Happy Mum

TW: This episode contains devastating conversations around child loss from a traumatic event, and themes of grief. Please do take care of yourself while listening, and know that it’s completely okay to step away and come back when you’re ready.

In this week's episode, Gi sits down with Jen Stancombe to honour the life of her daughter, Elsie Dot Stancombe.

In July 2024, seven-year-old Elsie was one of three young girls killed in the Southport attack. Jen joins Gi to share who Elsie truly was beyond the headlines: a joyful, caring, and inspirational big sister, who brought light to everyone she met.

Jen speaks about navigating the unimaginable grief alongside her husband David and their younger daughter, while sharing how love for Elsie continues to shape their family every day. She also reflects on the strength they've found in keeping Elsie's memory alive and the purpose they've discovered through the foundation created in her name.

We are incredibly grateful to Jen for trusting us with Elsie's story. To find out more about the incredible work being carried out in Elsie's memory, or to support the foundation, please visit Elsie's Story.
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Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth and baby loss. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜

Fear and hope often exist side by side throughout pregnancy and birth.

This week two midwives highlight the importance of clear, compassionate communication -- from easing birth anxieties to supporting families through pregnancy loss.

If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk
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This week make some noise for the first wrestler to join us on the podcast: WWE icon Becky Lynch!

Known to millions as The Man, Becky tells Gi about the moment she found out she was pregnant — while reigning as WWE Champion.

She also opens up about becoming a mum to daughter Roux during the pandemic and the challenges that followed, including post-weaning depression, grief after losing her father, and learning to see her body in a whole new light.

Watch Becky on WWE Raw live every Monday night exclusively on Netflix!

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Trigger warning: this episode incudes challenging experiences relating to birth. If you feel this may be a difficult listen please consider choosing another episode 💜

When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm can make all the difference.

This week two midwives share the emergencies they'll never forget.

If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk

Links from our midwives:
Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences
East Anglian Midwives offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge
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Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.

Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.

She also opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the lack of adequate postnatal support she received afterwards, experiences that led her to launch the first UK parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Since then, she has continued campaigning alongside Louise Thompson for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner.

UPDATE: Since recording this episode, the government has announced the appointment of the UK’s first-ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, as part of efforts to improve maternity and neonatal care across England.

Links:
Follow Theo on Substack
Breaking the Taboo book
Birth Trauma Association
Maternity Commissioner Petition
Our interview with Louise Thompson

Do you follow our new Substack yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx

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