How do you explain a stoma to your children? What happens when you’re unwell but still have to be a parent? And how do you navigate pregnancy and parenting while living with a stoma?

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Beck joins us for an honest conversation about parenting with a stoma, navigating illness around your children, pregnancy, and finding ways to make conversations about stomas feel normal.

We talk about when and how to explain a stoma to children, answering their questions and curiosity, and helping them understand what it means through your own experience. We also chat about the reality of parenting when you’re unwell — managing flare-ups, low-energy days and the feeling that there are no real “off” days.

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Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd

Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel:
@ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

Follow Beck: 
@thebaglifeofbeck

Can you get back to exercise after stoma surgery? And can you really lift weights with a stoma? 

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Claire (@clairecorrigan.fitness) joins us for an honest conversation about fitness, weightlifting, body confidence and getting active again after surgery.

We talk about Claire’s journey from diagnosis and stoma surgery to returning to the gym, rebuilding confidence and learning to trust her body again. We bust the myth that having a stoma means you can’t lift weights, and Claire shares her tips for starting out, progressing safely and finding confidence in exercise.

We also explore what changed when Claire went through a reversal — from recovery and new physical challenges to what felt easier (and harder) compared with life with a stoma. Plus, we chat about the mental side of getting back into the gym, adapting workouts and feeling confident in your body again.

Follow us for more:
Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd

Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel:
@ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

Follow Claire:
@clairecorrigan.fitness

Can culture and community shape the way we experience life with a stoma? How do you navigate cultural expectations, faith, and conversations around illness? And what does Ramadan look like when you’re living with a stoma?

In this episode, Omma (@ostomateforlife) joins us for an honest conversation about culture,  faith and living with a stoma. 

We talk about observing Ramadan with a stoma, making personal decisions around fasting, navigating religious expectations alongside medical advice, and letting go of guilt when fasting isn’t possible. Plus, we explore the importance of representation and how to handle questions or curiosity about stomas and IBD in social and cultural settings.

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Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd
Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

Can you fly with a stoma? How do you prepare for travelling abroad? And what happens if things don’t go to plan?

In this episode, Sophie (@monastoma_and_me) joins us for an honest conversation about travelling, hiking, and navigating new experiences while living with a stoma. From packing supplies and getting through airport security to managing leaks, unfamiliar food, and limited facilities, she shares tips and advice from her own experiences.

We also get into the realities of outdoor adventures - from staying comfortable on long hikes to maintaining your routine when you’re away from home.

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Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd
Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

Ballooning? Pancaking? Hernias? Not sure what’s normal?

In this episode, Lucy, former stoma nurse and clinical advisor, answers your most common questions about stoma issues.

We cover causes, symptoms, and tips to manage everything from blockages to sore skin, plus her essential advice for anyone new to life with a stoma.

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing any ongoing issues with your stoma, please contact your Stoma Care Nurse for advice and support. 

Follow us for more:
Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd
Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

How do you rebuild confidence after stoma surgery? What does personal style look like now? And how do you feel comfortable in your body again?

In this episode, Amy (@ibdwarriorprincess) joins us for an honest conversation about fashion, body confidence, and self-love while living with a stoma. From getting dressed after surgery to showing up confidently at events, in the gym, or on holiday, she shares how she’s redefined confidence on her own terms.

We also get into the emotional side — navigating negative self-talk and the pressure of comparison culture.

Follow us for more:
Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltd
Follow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

There are many different things women navigate throughout their lives - from periods and contraception to pregnancy and beyond. When you add a stoma into the mix, it brings even more complexity and unique challenges.

This International Women’s Day, we’re putting a spotlight on women’s health with our special spin-off episode, Beyond the Pouch: International Women’s Day Special with the amazing Rachel, Poppy, Ayesha and Jo. 

In this final episode of our Men’s Health Takeover series, we’re talking about life after stoma surgery through the lens of food, drink, and getting back to exercise. 

Join Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris as they share honest experiences about rebuilding strength and confidence after surgery, and navigating a new relationship with food, hydration, and movement.

Intimacy and relationships after stoma surgery can feel challenging, but you’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris dive into the realities of dating, communicating with partners, and rebuilding confidence in your body and your relationships.

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, we’re tackling a topic that’s often overlooked: mental health for men living with a stoma. Surgery and recovery can be tough, but the mental and emotional journey is just as important — and sometimes even more challenging.

Join Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris as they open up about the struggles and the strength that comes from speaking out.

This episode is a reminder that your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone — help and support are available.

If you need to talk to someone, you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK & ROI), or visit samaritans.org for confidential support 24/7.

You can also reach out to Mind, the mental health charity, for information and support at mind.org.uk or by calling 0300 123 3393.