Pregnancy and childbirth are socio-cultural events that carry varying meanings across different societies and cultures. These are often translated into social expectations of what a particular society expects women to do (or not) during pregnancy, birth and/or the postnatal period. 

Scientifically, human newborn babies are so underdeveloped that paediatricians such as Harvey Karp refer to the first three months as the "fourth trimester". The weeks of rest while the mother heals also protect the infant as it adjusts to the world, and both learn the skills of breastfeeding.

However, every society has cultural practices, beliefs, superstitions or taboos concerning pregnancy and childbirth. These can translate into restrictions governed by the family, for instance, the probation period where mom and newborn baby are confined in the house for a specific time frame per the family's traditions.

In this episode, I chat to Tafadzwa Sithole, also known as Gogo Taz, about the African Probation Period, its significance and why it is crucial for both mom and baby.

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I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

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Being a mom to a growing child is a priceless experience. Your child has his or her own way of interacting with the world and develops cognitively and socially at a rapid pace, meaning that each week brings new surprises.

If you pay attention, there are the ‘firsts’ which you will want to witness and treasure, even if these firsts soon become second nature to the child. Few mothers will ever forget the joys of putting that first spoon of squishy porridge into their little one's mouth and the expression of amazement on their face when they realised they had graduated from the bottle and were now onto the big time.

Which of your child’s firsts is the most memorable for you? and which of the lasts are you most looking forward to?

In today's episode, I am joined by two of my good friends to have this conversation with me on the memorable firsts:

Sthembile Dlalisa is an Executive Coach with a focus on Leadership and Personal Development and the founder of the Catch Up Spot and Mommy of Two.

Mmapaseka Mohlala is an accomplished lady with expertise in procurement, operations and business strategy, financial management, strategic initiatives, customer relations and leadership techniques, and the owner of La Creme Apartments and Mommy of Two.

Follow Sthembile Dlalisa:

https://www.instagram.com/the_catchupspot/
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Follow Mmapaseka Mohlala:

https://www.instagram.com/mmapaseka_m_/
https://www.facebook.com/mmapaseka.langamohlala

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

- Facebook: Motherhood The Podcast
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Have you ever heard of the term Imposter Syndrome? It is loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud.

I am conversing with Amanda Mudege-Fleischer in today's episode on the Imposter Momma Syndrome. Psychology Today calls it Momposter Syndrome.

Motherhood imposter syndrome occurs when mothers struggle with the sense that they will never be good enough no matter what they do. This idea can manifest in feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt, perfectionism, and inadequacy. 

Imposter Momma Syndrome or Momposter Syndrome can make moms feel like the world's weight is on their shoulders and nothing they do is ever enough.

If you have felt this way before, then today's episode is for you. Tune in as we unpack overcoming Imposter Momma Syndrome or Momposter Syndrome and learning to trust your "motherly instinct".

Follow Amanda:

https://www.instagram.com/i.am.whom.i.am/

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I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

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On this episode, I get to sit down with someone I have known since I was a baby, Matshepo Moloi aka Mama Tee - a mommy to a teenage boy who she affectionately calls Sonshine.

We are talking about African Old Wives Tales.  There are many, but we focus on them in the episode as they relate to pregnancy or motherhood. 

The name “old wives' tale" probably comes from the fact that older women would often pass down their advice to the younger generations in the form of sayings that were easy to remember.

Old wives' tales are a type of superstition. Often taking the form of short, clever sayings meant to pass along wise advice, most old wives' tales contain exaggerated or simply false claims.

You'll find a few old wives' tales with a bit of truth to them, but these tales are exceptions to the general rule and most likely are simple coincidences.

These tales make the whole experience of being a mother HOOD!

Have you heard any of them? Do you believe them to hold some truth, or are they just ridiculous stories intended to strike the fear of God in mothers-to-be?

Tune in as we try and figure out where they come from and what was the intention behind them.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

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The first episode of MotherHOOD The Podcast with Lelo is a brief introduction of the host, the history and definition of the word "Hood", the use of the word to describe situations, and finally, the characteristic of the hood (location) that can compare to motherhood.

Disclaimer: The episodes are pre-recorded because being a working mom, who also is a dreamer is DRAMATIC! That being said,  there is some information which ideally I would have loved to edit out but didn't get the chance to. 

In the end, I mention the ladies I will be speaking to in this season, some I do speak to and others I am hoping you will hear from in the coming seasons.  

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

- Facebook: Motherhood The Podcast
- Instagram: @motherhoodthepodcast
- Email: [email protected]

Follow me:

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You've probably heard some people say motherhood is the ghetto! Well, I am here to tell you that I have the evidence. Welcome to MotherHOOD The Podcast!

Join me, Nompumelelo Simango, a first-time mom, as I unpack the beauty and the ugly that comes with motherhood. 

Every week I will bring you real talk from research and the lived experiences of my guests. Some guests will be experts, and some will be mommas like you and me, learning on the job.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Follow on:

- Facebook: Motherhood The Podcast
- Instagram: @motherhoodthepodcast
- Email: [email protected]

Follow me:

- https://www.facebook.com/Mimpuma/
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