Hello! We're back with Episode 2. We are Harriet and Charlie, two new mums navigating early motherhood. The first 10 days. The most transformational, surreal, life-changing time, especially as a new mum. Your baby arrives and life changes forever. You're quickly thrust into one of the steepest learning curves of your life. We're here talking about the stuff nobody really prepares you for after birth, discussing it in a way that we wish we’d heard. Your baby arrives and you're getting to know them. You're a parent now. Recovering from birth, whatever that looks like. Learning your baby's whole language, on the job. Then quickly come the weight checks, jaundice checks and home visits. Feeding. Worries you can't name. Terms you've never heard. And the hormones. It can feel like a lot, because it is a lot. We share our personal experiences of the first 10 days. It's raw and real, the things we're looking back on with vulnerability, and the one wish we both had: that someone had told us, in those first 10 days, how completely normal it all is, and said the words "you're okay." We also hear voice notes from two lovely mums in our community: Illy on the unexpected struggles of night two, breastfeeding difficulties, and the importance of actually sitting still; and Tshai on reframing an unplanned C-section recovery in real time. We want anyone going through it right now to hear this: you are going to feel so proud of yourself. No expertise, no advice, just real conversation about navigating new mum life. This is for all new mums looking for genuine conversations in the thick of it. TW: we discuss topics including emergency caesarean, hospital admission and postpartum hypertension. If this episode isn't for you right now, we're sending love and hope you're doing okay. In this episode: Our updates: Charlie's back at work, moved house and started nursery! Harriet's had a difficult time with an allergic reaction affecting her son, and has some unexpected work news! Birth preparation: looking back and getting emotional, what we'd have prepared ourselves better for, and accepting that nothing can really prepare you for the first 10 days after the baby arrives Experiences and expectations of birth: Charlie's emergency C-section, Harriet's planned C-section, and notes from our friend Tshai on reframing the birth she'd hoped for It's normal!: your emotions are heightened, your nerves are raw, and it's all new. However you're feeling, it's normal. Encounters that leave a mark: Charlie talks about a really tender moment after birth with a midwife; Harriet shares a scary moment on day 3, being readmitted to hospital and a cold encounter from the visiting midwife Every experience is its own: flying hormones, postpartum preeclampsia, emergency C-sections, struggles with feeding, recovery, the pressure, the worries. No two journeys through the first 10 days look the same, but you will get through it, and you'll be so proud of yourself Our community shares: voice notes from our friends Illy and Tshai, sharing their wisdom from the first 10 days, from surviving night two, to lactation consultants, to reframing your mind for the birth you wanted versus the birth you have + how you are definitely doing enough! Looking back: pride for our journey, nearly a year on Next episode: we're getting into relationships, with our partners, with our family, and with our friends and how they shift Find us on TikTok + Instagram: @inthethickpodcast
