Welcome to Motherhood Exposed. Join me, Zoe Cresswell, mum of two and a UK trained midwife and doula, as I meet with an array of amazing women navigating life and motherhood. Since becoming a mum for the second time, after my own complex journey, i have become more and more aware that motherhood is so unique. There is no one story the same and women need support now, more than ever. i hope by allowing mothers to openly speak we can help to break the silence around many topics. We need to sho ...
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My Surrogacy Journey - Speaking with Mike Johnson-Ellis about Surrogacy Advocacy, Education and Inclusivity
52:49
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Since having their children by surrogacy, Mike and his partner have been advocating for equality in surrogacy as well as modernising guidelines and laws. They have also tirelessly supported many others through their surrogacy journeys. In this episode, Zoe speaks to Mike about his own experience to becoming a parent with his partner Wes, the challe…
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Don't Be Afraid; Differences Are There To Be Celebrated - Speaking with Sarah Louise about navigating life with a Downs Syndrome Baby
39:51
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An honest and insightful episode where Zoe speaks to Sarah of the Instagram account @sarah_and_marnie. Sarah talks to Zoe about finding out her baby had downs syndrome during pregnancy and life now with her beautiful 3-year-old Marnie, who teaches her something new every day. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sarah met her husband Colin at a NYE party. They started tr…
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Interview with Diabetes Specialist Midwife Nina Willer
1:00:22
1:00:22
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In this episode, Zoe speaks with Nina Willer, a diabetes specialist midwife and a type 1 diabetic herself. Nina opens up about her own journey to conceive, including her struggles with infertility and delves deep into the implications of diabetes in pregnancy and motherhood. KEY TAKEAWAYS Nina met her husband at work in a surf shop before she becam…
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Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome - Interview with Julie Audette
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In this honest and raw episode, Zoe speaks to Julie Audette, a business owner and mother. Julie opens up about her experience with Twin-Twin Transfusion syndrome which her beautiful boys Elias And Zach were born with. Listen in to hear a story of sadness, faith and incredible strength. KEY TAKEAWAYS Julie got married to her husband in 2013 and Juli…
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Our Journey is Just Beginning: IVF, Egg Donation and the Impact of Infertility on Mental and Physical Health - Interview with Tia Brown
58:49
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In this episode, Zoe speaks to Tia about her journey with Lee to creating a family. They talk about the many failed IVF attempts, her experience of care, using an egg donor and the impact this has had on Tia’s emotional and physical health. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tia met her husband Lee online on a dating app. They would spend hours on the phone talking at …
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Baby Loss is So Lonely - Interview with Hannah Sinnott
1:02:47
1:02:47
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In this honest and brave episode Zoe speaks with Hannah Sinnott. Hannah talks about her beautiful daughter Cora, who tragically died of birth complications at just 24 hours old. They discuss Hannah’s journey to motherhood, her tragic birth story and the difficulty of being pregnant again after such a devastating loss. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hannah married h…
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Hope for the Future: Pregnancy and Birth After Loss - Interview with Sophie the Infertile Midwife
44:04
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Welcome back to the second series of Motherhood Exposed, where your host, mother, midwife, doula and personal trainer Zoe Cresswell explores the ups, downs and often complicated parts of motherhood. In this episode, Zoe returns to speak to Sophie Martin, known on Instagram and in the blogging world as the infertile midwife, to revisit her story of …
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Teenage Pregnancy, NICU Babies and Covid Birth - Interviewing Leona Bugden
1:20:04
1:20:04
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In this episode, Zoe speaks with mother of four daughters, Leona Bugden. Leona talks about her experience of being a teenage mum and now parenting her eldest daughter who is a teenager herself. Leona also has three younger children with her husband Ross. She talks about her experiences with the NICU as well as pregnancy and birth during covid. KEY …
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PT.2 - H.O.P.E – Hold On Pain Ends - Interview with Kreena Dhiman
