To celebrate the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (29th April 2024) we’re bringing you a very special episode of the Dou-la-la podcast! We chat to Dr. Jenna Brough, a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist who specialises in providing support to people from fertility right through to early parenthood.

This episode is incredibly useful regardless of what stage you are at in your pregnancy/parenthood journey.

It is focused on prevention and self-help - offering an understanding of perinatal mental health and how to protect that across the perinatal period (disclaimer: it does not constitute and should not replace medical or mental health advice).

We talk about planning ahead for protecting your mental health and emotional well-being before you even give birth right through to reflecting on your own coping mechanisms and support network in the postnatal period.

Have you heard of antenatal anxiety?

Are you worried you might struggle after having your baby?

Do you want to know how to prepare for life after birth with a focus on your mental health?

We focus SO much on everything that happens to our body but don’t forget your mind too...here is the perfect place to start!

Should you or someone you know be currently struggling with their mental health, they should talk to someone they are close to (family member or friend), and also make contact with their GP/midwife/health visitor.

Here are some helpful organisations (UK based)

PANDAS https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/

SANDS https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you

Birth Trauma Association https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/get-help-now

@mmhalliance

@perinatalmhpartnership

Dr Jenna’s website is www.drjennapsychologist.com and my social media is @dr.jenna.psychologist.

#doulapodcast #birthpodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birthypodcast #mmhaw24 #maternalmhmatters #mmhaw #maternalmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealthawarenessweek #perinatalmentalhealth

Listen today to hear all about Remi's choice to have a homebirth following the birth of her first son.

She shares her thoughts on the system, tells us all about her experiences and how her mindset has completely shifted to what birth can be like and how her journey this time has impacted her family life.

I (Leanne) was lucky enough to be alongside Remi (and Oli) on their pregnancy and birth journey as their doula, this birth was truly magical so don't hesitate and have a listen!

#homebirth #birthstory #homebirthstory #secondbaby #doulasupport #doulapodcast #doulalathepodcast

You want to put your fingers where?!?

Vaginal examinations (someone inserting their fingers into your vagina, usually to have a good feel of your cervix) have become a standard expectation when it comes to assessing the establishment and progress of labour.

An expectation of both the person in labour, and the healthcare provider supporting them.

This episode of Dou-La-La gets down to what a vaginal examination (VE) is, what information it can actually provide and whether or not they are a useful assessment tool for anyone. In our usual no filtered, no frills way we chat about all things VE to help you understand them and feel more informed about your choices when it comes to your own labour. So, what are you waiting for?!

#doulapodcast #birthypodcast #birthpodcast #doulalapodcast #vaginalexamination #vaginalexaminations #VE #labour