The Parent Diaries

In this episode we talk about hypnobirthing – what it is; how it works; and tools/techniques you can practice in the lead up to, and during birth.

Despite the terrible name, its foundations are based entirely in the science, psychology and biology of labour, and how to influence these for a positive birth experience. 

Hypnobirthing tools and techniques we cover are:

• Breathwork
• ‘Hacking’ your birth environment
• The ‘BRAIN’ framework for making informed choices
• Positive mindset work including positive affirmations, guided meditations, visualisations and positive birth stories 

What we don’t mention is all these tools, not just hacking your birth environment, help maximise your oxytocin (happy hormone), which supports your labour and minimise the adrenaline / cortisol (stress hormones), which slow it down.

In our opinion, learning about and practising hypnobirthing is a total no brainer for expectant parents!

As mentioned previously, The Positive Birth Company has some excellent resources we highly recommend you check out if interested.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about why, particularly as first-time parents, you might consider doing antenatal courses; the options available; and our experience having done a number of these. We also discuss what we found most useful in each.

All antenatal courses mentioned in this episode, including more info about each, are linked here.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own– always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

Hear about the moment we got to see Baby C’s face in high definition – one of the craziest, most special moments of the pregnancy journey so far. Seeing their face led to a debate on who they most resemble… but let’s be real, all babies kinda look the same! :)

To find out more about Peanut follow, click here and follow this link to download the app.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about our experience of the second trimester, charting our highs and lows, the key pregnancy appointments and some of the common symptoms that can crop up. Luke gives us a brief update on exercise adjustments to consider and Kate reveals what's been getting her in the pregnancy feels these past few months…

All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter (supersize)
Secret Saviours – The Stretch Mark Prevention Bump Band Kit

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 Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this bumper, extended episode we continue our quest for baby essentials by doing some in-person research and getting advice from industry experts. We share our top picks in every baby essential category before making our final decisions on the big-ticket items.

Complimentary baby personal shopping appointments:

• John Lewis - New Baby A-Z appointment
• Mamas & Papas - In-store personal shopping appointment

 All products mentioned in this episode can be found here.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In our 10th episode (woop!) we share the latest update on Kate’s pregnancy journey which includes a visit to the midwife, before tackling the age-old topic – what does a new born baby actually need? Based on our own research, and conversations with friends, we talk about the things we think are ‘must haves’ for Baby C.

Items mentioned in the episode are listed below:

• Out and about: travel system (pram, carry cot/bassinet and car seat); changing bag and mat; and baby carrier i.e. sling/other.
• Feeding: Breastfeeding – nipple cream; nipple shields; breast pads; and milk storage bags. Formula/combi feeding – bottles; bottle steriliser (micro/electric/chemical); and formula.
• Sleeping: bedside crib/co-sleeper; moses basket, cot/cotbed; mattress (new and waterproof); crib and cot bedding (cellular blankets); baby monitor.
• Nursery: storage i.e. wardrobe, baby changing unit (including drawers); nursing chair; room thermometer; nappy bin; play mat; portable changing table that hooks to top of cot.
• Misc/other: Babyclothing – sleepsuits; baby grows/suits; sleeping bag/gro bag (with different togs); pramsuits; cardigans; hat; mittens; muslins; day wear outfits. Bathing – baby bath tub; soft hooded towel; bath bowls; soft sponge/flannel; large cotton pads. Other: baby bouncer.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we talk about a pregnancy milestone - the 20-week anomaly/anatomy scan - and how it went for us.  We debate whether or not to know the sex of Baby C which leads us onto an even more important decision we have to make… And finally, we discuss how we revealed Kate was almost five months pregnant to our families and friends, including their reactions – it was definitely worth the wait!

Baby converse
Foil ultrasound print 

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 Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

In this episode we discuss our plans for announcing the pregnancy including who to tell, when to tell them and why. Kate talks us through the 16-week midwife appointment, we get to hear Baby C’s heartbeat for the first time, plus find out why Kate feels ‘bump-shamed’.

All products and resources mentioned in this episode are linked below.

Peanut app

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• To get in touch, drop us an email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This week we discuss how we’ve reached another pregnancy milestone. Everything you've ever wanted to know about the 12-week scan, and more.

All products and resources mentioned in this episode are linked below.

The Nub Techs Ltd
Harmony NIPT (Non-invasive prenatal test)

• Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it’s out
• Give us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  
• To get in touch, drop us an email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!
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 Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only.All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.

This bumper, extended episode is all about lifestyle considerations during the first trimester. We talk about exercise, alcohol, smoking, nutrition and supplements and dispel some common pregnancy myths - should you be eating for two; what can you or can’t you do when it comes to exercise in pregnancy; and a bit of advice for all you scuba-diving pregnant ladies out there! 

We spend some time at the end of the episode talking about an early pregnancy scan we had done at 10 weeks which leads to a little confusion over Baby C’s ETA.

All products mentioned in this episode are linked below.

Seedlip Spice 94 non-alcoholic gin
Seedlip Garden 108 non-alcoholic gin
Seedlip Grove Citrus 42 non-alcoholic gin
Thorne Research Basic prenatal vitamins

• Subscribe to the podcast to listen to the next episode as soon as it’s out
• Give us a rating and review, as it will help others find the show  
• To get in touch, drop us an email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!
• Follow us on Instagram @theparentdiariesuk

 
 Disclaimer: All views are our own – always consult your physician or a medical professional for any advice related to fertility, pregnancy or your health.