The MAMA Podcast

What does it really mean to advocate for yourself in pregnancy and birth? And why is it so important?In this episode of the MAMA Podcast, Heidi sits down with Midwife Marley, independent midwife, educator, author, and mother of five, to talk about advocacy, antenatal education, and the power of being informed.Marley shares her journey from the NHS to independent practice, how social media amplified her mission during the pandemic, and why knowledge is the key to confident, empowered decision-making for expectant parents. From birth plans to baby movements, and from cultural competence to closing health inequalities, Marley’s insights will leave you informed and inspired.Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or passionate about maternal health, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.
If you'd like to learn more about Marley, you can check her out here: https://www.instagram.com/midwifemarley/
If you’d like to see more of what we do, you can find us at: Our Website - https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/ or '@mamaacademy' on all your favourite social media platforms.

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

This week, we're joined by Action on Pre-eclampsia to explore everything you need to know about this important condition that can affect pregnancy and postpartum health.
Join us as we discuss how to spot the symptoms early, when to seek help, and why advocating for your health (even if you think you're 'making a fuss') can make all the difference for you and your baby.

If you'd like to learn more about Action on Pre- Eclampsia, you can check them out here: https://action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk/

If you’d like to see more of what we do, you can find us at: Our Website - https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/ or '@mamaacademy' on all your favourite social media platforms.

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

In this episode of The MAMA Podcast, host Heidi Eldridge chats with Anna Rutkowska, co-founder of Support Me, a Volunteer-led, birth-inspired group focused on helping minority ethnic people in the UK navigate the maternity system and beyond. 

If you’d like to learn more about Support ME, you can do that here: https://supportmecic.com/

If you’d like to see more of what we do, you can find us at: Our Website - https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/ or '@mamaacademy' on all your favourite social media platforms.

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

In this episode of The Mama Podcast, host Heidi Eldridge chats with Sally Parkin and Catherine Walker from NCT to explore what today’s parents really need as they prepare for birth and life with a new baby.We go beyond the antenatal basics, from emotional readiness and mental health to practical baby care, inclusivity, and what it truly means to feel supported as a parent. Discover how NCT’s courses and services are evolving to meet the diverse realities of modern families, and why it’s so much more than just “birth prep.”Whether you're pregnant, parenting, or supporting someone who is, this is a warm, honest, and empowering conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you’d like to learn more about NCT, you can do that here: https://www.nct.org.uk/If you'd like to see more of what we do, you can find us at:
Our Website - https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/
or '@mamaacademy' on all your favourite social media platforms. 

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

This week we talk to the amazing Elif Ege, the Policy and Campaigns Manager at Birthrights. A human rights charity advocating for respectful and equitable maternity care across the UK. Elif and Heidi dive deep into the importance of human rights in childbirth, sharing insights from Birthrights' amazing campaigns, especially their latest work on home birth restrictions. They discuss systemic racism in maternity care, the critical issue of home birth access, and what women, birthing people, and healthcare professionals can do to champion meaningful change.

If you’d like to learn more about Birthrights, you can do that here.

If you'd like to see more of what we do, you can find us at:
Our Website
Instagram
Facebook
X/Twitter
TikTok
YouTube

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

Join us this week as we sit down with the ADHD Midwife Laura Spence, founder of NeuroNatal, to discuss pregnancy and neurodivergence. 

If you'd like to see more of Laura's work, you can check her out here. 
If you'd like to see more of our work, you can check us out here.

This week we're joined by the wonderful Dr Sarah Silberstein - the breastfeeding and tongue tie expert. We cover common questions many have while breastfeeding, as well as going into what exactly tongue tie is, and how you tackle it.

If you'd like to learn more about Dr Silberstein and her clinic, you can find more informaiton here
If you'd like to learn more about MAMA Academy, you can find us here

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

Content Warning: Today’s episode has open and frank conversations about miscarriage and other topics some might find upsetting. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, you can find more help here.

This week, we're joined by the incredible Rachael, from Mummy’s Day Out! We hear all about Rachael’s pregnancy journey with Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and how her experiences empowered her to create the amazing Mummy’s Day Out CiC.

If you'd learn more about Mummy’s Day Out, you can check them out here 
If you'd like to learn more about MAMA Academy, you can find us here

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

This week, we're joined by the incredible Lily the Midwife! We chat through all things Antenatal education from common questions to things Lily wishes all new parents knew!

If you'd learn more about Lily, you can check them out here 
If you'd like to learn more about MAMA Academy, you can find us here

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50

This week, we're joined by the incredible Penny from Peeps! We talk all things Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (H.I.E). What it is,the impact, what support you can get and so much more.

If you'd learn more about Pepps, you can check them out here.
If you'd like to learn more about MAMA Academy, you can find us here.

If you'd like to make a one time donation to support everything we do, you can text:
'MAMA05' to 70085 to donate £5
'MAMA10' to 70085 to donate £10
'MAMA50' to 70085 to donate £50