The Pregnancy Diaries with Midwives Amanda and Jess

Amanda and Jess
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The Pregnancy Diaries is your intimate, expert-guided journey from pre-conception to birth and everything in between. Think of it as your audio diary - part diary, part guidance for every stage of your journey - where we share the real, the raw, and the reassuring: the thoughts you would normally keep tucked away, alongside clear, evidence-based insight every woman deserves. From understanding what's happening in your body (and why) to navigating the emotional highs and lows of each stage, we bring honesty, clarity, and comfort to every step of your pregnancy journey.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 38 | The Ultimate Support Person Survival Guide | Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

    Pregnancy isn't just a journey for mums. It's a journey for the people supporting them too. In this episode, we're sharing the ultimate survival guide for partners through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Whether your support person is a romantic partner, a best friend, a family member or someone else you've chosen to have by your side, this episode is for them. We cover how to provide meaningful support during each trimester, what to expect in labour, practical ways to advocate during birth, and how to navigate the early weeks with a newborn as a team. Whether you're preparing to welcome your first baby or adding to your family, this episode is packed with practical tips, reassurance and real conversations to help your support person feel more confident and prepared.

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 37 | Birth Preferences And Preparing For The Unexpected | Part Two

    In part two of our conversation, we continue exploring birth preferences and the importance of feeling informed, supported and confident throughout your birth journey. We dive into: ​The second stage of labour and what preferences may look like during pushing and birth​Elective caesareans and preparing for a planned birth in theatre​Emergency caesareans and navigating unexpected changes during labour​The emotions that can come with a change in birth plans​Post birth preferences, including those first moments with your baby and the early postpartum period​How creating preferences can help you feel heard and supported, even when birth takes an unexpected path Birth doesn’t always follow the path we imagine, but having conversations, understanding your options and knowing what matters to you can help you feel more prepared for any outcome. Trigger warning: This episode discusses caesarean births, interventions, unexpected birth outcomes and postpartum experiences. Please listen in a way that feels supportive for you. 🤍 Disclaimer always discuss you birth preferences with your healthcare professional

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 36 | Birth Preferences: Preparing For The Unexpected with Lana | Part One

    Birth Preferences: Preparing for the Unexpected Birth is one of the biggest moments in a person’s life, and while we can’t predict exactly how it will unfold, we can prepare ourselves with knowledge, confidence and understanding. In this episode, we explore the importance of creating birth preferences, why flexibility matters and how understanding your options can help you feel more empowered throughout your journey. We discuss: ​The difference between a birth plan and birth preferences​Preparing emotionally for the unexpected​Understanding informed consent and making decisions during birth​Communicating your wishes with your support team and healthcare providers​How to navigate when birth doesn’t go the way you imaginedA conversation about feeling informed, supported and confident as you prepare to welcome your baby into the world. Trigger warning: This episode discusses birth experiences, interventions and the emotional challenges that can come with unexpected outcomes. Please listen in a way that feels supportive for you. 🤍

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 35 | The Pelvic Floor Series Guide Part 2: Postpartum Recovery,Returning to Exercise & Myths

    Birth is only the beginning of your recovery journey, and looking after your pelvic floor in the weeks, months and even years after birth is just as important. In Part 2 of our Pelvic Floor Series, Kristina shares what every new mum should know about postpartum recovery, what symptoms are common but not normal, when to book a postpartum pelvic floor assessment, and how to safely return to exercise after having a baby. We also discuss breastfeeding challenges including mastitis and blocked ducts, the biggest misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor recovery, and the advice Kristina wishes every woman heard before becoming a mum. Whether you've recently welcomed your baby or are preparing for postpartum, this episode is full of practical advice to help you recover with confidence. In this episode we cover: ​What to expect from your pelvic floor after birth​Postpartum pelvic floor assessments​Symptoms you shouldn't ignore​Returning to exercise safely​Common recovery mistakes​Mastitis and blocked ducts​Pelvic floor myths and misconceptions​Practical tips for long term recovery​​Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is intended for general education only and should not replace individual medical advice. Every pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey is unique. If you have concerns about your pelvic floor, pregnancy or recovery after birth, please speak with your healthcare provider or book an assessment with a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist. The views shared in this episode are those of our guest and are based on their professional knowledge and clinical experience at the time of recording.

