Birth, Babe.

Megan Woollard

Birth, Babe🪩💋 Welcome to Birth, Babe. The podcast for women who are done hoping birth goes well and ready to actually prepare for it. I'm Megan Woollard, founder of Bump 2 Babies UK, award-winning birth coach, NHS worker since 2015, mum of two and trusted by thousands of women worldwide to help them swap fear for confidence when it comes to birth. Every week we'll be diving into honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, hypnobirthing, induction, caesareans, birth choices, confidence, mindset and everything nobody seems to explain properly. No fearmongering. No fluffy nonsense. No pretending birth is all whale music and women moaning gracefully in birthing pools. Just practical tools, real education and the confidence that comes from actually understanding what's happening in your body and your options. So if you're lying awake at 2am wondering how the hell you're going to get a baby out of your body, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or secretly shitting yourself about labour whilst telling everyone you're "fine"... You're in exactly the right place. Because birth confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. Hit follow , leave a review and let's get you feeling calm, confident and prepared for birth 🪩🥰💋 Website: www.bump2babies.co.uk

  1. Oct 12

    Episode 13 - How Hypnobirthing Changed My Life (Not Just My Birth) | Emily's Story

    From Medical Anxiety to an Empowered Birth: Emily’s Hypnobirthing Story | Birth, Babe. 🎙️ What if preparing for birth didn’t just change your birth experience… but changed your entire life? In this episode of Birth, Babe., I’m joined by the wonderful Emily, who joined my course at just eight weeks pregnant. Emily came to me feeling anxious about hospitals, frightened of birth and struggling with medical anxiety. She wanted to experience pregnancy differently. Today, she’s sharing her incredible journey from fear and uncertainty to confidence, self trust and a birth experience she describes as truly empowering. We talk about:✨ Why Emily decided to start hypnobirthing at just eight weeks pregnant.✨ How she navigated medical anxiety, hospital appointments and fears around birth.✨ The mindset shifts that helped her feel calmer, more confident and in control.✨ Her incredible birth story, from early labour at home to meeting her little boy, Ernest.✨ How hypnobirthing helped her advocate for herself and trust her body.✨ Why her birth experience inspired her to train as a hypnobirthing teacher herself.✨ What she’d say to another pregnant woman who feels terrified of birth. This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that hypnobirthing isn’t about guaranteeing a particular type of birth. It’s about changing how you feel, how you approach the unknown and how you see yourself along the way. Emily’s story is proof that you don’t have to wait until the third trimester to start preparing, and you don’t have to let fear dictate your pregnancy experience. Because sometimes, the work you do to prepare for birth changes far more than the day itself. It changes you. ❤️ If you're pregnant and feeling anxious about birth, this episode is for you. Get cosy, press play and come and hear Emily’s story. And I’d love to know: If you could go back and speak to yourself at the beginning of pregnancy, what would you say? 💕 Come and join the online course www.bump2babies.co.uk

  2. Sep 8

    Episode 12 - Your Body Remembers: How to Anchor Calm for Birth

    What does a cheese triangle have to do with birth? Honestly… more than you might think. 🧀 In this episode of Birth, Babe, I’m sharing a little moment I had with my daughter on holiday that completely reminded me of the incredible way our brains and bodies create associations. She tasted something that instantly took her back to a moment with her grandad and she didn’t just remember it in her mind. She could feel it in her body. That moment became a beautiful reminder of what anchoring actually is: how a sensation, sound, smell, touch, taste or image can become connected to a particular emotional state. And if our brains can create those associations naturally, what if we could intentionally create anchors for calm, safety, trust and connection during pregnancy and then use those anchors during birth? In this episode, we’re diving into: ✨ What an anchor actually is and how it works✨ Why our five senses are so powerful when it comes to memory and emotion✨ How to create your own personal “safety” anchor✨ Why repetition matters✨ How you can use your anchor during labour✨ The difference between anchoring calm and trying to control your birth✨ And why preparing your emotional environment for birth can be just as important as preparing for the physical experience Because birth preparation isn't about creating the perfect birth. It's about giving yourself tools to help you feel safe, grounded, supported and connected to yourself whatever your birth brings. So grab your headphones, get comfortable and let's talk about the little things your body remembers. 🤍 Remember if you want to delve deeper into all things birth then why not come and join the Calm AF birth course or the fearless birth method! www.bump2babies.co.uk

