Claim OwnershipMama Becoming: Birth & Beyond
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© Laura | Mama Becoming
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Real stories. Raw moments. Dubai motherhood, unfiltered.
I'm Laura, a doula and mother of two. This podcast shares stories of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum across the UAE. Whether it's the joy of a water birth, the shock of an emergency C-section, or the silent struggles of new motherhood — these stories are honest, moving, and deeply human.
Each week, you’ll hear from a different mum navigating her own journey to becoming. Some births happen in Dubai. Some far away. But all of them matter — and may just make you feel seen in your own becoming.
Follow @mama.becoming_birthandbeyond
I'm Laura, a doula and mother of two. This podcast shares stories of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum across the UAE. Whether it's the joy of a water birth, the shock of an emergency C-section, or the silent struggles of new motherhood — these stories are honest, moving, and deeply human.
Each week, you’ll hear from a different mum navigating her own journey to becoming. Some births happen in Dubai. Some far away. But all of them matter — and may just make you feel seen in your own becoming.
Follow @mama.becoming_birthandbeyond
23 Episodes
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In this episode of Mama Becoming, I sit down with Emma, the founder of Next of Kin, to hear the story behind her unexpected journey into motherhood. Emma opens up about moving to Dubai during the COVID pandemic, discovering she was pregnant, and the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating pregnancy while unmarried in the UAE.She shares her experience with intense pregnancy symptoms, preparing for labor, and a three-day birth that ended with the arrival of her daughter, Bonnie. From epidurals that didn’t fully work to the overwhelming emotions of meeting her baby, Emma’s story is filled with honesty, strength, and heart. She also reflects on breastfeeding and the early joys and challenges of motherhood in a new country.This is an open and powerful episode about resilience, support, and redefining what becoming a mother looks like.
In this powerful episode, Amina opens up about the emotional realities of early motherhood—navigating postpartum depression, the pressure to breastfeed, and struggling to feel a connection with her newborn. She shares how returning to work while managing her health and caring for her baby tested her limits, and why mental health support should never be an afterthought.Amina’s story is raw, honest, and a much-needed reminder that motherhood doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. From cultural expectations to personal struggles, she reminds us that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.Note: This episode includes a discussion about suicidal thoughts. If you’d prefer to skip this part, it begins at 18 minutes and ends at 20 minutes.For support in the UAE, contact Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital’s 24/7 helpline at 800-4673 or The Lighthouse Arabia at +971 4 380 2088.
In this moving episode of Mama Becoming, Laura speaks with Amina, an Emirati woman whose journey through marriage, motherhood, and a shocking health diagnosis is nothing short of extraordinary. Amina opens up about navigating cultural expectations, her smooth pregnancy, and the emotional whirlwind that followed the birth of her baby — an ovarian cancer diagnosis.With incredible strength and vulnerability, Amina shares how she processed the news, leaned on her family, and began her path toward healing. Her story is a reminder of the resilience mothers carry and the importance of support systems during life’s most difficult transitions.
In this episode of Mama Becoming, Laura speaks with Jessica White about the raw and real side of postpartum life. From sleepless nights and feeding challenges to emotional recovery and identity shifts, Jessica opens up about the realities many new mothers face—but rarely speak about.She shares how support from her partner and friends, navigating breastfeeding, and finding her rhythm with a newborn helped her move through the fog of early motherhood. Together, Laura and Jessica explore how every baby is different, why communication and connection are essential, and how postpartum isn't just a phase—it's a journey.Whether you're in the thick of it or preparing for what's ahead, this episode offers reassurance, honesty, and insight for new and expecting mums.
In this episode, Jess opens up about her emotional journey to motherhood, beginning with her struggles with endometriosis and fertility. After making intentional lifestyle changes, Jess conceived through IUI and shares how she navigated her pregnancy.She reflects on the importance of a supportive birth team—including her doula—and walks us through her intense but empowering birth experience. With honesty and warmth, Jess talks about the moment she met her baby, how she adapted her birth plan, and how she's already thinking about the future.This is a powerful story of preparation, flexibility, and strength—especially for anyone facing fertility challenges or preparing for birth.
