What happens when birth leaves a mark that doesn't just disappear? 

In this episode we hear from two midwives who understand the lasting impact of birth trauma and what it means for the families who are left without clear answers.

If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected]

Links from our midwives:

Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences

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This week, we’re so excited to welcome Lauren Cowell for her first ever podcast interview!

After years of keeping a low profile while navigating public scrutiny, Lauren opens up to Gi about life after divorce, co-parenting, and how she handled the intense media attention surrounding her pregnancy with partner Simon Cowell.

Lauren also shares more about her involvement in the ‘Raise the Age’ campaign — and since recording this episode, Keir Starmer has announced plans for under-16s to be banned from social media by spring 2027 👏👏👏

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Life of a Midwife, Giovanna shares the extraordinary journey of one midwife who turned her own hardships into a lifelong calling.

From an orphaned child to an abandoned mother of triplets, to becoming the midwife she once desperately needed herself.

If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email at [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Giovanna welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Laura Marling to the studio!

Laura tells Gi about her early fears that becoming a mother might stifle her creativity, and shares her experiences of having two home births.

She also discusses her mission to create children's music that parents can genuinely enjoy, and introduces her new venture, 'Laura Sings Raffi,' a 17-track cover album of beloved children's songs. Each song is brought to life with videos illustrated by Laura and animated by Rob Shuttleworth. Out now at Laurasings.co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If my gut is telling me something is wrong, something is wrong."

This week we hear from two midwives who know the power of following their instincts.

If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email [email protected]

Midwife Pip: The Home of Trusted Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Support For Parents

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gi reunites with her old friend Susannah Fielding! You’ll know Susannah from This Time with Alan Partridge, Man vs Baby, and Wolf Hall — but her most important role is being mum to her two-year-old son Alfie.

Susannah opens up to Gi about growing up with a single mother and an intermittently absent father, how those experiences shaped her relationships, and why she’s so focused on breaking cycles and not passing trauma on to her own child.

She also shares the story of her planned home birth that turned into an emergency C-section, the challenges she faced with breastfeeding, and what it’s been like returning to the theatre as a mum.

You can catch Susannah starring opposite Adrian Lester in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noël Coward Theatre from 13th June.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜

This week on Life of a Midwife we hear more of Anna’s extraordinary story, beginning with one of the first births she attended in South Sudan before she had even qualified as a midwife.

Anna also speaks candidly about her own experiences of having children.

If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected]

Links from our midwives:

Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières

BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer

Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Giovanna sits down with singer, presenter and all-round ray of sunshine Mollie King !

Mollie chats to Gi about life with her two young daughters, the realities of motherhood (no sleep), and her exciting new venture into podcasting.

She also opens up about navigating her father’s terminal illness while preparing to welcome her first baby.

Don’t forget to check out Novel Idea — Mollie’s brilliant new podcast with Matt Edmondson!

If you’re loving the conversations on the podcast, make sure you subscribe to our brand new Substack!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: this episode contains descriptions related to childbirth that may be distressing or upsetting to some listeners.

Purpose isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it takes you somewhere extraordinary.

This week we delve into the inspiring stories of two midwives whose paths were shaped by a pull they simply couldn't ignore.

If you’re interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email [email protected]

Links from our midwives:

Donate to Médecins Sans Frontières

BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer

Frontline Midwife by Anna Kent

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some difficult conversations, including discussions around suicidal thoughts. We know this can be a lot to take in, so please do take care of yourself while listening and know that it's completely okay to step away and come back when you're ready 💛

May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a reminder that keeping the difficult conversations going matters more than ever.

Our guest this week you'll know from iconic films and tv shows such as Fresh Meat, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. But after the birth of her son, Kimberley Nixon found herself in some of the darkest days of her life.

Kimberley opens up to Giovanna about experiencing dark and intrusive thoughts, being diagnosed with postpartum OCD, and why she felt it was so important to share her story.

Kimberley's brilliant new book She Seems Fine To Me is out now.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.