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.

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi Eldridge (Founder & CEO of MAMA Academy) is joined by Georgie Woollams, Founder of Mum Love, to explore the emotional transformation that comes with becoming a mother.Together, they discuss the realities of matrescence, the emotional shifts many women experience during pregnancy and early motherhood, and why supporting maternal wellbeing is so important.

Georgie shares insights into identity changes, self-compassion, emotional resilience, and the importance of building supportive communities where mothers feel seen, heard, and understood.This honest and empowering conversation highlights the challenges and joys of motherhood, offering valuable perspectives for expectant and new mums navigating one of life's biggest transitions.

Follow Georgie and Mum Love:Instagram: @wearemumlove

LinkedIn: Georgina Woollams-Edwards

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 Roobin Jokhi to explore how communication can shape trust, safety, and experiences within maternity care. Drawing on their experience supporting families and healthcare professionals, they discuss the importance of compassionate conversations throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period, and how clear, empathetic communication can help families feel informed, respected, and empowered during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Together, they explore the impact that trust and psychological safety can have on outcomes for both families and staff, the challenges professionals face in high-pressure environments, and why listening with empathy matters at every stage of the perinatal journey. 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 Dr Rebecca Moore, Perinatal Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Make Birth Better, to explore the vital role of perinatal mental health in protecting both families and healthcare professionals.

Drawing on her extensive experience supporting parents and maternity staff, Rebecca shares insights into the emotional realities of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, the impact of trauma on families and professionals, and why compassionate, psychologically safe care matters at every stage of the perinatal journey. Together, they discuss the importance of recognising mental health needs early, reducing stigma within maternity services, and creating supportive environments where both families and staff feel heard, valued, and cared for.

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 Grace Nartey, Lead Midwife for a Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service, to explore what truly compassionate bereavement care looks like in practice and why supporting midwives is essential to delivering it.Drawing on over 30 years of experience across nursing, midwifery, safeguarding, and perinatal mental health, Grace shares insights into supporting families through baby loss, communicating difficult news with honesty and kindness, and creating meaningful, lasting memories during the most devastating moments of care. Together, they discuss the importance of presence over perfection, the role of language and personalised care, and how midwives can navigate the emotional weight of their work while continuing to provide safe, compassionate care to families.

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