BLUE MUMDAYS

Vikki Stephenson
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Blue MumDays is a podcast about perinatal illness, parenting and being kind to yourself. Up to 1 in 7 mums and 1 in 10 dads will suffer with their mental health after the birth of their baby. Having once interviewed the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer during my BBC career, I’m now speaking to mums, dads and mental health experts each week, in an effort to understand my own experience of postnatal depression. Dispelling myths, smashing stigma & bringing hope to parents having a hard time.

  1. 6月9日

    "Just Make It Stop!" - Driven to the Edge: Sophie Burch (Part 1)

    Hypnotherapist Sophie Burch opens up about the intense struggles she faced after the births of her first two sons. These included a traumatic delivery with shoulder dystocia, and the challenges of colic and silent reflux. With little support, she reached a breaking point where she nearly harmed her baby in a moment of despair. Her deeply personal and courageous story highlights the urgent need for emotional support and better preparation for new mothers. Sophie found healing through helping others, and has dedicated her life to supporting maternal mental health with tools like the Beyond Birth Guide. * Trigger Warning: Birth Trauma, Resuscitation and Neonatal Intensive Care (N I C U)* In This Episode We Discuss: [00:00] Teaser quote. [01:36] Introduction to Nurture You's Sophie Burch. [03:28] A difficult pregnancy - antenatal depression and work stress. Polycistic ovarian syndrome (P C O S). [07:01] A traumatic shoulder dystocia delivery and resuscitation of her baby. No follow-ups or support. [10:10] Full throes of postnatal depression. Terrified her son would be taken away from her if she admitted how she was feeling. [14:38] Healing through helping others. C B T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Support from her husband and friends. [19:01] Sophie's second pregnancy - hypnobirthing and a healing home birth. [21:30] Driven to the edge through her baby's silent reflux - a call for help in a moment of desperation. [25:35] Healing through talking, journalling, breathwork and nurturing yourself as well as your baby. Developing her 'Beyond Birth' guide. Key Takeaways: 1.   Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency that happens when a baby's shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bones, after the head has been delivered. It can make delivery difficult and dangerous for both the baby and the mother. R C O G information on Shoulder Dystocia. 2.    Blue MumDays S1 Ep17: When Birth Leads to Trauma – listen to my conversation with Make Birth Better’s Dr. Rebecca Moore to learn more about birth trauma. 3.   Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting people with ovaries, often during their reproductive years. It can cause a range of symptoms and impact fertility. N H S information on P C O S. 4.   Colic is frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant, specifically if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week. Colic can be particularly frustrating for parents because the baby's distress occurs for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling seems to bring any relief. N H S advice on colic. 5.   Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a common class of antidepressants used for treating depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. Specifically they increase the levels of serotonin, a ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter in the brain. N H S overview of S S R I anti-depressants. 6.   Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method using relaxation, breathing...

