Join us as we retrace a captivating adventure in the life of a modern mum, who first graced our show as an expectant mother and returns now with an 18-month-old toddler in tow! In this special episode of "The Independent Mum's Handbook," we journey through the extraordinary transformation that motherhood brings, exploring the exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Our guest opens up about the overwhelming joy of her first embrace, the sleepless nights, the unexpected challenges, and the profound connections that only a mother can understand. From the tender first moments to the trials of the 'terrible twos,' she shares with us the candid reality of motherhood and the profound impact it's had on her life.

Whether you're a new parent, expecting, or simply interested in the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, this episode promises to be an eye-opening exploration of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of motherhood. Tune in and share in the laughter, tears, and wisdom of a mum's 18-month odyssey!

*Trigger warning * This podcast covers potentially disturbing content and includes references to domestic abuse, neonatal care and topics, which some listeners may find offensive or traumatising. This week we meet Clare, a mother of 3. We hear how she juggles homeschooling, working and being a wife. We also hear the contrast she feels as her journey transitions from being a teen mum to her current situation. If you have been affected by the topics in this week's podcast and would like to find out more, check out the websites below for more information : Neonatal support  - https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/neonatal-support -https://www.bliss.org.uk/ Domestic Abuse  - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/ - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/ - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help Homeschooling  - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927727064696574 - School anxiety and refusal - https://www.evolve-intervention.com/. - ADHD - https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=4514727221918661&ref=content_filter

This week we meet 30-year-old career woman Nadia, who is soon to be married but has decided that she doesn't want children.

Hear her struggles and triumphs and the reason why she can't bring herself to have a child of her own.

So, pull up a chair, grab your drink and enjoy Nadia's story.

* Trigger warning*

 This podcast covers potentially disturbing content and includes references to sexual abuse and topics, which some listeners may find offensive or traumatising.

 In this episode, we meet Kelly, a 36year old mother of three. We hear how Kelly's strength and thirst for education broke the generational cycle of abuse and allowed her to find her voice and thrive. We follow her twist and turns and walk with her from the darkness to the light.

 Grab a cuppa and put your feet up and get ready to enjoy this week's enchanting episode.

 If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this weeks episode, you can contact your GP for support. 

Alternatively, you can contact: a voluntary organisation, such as Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Survivors UK (for male victims of sexual assault) the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year) or the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

This week we meet Rachael, a 37-year-old singleton. We join Rachael as she reflects on her decision to have her eggs frozen. We hear the highs and the lows of finding a partner in the world of online dating and how freezing her eggs gives her the hope of having her ideal family one day. She also talks us through the process and her well-being throughout the journey. So, sit back, grab your brew and tune in to this week's exciting story. 

In this episode, we meet Grace, a business owner and a mother of 4. We will join Grace as she recounts how she balanced education with being a young mum and how her dedication to the arts helped her through life's most challenging times. We also hear the heartwarming tale of how she met her husband. So, grab your cuppa, put your feet up and join us for this week's podcast. 

To find out more about DramEd check out Grace's website - https://www.dramed.com/ 

Check out Grace's book co-written by her son on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09B7LXTGX?tag=sa-symuk-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&geo=gb&locale=en_gb&doi=2021-09-28&cmpgn=jul21&o=APN12174&p2=%5EET%5Ejul21%5E

In this pilot episode, we meet Frances a 35-year-old mother of one.

Join us we hear her journey into motherhood. We find out how Frances navigates marriage, working full-time, moving countries and becoming a mother.

We will be launching the full series on October the 18th, you can sign up for reminders here https://independentmumshandbook.co.uk/2021/09/21/the-podcast/.

I hope you join us 

Laura