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 11 - The Birth That Changed Her: Rewiring Fear, Trust & Becoming Your Most Powerful Self (HBAC BIRTH with Leanne Heavens-Hunt)

    What if changing the way you feel about birth could change so much more than your birth? Today on Birth, Babe, I'm joined by someone who has had a huge impact on my own life the incredible Leanne Heavens Hunt, aka The Rewire Woman. Leanne helps women rewire at the root level moving from surviving to thriving, from feeling disconnected from themselves to feeling deeply alive, and from living from fear to stepping fully into their own power. And I've experienced that work personally. So this conversation was always going to go deeper than birth. We talk about Leanne's own journey to having a HBAC (HOME BIRTH AFTER CSECTION) , what it really means to trust yourself, the power of surrender, intuition, your nervous system, and what happens when you stop looking outside yourself for permission to believe in yourself. But there are moments in this conversation where I think you'll forget we're even talking about birth. Because ultimately, this is a conversation about becoming. Becoming the woman who trusts herself. Becoming the woman who listens to her intuition. Becoming the woman who stops shrinking, stops second guessing and starts taking up space in her own life. And if you've ever felt disconnected from yourself, stuck in survival mode, terrified of getting it wrong, or like you need somebody else to tell you what you should do… I think you need to hear this one. Inside this episode, we talk about: ✨ Leanne's own story and what brought her to this work✨ Her journey towards a HBAC✨ What it really means to trust yourself✨ Rewiring at the root level rather than simply managing fear✨ The relationship between your mind, body and nervous system✨ Surrender, control and learning to let go✨ Intuition and reconnecting with yourself✨ Moving from surviving to thriving✨ The power of stepping into your own identity✨ And why birth can become a catalyst for something much bigger than you ever imagined This is raw, powerful, emotional and deeply honest and yes we do cry! And honestly? I could have talked to Leanne for about another six hours. 😂 So grab your coffee, put your headphones in and settle in for a conversation that might make you question what you're truly capable of not just in birth, but in life. Welcome to Birth, Babe. 💗 Leanne can be found on instagram @theleanneheavenshunt My instagram @bump2babiesuk

  4. Aug 14

    Episode 10 - Why Women Don't Trust Their Bodies (And It Starts Long Before Birth) - With Bonnie The Norfolk Doula

    Why Women Don't Trust Their Bodies (And It Starts Long Before Birth) What if your fear of birth didn’t actually begin in pregnancy? What if it started years earlier with every message you received about your body? “Cover yourself.” “Close your legs.” “Don’t be so loud.” “Periods are disgusting.” “Don’t touch yourself.” “Don’t talk about poo.” “Don’t be too much.” In this episode of Birth, Babe., I’m joined by the wonderful Bonnie, The Norfolk Doula, for a conversation that goes WAY beyond birth preparation. We’re talking about how women are conditioned from childhood to disconnect from their bodies, ignore their instincts and feel shame around completely normal bodily functions. And then, years later, we expect them to suddenly trust their bodies enough to give birth. 👀 Make it make sense. We talk about: ✨Where fear of birth actually begins✨The messages little girls receive about their bodies✨Why so many women lack basic body literacy✨Periods, discharge, ovulation, anatomy & the things we’re taught not to talk about✨How we learn to override our instincts✨What disconnection can look like during labour✨What it means to actually feel safe and connected in your body✨Why birth preparation is about SO much more than breathing techniques✨How we can raise daughters who trust their bodies rather than fear them This is one of my favourite conversations yet and I genuinely think every woman, pregnant or not, needs to hear it. ❤️ Connect with Bonnie:🌸 Website: bonnienorfolkdoula.co.uk📲 Instagram: @bonnie.norfolk.doula And if this episode makes you think of a woman who needs to hear it, send it to her. Because maybe trusting your body in birth starts with learning to trust it long before you ever get there. If you want to connect further with me please follow me over on instagram 📲 Instagram: @bump2babiesuk 🌸 Website: www.bump2babies.co.uk #BirthBabe #NorfolkDoula #Doula #BirthPreparation #Hypnobirthing #PositiveBirth #BirthEducation #PregnancyEducation #WomensBodies #BodyTrust #BirthFear #Pregnancy #WomensHealth #BirthTrauma #NorfolkMums

  5. Jul 30

    Episode 9 - The Birth That Gave Me More Than a Baby- Healing VBAC with Ellen Beddard

