In this episode of the Pop That Mumma Podcast, I sit down with Dr Melanie Jackson, a brilliant midwife and maternal health advocate, to chat about vaginal examinations (VEs) during labour. We discuss what they’re for, how they relate to cervical dilation and birth progress, and why they’re such a common yet often misunderstood part of maternity care.
Dr Jackson shares her insight into the risks, benefits, and alternatives to routine VEs, and we talk about informed consent and why you always have the right to say no.
We also explore how the body naturally progresses in labour, what evidence-based care really looks like, and how expectations around cervical dilation can sometimes do more harm than good.
If you’re pregnant and planning for birth, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed!
To find out more about Dr Melanie and her work, follow her on social media here.
Be sure to check out her amazing podcast, The Great Birth Rebellion
A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode.
You can check out their full range of products on their website.
Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes!
Do the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep is More Than Just a Plan
What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in Motherhood: Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”
How Exercise Transforms Pregnancy, Labour and Recovery
What really happens after birth? In this powerful and honest episode, I sit down with doula and childbirth educator Caitlin Wilder to talk about the raw, unfiltered realities of postpartum life.
As mums of two with completely different journeys, we open up about breastfeeding struggles, sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs, and the challenge of finding ourselves again after birth.
Caitlin shares her heartfelt insights on hormonal shifts, relationship changes, and why communicating your needs as a new mum can make all the difference. Together, we explore the power of slowing down, asking for support, and embracing the messiness of motherhood.
If you’re pregnant, preparing for postpartum, or in the thick of those early newborn days this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Tune in for real talk, reassurance, and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to take things one moment at a time.
You can find out more about Caitlin and her work here.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode below.
Find out about their full range of products here.
Want to hear more? Check out our other episodes!
Moving Through Pregnancy: How Exercise Transforms Pregnancy, Labour and Recovery
Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”: What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in Motherhood
Do the Inner Work! Why Birth Prep is More Than Just a Plan
Ever wondered how movement can transform your pregnancy and postpartum journey?
In this episode of Pop That Mumma, I sit down with Gina from MamasteFit to uncover the power of exercise during pregnancy, the secrets of pelvic mechanics, and how to recover confidently after birth.
Gina shares expert insights on staying active safely, preparing your body for labour, and supporting your pelvic health postpartum. We bust common pregnancy fitness myths, explore what really happens when labour stalls, and discuss how mindful movement can make all the difference for both you and your baby.
You can find out more about Gina and MamasteFit through their website.
For 15% off MamasteFit programs, use the code POPTHATMUMMA
A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode below.
Fox 5 Renew
Or find out more about the full range of products on their website.
Enjoyed this episode? Listen to our others!
Beyond “Enjoying It While It Lasts”: What Happens When You Lose (and Find) Yourself in Motherhood
In this episode of the Pop That Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Tuesday Watts-Overall to explore what it truly means to be a mother in today’s digital world. We go beyond the highlight reels and talk honestly about the messy, beautiful, and often complicated side of motherhood that doesn’t always make it onto social media.
Dr Tuesday opens up about her personal journey and the shifts in identity that every mum faces. Together, we discuss how comparison and perfectionism can impact your mental wellbeing and why the real work lies in trusting yourself and embracing your own path.
This episode is about going beyond “enjoying it while it lasts” and recognising that motherhood isn’t just something to survive or smile through, it's a space to grow, rediscover yourself, and build deeper self-trust along the way.
If you’ve ever felt lost in the noise of motherhood, this one’s for you.
You can find out more about Dr Tuesday and her work and offerings here.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find all the products mentioned in this episode on their website or through the links below.
Want to hear more? Check out more in this series:
Do The Inner Work! Why Birth Prep Is More Than Just a Plan
In this episode of the Pop That Mumma podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Sallyann Beresford as we dive deep into the importance of building self-trust during pregnancy, labour, and birth.
We talk about what it really means to ‘do the work’, preparing not just physically, but mentally and emotionally for the journey of childbirth.
We also chat about how birth education has evolved, why advocacy matters, and the practical steps you can take to strengthen your instincts and move through fear with confidence.
This conversation is all about reclaiming trust in yourself, breaking free from surface-level preparation, and connecting with the deeper wisdom you already carry within.
Whether you’re pregnant, preparing for labour, or simply curious about birth and motherhood, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and inspiration to help you feel empowered on your journey.
You can find out more about Sallyann and her work here. Or listen to her podcast here.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Bugaboo. You can find a link to all of the products mentioned in this episode below.
Find out more about Bugaboo on their website.
Want to hear more? Check out more Pop That Mumma Episodes!
What do YOU want for your birth? Practical birth planning advice.
Staying in your zone in labour: Hypnobirthing, Breathing & Mindset & Meditation
Hypnobirthing Positive Affirmations - listen daily
A little personal update from me & some more info on where this podcast is going next! ❤️❤️
In this episode of the Voice Notes Summer Series, I share real-life insights on keeping your relationship strong after baby.
After 16 years with my partner and navigating parenthood, I reflect on communication, respect, and managing expectations during the postpartum period.
From voicing your needs and handling emotional and physical changes to practising self-care and pursuing passions. This episode offers practical relationship tips for new parents.
Tune in for my personal take on keeping love alive, staying connected, and building a thriving family dynamic.
Staying in Your Zone in Labour: Hypnobirthing Breathing, Oxytocin Bubble & Scent Anchors ❤️
In this EP explore the power of staying in your zone- that calm, primal state where birth flows best. You’ll learn why the Oxytocin Bubble track is a game-changer for relaxation, how scent anchors can instantly bring you back to calm, and the breathing techniques that help you stay in your zone ❤️
For the full Birth Box Hypnobirthing course click here:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
I can’t wait to help you feel even more birth ready.
Poppy
Popthatmumma
In this episode I’m breaking down why birth pain feels so different from woman to woman, and how your body, your mind and your environment can either dial it up or calm it down. We’ll talk about:
• Why pain in labour is visceral (you’re not imagining it)
• How stress, fear and cultural conditioning can make it louder
• The role of mindset, tools and expectation in changing your experience
• How support — medical and emotional — shapes what you feel
This is the conversation nobody has properly: pain is not just something to grit your teeth through, it’s something you can work with.
Feel birth confident:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
This meditation is one of the most-loved tracks from my full audio collection, designed to support you through pregnancy, birth, and everyday overwhelm.
If you found this helpful, you’ll love the full meditation album, available to download on its own here:
👉 Get the full album
Sending calm, comfort, and support your way 💛
— Poppy x
#GuidedMeditation #SleepMeditation #StressRelief #CalmPregnancy #HypnobirthingTracks #PregnancyMeditation #BirthPreparation #RelaxationTools #BirthBox #PopThatMumma #DownloadableMeditation
In this powerful episode, Shiela shares her fast and intense home birth story — a raw, empowering journey that shows the strength of the birthing body and mind. From the first surge to holding her baby in her own home, Shiela’s experience is filled with trust, instinct, and inspiration for anyone preparing for a positive birth. Perfect for mums planning a home birth, curious about natural birth, or seeking real-life, uplifting birth stories.
Join us in The Village for more!
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/thevillageapp
Full course here:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
The reviews have been outstanding:
Caroline Smith
"I used Birth Box at 39 weeks! From the first contraction to delivery was less than 5 hours, without epidural and without tears with a 10lb baby! I couldn't have done it without the Birth Box advice so from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU"
Cara DoeringI
"I HAVE LOVED IT! @popthatmumma I absolutely love your energy and this was just what I needed to help get rid of some anxiety I've been feeling. Thank you for helping to empower me again. I'll be recommending this to everyone I know! I genuinely wish this were the standard teaching for women who are taking pregnancy classes…regardless of what kind of birth they want to have ❤️
Updated: "The birth was wonderful! I was able to deliver without an epidural/meds which was my goal! Thank you so much for the brilliant course you've made!"
A calming pregnancy meditation to help you relax, stay grounded, and feel supported during this powerful time.
This is a sample track from my guided meditation album — created to support you through pregnancy and into birth.
You can access the full meditation album as part of the Birth Box online hypnobirthing course, or purchase it separately if you're just looking for soothing tracks to prepare your mind and body.
Just the tracks:
When I recorded this, I was surrounded by candlelight, speaking from the heart. Some words were planned, but most flowed intuitively — I hope you feel that energy and receive what you need from it.
Wishing you peace, strength and warmth,
Poppy x
#PregnancyMeditation #BirthPreparation #Hypnobirthing #PregnancyRelaxation #CalmPregnancy #BirthBox #PregnancySupport #PositiveBirth #MindfulPregnancy #GuidedMeditationForPregnancy
In this episode of the Pop That Mumma podcast, recorded in our online community space, The Village, we explore the transformative power of somatic movement and sensuality during labour and birth.
Poppy is joined by Samara Concepción, a renowned holistic birth doula and women’s health practitioner based in London, who shares her profound insights on how body-led birth practices can radically shift the way we experience childbirth.
Discover how somatic awareness, intuitive body movement, and the integration of sensuality in labour help expectant mothers reconnect with their birthing instincts. Samara guides listeners through practical tools and mindful techniques that support embodiment during pregnancy and birth
If you're preparing for birth, a birth partner, or a birthworker, this episode is for you. Join us for this intimate and enlightening conversation designed to reclaim the wisdom of the body and support a holistic, empowered birth experience.
Listen to Samara´s podcast and playlist, check out her website here.
Sheri Winston´s book is linked here
If you want more content like this, join us in The Village doors open August 1-5.
🎙️ This week on the podcast, I speak with Charley about her incredible birth experience—and how she used the Birth Box™ Hypnobirthing course to prepare.
It was surreal meeting someone in person who had done Birth Box!
We talk about fear, mindset, labour prep, and what really helped on the day.
If you’re curious about the course that supported Charley through her labour, you can check it out here:
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
#hypnobirthing #birthpreparation #birthbox #positivebirth #labourtools #childbirtheducation #birthstory #physiologicalbirth
In this episode I share my top tips for making labour and birth quicker and more efficient! If you'd like to sign up to my full program and learn more amazing tips & tools for birth then sign up below and don't forget to use code POPTHAT when it asks if you have a coupon
https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox
Love
Poppy
Pop That Mumma
Karishma shares the full story, from her first birth in hospital to her freebirth at home.
This episode is honest, emotional, and deeply empowering. If you’re curious about home birth, freebirth… this one’s for you.
Did you enjoy this one?
Let me know over at IG!
https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/
Summer voice notes are here — starting with a big one:
Motherhood got infinitely easier the moment I stopped trying so hard to parent.
When I dropped the pressure to perform, narrate, guide every moment… everything softened.
I’ll be sharing how I moved through guilt, stopped questioning myself, and became an unshakeably confident mother — not because I cracked some perfect routine, but because I let go.
Listen in, then come tell me your thoughts over on Instagram.
What do you want me to dive into next?
I’m taking a little break over summer - but instead of going quiet, we’re dropping some of the best bits from past episodes.
Conversations that made us feel seen. Stuff you might’ve missed but need to hear.
So whether you’re pregnant, chasing a toddler, or just fancy a good listen while sunbathing or folding babygros - it’s all here.
I’ll be back in the autumn with brand new studio episodes (they’re gonna be so good).
Have a gorgeous summer, everyone 💛
Join the IG convo here:
https://www.instagram.com/popthatmumma/
BACK AUTUM
EVERY FRIDAY 9AM!!
n this powerful episode, Poppy Child is joined by award-winning author and journalist Lucy Jones to unpack the raw, transformative journey of matrescence — the psychological, emotional, and physical transition into motherhood.
Together, they dive deep into what happens when your identity is cracked open, your nervous system rewires, and your sense of self is stretched beyond recognition. Expect honest stories, mind-expanding research, and an unfiltered look at why becoming a mother is one of the most misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life.
Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or years into motherhood — this conversation will help you name the shift, understand your emotions, and feel less alone. If you’ve ever asked “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?”, this episode is for you.
Topics we cover:
What is matrescence, really?
The invisible identity shift of motherhood
Mental health, rage, grief, joy — and how they all collide
Give https://www.instagram.com/lucyfjones/ a follow and read her amazing book Matrescence
https://amzn.to/4lmw7Y8