  5. Jul 21

    Episode 34 | The Pelvic Floor Series Guide Part 1: Pregnancy, Birth Preparation and Postpartum

    Pregnancy changes your body in ways many women don't fully understand, and your pelvic floor is one of the most important muscles you'll rely on during pregnancy, labour and birth. In Part 1 of our Pelvic Floor Series, we're joined by pelvic floor physiotherapist Kristina to unpack what actually happens to your pelvic floor during pregnancy, why leaking isn't something you should simply accept, and how preparing your body before birth can make a real difference. We also explore what happens during a birth preparation appointment, the role of pelvic floor relaxation, the benefits of perineal massage, and practical ways you can support your body throughout pregnancy. Whether you're newly pregnant or counting down to labour, this episode is packed with evidence based advice to help you feel informed and empowered. In this episode we cover: • How pregnancy affects the pelvic floor • Common symptoms that shouldn't be ignored • When to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist • Birth preparation appointments • Pelvic floor relaxation versus strengthening • Perineal massage • Common myths surrounding pelvic floor health As always, always speak to your healthcare professional before undertaking anything new

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 33 | The Motherhood Breakdown Nobody Talks About: Birth Trauma, PPD and Rebuilding Yourself

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth trauma, postpartum depression, anxiety, mental health struggles, miscarriage, relationship breakdown and difficult experiences during the postpartum period. Please listen with care and take care of yourself if these topics feel close to home. In this episode of Pregnancy Diaries, I sit down with Mira Claudia to talk about the parts of motherhood that many women experience but don’t always feel safe enough to say out loud. Before becoming a mum, Mira built a successful business, supported hundreds of women and created a life she was incredibly proud of. But after the birth of her son Milan, a traumatic labour, postpartum haemorrhage, and the challenges that followed, everything changed. Mira openly shares the reality of not feeling an instant connection with her baby, the shame and guilt she carried, the mental health struggles that followed, and the journey of finding herself again. We talk about the pressure mothers feel to cope, returning to work before feeling ready, losing your identity after becoming a mum, asking for help, and how the right support can completely change your healing journey. This is a raw and honest conversation about the moments of motherhood that often happen behind closed doors and the reminder that rebuilding is possible, even when life feels like it has fallen apart. Thank you to Mira for sharing the parts of her story that are not always easy to share. We hope this episode helps any mother listening feel less alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out to a trusted healthcare professional or support service.

  7. Jul 7

    Episode 32 | The Psychology Of Becoming A Mother | Part 2

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Rebecca from The Mindful Birth Movement, we continue exploring the psychological journey of becoming a mother and the things many women experience but don’t always talk about. We discuss: 🤍 The identity shift that comes with motherhood 🤍 Why it’s normal to grieve your old life while deeply loving your baby 🤍 Baby blues vs postpartum anxiety vs postpartum depression 🤍 Intrusive thoughts and why they don’t define you 🤍 How relationships change after having a baby 🤍 Breaking generational cycles without putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect 🤍 Practical ways to protect your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum Motherhood isn’t just about welcoming a baby into the world. It’s also about a woman being born into a new version of herself. If you’ve ever wondered “why didn’t anyone tell me this part?” this conversation is for you. Trigger warning: This episode discusses postpartum mental health, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, identity changes and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. Please take care while listening and seek support from a qualified health professional if these topics feel overwhelming or bring up distressing emotions. A huge thank you to Rebecca for sharing her expertise and creating space for these important conversations 🤍 You can find Rebecca and learn more about The Mindful Birth Movement via their website and social channels.

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 31 | The Psychology of Becoming a Mother with Rebecca Black | Part One |

    In this episode of Pregnancy Diaries, I’m joined by Rebecca, founder and director of The Mindful Birth Movement and perinatal psychologist, to talk about the emotional side of pregnancy, birth and the transition into motherhood. We often spend so much time preparing for the physical side of birth, but what about preparing emotionally? In Part 1, we dive into: 🤍 What perinatal psychology is and why it matters 🤍 Why pregnancy can bring up anxiety, fear and unexpected emotions 🤍 The pressure to love every moment of pregnancy 🤍 Preparing mentally for birth 🤍 The difference between a difficult birth and a traumatic birth 🤍 What birth trauma actually means and why feeling heard and respected matters so much This conversation is for anyone who wants to better understand the emotional journey into motherhood, whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, supporting someone you love, or planning for the future. Trigger warning: This episode discusses birth trauma, anxiety, pregnancy emotions and postpartum mental health. Some topics may feel difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please listen when and where you feel comfortable. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, consider reaching out to a trusted support person or qualified professional. Thank you Rebecca for sharing your knowledge and helping normalise conversations around maternal mental health 🤍

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The Pregnancy Diaries is your intimate, expert-guided journey from pre-conception to birth and everything in between. Think of it as your audio diary - part diary, part guidance for every stage of your journey - where we share the real, the raw, and the reassuring: the thoughts you would normally keep tucked away, alongside clear, evidence-based insight every woman deserves. From understanding what's happening in your body (and why) to navigating the emotional highs and lows of each stage, we bring honesty, clarity, and comfort to every step of your pregnancy journey.

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