The Mother Podcast

Our birthing scars stay with us forever.Abdominal scars from caesarean sections run deep.Layers of various tissues need to heal and lay down scar tissue, and this scar tissue has an effect on overall health.With the caesarean section rate so high, there will be many mothers living with abdominal scars. This episode is for you, and for your care givers.Understanding your scar and how it can affect your health is an important part of recovery.Learning to care for our scars will help us return to vitality.Listen to this episode to find out:how scar tissue formswhat adhesions arehow to care for your scar in the first 6 weeks after birthhow massage helpshow scars impact healthJo can be found at https://www.joanna-anderson.co.uk/Send us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne speaks with Tami Lynn Kent. Tami is a holistic women’s health care provider with a master’s degree in physiotherapy, advanced training in multiple bodywork techniques, and the ability to read energetic patterns of the body. She is the creator and founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™, and she runs a training program in this from Portland Oregon (where she lives) and also travelling internationally to train practitioners around the world.Tami’s work helps women to understand the wisdom that is in their pelvic bowl, and to work with the healing – or the medicine – that this understanding brings. She is also the author of 3 books - Wild Feminine, Wild Creative, and Wild Mothering.Listen to this episode to find out abouthow Tami developed Holistic Pelvic Care™recognising patterns of blockage and flow in the body in the pelvis for healthincluding ovaries and womb as part of pelvic medicinethe power of the medicine in the pelvic bowlhow Tami began to use energy work alongside physical workbirth field energeticshealing the birth field when the birth is interrupted or traumatichow to mother without becoming depletedmothering in a patriarchal culturemothering as a creative actconnection between the heart and the wombreconnecting the love and creativity for motheringhow tuning in to the support of the Great Mother energy (Earth) can help with modern motheringreasons why accepting imperfection in mothering is importanttapping into ancestral wounding and strengthseffective ways of using worry in motherhoodusing blessings in motherhoodTami's work, courses and books can all be found at www.wildfeminine.comHer Ted talk The Vagina Whisperer: Moving from Shame to Honour in the Female Body can be found on YouTubeIf you are interesting in training in-person with Tami in Scotland, please contact Suzanne at MotherHealSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry

Have you considered having a home birth?A few generations ago, birth was moved from primarily the home into the hospital. We are now facing record high numbers of medical interventions in birth including caesarean sections and instrumental deliveries. The research is clear that for "low risk" pregnancies home birth is just as - if not more - safe than hospital birth.Home birth is on the rise in Scotland, but still only makes up just over 1% of all births. Why?In this episode Suzanne speaks with women who have recently given birth at home, midwives who work in a dedicated home birth team, and the Chief Midwifery Officer for Scotland to explore the reality of home birth in Scotland.We discussreasons for choosing a home birthhaving your first baby at homehome birth to avoid the cascade of interventionusing hypnobirthing, and how that works well with home birthgovernment strategy supporting choice of place of birthhow midwives work in a dedicated home birth teamwhat the midwifery care is like for a home birthhow choosing a home birth results in less fragmented carepracticalities of preparing for a home birthpain relief at homehaving other children, or pets, at your birththe postpartum care at homebirth as a mainstream choicethe safety of home birth from the midwifery perspectiverecommendations for choosing home birthThe mothers on this podcast were Laura Somers and Simone Bowie.The midwives were Diane Cunningham, Jenni Conway and Rachel Heron and they work in the Ayrshire and Arran Home Birth team.The Chief Midwifery Officer for Scotland is Justine Craig.Send us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne speaks with Isabelle Milot, a midwife working in the Chatham-Kent region of Ontario. Isabelle is originally from Quebec, and has been practising midwifery in southwestern Ontario since 2006. She has chaired an Association of Ontario Midwives’ committee for five years and is currently an elected council member of the Ontario College of Midwives. Isabelle shares with us how the model of midwifery care works in Ontario.Listen to this episode to find out:how women can choose midwifery care in Ontariothe difference between midwifery care and obstetric carethe wide scope of care midwives have in Ontariohow better postnatal care has led to better results for familiesthe postnatal program started by the Chatham midwiveshow the Covid pandemic has affected midwifery retention in Ontarioreasons why midwives in Ontario have been leaving the professionhow the landscape of working conditions in midwifery is changing in Ontario what happens if a woman’s pregnancy becomes high risk during midwifery carewhat is a woman’s choice in homebirthhow midwives individual scope of practice may differ, based on their experienceIsabelle is with the midwives at https://midwivesofchathamkent.ca/The Association of Ontario Midwives is at https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/Send us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