    34 分鐘

  2. 5月5日

    The One About Breastfeeding: Sally Rickard, Lactation Consultant

    In this special episode for Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, host Vikki chats with lactation consultant Sally Rickard about the ups and downs of breastfeeding and early motherhood. Sally shares her personal and professional insights on common challenges like tongue-tie, milk supply issues, mastitis and the emotional strain these can bring. With kindness and clarity, Sally offers practical advice on latch, positioning, and mixed feeding, while reassuring parents that it’s okay to ask for help. This episode is a comforting reminder that you're not alone—and that support is always available. In this Episode: [00:00] Teaser Quote [02:04] Meet Sally Rickard, lactation consultant [03:02] Personal breastfeeding challenges [04:15] The reality of motherhood expectations [06:46] Navigating conflicting advice [07:50] The complexity of breastfeeding [09:32] Sally's own breastfeeding issues and birth experience [18:30] Sally’s journey to becoming a lactation consultant [25:55] Tongue-tie [30:22] Common issues with latch [33:24] Supply issues and solutions [38:19] Mixed feeding: a balanced approach [43:30] How to tell if you're baby is feeding well [45:11] Mastitis and blocked ducts [50:11] Soothing cracked and sore nipples [52:47] Final thoughts and resources Key Takeaways: Find out more about Sally Rickard and her breastfeeding expertise and support in South London through her website, Baby-thrive.com.  I B C L C stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It's a globally recognised certification for professionals with specialist knowledge and skills in breastfeeding and lactation management.  The N C T is the National Childbirth Trust, who offer antenatal classes where you can meet fellow parents in your area and learn more about looking after a baby.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (E P D S) is a widely used screening tool to identify women who may be at risk of postpartum depression. It's a 10-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms like guilt, sleep disturbance, and low energy.  Listen to 'Double Cancer Didn't Cause Depression, Giving Birth Did' (Blue MumDays S1 Ep1 with postnatal depression counsellor Liz Wise), to learn how a problem bonding with her daughter didn’t cause issues later in life. Liz’s daughter Emma talks beautifully about the close bond she has with her mum and how Liz’s experience of PND actually made her a better mum.The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain is a registered charity working to improve the health and wellbeing of families through advocacy and expert IBCLC breastfeeding care. A lactation consultant can help you with breastfeeding issues and advice.  NHS guidance on tongue-tie, a condition where the skin under a baby’s tongue is shorter or tighter than normal, restricting movement.  This can cause feeding difficulties like...

    1 小時

  3. 1月6日

    Finding Hope After Baby Loss - Frontline Midwife to Mother: Anna Kent (Part 2)

    In this second part of Frontline Midwife Anna Kent's story, Anna talks movingly about her own experience of motherhood, from an early miscarriage to the tragic loss of her baby daughter Fatima at only 6 months gestation, due to a rare brain condition. Anna discusses the impact this had on her mental health and grief, as well as the transformative experience of having her second daughter, Aisha. Anna emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces to discuss and honour baby loss. The episode also highlights Anna's memoir, 'Frontline Midwife,' and the legacy of her late midwife friend, Helen Loewenstein. *Trigger Warning* Miscarriage, baby loss, very brief mention of suicide. In This Episode: [00:00] Teaser quote [01:47] Introducing Anna Kent [03:25] Anna's personal journey with motherhood [04:11] Unexpected pregnancy, distressing miscarriage [09:21] Challenges and decisions during Anna's second pregnancy [14:03] The birth and devastating loss of Fatima [21:38] Coping with grief and moving forward [23:37] Pregnant again, with Aisha [24:59] The need for empathy and compassion in midwifery [26:18] Concentrating on positive birth experiences [29:16] Aisha's birth story [31:15] Balancing grief and love, honouring Fatima's memory [33:42] How to help a grieving parent [40:14] The impact of writing the 'Frontline Midwife' [45:19] Current life and reflections Key Takeaways: Anna Kent's Instagram page to find out more about Anna and her work.Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) provide vital medical care and humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics or healthcare exclusion in more than 70 countries.A cerebral teratoma is a rare, malignant, and fast-growing tumour that originates in the brain and is made up of multiple tissues.Zephyrs Charity in Nottingham supports families following pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or child.  They run a number of therapeutic support sessions for bereaved parents in the Nottingham area.The Helen Loewenstein Memorial Trust was set up to honour Anna’s midwife friend Helen.   We make grants to cover course-fees and essential study expenses for student midwives in Liberia who would not otherwise have sufficient funds to become qualified midwives.Listen to “It’s Not The End: Recovery After Baby Loss’ with the wonderful Keji Moses of Mayah’s Legacy.Click this link to find out more about Keji's charity, Mayah's LegacyNHS on Miscarriage information.The Miscarriage Association is a UK charity providing further support for those experiencing baby loss.Tommys is the largest charity in the UK carrying out...

