Squiggly Motherhood | Reflective Motherhood, Honest Stories & Intentional Parenting

Nicole
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Squiggly Motherhood is for mothers who care less about perfect parenting hacks and more about meaning, honesty, and growth. Through imperfect motherhood stories, gentle parenting reflections and real conversations, we explore how life’s messy, non-linear paths shape who we are and how we parent. Episodes released every Tuesday. Subscribe to follow each episode, join our community on Substack. https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Email: squigglymotherhood@gmail.com

  1. May 12

    I Was 20 Weeks Pregnant When They Found The Lump

    I was 20 weeks pregnant with my miracle baby when I heard the words "it’s cancerous." In this conversation, Ethlyn shares the raw reality of undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy while pregnant, losing her father just days after her diagnosis, and the incredible science of how her body protected her daughter through it all. Timestamps: 00:00 The moment of diagnosis with my son in the room 05:42 Navigating a "PTSD pregnancy" after three losses 08:15 Why you shouldn't ignore shooting breast pain 14:55 The "Charlie Brown" effect of receiving medical news 20:18 Losing my father 10 days after my cancer diagnosis 28:15 The miracle of the placenta: How it blocks chemo 32:10 "Mummy's fighting": Why I let my son shave my head 43:25 Giving birth to a healthy 7lb 10oz baby 58:35 Why I wrote a book to help families talk about cancer Episode Resources: Support Ethlyn's Children's Book: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-childrens-book-to-help-families-talk-about-cancer Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ Mummy’s Star: https://www.facebook.com/MummysStar Links: Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhood Substack: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Email: squigglymotherhood@gmail.com Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhood Hello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg #PregnancyCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #MiracleBaby #MotherhoodUnfiltered #CancerWarrior #ChemoWhilePregnant #MummyStar #SquigglyMotherhood #Mastectomy #GriefAndHope #ParentingThroughCancer #CancerSupport #LifeTransformation #Resilience #CancerDiagnosis

  2. Apr 28

    The Hidden Reason Your Hospital Birth Felt Traumatic

    I sat down with independent midwife Daisy to discuss why so many women feel traumatized by their birth experiences and how we can finally find healing. We talk about the shocking reality of modern maternity care, navigating unexpected delivery outcomes, and why true support matters much more than pain management. Connect With Me: * Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood * Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhood * Substack: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ If you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com. If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhood Hello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg Timestamps: 00:00 - The crisis in modern maternity care 02:17 - What does an independent midwife do? 04:34 - Daisy's personal struggle with perinatal mental health 09:48 - Why birth intervention rates are rising 14:51 - Educating yourself to prevent birth trauma 21:22 - The hidden cause of traumatic birth experiences 28:59 - My unplanned rapid home birth story 36:23 - Steps to healing from your traumatic birth 58:16 - Black maternal health outcomes and advocating for yourself 1:06:24 - How a doula can protect your birth #BirthTrauma #IndependentMidwife #PerinatalMentalHealth #SquigglyMotherhood #TraumaticBirthHealing #MaternityCareCrisis #BirthChoices #ContinuityOfCare #BlackMaternalHealth #PostpartumDepressionSigns #DoulaSupport #UnplannedHomeBirth #GestationalDiabetesBirth #MotherhoodJourney #HealingFromBirth

  3. Apr 14

    The Parenting Blueprint: Why You Parent Like Your Mother

    I’m joined by NHS consultant psychiatrist Shivani to uncover your "Parenting Blueprint" and how to break unhelpful generational cycles. We explore why we often parent unconsciously, the myth of the perfect parent, and how to use reflective parenting to move from criticism to curiosity. Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhood Substack: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com If you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com. If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhood Hello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Shivani: NHS Consultant Psychiatrist 01:24 – What is a "Parenting Blueprint"? 04:49 – How to Start Reflective Parenting 07:51 – The Stair Gate Mistake & Parental Guilt 13:25 – The Myth of the Perfect Parent 19:05 – Why Saying "Sorry" to Your Child Isn't Enough 29:54 – The "Parenting Mental Health Crisis" 41:19 – Changing the Working Mother Narrative 47:52 – Building Resilience in Children 53:10 – Motherhood is an Adventure #ParentingBlueprint #ReflectiveParenting #GhostsInTheNursery #SquigglyMotherhood #ConsciousParenting #ParentingMentalHealth #GenerationalTrauma #ChildPsychiatrist #MotherhoodUnplugged #ParentingGuilt #GoodEnoughMother #UKParenting #MotherhoodJourney #RaisingResilientKids #ParentingTips

  4. Mar 31

    Something Needs to Pause: Why We’re Taking a Break

    I am taking a short temporary break from Squiggly Motherhood to focus on my identity as a working mum and ensure we continue providing the high-quality content you deserve. In this episode, I’m getting vulnerable about why "life has been life-ing" and why a pause is necessary for sustainability. Key Takeaways The Identity Shift: Exploring who I am outside of being a mother and employee.Sustainability: Why we are regrouping to serve our community better.The Future: We aren’t gone for long, we already have amazing guests lined up.Throwback Series: How to stay engaged with our top episodes during the hiatus. Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhood If you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com. If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhood Hello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg Timestamps 00:05 – Big Announcement: We are taking a break. 01:05 – Who is Nicole? The identity work I’m doing. 02:15 – The struggle of juggling career, kids, and home. 03:30 – What to expect when we return. 05:16 – My secret for lightening the mental load. #Motherhood #WorkingMum #SelfCare #SquigglyMotherhood #ParentingBurnout