What is advocacy in birth?Why would anyone need an advocate for their birth and during their birth experience?This episode includes a discussion with Cáitlin Heavey, a birth doula and mentor, active birth and yoga teacher, birth educator and woman's health physio.Our discussion includeshow you might figure out what you'd like and not like for your birth experiencewhy you might want a birth worker to support you during the birth of your babyhow informed consent is dependent on where you get the information fromworking out your negotiables and non-negotiables in your birth planspartners and working out their needs during birthhow advocacy changes between a home birth and a hospital birththinking birth as an event that includes more than just a baby coming out of a vaginawhat are considered outcomes of birth, and the longlasting effects that are not audited as outcomes Cáitlin can be found at https://caitlinheavey.co.uk/Cáitlin is on Instagram at caitlinheavey_yogabirthSend us a textYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne speaks with Dr Justice Reilly, a specialist breast doctor and lactation consultant, about some of the challenges you may face while breastfeeding.Listen to this podcast to find out:the function of colostrumhow factors during the birth can affect birth weightthat the weight of a baby is only one factor of assessing healthvariables that can delay a baby's return to their birth weighthow type of delivery can affect a baby's ability to breastfeedabout the "breast crawl"why babies suck their hands, and how that helps them to learn to breastfeedhow to manage mastitis, some of the causeswhy mastitis incidences spike over the Christmas periodwhy causes nipple damage and how to help it to healworking with an oversupply of milkhow to manage a fast letdownusing human milk banks for babies in the NICUhow low breastfeeding rates are a systemic issueexpectations, and how they can affect breastfeeding issuesJustice can be found at www.breastmed.co.ukSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne and Kat Prangle of Breastfeedinglens offer practical tips and considerations when preparing to breastfeed.Pregnant women often say they want to breastfeed, but go into the experience with little or no preparation or education.  Many factors can influence the ease of the breastfeeding journey. What happens during labour and the birth, and in the first few days and weeks afterwards, makes a big difference to how successful breastfeeding is.Listen to this episode to find out:the importance of skin-to-skin - what it is, and how to use ithow labour and birth can affect a baby's ability to feedhow often newborns need to feedwhat are feeding cues - how to recognise themhow to tell your baby is getting enough milkwhy it's not a good idea for other people to handle your baby in the first daysantenatal hand expressing - should you do this?If you're in the East Lothian area of the UK, follow Kat's Facebook page hereBreastfeedinglens info is hereSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne speaks with India Elyn – folk herbalist, birthkeeper, artist and a healer who helps people tend the threshold of pregnancy loss. India is the author of the book Honouring the Loss: A Holistic Guide to Healing with Ritual and Herbal Medicine after an Abortion.As a society, do we care for women who have made the difficult decision to have an abortion?When women have medical assistance for an abortion -whether that is in hospital or clinic, or even these days completely within their own home – do they have the knowledge to care for themselves emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally?As women, do we care for each other after abortion?Do we know how to honour the loss?Do we feel deserving of that honouring and care?Should we honour our losses through abortion?How can we care for ourselves or other women after an abortion?These are the questions we explore.India can be found at www.indiaelyn.comand on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_india_elyn/Send us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne speaks with Lyssa Clayton, a homeopath who is passionate about working with women and families.Homeopathy is an intricate interplay of healing substances and a person's energetic balance, along with close connection of the practitioner to their client. Yet, like many holistic healing practices, you can buy do-it-yourself kits! And a popular one is the homeopathic kit for labour and birth.Listen to this episode to find out:Do these remedies work without the input of an experienced practitioner?Where does homeopathy come from?How homeopathy can be helpful during pregnancy, the birth and the recoveryHow homeopathy can be used with babiesLyssa can be found at www.lyssaclaytonhomeopath.co.ukand is available at her in-person clinic in East Lothian and for online consultations for those further afield.and is on instagramSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

