My birth was beautiful, powerful, and on my own terms. But there was a sting in it too - a layer I haven’t fully reflected on or shared publicly. This is the deeper, more nuanced story. The emotional side. The inner experience.
Thank you for holding space ❤️
You can prepare for birth with me here and use code OLIVIA1 for the birth celebration discount ❤️
In this episode I’m joined by two absolute legends - Illiyin Morrison (birth trauma specialist) and Hollie de Cruz (author + mother) - and we’re unpacking the rigid, checklist style birth plan… and asking what happens when we make space for nuance, emotion, and real agency.
We talk birth partners, informed choice, and how to actually process your birth afterwards - even if it doesn’t go to plan.
https://www.instagram.com/illiyinmorrison/
https://www.instagram.com/hollie.decruz/?hl=en-gb
The Perfect Birth Lie: What No One Tells You About "Doing It Right"
In this raw and real episode, I unpack one of the most insidious pressures in modern birth culture: the idea that there’s a perfect way to give birth. Whether you’re dreaming of a calm water birth or just hoping to avoid unnecessary intervention, the pressure to get it "right" can quietly chip away at your confidence.
I explore how the perfect birth narrative actually hurts women, why it’s okay to change your mind, and how to build real confidence—not performative calm.
Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or healing after a birth that didn’t go to plan, this chat is a must-listen for anyone who wants an empowering, grounded and judgment-free approach to birth.
🎧 Subscribe for real talk on birth prep, decision-making, and dismantling the myths that hold women back.
In this episode, I chat with certified hormone and women's health coach Tara Ghosh about something every mother should know. How understanding your cycle can actually make motherhood feel more manageable.
We explore how your menstrual cycle influences your energy, emotions and mental clarity, and how tuning into it can help you feel more in control. Tara also shares when your cycle is likely to return after birth, what signs to watch for in the postpartum period, and how to navigate this shift without confusion or stress.
Tara's journey from lawyer to hormone expert was sparked by her own experience with fatigue, PMDD and postpartum health challenges. Her story and knowledge are empowering and refreshingly real.
If you want to feel more connected to your body and more confident in motherhood, this conversation is for you.
Follow the incredible Tara Gosh here
https://www.instagram.com/_taraghosh_/?hl=en-gb
She'll be joining us soon in The Village too!
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
In this episode, we dive deeper into the transition from maiden to mother. We explore the energetic shift that comes with matrescence, the clash between self-optimisation culture and the raw, real pace of motherhood, and why routines aren’t one-size-fits-all. This one’s about trusting yourself, loosening the grip, and learning how to work with motherhood — not against it.
You wanted a part 2 and here is it :)
Join us in the village for more deeper convos:
wait list:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
WE ARE BACK!! NEW EPS EVERY FRIDAY AT 9AM - set your reminders guys and make sure you subscribe :)
In this episode I’m sharing what it’s been like going from one child to two. The grief for your old life. The chaos and the beauty of change. Letting your firstborn in on the journey. And the growth!! so much learning.
This one’s a slower, reflective chat. So get yourself comfy, maybe pop the kettle on, and come sit with me. If you're in the thick of it or on the cusp of this transition, I hope it helps you feel seen ❤️
In this episode, we’re talking about the third stage of labour - the birth of the placenta - and why it deserves just as much attention as the rest of the birth process.
Too many women are left in the dark about what happens after the baby is born. From synthetic oxytocin injections and cord traction to postpartum haemorrhage and lack of consent, this part of birth is often rushed, misunderstood, or dismissed altogether.
We’ll explore:
What the third stage of labour actually involves
The difference between physiological and active management
How synthetic oxytocin can impact natural oxytocin, bonding, and breastfeeding
Why so many women feel confused or traumatised by this part of birth
How to prepare, protect your birth space, and make informed choices
This episode will give you the knowledge and context you need to feel empowered during the birth of the placenta.
Let me know your thoughts here:
https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/
WE ARE BACK! Expect new EPS every Friday at 9am!
Set your reminder and make sure you hit subscribe!
In this episode, I’m joined by midwife Laura Green to explore the ins and outs of induction of labour. We discuss when and why induction is offered, the different methods available, and how to make informed decisions that align with your birth preferences. Laura shares her insights from working within the NHS and supporting families privately, always emphasising personalised care and informed choice. Whether you're considering induction or want to understand your options, this episode provides the clarity and confidence you need.
