Explore every episode of the podcast Raising with the village
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #24 - Gillian - The Unfiltered Truth About Fostering: What One Foster Carer Wants You to Know | 24 sept. 2026 | 01:06:00 | |
The Unfiltered Truth About Fostering: What One Foster Carer Wants You to Know There are many ways to build a family. And there are many ways to be part of a village. Today's episode shines a light on one of the most generous, most profound, and most quietly extraordinary of them all. Today I am sitting down with Gillian — a foster carer with five, nearly six years of experience, a heart full of stories, and an honesty that I think will stay with you long after this episode ends. Gillian's journey into fostering began through her family. Her adult daughter was already a seasoned foster carer, and Gillian wanted to help. She started as a respite carer — stepping in to give full time carers the breaks they needed. And then she and her husband made the decision to take the next step. They became full time short term foster carers. And what followed has been one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. In this conversation, Gillian walks us through all of it. The practical reality of becoming a foster carer — the process, the training, the assessments, the agencies. But more than that, she takes us into the lived experience of what fostering actually looks like day to day. The birthday celebrations. The holiday memories. The children who came through her door and left footprints on her heart forever. And she is honest — genuinely, refreshingly honest — about the harder parts too. Because fostering is not always easy. And Gillian wouldn't want you to think it was. This is a conversation for anyone who has ever wondered about fostering. Anyone who has thought about it and talked themselves out of it. Anyone who wants to understand what it really means to open your home to a child who needs somewhere safe to land. The village takes many forms. And Gillian's is one of the most remarkable we have had on this podcast. In this episode we talk about:
Thinking about fostering? Here is where to start:
Did you know? If this episode moved you, please share it. There are children out there who need more families like Gillian's. And there are people out there who could be that family — they just haven't found out yet. As always, thank you for being part of this village. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #23 - Beth - Doing It All Alone: One Single Mum's Honest Take on the Mental Load, Sleepless Nights and Big Decisions | 10 sept. 2026 | 01:19:28 | |
Doing It All Alone: One Single Mum's Honest Take on the Mental Load, Sleepless Nights and Big Decisions We are back. And what a story to return with. Today I am sitting down with Beth — single mum, force of nature, and one of the most energising people I have had the pleasure of talking to on this podcast. Beth is raising her son on her own. And in this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on what that really looks like. Not the highlight reel. The full picture. The sleepless nights — and there have been many, because four years in, her son still doesn't sleep through. The decisions that most parents get to make with a partner by their side — from something as personal as choosing her baby's name, to something as monumental as choosing his school — that Beth makes entirely alone. The mental load that never switches off, because when you are the only one, there is no one to hand it to at the end of the day. But Beth's story is not one of survival. It is one of strategy, community and extraordinary heart. From pregnancy, Beth was already thinking ahead. She knew she was going to need a village — and she set about building one, deliberately and intentionally. She joined a birthing group before her son even arrived to start making connections early. She said yes to every free group, every coffee morning, every opportunity to meet other parents — because she understood that a yes for herself was a yes for her son too. And the women she met along the way? They became her extended family. This episode is a masterclass in what it means to parent with intention. In what community can look like when you build it from scratch. And in the quiet, fierce, unstoppable resilience of a woman who decided that her circumstances were not going to define her experience of motherhood. Beth brings so much energy, warmth and enthusiasm to this conversation. And she leaves us with something that I think every parent — single or not — needs to hear. Obstacles can be overcome. Not alone. But when you surround yourself with your village. In this episode we talk about:
Resources for Single Parents If you are a single parent looking to build your own village, here are some places to start:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| See You in September: 22 Stories, One Village and a Summer Break | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:06:50 | |
See You in September: 22 Stories, One Village and a Summer Break Before the village takes a summer break, I wanted to stop — really stop — and mark this moment properly. Twenty two episodes. Twenty two extraordinary people who trusted this space with their most personal stories. And a community that has grown into something that genuinely feels like what it was always meant to be — a village. In this episode I take you through every story we have covered so far, from pre-eclampsia and NICU journeys, to solo parenthood, infertility, loss, blended families, and everything in between. Think of it as your summer listening guide — whether you are catching up on episodes you missed or revisiting ones that stayed with you. I also take a moment to celebrate the milestones I was too busy to mark along the way. Ten episodes. Fifteen. Twenty. We did that together. The podcast returns in September with more stories, more honesty, and more of the conversations that remind us we are never doing this alone. In this episode:
Not yet following the podcast? Hit follow on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode when we return. And if there is a story you think deserves to be told on Raising with the Village — get in touch. The village is always growing. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #22 - Nina - The Maternity Care We Deserve: A Mum in Sydney on Pregnancy, Birth and What the UK is Missing | 23 juil. 2026 | 01:23:12 | |
What does pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood look like on the other side of the world? Today, we find out. In this episode, I sit down with Nina, who takes us through her experience of pregnancy and motherhood in Sydney, Australia. From her antenatal care to her birth story, to those precious and overwhelming early days with a newborn — Nina shares it all with warmth, honesty, and a perspective that had me nodding along, laughing in recognition, and at times, quietly thinking: why don't we have that? Because while so much of the experience of becoming a parent is universal — the anticipation, the fear, the love that hits you in a way nothing could have prepared you for — the way different countries support women and families through it varies enormously. Nina talks about what continuity of care looks like in her experience — the idea that the same midwife who supports you through pregnancy is there with you in the delivery room. She talks about pelvic floor physiotherapy — not as a luxury, but as something that is simply common knowledge among women in her circle. Two appointments, one before birth and one after, with remarkable results. And she talks about second parent leave, and what it meant for her family to have that time together at the very beginning. None of these are revolutionary ideas. They exist. They are working. And this conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that we are allowed to ask why they are not yet standard everywhere. But above all, this is Nina's story. And it is a beautiful one. In this episode we talk about:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy — why it matters Nina's experience with pelvic floor physiotherapy is something every parent deserves to know about. Whether you have had a vaginal birth or a C-section, pelvic floor health matters. Here are some resources to explore:
Continuity of Care in the UK If you are pregnant and want to explore your options around continuity of carer midwifery models in the UK:
Second Parent Leave in the UK Want to know more about parental leave rights in the UK?
If this episode made you think, made you ask questions, or made you feel like you deserved more support than you received — share it. With your partner, your antenatal group, your pregnant friend. The more we talk about what is possible, the harder it becomes to settle for less. And as always, thank you for being part of this village. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #21 - Monique - When Nobody Believed Me: A Story of Cerebral Palsy, Medical Gaslighting and Trusting Yourself | 09 juil. 2026 | 01:13:41 | |
When Nobody Believed Me: Monique's Story of Cerebral Palsy, Medical Gaslighting and Trusting Yourself This episode contains themes of medical mistreatment and dismissal. If you have experienced something similar, please know that your instincts matter, your voice matters, and resources to support you are listed below. Most of us like to think of ourselves as open minded. Non-judgmental. But what if our judgment isn't something we're aware of — because it lives quietly inside our own experience, our own circumstances? What if we can only see as far as where we have stood? That is where this conversation begins. Today I'm sitting down with Monique. A mother who noticed early on that something wasn't quite right with her child. Who raised her concerns — and wasn't believed. Who kept pushing, kept questioning, kept advocating — until she finally got the answers her child needed. Answers that confirmed her daughter had been born with a mild form of cerebral palsy. But this episode is about so much more than a diagnosis. It is about what happens when the medical system dismisses a mother's instinct. About the mistreatment Monique experienced along the way. About the choices she made — some of which were unconventional, some of which raised eyebrows, and all of which were hers to make. About a woman who questions the world around her, who challenges what doesn't convince her, and who refuses to accept an answer simply because it comes from authority. And it is about what she says, quietly and with great kindness, at the end of it all: my choice is my choice, and your choice is yours. This episode may challenge you. It may make you uncomfortable at moments. But I'd invite you to listen with openness — and with kindness. Because Monique isn't here to convince you of anything. She simply wants to share her story, and to remind us all that there is not only one right way. In this episode we talk about:
If you feel you have been dismissed, mistreated, or not listened to by the NHS, here is how to raise a complaint: PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) is a free, confidential service available in most hospitals. They can help you resolve issues informally without needing to make a formal complaint. A great first port of call if you are not sure where to start — nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service NHS England Complaints — you can make a formal complaint directly to NHS England by emailing england.contactus@nhs.net, marking it "For the attention of the complaints team." Full guidance here — england.nhs.uk/contact-us/feedback-and-complaints/complaint Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is an independent charity that can help patients consider their options after suffering a medical accident, including providing contacts for specialist solicitors. Find them at avma.org.uk Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) — if you are not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled, you can escalate to the Ombudsman. It is a free, independent service. Visit ombudsman.org.uk or call 0345 015 4033. Healthwatch — an independent statutory body that helps make sure your feedback is heard. Search for your local Healthwatch online to find support and complaints advocacy in your area. Resources for Cerebral Palsy:
