Welcome back to Mum Club 101, your virtual mum club and weekly mix of real-life parenting stories, big belly laughs, and honest chats about what’s going on in the motherhood space right now. From the everyday chaos to unpacking the headlines that have mums talking, we’re here to swap stories, share support, and maybe challenge a few old ideas along the way.

This week on Mum Club 101, we’ve got a big catch up for you:

• Vicky has officially started maternity leave! With baby girl due in just a few weeks, she shares how she’s preparing, plus the ups and downs of getting everything ready for newborn life again
• Potty training confessions. Vicky fills us in on real-life potty training progress (the wins and the fails) along with some hard-earned tips for parents navigating this messy milestone.
• Therapy updates. Katy talks about her journey in therapy and some positive progress that might resonate with anyone working on their own mental health.

Recommendations This Week

📺 Chief of War on Apple TV

📺 The Sopranos on NOW TV (because it’s never too late to start a classic)

📲 The Sleep Spot on Instagram: brilliant baby sleep advice

Instagram Life Hacks & Automations

We dive into the world of viral Instagram life hacks, from clever parenting shortcuts and household automations to the downright unhinged. Which ones are actually worth trying, and which ones go way too far?

Nonsense Time

Katy’s back with another chaotic tale… this time about losing her keys for the fourth time (yes, fourth). Spoiler: it’s her most dramatic key-losing saga yet.

Join the Mum Club community:If you’re a parent looking for honest chat, giggles, and real-life parenting truths, you’re in the right place. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.

👉 Follow us on Instagram: @mumclub101
👉 Leave us a review if you enjoyed today’s episode – it helps other parents find the club!

Welcome back to Mum Club 101, your virtual mum club and weekly mix of real-life parenting stories, big belly laughs, and honest chats about what’s going on in the motherhood space right now. From the everyday chaos to unpacking the headlines that have mums talking, we’re here to swap stories, share support, and maybe challenge a few old ideas along the way.

Catch Up

Real-life mum moments and some personal updates:

• Low iron in the third trimester: Vicky shares her symptoms, how she’s managing them, and the impact on her energy levels.
• Toddler swimming lesson tantrums: how we’re surviving the meltdowns (and still getting them in the pool).
• Manifestation on the Lionsgate Portal: a little ritual and what it means for setting intentions.
• Helping kids say sorry: how to guide young children to genuinely feel remorse and make amends after mistakes.

Our Recommendations this Week

This week’s watch-and-follow list you’ll want to add to your queue:

• Louis Theroux – The Settlers (BBC)
• Dexter: Resurrection (Paramount+)
• Platonic (Apple TV)
• Instagram account: 9irlnews

Critique of the Week: The Sophie Turner Mum-Shaming Backlash

When Sophie Turner posted Oasis concert snaps, a troll accused her of “forgetting she has two kids.” Her perfect reply?

“So… Get this… There’s this crazy thing called shared custody. Maybe they were with their dad that day.”

We unpack the bigger issue:

• Mum as the “always-on” parent: UK ONS data shows mums of young kids do 65% more unpaid childcare than dads, even when both work full-time.
• The dad halo effect: fathers get public praise for basic caregiving (“He’s babysitting”) while mums are judged on perfection, all the time.
• Why it matters: fuels mum guilt, burnout, and undervalues dads as equal co-parents.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

  🚼 Low iron in pregnancy: symptoms, treatment & energy tips

  💦 Managing toddler tantrums at swimming lessons

  ✨ A Lionsgate Portal manifestation ritual

  ❤️ How to teach kids to say sorry and mean it

  🎥 TV & culture picks to binge this week

  🍼 Why mums face harsher judgment than dads in parenting

In this week’s episode of Mum Club 101, we’re catching up on the chaos and charm of third trimester pregnancy while juggling life with a toddler, from navigating public meltdowns to the bittersweet task of clearing out baby items when you know it’s your last child. If you’ve ever found yourself welling up over a tiny sleepsuit or stealth-negotiating with a toddler in a supermarket aisle, this one’s for you.

Catch-Up Topics:

• Pregnant in the third trimester with a toddler: the real talk on insomnia, restless legs, nesting, and keeping up with a tiny whirlwind.
• Letting go of baby things: the nostalgia, the emotions, and the sense of closing a chapter.
• Public toddler meltdowns: how we handle them, the pressure of other people’s eyes, and why compassion is key.

