In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, we hear from Ursula, who became a mum at 50 through donor eggs. She shares the joys, challenges, and hope of late motherhood, and how she’s dreaming of expanding her family again at 53.

Ursula’s story is a true inspiration — showing that courage, resilience, and determination can help you follow your dreams, no matter your age.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, we’re joined by Kay ( Kirsty Ashton) MBE — a courageous solo mum by choice living with NF1, a type of neurofibromatosis. Kay shares her journey through IVF, the joys and challenges of motherhood offering honest insights and inspiration for anyone navigating parenthood, health challenges, or creating a family on their own terms.

Connect with Kay:

• kayashton.com
• Love, Life, and DisABILITY Podcast
• Twitter: @lovelifeability | @kirstysstory
• YouTube: Kirstys Story

In this opening episode, Caroline shares her deeply personal journey to motherhood — a path filled with hope, heartache, loss, and joy.

From discovering her maternal instincts at 11, to navigating a busy career, waiting for love, facing miscarriage, and finally welcoming twins at 51, Caroline reflects on the twists and turns that shaped her story.

Motherhood in Stereo is a space to celebrate every path to parenthood — whether through IVF, adoption, solo parenting, or later in life.

This episode sets the tone for a series of heartfelt conversations with parents whose stories prove there’s no expiry date on love, and no single way to become a mum or dad.

Motherhood in Stereo is a podcast about the beautiful chaos of becoming a mum when life doesn’t follow the script. I’m Caz , a first-time twin mum at 51, navigating sleepless nights, double the nappies, and double the joy.

Each week, I’ll share my own journey and conversations with other mums about IVF, surrogacy, adoption, and the many unexpected paths to parenthood. From heartfelt stories to the fun (and sometimes funny!) challenges of raising twins, this is a space for real talk, connection, and laughter.

If your motherhood story doesn’t look like everyone else’s, you’re in the right place.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, Caroline sits down with Amy — a twin mum, personal trainer, and advocate for women’s wellbeing — to talk about the realities of postpartum life after twins.

From recovery and identity shifts to solo parenting and finding balance, Amy shares openly about rediscovering herself and supporting other women to do the same.

A real, relatable conversation about strength, self-care, and embracing the new normal.

Connect with Amy:

Instagram: @amyshock

TikTok: @amyshockett

Explore her app: StrongHer by Amy

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I speak with Kate, who at 38 chose to become a mum through donor conception. She shares her empowering journey of creating a family on her own terms — the joys, the challenges, and everything in between.

A heartfelt conversation about courage, love, and doing motherhood your way.

https://stan.store/cotswoldsolomum

TikTok

@coltswold.solo.mum

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Leila Green — speaker, writer, and founder of the F** Mum Guilt* movement.
Leila is a triplet mum who conceived spontaneously after two miscarriages, and she’s made it her mission to help mothers release guilt and embrace the beautifully imperfect side of motherhood.
We talk about her journey from loss to triplet motherhood, the inspiration behind her TEDx talk, and how letting go of guilt can be one of the greatest gifts we give ourselves as mums.

Connect with Leila:

www.leilagreen.com

@tripped_up_mama

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, host Caroline Morgan talks with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh — The Egg Whisperer, one of the world’s leading fertility specialists.

With her trademark humor and heart, Dr. Aimee breaks down the facts and myths around egg freezing, fertility, and women taking charge of their reproductive health.

Together they explore what empowerment really means when it comes to fertility — and why sometimes, the best place to start is by doing what you can with what you have.

Connect with Dr Aimee :

www.draimee.org

@EggWhisperer

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Amanda Hinton, founder of Sleepy Little Stars, sleep consultant and twin mum.

Amanda shares practical insight into children’s sleep, alongside her deeply personal journey of parenting through grief after losing her husband when her twins were just three. A compassionate conversation about sleep, survival, and resilience.

