Bun in the Oven | The Podcast by Hollie Grant

In this week’s episode we’ll be talking about the experience of being pregnant and a parent, within a lesbian relationship. My guests are the wonderful Kate Everall and Charlotte Ulett.

In this episode Kate and Charlotte highlight the challenges faced when trying to become pregnant in a lesbian relationship, including the financial demands that come through IUI and IVF costs, the support they received from friends and colleagues, and the language used around partners of those who chose to carry the baby.

There are some really small considerations that can be made by anyone working in the birthing world when working with same sex couples, that can help both parents feel included, and I loved hearing them. It was such a joy to hear both Kate and Charlottes experiences and I hope that one day same sex couples who wish to grow their family get the support they need much quicker. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Guest Bios:

Kate Everall

Kate is one half of an award-winning LGBTQ Family, Travel & Lifestyle Blog called Lesbemums. Based near Brighton, East Sussex she writes about life as a Two-Mum family and everything in between. From raising a son in a Two-Mum household to their travels and days out. Over the past 8 years she's also written about LGBTQ History and current affairs as well as shared her favourite LGBTQ-inclusive books for children.

► Follow Lesbemums on Instagram HERE

► Lesbemums Website: click HERE

Charlotte Ulett 

I first met Charlotte as a Bump Plan Member and I really enjoyed hearing her journey to pregnancy and I wanted to know more about the challenges faced when trying to become pregnant in a lesbian relationship. Charlotte and her partner Katie have been together for 5 years and they started trying to conceive in November 2020.

► Follow Charlotte on Instagram HERE 

A Word From Our Sponsors

Penny and Lola

This episode of ‘Bun in the Oven’ is sponsored by Penny and Lola.
 
 A family-run children’s company, born in lockdown, exclusively bring you: The Happy Song Toys. If you’re a parent, or a Youtube fan, I can almost guarantee you have heard the incredibly catchy song by Imogen Heap – ‘The Happy Song’. If you’re not sure what I mean you can watch the video HERE.

The founders of Penny and Lola’s new baby was soothed, like so many babies, by the video of ‘The Happy Song’, and an idea was sparked to recreate the lovable characters - Cat, Badger and Rabbit in cuddly toy form, which my daughter Freya absolutely adores! So much so that when we gave them to her, her first words literally were “I just love them so much Mummy”.

The song was designed to make children happy, so these cuddly toys are intended to do exactly the same. Cute, and quirky, each toy is soft and fluffy and has squidgy beanie arms and legs perfect for little hands to hold onto. Each toy is baby safe and CE and UKCA certified.

With the purpose of sharing happiness the founders of Penny and Lola felt it was important to support a cause that is really deserving, and chose the NSPCC - so you know with each purchase, the happiness will spread a little further.

► As a listener, you can use this exclusive offer of 25% off all Penny and Lola toys by using the code BUNINTHEOVEN(all caps, all one word). 

► Head to the website www.pennyandlola.co.uk
► Follow them on Instagram @penny_andlola

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code 'bun' at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code 'bun' at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

In this week’s episode I’ll be talking to founder and CEO of Welltodo Lauren Armes about the realities of being pregnant when you are self-employed or a business owner, including navigating mat leave, and working out how on earth to replace yourself in your own business. I will also be talking about my experiences being a mother and a business owner.

Lauren and I discuss the concerns, considerations and logistics of having children when you already have another baby – your own business. At the time of recording this episode Lauren is pregnant with her first child, so is in full on preparation mode, and I’m over 2 years deep in the juggle having a toddler myself. I hope this episode helps those of you in a similar position get your head around the juggle, and understand what to expect, when your expecting (see what I did there)

Guest Bios

Lauren Armes

Lauren Armes is the Founder and CEO of Welltodo, a global industry platform for the wellness industry. She is the leading Business Coach for experts and coaches in the wellness sector and hosts both the Business of Wellness podcast and EXPERTS.As well as coaching some of the industry's most respected entrepreneurs and influencers, Lauren has been featured as an industry expert on the BBC series The Apprentice, as well as by The Times, Evening Standard, Glamour, Red and more.

