good hands- this podcast is for you. Alongside this I have also been busy creating a 12 month pregnancy journey support group and course to provide you with a whole package of expert wellness and pregnancy information to guide you every step of the way leaving no stone unturned from trimester 1 right through to trimester 4. I am now enrolling expectant mums in their first trimester, spac by Midwife Pip Podcast

5 min listen

E18. Why Nutrition Matters in Pregnancy with Lucinda Miller: Why Nutrition Matters in Pregnancy with Midwife Pip and Lucinda MillerPregnancy is a powerful time to nourish yourself and your baby towards a healthier future. It is an empowering change that you can make yourself to directly improve the health of your family for the present and for the future.Healthy eating habits have arguably never been more important than during pregnancy and yet it is an area we do not discuss nearly half as much as we should.This is an area of women’s health I am super passionate about so this week I am really excited to be joined by Lucinda Miller to discuss why we should all be taking more notice of our nutrition in pregnancy and understanding how powerful it really can be.Lucinda Miller is the founder of NatureDoc and runs a team of UK-wide nutritional therapists specialising in pregnancy, baby and child nutrition. She has been practising as a naturopa by Midwife Pip Podcast

58 min listen

E28. Induction of Labour: Induction of Labour - With Midwife Marie LouiseIn the UK around 1 in 5 women have their labour induced. It therefore makes sense that we learn about induction of labour in the antenatal period.I am sure you all know by now that I am a believer of knowledge being power and that is because I feel that having honest, evidence-based information allows you to be empowered about your birth choices and feel in control of the twists and turns that may crop up. This is entirely true of induction. It can be offered for a range of reasons and the actual process may also differ depending on your individual circumstance and hospital policy.On this week’s episode I am joined by a fellow midwife, and a midwife as passionate as I am about providing you with accurate non-bias information. Midwife Marie Louise, known as the modern midwife on social media @the_modern_midwife, author and most importantly mum to her gorgeous little girl Georgie Ros by Midwife Pip Podcast

46 min listen

E15. What is Hypnobirthing?: Google anything to do with labour and you will likely hear the term ‘Hypnobirthing’. But it is not about chanting with charms and crystals, in fact that is a huge misconception! At its core, Hypnobirthing aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety around birth and aims to equip you with methods to help you stay calm, relaxed and in control. On this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by Abby @abby_loveyourbirth , an experienced Hypnobirthing teacher and teacher trainer. Abby and I talk abouthow the practices of hypnobirthing compliment your body’s physiology in labour. By enabling your body and mind to be relaxed, birth can be less painful, quicker and a very positive experience. Abby is based in West Yorkshire, with many years’ experience teaching hypnobirthing to expectant parents and also training and mentoring others to become hypnobirthing teachers she is the perfect guest for this weeks podcast cha by Midwife Pip Podcast

61 min listen

E20. Meet an Obstetrician with Dr Ellie Rayner: Meet an Obstetrician - With Dr Ellie RaynerDuring the journey of pregnancy and birth there can be many twists and turns that crop up along the way. For this reason, many women will meet an Obstetrician during pregnancy, during labour or even after the birth of your baby. An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in these specific areas and the are there to support you to make informed choices and decisions about your care pathway. For some women, the idea of seeing an obstetrician feels a little anxiety provoking or concerning that interventions may be recommended, or they may be given labels such as having a “high risk” pregnancy.So, on this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by Dr Ellie Rayner who is here to explain why meeting your Obstetrician need not be an anxiety provoking experience and to reassure you that we are all on the same team when it comes to your pregnancy and birth.Dr Ellie Ray by Midwife Pip Podcast