Connect with Amanda

www.sleepylittlestars.com

Shaun Greenaway from  "Knackered Knackers " joins Motherhood in Stereo as the podcast’s first male guest. He shares his journey through male infertility and testicular cancer, choosing sperm donation to build his family, and navigating fatherhood, identity, and vulnerability along the way.

An honest conversation about giving men space to speak and recognising that family building takes many forms.

Connect with Shaun:

@knackered_knackers

www.nexysfertility.com

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Keleigh, a twin mum sharing her honest and heartfelt journey through life with toddler twins.

We talk about the reality of raising two children at the same stage — the exhaustion, the joy, the overwhelm, and the moments that make it all worth it. From pregnancy and the early days to routines, identity shifts, and finding support, Keleigh offers a genuine look at what twin motherhood really feels like behind the scenes.

A warm, relatable conversation for anyone parenting twins, expecting multiples, or simply wanting to feel less alone.

Alisa joins Motherhood in Stereo to talk openly about infertility support and navigating IVF over 45. We discuss hope, boundaries, resilience, and finding support when others question your choices. An honest conversation for women on a later-in-life fertility journey.

Connect with Alisa:

@ivf_over_45

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Hayley King — donor-conceived advocate, community builder, and co-director of Paths to Parent Hub.

Hayley shares her perspective as a donor-conceived adult and opens up about identity, DNA discoveries, donor siblings, the fear some families have around using donors, and the importance of building real community around donor conception.

We also talk about how the conversation has shifted in recent years, what hopeful parents should know, and why support beyond immediate family matters so much — especially for those navigating fertility treatment or raising donor-conceived children.

This is an honest, thoughtful conversation shining a light on the human side of donor conception, told through a voice we don’t hear nearly enough.

Connect with Hayley

www.pathstoparenthub.com

@dcp_journey_2_rp

Sammie opens up about the emotions and questions that come with being donor-conceived — identity, belonging, family, and the impact of DNA discoveries.
Her honesty offers insight, understanding, and perspective on a topic many families face but rarely talk about.

Connect with Sammie

@donor_conceived_gal

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Katherine, a mum of three — a toddler nearly two and newborn twins just 16 weeks old.
We talk about surviving the early months, the exhaustion, the emotional load, and the beautiful moments that keep you going.

Katherine shares the reality behind the photos: sleep deprivation, reflux, juggling three little ones, finding support, and what helped her through the hardest days.
This is an honest conversation every mum of multiples will connect with.

So much of IVF happens behind closed lab doors — and today on Motherhood in Stereo, embryologist Emma opens that door for us.
We talk about what really happens to your eggs and embryos, why some cycles work and others don’t, and how embryologists balance science with compassion.

This conversation is honest, grounding, and full of the information I wish I had during my own fertility journey.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Lisa Schuman, founder of The Center for Family Building, therapist, and leading voice in donor conception and modern family building.

Lisa shares insight on emotional preparedness, talking to children about their conception story, genetic connection, epigenetics, and what truly creates a strong, healthy family — regardless of how it’s formed.

A thoughtful, reassuring conversation for anyone navigating fertility, donor conception, or alternative paths to parenthood.

Connect with Lisa:

@thecenterforfamilybuilding

www.familybuilding.net

In this episode, I’m joined by Racheal Sherriff from The Fertility Suite for an honest and compassionate conversation about fertility, the emotional realities of trying to conceive, and the support so many women don’t realise they need.

We talk about the unseen side of fertility journeys, the mind–body connection, and how women can feel more informed, empowered, and supported through every stage.

A must-listen for anyone navigating fertility, considering their options, or supporting someone who is.

Connect with Rachel and her Team

www.thefertilitysuite.co.uk

@thefertility_suite

In this episode, I’m joined by Emma from Your IVF Abroad for an honest, compassionate conversation about IVF — from someone who supports others through the process, and from lived experience.

