Mamastay Healthy, The science behind parenthood with Mariella

Mariella Tonzanu
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Feel Held, Move Well and Prepare for What’s Next This is your trusted space to bust myths, move smarter, and feel truly supported from bump to beyond with Mariella, NICU nurse, pregnancy & postnatal yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach. Each episode blends evidence-based insights with practical tools to help you prepare for birth, navigate postpartum recovery, and reconnect with your body through every stage of motherhood. Motherhood isn’t just a moment, it’s a journey. Let’s move through it, together. ✨ Ready to move into birth with confidence? https://www.yogawithmariella.com/

  1. Jun 28

    E21: Home Birth vs Hospital Birth: “Home Birth Isn’t Safe” vs What the Research Really Says. Part 1 conversation

    We talked about this topic so much that we had to split it in 3 parts. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, this is an episode where Federica shared the latest evidence base and statistics about home birth. When someone says they’re considering a home birth, the response is often immediate: “But isn’t that dangerous?” In this episode of the Mamastay Healthy Podcast, Mariella sits down with Federica, doula and yoga instructor, to unpack one of the most emotionally charged myths in maternity care: that hospital birth is always safer. Together, they explore: The historical shift from home to hospital birth What the Birthplace Study (64,000+ births) actually found The 500,000-birth meta-analysis on perinatal outcomes Why intervention rates differ between settings What transfer statistics really mean The physiology of oxytocin vs adrenaline in labour Why satisfaction and trauma rates matter This is not about promoting one birth setting over another.It’s about informed choice, evidence-based discussion, and reclaiming nuance in a conversation that is often driven by fear. Because perhaps the real question isn’t “Is home birth safe?”But “Is hospital birth automatically the safest choice for every low-risk pregnancy?” ✨ Listen now and decide from a place of knowledge, not assumption.

    E21: Home Birth vs Hospital Birth: “Home Birth Isn’t Safe” vs What the Research Really Says. Part 1 conversation

  2. Apr 19

    E20: From Myths to Research: How Yoga Can Transform Your Birth Experience

    Why Yoga & Mindset Matter for Labour: The Science Behind Calm Birth PreparationIn this solo episode of the Mama Stay Healthy podcast, host Mariella, a pregnancy and postnatal yoga instructor, former NICU nurse, and postnatal transition coach, debunks the myth that yoga, breathwork, and mindset are just “nice extras” for birth. She shares research from systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggesting prenatal yoga and relaxation practices can reduce anxiety, lower perceived labour pain, and sometimes slightly shorten labour, while also easing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in pregnancy. Mariella explains how birth is influenced not only by physical factors but also by hormones, nervous system state, emotions, and environment, highlighting oxytocin’s role and how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can interfere. She outlines how prenatal yoga supports pelvic mobility, strength, breathing, mindfulness, pain coping, confidence, informed decision-making, and postpartum recovery. Connect with Mariella Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Postnatal Programme   Contact me: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com

  3. Apr 12

    E19: “Postpartum Is Just About the Baby” vs Maternal Identity, Mental Health and Pelvic Floor

    In this episode Mariella  is joined by Elo, founder of Luminara, a forthcoming digital platform designed to support and advocate for mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. In this episode Mariella and Elo challenge the myth that postpartum is only about the baby, emphasizing the importance of the mother’s identity, emotional wellbeing, and mental health, and how these directly influence a baby’s wellbeing and family relationships. The conversation covers partner involvement, including that men can experience postpartum depression, and how limited paternity leave can strain relationships and reduce support during recovery.  This episode is for anyone that is looking to deepen their understanding on postpartum period and the importance of education earlier on.  Connect with Mariella Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Postnatal Programme   Contact me: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com Connect with Elo: Instagram

    E19: “Postpartum Is Just About the Baby” vs Maternal Identity, Mental Health and Pelvic Floor

  4. Apr 5

    E18: Motherhood Circles: The Power of Support, Community, and Connection with Charlotte from Village Mama

    Do New Mums Need New Friends? Postpartum Circles, Matrescence, and Building Your Village with Village MamaOn the Mama Stay Healthy podcast, Mariella is joined by Charlotte, an ex-trauma nurse and founder of Village Mama in Southwest London, to bust the myth that you don’t need new friends after having a baby. Charlotte shares her own journey into motherhood and early postpartum.. They discuss matrescence how postpartum circles create community, reduce isolation, while referencing research on social connection and wellbeing. ✨ Ready to prepare your mind and body for a calmer, more connected postpartum? Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthyOnline Pregnancy Programme Connect with Charlotte: Website: https://www.villagemama.co.uk/ Instagram Blog Post: Matrescence

    E18: Motherhood Circles: The Power of Support, Community, and Connection with Charlotte from Village Mama

  5. Jan 25

    E17: Pregnancy Nutrition & Movement Myths, What’s the actual truth? with GP Trainee Francesca

    Pregnancy nutrition can feel like a minefield: “eat this,” “avoid that,” “don’t drink this,” “you need double the calories,” “exercise is risky”…But how much of this advice is actually true? In this episode, Mariella sits down with Francesca, a GP trainee with a passion for evidence-based women’s health, to debunk some of the biggest pregnancy myths around food, supplements, caffeine, and movement. Together, they break down: ✨ “Should I eat for two?” vs what your body really needs ✨ Do you actually need a pregnancy multivitamin? ✨ How much caffeine is safe? ✨ Which foods are truly best avoided and and why? ✨ Is exercise safe in pregnancy, and what kind is recommended? With clear explanations grounded in science and delivered with warmth, this episode will help you feel informed, reassured, and empowered in your pregnancy choices, without fear-based messaging or outdated rules. Perfect for anyone who wants to care for their body, nourish their baby, and move confidently through pregnancy. ✨ Connect with Francesca: Instagram: @corehealthandwellnessltd Website: www.corehealthandwellness.co.uk/ Connect with Mariella:  Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Pregnancy Programme Contact me: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com Music By Mike Ladouceur