  5. Mar 17

    Why "Love is Not Enough" for Black and Brown Parents

    I’m joined by Maryam Javaid, founder of Black and Brown Parenting, to discuss how generational trauma and colonial history impact the way we raise our children today. In this episode, we explore why traditional "gentle parenting" often feels inaccessible to our communities and how we can begin the urgent work of breaking cycles while still honoring our ancestors.Key Takeaways:* The "Love is Not Enough" Realization: Why understanding our history is the "missing story" in mainstream parenting advice.* Gentle Parenting as Privilege: How systemic issues and the "adultification" of Black and Brown children change how we parent in public.* Unlearning Agency: Why we must reclaim our minds and bodies from the "governable" behaviors inherited from colonial structures.* The Weight of Loyalty: Balancing the need for autonomy with the deep-rooted cultural expectation of servitude to our parents.Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhoodTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhoodIf you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com.If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhoodHello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg#GenerationalTrauma #BlackParenting #DecolonizingParenting #MotherhoodJourney #GentleParenting #CulturallyRelevantParenting #HealingTrauma #SquigglyMotherhood #BlackAndBrownParenting #BreakingCycles #ParentingIdentity #GlobalMajority #ConsciousParenting #Adultification #millennialparenting

  6. Mar 10

    5 Things to Do Before Your First Baby is Born

    I’m sharing the five essential things you must do before your first child is born to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood. Preparing for a newborn is more than just buying a crib; it’s about intentional recovery and mental health. In this episode, I dive into why you need to "invest in your postpartum" by prepping for physical recovery and managing your changing identity. I also discuss the importance of educating your partner on the emotional "rollercoaster" and why you should soak up every bit of your freedom while "baby is cooking". Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhood Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhood If you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com. If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhood Hello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg Timestamps: 00:05 – Welcome to Squiggly Motherhood 00:30 – Tip 1: Investing in your postpartum recovery 02:33 – Tip 2: Why breastfeeding requires preparation 04:30 – Tip 3: Saving for your "New Identity" wardrobe 05:20 – Tip 4: Getting your partner postpartum-ready 07:15 – Tip 5: Enjoying your freedom while you can 09:09 – Managing the mental load with HelloFresh #PostpartumPreparation #FirstTimeMomTips #NewbornReady #BreastfeedingJourney #PostpartumRecovery #MotherhoodUnfiltered #NewMomLife #LactationSupport #FourthTrimester #PregnancyVlog #PartnerSupport #PostpartumEssentials #ParentingAdvice #SquigglyMotherhood #BabyPrep

  7. Feb 24

    "If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no": Choosing a Child-free Life

    Child-free by choice is an active, purposeful decision, yet I’ve found that society often treats it as a "default" failure or a phase. In this episode of Squiggly Motherhood, I’m joined by Suzie and Hannah to discuss the mental load of the "maybe," the fear of regret, and the incredible freedom found in finally saying no.Whether you’re currently on the fence or firm in your decision, this conversation is here to validate that "not wanting one" is a complete and valid reason.Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhoodTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhoodIf you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com.If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhoodHello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg#Childfree #Motherhood #ChildfreeByChoice #DecisionMaking #SquigglyMotherhood

  8. Feb 17

    Working Mum Life: Career vs Kids? You Don't Have to Choose

    Working mums often face the daunting challenge of balancing career success with the high-pressure mental load of parenting, especially when there is no family support nearby. In this episode of Squiggly Motherhood, Elizabeth Ajayi, a Director at Capgemini, explains how she navigated a major career move from PwC shortly after maternity leave, a decision many considered the "wrong time". We explore practical strategies for work-life balance, the importance of outsourcing chores like meal prepping and cleaning, and how to maintain professional ambition while thriving as a mother in a demanding consulting environment. Join our Community: https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/squigglymotherhoodTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@squigglymotherhoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglymotherhoodIf you've got thoughts, questions, comments or feedback you can email me at squigglymotherhood@gmail.com.If you've enjoyed the episode and would like to support me, buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/squigglymotherhoodHello Fresh Discount: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MzMxMTU1MzY1LTAtNC0xMS1HQg #WorkingMum #WorkLifeBalance #CareerSuccess #MentalLoad #CorporateParenting #WomenInLeadership #SquigglyMotherhood #CareerReset #NoVillageNoProblem #ProfessionalMoms

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Squiggly Motherhood is for mothers who care less about perfect parenting hacks and more about meaning, honesty, and growth. Through imperfect motherhood stories, gentle parenting reflections and real conversations, we explore how life’s messy, non-linear paths shape who we are and how we parent. Episodes released every Tuesday. Subscribe to follow each episode, join our community on Substack. https://squigglymotherhood.substack.com/ Email: squigglymotherhood@gmail.com

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