Having been through IVF myself, this conversation is less about statistics and procedures, and more about the emotional reality of the journey — the uncertainty, the pressure to stay hopeful, and the fear that can come with making decisions about treatment abroad.

We talk about navigating different IVF regulations, why people consider treatment overseas, and the kind of support that actually helps when everything feels overwhelming.

This episode is for anyone currently in IVF, considering IVF abroad, or supporting someone they love through it. You’re not alone.

Disclaimer

This conversation is shared with care and without medical advice.

Connect with Emma

Emma HaslamFounder | Your IVF abroad

hello@yourivfabroad.co.uk

www.yourivfabroad.co.uk

Intragram

@yourivfabroad

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, Caroline is joined by Gaby, an online weight loss coach who specialises in supporting mums.

Together, they talk honestly about weight loss, body confidence, and motherhood — without shame, pressure, or “bounce-back” culture. Gaby shares why traditional diet advice often doesn’t work for mums, how exhaustion, mental load, and lack of time affect weight and wellbeing, and what realistic, sustainable change can actually look like in real life.

This conversation is about feeling healthier, not perfect — and about supporting mums with compassion rather than guilt.

A reassuring listen for any mum navigating body changes, confidence, and the desire to feel more like herself again.

Connect with Gaby :

Instagram

@gabyc_coach

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, Caroline is joined by Ashley, who shares her personal experience of birth trauma.

Ashley talks openly about how her birth experience affected her emotionally and mentally, how trauma showed up in the weeks and months afterwards, and what it was like to carry those feelings while navigating early motherhood.

This conversation gently explores what birth trauma can look like, why it’s often misunderstood or minimised, and the importance of being listened to, believed, and supported after a difficult birth experience.

This episode is shared with care and honesty. It may resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced a challenging or traumatic birth.

Listener discretion is advised.

Connect with Ashley :

@aidan_and_the_twins

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, Caroline is joined by Paige, a triplet mum, to talk honestly about life with three babies.

Paige shares what pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood looked like with triplets — from the practical realities to the emotional adjustment, exhaustion, and the parts of multiple-parenthood that aren’t often talked about.

This conversation centres real life, not perfection. It’s about survival, identity, support, and finding your feet when motherhood doesn’t look how you imagined.

A reassuring listen for parents of multiples, parents-to-be, or anyone curious about what triplet motherhood is really like.

Connect with Paige:

@Hackletdiaries

TikTok @Samaraaxlove

Lots if mums in the UK start breastfeeding — but many stop much earlier than they planned. Not because they don’t care, and not because they aren’t trying hard enough, but because feeding a baby is hard in a system that often offers very little support.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Kathryn Stagg, IBCLC, for an honest, reassuring conversation about infant feeding, combination feeding, and sleep — and what the UK breastfeeding statistics really tell us.

We talk about:

• Why breastfeeding doesn’t always “come naturally”

• What’s behind the drop-off in breastfeeding rates in the UK

• Why combination feeding is not a failure

• The myth that feeding method determines infant sleep

• How guilt and pressure show up for new parents

• How to recognise what’s normal baby behaviour versus when extra support is needed

We also reflect on the loss of community support services like Sure Start, the impact this has had on new parents — particularly twin mums and parents of multiples — and where families can now find help through newer schemes, family hubs, and support networks.

This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure — and needs reminding that feeding and sleep challenges are not personal failures, and that support really matters.

💛 Gentle. Evidence-based. Guilt-free.

Connect with Kathryn:

Kathryn Stagg, IBCLC and Holistic Sleep Coach 
www.kathrynstaggibclc.com
@kathrynstaggibclc
www.breastfeedingtwinsandtriplets.co.uk
@bftwinsuk
Zoom workshops on various topics (sleep, introducing solids, Returning to Work, stopping breastfeeding) and follow-up group clinic
All of these can be booked here www.bookwhen.com/lactationcorner

Happy New Year and Welcome Back to Motherhood in Stereo.