This Weekly Recommendations:

• Magnesium Sleep Spray – Game changer for restless legs: Norfolk Natural Living Magnesium Body Spray
• The Summer I Turned Pretty – Perfect teen-drama escapism: Watch on Amazon Prime
• David Attenborough: Parenthood – Fascinating animal parenting stories: Watch on BBC iPlayer
• Aldi Pistachio Crème – The affordable treat you need in your cupboard.

Critique of the Week: The Social Media Ban That Might Suffocate Kids’ Curiosity
Australia is introducing a new law that will ban anyone under 16 from creating a social media account from December. This includes TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and now YouTube. While it’s designed to protect kids from harmful algorithms, could it actually remove one of their biggest creative and educational tools?

We unpack:

• Why YouTube is different for kids compared to other platforms
• The unintended consequences of banning accounts
• The differences in consuming vs creating content
• Potential alternatives to a full ban
• Our opinions on the ban

Nonsense Time:
We wrap things up with the wildest wildlife parenting facts, inspired by the new David Attenborough series because animal parents really put us to shame.

🎙 Listen now for honest motherhood chat, recommendations worth trying, and a critique that might change the way you see kids and tech.

Mum Club 101 is the podcast where best friends (Katy and Vicky) navigate the chaos of modern motherhood with honest chats, big laughs, and zero judgment. Come for the parenting truths, stay for the giggles.

In this week’s episode of Mum Club 101, we’re catching up on lots of recent goings on in both of our families and households. From new sofas to toddler bed struggles, and child-free camping trips it’s a jam-packed catch-up before diving into a big conversation on why one in four mums quit work after maternity leave. We explore the stats, the stories, and the systemic problems and reflect on our own experiences of navigating motherhood and our careers.

Catch Up:

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes lately! In this week’s catch-up, we share:

• Pregnancy update – Vicky sees her consultant to discuss and agree a birth plan following a previous postpartum haemorrhage.
• Toddler bed transitions – The highs, the lows, the wild 3am wanderings.
• Katy goes camping – Child-free! We talk about why time away as a couple is so needed when you’re deep in the parenting trenches.

Critique of the Week: Why So Many Mums Quit After Maternity Leave

A huge number of mums leave their jobs within a year of returning from maternity leave, not because they want to, but because the system makes it too hard to stay.

Key Facts:

• 1 in 4 mums (27%) quit within 12 months of returning to work.
• Only 1 in 3 returning mums have access to flexible working.
• 12% face direct workplace discrimination.
• The long-term cost? Lower pay, lost confidence, and mental health struggles.

We share our own experiences trying to balance motherhood with work and what has led Katy to take a six-month career break to focus on family. We reflect on the emotional weight of that decision and why so many women are walking away from jobs they once loved.

Useful Links:

• Your Right to Request Flexible Working in the UK (GOV.UK)
• Support for Working Parents – Working Families
• Your Rights: Pregnant Then Screwed
• Unpaid Parental Leave UK (GOV.UK)

Nonsense Time

Unreal 1950s housewife facts that made us laugh... and cringe. From advice to women about taking tranquillisers to manage their mental health to tips on how to “greet your husband,” you won't believe some of these real-life vintage ‘advice’ gems.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who’s navigating parenthood and work-life decisions.
💌 Come say hi on Instagram @mumclub101

This week on Mum Club 101, we're covering everything from toddler chaos to one of the most debated parenting topics of the year.

Catch-Up:
Vicky shares her third trimester update, including her experience with the gestational diabetes test and pregnancy vaccines. Meanwhile, Katy reflects on the logistics (and sheer stamina required) of managing two toddlers at swimming lessons.

Critique of the Week:
Should children as young as 11 be prescribed weight-loss injections?
We’re diving into a controversial and emotionally charged topic this week, sparked by a viral This Morning interview with an 11-year-old girl named Sophia and her mum. Sophia shared her painful experience of bullying, body image struggles, and why she asked to go on weekly GLP-1 injections like semaglutide (Wegovy) or liraglutide (Saxenda).

We explore the clinical context, ethical concerns, and emotional layers behind the use of weight-loss medication in children—particularly when it’s prescribed off-label.
Is this a compassionate medical response to a growing health crisis, or a troubling message about bodies and self-worth?

Please note: this segment contains sensitive discussion around childhood weight, bullying, and body image. If this topic feels heavy for you today, feel free to skip ahead or listen when you’re ready.

