Getting the RIGHT birth support - do you need a doula?

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, and understanding what’s normal can change everything.In this episode of Pop That Mumma, I sit down with lactation consultant Lucy Weber to discuss the real challenges of breastfeeding that nobody warned us about.We unpack the emotional and hormonal rollercoaster that comes with your breastfeeding journey, why pain during breastfeeding is never normal (and what to do about it), and the importance of skin-to-skin contact in those crucial early days. Lucy shares her expert insights on common breastfeeding issues like mastitis, tongue tie, and latching difficulties, plus practical solutions that actually work. We also cover colostrum harvesting, hand expressing techniques every mum should know, and why personalised postpartum support makes all the difference.This episode is packed with evidence-based advice and honest conversation about what breastfeeding really looks like. If you've ever struggled with feeding routines, felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or simply want to feel more prepared for your breastfeeding experience, this episode is for you.You can find out more about Lucy and her work here. A special thanks to our sponsor, For The Creators. You can find a link to their website here. Don’t forget to use the code POPPY at checkout for 20% off.Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes:Routine Childbirth Interventions Explained: Everything You Need To KnowChildbirth in a Modern World: Tapping Into Your Wild Side And Training For Instinctive Birth

What if birth isn’t something to fear… but something your body already knows how to do?In this episode of Pop That Mumma, I’m chatting with Krisha Crossley about tapping into your wild side and what it means to prepare for a physiological, natural birth in the modern world.We talk honestly about how pregnancy today can leave so many women feeling anxious, disconnected, and scared of their own bodies, and why that makes instinctive birth feel so out of reach. We cover movement, breathing, mindset, why dilation isn’t the full story, and how approaching labour with an almost athletic mindset can completely change the experience. If you want to find out more about Krisha you can find her on social media and her website. Listeners can use code POPTHATMUMM for a discount on her course. A special thanks to our sponsor For The Creators. You can find a link to their website here. Don’t forget to use the code POPPY at checkout for 20% off.Want to hear more? Check out our other episodesRoutine Childbirth Interventions Explained: Everything You Need To Know Body- Led Birth Plan: My Plan For Third Birth

What should you expect when interventions are suggested during labour?In this episode, I'm joined by Midwife Vic to explore routine childbirth interventions, your right to informed consent, and how preparation can help you feel confident, calm, and empowered during labour.We cover interventions such as membrane sweeps, vaginal examinations, and fetal monitoring, alongside the role of birth preparation. Midwife Vic shares practical guidance to help women understand risks, benefits, alternatives and why asking why matters.This episode is for anyone wanting to approach childbirth feeling informed, prepared, and confident.You can find out more about Midwife Vic and her work hereA special thanks to our sponsor, For The Creators. You can find a link to their website here. Don’t forget to use the code POPPY at checkout for 20% off.Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes:Body-Led Birth Plan: My Plans for third birth Do the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep Is More Than Just a PlanVaginal Examinations in Labour: What You Need to Know 

In this episode, I talk about my body-led birth plan and why trusting your internal wisdom is one of the most important parts of birth preparation.A body-led birth plan is not a list of rules or demands.It’s a framework that puts your body, instincts, and physiology at the centre of decision-making during labour and birth.Rather than trying to control how birth unfolds, a body-led birth plan focuses on creating the conditions your body needs to birth well.LINKS -https://popthatmumma.carrd.co/

In this episode, I sit down with doula Bonnie Walker, who’s been supporting families for over 23 years. We dive into how birth has shifted over the decades.Bonnie brings a wealth of experience and shares what she’s learnt and why there truly isn’t one “right” way to give birth. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth conversation about birth, the body, and the many beautiful and unpredictable paths people take to meet their babies.You can find out more about Bonnie and her work 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.Want to hear more? Listen to our other episodes!Vaginal Examinations in Labour: What You Need to KnowDo The Inner Work: Why Birth Prep is More Than Just a PlanChristine's Positive Hospital Birth Story

What if your birth could feel calm, informed, and truly empowering, even if fear is where your journey begins? In this episode, Christine shares her transformational positive birth story, revealing how she went from deep anxiety about childbirth to a confident, grounded, and life-changing labour journey.Through mindset work, hypnobirthing, and using Birth Box, Christine overcame fear and embraced a birth experience that left her feeling strong, connected, and ready for motherhood. She opens up about navigating a slow labour, making tough decisions around pain relief, leaning on partner support, and the emotional moment she met her son.If you're preparing for your own childbirth experience or looking for positive birth stories that empower, this one is for you. 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.

This guided birth preparation meditation is designed to help you relax your body, calm your mind, and connect deeply with your breath and baby. Whether you’re in your third trimester or simply needing a moment of peace during pregnancy, this track supports you in building confidence, focus, and emotional balance.Use this guided meditation for pregnancy and birth daily to release tension and ease anxiety. Take this time for yourself!Want more tracks like these? Check out Birth Box and The Oxytocin Bubble!

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 RebellionPlease 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.A 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. 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.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