1:36:52
1:36:52
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This episode is part 2 of a double episode with Kreena Dhiman. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back to the previous episode of the podcast. An incredible story full of strength, inspiration and told by Kreena in such a positive and empowering way. KEY TAKEAWAYS When Kreena was in intensive care in Canada she received a message from a pote…
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H.O.P.E - Hold On Pain Ends: Part One - Interview with Kreena Dhiman
49:10
49:10
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This episode is part 1 of 2 with Kreena Dhiman. In this first part Kreena talks about her background story to becoming a mum, after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and then 3 years later suffering from heart failure. An incredible story full of strength, inspiration and told by Kreena in such a positive and empowering way. Listen to …
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Be Happy for Tomorrow - Interviewing Maya
1:09:29
1:09:29
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Today Zoe speaks with Maya from the Instagram account @caribbeansnowflake about the tragic loss of her son Leo at 12 days old and her journey to becoming a mum for a second time via IVF to her son Freddie. Maya has incredible strength and resilience to endure what she has had to go through as a mother, but she has always tried to live her life fill…
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This is What Dreams are Made of - Interview with Rachel Lyons
1:10:34
1:10:34
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In this episode, Zoe explores the devastation of infertility as she speaks with Rachel Lyons, who after a long journey of infertility, found hope and belonging in adoption. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rachel met her husband through mutual friends at a NYE fancy dress party, there was instant attraction from both sides and a couple of years later they were marrie…
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When we talk we don't feel so alone - Interview with Lady Sarra Hoy
1:16:43
1:16:43
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In this episode, Zoe speaks to Lady Sarra Hoy, mother of two and wife to the one and only, sir Chris hoy, Britain’s most successful Olympian. Their first child, Callum, was delivered by emergency caesarean after Sarra developed severe pre-eclampsia and HELP syndrome. Sarra is now an ambassador for the charity Bliss, listen in today as she talks thr…
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In this episode Zoe speaks to Jade from the Instagram account @notyour_averagefamily. Jade and her partner Adam are special guardians to their niece and nephew after the sudden and devastating death of their mother, Adam’s sister, when the children were just 4 and 5 years old. 5 years on and with the addition of their biological daughter Harper, Ja…
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Creating a Powerful Narrative Around Pelvic Health - Interview with Clare Bourne
55:02
55:02
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In this episode Zoe speaks with women’s health advocate, pelvic health physiotherapist and mother of two, Clare Bourne. They talk about pelvic organ prolapse, exercise and Clare’s own experience of motherhood. An episode full of invaluable information as well as overcoming the adversity that comes with being a mum, both mentally and physically. KEY…
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Journey to Recovery - Interview with Eva Canavan
57:04
57:04
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The 3rd-9th of May is Perinatal mental health week in the UK. In this episode Zoe speaks with Eve Canavan who suffered post-partum psychosis after the birth of her son Joe 11 years ago. She now a coordinator for the perinatal mental health partnership. They talk about Eve's experience of postpartum psychosis, what support is out there, the and delv…
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Not a Happy Ending but the Start to a New Chapter - Interview with Elle Wright
1:25:56
1:25:56
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Today Zoe Speaks to Elle Wright, an author, --- and mother. They talk about Elle's complex, difficult and unforgiving journey of infertility and loss in her new book A Bump in the Road. They discuss many heavy and challenging topics but this is exactly why Elle writes about her personal journey, of overwhelming emotions and loss. She feels she need…
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Little Hearts, Big Love - An Interview with Louise
1:14:44
1:14:44
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Today Zoe talks to Louise about her very special little girl Jessica, who was born with a heart condition. Devastatingly in 2018 Jessica died at aged 6 ½ and Louise shares how she is navigating both life and grief without her little girl. KEY TAKEAWAYS Louise met Michael in university, they have been together ever since. They got married in 2009 an…
