In today's episode, I am joined by Heather to dive into her incredible journey from a fear-filled first birth to two positive and empowering experiences.

Heather shares her deep emotional work in overcoming the negative feelings from her traumatic first birth and the steps she took to prepare herself mentally and emotionally for her second pregnancy.

From therapy to Emotion Code, to Head Trash Clearance and hypnobirthing, Heather explores the various tools she used to transform her mindset and approach childbirth with a newfound sense of confidence.

Here are some of the things we talked about;

Traumatic First Birth Experience:

Heather opens up about her initial birth experience, which left her feeling fearful and exhausted. She realised that her emotional baggage and negative energy had a significant impact on her birth. This realisation became the catalyst for her transformative journey towards healing and empowerment.

Emotional Work and Preparation for Second Birth:

Heather undertook various methods to prepare for her second birth, including therapy, Emotion Code, Head Trash Clearance, and hypnobirthing. By clearing trapped emotions and healing herself emotionally, she was able to let go of fear and create a positive birthing environment.

Tuning In and Connecting with Herself:

Throughout her pregnancy, Heather focused on self-care and cultivating her feminine energy. She discovered the power of connecting with her body through movements such as birth dance, a Middle Eastern practice that strengthens muscles and centres the mind. This allowed her to embrace her pregnancy and tap into her innate strength as a woman.

Mindset Shift and Empowering Second Birth:

Heather's mindset shift played a crucial role in her second birth experience. She approached the process with confidence, uninhibited by fear, and embraced the sensations as a natural part of birth. She utilised the tools she had acquired and received invaluable support from her doula, ultimately delivering her baby in a positive and empowering way.

Postpartum Support and Integration:

Heather talks about the importance of postpartum support and she recognised that her healing journey continued beyond the birth. With the love and guidance of her husband and parents, she navigated the chaotic postpartum period, and was able to balance it along with moving house and doing renovations. Through out all this, she realised she wanted to help to empower women and helping them realise the beauty and potential of birth, just as she had experienced.

Heather's inspiring journey is a wonderful tale that shows us quite plainly that with the right tools, support, and a positive mindset, it is possible to have a birth experience that is both beautiful and empowering.

Tune in to this episode and discover the techniques and mindset shifts that enabled Heather to go from a place of trauma and fear to being able to embrace the journey of birth with strength and empowerment.

Birth has the potential to be a transformative and life-changing experience, and by preparing emotionally and mentally, you can create the empowering birth experience you want.

In this episode, I sit down with the inspirational Celeste to delve deep into her transformative journey of overcoming fears and phobias related to childbirth and pregnancy. Throughout the episode, Celeste candidly shares her profound and life-altering experiences, providing invaluable insights for anyone navigating similar challenges.

This episode is for you if you want to have a peep under the bonnet to better understand what it looks like EXACTLY to clear your head trash (tokophobia, anxiety or indeed anything else) using Head Trash Clearance.

We get down to brass tacks and leave no stone unturned.

At the heart of Celeste's journey is her struggle with tokophobia, a deep-seated fear of childbirth and pregnancy that extended beyond the realm of motherhood, infiltrating her daily life and relationships.

What unfolds in this episode is her amazing journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing, as Celeste takes us through her journey of clearing the fears and anxieties that were contributing to her tokophobia and anxiety.

Through a very candid conversation, Celeste shares how she initially grappled with her fear, with symptoms ranging from anxiety attacks triggered by the mere thought of pregnancy to physical manifestations of tingling in her arms and legs, burping, and spontaneous crying during her shifting process.

Over the span of 6-7 transformative months, she experiences a significant shift, moving from a space of anxiety and fear to a newfound sense of peace and calm. Her journey of clearing head trash and addressing deep-seated fears takes her on a path of self-realization, lending her the clarity and insight needed to navigate her fears and emerge stronger on the other side.

It's incredible to see where Celeste is today, and I hope that her journey inspires you on your healing journey.

In today's episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth Tidwell, a menstrual cycle coach, as she shares her journey of healing and embracing the power of her menstrual cycle.

I wanted to talk about periods because even though they're not front and centre of the pregnancy and birth experience - they are! We obsess over when they stop - are we pregnant??? - and then we obsess over when they start again. They are a HUGE part of this.

And, more importantly, I wanted to talk about them because I don't think that we appreciate our periods much. There's lots of negativity around them and so I wanted to flip the script and help you to LOVE your period and tap into their power.

Here are some of the things you can hear as part of this conversation;

Resolving Childhood Trauma:

Elizabeth opens up about her personal experience with childhood trauma and how it impacted her menstrual cycle. Through healing this trauma, she discovered that it had a profound effect not only on her cycle but on various aspects of her life. Elizabeth believes that addressing trauma is crucial to breaking free from negative cycles and embracing our menstrual cycles as sources of strength and wisdom.

Menarche Kits and Breaking the Cycle of Shame:

I love that Elizabeth has created menarche kits and and creates resources for us to discuss periods with openly. Elizabeth emphasises the importance of releasing the shame and trauma surrounding puberty for the next generation. By providing education and support during this transformative phase, we can set the foundation for young girls to navigate their menstrual cycles with confidence and self-acceptance.

The Connection Between the Lunar Cycle and Menstrual Cycle:

Is this a myth? Maybe. We discuss the connection between the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle. While there are different viewpoints on this connection, Elizabeth points out that light-sensitive hormones might have caused women to sync up with the moon cycle in the past. However, modern lifestyles with artificial light can disrupt hormonal rhythms. Despite the scientific explanation, Elizabeth emphasises the energetic significance of aligning with the moon cycle, giving it a sense of specialness.

Understanding Menstrual Cycle Awareness:

Elizabeth talks us through the concept of menstrual cycle awareness, which involves being conscious of the different phases of our cycle and how they impact our daily experiences. I struggle with this big time! Hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle lead to varying emotions and reactions. Understanding this awareness can enhance communication, help avoid conflicts, and enable us to have a better understanding of our bodies. And for those entering perimenopause - very interesting!

Healing Trauma and Its Impact on Menstrual Health:

Trauma, whether big or small, can have a profound impact on our menstrual cycles. Elizabeth tells us how trauma can manifest in fears and phobias related to pregnancy and birth, body image issues, and fears of losing control. By healing from trauma, we can potentially resolve related physical and emotional issues, leading to a better relationship with our bodies and our cycles.

Fertility Awareness and Birth Control:

Elizabeth shares insights into fertility awareness and birth control. She suggests considering fertility biomarkers rather than relying solely on apps and algorithms. We know that stress and cortisol levels can impact fertility, so stressing about trying to conceive is probably going to hinder fertility. This is why she emphasises the importance of self-care during menstruation so that we can shift our we feel and honour our bodies.

I hope that listening to Elizabeth as she takes us on her transformative journey of embracing and loving her menstrual cycle can help you to learn to LOVE your periods. By addressing trauma, understanding our cycles, and cultivating self-awareness, we can unlock the immense power and wisdom that our bodies hold, and help our daughters to do the same.

In this episode, we dive into a powerful and inspiring conversation with my guest, Steph Bennet, as she shares her experience of choosing to solo parent.

Steph's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who navigate both career success and motherhood on their own terms. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and joys of Steph's unique journey into motherhood.

Steph made the decision to prioritise a career that allowed her to have control over her work without judgment. She is a strong advocate for not compromising but optimising her life to create a balanced and fear-free environment for herself and her daughter. As a managing director, Steph initially faced challenges in balancing work and parenting, but she gradually found strategies to create flexibility and adapt to hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Her story highlights the ongoing need for better support and understanding in the workplace for working mothers.

Here are some of the things we chatted about...

1. The Challenges of Being a Solo Parent: Steph's journey began with a clear vision of becoming a mother, even if she couldn't find a partner. She discusses her decision to explore single parenthood and the concerns she had about the physical and emotional aspects of raising a child on her own.

2. Choosing the Path of Insemination: Steph underwent tests at a fertility clinic and discovered that IVF was not suitable for her. She decided to pursue IUI, or intrauterine insemination, as an alternative. She shares her experience of choosing a sperm donor from an online catalog based on various factors, including health information and personality traits.

3. Balancing Work and Motherhood: Steph candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of being a working mother. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and not overworking, while also acknowledging the lack of respect and flexibility that many working parents face in the workplace.

4. French vs. British Parenting Styles: Steph and I compare parenting styles in France and the UK. They explore the benefits of allowing children to be independent and figure things out on their own, as well as the challenges of French school holidays for working parents.

5. The Journey of Conscious Parenting: Steph highlights the importance of allowing children to make their own decisions and learn from their own mistakes. She shares her desire to give her daughter the freedom to choose her own interests and create her own path in life.

Steph candidly addresses these key questions shaping her solo parenting journey:

• How did Steph's previous health concerns and epilepsy diagnosis affect her decision to become a solo parent?
• In what ways did Steph's career choice allow her to have more control over her work and spend more time with her daughter?
• Steph mentions the importance of not compromising but optimising her life. How does this mindset play a role in her journey as a solo parent?
• How does the support and childcare system in France compare to that in the UK, and what impact does it have on working mothers?
• What are some organisations and campaigns that are working towards supporting working moms in the workplace, and what more needs to be done?
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the experiences of pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who are solo parenting?
• What are some of the challenges Steph faced as a solo parent, and how did she navigate them? How did she find support and emotional connection during the early stages of parenting?
• Steph discusses the importance of allowing children to be independent and make their own decisions. How can parents balance setting boundaries with fostering independence in their children?
• Steph mentions her new podcast, "For the Love of Kids." How does her experience as a solo parent influence the topics and themes covered in her podcast?
• Steph's journey from considering adoption to choosing IUI as a solo parent is unique. How did she approach the process of selecting a sperm donor, and how did she envision her daughter's future relationship with her donor father?

Steph's story of choosing to solo parent is an incredible testament to the power of following one's dreams and embracing the possibilities of motherhood. Her journey highlights the need for increased support for working mothers in the workplace and challenges conventional norms surrounding parenting and work-life balance.

Today's episode is a deeply insightful conversation between Alexia and a previous guest, Ramona who recently shared her story of overcoming tokophobia.

They share personal experiences and explore the connection between puberty trauma, body dysmorphia, and the fear of pregnancy and childbirth, known as tokophobia.

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into our own experiences during puberty, our struggles with body image, and the impact it has on our adulthood, especially as they transition from maiden to mother.

Here are some of the things we touched on during this conversation; 
1. Personal Growth and Mental Health Insights: Ramona shares her path to becoming a therapist, which opened her eyes to mental illnesses and disorders. She noticed patterns in her own behaviours and those of their family members, leading to a realisation about her body image and weight-related issues.

2. Perception of Body Image and Weight:
Society's compliments women on their appearance and weight which reinforces the belief that they are doing well, despite engaging in disordered eating. 

3. Overcoming Tokophobia:
Ramona shares her struggles with tokophobia and how body image and body dysmorphia played a pivotal role. She sheds light on her journey to develop a healthier relationship with food and her body, seeking therapy and support from professionals to tackle the underlying narratives and beliefs.

4. Embracing Change: 
The fear of becoming pregnant and the associated changes in body and life were prominent concerns for Ramona. She reflects on her initial negative outlook and the gradual realisation that these changes were manageable and even beautiful. 

5. Puberty Trauma and Tokophobia:
Alexia and Ramona explore the connection between puberty trauma and tokophobia, particularly how experiences during puberty can shape a woman's perception of pregnancy and childbirth. They acknowledge the fear of losing control and feeling trapped within the process, which can lead to anxiety and fear.

This episode of Fear Free Childbirth pushes the boundaries of exploration, and I invite you my listeners to reflect on your own puberty journeys and how they may affect your adult lives, including the transition to motherhood. 

In this episode, I have an incredible story of transformation to share with you. My guest, Jessica, was once plagued with fear when it came to pregnancy and childbirth. However, she conquered her fears and had a positive birth experience that inspired her to make a bold career change.

Jessica talks about her journey from fear to becoming a midwife. It's a remarkable turnaround that showcases the power of overcoming our deepest fears and embracing new paths in life.

But before we delve into Jessica's inspiring story, I want to share with you a tale that highlights what can happen if we leave our pregnancy and birth fears unchecked.

Learn about the fears commonly faced by women during pregnancy, birth, and even those struggling with tokophobia. While some may assume these fears revolve around pain and tearing, they often stem from deeper conflicts and anxieties. These fears include the fear of losing control, feeling trapped or lacking choices, making the wrong decisions, and feeling weak or vulnerable.

These fears are not exclusive to pregnancy and birth. They can manifest in various areas of our lives, such as feeling out of control at home or work, or even a loss of control over our own bodies. It's crucial to recognise and address these fears because they tend to permeate other aspects of our lives, affecting our overall well-being and hindering our personal growth.

To illustrate this point, I recount a powerful story of a radio show presenter who, like me, experienced tokophobia. Following the loss of her baby and her subsequent aversion to getting pregnant again, she discovered that this fear had affected multiple areas of her life without her realising it. Once she identified and faced her fear head-on, she realised how it had suppressed her ability to birth anything significant in her business and personal development. The transformation she experienced after releasing this fear was nothing short of astounding.

So, if you're currently grappling with fears surrounding pregnancy, birth, or any other areas in life, listen closely to Jessica's remarkable journey. Her story is a testament to the incredible power we possess within ourselves to rewrite our narratives and conquer our deepest fears. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and discover a fearless mindset with Fear Free Childbirth.

In this episode, we delved into a wide array of thought-provoking questions with Jessica:

• Have you ever experienced any fears related to pregnancy or birth? How did you handle them?
• How do you think fears about pregnancy and birth can impact other aspects of a person's life? Can you think of any examples?
• Have you ever witnessed someone close to you struggling with fears around childbirth? How did they cope with it?
• Do you think understanding the root cause of a fear can help in overcoming it? Why or why not?
• Have you ever been inspired to make a major career change due to a life-changing event? 
• How do you think conquering a fear can lead to personal transformation?
• Do you think this fear is universal? How might it manifest in different areas of life?
• How do you think societal expectations and judgments contribute to fears around pregnancy and birth?
• Do you think addressing past traumas is essential in overcoming fears?
• What steps do you think can be taken to raise awareness and provide support for individuals facing fears related to childbirth?