Raising with the village

Maeva
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  • PARENTING

Raising with the Village Because it really does take a village to raise a child — and most of us don’t have one anymore. Raising with the Village is a podcast about the real stories of parenthood — from pregnancy to the early school years and everything in between. Each episode shares an honest, unfiltered conversation with a parent who’s been there: through the highs, the lows, the unexpected turns and the moments that change everything. No experts. No judgement. Just real people sharing their experiences — because when we talk openly about what we’ve been through, we help someone else feel less alone. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, navigating the chaos of toddlerhood, or simply figuring it out one day at a time, this is your virtual village — a place to listen, relate, and remind yourself that you’re doing better than you think. 🎧 Hosted by Maeva,Parent, storyteller, and believer that there’s power — and comfort — in sharing our stories.

  1. 3D AGO

    #14 - Siobhan - Unexpected Birth Abroad: Navigating Premature Birth & New Motherhood (Part 1)

    What would you do if your baby arrived early… while you were on holiday, in a country where you don’t speak the language? In this powerful two-part story, Siobhan shares her experience of going into labour at just 32 weeks while abroad in France—completely unprepared for what was about to happen. From the shock of a premature birth in a foreign healthcare system, to time spent in the NICU, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed, this is an honest and eye-opening account of how quickly plans can change—and how resilience takes over when it has to. In Part 1, we follow the unexpected lead-up to labour and the birth itself. In Part 2, we explore the practical and emotional realities of life after NICU, navigating early parenthood abroad, and what it really means to care for a premature baby far from home. 💬 In this episode, we cover:  Premature birth at 32 weeks while travelling abroad  Navigating a foreign healthcare system without speaking the language  NICU experience away from home  The transition from NICU to maternity ward  The emotional impact of unexpected birth experiences  Practical challenges of early parenthood in another country  Preparing (or not!) for a baby arriving early ✈️ Travelling While Pregnant or With Young Children If you’re pregnant or travelling with little ones, this episode highlights just how important preparation can be. Some key things to consider: Travel insurance when pregnant: Make sure your policy covers pregnancy-related complications, premature birth, and neonatal care. Not all standard policies include this. Essential documents to carry:  Maternity notes / pregnancy records  Passport + copies  European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) or equivalent  Emergency contact details  Birth preferences (if later in pregnancy) Before you travel:  Check airline policies for pregnant passengers  Know where the nearest hospital is at your destination  Discuss travel plans with your midwife or doctor 🩺 Additional Topics Mentioned Group B Strep (GBS): A common bacteria that some women carry without symptoms, but which can be passed to babies during birth. Awareness and testing can be important, especially in premature deliveries.👉 Learn more:  https://www.gbss.org.uk 🤍 Final Thoughts This story is a reminder that birth doesn’t always go to plan—and sometimes, the most unexpected journeys become the most defining ones. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood.  New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    43 min

  2. MAR 19

    #13 - Elliott - Single Dad, Divorce & Starting Over: One Man’s Journey Through Fatherhood

    What does it really look like to become a father before you feel ready — and then be given the chance to grow into that role over time? In this episode, Elliott shares his deeply personal journey through fatherhood, divorce, and starting again. Becoming a dad in his twenties to two daughters, Elliott reflects on a time in his life that didn’t go as planned — yet one where he built a strong, loving bond with his children. As his marriage came to an end, he found himself navigating life as a single dad — balancing parenting, dating, and rebuilding his sense of self. Years later, Elliott entered a new chapter. In his forties, he became a father again, this time to two sons, bringing with him a new perspective, greater intention, and a deeper understanding of what it means to show up for his family. This is an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, second chances, and the evolving nature of fatherhood. In this episode, we explore: Becoming a dad at a young ageBuilding a strong relationship with your children after separationThe realities of being a single dadDating and rebuilding after divorceFatherhood later in lifeGrowth, perspective, and second chancesResources for single fathers and dads navigating divorce: Gingerbread  Support, advice, and community for single parents in the UK  👉 https://www.gingerbread.org.uk Families Need Fathers  Guidance and support for maintaining strong relationships with your children after separation  👉 https://fnf.org.uk Dad.info  Practical advice on parenting, relationships, and mental health for dads  👉 https://www.dad.info Listen & Follow: If this episode resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review — it helps these stories reach more parents who might need them. And if you have a story you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood.  New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    59 min

  3. MAR 5

    #12 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 3)

