The MAMA Podcast

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Midwife Pip to explore the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy, what’s normal and what to look out for.

Together, they discuss common pregnancy symptoms, pelvic floor health, back pain and heartburn, as well as the signs and symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. Midwife Pip shares practical advice to help expectant parents better understand their changing bodies, know when to seek support and feel more confident throughout pregnancy.

Follow Midwife Pip on Instagram @midwife_pip

When to Call the Midwife During Pregnancy | MAMA Academy

Baby Movements During Pregnancy | MAMA Academy

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Esme from Birth with Esme to explore baby movements during pregnancy and how parents can get to know what is normal for their baby.

Together, they discuss when to expect your baby’s first movements, how movement patterns develop throughout pregnancy, and why it’s so important to trust your instincts if something feels different or not quite right.

Esme shares practical advice on what to do if movements reduce or change, when to contact your maternity team, and why you should never feel silly or like you’re wasting anyone’s time by getting checked. They also explore common misconceptions around counting kicks, sugary drinks and home Dopplers, and what parents can expect when they attend maternity triage.

Baby Movements During Pregnancy | MAMA Academy

www.esmewitty.com

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Amy Breslin, Maternity Advisor at The UK Sepsis Trust, to explore maternal sepsis and the importance of raising awareness throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

Together, they discuss what maternal sepsis is, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and why it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between normal pregnancy or postnatal changes and becoming seriously unwell. They also explore the importance of trusting your instincts, advocating for yourself or a loved one, and seeking help quickly.

Amy shares practical advice for pregnant and recently pregnant people, partners and families, as well as highlighting the work being done to improve education and awareness of maternal sepsis.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s new Expectant Parents Series, created to help parents feel more informed, supported and confident throughout pregnancy.

The Expectant Parents Series is proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors, supporting MAMA Academy in helping families access trusted information and feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey.

Featuring:
Amy Breslin, Midwife and Maternity Advisor at The UK Sepsis Trust
@maternalsepsisuk
@uksepsistrust

Helpful Resources
Maternal Sepsis - The UK Sepsis Trust
Sepsis - MAMA Academy

Cubbi Collaboration: Discounts for New and Expectant Parents

Preparing for a baby is an exciting time, but the costs can quickly begin to add up.

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Olivia Davson from Cubbi joins us to discuss how the Cubbi app helps new and expectant parents discover useful discounts throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.

Olivia shares the story behind Cubbi, why the platform was created and how this new collaboration with MAMA Academy can help families make their money go further during an already expensive stage of life.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s series for expectant parents, proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.

Featuring:Olivia Davson, Cubbi

Instagram: @cubbi.uk

Download the Cubbi App:https://www.cubbi.uk/mama-academy

For more pregnancy information and support, visit:
https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Sallyann Beresford, The Ultimate Birth Partner, to explore the important role birth partners can play throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Together, they discuss how partners can move from simply being present to feeling confident, informed and genuinely involved in the birth experience.

Sallyann shares practical advice on preparing for birth as a team, communicating with maternity professionals, advocating for the person giving birth, and understanding the choices available throughout pregnancy and labour.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s new Expectant Parents Series, created to help parents and their support networks feel more informed, prepared and confident throughout pregnancy and birth.

The Expectant Parents Series is proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors, supporting MAMA Academy in helping families access trusted information and feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey.

Featuring:
Sallyann Beresford, The Ultimate Birth Partner
Instagram: @theultimatebirthpartner

Helpful resources:Sallyann Beresford Resources
https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

Advocacy Scripts for Birth Partners, MAMA Academy
https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/script-birthing-partners.pdf

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Tessa Van Der Vord, The Mental Health Midwife, to explore emotional wellbeing throughout pregnancy and the transition into parenthood.

Together, they discuss the emotional changes that can come with pregnancy, how to recognise when additional support may be needed, and why mental wellbeing deserves the same attention as physical health.

Tessa shares practical advice for navigating anxiety, uncertainty and difficult emotions, while exploring how partners, families and healthcare professionals can provide meaningful support.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s new Expectant Parents Series, created to help parents feel more informed, supported and confident throughout pregnancy.

The Expectant Parents Series is proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors, supporting MAMA Academy in helping families access trusted information and feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey.

Featuring:
Tessa Van Der Vord, The Mental Health Midwife
Instagram: @mentalhealth_midwife
LinkedIn: Tessa Van Der Vord

Helpful resources:
Perinatal symptom checker: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about-maternal-mental-health/perinatal-mental-health-symptom-checker/

Fatherhood Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/fatherhoodsolutionsuk/?locale=en_GB

Also https://changemh.org/resources/fathers-and-mental-health/

More practical advice: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/helping-someone-else/

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Angie Willis, The Eco Midwife, for a conversation about navigating the early days of pregnancy.

Together, they explore what to expect during the first trimester, the physical and emotional changes that can occur, and how expectant parents can feel more informed, reassured and supported during this important stage.

Angie shares practical advice and trusted guidance to help families approach the first trimester with greater confidence.

Follow Angie: Instagram: @theecomidwife
TikTok: @theecomidwife
YouTube: The Eco Midwife
LinkedIn: Angela Willis

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s new series for expectant parents, proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge, Founder and CEO of MAMA Academy, is joined by Michelle Welsh MP, England's National Maternity Advisor, for a conversation on creating a national vision for safer births.

Together, they explore the future of maternity care, the challenges facing services across the country, and the opportunities to improve outcomes for families through safer, more personalised and more equitable care.

Michelle shares her priorities for maternity services, the importance of listening to parents and professionals, and why rebuilding trust and confidence in maternity care must remain a national priority.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast's healthcare professional series, proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge (Founder & CEO of MAMA Academy) is joined by Megan Rossiter, Founder of Birth-ed, and Safia Saad, Founder of Fund Future Midwives, to explore how education, advocacy and collaboration can help build a safer, more trusted maternity system.

Together, they discuss the importance of preparing parents with evidence-based information, supporting and strengthening the midwifery workforce, and rebuilding confidence in maternity care. Drawing on their own experiences and work across the sector, Megan and Safia share why empowering families, investing in future midwives, and creating compassionate, respectful care are all essential to improving outcomes for parents and babies.

This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s healthcare professional series, proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.

Episode 9: Heard, Not Dismissed; How Action for Accreta Was Born 

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge (Founder & CEO of MAMA Academy) is joined by Nik Adhia, Amisha Adhia, and Miss Chineze Otigbah from Action For Accreta to share the powerful story behind the organisation’s creation.

Together, they discuss the realities of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), the challenges families face when navigating this complex condition, and why greater awareness, education, and support are so important.

Nik and Amisha share their personal experience, while Miss Chineze Otigbah offers valuable clinical insight into the condition and the importance of listening to women’s concerns throughout pregnancy.

This honest and inspiring conversation highlights the impact of advocacy, the importance of being heard within maternity care, and how Action For Accreta is working to improve awareness and support for families affected by PAS.

Follow Action For Accreta: Instagram: @actionforaccreta

LinkedIn: Chineze Otigbah, Nikhilkumar Adhia, Amisha Adhia This episode is part of The MAMA Podcast’s healthcare professional series, proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.