► Follow Lauren Armes on Instagram HERE 
► Follow Lauren Armes on Facebook HERE 
► Follow Lauren Armes on Twitter HERE 
► Follow Lauren Armes on LinkedIn HERE 

Hollie Grant

Also, here’s a little bit of information about me, given that I’ll be sharing my experiences on this episode too. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for the last 11 years, am an experienced Pilates instructor, Advanced pre and postnatal specialist, and personal trainer, the owner of the Pilates PT studio in London, and founder of The Bump Plan. I am obsessed with helping women exercise for the right reasons, especially during their pregnancies and am an absolute hater of all things diet culture. I’ve worked across the globe teaching thousands of women and featured as an expert for the BBC World News, The Sunday Times, Evening Standard, Vogue and more. Oh and I also host a podcast in case you don’t know.

► Follow Hollie Grant on Instagram HERE 
► Check out the Pilates PT Website HERE 
► Follow The Bump Plan HERE 
► Join The Bump Plan HERE 

A Word From Our Sponsors

Penny & Lola

This episode of ‘Bun in the Oven’ is sponsored by Penny and Lola.
 
A family-run children’s company, born in lockdown, exclusively bring you: The Happy Song Toys. If you’re a parent, or a Youtube fan, I can almost guarantee you have heard the incredibly catchy song by Imogen Heap – ‘The Happy Song’. If you’re not sure what I mean you can watch the video HERE.

The founders of Penny and Lola’s new baby was soothed, like so many babies, by the video of ‘The Happy Song’, and an idea was sparked to recreate the lovable characters - Cat, Badger and Rabbit in cuddly toy form, which my daughter Freya absolutely adores! So much so that when we gave them to her, her first words literally were “I just love them so much Mummy”.

The song was designed to make children happy, so these cuddly toys are intended to do exactly the same. Cute, and quirky, each toy is soft and fluffy and has squidgy beanie arms and legs perfect for little hands to hold onto. Each toy is baby safe and CE and UKCA certified.

With the purpose of sharing happiness the founders of Penny and Lola felt it was important to support a cause that is really deserving, and chose the NSPCC - so you know with each purchase, the happiness will spread a little further.

► As a listener, you can use this exclusive offer of 25% off all Penny and Lola toys by using the code BUNINTHEOVEN (all caps, all one word). 

► Head to the website www.pennyandlola.co.uk
► Follow them on Instagram @penny_andlola

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code 'bun' at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code 'bun' at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

In this episode I’m talking to fitness expert and twin mum Brit Williams, and Birth and postpartum doula Lala Langtry White about the experience of being pregnant with twins or multiples. 

Lala and Brit share the emotional challenges that can come with the initial realisation you are pregnant with multiples, the numerous (often well-meaning) comments from strangers around multiple pregnancies, and the high-risk diagnosis and care you then receive. I love the honesty both women have around the shock and awe of multiple pregnancies, that then turns into the absolute joy of having them earthside. 

Guest Bios:

Brit Williams is a personal trainer, women's fitness expert, published fitness author, business owner and mum to 3 young kids including twins. Brit has 13 years' combined experience in the wellness industry, but becoming a mum in 2018 cemented her appreciation for the role movement plays in empowering modern women to embody their strongest selves. She went on to publish her first book in 2019, signing her book deal for Mind, Body, Bump; The Complete Plan for an Active Pregnancy just days before the birth of her first daughter and is a strong advocate for exercise during pregnancy! 

Our 2nd guest is Lala Langtry White,a Birth and postpartum doula, antenatal and hypnobirthing coach and breastfeeding and babywearing counsellor, alongside being a mother to 4 children including a set of complex monozygotic (identical twins).  Following her own experience of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome, Lala's desire to ensure others never feel as isolated and emotionally unsupported as she did during this challenging time led her organically to Small and Mighty Babies; a voluntary support community and not for profit organisation she co-facilitates for families navigating high risk pregnancy and babies born preterm or poorly.

Useful links:

The Twins Trust for UK-based twin pregnancy / parenting support - click HERE 

Read Brits Blog series on the three trimesters of a twin pregnancy:

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

In this week’s episode I’m talking to Professor of Gynaecology Andrew Horne, and one of my favourite people Louise Abdalla all about Endometriosis, its symptoms, and its effect on fertility. Please note that we do also discuss miscarriage in this episode.

In this episode we talk about the symptoms and signs of Endometriosis and the effects it can have on a woman’s everyday life, and their desire to have children. Andrew shares the clinical elements of the condition so perfectly and shares his advice for those suffering whilst Louise gives us an insight into living with the condition. Louise’s honesty, and Andrew’s knowledge, will help so many women push for a diagnosis I’m sure (as it currently takes on average 7 years to be diagnosed).