In this episode, Melissa returns to share her honest and heartfelt postpartum journey after the birth of her son, Jude. From the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood to breastfeeding challenges and returning to work, Melissa speaks candidly about the identity shifts, the lack of postpartum support, and the difficult task of finding reliable childcare in Dubai.She opens up about how important emotional and practical support were in those early months—and why better workplace policies and longer maternity leave are so essential for new mums.This is a raw, real conversation that so many mothers will relate to.
In this episode, I speak with Melissa about her thoughtful and emotional journey to motherhood. Melissa shares how she planned her pregnancy while balancing her career, faced a health scare with resilience, and leaned on education and support to prepare for the birth of her son, Jude.From detailed birth plans to the intensity of labor and the joy of holding her baby for the first time, Melissa reflects on the power of preparation, support, and staying open to the unexpected. Her story is both grounding and inspiring — a beautiful reminder that every birth journey is deeply personal and worth sharing.
In this heartfelt follow-up episode, Yvonne opens up about her postpartum journey with her three children. From navigating breastfeeding challenges to embracing cocooning and natural healing, Yvonne shares what helped her recover both physically and emotionally. She talks about the importance of trusting your body, seeking the right support, and honouring the postpartum period as sacred.Yvonne also reflects on parenting three children, including her experience with elimination communication and minimalist parenting — offering practical wisdom and deep insight for any new or expecting parent.Tune in to hear how Yvonne embraced her own path through postpartum with intention and grace.
In this episode, I speak with Yvonne about her emotional and empowering journey into motherhood. From the early days of pregnancy to preparing for what she hoped would be an ecstatic birth, Yvonne opens up about choosing the right obstetrician, connecting deeply with her body, and creating a supportive environment for birthing her babies.She shares what it was like to navigate emotional challenges during pregnancy, the intensity of birth, and how her partner’s support made all the difference. This conversation is a beautiful reflection on the power of preparation, intuition, and empowerment in birth.Whether you're planning for birth or reflecting on your own experience, Yvonne's story will inspire, educate, and remind you that every birth is a journey worth honoring.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, I speak with Kate about her postpartum experience following the birth of her daughter, Sophia.Kate opens up about the emotional highs and lows of new motherhood, her unexpected breastfeeding challenges, and how critical support and mental well-being were during her recovery.From hospital discharge to settling in at home, this conversation explores what so many new parents go through but don’t always talk about — the vulnerability, the doubt, and the beauty of getting through it, one day at a time.If you're navigating early motherhood, planning for postpartum, or looking for real, unfiltered stories — this one’s for you.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, I sit down with Kate, an expat who moved to Dubai in 2014 in search of a new adventure — and soon after, began her journey into motherhood.Kate shares her story of navigating pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood abroad. From preparing with hypnobirthing and visualisation to facing the unexpected during labor, her story is one of strength, calm, and adaptation.We talk about morning sickness, the desire for a natural birth, and the crucial role of partner support. Kate also reflects honestly on the emotional shift that comes with becoming a mother — a beautiful and transformative journey.
In this episode, Louise reflects on the emotional and physical challenges of the postpartum period.Louise opens up about her experience with two very different postpartum journeys — including breastfeeding difficulties, navigating tongue ties and jaundice, NICU stays, and the unexpected impact of postpartum depression. She also shares the added pressure of returning to work while still expressing milk and managing her recovery.This conversation is a powerful reminder of how varied postpartum experiences can be, and the importance of support, self-awareness, and seeking help when things feel heavy.
In this episode, Louise shares her powerful journey to motherhood — from navigating IVF to managing a high-pressure job during pregnancy and an unexpected NICU stay after birth.Louise speaks candidly about how her work stress deeply affected her mental wellbeing during pregnancy — something she now recognises may have been prenatal depression. She also talks about the challenge of finding an OB who made her feel seen and respected, and how that search shaped her experience of maternity care in Dubai.Her story is honest and relatable, reminding us that the emotional load of pregnancy often begins long before labour — and support is essential every step of the way.
