In this special episode I speak to Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Tejal Amin, who specialises in early pregnancy and miscarriage, about pregnancy loss, the causes, the signs and symptoms, the factors that can increase risk, common misconceptions and available support. I am also joined by my good friend Alice Haig, who tells us her story of conceiving and pregnancy losses.   Charities that were mentioned in this episode are:  Tommy's - https://www.tommys.org/ The Miscarriage association - https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ Cradle - https://cradlecharity.org/ Relate - https://www.relate.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There must be something in the water at Is It Normal HQ! First Issy now our regular Obstetrician Jess Mcmicking is expecting!  She tells us about what it's like to be on the other side, how she has found pregnancy and how she's preparing for birth. We'd love to hear from you, our instagram is @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming a new mum throws up so many new thoughts, feelings and responsibilities and we're navigating possibly the biggest change in our lives.  We’re also bombarded with advice from friends, family & even strangers on the bus! All that while being extremely sleep deprived… so it’s not surprising that new mums often feel overwhelmed and anxious. In this episode I am joined by Anna Mathur is a psychotherapist and bestselling author of Mind over Mother to give us some tips on how to navigate the stresses of being a new mum. Anna's new book is ‘The Little Book of Calm for New Mums’ Anna mentions some brilliant charities: Pandas - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/ Tommy's - https://www.mind.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about Hyperemesis gravidarum, extreme sickness in pregnancy. I speak to Caitlin Dean, the chair of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support, who explains why more research and awareness about this debilitating syndrome is so important, she also gives some brilliant tips and advice for people suffering with it.  My friend Perdita Nouril also joins me to tell us her story of having HG in both her pregnancies.  For more info visit:  www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk Helpline: 024 7638 2020 Pregnancy Sickness Support is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. We are also working to train and support Health Care Professionals across the UK and Ireland and research into the cause and treatment of the condition.  Caitlin also mentioned Maternity Action - https://maternityaction.org.uk/ We'd love to hear from you, our instagram is @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we hear from pelvic health physiotherapist Jo Gipson about the importance of good pelvic health for postpartum recovery. We'd love to hear from you, our instagram is @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we hear from our regular midwife Issy Bourton who is now herself pregnant! She tells us about what it's like to be on the other side, how she has found pregnancy and how she's preparing for birth. We'd love to hear from you, our instagram is @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Osteopath Daniel Stuttard explains the benefits of osteopathy in pregnancy, postpartum and for newborn babies.   Daniel mentioned the Osteopathic Centre for Children which works on a donate what you can basis. More info: https://www.occ.uk.com/ Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you REALLY need when you've given birth and can barely remember to brush your teeth let alone eat 3 meals a day? Food glorious food, and plenty of it. On this episode chef and founder of The Food Doula, Kate Longden explains what are the best foods to eat postpartum and what you can do to prepare for the all important fourth trimester. Kate is a Chef, home cooking coach and the founder of The Food Doula, a food delivery service offering edible support to those who need it most. Launched in 2018,The Food Doula has fed thousands of people in their post partum, with nourishing, delicious food to heal and satisfy. For more information visit: www.thefooddoula.co.uk IG @fooddoula  Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doula Aimee Hamblyn talks about the role of a doula and how they can help during pregnancy, birth and postnatally.  Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast Email us at hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lactation consultant Kathryn Stagg joins me in this episode to talk all about breastfeeding. We discuss some of the common issues you might face and she gives some helpful advice for dealing with over supply, under supply, cracked nipples and getting the right latch. Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast Email us at: hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Naturopath, Homeopath, Yoga Teacher & Wellness Advocate Sereen Ford explains which essentials oils to use in pregnancy, during labour and post-natally. Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast Email us at: hello@isitnormalpodcast.com *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we hear from the wonderful Ann Collins-Ackroyd who taught me yoga during my pregnancy. We discuss the benefits of practising yoga during and after pregnancy and Ann talks us through some moves and positions that can help during labour. Ann teaches ante and post-natal yoga and she also holds ‘preparing for birth’ workshops where partners are encouraged to get involved. Keep an eye for our bonus episode which is a meditative visualisation by Ann. Ann's website is: https://www.anncollinsackroyd-yoga.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Ultra Marathoner Robin Arzon talks about exercise and working out in pregnancy and postpartum. She gives us some tips for the best way to keep fit in pregnancy, explains how much you can push yourself and what exercises you can do postpartum to help with recovery. Robin Arzón is VP & Head Instructor at Peloton, Ultramarathoner, Entrepreneur, mum and best selling author of 'Shut Up And Run' and Strong Mama'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this special postnatal episode I am joined by midwife Issy Bourton to talk about what to expect in those first few days and weeks following birth. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve made it to week 40 and you’re so close to meeting your baby. In this episode we talk about that big old wait to meet your baby – ways to relax and combat stress. I chat to obstetrician Jess McMicking about the risks of being overdue, ways to bring on labour naturally & overcoming the fear of labour itself. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for - you’ve got this! You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by midwife Issy Bourton to discuss signs of labour, stages of labour & we talk about Group B strep.  Issy recommends Sara Wickham as a great resource. More information here - https://www.sarawickham.com/ You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We focus on induction in this episode. Obstetrician Jess McMicking talks us through why induction might happens and dispels myths about it. We also talk about natural ways of inducing labour including acupuncture & reflexology with Anna Lee. Anna's website is: https://www.annaleereflexology.co.uk/ You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At week 37 your pregnancy is considered full-term so you’re almost there! This week we discuss signs of the onset of labour and birthing partners with Obstetrician Jess McMicking. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven’t already, it's time to think about your birth plan & packing your hospital bag! Issy introduces her friend Sophie Hiscock to the podcast, a midwife who specialises in birth plans and informed decision making. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At week 35 of pregnancy we discuss pain management for your upcoming birth. Issy talks about techniques for dealing with pain in labour & we welcome Marya Zia, an anaesthetic registrar to discuss epidurals and other pain relief options in hospital. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.com Follow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast *This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.