    What if your next birth didn't have to be defined by your last one? In today's episode of Birth, Babe, I'm joined by the wonderful Ellen from Fab & Ellen, who shares one of the most emotional, powerful and hope filled birth stories I've ever had the privilege of hearing. After a previous traumatic birth, Ellen entered pregnancy carrying fear, anxiety and the weight of everything she'd experienced before. Along the way, she also faced the heartbreaking loss of one of her twins during pregnancy a grief that shaped every part of her journey. But this episode isn't about fear. It's about healing. It's about learning to trust your body again. It's about discovering that birth doesn't have to be something you simply survive. Together we talk about: 💗 Her previous birth experience and why she was terrified to give birth again💗 Experiencing the loss of a twin during pregnancy💗 Finding the Fearless Birth Method and what almost stopped her joining💗 The mindset shifts that completely changed her pregnancy💗 Her incredible healing VBAC birth💗 The tools that helped her stay calm and confident throughout labour💗 What she'd say to the version of herself who was once terrified of birth Whether you're hoping for a VBAC, a planned caesarean, an induction, a home birth or your very first baby, this episode is a reminder that fear isn't your destiny and a positive birth is possible. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and prepare to feel inspired. ✨ Ready to become fearless too? The next cohort of the Fearless Birth Method opens soon. www.bump2babies.co.uk/thefearlessbirthmethod Follow Fab & Ellen here: https://www.instagram.com/fabandell/ This episode contains discussion of baby loss and previous birth trauma. Please listen when you feel emotionally ready. 🎧 Birth, Babe — because every pregnant woman deserves to feel informed, calm and completely in her own corner.

  6. Jul 22

    Episode 8 - Sex After Baby, Feeling Like Yourself Again & Reconnecting With Your Partner | with Juliette Karaman

    What if preparing for life after birth was just as important as preparing for birth itself?In this deeply honest and empowering episode of Birth, Babe, I'm joined by the incredible Juliette Karaman embodied intimacy, touch and relationship expert, mum of four, TED and Mindvalley speaker, and founder of Touch That Lands™ and The Touch Languages® framework.Juliette's work has been featured in Forbes, The Times, The Telegraph, ITV, Newsweek and Marie Claire, and she has helped hundreds of couples reconnect with themselves and each other after life's biggest transitions.Together, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of motherhood...✨ Sex after birth.✨ Feeling "touched out."✨ Losing your identity.✨ Reconnecting with your body.✨ Rebuilding intimacy without pressure.✨ Why your nervous system plays a huge role in pleasure, connection and feeling safe again.We also explore why birth doesn't just change how you become a mother it can completely reshape your relationship with yourself, your partner and your body.Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or years into motherhood, this episode is packed with compassion, practical tools and reassuring reminders that you're not broken you've simply been through one of life's biggest transformations.IN THIS EPISODE WE CHAT ABOUT:🤍 Why intimacy often changes after having a baby🤍 The identity shift that comes with motherhood🤍 Why so many mums feel disconnected from their bodies🤍 The link between your nervous system, birth and intimacy🤍 How partners can support without adding pressure🤍 Simple ways to reconnect with yourself and each other🤍 Why pleasure begins with feeling safe----------------------------------------💖 A GIFT FROM JULIETTE TO THE BIRTH, BABE COMMUNITYJuliette has kindly gifted you two incredible resources:✨ 20% OFF her Intimacy & Communication Cards using the code BIRTHBABE.These beautifully designed cards are perfect for helping couples reconnect through meaningful conversations, playful prompts and deeper intimacy.👉 https://feelfullyyou.com/cards?promo=BIRTHBABE----------------------------------------✨ FREE 10 Touch Rituals GuideA beautiful guide filled with simple touch rituals to help you reconnect with yourself and your partner completely free.👉 https://couplecards.netlify.app/api/touch-rituals-checkout?promo=FREERITUALS----------------------------------------If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you shared it with another mum who needs to hear that she isn't alone.And don't forget to subscribe to Birth, Babe so you never miss an episode full of honest conversations about birth, motherhood and becoming the woman you were always meant to be. 💖 Check out my online birth prep courses here : www.bump2babies.co.uk

  7. Jul 15

    Episode 7 - My A-Hole Was Ruined... Let's Talk About Piles.