In this episode, Racheal speaks with Caroline about her experiences of twin parenting and motherhood. From daily challenges to emotional resilience, this conversation offers insight, honesty and reassurance for parents navigating life with twins.

In this episode, we’re joined by April Jackson mum of twin daughters — chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur and host of the podcast A Life Elsewhere.

Many people will know April from The Apprentice, as well as from her restaurants and her passion for sharing Caribbean food and culture.

Right now she’s travelling the world — from Asia to Bali and South Africa — exploring food and culture while raising her twins and recently writing a children’s picture book about food.

In this conversation we talk about:

• her journey from pageants to restaurants

• Caribbean food and cultural storytelling

• travelling the world with young children

• raising curious kids through food

• entrepreneurship and creativity

A warm conversation about food, culture, family and building a life beyond borders.

Connect with April:
Podcast: A Life Elsewhere
Instagram: @apriljacksonofficial
Podcast Instagram: @a_life_elsewhere Babes, How did you get here?

Content note: This episode includes discussion of stillbirth and pregnancy after loss. Please take care while listening.

This is Episode 3 of a three-part series exploring the many ways women experience and survive grief.

In this final conversation, we explore how difficult experiences can shape the way we support women through pregnancy and postpartum, and the importance of holding space for mothers during life’s most vulnerable moments. We talk about living between fear and hope, navigating pregnancy after loss, and the courage it takes to open your heart again while protecting it at the same time.

This episode holds space for the complexity of grief — and the fragile, powerful nature of hope.

If you would like to connect, you can find her on Instagram at @the_rose_mystik

There is no right way to grieve. Only your way.

This Galentine’s Day, we’re celebrating resilience, reinvention, and the power of women supporting women.

British singer-songwriter and media host Rene Byrd joins us for an honest and uplifting conversation about becoming a first-time mother at 48 through IVF, building a global career across the UK and US, and redefining success on her own terms.

From launching Who Am I Talk during Covid to working across music, luxury, and philanthropy, Rene shares what it means to lead with purpose, show up with intention, and embrace every chapter of life with courage.

This episode is about identity, ambition, faith, friendship, fertility, creativity, and the strength that comes from knowing who you are — at any age and in any season.

Whether you're navigating career, motherhood, reinvention, or simply finding your voice, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Rene:
www.renebyrd.com
Instagram: @renebyrdofficial

And keep an eye out for Rene Byrd London Bags — coming soon.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachael Robinson, BANT Registered Nutritional Therapist and Registered Associate Nutritionist, to explore how to support your body through fertility treatment, IVF, and early pregnancy.

Rachael shares both her professional insight and personal experience of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and IVF — offering a grounded, evidence-informed perspective on nutrient status, stress, environmental factors, and realistic lifestyle support alongside medical care.

We discuss:

• Why nutrient status matters during IVF
• Common gaps people overlook when trying to conceive
• Supplements vs food-first foundations
• Stress, inflammation & hormone balance
• Environmental exposures and fertility
• Pregnancy after IVF or loss
• Letting go of perfection and food guilt

This episode is for anyone navigating fertility treatment, preparing for IVF, or pregnant after loss — and wanting clear, balanced support without overwhelm.

Connect with Rachael

Instagram @rachaelrobinson_fertility

Tracey Britten appeared on This Morning (a British daytime TV show) in a studio interview episode where she talked about becoming Britain’s oldest mother of quadruplets and shared her experiences with hosts including Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Tracey Britten — better known to many as the UK’s oldest mum of quadruplets. At age 50, Tracey defied the enormous odds of late-age pregnancy and IVF to welcome four beautiful children — Grace, Francesca, Fredrica, and George — into the world, making headlines across the UK and beyond. 

