KOTOT - Keeping on Top of Things Motherhood

In this deeply moving episode, I welcome Hazvi to the KOTOT sofa, a courageous mother who shares her powerful story of healing from trauma during pregnancy and childbirth. She opens up about the devastating loss of her baby, the emotional toll it took on her and her family, and the journey of finding hope again.

Hazvi also speaks on the importance of listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and advocating for yourself when you know something isn’t right—especially when navigating the medical system. She sheds light on the strength it takes to seek help, the impact of grief on loved ones, and the resilience of a mother’s heart.

Whether you’ve experienced loss, know someone who has, or want to be empowered in your own motherhood journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice, your pain, and your healing all matter.

ITV Documentary:

https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-02/its-like-the-end-of-the-world-surge-in-new-mums-getting-mental-health-care

Pregnancy and Post Partum Support:

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/support/

https://apni.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/useful-contacts/

https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

It's been a month of KOTOT. In this episode, we take a heartfelt look back at the KOTOT podcast journey so far—celebrating the stories, insights, and connections that have shaped our supportive motherhood community. Reflecting is a key for growth so I take a moment to discuss the importance of continuing to uplift and empower one another on this incredible path of motherhood. Plus, I have some special news to share with you all that can’t wait for you to hear! 💛

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the wonderful Kristina who shares her remarkable journey as a single mother. She opens up about the challenges she faces, from healing from depression to finding the courage to always go on for herself and her children.

Through candid and uplifting anecdotes, she recounts how she transformed her struggles into a source of strength, embracing the small joys of everyday life and discovering the beauty in creating lasting memories with her children. 

This episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the boundless love that fuels motherhood, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a single parent, know someone who is, or simply want to be inspired by a story of overcoming life's hurdles, this conversation is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of finding joy in small, meaningful moments
• How to prioritize mental health and self-healing as a parent
• Tips for building a fulfilling life despite limited resources or support
• Why resilience and love can help redefine challenges as opportunities for growth

Follow Kristina on TikTok

@kristinatrainauskaite 

Support Organisations 

MIND

NHS

In this week’s episode, I am joined by the lovely Tariro. She is a fellow mum to a wonderful 2 year old boy and she kindly shares her journey of discovering the importance of building a village during motherhood. She opens up about the struggles she faced as a new mum, from feeling isolated to the overwhelming pressure to do it all alone.

Tariro discusses how she learned to let go of the myth of the "supermum" and embraced the power of asking for help. She shares personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of trusting others with her child, and how that became the foundation for deep, supportive relationships.

Throughout the episode, we explore her practical tips for finding her own village, the emotional growth that comes with leaning on others, and the transformative realisation that parenting isn’t meant to be a solo journey.  

This episode is a comforting reminder that it’s okay to ask for help, and that building a community can make all the difference in navigating the highs and lows of motherhood.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erica, a great mum of two boys, who shares her journey of navigating motherhood with unapologetic authenticity. Together, we explore how embracing your true self can create a foundation for raising grounded, secure, and confident children.

Erica opens up about the highs and lows of her motherhood journey, from letting go of the pressure to be “perfect” to finding joy in the beautifully imperfect moments. Her stories about raising two amazing boys are as inspiring as they are relatable, reminding us that authenticity is a gift we give not only to ourselves but to our kids.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The power of authenticity in parenting: How showing your true self teaches kids to embrace their own identities and navigate their environment and emotions.
• Erica’s personal journey: Her challenges, lessons, and triumphs as a mum who’s learning to balance being her own person with being present for her children.
• Letting go of societal expectations: Why it’s okay to not have it all figured out—and how that mindset helps your kids thrive.
• Practical tips for grounded parenting: Erica’s strategies for fostering emotional security and resilience in her boys while staying connected to her own values.

This conversation is filled with laughter, warmth, honesty, and actionable insights to inspire you to parent with confidence and purpose. Erica’s wisdom and humor will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to embrace the beauty of being your authentic self. Because when you’re true to yourself, you create a space where your children feel safe to do the same.

The KOTOT journey begins: "Exploring motherhood together"

Welcome to the first episode of Keeping on Top of Things.

In this inaugural episode, you are introduced to KOTOT, the podcast dedicated to the beautiful, challenging, and transformative journey of motherhood. Whether you're a first-time mom, a seasoned parent, or someone exploring the idea of motherhood, this podcast is here to offer true support, insights, and community.

This episode sets the stage for future discussions on topics like pregnancy, day to day motherhood, parenting styles, self-care, and the societal expectations placed on mothers.

Join us as we embark on this journey together, celebrating the wins, learning from the challenges, and reminding every mom out there: you are not alone.

Be sure to follow KOTOT, subscribe and share your thoughts on what you’d like to hear, and connect with us on social media. Let’s create a community where every mom feels seen and supported.