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Hypnobirthing - Interview with Claire from The Nurture Nest
59:26
59:26
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In this episode Zoe speaks with Claire from the Instagram account @the_nurture_nest. Claire is a hypnobirthing teacher, blog writer and also hosts the very successful 'The Hypnobirthing Podcast'! They talk about all things hypnobirthing, Claire’s own birth and how this led to her training to teach hypnobirthing herself to then help other women in t…
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The Wonder Line – Interview with Vicky Gooden
1:11:12
1:11:12
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Today Zoe speaks to Vicky Gooden, who talks about her fertility journey and the difficult diagnosis of a congenital heart condition in her little girl. Drawing on her own families experience and wanting to advocate for those who are different, Vicky has written a beautiful children’s book called The Wonder Line. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vicky met her husband …
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It's Good To Remember Who you Are - Interview with Lisa at Rainbow and Renovation
59:38
59:38
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Today Zoe speaks to Lisa, creator of Rainbow and Renovation Instagram. Lisa tells her brave story of infertility, IVF and loss. They discuss Lisa’s pregnancy journey which sadly resulted in the loss of her son at 16 weeks and how it was later discovered that she has what is called an ‘incompetent cervix’ and how this has been managed to hopefully s…
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Today Zoe speaks to Hannah from the Instagram account @eggainst_the_odds. Hannah tells her incredible story against the odds, how she beat cancer twice and then had her baby girl last year. A true happy ending. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hannah had been suffering with chronic knee pain and after seeing many Drs she got diagnosed with cancer, at the age of 26. O…
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Strong Like Mum - Interview with Shakira Akabusi
50:09
50:09
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Today Zoe speaks to Shakira Akabusi, a speaker, podcaster and women’s health trainer. She educates and shares a plethora of information on the incredible female body and is also a superb mother of four! KEY TAKEAWAYS For Shakira, the first child was the hardest. She now has four children but still says the biggest challenge was the life change that…
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Podcasting, Privilege and Publicity - Interview with Natalie Silverman
53:20
53:20
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Today Zoe speaks to broadcaster, voiceover artist, and podcaster Natalie Silverman. Natalie talks about the work she is doing around fertility and the relaunch of her podcast as well as her own journey to motherhood. KEY TAKEAWAYS Natalie has been running her podcast the fertility podcast for 7 years. She had no idea what she was starting at the be…
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Feel How You Want to Feel – Interview with The NICU Mummy
55:42
55:42
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Today Zoe speaks to Sam, aka The NICU Mummy. Sam started blogging last year to offer an alternative voice for those who have experienced something other than the norm in pregnancy, birth and beyond. The blog is for those whose babies have spent time being cared for in a NICU in some way. They discuss Sam’s journey as well as some top tips of how yo…
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Every Baby is Made with Love - Interview with ‘Robomummy’ Laura Gallagher
55:32
55:32
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Today Zoe speaks to Laura Gallagher, a mother and author also known as Robo Mummy. They discuss Laura’s fertility struggles, how to normalise differing journeys to parenthood and Laura’s incredible children’s book ‘Robobabies’. Laura wanted to write a book for children to tell them all about the different ways families are made. Although written fo…
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Team Angel Wolf; Inspiring Inclusivity - Interview with Nick Watson
1:06:30
1:06:30
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Today Zoe speaks to Nick Watson, ex Royal-marine, father and driving force being non-profit organisation Team Angel Wolf. Nick and his son Rio are well known in the sporting world in Dubai and for the last six years they have raised money doing countless triathlons. KEY TAKEAWAYS Nick and his wife moved to UAE and started developing their fitness b…
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Health, Adventure and Love - Interview with Claire Falconer
53:24
53:24
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Today Zoe speaks to Claire Falconer a health and fitness coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher and life-long wanderluster! Claire and her husband have been spending the past year travelling around Australia in a van and now that Claire is pregnant she talks about how her travelling experiences have prepared her for being a mother. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cla…