Guest Bios

Andrew Horne

Andrew Horne is Professor of Gynaecology and founder and co-director of the EXPPECT Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis at the University of Edinburgh. He is a world-leading researcher in women’s health problems, with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain, and has published over 150 scientific papers. He is Trustee to Endometriosis UK and has co-authored a book on endometriosis for patients called “The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage and Live Well with Your Symptoms”. I still can’t believe he found the time to talk to us – he is an incredible incredible man! 

Louise Abdalla

Louise Abdalla is one of the funniest, loveliest and honest women I know. Married to king of positivity – Mr PMA, Faisal Abdalla, she is a huge support behind the scenes (although is too modest to admit how much she does to grow his brand). With a background in PR, they make a great team alongside their long-awaited son Raffi.

Useful Links:

A Word From Our Sponsors

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE
Sprout

This episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by Sprout!

Sprout is the first ever discount club for pregnancy and parenthood. Born out of the reality of just how expensive having a baby can be, Sprout is here to help you save at what we know to be a truly expensive time.

Founded by Sophie, Mum to 2 - Sophie found the adjustment to statutory maternity pay a challenge and when reflecting on her time as a student when she had lots of lovely discounts, she found it crazy that as a new parent, there wasn't anything out there for those with little ones.

And so Sprout was born...since launching in 2020, Sprout has now saved its members over £28k and now partners with over 90 brands including JoJo Maman Bebe, My 1st Years, Mama Mio Skincare, Natal Active, Bloom & Wild, Latched, Bugaboo and so many more to offer members repeat discounts to help them save.

Whether you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant, you are adopting, have little sprouts or older ones, membership is open to all parents and parents to be. Either join for a year or life and you can now buy a membership for a friend to help them save too!

A lifetime membership to Sprout comes with a free gift box and, as a listener of this podcast, by using the code bunintheoven you can save 50% on a lifetime membership and sign up today for only £10. Yes, that is access for life for only £10 by using the code bunintheoven.

To join the club, simply head HERE , choose the lifetime membership and enter the code bunintheoven, all lowercase, all one word and You will be given instant access to the discounts so you can start saving straight away!​

Follow Sprout on Instagram HERE

In this week’s episode I’m talking to fat-positive fertility coach Nicola Salmon and founder of the non-profit website Big Birthas Amber Marshall about what it’s like to experience pregnancy in a bigger body. 

In this episode we’ll be discussing the experiences of those in bigger bodies, from trying to conceive, through their pregnancy journey, and to their labour options and beyond. Amber and Nicola have spent years researching, and sharing their findings, surrounding fertility and pregnancy for those with a higher BMI, and this was a fascinating episode.

Pregnancies associated with a higher BMI are often classified as high-risk, and with this label can come a lot of anxiety and shame. Weight stigma has been shown to have negative impacts on the health of an individual in a bigger body, so there’s no wonder it can affect how someone experiences pregnancy – a time that should be positive and exciting.

Nicola and Amber try to break down some of the information, and advice, given to pregnant women in bigger bodies, and help show that you can have a positive pregnancy experience, no matter your size. 

I hope you enjoy what they have to say and can use what you learn to support others or yourself. 

Guest Bios

Nicola Salmon

Nicola Salmon, a fat-positive fertility coach and author of “Fat and Fertile”, helps fat folks navigate getting pregnant in a weight-obsessed world and advocates for change in how fat people are treated whilst accessing help with their fertility. Nicola uses her unique fat positive framework to support people in finding their own version of health without diets, advocate for their bodies, relearn how to trust their body and believe in their ability to get pregnant. 

Amber Marshall

Amber Marshall created bigbirthas.co.uk to provide information and support for people experiencing pregnancy with a BMI 30+. Having had two healthy, unremarkable pregnancies and births with a BMI 40+, she is a firm believer that having a high BMI is not necessarily a barrier to a great pregnancy, or a healthy one! 

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code 'bun' at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code 'bun' at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

Sprout

This episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by Sprout!

Sprout is the first ever discount club for pregnancy and parenthood. Born out of the reality of just how expensive having a baby can be, Sprout is here to help you save at what we know to be a truly expensive time.