Helen Cummings is the Calm Baby Sleep Expert.Helen educates pregnant parents in how to care for their newborn babies. She is a maternity nurse who can help with feeding, daily caring tasks and most importantly – helping people learn how to soothe and calm their babies into a restful sleep.Helen is a qualified nursery nurse, and began working as a maternity nurse 20 years ago. Since then, Helen has helped all kinds of parents learn how to recognise their baby’s cues for sleep, and how to help the baby self settle, which can allow parents to have a better quality of sleep themselves.Listen to this podcast episode to find out:what babies need for good sleephow to become aware of when a newborn is tired, and able to sleep on their ownhow newborns can sleep “not on a parent”how newborns can learn to self settlewhy Helen thinks sleep regression isn’t really a thinghow to help with sleep regressionsdifferent needs for different weights of babies – and whyif there a difference between sleep times for formula fed or breast fed babieswhere newborns should sleephow to safely swaddlewhat newborns should wear to sleepthat parents are not taught how to look after their newbornswhen and how to move a baby to their own room overnightwhat the startle reflex is and how to help babies with thiswhen to work with multipleswhy to look at baby’s behaviour and feeding/awake periods over a 24 hour periodHelen on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/helenthecalmbabysleepexpert/?hl=enHelen on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076355500476Send us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, medical herbalist Lucie Bradley talks about how she was initially led to explore alternative health options when medical treatment for persistent vaginal thrush failed to work for her. This enquiry led her to study medical herbalism, and subsequently spend time in Africa working with nurses and doctors in integrated clinics, using herbal medicine alongside medical practices.Her exploration of local uses of herbs in Tanzania led her to then complete a Masters degree in ethnobotany while living and working as a single mother in Africa.On returning to the UK she set up a clinical herbalist practice in Edinburgh, and is now based in Glasgow with a busy herbal practice. Lucie is eager for people to be able to take more control over their own health, and so also runs a course on using herbal remedies to treat simple ailments in the home.Lucie Bradley embodies the values and aims of The Mother Podcast, to empower women to take more control over their health by exploring and learning about alternatives to Western medicine. Lucie has worked tirelessly through her life to teach people to not only use, but integrate, plant medicine into their lives.Listen to this episode to find out:How persistent vaginal thrush led Lucie to find alternative health practicesThe connection between the food we eat and our healthHow our past experiences and trauma can affect our healthHow plant medicine is used in malaria treatmentThe challenge of being a successful practitioner and running a businessWorking with money blocks to be able to earn money as an alternative health practitionerHow practitioner-grade herbs are more effectiveHow the processing of herbs determines its effectivenessHow plants work synergistically, and pharmacological medicines don’tReasons why people are suspicious of herbal medicine, and how herbal medicine got pushed out of mainstream cultureHow understanding your own constitution is important for taking control of your healthThat most herbs are safe in pregnancyWhy it is important to maintain your health – and gut health – to stay well, and why it is even more important for pregnant women to keep themselves healthyHow to use garlic and onion as antimicrobialsHow to make fire ciderMaking your own berry tincture in the autumn to stay well in winterHow staying well includes treating our stress levelsAdaptogens and their importance in keeping stress levels healthyFinding reliable information on herbal medicineHow to use herbal baths for infants and childrenLucie can be found at https://www.luciebradley.co.uk/Lucie's instagram handle is <a href='https://www.instagram.com/lbradleymedicalherbalist/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZD

In this episode, Suzanne speaks with Lena Fong, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who uses acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion and cupping to heal to maintain vitality and wellbeing. Lena is a highly learned and experienced practitioner and explains the TCM approach to health.Lena is also a  yoga teacher and a doula, and is passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum women to maintain health and wellbeing. Listen to this episode to find out:the TCM approach to fertilitythe TCM approach to reproductive healthhow TCM approaches health in an individualised wayhow TCM uses holistic means in convalescing from an illness or surgerywhat cupping is and how it worksthe intricacy of TCM - pulse taking as a diagnostic skill so different than the Western approachdifferent pregnancy conditions that TCM is useful for, including hyperemesis and SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)how moxibustion works for breech presentation - or any fetal positioning you'd like to encourage to moveacupuncture for a postdates pregnancy to help stimulate spontaneous labouracupuncture with mastitisthe TCM approach to postpartum care - the mother's 40 days and how to care for herthe difference between acupuncture delivered from a TCM approach and acupuncture from a Western approachFurther ReadingThe Spark in the Machine by Dr Daniel KeownLena can be found at www.lenafong.comSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

Pelvic steaming.  Vaginal steaming.   Yoni steaming. In this episode Suzanne speaks to postpartum doula Jenny Smith-Nicol about the reasons for and methods of pelvic steaming. This episode  is for you if:steaming is something you have heard of and are wondering what it isyou are someone who has ventured to try steaming but are not clear on the details of the practiceyou are a women's health practitioner looking for ways to help women with their reproductive health you are postpartum and wanting to help your recovery you are a woman looking for ways to heal from, and prevent,  many common women's health ailments Using herb-infused steam to clear out, tone and bring circulation to a woman's pelvic organs is an ancient practice.  It is used to regulate periods, treat uterine fibroids and endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapses and minor recurrent infections like thrush or bacterial vaginosis.  It is also used to as a regular practice to keep the vagina, cervix and uterus healthy in order to avoid developing these conditions.Listen to this episode to find out:when to start steaming postpartumwhen to steam in your menstrual cyclehow steaming works in your bodythe history of steaming and the cross-cultural references to ithow exactly to do it in your own homebenefits of steaming postpartum, and in a menstrual cyclewhat herbs to useresults of a recent study on postpartum steamingResourcesJenny Smith-Nicol's website:https://www.yogalinks.co.ukFourth Trimester Steam Study info:https://www.steamychick.com/4thtristudy/Send us a textYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne speaks to midwife and birth trauma expert Gemma Nealon.Listen to this episode to hear:what trauma iswhat the symptoms of trauma arewhy some people experience birth trauma and others don'tthe effect of the love hormones of birthhow to boost the love hormones in cases where the birth has medical interventionwhy finding peace during birth is importantwhy feeling deeply loved during birth can prevent traumaGemma's 3 stages of healing traumahow the birth attendant affects the birthwhy it is important to support birth workersthat trauma can be misdiagnosed as depressionhow trauma is different from a mental health disorderhow our nervous systems affect each otherResources:Gemma's trauma help website:https://www.gemmanealon.com/Gemma's hypnobirthing website:https://positivebirthscotland.com/Gemma's social media:https://www.instagram.com/gemmanealon/https://www.instagram.com/positivebirthscotland/Books on trauma:Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter LevineThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkThe Polyvagal Theory by Stephen PorgesWhen the Body Says No: the Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor MateSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne talks to Daisy Dinwoodie, a doula living and working in the Edinburgh area. Their discussion focuses on choice in childbirth - how it is influenced by the medical establishment and how birthing families navigate their own birthing journeys. Daisy has been supporting parents with their birth experiences for many years and also trains doulas around Scotland.Listen to this episode to hear:why people hire doulaswhat type of support doulas can give and why that support is importantthe problems with perceived choice in childbirthhow birth within the medical model affects choicethe importance of intuition in birth, but how do we respect this?issues with communication around choice and how we can improve thisusing Talking Mats antenatally to help parents clarify their feelings around birth optionssome reasons why women choose to free birthDaisy can be found at:Daisy's websiteDaisy's instagramDaisy's facebookConscious birthingScottish Doula NetworkSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne speaks with Abby Lord, director of Hypopressives Scotland and a founding member of the International Hypopressive Council.Hypopressives use breath work and posture to help tone the pelvic floor, and can be used to help with prolapses, urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.In this episode you will hear:what hypopressives arehow they were developedhow they work to pull up the pelvic floorthe anatomy involved how they help with pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis rectiwhy pelvic organ prolpase can sometimes happen in menopausewhat can cause pelvic organ prolapsehow the psoas muscle works to help a baby get into a good position for the birthhow hypopressives help with adrenal fatiguehow hypopressives differ from Uddiyana Bandhahow hypopressives increase enjoyment of sexand also Abby takes us through a lovely breath and then later talks us through doing some hypopressives!ResourcesAbby on YouTubeAbby on InstagramAbby on FacebookHypopressives Scotland websiteSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne speaks to Klayr Hunter, medical herbalist, about hormonal balance and disorders of the female reproductive system, and how nutrition and plant medicine can help support a woman through this.In this episode you will hear Klayr speak about:the beginning of menstruation and how supporting diet and lifestyle can help the body settle into its own natural rhythmPMT and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)excessive oestrogen conditions like endometriosis, and fibroidshow to support the liver and enhance digestion to help process hormones and properly eliminate them from your bodystress and trophorestorative herbs and foodsthe importance of restoring sleep in reducing anxietysupporting the adrenals in situations of long-term stresscontraindications of certain herbswhat fibroids are and how to control their growth through diet and herbswhat endometriosis is and ways to support the body through herbs, reduction of inflammation and castor oil packsPolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – what it is and how to help balance your bodyhow insulin is involved with PCOSKlayr runs a private practice in Glasgow and was the herbal consultant for the first 2 series of the TV series Outlander. She has also been involved with the Health and Wellbeing Centre in Dumfries and is mother to 2 children.Klayr's websiteKlayr on InstagramKlayr on FacebookSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne interviews Georgie McCulloch, a reflexologist who specialises in fertility, pregnancy and the postnatal period. Georgie trained in reflexology in 2001 after discovering it made such a positive difference to her life while she was working busy and stressful jobs in sales and marketing which were affecting her health, sleeping patterns, energy levels and general outlook on life. Since 2003 she has been fully self employed as a reflexologist and now has a busy practice based in Edinburgh, working alongside 2 other reflexologists who are also specialised in pregnancy and fertility.  In this episode, Georgie describeshow reflexology works and its uses throughout pregnancy, from conception to the birth.  uses during labour and in the postpartum periodhow it can help with fertility for both women and menhow women can gain a better understanding of their hormones and how they affect their livesreflexology's use in disorders such as PCOSunderstanding your menstrual cyclebenefits of reflexology during the menopauseGeorgie has a real passion for reflexology and wants to make more people aware of the benefits, and continue to help women to understand their hormones better in order to have a positive impact on their lives.RESOURCESGeorgie's website Fertility and Pregnancy EdinburghGeorgie on InstagramGeorgie on FacebookSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne interviews Jo Anderson,  a highly skilled and experienced specialist in abdominal therapy and scar therapy for women.  Jo is also an advanced practitioner in the Arvigo techniques of Mayan abdominal therapy. She combines different complementary therapies to individualise her care and helps women to learn to love  their bellies. Her treatment also involves teaching ongoing self care, so her work continues throughout your life. As women, so much goes on in our abdomens – it is truly our centre – and Jo is an expert on healing and connecting with this deep part of ourselves. Jo is also a postpartum doula, which she discovered as a way of being able to nourish women in the postnatal period while bringing her gifts of abdominal therapy to them. She works with women in the postpartum period to help them to reconnect with their bellies and to recover physically and emotionally from the birth.Listen to this episode to find out: how Jo came to study with Rosita Arvigo of the Arvigo Institutewhat Mayan abdominal therapy is and how it is used in pregnancy to help give more space for the baby and increase flow to the congested pelvis how abdominal therapy is used in the postnatal period how to care for scar tissue  what is good menstrual health and ongoing uterine health why women's health is importantRESOURCESwww.joanna-anderson.co.ukJo on InstagramJo on FacebookSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode, Suzanne continues her discussion with Susana Montoya Pelaez, a body worker who uses physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation and applied kineseology to her treatments, along with numerous other modalities.Susana explains how she would help a woman's body recover from birth, whether it be caesarean section, instrumental or normal vaginal birth.  