If you or your child is struggling with food, body confidence, or emotional wellbeing, you are not alone. Support is available:

• BEAT Eating Disorders | Helpline: 0808 801 0677
• YoungMinds – Mental health support for young people and parents

Link to Interview on This Morning 

Nonsense Time:
We try to guess the meaning of words from other languages that don’t have a direct English translation. Spoiler: we're mostly wrong.

Welcome back to Mum Club 101! Your favourite Motherhood Podcast with besties Katy and Vicky.

This week’s episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and a deep dive into one of the most pressing parenting topics today: is screen time doing more than just tiring out little eyes?

This Week’s Catch-Up:

• Vicky shares her journey getting tested for gestational diabetes
• Katy’s in the thick of toddlerhood with a big cot-to-bed transition, we talk challenges and top tips 
• Katy prepares for our youngest to turn two and all the emotions associated with the end of 'the baby phase'

Critique of the Week: Is Screen Time Undermining Our Kids’ Sense Development?
We’re hearing more about kids developing myopia (short-sightedness) and even vertigo, but there’s a much quieter concern in the background: underdeveloped sensory systems.

We’re unpacking:

• How screens might be limiting proprioceptive (body awareness) and vestibular (balance) input.
• Why kids are moving less and why it matters.
• The real-life, practical strategies we can use to bring back sensory-rich play (even if it's raining and the soft play is shut).

What Can We Do as Parents? We share small, doable ideas to help balance screen use with sensory development, no guilt or Pinterest perfection parenting required.

New Segment Alert:We introduce a bit of fun with our own version of the game ‘Last One Laughing’

Links & Mentions:

• Sleep Consultant Kerry Secker (Care It Out): @careitoutsleepconsultant
• Our current binge-watch: The Better Sister on Amazon Prime: Watch here

Subscribe & Share:Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe, leave us a review, and tag us on Instagram @mumclub101podcast. Sharing the episode helps us reach more parents navigating modern motherhood—one cup of cold tea at a time.

Welcome back to your favourite motherhood podcast! In this episode of Mum Club 101, Katy and Vicky catch up on all the emotional, chaotic, and surprisingly reflective moments that come with modern motherhood.

• ​Katy shares all about her much-anticipated child-free weekend in the Cotswolds… which sadly took a turn thanks to an untimely bug 😷
• ​Vicky gives a pregnancy update as she starts prepping the nursery for her soon-to-be-born baby girl
• ​Katy reflects on the bittersweet end of babyhood as her youngest turns two—cue all the emotions
• ​We talk toddler bed transitions: what we’re researching, our honest feelings about it, and how we’re (sort of?) preparing ourselves for this huge milestone at home

From baby gear clear-outs to deep chats about growing kids and growing pains, it’s one of those episodes that feels like a voice note with your best mum friend.

Critique of the Week: Tattle Life & the Cost of Gossip Culture

This week, we take a closer look at the rise—and recent reckoning—of Tattle Life, the anonymous UK gossip forum targeting women, especially parenting influencers.

• ​With millions of monthly users, Tattle Life claims to "hold influencers accountable" but often veers into body-shaming, doxxing, and unrelenting personal commentary.
• ​We explore the recent legal case that awarded £300,000 in damages to a defamed couple, and how the site’s founder has now been publicly named.
• ​Influencers like Emily Clarkson, Mrs Hinch, and Ashley James have all spoken out about the mental health impact of being targeted.
• ​We reflect on the difference between traditional “gossip” (which historically created community and connection among women) and modern anonymous commentary that feels more like public punishment than conversation.
• ​Why are we so invested in tearing down mums online—and how do we shift back toward community, empathy, and accountability that actually helps?

New Segment: I’m Not Crying, You Are

This week we introduce a new segment celebrating the tender, raw, and emotional side of motherhood.We read a motherhood poem from Jessica Urlichs and reflect on the transitions we’re moving through: the end of babyhood, the toddler chaos, and everything in between. Prepare for all the feels.

In this week’s episode of Mum Club 101, we’re serving up a little bit of everything, from chaotic holiday moments to pregnancy updates and your next must-watch Netflix series.

