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Podcast Episode Summary: The Biggest Challenges Since Amelia’s 20-Week Scan

In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey as a mum from the moment everything changed at Amelia’s 20-week scan. What should have been a routine and joyous milestone turned into the start of a challenging and emotional path filled with uncertainty, fear, and immense love.

I open up about the devastating news we received during that scan and the rollercoaster of emotions that followed—living in limbo, trying to savour moments of pregnancy while facing the unknown. I talk about Amelia’s early arrival and our time in the NICU, a place where life stands still, and every small victory feels monumental.

Bringing Amelia home after months in the hospital should have been the light at the end of the tunnel, but I quickly learned that the transition brought its own challenges. I reflect on the isolation, the anxiety, and the relentless self-doubt that so many parents of premature babies face.

I also explore how this experience impacted my mental health, sharing my struggles with PTSD and anxiety and how I’ve learned to lean on others for support.

Ultimately, this is a story about resilience, love, and learning to find joy in the smallest of moments. It’s a reminder that parenthood isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up and doing your best, even when the road ahead feels impossible.

Whether you’re a parent of a premature baby, someone supporting a loved one through a similar journey, or simply looking for inspiration and hope, I hope my story resonates with you.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, and remember, you’re never alone on this journey.

Episode resources:

•Tommy’s: Supporting Premature Babies and Families

•Bliss: For Babies Born Premature or Sick

•[The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey – Blog] https://thegoodthebadandurparentingjourney.family.blog/

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Hi everyone, I just want to say I I haven’t been around have been struggling with my mental health recently.

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Recording this at 5:10 in the morning block watching the sunrise because my daughter has not slept all night. Feelings of guilt feelings have not been good enough as well as exhaustion a major effect that we can look after our little ones. Listen to me while I am walking around trying to Amelia to sleep.

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As parents and care givers, we all want the best for our little ones and we know that sleep is a key part of development (it's always nice for us to feel refreshed too).
Today we welcome Shirley Mcgowan, a certified Paul McKenna hypnotherapist, who specialises in sleep and pain management. not only this, but she is also a published author of an eBook that is coming out tomorrow featuring a sleepy bedtime story for children, utilizing hypnotherapy techniques.
After enduring years of sleep deprivation due to her children waking her up at night, Shirley was desperate to find a solution. Through her perseverance, she successfully guided her young children to sleep through the night by implementing a three-step bedtime routine, her developed Body Focused Relaxation technique, and her original sleepy bedtime story titled 'Grusi - The Little Dragon Who Wants To Become A Firefighter.

After you have printed out Grusi and coloured him in why not take a photo tag us both (because I wanna see you too).

Sheila McGowan
https://www.facebook.com/momtobesisterhood/
https://www.instagram.com/mom.to.be.sisterhood?igsh=eW0wcXFmbDRjbGsy

The good the bad and your parenting journey socials
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https://www.instagram.com/goodbadandyourparentingjourney?igsh=MWczdzJqampzY3Y2Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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Sunday is race day for the Brighton marathon. My husband will be running for Ickle Pickles in honour of my NICU baby Amelia. 

If you can donate   
https://theicklepickles.enthuse.com/pf/ryan-johnstone?fbclid=IwAR25MMiZ3G3P29_22SmHqz9Ylv0I8A252sMKjVibewBb6ijYeVgc2brahug

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A lot of people think that post-traumatic stress disorder is just for veterns. However, medical trauma is something that can really affect somebody. After having a very traumatic pregnancy from the 20 weeks onwards and finding out that it was extremely touching go. From that point there have been a lot of unresolved feelings. And after a friend had announced that she was having her gender reveal scan I experienced extreme panic and anxiety for her, and this was due to getting flashbacks. today we’re talking about postnatal depression and PTSD but it’s more me just talking things out. If you feel that this is not that you cannot listen to presently please skip to the next episode. I appreciate you and please know that if you are going through similar that this community is being built to support everybody.

Come join us on the Facebook group  or Instagram
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and if you like the Podcast please like it.

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Today we have the pleasure of having Rebecca Hope owner of our Hope Hive Community family hub join us, talking about the importance of community when raising children and how important this is pre-and Post covid 19 pandemic and how the pandemic has impacted development of children.

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After coming home from the hospital, there is always going to be an adjustment period. Because you are just getting used to having a new human you are solely responsible for who is a complete stranger.
Today we are talking about the adjustment period, medical care that is often needed for a premature baby, feeding challenges, milestones and bonding with your child while being sleep deprived. 
During this stage of life, I realised how important community is, and consequently this is why I have started this podcast.

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In today’s episode, I am talking about neonatal intensive care and the special care, baby unit as well as life while my daughter was in there.
Talking about the day of Birth, and then the weeks following. In the NICU and SCBU. 

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Mother’s Day can be triggering for some. I know for us last year was a tough day because we did not know if we would be celebrating today. The days are celebrated. Remember you don’t need a card or a present because your biggest present is your biggest achievement that you have in your arms today. 
For those who are trying to conceive and find it difficult, or those who have lost a parent or a baby not alone.