2 Birth Stories w/ Maria

I’m taking a little break over summer - but instead of going quiet, we’re dropping some of the best bits from past episodes.Conversations that made us feel seen. Stuff you might’ve missed but need to hear.So whether you’re pregnant, chasing a toddler, or just fancy a good listen while sunbathing or folding babygros - it’s all here.I’ll be back in the autumn with brand new studio episodes (they’re gonna be so good).Have a gorgeous summer, everyone 💛Join the IG convo here:https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/BACK AUTUM EVERY FRIDAY 9AM!!

n this powerful episode, Poppy Child is joined by award-winning author and journalist Lucy Jones to unpack the raw, transformative journey of matrescence — the psychological, emotional, and physical transition into motherhood.Together, they dive deep into what happens when your identity is cracked open, your nervous system rewires, and your sense of self is stretched beyond recognition. Expect honest stories, mind-expanding research, and an unfiltered look at why becoming a mother is one of the most misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life.Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or years into motherhood — this conversation will help you name the shift, understand your emotions, and feel less alone. If you’ve ever asked “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?”, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:What is matrescence, really?The invisible identity shift of motherhoodMental health, rage, grief, joy — and how they all collideGive https://www.instagram.com/lucyfjones/ a follow and read her amazing book Matrescencehttps://amzn.to/4lmw7Y8

Join us inside The Village - my private membership where you get live coaching with me and access to incredible childbirth experts who are here to guide, inform, and support you through every stage of pregnancy and birth.In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Mollie O'Brien, a midwife, researcher and educator, to talk all things birth biomechanics. We explore how your body, baby and movements work together during labour, and how understanding this can make a real difference to how birth unfolds. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or just want to feel more confident in your body’s abilities -this one’s a must-listen.https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp

This is a lovely story to listen to while you're out on a walk. Mia, a mum of two, shares her positive home birth-labouring in water, supported, calm, and powerful. A reminder that hearing real birth stories can help you feel more prepared and connected to what’s possible.🥰

A stunning positive birth story for you all ❤️Eva gave birth at home, surrounded by love and calm.She wanted to share her story to inspire others who are thinking about a home birth - to show what’s possible when you feel informed, supported, and connected to your instincts.🥰

In this episode, we speak with Dr Melanie Jackson, a leading expert in maternity care.We dive into the different philosophies that shape how birth is viewed-by midwives, obstetricians, and even institutions-and how those views can influence your experience.We unpack common interventions in birth, exploring their risks, benefits, and when they might be necessary.You’ll also learn how to navigate the maternity system with confidence so you can make informed choices, stay in your power, and plan for the best possible birth.🎧 A must-listen for anyone preparing for labour—whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or still figuring it all out.Sign up to her masterclass here:https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/a/2148125533/TjG5PfcqFollow: https://www.instagram.com/melaniethemidwife/Tune into her podcast:https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion

My birth was beautiful, powerful, and on my own terms. But there was a sting in it too - a layer I haven’t fully reflected on or shared publicly. This is the deeper, more nuanced story. The emotional side. The inner experience.Thank you for holding space ❤️You can prepare for birth with me here and use code OLIVIA1 for the birth celebration discount ❤️https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

In this episode I’m joined by two absolute legends - Illiyin Morrison (birth trauma specialist) and Hollie de Cruz (author + mother) - and we’re unpacking the rigid, checklist style birth plan… and asking what happens when we make space for nuance, emotion, and real agency.We talk birth partners, informed choice, and how to actually process your birth afterwards - even if it doesn’t go to plan.https://www.instagram.com/illiyinmorrison/https://www.instagram.com/hollie.decruz/?hl=en-gb

The Perfect Birth Lie: What No One Tells You About "Doing It Right"In this raw and real episode, I unpack one of the most insidious pressures in modern birth culture: the idea that there’s a perfect way to give birth. Whether you’re dreaming of a calm water birth or just hoping to avoid unnecessary intervention, the pressure to get it "right" can quietly chip away at your confidence.I explore how the perfect birth narrative actually hurts women, why it’s okay to change your mind, and how to build real confidence—not performative calm.Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or healing after a birth that didn’t go to plan, this chat is a must-listen for anyone who wants an empowering, grounded and judgment-free approach to birth.🎧 Subscribe for real talk on birth prep, decision-making, and dismantling the myths that hold women back.

In this episode, I chat with certified hormone and women's health coach Tara Ghosh about something every mother should know. How understanding your cycle can actually make motherhood feel more manageable.We explore how your menstrual cycle influences your energy, emotions and mental clarity, and how tuning into it can help you feel more in control. Tara also shares when your cycle is likely to return after birth, what signs to watch for in the postpartum period, and how to navigate this shift without confusion or stress.Tara's journey from lawyer to hormone expert was sparked by her own experience with fatigue, PMDD and postpartum health challenges. Her story and knowledge are empowering and refreshingly real.If you want to feel more connected to your body and more confident in motherhood, this conversation is for you.Follow the incredible Tara Gosh herehttps://www.instagram.com/_taraghosh_/?hl=en-gbShe'll be joining us soon in The Village too!https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp