E242. The Hidden World Shaping Your Baby’s Health

The Hidden World Shaping Your Baby’s Health- With Dr. Ruairi Robertson Your baby’s gut microbiome is developing from the moment they’re born - but how much should parents actually worry about it? In this episode, I’m joined by scientist Dr Ruairi Robinson to unpack what the research really tells us about the infant microbiome, and separate the science from the marketing and misinformation. We’re talking C-sections, vaginal birth, antibiotics, breastfeeding, formula, probiotics, vaginal seeding and, importantly, what you can actually influence. Because yes, early life matters - but your baby’s microbiome is far more adaptable than you might think.And if you’re feeling guilty about how your baby was born, whether you breastfed, or whether they needed antibiotics, this episode is one you’ll want to hear. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pipFacebook: Midwife PipEmail: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Mothers Are Running The World (And Burning Out) – Dr Punam Krishan What happens to women after the baby arrives? In this powerful conversation, Midwife Pip sits down with NHS GP, broadcaster and author Dr Punam Krishan @drpunamkrishan to explore the often unseen reality of motherhood. Together they discuss identity shifts, matrescence, the mental and physical load mothers carry, why maternal health is still overlooked, and how modern motherhood places unprecedented demands on women. From brain changes in pregnancy to the lifelong impact of maternal health, this episode is a validating, honest and empowering conversation for every mother who has ever wondered, "Is it just me?" The answer is no. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip: Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redefining Fitness in Motherhood - Jen Murray Motherhood changes everything - including how we see ourselves, our bodies, and what “fitness” even means. In this honest and empowering conversation, I’m joined by personal trainer and women’s health specialist Jen Murray to unpack the pressure so many women feel to “bounce back” after having a baby - physically, mentally and emotionally. Because the truth is… nothing about motherhood is linear. We explore why your priorities naturally shift after children, how unrealistic expectations are harming women, and why your body doesn’t need fixing - it needs understanding, support and compassion. From pelvic floor recovery and sleep deprivation to identity shifts and the invisible mental load, this episode is a powerful reminder that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. We also share practical, realistic ways to rebuild strength, confidence and trust in your body - without guilt, perfectionism or pressure. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “lost yourself” in motherhood, this episode will help you feel seen, supported and empowered to move forward - on your terms. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Stay Calm When Motherhood Pushes You to the Edge with Anna Mathur Becoming a mother is often painted as a time of joy, connection and overwhelming love… but what about the moments no one prepares you for? The snapping, the guilt, the sudden surge of anger that can leave you feeling shaken and ashamed. Today, I’m joined by psychotherapist and bestselling author Anna Mathur, whose powerful new book explores a side of emotional life many women quietly struggle with- rage. In this episode, we’re opening up an honest and compassionate conversation about anger in pregnancy and early motherhood. Why does it feel so intense? What is it really trying to tell us? And how can we move from shame and self-criticism to understanding, repair and deeper connection? If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I don’t recognise this version of me” this conversation will help you feel less alone, and more supported, in navigating the emotional realities of motherhood. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Let’s dive in. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books 💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fatherhood, Feeding & The Role No One Talks About - with Jim Chapman A powerful, honest conversation about modern fatherhood, parenting pressures, and what really matters. In this episode, Pip sits down with Jim Chapman @jimchapman to explore the realities of raising young children- from sleepless nights and feeding challenges to the emotional shifts that come with becoming a parent. Together, they unpack the myth of “perfect parenting,” the importance of trusting your instincts, and how to navigate judgement around feeding choices. Jim shares openly about his children’s very different feeding journeys, the impact of reflux on family life, and how combination feeding transformed their experience. The conversation also dives into emotional intelligence in parenting, breaking generational patterns, and why being present matters more than getting it “right.” This episode is a reassuring reminder that parenting is not about perfection, it’s about connection, flexibility, and figuring it out as you go. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip: Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife PipEmail: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Newborn Sleep Conversation Every Parent Should Hear with C&B Sleep Support Newborn sleep is one of the biggest surprises of early parenthood and one of the areas where parents receive the most conflicting advice. In this episode, Midwife Pip is joined by newborn sleep experts Eve and Gem from Calm & Bright Sleep Support to explore what biologically normal infant sleep really looks like during the fourth trimester. Together they unpack why babies wake so frequently, why contact naps and feeding to sleep aren't bad habits, what the four-month sleep regression actually is, and how understanding normal newborn behaviour can completely transform your confidence as a parent. This compassionate, evidence-based conversation will help you replace anxiety with understanding, trust your instincts, and feel far more prepared for life with a newborn. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pipFacebook: Midwife PipEmail: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Actually Makes a Birth Feel Positive?- with Kelly and Joe Maguire Today’s guests are first-time parents whose birth experience wasn’t something they had to “get through” it was something they felt empowered by, it was truly positive. But what does that really mean?  Was it luck? Preparation? Mindset? Support? Or something deeper that more women deserve to understand before they step into that room? In this episode, we unpack their story, the expectations, the reality, and the moments that changed everything. Because positive birth isn’t about perfection… it’s about ownership, trust, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had. If you’re pregnant, planning, or just curious about a different kind of birth story, this conversation might change the way you think about it entirely. I’m joined by the wonderful Kelly and Joe, incredible first time parents who I’ve had the honour of supporting through my YPJ – Your Pregnancy and Postnatal Journey programme.  Let’s get into it. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pipFacebook: Midwife PipEmail: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not All Vagina Tears Are the Same Perineal tears are one of the biggest fears many women carry into birth, but how much of what we've been told is actually true? In this empowering episode, Midwife Pip is joined by specialist pelvic health physiotherapist Aby Tobin to unpack the myths, facts and practical strategies surrounding perineal tearing. Together they explore why tears happen, what you can realistically do to reduce your risk, the role of pelvic floor health, birth positions, pushing techniques and why fear itself can shape the birth experience. You'll also learn what recovery really looks like, why many women suffer in silence after birth, and the simple steps that can support healing and long-term pelvic health. Whether you're preparing for birth, recovering postpartum or supporting someone who is, this conversation is packed with evidence-based reassurance that every woman deserves to hear. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip: Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Davina McCall: Why We've Forgotten How To Trust Our Bodies In Birth - with Davina McCall Becoming a mother changes everything. But what if the stories we've been told about birth aren't the whole truth? In this week's episode, I'm joined by the incredible Davina McCall for a powerful conversation about pregnancy, birth, motherhood and learning to trust ourselves in a world that often tells women to do the opposite. Davina shares her honest experiences of pregnancy, why she actually loved giving birth, the mindset shifts that transformed her labour experience, and why birth isn't simply one day- it's something that can shape how we step into motherhood for years to come. We talk about fear, empowerment, body trust, positive birth stories, and why women deserve better information, support and confidence as they prepare to meet their babies. Whether you're pregnant, planning a family or reflecting on your own birth experiences, this is a conversation that will leave you feeling stronger, more informed and deeply reassured. If you'd like some help thinking through your options and creating a birth plan that truly reflects your preferences. This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip: Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. If you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you’ve been told about preparing for birth… isn’t enough? In this raw, unfiltered episode, Midwife Pip and Beth Kitt @thebumptobabychapter, two midwives sit down for an honest coffee chat about what’s really happening inside the maternity system right now. From rising C-section rates to the dangerous impact of social media misinformation, nothing is off the table. This isn’t about fear- it’s about clarity. Because the truth is… no one is coming to hand you all the information you need. And that changes everything. If you’re pregnant, planning a birth, or supporting someone who is - this conversation might completely shift how you think about preparation, control, and what actually leads to a positive birth experience. Extra Resources: 📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫  Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” -  “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip Connect with Pip: Instagram: @midwife_pip Facebook: Midwife Pip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review -  it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance. And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community,  you don’t have to do motherhood alone. Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe! Midwife Pip x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices