To Baby or Not To Baby?

Naomi chats with Lorraine who is a mum of one, but also a doula.They discuss: what a doula does for an expectant mother, the differences between a doula and a midwife, the misconceptions about what a doula is for, understanding the options available to you when in labour, the case against having an induction, feeling empowered to make the decision in the labour ward, what to think about when making a birth plan, the experience of being a black mother and having a mixed race child.

Naomi meets Kreena whose epic journey to motherhood involved breast cancer, heart failure and surrogacy.They discuss: the impact cancer can have on fertility, the gamble of delaying treatment to explore IVF, choosing between freezing eggs and freezing embryos, meeting her surrogate, the bond that grew with her surrogate, the pressure of needing IVF to work.Make sure you listen right to the end to hear how this story has developed since the interview.

Naomi meets Caroline, who has stopped trying to get pregnant after nine years.They discuss: assuming you’ll have children, having bad experiences at fertility clinics, overseas clinics, living through a miscarriage, moving on with your life, the business that has come out of her experience. Where you can get support if you’re going through something similar to Caroline.

Naomi meets Mel, who is a solo mum by choice. They discuss: looking for a partner for the wrong reasons, the time it takes to go from deciding you want to get pregnant on your own to it actually happening, the way a single person is treated at a fertility clinic, the reaction of friends and family, navigating the early days of solo parenting, the ways you select the donor, dating as a solo mum.

Naomi speaks to Mike and Wes, who are dads to two surrogate babies. They discuss: broaching the subject of wanting children with a new partner, the options open to same-sex couples, the legalities of surrogacy in the UK and elsewhere, their relationship with the egg donor and surrogate, the questions they get asked when out with their children, changing the perception of same sex families in society.

Naomi has big news to reveal! Plus get a taste of what's to come in season two of the podcast. 

Naomi speaks to her husband Dan as they try to decide whether to baby or not to baby.They discuss: why he’s always wanted to have children, what qualities make a good parent, how much preparation you can do before the fact, how a partner handles a new mum who is struggling mentally.

Naomi visits Nurture Fertility in Nottingham for a scan to gain some information about her chances of getting pregnant.You’ll be there before, during and after the scan. Then she speaks to consultant Dr James Hopkisson to find out: how long you should wait before seeking help from a fertility doctor, the relative fertility success rates for woman as they get older, freezing eggs versus freezing embryos.

Naomi visits Becky, who describes her circumstances as having three children, two at home. They discuss: the dramatic circumstances in which her twins were born, having them moved to separate hospitals, how her daughter helped the family cope with a bereavement, remembering a lost child.

Naomi meets Turri who is a geneticist and worked for her PHD with four children.They discuss: the feeling of not giving enough to your family or your work, other people’s reaction to you wanting to continue your career, how having children can affect endometriosis, dealing with the trauma of a stillborn child, giving birth prematurely.