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The Mental Health Midwife: Interview with Tessa Van Der Vord
54:28
54:28
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Today Zoe speaks to specialist midwife Tessa Van Der Vord, also known as ‘The Mental Health Midwife’. Tessa opens up about suffering with severe anxiety when pregnant with her son, as those who work in mental health are not immune to experiencing their own difficulties. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tessa wasn’t too sure on what she wanted to do when she ‘grew up’…
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Bumps, Burpees and Babies! Interview with Charlie Barker
1:12:52
1:12:52
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Today Zoe speaks to Charlie Barker, mother, entrepreneur and founder of bumps and burpees post-natal fitness company. Charlie talks to Zoe about starting and running her own business, writing and getting a book published in a year (whilst pregnant and in a pandemic!) and life after having a baby. They also talk in depth about Charlie’s three tragic…
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Defining Mum - Interview with Becky Kearns
1:00:15
1:00:15
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Today Zoe speaks to Becky Kearns, also known as the defining mum! Becky shares her journey into parenthood which resulted in using donor eggs to conceive her three beautiful girls. Zoe learnt so much from listening to Becky and found her story fascinating. Listen in today for an emotional and insightful episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Becky met her husband …
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Happy New Year! As many of us will be thinking of how to be healthier as we start 2021, today Zoe speaks to Lucy Slimmon, founder of the rainbow running club! Whilst battling through difficult times in her life, including baby loss, Lucy found that running gave her back a sense of control, joy and purpose. She realised that if running could to this…
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Body Happy Kids - Interview with Body Image Campaigner Molly J Forbes
1:14:33
1:14:33
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Today Zoe speaks to Molly Forbes, mother, writer, speaker, podcaster and body image campaigner. She uses her platform to raise awareness and try and bring change around the normality of the diet culture within our society and its effect on our children. They talk all things body image, as well as parenting, social media and more, a really thought p…
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It’s About The Connections Not The Comparisons – Interview with Lala Langtry White
1:13:22
1:13:22
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Today Zoe speaks to Lala Langtry White, a pregnancy, birth and parenting support specialist. She is passionate about supporting individualised care for every unique journey. Lala talks to Zoe about her surprise pregnancy with twin boys, the complications involved and their journey to today. KEY TAKEAWAYS After moving to Dubai with her husband and f…
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When We Speak Out We Are Not Alone – Interview with Charlie Watson
46:24
46:24
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Today Zoe speaks to Charlie Watson, a successful blogger who has only recently shared her fertility prognosis with the world. An episode which talks about Charlie’s journey of discovery with her condition but also her and her partners next big step to create their own unique family; surrogacy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Charlie was born with the condition MRKH,…
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The Infertile Midwife – Interview with Sophie Martin
1:08:13
1:08:13
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Today Zoe speaks to midwife Sophie Martin. Sophie shares her story of infertility, IVF, and birth. Infertility and baby loss are never easy but the strength to go through these whilst still being surrounded and caring for mothers and babies as a midwife shows how incredibly self-less, passionate and resilient Sophie is. KEY TAKEAWAYS After doing a …
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The Worst Girl Gang Ever - Interview with Laura and Bex
1:08:15
1:08:15
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Today Zoe speaks to Laura Buckingham and Bex Gunn, they have only met in person once but within a few weeks of finding one another started a movement to offer education and support to the 1 in 4 women who suffer miscarriage. Zoe talks with them about their experiences that brought them together and what made them start their amazing podcast. KEY TA…
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Interview with ‘Professional Handholder’ Kicki Hansard
53:01
53:01