    E17: Pregnancy Nutrition & Movement Myths, What’s the actual truth? with GP Trainee Francesca

  6. Jan 18

    E16: Postpartum Mental Health: Postpartum Psychosis Isn’t as Rare as We Think — Breaking the Silence with Aaisha Alvi

    ​​Postpartum psychosis is not as rare as everyone thinks, it is a misunderstood, and often hidden mental health condition, yet it is a medical emergency that can affect any new mother. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Mariella, NICU nurse, pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach, is joined by Aaisha Alvi, author, advocate, and survivor of postpartum psychosis. Together, they gently break down the myths surrounding postpartum psychosis and explore: What postpartum psychosis really is and how it differs from postnatal depression or anxiety Aaisha’s lived experience, as shared in her book The early warning signs that are often missed or dismissed The role of stigma, shame, and systemic gaps in maternal mental health care The importance of early recognition, compassionate support, and recovery Why awareness can save lives and why this conversation matters for everyone This episode is shared with care, honesty, and hope, to remind listeners that postpartum psychosis is not a failure, not a weakness, and not a reflection of love or capability. ✨ If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available, and recovery is possible. Trigger note: This episode discusses severe perinatal mental health conditions. Please listen with care and seek support if needed. Connect with Aaisha: Website: www.aaishaalvi.com Instagram: @aaishaalviwrites Get Aaisha's Book: Click here Connect with Mariella Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Postnatal Programme   Contact me: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com

    E16: Postpartum Mental Health: Postpartum Psychosis Isn’t as Rare as We Think — Breaking the Silence with Aaisha Alvi

  7. Jan 11

    E15: Mindful Hypnobirthing: “It’s All Just Breathing and Positive Thinking” versus The Real Science Behind a Calm, Confident Birth with Stephanie from Calm Parents, Calm Birth

    When people hear “hypnobirthing,” they often imagine something airy or alternative, all about deep breathing and wishful thinking.But what if the real power of hypnobirthing lies in science, mindset, and informed preparation? In this episode, Mariella sits down with Stephanie, founder of Calm Parents, Calm Birth, to unpack the myths and reveal the evidence-based benefits behind mindful hypnobirthing.With her calm, grounded approach, Stephanie explains how the mind-body connection can truly transform your experience of birth, reducing fear, supporting hormonal balance, and helping parents feel informed, confident, and connected through every stage of labour. Together, they explore the science of birth physiology, the role of continuity of care, and why being realistically prepared is far more empowering than aiming for a “perfect” birth.You’ll also hear inspiring real-life stories from Stephanie’s clients and learn simple tools you can start using today to bring more calm and confidence into your own birth preparation. Promo code MAMASAVE50 (£50 off exclusively for listeners) Connect with Stephanie: Website: www.calmparentscalmbirth.co.uk Instagram: @calmparents_calmbirth Email: calmparentscalmbirth@outlook.com  Connect with Mariella:  Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Pregnancy Programme Contact me: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com Music By Mike Ladouceur

    E15: Mindful Hypnobirthing: “It’s All Just Breathing and Positive Thinking” versus The Real Science Behind a Calm, Confident Birth with Stephanie from Calm Parents, Calm Birth

  8. 12/28/2025

    E14: Birth Rights: “When you go into hospital to give birth, it’s safest to do what to do what you’re told.” vs Reclaiming Autonomy in Birth with Doula Lisa Harris

    Many parents enter pregnancy believing that once labour begins decisions are no longer theirs to make, especially if it’s an hospital birth. But the truth is: you always have rights in birth. In this episode, Mariella is joined by Lisa Harris, an experienced doula and passionate birth advocate, to bust common myths around consent, choice, and autonomy in maternity care. Together, they explore: What birth rights really mean, in hospital, birth centre, or at home The myth that “it’s safest to do what you are told” How parents can advocate for themselves without conflict or fear The role of doulas in supporting autonomy, safety, and emotional wellbeing Why feeling heard and respected can change the entire birth experience This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not something that happens to you , it’s something you actively participate in. ✨ Knowledge is power. Consent is a right. And support matters. Connect with Lisa Website Instagram: @lisaharrisdoula Connect with Mariella Website: https://www.yogawithmariella.com/ Instagram: @mamastayhealthy Online Postnatal Programme   Contact Mariella: mamastayhealthy@gmail.com

    E14: Birth Rights: “When you go into hospital to give birth, it’s safest to do what to do what you’re told.” vs Reclaiming Autonomy in Birth with Doula Lisa Harris
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Feel Held, Move Well and Prepare for What’s Next This is your trusted space to bust myths, move smarter, and feel truly supported from bump to beyond with Mariella, NICU nurse, pregnancy & postnatal yoga teacher, and postnatal transition coach. Each episode blends evidence-based insights with practical tools to help you prepare for birth, navigate postpartum recovery, and reconnect with your body through every stage of motherhood. Motherhood isn’t just a moment, it’s a journey. Let’s move through it, together. ✨ Ready to move into birth with confidence? https://www.yogawithmariella.com/

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