Tracey opens up about her decision to pursue fertility treatment in her 50s, the emotional and physical journey of carrying quadruplets, and the challenges of life with four newborns, from endless feeds to sleepless nights. Along the way, she reflects on public reactions — both supportive and critical — and the resilience it takes to follow your heart when society says “too old”. 

We also explore her life since then, including the highs and lows of raising her quads through school years, balancing family life with practical realities, and how becoming a mum again later in life changed her perspective forever. Tracey’s story is one of courage, love, and redefining what motherhood can look like — no matter your age. 

🎧 Whether you’re curious about late motherhood, IVF journeys, or simply love a heartfelt human story, this episode is a must-listen.

Motherhood doesn’t just change our lives — it can quietly reshape our identity, relationships, and sense of self.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Becky Selbie, founder of (M)otherway Therapy & Coaching, for a thoughtful conversation about the emotional and psychological shifts that come with motherhood.

We explore matrescence, identity change, emotional overwhelm, and why so many mothers feel pressure to “cope” rather than be supported. Becky shares insight into how therapy and coaching can help mothers feel more grounded, understood, and less alone — at every stage of motherhood.

This conversation isn’t about fixing or optimising motherhood. It’s about creating space for honesty, self-compassion, and support — and recognising that caring for the mother matters just as much as caring for the child.

This episode is not medical advice, but an open and compassionate discussion grounded in lived experience and therapeutic insight.

Connect with Becky

Instagram

@_motherway_

www.motherway.co.uk

Birth trauma is more common than many people realise — yet it’s still widely misunderstood and often spoken about in silence.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Dr Kim Thomas, CEO and media spokesperson for Birth Trauma UK, for a compassionate and clarifying conversation about what birth trauma really is, how it can show up, and why outcomes alone don’t tell the full story.

Kim shares insight from her work supporting women, partners, and families affected by traumatic birth experiences, including postnatal PTSD. We discuss why trauma can coexist with gratitude, why symptoms don’t always appear straight away, and how silence and stigma can delay healing.

This conversation also explores the impact of birth trauma on partners and families, the importance of validation and support — even years later — and what meaningful change in maternity care could look like.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma and references to medical experiences, including blood. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening and pause or return at a time that feels right for you.

For any further information please contact the link below;

www.birthtraumaassociation.org

In this episode, we’re joined by Becky, a mum of one and the proud owner of Baby Sparks Cheshire East. Becky shares her passion for baby sensory development, purposeful play, and supporting families during the early months of parenthood. A certified baby massage practitioner and recent winner of The Momentum Maker Award and The Rising Star Award, Becky talks about the impact of sensory play, bonding, and building a supportive community for parents and babies.

Connect with Becky

Instagram

@baby.sparks.cheshire.east

www.babysparks.co.uk

Birth is often talked about in clinical terms — but the emotional experience can be just as powerful, and just as complex.

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by Charlotte, The Smart Doula, for an honest conversation about birth support, informed choice, and what it really means to feel held during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

We explore what doulas do (and don’t do), how emotional support can sit alongside medical care, and why advocacy, presence, and trust matter so much during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

This conversation also touches on birth expectations, navigating when things don’t go to plan, and supporting families with care — without judgement or pressure.

This episode is not medical advice, but a thoughtful discussion grounded in lived experience, reflection, and compassion.

Connect with Charlotte

Instagram

@the.smart.doula

Amy Howarth is Head of Brand Marketing at The Evewell Clinic and an IVF mum to two daughters, aged seven and four. Her path to motherhood involved six egg collections and five embryo transfers, across NHS and private clinics — giving her deep, lived experience of the realities of fertility treatment.

Before IVF, Amy spent 17 years working in fashion retail marketing. When she began trying to conceive, she set up her own consultancy to create more flexibility and reduce stress during treatment. Alongside this, she became part of the early fertility community on Instagram, building strong connections with others navigating IVF at a time when it was rarely spoken about openly.

Amy began consulting with The Evewell shortly after the clinic opened, bringing together her personal IVF experience and professional expertise in patient-focused communication. She went on to join the team permanently and has spent the past three years working closely with founder Emma to shape a clinic that truly puts patients at the centre of care.

Having experienced treatment from multiple perspectives — patient, advocate, and professional — Amy is passionate about honest conversations, compassionate care, and supporting people through what she remembers as one of the most challenging periods of her life.

Connect with Amy on Instagram

@theevewell

The path to motherhood looks different for everyone — and in this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, Cindy shares her deeply personal journey with honesty and clarity.

After seven years of unexplained infertility, Cindy eventually received answers, including a diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes. She went on to pursue IVF, navigating improvements in her fertility markers, egg retrieval, and the heartbreak of miscarriage.

At 41, with reflection, acceptance, and intention, Cindy made the decision to move forward with donor embryos — choosing a different path to motherhood, one grounded in self-knowledge and trust.

Today, Cindy is passionate about helping other women look a little deeper when facing infertility — encouraging curiosity, self-advocacy, and asking the right questions earlier in the process.

This conversation is not medical advice, but an open and honest sharing of lived experience — offering reassurance that there is no single “right” way into motherhood.

Connect with Cindy

Instagram

@cindytwinmom

In this episode of Motherhood in Stereo, I’m joined by the Serra Malta founder of Serra Malta Jewellery for an honest and deeply human conversation about motherhood, resilience, and finding meaning through life’s most challenging moments.

As a mother of twins, she shares her experience of navigating early motherhood alongside her son’s open-heart surgery at just three years old — and what it meant to hold both fear and hope at the same time. We talk about strength, uncertainty, and how creativity can become a way of processing, healing, and remembering.

Our conversation explores the emotional bond between twins, the quiet realities families face during medical crises, and how jewellery can become more than adornment — a symbol of love, survival, and the stories we carry with us.

This episode is for anyone navigating motherhood through unexpected challenges, or seeking reassurance that meaning can still be found even in the hardest seasons.

“Shared with care and compassion.”

Connect with Serra on Instagram

@serramaltajewellery

Content note: This episode includes discussion of infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Please take care while listening.

This is Episode 2 of a three-part series exploring the many ways women experience and survive grief.

Carrie Hauskens always imagined she would become a mother. After eight years of infertility, multiple miscarriages, and the stillbirth of her daughter at eight months, she was left grieving not only her baby — but the life she had envisioned.

In this deeply moving conversation, Carrie shares what it means to mourn a child you never got to raise, how she navigated the decision to stop fertility treatments, and the journey toward radical acceptance.

This episode is about invisible grief, enduring love, and redefining what motherhood and success can look like after profound loss.

f you would like to connect with Carrie, you can find her on Instagram at @bloomingwithcare.

There is no right way to grieve. Only your way.

Expert Conversations: Fertility, IVF & Wellbeing

Fertility is so often spoken about in medical, fragile, or hushed tones — yet for many people, this journey is anything but quiet.

In this expert conversation, I’m joined by Dr Belinda Adams, co-founder of Fertility Hero, for an honest, grounded discussion about IVF, wellbeing, and navigating a fertility space that can feel overwhelming and confusing.

We talk about travelling to the US for IVF, the emotional realities of treatment, and the often-unspoken complexity of frozen embryos. We explore common fertility myths, how to think about supplements responsibly — including folic acid vs folate — and why personalised care matters.

Dr Adams also shares why she stepped away from clinical practice to build Fertility Hero with her husband, and how the brand was created to feel bold and empowering — because this journey is hard, and showing up anyway matters.

This episode is for anyone navigating fertility or IVF, or simply trying to work out where to start — and wanting clarity without pressure.

Disclaimer “This episode is shared for information and support, not medical advice.”

Connect with Dr Belinda Adams

Instagram

@fertility.hero

@fertilityhero.shop

In this Mother’s Day special, we explore the many different journeys that shape motherhood and family life.

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Willumsen founder of Step by Step Brighton, a supportive community for women navigating stepfamily life.

Already a stepmum to two boys, Alex pursued IVF in the hope of extending her family. During those investigations, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer — something rarely seen in women in their early 30s. Her experiences led her to create Step by Step Brighton, a space where women in stepfamilies can connect, share their stories and feel less alone.

In this conversation we talk about:
• the realities of stepmotherhood
• navigating infertility and unexpected health challenges
• the emotional complexities of blended families
• and the importance of community and support.

Released on Mother’s Day, this episode recognises that motherhood and family can take many different forms.

To learn more about Alex’s work and the support she offers for women navigating stepfamily life, you can connect with Step by Step Brighton.

Follow Alex on Instagram: @stepbystepbrighton

Step by Step Brighton provides a supportive space for women in blended families to share experiences, access guidance, and feel less alone in the journey of stepmotherhood.

Content note: This episode discusses the death of a child. Please take care while listening.

This is Episode 1 of a three-part series exploring the many ways women experience and survive grief.

Today’s episode is released in honour of Antonio, who would be celebrating his birthday.

Melani Sessa shares the story of her son, Antonio, who died at just 24 years old. She speaks about who he was, the life he was building, and what it means to continue living as a mother after the unimaginable loss of an adult child.

This is not only a conversation about grief — it is about love, memory, and the way a mother carries her child forward.

Today, we remember Antonio.

There is no right way to grieve. Only your way.

If you would like to connect with Melani, you can find her on Instagram at; 

@grace-and_grief_healing.

Thousands of children are born in the UK each year through donor conception. Since 2005, those children have the legal right to access identifying information about their donor at 18. But with commercial DNA testing, anonymity may already be a thing of the past.

So is the current system truly child-centred?

We speak with Nina Barnsley Director from  Donor Conception Network about disclosure, identity, counselling requirements, sibling limits, and what donor-conceived adults say matters most. This episode asks the questions many parents are quietly wondering — and some may be avoiding.

Connect with Donor Conception Network

Instagram

@d_c_network

www.dcnetwork.org

Perimenopause affects so many women — yet so many of us feel completely unprepared for it.

In this episode, I’m joined by the voice behind Perimenopause Hub, a growing online community dedicated to helping women understand what’s happening in their bodies, feel less alone, and access reliable, empowering information during this stage of life.

We talk about what perimenopause actually is (and why so many women feel blindsided), the symptoms no one warned us about, emotional and identity shifts, feeling dismissed in healthcare settings, and the powerful role community plays in building confidence and clarity.

This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply reassuring — whether you’re navigating perimenopause yourself or supporting someone who is.

You can connect with Perimenopause Hub on Instagram for education, lived experience, and ongoing support.

For more information contact

@perimenopausehub

Dr Alex Wardene is a GP focused on women’s health and mental wellbeing — and mum to two-year-old twin boys.

In this honest and empowering conversation, we talk about what it really means to balance being needed at work and at home.

Just two weeks after welcoming her twins, Alex lost her dad, while also navigating serious postpartum health complications. We explore how she rebuilt her identity, moved from survival mode to steadiness, and learned to let go of guilt as both a doctor and a mum.

We also dive into:

• The emotional pull between career and motherhood
• Parenting twins without much of a village
• Self-care in real life (not Instagram life)
• Screen time, early mornings, and what she’s actually wearing most days
• The pressure of being a doctor and modelling “perfect” health

This episode is for twin mums and career women who feel stretched, pulled in two directions, and quietly wondering how everyone else is coping.

You’re not alone.

Follow Dr Alex on Instagram: @alex.wardene

Mum of three, including twins, Katie Rollings opens up about the deeply personal journey that led her to found Fertility Action and co-found Fertility Access UK.

After five rounds of IVF and years of emotional strain, Katie turned her lived experience into national advocacy — campaigning to end the postcode lottery in fertility treatment and improve early diagnosis of male subfertility. In January 2025, she took that mission to Parliament alongside MP Andrew Griffith, calling for fair, nationwide access to care.

In this honest and compassionate conversation, we explore infertility, trauma, healing, and why fertility care must be treated not just as a medical issue — but as a fairness issue.

To learn more about Fertility Action, visit https://fertilityaction.org
Follow them on Instagram: @fertility.action

How can babies communicate before they can talk?

In this episode, Emma from Tiny Talk South Manchester explains how baby signing supports early speech and language development, builds confidence, and helps reduce toddler frustration. We discuss common myths about signing, when to start, how to introduce signs at home, and the emotional benefits for both children and parents.

Plus, we talk about the importance of local parent communities and how connection can transform those early years.

Connect with Emma;

Instagram

@tinytalksouthmanchester

At 18, Laura was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and the removal of one ovary. She was told her chances of having children were very low—but life had other plans. Years later, she experienced a completely unexpected twin pregnancy.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Laura shares her journey from infertility fears to becoming a twin mum. She opens up about the realities of raising multiples, navigating postpartum depression, and parenting while her husband worked offshore. Alongside the challenges, Laura also reflects on the positives, including a full-term twin pregnancy and bringing her girls home without any NICU stay.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every twin journey is unique, and Laura's story is one of resilience, hope, and the realities of motherhood beyond the highlights.

In this episode, I’m joined by midlife coach Jen Stanbrook for an open conversation about ADHD, menopause and the changes that can catch so many women by surprise during midlife.

We talk about those moments when things suddenly feel different — struggling to focus, feeling overwhelmed, dealing with brain fog, emotional ups and downs, and wondering, “Why does everything suddenly feel harder?” Jen shares her insights on how hormonal changes can affect ADHD symptoms and why understanding what’s happening can make such a difference.

This is a real conversation about navigating change, making sense of the challenges, and finding ways to support yourself through this stage of life. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, think you may have it, or are simply trying to understand your midlife experience, there’s something here for you.

Join us for a warm, honest discussion on hormones, identity, and learning to navigate midlife in a way that works for you.

Connect with Jen

www.jenstanbrook.com

IG Handle @jenstanbrook

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Marc Sklar, also a " Twin" himself and widely known as “The Fertility Expert,” to talk about the emotional and physical realities of infertility. We dive into why so many people feel the pressure to “do everything” to conceive, how to approach fertility from a root-cause perspective, and what really matters when navigating IVF, miscarriage, and age-related concerns.

If you’re trying to conceive, feeling discouraged, or simply want clarity around modern fertility, this conversation offers both insight and hope.

Connect with Marc

www.marcsklar.com

@MarcSklarTheFertilityExpert
You Tube

Dr. Marc Sklar - FertilityTV

In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsty from mammaandtommy for an honest and compassionate conversation about autism parenting and understanding autistic communication.

We talk about how communication goes far beyond spoken words, including scripting, stimming, emotional regulation, food challenges, screen time, and the realities of potty training for autistic children. Kirsty also shares why so many parents feel unfairly judged and what families truly need instead of criticism.

This episode is full of practical insight, reassurance, and powerful reminders for parents trying to better understand and connect with their autistic child.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply wanting to learn more about autism, this conversation offers a thoughtful and real perspective on supporting autistic children with empathy and understanding.

Connect with Kirsty

@mammaandtommy

Ali’s journey into motherhood didn’t follow a traditional path — but it’s one rooted in deep love and connection.

In this episode, I chat with Ali about her experience of adoption and the moment she welcomed her son into her life at just 12 weeks old. From that moment on, everything changed.

We explore the emotions of those early days, the process of bonding, and what it really means to become a mother through adoption.

This is a conversation about courage, connection, and the many ways motherhood can begin.

Connect with Ali:
Instagram – @solo_adoption_journey_uk