    49 分鐘

  4. 2024/12/02

    A Story of Conflict and Care - The Frontline Midwife: Anna Kent (Part 1)

    In this powerful Christmas episode, Anna Kent - a humanitarian aid worker, NHS nurse and midwife - reflects on her experiences working in some of the world's most challenging environments, including South Sudan, Haiti and Bangladesh. She offers an intimate look at the difficulties of providing maternity care in conflict zones and refugee camps, shedding light on the trauma faced by women in these regions. Anna speaks candidly about her personal journey, the emotional toll of working in these high-stress situations and her mission to ensure all women have access to gold-standard maternity care. She opens up about her struggles with PTSD and the challenges of reintegrating into normal life after such intense work. This episode is a moving testament to Anna's resilience, compassion and dedication to advocating for women's health rights in the direst circumstances. An inspiring and sobering reminder of the ongoing fight for equitable maternity care worldwide. *Trigger Warning* Birthing in extreme situations, birth trauma, maternal loss, baby loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In This Episode: [00:00] Teaser quote. [02:20] Introducing Anna Kent, the 'Frontline Midwife'. [04:46] Anna's journey to humanitarian work. [08:35] Her first mission - the challenges and realities of working in South Sudan. [11:11] Honouring the Lady on the Plane. The importance of telling women's stories. [17:12] James: Anna's larger-than-life colleague. [20:10] Life and work in Tam, South Sudan. [25:54] Everyone deserves gold access to maternity care. [30:33] Encounter with a black mamba! [31:26] Life in a tent: a different perspective. [32:53] The struggle of returning home. [33:13] The harsh realities of humanitarian work - trauma and being scared to share. [34:44] Hitting rock bottom. [36:55] Missions to Haiti and Bangladesh - responsible for 30,000 Rohingya refugees. [38:51] Feelings of powerlessness. [39:44] The impact of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Flashbacks. [42:43] Seeking help - finding solace in Buddhism and therapy. [48:51] The pressure to save every life. Moral injury. [54:42] Parenting and self-awareness. Key Takeaways:Anna Kent's Instagram page to find out more about Anna and her work.Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) provide vital medical care and humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics or healthcare exclusion in more than 70 countries.What To Expect article on Cephalopelvic Disproportion (C.P.D.), a condition where the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.Blue MumDays Episode 17 'When Birth Leads to Trauma', with Dr. Rebecca Moore of Make Birth Better.MIND Charity information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.), a mental health problem you may develop after experiencing traumatic...

    58 分鐘

  5. 2024/11/04

    "My culture has no real word for mental health". The Unlikely Mummy: Kavita Trevena

    Kavita Trevena, founder of The Unlikely Mummy, shares her profoundly personal motherhood journey, including gestational diabetes, postnatal depression and being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after two stressful births. Kavita also talks about a lack of openness around mental health issues in her culture, and a general lack of support for South Asian mums within maternal care services. Kavita discusses her community-driven initiatives such as The Unlikely Mummy blog, counselling services, exercise therapies, and wellness activities designed to support mothers. Far from being a heavy listen, Kavita was a joy to speak to and our positive conversation underlines a message of hope, resilience, and the importance of creating supportive networks for mothers. *Trigger Warning* Postnatal Depression, Birth Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In This Episode: [00:00] Teaser quote. [02:01] Introducing Kavita Trevena: founder of 'The Unlikely Mummy'. [04:30] From being told she couldn't have children to a honeymoon baby - Kavita's journey through pregnancy. [06:34] Discovery and challenges of Gestational Diabetes. [13:16] The birth experience - an emergency caesarean. [20:44] Postpartum struggles and support. [23:16] Creating 'The Unlikely Mummy' community. [28:34] Being diagnosed with PND (Postnatal Depression). [31:04] The need for more support for mums. Growing the Unlikely Mummy to provide community support and specialist services. [34:22] Running for the cause: The Big Half Marathon, raising funds for a Forest School, counselling and lactation consultant sessions. [36:37] Starting a walking club for mums. [40:14] Kavita's second pregnancy: psoriasis and setting up support in advance. [43:10] Diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) for her first birth. [47:19] Cultural barriers and lack of support for South Asian mums. [55:23] The Unlikely Mummy: future plans and support. [01:01:45] Final thoughts and encouragement. Key Takeaways: The Unlikely Mummy's Insta page. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. NHS information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s believed 1 in 10 women may suffer from PCOS.UK Government information on Gestational Diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause health problems in both mother and baby. Support is available from Gestational Diabetes UK.Dr. Hannah Short is a doctor who specialises in menopause and premenstrual disorders. Dr. Hannah Short's website. Listen to Hannah's episode:  Blue MumDays S2 Ep31: 'The one About Hormones: POI, PMDD, Endometriosis + PME.Postnatal depression is depression that happens after you've had a baby. It can range from mild to severe and is more common than you think. Up to 1 in 7 mums are affected and up to 1 in 10 dads. a...