Founded by Sophie, Mum to 2 - Sophie found the adjustment to statutory maternity pay a challenge and when reflecting on her time as a student when she had lots of lovely discounts, she found it crazy that as a new parent, there wasn't anything out there for those with little ones.

And so Sprout was born...since launching in 2020, Sprout has now saved its members over £28k and now partners with over 90 brands including JoJo Maman Bebe, My 1st Years, Mama Mio Skincare, Natal Active, Bloom & Wild, Latched, Bugaboo and so many more to offer members repeat discounts to help them save.

Whether you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant, you are adopting, have little sprouts or older ones, membership is open to all parents and parents to be. Either join for a year or life and you can now buy a membership for a friend to help them save too!

A lifetime membership to Sprout comes with a free gift box and, as a listener of this podcast, by using the code bunintheoven you can save 50% on a lifetime membership and sign up today for only £10. Yes, that is access for life for only £10 by using the code bunintheoven.

To join the club, simply head HERE , choose the lifetime membership and enter the code bunintheoven, all lowercase, all one word and You will be given instant access to the discounts so you can start saving straight away!​

Follow Sprout on Instagram HERE

In this first-ever episode of Bun in the Oven I’m talking to Senior Consultant in Reproductive Medicine Dr Meenakshi Choudhary and the wonderfully honest Sophie Johnston about egg donation, and the logistics both practically and emotionally.

I’ll be honest I couldn’t believe my luck when Meenakshi agreed to take part in the podcast as she is an incredible incredible, important, woman.

In this episode we’ll be talking all about egg donation and how it works, how eggs are in short supply in the UK, and the logistics of using a donor egg. Donating your eggs, to help others become pregnant, is one of the most selfless things a woman can do and it blows my mind at the science that goes on behind the scenes here. You may need some tissues for this episode.

Guest Bios

Dr Meenakshi Choudhary

Dr Choudhary is a leading Clinician in Reproductive Medicine at the internationally renowned Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life and oversees the world first mitochondrial donor program. She is passionate about empowering women who volunteer to be donors and give a ‘gift of life’ to several women who suffer from infertility or deadly inheritable diseases. She is a Trustee on the board of national UK Charity, Sperm, Egg, Embryo Donation (SEED) Trust. To read her full bio head to our show notes as she is an incredibly inspiring woman.

https://fertilityinternational.org

Follow Dr Choudhary on Twitter HERE 

Sophie Johnston 

Sophie Johnston first reached out to me when I announced I was recording this podcast, and offered to share her incredible story of infertility, followed by egg donation. I will admit I cried many times during this episode and I can’t thank her enough for sharing her journey. Sophie works as a dietitian for the NHS with people with neurological conditions and those who have suffered major traumas, and I can confirm since recording this podcast she has given birth to a beautiful baby girl Flo and says that all her dreams have come true.

Useful links:

A Word From Our Sponsors

The Bump Plan

This episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.

Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.

Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.

Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.

► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. 

Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy

► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE


Sprout

This episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by Sprout!

Sprout is the first-ever discount club for pregnancy and parenthood. Born out of the reality of just how expensive having a baby can be, Sprout is here to help you save at what we know to be a truly expensive time.

Founded by Sophie, Mum to 2 - Sophie found the adjustment to statutory maternity pay a challenge and when reflecting on her time as a student when she had lots of lovely discounts, she found it crazy that as a new parent, there wasn't anything out there for those with little ones.

And so Sprout was born...since launching in 2020, Sprout has now saved its members over £28k and now partners with over 90 brands including JoJo Maman Bebe, My 1st Years, Mama Mio Skincare, Natal Active, Bloom & Wild, Latched, Bugaboo and so many more to offer members repeat discounts to help them save.

Whether you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant, you are adopting, have little sprouts or older ones, membership is open to all parents and parents to be. Either join for a year or life and you can now buy a membership for a friend to help them save too!

A lifetime membership to Sprout comes with a free gift box and, as a listener of this podcast, by using the code bunintheoven you can save 50% on a lifetime membership and sign up today for only £10. Yes, that is access for life for only £10 by using the code bunintheoven.

To join the club, simply head HERE , choose the lifetime membership and enter the code bunintheoven, all lowercase, all one word and You will be given instant access to the discounts so you can start saving straight away!​

Follow Sprout on Instagram HERE