    What is it really like to give birth and step into motherhood as a solo mum by choice? In this powerful final episode, Liz shares her birth story, the emotional end of her pregnancy, and the reality of becoming a single mother by choice. From preparing for labour to holding her baby for the first time, Liz opens up about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. We also explore what life looks like in the early days of solo parenting — including practical tips, emotional resilience, and how to build confidence as a parent without a partner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in: Solo motherhood by choice (SMBC)Real and honest birth storiesNewborn life and early parentingSingle parenting tips and supportFertility journeys and intentional motherhood Liz’s story is raw, reassuring, and deeply empowering — offering comfort and guidance to parents and parents-to-be navigating their own unique path. In this episode, you’ll hear: The final weeks of pregnancy and preparing for birthA real, honest birth storyThe transition into motherhood as a solo mumThe realities of single parenting in the newborn stagePractical tips for solo mums and early parenthoodEmotional insights on confidence, resilience, and support systems 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    55 min

  4. FEB 19

    #11 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 2)

    In this second part of Liz’s journey, we continue her story following IVF treatment and move into the first three months of pregnancy as a lone parent. This is a deeply honest and emotionally rich conversation. Liz speaks with extraordinary openness about the uncertainty of early pregnancy after IVF, the emotional weight of waiting for results, and the realities that are so often left out of public conversations around conception and early gestation. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Please listen with care and at a time that feels right for you. In this episode, we talk about: What happens immediately after egg retrieval and fertilisation updatesThe emotional rollercoaster of early IVF pregnancyLiving through the first trimester with uncertainty and guarded hopePregnancy after loss and how it shapes decision-making and expectationsThe mental load of going through early pregnancy as a lone parentThe gap between how pregnancy is often portrayed vs. how it can actually feelAllowing space for fear, grief, hope and resilience at the same timeLiz shares her experience in real time, emotionally and unfiltered — offering listeners a rare, intimate look at early pregnancy after IVF and the parts many people carry privately. Pregnancy loss & miscarriage support: • Tommy’s — baby loss support, information, midwife helpline and pregnancy resources: https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/  • The Miscarriage Association — support, helpline & chat for anyone affected by miscarriage: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/  • Sands — support for anyone affected by the loss of a baby before, during or after birth: https://www.sands.org.uk/ 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    41 min

  5. FEB 5

    #10 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 1)

    In this episode of Raising with the Village, Liz shares her deeply personal journey to becoming a parent through IVF as a lone parent. Liz takes us back to the moment she began considering IVF on her own, and the life circumstances that led her there. With honesty and vulnerability, she walks us through the IVF process step by step — from making the decision, to navigating clinics, treatment, and the emotional weight of doing it all without a partner. This is a raw and detailed conversation that goes beyond medical explanations. Liz speaks openly about the doubts, the hope, the waiting, and the resilience it takes to keep going. If you’ve ever wondered what IVF as a single parent by choice really looks like behind closed doors, this episode offers a powerful and human perspective. This is part one of Liz’s story. In part two, we’ll follow her into pregnancy and explore what came next. In this episode, we talk about: Choosing IVF as a lone parentThe emotional realities of fertility treatmentNavigating IVF appointments, decisions, and uncertaintyIdentity, grief, hope, and resilienceWhy sharing real stories about IVF mattersHelpful resources mentioned or related: Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) – UK fertility treatment guidance https://www.hfea.gov.uk Single Mothers by Choice UK – support and community https://www.singlemothersbychoice.org.uk Fertility Network UK – information, support groups, and helplines https://fertilitynetworkuk.org IVF Addicts – honest conversations and peer support around IVF https://www.ivfaddicts.co.uk (Always consult your medical team for personalised advice.) 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    46 min

  6. JAN 22

    #9 - Liam - When Birth Doesn’t Go to Plan: A Father’s NICU Story and Co-Parent Experience

    In this episode of Raising with the Village, we hear from Liam, the first father to join the podcast and share his unique journey into parenthood. Liam’s daughter arrived in the world in an unexpected and urgent situation — and within hours, both she and his partner had to be transferred to another hospital. What followed was a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a place many parents never anticipate visiting — especially as a co-parent trying to find his footing. Liam speaks about: what it feels like to become a dad from the sidelines,navigating the shock and uncertainty of a medical emergency,the emotional and practical reality of early parenthood when your baby is in intensive care,and how community support made a difference along the way.This episode also highlights important ways families are supported during NICU stays — from milk donation and food provision, to accommodation programs like Ronald McDonald House. In This Episode We Cover The experience of being a co-parent during a birth emergencyLife with a newborn in the NICUThe emotional and practical challenges of finding a role as a new dadBreast milk donation and why it mattersSupporting families with food during long hospital staysRonald McDonald House programs that help families stay close to their hospitalised childCommunity, resilience, and connection in early parenthoodResources & Links Mentioned Breast Milk Donation Donating breast milk can have a massive impact on premature and medically vulnerable babies cared for in NICUs. If you’re interested in learning more or donating, resources include:  • UK Association for Milk Banking – find a milk bank near you and learn how to donate breast milk: https://ukamb.org/find-a-milk-bank/ • UK Human Milk Bank – information on donating and supporting donor milk: https://ukamb.org/ • The Hearts Milk Bank (Human Milk Foundation) – supports donor milk for neonates and families: https://humanmilkfoundation.org/hearts-milk-bank/   Food Support for NICU Families While there isn’t a single universal link, many hospitals and charities offer meal programs or community support for families staying long hours near NICUs. One example is:  • “Meals from the Heart” at Ronald McDonald House locations – family rooms offering meals, support, and shared space for NICU families: https://www.rmhcnym.org/feeding-families-with-meals-from-the-heart/   Ronald McDonald House Charities (Support Accommodation & Family Services) These charities help families stay close to their sick or hospitalised children by providing accommodation and other support services near major children’s hospitals:  • Ronald McDonald House Charities (global info & how to support): https://rmhc.org/get-involve 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    1h 4m