    🍑 My A******e Was Ruined... Let's Talk About Piles. Yep... we're going there. Because if you've ever been pregnant, postpartum, or currently sat on one bum cheek wondering if your bum will ever recover... this episode is for you. In true Birth, Babe style, we're having the conversation that nobody else seems to want to have. I'm sharing the full, unfiltered story of my relationship with piles from years of bodybuilding and chronic constipation, to pregnancy, childbirth, fainting in the shower after touching my postpartum bum (yes, really 😅), multiple surgeries, and why I genuinely named my piles Miles and Giles because they became part of the family. We'll laugh (a lot), but we'll also talk honestly about how piles affected my confidence, my pregnancy, my mental health, and why women shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask for help. Inside this episode, we cover: 🍑 My biggest fear in childbirth (spoiler... it wasn't actually giving birth!)🍑 The reality of living with severe piles during pregnancy and postpartum🍑 The products, treatments and GP support that genuinely helped🍑 My experience of haemorrhoid surgery and recovery🍑 Why nobody prepares women for this part of motherhood🍑 Practical tips to help prevent and manage piles, including hydration, fibre, kiwis, stool positioning, creams and when it's time to seek medical advice. Most importantly, I want you to know this: If you're listening whilst perched on one bum cheek...If you've cried because going to the toilet hurts...If you've Googled "Will my piles ever go away?" You're not alone. And I promise... it does get better. So grab a cuppa (and maybe a donut cushion), because we're normalising talking about our arseholes today. 💖 If this episode made you laugh, please share it with your pregnant bestie. Because honestly... someone has to start these conversations. Also if you are pregnant then why not check out the incredible ways that we can work together! www.bump2babies.co.uk

  8. Jul 10

    Episode 6 - From Losing Yourself to Finding Your Way Back | With Jade Marrey

    What if becoming a mum isn't about losing yourself... but becoming the woman you were always meant to be? In this deeply honest conversation, I'm joined by author, content creator and mum-to-be, Jade Marrey.This episode is a real full-circle moment for me. Long before Bump 2 Babies existed, I was watching Jade's YouTube videos during my fitness journey. Years later, I now have the privilege of supporting Jade as she prepares for the birth of her first baby. Together, we explore the identity shift that so many women experience not just in motherhood, but throughout life. We talk about feeling lost, trusting your intuition, healing from the past, taking brave leaps, and how pregnancy has a way of bringing us back to ourselves.We also dive into my own experiences of losing my identity through postnatal depression, rebuilding my confidence, and the lessons I've learned from supporting hundreds of women preparing for birth. In this episode, we cover: • Why so many women feel like they've lost themselves and how to find your way back. • The identity shift that begins long before your baby is born • Trusting your intuition when everyone has an opinion. • The difference between performing for others and living authentically. • Healing family dynamics and breaking generational cycles. • Breathwork, shadow work and personal healing. • Building a community that supports the woman you're becoming. • Preparing for birth with confidence instead of fear. • Why birth isn't just the day your baby is born it's the day a mother is born too. Whether you're pregnant, preparing for birth, navigating motherhood or simply in a season of rediscovering yourself, this conversation will remind you that you're not lost you are becoming. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend, leave a review, and tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway.Because birth changes your life.But sometimes, it also helps you find yourself. You can follow Jade on instagram @the.jade.life Book can be bought here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stripped-Soul-Finding-Wholeness-Performance-Obsessed/dp/B0FY3BX3X8 If you would like to find out about my hypnobirthing courses please check out my website http://www.bump2babies.co.uk

About

Birth, Babe🪩💋 Welcome to Birth, Babe. The podcast for women who are done hoping birth goes well and ready to actually prepare for it. I'm Megan Woollard, founder of Bump 2 Babies UK, award-winning birth coach, NHS worker since 2015, mum of two and trusted by thousands of women worldwide to help them swap fear for confidence when it comes to birth. Every week we'll be diving into honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, hypnobirthing, induction, caesareans, birth choices, confidence, mindset and everything nobody seems to explain properly. No fearmongering. No fluffy nonsense. No pretending birth is all whale music and women moaning gracefully in birthing pools. Just practical tools, real education and the confidence that comes from actually understanding what's happening in your body and your options. So if you're lying awake at 2am wondering how the hell you're going to get a baby out of your body, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or secretly shitting yourself about labour whilst telling everyone you're "fine"... You're in exactly the right place. Because birth confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. Hit follow , leave a review and let's get you feeling calm, confident and prepared for birth 🪩🥰💋 Website: www.bump2babies.co.uk