She also discusses what a baby's body needs to do to prepare it's nervous system for life outside the womb, and how birth prepares it for that. And how interrupted births - caesarean sections - affect the baby. She also gives some advice on how to help your baby make the transition to extrauterine life, regardless of the mode of delivery.This is essential listening for all parents-to-be and birth workers.ResourcesUnderstanding the Messages of your Body by Jean Pierre Barral. The Endless Web by Schultz and FeitisA Pathway to Health - How Visceral Manipulation Can Help You by Alison Harvey. The Body says Yes by Priscilla Kapel The Power and the Grace by Joanne ElphinstoneCore Awareness by Liz KochSusana can be reached at [email protected] us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this first of a 2-part episode, Suzanne speaks to Susana Montoya Pelaez, a body worker who uses physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, applied kineseology and other modalities to heal and bring balance to people's bodies. A talented, learned and inspired healer, Susana explains how a woman's body can be helped by bodywork to conceive, and how a woman's body can be physically prepared for pregnancy and birth.This information is a practical yet radical look at how women's bodies can be helped to achieve a healthy pregnancy and birth, and a look at many different ways a body can be subtly compromised and how it can be helped to adjust to a place of vigour and vitality.It is important information not only for mothers and mothers-to-be but also for all birth workers.ResourcesUnderstanding the Messages of your Body by Jean Pierre Barral. The Endless Web by Schultz and FeitisA Pathway to Health - How Visceral Manipulation Can Help You by Alison Harvey. The Body says Yes by Priscilla Kapel The Power and the Grace by Joanne ElphinstoneCore Awareness by Liz KochSusana can be reached at [email protected] us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne concludes her discussion with Ayurvedic Consultant and Therapist Mairead Moodie.  In this second part, Mai discusses the Ayurvedic approach to health and wellbeing in the postpartum period.  Mai talks about how women can nourish themselves in the days and weeks following birth, and how mental health is viewed from the Ayurvedic perspective.  Mai offers wisdom and practical advice to be used to increase wellbeing and vitality throughout the early days of becoming Mother.RESOURCESMai can be found at:https://www.thesacredspaceuk.com/https://www.instagram.com/sacredspaceeastlothian/For further reading on the subject of Ayurveda and women's health, Mai recommends this book:Women's Power to Heal by Maya TiwariSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

In this episode Suzanne speaks to Ayurvedic Consultant and Therapist Mairead Moodie.  Mai gives an overview of the Ayurvedic treatment approach to health and vitality and an explanation of Ayurvedic doshas.  She then goes on to describe the Ayurvedic approach to preparing for conception and health during pregnancy, and how the aim to good physical, mental and spiritual health is through balancing these doshas.  Mai offers much wisdom and practical advice for staying well and vital throughout this transformation into Mother.RESOURCESMai can be found at:https://www.thesacredspaceuk.com/https://www.instagram.com/sacredspaceeastlothian/For more on the subject of Ayurveda and women's health, Mai recommends this book:Women's Power to Heal: through Inner Medicine by Maya TiwariSend us Fan MailYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier

This episode is a discussion with Jenny Smith-Nicol on traditional postpartum care traditions and how we can implement them into our lives. Jenny and Suzanne discuss proper nourishment during pregnancy and the postpartum period and the need for deep rest following the birth in order to avoid depletion and long-term health issues.The link between postpartum care and women's health and wellbeing is often disregarded in our western society and women are left unsupported and simply trying to survive what is actually a sacred time for both mother and baby.  We discuss the western culture's disconnection with honouring this sacredness and how we can begin to change our norms to better appreciate and feel healthy and joyful in the postpartum time.RESOURCES Jenny can be found at:https://www.yogalinks.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/jennysyogalinks/Jenny is training in INNATE Postpartum Care - more info on this training found here:https://www.innatetraditions.com/Books on this subject:The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Oscar SerrallachGut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell-McBrideThe Dental Diet by Dr Steven LinSend us a textYou can support this podcast here:https://buymeacoffee.com/motherhealSuzanne's website - podcast, blog, booking and resources:www.motherheal.comSuzanne is mother.heal on InstagramSuzanne is at Suzanne.mother.heal on Facebookmusic by Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora https://www.shooglenifty.com/The Mother Podcast is produced by Garry Finlayson and Suzanne Maier