  7. JAN 8

    #8 - Sarah - Premature Birth at 32 Weeks: A Mother’s NICU Journey

    In this episode of Raising with the Village, we hear from Sarah, whose baby arrived much earlier than expected — born at just 32 weeks after what began as a routine check-in following unexpected bleeding around 30 weeks. Sarah takes us through how that moment led to an early delivery, and then into the emotional and psychological journey that followed: the uncertainty, loneliness, anxiety, and identity shift that come with having a premature baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This conversation explores how motherhood can begin far from the imagined path — in waiting rooms, hospital corridors, and days blurred by routine checks — and how parents learn to find strength, resilience, and connection even in the most bewildering moments. Highlights From This Episode What brought Sarah to the hospital at 30 weeks and how her son arrived unexpectedly at 32 weeks.The emotional rollercoaster of life in the NICU — waiting, uncertainty, and the challenge of holding hope.How a premature birth reshaped Sarah’s experience of early motherhood.The mental and emotional struggles that come with having a baby arrive too soon.What helped Sarah cope through NICU and in the months after.Support & Resources Mentioned If you’re navigating life with a premature baby or in the NICU, Sarah highlighted Miracle Moon as an incredibly valuable support resource — especially on Instagram and for connecting with other NICU parents who truly understand the emotional journey. 👉 Follow Miracle Moon on Instagram: @miraclemoonuk — a community offering peer support, shared stories, and compassionate guidance for parents with babies in neonatal care. miraclemoon.co.uk Miracle Moon started as a supportive Instagram space created by NICU parents and has grown into a wider community with mental health resources, peer support, and tools for resilience during and after neonatal care. miraclemoon.co.uk Why This Episode Matters Premature birth changes the expected rhythm of pregnancy and early motherhood. Sarah’s story offers insight and companionship to anyone whose baby arrived before their due date, whose hospital stay was longer than planned, or whose experience didn’t match the picture in their mind. It reminds us that there is no “right” way to start motherhood, and that community — even online through shared stories — can make us feel a little less alone. Connect with the Podcast If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. You can: Listen and subscribe on your favourite podcast platformShare this episode with a friend who might need itReach out on Instagram or via the show notes for support or to share your own storyThank you for being part of Raising with the Village. 🌿 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    51 min

  8. 12/25/2025

    Holiday Message: Thank You, What’s Next & More Parenting Stories Coming Soon

    A short holiday message from Raising with the Village. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the first season of the podcast, thanking the parents who bravely shared their stories, and looking ahead to what’s coming next — including new parenting topics and voices from dads. If you’ve been listening along, thank you for being part of this growing village. As we head into the holiday season, this episode is a gentle reminder that parenting can feel especially intense at this time of year, and that connection, support, and shared experiences matter more than ever. New episodes return on Thursday 8th January. Until then, don’t forget to share your favourite episode, leave a review, and help more parents feel a little less alone. Happy holidays from Raising with the Village — a podcast about real parenting stories, community, and support. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.

    3 min
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About

Raising with the Village Because it really does take a village to raise a child — and most of us don’t have one anymore. Raising with the Village is a podcast about the real stories of parenthood — from pregnancy to the early school years and everything in between. Each episode shares an honest, unfiltered conversation with a parent who’s been there: through the highs, the lows, the unexpected turns and the moments that change everything. No experts. No judgement. Just real people sharing their experiences — because when we talk openly about what we’ve been through, we help someone else feel less alone. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, navigating the chaos of toddlerhood, or simply figuring it out one day at a time, this is your virtual village — a place to listen, relate, and remind yourself that you’re doing better than you think. 🎧 Hosted by Maeva,Parent, storyteller, and believer that there’s power — and comfort — in sharing our stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Maeva
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Raising with the village
  • Show Website
    Raising with the village

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