    1 小時 4 分鐘

  6. 2024/10/07

    Extreme Sickness, Intrusive Thoughts - Hyperemesis, Hallucinations and Healing: Sarah Edge (Part 2)

    In the follow-up to Episode 35 (Part 1), perinatal psychotherapist Sarah Edge shares her contrasting experience with her second pregnancy. Her debilitating experience with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG or extreme sickness) took a significant toll on Sarah’s mental health. Sarah developed postnatal depression and terrible anxiety after the birth, leading to intrusive thoughts and hallucinations. The experience was terrifying. Now recovered, Sarah talks about how she has used it to inform her own therapeutic practice.     She provides practical advice for others suffering from similar conditions and highlights the importance of seeking help early. *Trigger Warning* Extreme vomiting, feelings of suicide. In This Episode We Discuss: [00:00] Teaser quote [01:53]  Introduction to Sarah [03:49]  Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum (H.G.) [06:25]  How H.G. contributed to Sarah’s difficulty bonding with her daughter [08:09]  Getting support and medication – the importance of being taken seriously [12:46]  Advice for mums experiencing sickness in pregnancy. How Pregnancy Sickness Support helped Sarah [16:00]  Much needed support from Sarah’s husband and her work [19:58] Her second birth – no immediate ‘rush of love’ [22:39] Feeling ‘high’ then a crushing low – severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts and hallucinations [29:30] A desperate visit to Accident and Emergency (A+E) [35:47]  Starting medication [38:13] Building a bond with her daughter [42:52] Turning personal struggles into a professional passion – the importance of shared experiences [50:10] Matrescence Key Takeaways: 1.    Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy sickness, affecting around 1-3% of pregnancies and causing incredibly debilitating symptoms. 2.    A 2020 study by Imperial College, London found that “women with HG are around 8 times more likely to suffer antenatal depression and 4 times more likely to have postnatal depression”. 3. For help with HG, go to Pregnancy Sickness Support. They are a charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of all those affected by pregnancy sickness. They offer peer support and a helpline, 0800 055 4361. 4.    The HER Foundation is another great organisation, dedicated to helping those suffering hyperemesis and those who have survived it. Providing education, research, support and advocacy globally, to improve the management of HG. 5.    Listen to Episode 18 with Dr. Andy Mayers ‘Bonding, Guilt and Pyschosis: An Expert View’, to learn more about mother and baby units. 6.    You can learn more about Sarah’s therapeutic process through her Instagram page, MaternalMentalHealthWellbeing. 7.    Sarah has a Maternal Mental Health Journal, which can be purchased through a...