Vicky shares a candid pregnancy update, including her ongoing struggles with diastasis recti (DR) and how she’s managing movement, core discomfort, and adjusting expectations going into the third trimester. Meanwhile, Katy takes us on a wild ride through her recent family trip to Italy—think rental car mishaps, unexpected illnesses, and full-blown Tuscany chaos. (Spoiler: It’s funny now, but it wasn't at the time.)

Episode Highlights:

• Vicky’s Pregnancy Update: We chat about how Vicky’s managing her pregnancy with diastasis recti and what’s helping (and not helping) when it comes to staying active and feeling strong.

• Italy Holiday Madness: Katy recounts her big family holiday to Tuscany, from the highs of Italian sunshine to the lows of D&V bugs and rental car drama. You’ll laugh, you’ll relate, and you’ll probably check your travel insurance.

Recommendations:

• Shark Fan – The must-have summer essential. Whether you're pregnant, parenting, or just sweating through life, this little gadget is the MVP. Shop now (affiliate link)

• Ginny & Georgia (Netflix) – For fans of drama, dysfunction, and bingeable telly—this one’s ideal for your post-bedtime wind-down.

  
  

Instagram Giveaway!
Win a family day out to Malt Kiln Farmshop PYO and two organic t-shirts from Wildgreen
ENTER HERE

In this week’s episode of Mum Club 101, we’re catching up on the real, raw, and sometimes ridiculous realities of modern motherhood.

Katy shares the truth about solo parenting for five days straight—spoiler: things hit the fan. We chat through what happens when the mental load piles up, and you're still trying to work, parent, and survive. Meanwhile, Vicky brings a wholesome contrast with a visit to a PYO (Pick Your Own) farm and shares fun, low-effort ideas for weekend activities with kids.

We also touch on Vicky’s pregnancy update, including her experience with diastasis recti (DR) and the challenge of finding exercises that are safe and supportive during pregnancy.

Episode Highlights:

• ​Solo Parenting Diaries – Katy talks about what really goes down when you’re parenting solo for nearly a week while juggling work, housework, and life. Spoiler alert: there may have been meltdowns (from all parties).
• ​PYO Farm Visit – Vicky shares her weekend trip to the Pick Your Own farm with ideas for easy outdoor kid-friendly activities.
• ​Pregnancy Update – Vicky opens up about managing diastasis recti (abdominal separation) during pregnancy and how hard it is to find DR-safe workouts that actually feel good.

Recommendations:

• ​Fixer to Fabulous (Discovery Plus) – A feel-good home renovation series that's perfect for switching off your brain after a long parenting day. Think: comforting DIY with heart.
• ​KICPod – 'Am I Equal' Miniseries – A thought-provoking three part series exploring the resurgence of traditional gender roles, the pressure on modern women, the rise of the 'Manosphere' and the real life impact this is having on us, our relationships and on society.
• ​Aldi Pistachio Magnums – Yes, they deserve a shoutout. Creamy, nutty, and the ultimate summer parenting reward.

Nonsense Time:This week’s chaos corner? We dive into the weirdest Father’s Day gift ideas we found on Google—spoiler: one of them involves a beer holster. 😂

In this episode of Mum Club 101, we catch up on the ups and downs of their busy lives, from the “peak adulthood” moment of ordering new sofas to Vicky’s much-needed childfree day spent shopping. We dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood, work, running a business, and carving out time for self-care. Tune in as we talk through the latest goings-on in our lives and share how we’re navigating the constant juggle of it all.

Episode Highlights:

• ​Vicky’s Peak Adulthood Moment – Vicky talks about the reality of being a grown-up: ordering new sofas and enjoying a childfree day shopping. What’s it like to balance family life with adult responsibilities?
• ​The Juggle of Motherhood, Work, and Business – Katy and Vicky discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood, running a business, and ensuring self-care isn't pushed aside. How are they managing it all and staying sane?

Critique of the Week: Is Our Fear Undermining Our Children’s Resilience?This week, we tackle the topic of overprotective parenting and how our fears might be holding our kids back from developing emotional resilience. While the instinct to shield our children from harm is natural, research shows that preventing them from experiencing challenges could hinder their emotional growth and ability to cope with life's difficulties. We talk through real-life examples, including the US college entry scandal, to explore how overprotective parenting might be impacting children today.

Things We Mentioned:

• ​The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – This book takes a deep dive into the rise of anxiety among today’s youth and how modern childhood pressures are contributing to this trend. A must-read for understanding the emotional challenges young people are facing today. Find it here!