In this discussion, Candy interviews Victoria White, founder of Neurodivergent Birth, about the challenges and needs faced by neurodivergent people navigating pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Victoria shares her personal journey, the motivation behind creating a social enterprise to support neurodivergent families, and the development of training and resources for both professionals and expectant parents. Key topics include the lack of tailored support in maternity care, the importance of intersectionality, the four pillars of neurodivergent birth (sensory processing, communication, executive functioning, and mental health), and the need for accessible, evidence-based information. The conversation also highlights the significance of partner support, the impact of privilege and systemic issues, and the value of individualised care plans and resources.

To access the FREE downloads go here:
https://www.ndbirth.com/downloads

Buy "Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters" here (a small percentage is donated to LLL Collective -who are a charity that support infant feeding- if you purchase through this link):
https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/why-neurodivergent-birth-matters-victoria-white/39bb280587be61ab?ean=9781780668253&next=t&next=t 

In this discussion, Amy shares her recent, more severe experience with mastitis compared to a previous mild blocked duct, describing the sudden onset of pain, systemic symptoms, and the challenges of managing illness while caring for a young child. Candy provides support and up-to-date advice, including the shift from hot/cold compresses to treating mastitis as an inflammatory condition (similar to a sprained ankle), the cautious use of antibiotics, and the importance of rest, hydration, and gentle lymphatic massage. The conversation highlights the uncertainty around when to start antibiotics, the impact of illness on daily life, and the value of personalised, holistic support for lactating parents navigating mastitis.

In this conversation, James, the partner of Kayleigh, discusses his journey from knowing very little about birth to becoming a knowledgeable and proactive birth partner through hypnobirthing education and open communication. He describes how media and societal narratives often foster fear and misconceptions about birth, leading to unnecessary medical interventions and anxiety for parents. James emphasises the significance of partners being informed, advocating for their loved ones, and questioning medical advice when necessary. He recounts both challenging and empowering moments from their two birth experiences, the impact of trauma on both parents and practitioners, and the transformative effect of feeling prepared and supported. The discussion underscores the value of education, the power of language, and the importance of partners' roles in supporting physiological, empowered birth experiences.

In this conversation, Kayleigh recounts her two contrasting birth experiences: the first, during the Covid pandemic, was marked by medical pressure to induce labor due to a prolonged pregnancy, leading to interventions she felt were unnecessary and disempowering; the second, after extensive research and support, allowed her to trust her body, decline interventions, and have a positive, empowering home birth. She discusses the impact of coercive language from healthcare professionals, the role of her supportive partner, the significance of being informed, and the importance of listening to one's body. The discussion also touches on the societal lack of postpartum support, the challenges of parenting multiple children, and the value of open communication and emotional intelligence in family life.

To celebrate the release of our 50th episode we're re-releasing three of our most popular episodes to date. Today we're circling back to this powerful episode about bedsharing, and how to do it safely.

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, host Candy Elsbeth and guest Amy explore the topic of bed sharing with children. They discuss the practicalities of creating a family bed, the emotional and physical benefits of co-sleeping, and the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding it. They also share personal experiences, highlighting the importance of safe sleeping practices and the impact of parenting choices on family dynamics.

https://llli.org/news/the-safe-sleep-seven/

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleeping/

To celebrate the release of our 50th episode we're re-releasing three of our most popular episodes to date. Today we're circling back to this powerful episode about Self-Care with a Newborn.

This episode addresses the challenges new parents face in balancing self-care with caring for a newborn. It stresses the importance of taking small breaks, ensuring adequate rest, and maintaining nutrition to support mental health. Candy advises parents to prioritise their needs, such as having undisturbed moments for relaxation and sharing household responsibilities with partners. Practical tips include preparing easy meals, asking for help, and finding ways to decompress. By embedding these habits early, parents can better manage the demands of parenting and maintain their well-being.

To celebrate the release of our 50th episode we're re-releasing three of our most popular episodes to date starting with Episode 5:  Orlagh’s Tongue Tie Journey.

In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, I talk with Katie, a mother who shares her experience with her daughter Orlagh’s severe tongue tie, which went undiagnosed for a long time. Despite initial misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, Katie persevered, eventually finding effective help through holistic practitioners who focused on proper tongue movement and exercises. The conversation highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of tongue ties, the impact on a child’s development, and the challenges faced by parents seeking adequate medical support. Katie’s story underscores the need for awareness and proper training among healthcare professionals to prevent similar situations.

In this podcast episode, host Candy Elsbeth welcomes Delaney, who shares her personal birth story, focusing on her experience of delivering at 43 weeks and five days. Delaney discusses the societal and medical pressures she faced to induce labor, her decision to wait for natural labour, and the emotional and physical challenges she encountered. The conversation highlights the importance of informed decision-making, autonomy, and the support of resources like Facebook groups and literature to empower expectant parents. Delaney's story underscores the need for compassionate care and the right to choose one's birth experience.

The podcast Nourishing Birth and Beyond, hosted by Candy Elsbeth, features a conversation with Alice, a postnatal doula, highlighting the essential support doulas provide to new parents during the postpartum period. Alice shares her experiences and insights into how doulas help bridge the gap left by the absence of traditional community support. They discuss the importance of preparing for postpartum, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care and mental health. The conversation also touches on societal expectations, the lack of adequate postpartum support, and the benefits of investing in personalised care over material goods.

In the Nourishing Birth & Beyond  podcast Candy chats with Amy who discusses their journey of potty training their 21-month-old child, highlighting the methods from the Oh Crap Potty Training book. The parent describes initial challenges, the importance of consistency, and the surprising success of their child being dry at night. They emphasise the value of having a supportive partner and suggest that early potty training should be discussed more openly. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of motivation and the ongoing nature of the learning process.