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. May 28

    #18 - Anita - Pregnancy Loss, a Lung Defect, and the First Year Nobody Prepares You For

    Anita: Pregnancy Loss, a Lung Defect, and the First Year Nobody Prepares You For Please note: this episode contains a discussion about pregnancy loss. Please take care of yourself as you listen. Anita first joined us in episode seven, where she shared her birth experiences with an elective and an emergency C-section — and mentioned, almost in passing, that her daughter had been born with a lung defect. Today, she comes back to tell us the rest of the story. Before she does, Anita opens up about something she hadn't shared before — the loss of a pregnancy in her late first trimester. She speaks about it with honesty and tenderness, and with the kind of quiet courage that I know will resonate with so many of you. And then she takes us into her daughter's first year and a half of life. Her daughter was born with CPAM — Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation — a rare lung condition that was picked up during pregnancy. What followed was a journey of scans, hospital appointments, consultants, and waiting. The kind of waiting that sits with you every single day. Until the surgery. This episode is for every parent who has started their parenting journey on a hospital ward. Every parent who has learned a medical language they never wanted to know. And every parent who has loved their child through something terrifying, and found a strength they didn't know they had. In this episode we talk about: Experiencing pregnancy loss in the late first trimesterReceiving a CPAM diagnosis during pregnancyWhat CPAM is and what it means for your babyThe follow-up appointments, scans, and hospital visits in the first yearPreparing for and navigating your baby's surgeryThe emotional load of parenting a baby with a medical conditionFinding community and support when your parenting journey looks differentWhat is CPAM? CPAM (Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation) is a rare congenital lung condition where abnormal tissue develops in the lung during pregnancy. It varies in severity — some babies require surgery, others are monitored over time. If your baby has been diagnosed with CPAM, know that you are not alone. Resources & Support CPAM Community & Support Groups Parents of CPAM — Facebook group recommended by Anita, a community of parents navigating a CPAM diagnosis togetherCPAM Support Group UK — search on Facebook for UK-based parent communities around CPAM and congenital lung conditionsGreat Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) — gosh.nhs.uk — offers information and guidance on congenital lung conditions and treatment pathwaysBritish Lung Foundation / Asthma + Lung UK — asthmaandlung.org.uk — resources on lung conditions in childrenContact (for families of disabled children) — contact.org.uk — provides support and advice for families of children with any medical condition or disabilityFor Pregnancy Loss Support Tommy's — tommys.org — leading UK charity supporting parents through pregnancy loss, with information, helplines, and communityThe Miscarriage Association — miscarriageassociation.org.uk — support and information for anyone affected by pregnancy lossSands — sands.org.uk — supports anyone affected by the death of a babyFor Finding Your Village Peanut App — peanut-app.io — an app designed to help mums connect with other mums nearby. Anita uses it and loves it! Available in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia among others — worth checking availability in your country.If this episode resonated with you — whether you've been through pregnancy loss, you're navigating a diagnosis, or you've spent time on a hospital ward with your little one — please share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you'd like to share your own story on the podcast, get in touch. As always, thank you for being part of this 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

  2. May 14

    #17 - Phil - The Other Half of the Village: A Chef, a Dad, and the Honest Truth About Hospitality Parenting

    The Other Half of the Village: A Chef, a Dad, and the Honest Truth About Hospitality Parenting If you listened to last week's episode with Hollie, you'll know the reality of parenting when your life runs opposite to everyone else's. This week, we hear from the other side of that story. Phil is a chef. His days start when most people's are ending. His weekends look nothing like yours. And his version of fatherhood has been built around late nights, long shifts, and a schedule that leaves very little room for the ordinary rhythms of family life. In this conversation, Phil opens up about what it really means to be a present dad in the hospitality industry — the solo parenting days, the exhaustion, the joy, and the quiet weight of doing it all while the rest of the world is asleep. We also get into some bigger questions. Could he imagine having more children with this life set up? And what do we really think about people who choose not to have children at all — and does our judgement change depending on who's making that choice? This is a rich, honest, and at times unexpected conversation. One that goes beyond the kitchen and into the heart of what modern fatherhood can look like. In this episode we talk about: What a typical day looks like as a chef and a dadParenting solo when schedules don't alignBecoming a father and how it changed his perspectiveWhether having more children is possible — or desirable — with this lifestyleThe societal pressure around parenthood choices, and the gender divide in how we judge themIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent who might need to hear it — or leave a review. It means the world and helps this village grow. 💛 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 3m

  3. Apr 30

    #16 - Hollie - Raising a Child When You Work Nights, Weekends and Opposite Schedules

    What happens when both parents work when everyone else is at home? In this episode of Raising with the Village, I’m joined by Hollie to talk about the reality of raising a child while working nights, weekends, and opposite shifts in the hospitality industry. When your family life runs against the rhythm of society, parenting can look very different. Nursery pick-ups, mealtimes, weekends, holidays, even time with your partner — everything takes more planning, more sacrifice, and often comes with a level of loneliness that many people don’t see. Hollie shares what it’s like to parent as a couple when you’re often simply passing each other, how their relationship has adapted, how they protect connection as partners, and the silent exhaustion that can come with feeling like a solo parent, even within a two-parent household. This is an honest and important conversation about invisible labour, shift work, modern family life, and a side of parenting we don’t talk about nearly enough. In This Episode We Cover  Parenting while working nights, weekends and irregular hours  What it means to raise a child on opposite shifts  The hidden loneliness of parenting in hospitality  Feeling like a solo parent while co-parenting  Protecting your relationship when you barely see each other  The emotional and practical realities of shift work family life  Why non-traditional working families deserve more visibility Why This Episode Matters This episode shines a light on a reality many families live, but few talk about openly. Whether you work in hospitality, healthcare, emergency services, retail, aviation, or any job involving shift work, this conversation may feel deeply familiar. And if you don’t — this episode offers an important window into a version of parenting many people don’t often see. Mentioned in This Episode  Life as a hospitality family  Parenting on opposite schedules  Relationship resilience after becoming parents  The invisible mental load of non-traditional family life Connect with Raising with the Village 🌿 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk 📷 Instagram: https://instagram.com/raisingwiththevillage 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ If this episode resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. 💛 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 6m

  4. Apr 16

    #15 - Siobhan - Unexpected Birth Abroad: Navigating Premature Birth & New Motherhood (Part 2)

    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.

    48 min

  5. Apr 2

    #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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Raising with the village
  • Show Website
    Raising with the village