In Part 2 of her story, Dana opens up about the emotional and physical realities of postpartum life.From navigating the unexpected challenges of breastfeeding and mastitis to making the empowered decision to transition to formula, Dana shares her experience with honesty, vulnerability, and strength. She reflects on how her body and identity shifted in the months after birth, and why proper support, education, and self-compassion are so important for new mums.This is a powerful reminder that no two postpartum journeys are the same — and that every one deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, I sit down with Dana to hear her experience from conception through labor and birth.Dana shares how family expectations played a role in her decision to have a baby, the emotional highs and lows of her pregnancy, and how childbirth classes helped her feel more prepared. She opens up about the physical toll of her first trimester, finding energy in the second, and navigating placental calcification, which led to an earlier-than-expected delivery.Her labor story includes powerful support from her mum and husband, a decision to have an epidural, and nearly two hours of pushing — a raw and relatable reminder that every birth unfolds in its own way.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, I speak with Makenzie — also a doula based in Dubai — about the emotional and physical realities of life after birth.Makenzie had a powerful birth experience, but the early postpartum days brought new challenges — from unexpected breastfeeding difficulties to figuring out sleep, healing a small labial tear, and learning to trust her instincts.She speaks openly about needing company more than help, why she values second opinions, and how important it is to let go of the pressure to have a perfect postpartum.This episode is a gentle, honest reminder that support, self-awareness, and small wins matter deeply in those early weeks.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, I sit down with Makenzie — a fellow doula based in Dubai — to talk about her powerful and personal journey into motherhood.After being told she might struggle to conceive, Makenzie experienced an ectopic pregnancy, followed by a threatened miscarriage early in her next pregnancy. Despite these early challenges, she went on to have an unmedicated water birth — shaped by deep trust in her body, her doctor, and her doula.She shares openly about the emotional and physical journey through:Health challenges during conception and pregnancyUsing education to transform fear into confidenceHiring a doula and the power of continuous supportA calm, physiological birth supported by the fetal ejection reflexReflections on hospital care — what felt supportive, and what didn’tMakenzie’s story is a reminder that preparation, support, and self-trust can reshape birth into something strong and empowering.
In this special, extended episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, Rena shares a deeply emotional and layered story of motherhood — from conception and birth in Lebanon to postpartum recovery and relocation to Dubai.After a long and hopeful journey trying to conceive, Rena found out she was pregnant just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. At 8 months pregnant, she lived through the Beirut explosion — an event that changed the course of her family’s life.Her labour was supported by a kind and encouraging midwife, but postpartum brought a wave of emotional and physical challenges. With her husband relocating to Dubai just two months after their daughter’s birth, Rena packed up her home, moved in with her parents, and later made the move to the UAE alone.In this honest and moving conversation, Rena speaks about:Facing pregnancy and birth during global and local crisesThe power of supportive midwives and familyNavigating postpartum struggles and reaching out for helpFinding her strength again as a mother, expat, and womanA story of love, resilience, and the power of speaking honestly — especially when it’s hard.
In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, Virna opens up about her postpartum experience — sharing the raw, real, and often overlooked parts of new motherhood.From navigating breastfeeding challenges to receiving support from a confinement lady, she reflects on how cultural traditions, professional help, and emotional support shaped her early weeks after birth.This episode explores:The emotional and physical realities of postpartum recoveryThe value of cultural postpartum care practicesWhy support — both professional and personal — is vitalThe unique challenges expat mums may face in the UAEPractical insights on breastfeeding, recovery, and self-careA gentle reminder that every journey is different — and every story matters.
In this episode, Virna shares her journey through conception, pregnancy, and birth — while navigating the rare condition of having a double uterus (uterus didelphys).She talks about using Chinese medicine to support her fertility, the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, and how her birth story led to an unexpected C-section.Virna also reflects on the importance of family support and how staying open to the unexpected helped her through.Plus, enjoy an exclusive 20% discount code for Yinli Wellness, shared in this episode.
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