63 min listen

E8. Understanding Birth Trauma with Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist Dr Rebecca Moore: In this week’s episode I am joined by Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist Dr Rebecca Moore as we lift the lid on Birth Trauma. Rebecca has a wealth of experience working with women and their psychological needs and is the founder of Make Birth Better, a national campaign working to raise awareness of birth trauma.We discuss why it is imperative that awareness is raised, explain what it is and why around 1 in 3 are affected. Birth should be one of the most empowering and momentous experiences in a new parent’s life and yet for many there is a trauma that overshadows their birth. We discuss signs to look out for and how we can try to prevent birth trauma occurring. Rebecca explains how no one should be suffering in silence and that support is available in a wide variety of forms. @drrebeccamoore For some, this topic may be triggering. Should you feel that yo by Midwife Pip Podcast

65 min listen

E26. How To Protect, Heal and Nurture Your Body Through Motherhood: How to protect, heal and nurture your body through Motherhood with Emma BrockwellYou are pregnant, and just like that your body starts undertaking huge physiological and psychological change. I think sometimes we, as women, forget that during pregnancy your entire system is adapted as your body focuses on growing a new little human being. Parts become stretched, weakened and shifted as your little one thrives and develops. Then there is the matter of childbirth and regardless of how this may happen for you it is a momentous time and arguably the biggest challenge your body will ever undergo. But you can’t just put your feet up and recover as a new mum, you have a baby to care for and are often sleep deprived. And so all too often the incredible journey your body and mind have been on get forgotten and your nurturing and healing are neglected.But on this week’s episode I am joined by an amazing by Midwife Pip Podcast

58 min listen

E27. Perineal and Vaginal Tearing during Birth: Perineal and Vaginal Tearing during Birth - With Dr Brooke VandermolenIf there is one thing that seems to occupy an expectant mum’s mind in the preparation for birth it has to be perineal and vaginal tearing. And for good reason, the natural stretching that takes place during birth can result in some degree of tearing for around 85% of women having a vaginal birth. So, arming ourselves with the correct information, considering measures that may help prevent tearing and how to care for the area in the postpartum are super important.I am delighted to be joined by the perfect guest, Dr Brooke Vandermolen, to help me bust the common myths and ensure you are informed with accurate, evidence-based information to switch you from a mindset of feeling scared to feeling prepared for the birth of your little one.Dr Brooke Vandermolen is a practicing Obstetrics & Gynaecology Regis by Midwife Pip Podcast

66 min listen

E22. Let’s Talk About Homebirth with Midwife Keri: Let’s talk about Homebirth - With Midwife KeriWhen it comes to deciding where to give birth there are a few options- we have consultant led units, midwifery led birthing centres or the comfort of your own home. Various health and pregnancy factors may influence the recommendation for your place of birth and your choice but having accurate, honest information about your birthplace choices is fundamental to helping you make the right decision for you.On this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by a fellow midwife, Keri.Keri’s career has taken a different path to me as she has been practicing as an independent midwife in the North West of England for the last 3 years. Keri’s career has been based in the community setting and in the attendance of many homebirths. Keri is passionate about the ethos of community midwifery and getting to know the families that she cares for. Then being privileged enough by Midwife Pip Podcast

62 min listen

E24. Returning to Exercise after Birth - Amy Lane: Returning to Exercise after Birth - Amy LanePregnancy and birth are momentous times in a women’s life during which your body undergoes huge physiological and psychological changes. A woman’s body’s in pregnancy is devoted to growing, nurturing and birthing a new little human. This is the biggest challenge your body will undergo and the postpartum period whereby recovery is so key is often overlooked and neglected.For many women exercise forms part of their identity and hugely influences their overall wellness. The benefits of exercise for our physical and mental health are well understood and after giving birth this is often more important than ever. However, it is important we return to exercise in a sensible and safe way in the postpartum and to evict any unrealistic or unhealthy expectations.On this week’s episode I am delighted to be joined by the wonderful Amy Lane. Amy is the award-winning di by Midwife Pip Podcast

48 min listen

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E163. Why you should be optimising your health before pregnancy

E163. Why you should be optimising your health before pregnancy

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