Don't forget to join us in the Village Membership for more conversations like this:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Follow Midwife Laura Green here: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenmidwife/?hl=en-gb
I'll be back EVERY FRIDAY AT 9AM with new episodes starting at the end of June - click 'get notified' to be updated.
In the meantime join us in the membership herre:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Can't wait guys!! thanks for your patience.
Poppy x
Listen to this birth story with your birth partner - it’s powerful, emotional, and full of practical gems. Thank you both SO much for joining us!!
A beautifully positive hospital birth that’ll leave you feeling inspired, reassured, and ready.
The course mention is Birth Box:
The BirthBox Hypnobirthing Course
Loved by thousands, designed to get you ready.❤️
🔗 Get a feel for the kinds of conversations we’re having inside The Village: Join us here
In this episode, I sit down with Samara Concepcion—a holistic birthkeeper, doula, film director, and podcast host—to talk about something we don’t hear enough about: ecstatic birth.
We break down what "ecstatic" really means in the context of birth (it’s probably not what you think), challenge some of the biggest myths, and explore how birth is actually designed to unfold when we let it. We also discuss:
A fascinating, thought-provoking conversation about the beauty and power of birth.
Samara’s latest documentary is a raw, personal, and poetic exploration of birth that challenges mainstream narratives and reimagines what’s possible when we trust the process.
Back the project on Kickstarter: Support the Film
Connect with Samara: Follow her on Instagram
Podcast https://samaraconcepcion.com/the-podcast
Thanks for listening,
Poppy
Thinking about co-sleeping but not sure how to do it safely? Or already bed-sharing and looking for reassurance? Join Poppy and Isadora for an open, honest conversation about all things co-sleeping—why families choose it, how to make it work, and what you need to know to get the best rest possible.
In this episode, we cover:
🌙 The biggest benefits of co-sleeping
🛏️ Different ways to co-sleep & safety essentials
🔑 Key tips for bed-sharing & floor beds
😴 How to actually get more sleep while co-sleeping
❤️ Navigating co-sleeping and relationships
👶 Gentle transitions when the time feels right
💬 Plus, your questions answered in a live Q&A!
For more conversations like this plus live coaching from myself and other experts - Join The Village
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Follow Happy Co-Sleeper for more amazing content and tips:
https://www.instagram.com/happycosleeper/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/channel/Abbj70xgsOkMBIMJ/
Join my new community broadcast channel where I will be sharing weekly positive birthing tips and free resources. I can’t wait to connect with you more intimately ❤️
Emergency EP! so many of you replied to my IG stories saying that you're worried about birth. It doesn't ned to be this way. Prepare, do the work, commit to the meditation and I promise you - YOU WILL FEEL CONFIDENT.
You can sign up to my online course here, it includes the complete album of meditations that will literally rewire your brain
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
TW. This weekend on the podcast, I’m joined by Illiyin Morrison, a Birth Trauma Specialist Midwife, for an insightful and deeply important conversation about birth trauma.
We dive into the causes, signs to look out for, and the challenges of planning a future pregnancy after experiencing trauma. Illiyin shares her expert perspective on recognising birth trauma, the benefits of debriefing services, and how to navigate the healing process.
We also answer some thoughtful questions submitted by our Instagram community.
Thank you so much Illiyin for joining us.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mixing.up.motherhood/
Services:
https://linktr.ee/Mixingupmotherhood
Oofff, someone on IG wanted this episode, so I've gone and recorded it - actually quite cathartic.
Let me know your thoughts and share YOUR experiences too! Comments below are open :)
Want more convos like this? Check out our Village:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
I share some of my life lessons, p.s. a bit of swearing at the start.
Casual & reflective pods, let me know your thoughts in the comments! P xXx
Birth Box
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
Village
https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Guided birth planning session where I ask you - what do you truly want for your birth?
You might want to download and bring up this birth plan as I'm talking through:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthplanbundle
Join us in The Village for more conversations like this:
https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Personal tips and strategies I use to ensure I'm showing up healthy, vibrant and WELL.
Don't forget to RATE this podcast and as always, let me know your thoughts!!
More in The Village:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Connecting with baby in the most truest and authentic way: my story ❤️
