The Relaxed Mama Club

In this episode I chat to Dr Saloni Surah about her personal experiences with PTSD and birth trauma, her journey of healing, and her work as a coach and EMDR specialist.Saloni sheds light on how PTSD and birth trauma can show up for mums, and introduces us to some of the powerful tools that have helped her, and that she now uses to support others.If you'd like to find out more about Saloni's work, you can find her at www.salonisurah.com and on social media at:https://www.facebook.com/saloni.surahhttps://instagram.com/salonibook?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==She has also written a children's book called Flora Investigates: The Case Of The Missing Gold Eggs which you can find on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3rrUY5WTW: Saloni gives details of her traumatic birth experience in this episode.

Hypnotherapy often comes with a lot of myths and misconceptions - but in reality, it can be a gentle and empowering tool for mums navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.In this episode of The Relaxed Mama Club, I’m joined by Rachel Kinney from Acorn2Oak Hypnotherapy. Rachel shares her journey into this work, explains what hypnotherapy really is (and what it definitely isn’t!), and talks about why it can be such a supportive practice for new and not-so-new mums alike.We chat about some of the most common struggles mums face, from anxiety to overwhelm, and Rachel offers simple, practical tips you can start using today to bring more calm and balance into your daily life.If you’ve ever been curious about hypnotherapy, or you’re looking for new ways to feel supported and less alone on your motherhood journey, this episode is a lovely place to start.You can find Rachel online at acorn2oakhypnotherapy.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram @acorn2oak_hypnotherapy_

In this solo episode I tackle 'bounce back' culture, challenging the standards and pressure we place on ourselves as new mums to return to our pre-baby bodies. By instead focusing on reconnecting with our bodies and rebuilding that relationship we have with ourselves, we can recover gently and compassionately on our terms.Listen to find out how practices such as postnatal yoga can help in this process of moving forward, instead of bouncing back.

In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by family photographer Victoria Phipps, whose soulful, film-based approach to capturing motherhood is all about helping mums feel seen, celebrated, and confident enough to step into the frame.We explore the emotional side of being photographed as a mum - from body image and confidence to the beauty of being truly witnessed during pregnancy and early motherhood. Victoria also shares the story behind her beautiful Life Giver project, a maternity photography offer that supports Wirral Women & Children’s Aid while helping mums-to-be honour their bodies and their journey.This episode is a gentle reminder that you deserve to be in the picture, just as you are.

In this episode I chat with Neurodiversity Consultant, Joanne Gibson, about neurodiverse parenting.Whether you’re navigating parenthood as a neurodivergent mum yourself, raising a neurodivergent little one, or both, this conversation is for you. I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel trying to parent in a world that’s not always set up with neurodiversity in mind - but you’re not alone.Joanne is a neuroinclusive advocate and mum with lived experience of both sides of the neurodivergent parenting journey. We talk sensory overload, meltdowns (ours and our kids’!), and how we can embrace our children’s unique needs without losing ourselves along the way.If you'd like to know more about Joanne's work, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @neuroinclusiveconsultant

In this episode, I'm joined by the Wonderwoman of hormone and gut health, Margaret Bell. Margaret is a women's health specialist, retreat chef and author, who helps women reconnect with their hormones, gut and true selves through food.We chat about how pregnancy, postpartum and mum life can impact on our digestion, energy and relationship with food - and what we can do to feel more like ourselves again.Margaret's next 6 week online Hormone & Gut Reset Programme starts soon - find out more about that and other ways you can work with her here: https://margaretbell.co.ukYou can also find her on social media @gutfeelingwithmargaretbell

In this episode I chat to psychotherapist Andrea Witt about all things perinatal anxiety.Andrea is a CBT therapist specialising in all things post natal mental health. She works with mums around issues such as birth trauma, identity, anxiety, depression, guilt and anger. She uses her own experiences with anxiety after her daughter was born along with her clinical training and has run her private practice for 9 years. She is passionate about empowering mums to better manage their own mental health.We chat about why anxiety happens, common triggers, behaviours that keep us stuck, and what we can actually do to start feeling better.If you'd like to find out more about Andrea's online course, Anxious to Anchored, you can do so here: https://andreawitttherapy.com/courses/You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook as @andrea_witt_mum_therapist

Motherhood comes with an endless to-do list, but so much of it is invisible. In this episode, I break down what the mental load is, why it feels overwhelming, and - most importantly - how to make it lighter. Listen in for practical tips on sharing the load, setting boundaries, and making space for your well-being.

In this episode I explore the concept of postnatal identity, and why many mums feel as though they've lost themselves in the process of becoming a mum. I'm joined by Tracy Bevan and Andrea Peers from Healthy Minds Matter, to discuss some of the ways we can rediscover our sense of self as we journey into motherhood.Tracy and Andrea run regular online workshops for new mums called Mums Minds Matter - you can find out how to book onto the next one here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mums-minds-matter-free-online-with-healthy-minds-matter-tickets-1292958296069?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawJaGz1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHa4MwkqFHgObV4Xo41NcOTDevIQIFIEVlC91fZ-FQQIkazZhEENd1H2yoQ_aem_jABHmVV-cEy-8fsKqW53lA

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting to Demi Blue-Dean of Phivah Creates (@phivah.creates) about all things crafting and creativity, and how these can help support maternal mental health. We talk about the benefits for mental wellbeing, overcoming blocks to creativity and quick and easy ways to fit crafting into busy family life.You can read Demi's blog post about the mental benefits of crafting here:https://www.phivahcreates.co.uk/blog-2-1/crafting-for-mental-healthAnd you can find out more about her online crafting community, Crafting Outside the Lines here:https://t.me/+Ld7wwJ-F_7M2YTk0

Ever wonder how Hypnobirthing actually works? In this episode I'm joined by Hypnobirthing teacher Sarah Mortimer, who helps me delve into the neuroscience and biology behind birth, and how learning to release fear and calm our nervous system can lead to a quicker and more comfortable birth.Sarah runs Wirral-based Hypnobirthing business, Love Labour Hypnobirthing, and also works online to support birthing people nationwide to prepare for a more positive birth. You can find her at www.lovelabourhypnobirthing.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting to Susie Powis, a Return to Work Coaching Consultant. We talk negotiation, boundary setting and getting the most from your KIT days, in order to help you have a more confident return after maternity leave. Susie is launching her Return Ready signature program on 13th January - a 6 week 1:1 coaching course to prepare parents for their return to work, focusing on regaining confidence, rebalancing life and navigating change, plus much more. You can find Susie on Instagram at Hi Ho Coaching. https://www.instagram.com/hi.ho.coaching/

In this episode, I explore some of the things that helped us 'get through' pregnancy and early parenthood. From coffee and cake, to safe spaces and non-judgemental friends, here are some helpful ideas from my clients, friends and family to help you on the journey.

In this episode, I draw on the experience of many of my clients and followers to explore what self-care really means for mums.