    54 分鐘

  7. 第 3 季預告

    Blue MumDays Season 3 Teaser

    Season 3 of Blue MumDays is here, the parental mental health podcast smashing stigma and normalising the conversation on perinatal illness. Upcoming episodes include discussion on infant feeding trauma, breastfeeding advice, pre-eclampsia, baby loss, birthing during Covid, neonatal intensive care, coping with multiple miscarriage, postnatal depression in fathers and midwifery in a war zone. New episodes are released the first Monday of each month. *TRIGGER WARNING: *Discussion of baby loss and trauma* If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share and subscribe. It really does make the difference in helping others find it – which means helping more parents in need. Follow us: Instagram Twitter Join our Facebook Group Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

    3 分鐘

  8. 2024/09/02

    Breastfeeding Trauma and Grief: Sarah Edge (Part 1)

    To launch Blue MumDays Season 3, host Vikki welcomes Sarah Edge, a perinatal specialist psychotherapist. In the first part of their discussion, Sarah shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and the complex challenges of infant feeding. She discusses her experiences with breastfeeding trauma and grief and the stark contrast between her expectations and the reality of motherhood. Sarah offers heartfelt advice to parents struggling with similar issues, emphasising the importance of compassion and seeking support. The episode also explores societal pressures and the impact of invalidation on mental health. *Trigger Warning: *birth trauma, neonatal intensive care, breastfeeding trauma, feelings of suicide and baby loss. In This Episode We Discuss: [00:00] Teaser quote [04:40] Not enjoying the pregnancy/not being what she’d expected or planned/sickness. [08:27] Sensitivity and being self-conscious during pregnancy about how she looked [08:04] Pregnancy isn’t an illness but it can be a hard slog on the body and mind. Expectations vs. reality. [15:24] The birth – labour at 36 weeks. Family history of this. Primal urge to birth on her own. [23:33] The ‘rush of love’ – actually quite rare. [24:30] The birth took a turn – vomiting and post-partum haemorrhage. [25:57] First attempts at breastfeeding, when things got really difficult. [30:41] Feeling nervous about being sent home from hospital and the fear of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) [32:43] Severe jaundice - A+E and panic attack. The ramping up of anxiety. Jack in an incubator. [37:05] Turning a corner, starting formula feeding. [39:15] The toll of triple feeding and sleep deprivation on Sarah’s mental health. Start of suicidal thoughts. Rock bottom. [43:17] Understanding breast feeding trauma. [48:56] Finding out what works best for you and your family. [49:50] Writing about her experience – the importance of sharing our struggles. [52:09] Invalidation and trauma. [56:37] Breastfeeding grief and how you won’t lose that precious bond. [01:01:49] Sarah’s experience second time around, with her daughter. [01:05:32] Compassion is the antidote to trauma. Key Takeaways: 1.   Click this link for more information on Sarah Edge and her Maternal Mental Health services 2.   Information here on The Fed is Best Foundation, which supports all families to safely feed their babies whether they feed with breast, bottle, or both (combination feeding). 3.   Read Sarah’s article on Infant Feeding Trauma here on the Fed is Best website. 4.   Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when someone has an unhealthy or excessive reaction to a stressful event or life change. Symptoms can include stress, sadness or hopelessness, negative thoughts and changes in behaviour. 5.   For information and support on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG is extreme sickness during pregnancy), click this link for Pregnancy Sickness Support. They are the only UK registered charity dedicated to offering support and evidence-based information to those affected

    1 小時 8 分鐘
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簡介

Blue MumDays is a podcast about perinatal illness, parenting and being kind to yourself. Up to 1 in 7 mums and 1 in 10 dads will suffer with their mental health after the birth of their baby. Having once interviewed the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer during my BBC career, I’m now speaking to mums, dads and mental health experts each week, in an effort to understand my own experience of postnatal depression. Dispelling myths, smashing stigma & bringing hope to parents having a hard time.

資訊

  • 創作者
    Vikki Stephenson
  • 活躍年代
    2021年 - 2025年
  • 集數
    44
  • 年齡分級
    兒少適宜
  • 版權
    © Copyright 2025 Vikki Stephenson
  • 節目網站
    BLUE MUMDAYS

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