Why The Birth Plan Isn't Enough: What Real Birth Preparation Actually Looks Like

In this episode, I'm speaking with Carrie Rad to hear the story of her beautiful, fast second birth, and how differently it played out compared to her long first labour.In this episode, we cover:Why having a plan but staying flexible mattersHow your second birth experience can be wildly different from your firstWhat to do if fear creeps in during birthThe power of affirmations for preparing your mind for birthA powerful and emotional episode for anyone preparing for birth and wanting to hear a real story of surrender, strength and surprise.Get birth ready with Birth Box (includes the full Oxytocin Bubble Album): https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/Or get the standalone album of tracks: https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/popthatmummaalbumofmeditationsFollow Carrie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarrieRadInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrierad/Follow Poppy: https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/

Welcome to Part 3 of my Preparing for Postpartum Mini Series.In the final part of this mini series, I'm sharing:Why building mental resilience mattersHow to cope with the struggles that may come with postpartumWhy we don't need to act on every thought that surfaces (and why asking AI can make this worse)How to deal with spiralling thoughts postpartum2 powerful strategies you can start practising nowTracks for motherhood:Sonic RoomsIf this episode has inspired you to start thinking about life after the birth and your postpartum plans, get my free Postpartum Planner, full of prompts and support to help you decide how you want those early days with your newborn to feel.Get the plannerIf you feel like you need more support:https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/Follow Poppy: @popthatmumma

Welcome to Part 2 of my Preparing for Postpartum Mini Series.When becoming a mother, especially for the first time, it can feel like you're suddenly having to become someone totally different.This huge identity shift is known as 'matrescence'. In this episode, I'm sharing what this felt like for me and how it may manifest for you; the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that come with becoming a mother.This is a topic I wish I knew more about before having my first, and so I hope this episode helps you navigate this huge change.Make sure to hit subscribe so you're notified when the final part of this mini series drops!Tracks for motherhood: Sonic RoomsIf this episode has inspired you to start thinking about life after the birth and your postpartum plans, get my free Postpartum Planner, full of prompts and support to help you decide how you want those early days with your newborn to feel.Get the planner

Welcome to Part 1 of my Preparing for Postpartum Mini Series. This one's coming straight from the thick of my own postpartum with Adam.In this episode, I’m sharing: Why I put my phone in a drawer for the first 48 hours after Adam’s birthThe importance of protecting that newborn bubbleWhy you might not feel a bond straight away, and that's ok.The 'currency' of presence, and how to use it to your bonding advantageHit subscribe so you don't miss part two. It’s all about the identity shift that comes with becoming a mum and how to navigate it.If this has got you thinking about your own postpartum plans, my free Postpartum Planner is full of prompts to help you work out how you actually want those early days to feel.⁠Get the planner⁠Get my full album of tracks for motherhood:Sonic Rooms

Most women prepare for birth in their heads. But birth doesn't happen in your head.In this episode, I'm joined by Sally Ann Beresford - doula of 24 years, award-winning author, and host of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast -  for an honest conversation about what's actually missing from birth preparation.We unpack:Why a checklist birth plan isn't enough and why a 'birth manifesto' is a better ideaWhy knowing how you want to feel during labour matters more than what you want to happenHow to prepare your birth partner to actually support youWhy putting away the contraction timer might be the best thing you doThe difference between preparing for a home birth vs hospitalWhat physiological birth really means and why it's quietly disappearingWhy trusting your instincts matters Follow Sallyann Beresford on Instagram: @theultimatebirthpartnerFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Birth Ready with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

One in three women are now being induced. And most of them are going into it without the full picture.In this episode, I'm joined by doula and childbirth educator, Carly Sandland, to talk about one of the most important conversations in modern maternity care.Why the due date isn't actually evidence-based and where it came fromThe difference between absolute and relative riskHow to make sure induction is the right path for youThe importance of knowing your options and the alternatives to inductionWhy asking for your 'bishop score' mattersHow to make an induction a positive, empowering experienceWays to keep the oxytocin flowing throughout the processFind Carly at @thedoulaclubReady Birth Go, Carly's online birth prep courseFind Poppy at @popthatmummaBirth Box - the complete online hypnobirthing course

In this episode I'm joined by doula Katie Jensen to talk about what advocacy actually looks like and why it has nothing to do with being difficult.Why starting birth prep as early as possible should be the normHow to decide on the birth you want and understand all your options along the wayWhat advocacy really means during pregnancy, labour and birthHow to handle any moment you feel pressured into a quick decision about your careWhy asking for a second opinion can change everythingFind Katie at @katiejensendoulaKatie’s Website: https://www.katiejensendoula.com/Find Poppy at @popthatmummaBirth Box - the complete online hypnobirthing courseOxytocin Bubble - hypnobirthing meditations for pregnancy and labour

Listen when you're in a calm state of mind, with the space to really absorb it.In this episode, I talk through practical strategies for what to do if birth takes a different path than you were hoping for.This audio is taken from The Return module inside Birth Box.If you'd like access to the full course, you can join here:https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/

Listen to this birth story with your birth partner - it’s powerful, emotional, and full of practical gems. Thank you both SO much for joining us!! A beautifully positive hospital birth that’ll leave you feeling inspired, reassured, and ready.The course mentioned is Birth Box: The BirthBox Hypnobirthing CourseLoved by thousands, designed to get you ready.❤️Get my free third trimester routine here. Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for entertainment and general information only. They do not constitute medical, clinical, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have.

In this incredible episode, Taylor shares the emotional rollercoaster of discovering she was carrying quadruplets, navigating a high-risk pregnancy, spending weeks in hospital, and delivering four babies in just three minutes via caesarean.From fear and uncertainty to overwhelming joy, this story is a powerful reminder of just how unpredictable birth can be.A big thank you to Take Five Aromatherapy for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of ⁠pregnancy blends⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off the full range (including Poppy's favourite candle, the ⁠Calming Anchor⁠!!) Follow Taylah & The Quad Squad on Instagram: ⁠@theglachanquadsquadFollow Taylah & The Quad Squad on YouTubeFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