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Today Zoe speaks to Doula extraordinaire Kicki Hansard. She is also an author and is behind the hashtag #butnotmaternity campaign. They talk about Kicki’s pregnancy and births, her work as a Doula, physiological birth and her work on the campaign behind maternity services in the current pandemic. KEY TAKEAWAYS Families, women and babies are sufferi…
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Interview with Founder and Owner of Eggs and Soldiers Sofi Chabowski
1:13:41
1:13:41
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Today Zoe speaks to Sofi Chabowski, owner of eco-aware baby shop Eggs and Soldiers. Sofi talks about her tragic first pregnancy, her other pregnancies including dealing with finding cleft palate in her Son Luca, her amazing business, juggling family life and more. An emotional episode that gives insight into dealing with pregnancy abnormalities and…
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Interview with Mother, Writer and ‘EX’ Expat Louise Emma Clarke
1:28:37
1:28:37
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Today Zoe speaks to Louise Emma Clarke, journalist, columnist, blogger and author. Listen in today for a varied episode with a great insight into expat life as well as motherhood and Louise’s writing. KEY TAKEAWAYS Louise moved to Dubai when her husband moved there for six months and didn’t want to come back! Louise’s first son Stanley was born in …
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The Gentle Mama – Interview with Infant Sleep Educator Hayley Bukhamsin
1:08:35
1:08:35
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Today Zoe speaks to Hayley Bukhamsin infant sleep educator ‘the gentle mama’. Hayley prides herself on giving scientific facts on infant sleep and development, helping parents tap into their own intuition and giving sleep solutions that are holistic and personal to each family’s needs. Listen in today for a refreshing take on ‘sleep solutions’ as w…
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Somewhere Over the Rainbow – A Surrogacy Story with Sophie and Em
1:09:06
1:09:06
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Today Zoe speaks to Sophie and Em, best friends who showed the true meaning of love when Em was a surrogate for Sophie so she could realise her dream of being a mum. They talk about the journey of getting to surrogacy, the reality of surrogacy and what life has been like after such an incredible, yet surreal, time in their lives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Em a…
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Dreaming of Dottie: Interview with Leonie Pitts – Part 2
1:01:59
1:01:59
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The second part of two episodes, Zoe speaks to Leonie about when she finally fell pregnant naturally after so many years of trying to conceive. Listen in today to hear about this welcomed but scary surprise and the impact on Leonie’s first Daughter Bea and the rest of her family. KEY TAKEAWAYS When Bea was three Leonie surprisingly discovered that …
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Becoming Beatrix: Interview with Leonie Pitts – Part 1
1:02:26
1:02:26
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The first part of two episodes, Zoe speaks to Leonie about her first journey to becoming a mother. Listen in to this episode for an insight into IVF and what the adoption process can look like. Leonie talks though the highs, the lows and the spreadsheets! KEY TAKEAWAYS Leonie has always really wanted children, it was a family joke that she always w…
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Turning an End into a Beginning, This Is My Brave Face, an Interview with Amy Campbell
1:17:00
1:17:00
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In today’s episode Zoe speaks to Amy Campbell. Amy bravely talks about the premature birth of her twin girls, Esme and Charlotte and then the tragic death of Esme at 7 weeks old. Tune in today to listen to an inspiring and thoughtful episode showing Amy’s strength through trauma that is sprinkled with hope and inspiration. KEY TAKEAWAYS Amy feared …
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Superwoman Zara Dawson; Endometriosis, IVF and OHSS (trigger warning)
1:14:37
1:14:37
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Today’s episode is with Zara Dawson “the most unbelievable woman Zoe’s ever spoken to”! Zara talks about her traumatic and frightening fertility journey and opens up about her difficult pregnancies and her unfortunately flawed pre and post-natal care. This is an emotive episode which shows how incredible women can be and Zara’s incredible resilienc…
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Journey to Motherhood - Interview with Cat Strawbridge
1:21:05
1:21:05
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Today Zoe talks to Cat Strawbridge, trying to conceive community advocate and fellow podcaster, about her personal experiences in becoming a mum; starting right from the beginning, through some very difficult times to where she is now. Listen in today for both an emotional and humorous insight to Cat’s journey to motherhood. KEY TAKEAWAYS Motherhoo…
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