Vaginal Examinations in Labour: What You Need to Know

In this episode of the Pop That Mumma Podcast, I sit down with Dr Melanie Jackson, a brilliant midwife and maternal health advocate, to chat about vaginal examinations (VEs) during labour. We discuss what they’re for, how they relate to cervical dilation and birth progress, and why they’re such a common yet often misunderstood part of maternity care.Dr Jackson shares her insight into the risks, benefits, and alternatives to routine VEs, and we talk about informed consent and why you always have the right to say no. We also explore how the body naturally progresses in labour, what evidence-based care really looks like, and how expectations around cervical dilation can sometimes do more harm than good.If you’re pregnant and planning for birth, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed!To find out more about Dr Melanie and her work, follow her on social media here. Be sure to check out her amazing podcast, The Great Birth RebellionA special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode.Donkey 5 Dragonfly Fox 5 RenewYou can check out their full range of products on their website.Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes! Do the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep is More Than Just a Plan What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in Motherhood: Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”How Exercise Transforms Pregnancy, Labour and Recovery

Baby sleep, it’s the topic every new parent obsesses over! In this episode of the Pop That Mumma Podcast, I chat with newborn expert Lisa Clegg. We chat all about how to help your newborn sleep better with routines, feeding patterns, and so much more. Lisa shares her years of experience supporting families through those early weeks, offering real, practical tips for establishing healthy sleep patterns from day one.This episode is packed with supportive advice, expert information, and a whole lot of reassurance. If you’re pregnant and want to prepare, or a parent craving calmer nights, this one’s for you!You can find out more about Lisa and her work through her website or Instagram For a discount on Lisa’s products, apply the code POPPY20 at checkout!A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode on their website or through the links below.Donkey 5 Dragonfly Fox 5 RenewWant to hear more? Check out our other recent episodes!Everything We Wish We Knew About Postpartum: Honest Tips from Two Mums of TwoWhat Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in Motherhood: Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”How Exercise Transforms Pregnancy, Labour and Recovery

What really happens after birth? In this powerful and honest episode, I sit down with doula and childbirth educator Caitlin Wilder to talk about the raw, unfiltered realities of postpartum life. As mums of two with completely different journeys, we open up about breastfeeding struggles, sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs, and the challenge of finding ourselves again after birth.Caitlin shares her heartfelt insights on hormonal shifts, relationship changes, and why communicating your needs as a new mum can make all the difference. Together, we explore the power of slowing down, asking for support, and embracing the messiness of motherhood.If you’re pregnant, preparing for postpartum, or in the thick of those early newborn days this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Tune in for real talk, reassurance, and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to take things one moment at a time.You can find out more about Caitlin and her work here. A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode below.Donkey 5 Dragonfly Fox 5 RenewFind out about their full range of products here. Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes!Moving Through Pregnancy: How Exercise Transforms Pregnancy, Labour and RecoveryBeyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”: What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in MotherhoodDo the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep is More Than Just a Plan

Ever wondered how movement can transform your pregnancy and postpartum journey? In this episode of Pop That Mumma, I sit down with Gina from MamasteFit to uncover the power of exercise during pregnancy, the secrets of pelvic mechanics, and how to recover confidently after birth. Gina shares expert insights on staying active safely, preparing your body for labour, and supporting your pelvic health postpartum. We bust common pregnancy fitness myths, explore what really happens when labour stalls, and discuss how mindful movement can make all the difference for both you and your baby. You can find out more about Gina and MamasteFit through their website. For 15% off MamasteFit programs, use the code POPTHATMUMMA A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode below.Donkey 5Dragonfly Fox 5 RenewOr find out more about the full range of products on their website.Enjoyed this episode? Listen to our others!Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”: What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in MotherhoodDo the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep Is More Than Just a Plan

In this episode of the Pop That Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall to explore what it truly means to be a mother in today’s digital world. We go beyond the highlight reels and talk honestly about the messy, beautiful, and often complicated side of motherhood that doesn’t always make it onto social media.Dr Tuesday opens up about her personal journey and the shifts in identity that every mum faces. Together, we discuss how comparison and perfectionism can impact your mental wellbeing and why the real work lies in trusting yourself and embracing your own path.This episode is about going beyond “enjoying it while it lasts” and recognising that motherhood isn’t just something to survive or smile through, it's a space to grow, rediscover yourself, and build deeper self-trust along the way.If you’ve ever felt lost in the noise of motherhood, this one’s for you.You can find out more about Dr Tuesday and her work and offerings here.A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode on their website or through the links below.Donkey 5 Dragonfly Bugaboo Fox 5 RenewWant to hear more? Check out more in this series:Do The Inner Work! Why Birth Prep Is More Than Just a Plan

In this episode of the Pop That Mumma podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Sallyann Beresford as we dive deep into the importance of building self-trust during pregnancy, labour, and birth. We talk about what it really means to ‘do the work’, preparing not just physically, but mentally and emotionally for the journey of childbirth.We also chat about how birth education has evolved, why advocacy matters, and the practical steps you can take to strengthen your instincts and move through fear with confidence.This conversation is all about reclaiming trust in yourself, breaking free from surface-level preparation, and connecting with the deeper wisdom you already carry within.Whether you’re pregnant, preparing for labour, or simply curious about birth and motherhood, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and inspiration to help you feel empowered on your journey.You can find out more about Sallyann and her work here. Or listen to her podcast here. A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find a link to all of the products mentioned in this episode below. Donkey 5 Dragonfly Bugaboo Fox 5 RenewFind out more about Bugaboo on their ⁠website⁠.Want to hear more? Check out more Pop That Mumma Episodes!What do YOU want for your birth? Practical birth planning advice. Staying in your zone in labour: Hypnobirthing, Breathing & Mindset & Meditation Hypnobirthing Positive Affirmations - listen daily

A little personal update from me & some more info on where this podcast is going next! ❤️❤️

In this episode of the Voice Notes Summer Series, I share real-life insights on keeping your relationship strong after baby.After 16 years with my partner and navigating parenthood, I reflect on communication, respect, and managing expectations during the postpartum period. From voicing your needs and handling emotional and physical changes to practising self-care and pursuing passions. This episode offers practical relationship tips for new parents. Tune in for my personal take on keeping love alive, staying connected, and building a thriving family dynamic.

Staying in Your Zone in Labour: Hypnobirthing Breathing, Oxytocin Bubble & Scent Anchors ❤️In this EP explore the power of staying in your zone- that calm, primal state where birth flows best. You’ll learn why the Oxytocin Bubble track is a game-changer for relaxation, how scent anchors can instantly bring you back to calm, and the breathing techniques that help you stay in your zone ❤️For the full Birth Box Hypnobirthing course click here: https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthboxI can’t wait to help you feel even more birth ready.PoppyPopthatmumma

In this episode I’m breaking down why birth pain feels so different from woman to woman, and how your body, your mind and your environment can either dial it up or calm it down. We’ll talk about: • Why pain in labour is visceral (you’re not imagining it) • How stress, fear and cultural conditioning can make it louder • The role of mindset, tools and expectation in changing your experience • How support — medical and emotional — shapes what you feelThis is the conversation nobody has properly: pain is not just something to grit your teeth through, it’s something you can work with.Feel birth confident: https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox