Melissa Hemsley on fertility, food and feeling like a failure

Trigger warning: this episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners. Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary. This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore. If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected] Links from our midwives: Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away and come back when you're ready 💛 May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever. Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of her son, Kimberley Nixon found herself in some of the darkest days of her life. Kimberley opens up to Giovanna about experiencing dark and intrusive thoughts, being diagnosed with postpartum OCD, and why she felt it was so important to share her story. Kimberley's brilliant new book She Seems Fine To Me is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it feel like to hold a life for the first time? In this episode of Life of a Midwife, three midwives tell us what it feels like to catch a baby! If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected] Links from our midwives: BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past nine years, Happy Mum Happy Baby has evolved — and so has our mission! Increasingly, our conversations have centred on mums themselves: their mental health, wellbeing, relationships, and identity. Because when a mum feels supported, seen, and heard, everything else can flourish. So... welcome to the era of Happy Mum ! And joining us to start this exciting new chapter is the gorgeous Lydia West. You’ll know Lydia from It’s a Sin, Years and Years, and Big Mood, but what you may not know is that she welcomed TWO babies between filming seasons one and two of Big Mood! For the first time, Lydia opens up about her pregnancies and births, sharing her experience of severe hyperemesis, as well as the challenges she faced with bonding and feeding. She and Gi also discuss her returning to work just eight weeks postpartum, the importance of supported childcare on set, and learning to loosen the reins amid the chaos of toddler life! Big Mood series two is now streaming on Channel 4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate the international day of the midwife we’ve got something very special for you — the very first episode of our brand-new miniseries! Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing powerful stories from midwives, past and present, as they reflect on the moments that have shaped their lives and careers. In this first episode, we'll trace the moments two women were pulled into midwifery. We’ll return to our regular guest episodes next Tuesday xx If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected] Links from our midwives: Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences Petition · Make birth safer: protect midwives' working hours - United Kingdom · Change.org Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story and Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.