If this episode resonated with you — whether because you have felt dismissed by the medical system, or because Monique's story challenged the way you think — please share it. There is a parent out there who needs to hear this today. And as Monique so beautifully puts it: my choice is my choice, your choice is yours. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #20 - Liz - I Didn't Want Kids ... Until I Did: One Mum's Hilarious Take on Life with Twins | 25 juin 2026 | 00:52:40 | |
Some episodes make you think. Some make you cry. And some make you laugh so hard you forget you're even listening to a podcast. This is one of those. Today I'm sitting down with Liz — self-proclaimed mum of four year old twins, and honestly, the funniest guest I have had on this show to date. Fair warning: the giggles are very much part of this episode. I am not sorry. Liz didn't grow up dreaming of motherhood. For a long time, children simply weren't part of the picture. And then she met her partner. And everything changed. Suddenly she knew — she wanted this. She wanted a family. What she didn't see coming was two. In this conversation, Liz takes us right back to the beginning — what she really thought about having children when she was younger, the moment everything shifted when she met the right person, and then the moment she found out she wasn't just expecting a baby. She was expecting twins. We talk about the pregnancy, the preparation, and the beautiful, exhausting, hilarious reality of bringing two tiny humans into the world at the same time. Liz has this incredible gift of finding the funny in everything — the chaos, the sleepless nights, the moments that are equal parts adorable and completely unhinged — and she shares it all with a warmth and an honesty that will leave you smiling long after the episode ends. And running underneath all the laughter is something quietly profound. A woman who once couldn't picture herself as a mum, who now cannot imagine how she ever thought she didn't want this life. If you've just found out you're expecting twins — this one is for you. If you're in the thick of twin life — this one is definitely for you. And if you just need a feel good episode today — well. You're in the right place. In this episode we talk about:
If this episode made you smile, share it with someone who needs a feel good listen today. And if you are a twin parent with a story to tell, I would love to hear from you — get in touch and come join the village. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #19 - Simon - Breaking the Cycle: How Sye MC Chose to Become the Dad He Never Had | 11 juin 2026 | 00:54:31 | |
Breaking the Cycle: How Sye MC Chose to Become the Dad He Never Had Some people drift into parenthood. Others walk into it with their eyes wide open, having done the quiet, unglamorous work of looking at their own childhood and deciding — consciously, deliberately — to do things differently. Simon, known to many as Sye MC, is one of those people. In this episode, Simon takes us back to the beginning. Growing up in an unconventional family set up, navigating a childhood that didn't always look like everyone else's. And then, at twenty years old, becoming a dad himself. Young, but already asking the right questions. What kind of father do I want to be? What patterns do I want to break? What do I want my son to feel that I didn't always have? He talks about the relationship he built with his first son — the intention behind it, the love that drove it, and the version of himself he was still growing into at the time. Then life shifted. In his late twenties, Simon met his now wife. And by the time he became a father again in his mid thirties, he was standing in a completely different place. Financially stable, emotionally grounded, and equipped in ways his younger self simply wasn't. The contrast between those two chapters of fatherhood — and what he learned in the years between them — is at the heart of this conversation. This is an episode about growth. About generational healing. About the courage it takes to look at where you came from and choose a different path. And about what it really means to parent with intention. In this episode we talk about:
If this episode resonated with you — whether you're a young parent finding your feet, someone actively working to break a cycle, or simply a parent who wants to show up with more intention — I'd love for you to share it with someone who might need to hear it today. And if you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, get in touch. This village is always growing. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #18 - Anita - Pregnancy Loss, a Lung Defect, and the First Year Nobody Prepares You For | 28 mai 2026 | 00:50:48 | |
Anita: Pregnancy Loss, a Lung Defect, and the First Year Nobody Prepares You For Please note: this episode contains a discussion about pregnancy loss. Please take care of yourself as you listen. Anita first joined us in episode seven, where she shared her birth experiences with an elective and an emergency C-section — and mentioned, almost in passing, that her daughter had been born with a lung defect. Today, she comes back to tell us the rest of the story. Before she does, Anita opens up about something she hadn't shared before — the loss of a pregnancy in her late first trimester. She speaks about it with honesty and tenderness, and with the kind of quiet courage that I know will resonate with so many of you. And then she takes us into her daughter's first year and a half of life. Her daughter was born with CPAM — Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation — a rare lung condition that was picked up during pregnancy. What followed was a journey of scans, hospital appointments, consultants, and waiting. The kind of waiting that sits with you every single day. Until the surgery. This episode is for every parent who has started their parenting journey on a hospital ward. Every parent who has learned a medical language they never wanted to know. And every parent who has loved their child through something terrifying, and found a strength they didn't know they had. In this episode we talk about:
What is CPAM? CPAM (Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation) is a rare congenital lung condition where abnormal tissue develops in the lung during pregnancy. It varies in severity — some babies require surgery, others are monitored over time. If your baby has been diagnosed with CPAM, know that you are not alone. Resources & Support CPAM Community & Support Groups
For Pregnancy Loss Support
For Finding Your Village
If this episode resonated with you — whether you've been through pregnancy loss, you're navigating a diagnosis, or you've spent time on a hospital ward with your little one — please share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you'd like to share your own story on the podcast, get in touch. As always, thank you for being part of this village. 💛 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #17 - Phil - The Other Half of the Village: A Chef, a Dad, and the Honest Truth About Hospitality Parenting | 14 mai 2026 | 01:03:04 | |
The Other Half of the Village: A Chef, a Dad, and the Honest Truth About Hospitality Parenting If you listened to last week's episode with Hollie, you'll know the reality of parenting when your life runs opposite to everyone else's. This week, we hear from the other side of that story. Phil is a chef. His days start when most people's are ending. His weekends look nothing like yours. And his version of fatherhood has been built around late nights, long shifts, and a schedule that leaves very little room for the ordinary rhythms of family life. In this conversation, Phil opens up about what it really means to be a present dad in the hospitality industry — the solo parenting days, the exhaustion, the joy, and the quiet weight of doing it all while the rest of the world is asleep. We also get into some bigger questions. Could he imagine having more children with this life set up? And what do we really think about people who choose not to have children at all — and does our judgement change depending on who's making that choice? This is a rich, honest, and at times unexpected conversation. One that goes beyond the kitchen and into the heart of what modern fatherhood can look like. In this episode we talk about:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent who might need to hear it — or leave a review. It means the world and helps this village grow. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #16 - Hollie - Raising a Child When You Work Nights, Weekends and Opposite Schedules | 30 avr. 2026 | 01:06:12 | |
What happens when both parents work when everyone else is at home? In this episode of Raising with the Village, I’m joined by Hollie to talk about the reality of raising a child while working nights, weekends, and opposite shifts in the hospitality industry. When your family life runs against the rhythm of society, parenting can look very different. Nursery pick-ups, mealtimes, weekends, holidays, even time with your partner — everything takes more planning, more sacrifice, and often comes with a level of loneliness that many people don’t see. Hollie shares what it’s like to parent as a couple when you’re often simply passing each other, how their relationship has adapted, how they protect connection as partners, and the silent exhaustion that can come with feeling like a solo parent, even within a two-parent household. This is an honest and important conversation about invisible labour, shift work, modern family life, and a side of parenting we don’t talk about nearly enough. In This Episode We Cover
Why This Episode Matters This episode shines a light on a reality many families live, but few talk about openly. Whether you work in hospitality, healthcare, emergency services, retail, aviation, or any job involving shift work, this conversation may feel deeply familiar. And if you don’t — this episode offers an important window into a version of parenting many people don’t often see. Mentioned in This Episode
Connect with Raising with the Village 🌿 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk If this episode resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #15 - Siobhan - Unexpected Birth Abroad: Navigating Premature Birth & New Motherhood (Part 2) | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:47:59 | |
What would you do if your baby arrived early… while you were on holiday, in a country where you don’t speak the language? In this powerful two-part story, Siobhan shares her experience of going into labour at just 32 weeks while abroad in France—completely unprepared for what was about to happen. From the shock of a premature birth in a foreign healthcare system, to time spent in the NICU, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed, this is an honest and eye-opening account of how quickly plans can change—and how resilience takes over when it has to. In Part 1, we follow the unexpected lead-up to labour and the birth itself. 💬 In this episode, we cover:
✈️ Travelling While Pregnant or With Young Children If you’re pregnant or travelling with little ones, this episode highlights just how important preparation can be. Some key things to consider:
🩺 Additional Topics Mentioned
🤍 Final Thoughts This story is a reminder that birth doesn’t always go to plan—and sometimes, the most unexpected journeys become the most defining ones. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #14 - Siobhan - Unexpected Birth Abroad: Navigating Premature Birth & New Motherhood (Part 1) | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:43:16 | |
What would you do if your baby arrived early… while you were on holiday, in a country where you don’t speak the language? In this powerful two-part story, Siobhan shares her experience of going into labour at just 32 weeks while abroad in France—completely unprepared for what was about to happen. From the shock of a premature birth in a foreign healthcare system, to time spent in the NICU, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed, this is an honest and eye-opening account of how quickly plans can change—and how resilience takes over when it has to. In Part 1, we follow the unexpected lead-up to labour and the birth itself. 💬 In this episode, we cover:
✈️ Travelling While Pregnant or With Young Children If you’re pregnant or travelling with little ones, this episode highlights just how important preparation can be. Some key things to consider:
🩺 Additional Topics Mentioned
🤍 Final Thoughts This story is a reminder that birth doesn’t always go to plan—and sometimes, the most unexpected journeys become the most defining ones. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #13 - Elliott - Single Dad, Divorce & Starting Over: One Man’s Journey Through Fatherhood | 19 mars 2026 | 00:59:02 | |
What does it really look like to become a father before you feel ready — and then be given the chance to grow into that role over time? In this episode, Elliott shares his deeply personal journey through fatherhood, divorce, and starting again. Becoming a dad in his twenties to two daughters, Elliott reflects on a time in his life that didn’t go as planned — yet one where he built a strong, loving bond with his children. As his marriage came to an end, he found himself navigating life as a single dad — balancing parenting, dating, and rebuilding his sense of self. Years later, Elliott entered a new chapter. In his forties, he became a father again, this time to two sons, bringing with him a new perspective, greater intention, and a deeper understanding of what it means to show up for his family. This is an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, second chances, and the evolving nature of fatherhood. In this episode, we explore:
Resources for single fathers and dads navigating divorce:
Listen & Follow: And if you have a story you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #12 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 3) | 05 mars 2026 | 00:55:10 | |
What is it really like to give birth and step into motherhood as a solo mum by choice? In this powerful final episode, Liz shares her birth story, the emotional end of her pregnancy, and the reality of becoming a single mother by choice. From preparing for labour to holding her baby for the first time, Liz opens up about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. We also explore what life looks like in the early days of solo parenting — including practical tips, emotional resilience, and how to build confidence as a parent without a partner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:
Liz’s story is raw, reassuring, and deeply empowering — offering comfort and guidance to parents and parents-to-be navigating their own unique path. In this episode, you’ll hear:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #11 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 2) | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:41:13 | |
In this second part of Liz’s journey, we continue her story following IVF treatment and move into the first three months of pregnancy as a lone parent. This is a deeply honest and emotionally rich conversation. Liz speaks with extraordinary openness about the uncertainty of early pregnancy after IVF, the emotional weight of waiting for results, and the realities that are so often left out of public conversations around conception and early gestation. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Please listen with care and at a time that feels right for you. In this episode, we talk about:
Liz shares her experience in real time, emotionally and unfiltered — offering listeners a rare, intimate look at early pregnancy after IVF and the parts many people carry privately. • The Miscarriage Association — support, helpline & chat for anyone affected by miscarriage: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ • Sands — support for anyone affected by the loss of a baby before, during or after birth: https://www.sands.org.uk/ 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #10 - Liz - Choosing IVF Alone: A Raw and Honest Story of Lone Parenthood (Part 1) | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:46:03 | |
In this episode of Raising with the Village, Liz shares her deeply personal journey to becoming a parent through IVF as a lone parent. Liz takes us back to the moment she began considering IVF on her own, and the life circumstances that led her there. With honesty and vulnerability, she walks us through the IVF process step by step — from making the decision, to navigating clinics, treatment, and the emotional weight of doing it all without a partner. This is a raw and detailed conversation that goes beyond medical explanations. Liz speaks openly about the doubts, the hope, the waiting, and the resilience it takes to keep going. If you’ve ever wondered what IVF as a single parent by choice really looks like behind closed doors, this episode offers a powerful and human perspective. This is part one of Liz’s story. In part two, we’ll follow her into pregnancy and explore what came next. In this episode, we talk about:
Helpful resources mentioned or related:
(Always consult your medical team for personalised advice.) 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #9 - Liam - When Birth Doesn’t Go to Plan: A Father’s NICU Story and Co-Parent Experience | 22 janv. 2026 | 01:03:54 | |
In this episode of Raising with the Village, we hear from Liam, the first father to join the podcast and share his unique journey into parenthood. Liam’s daughter arrived in the world in an unexpected and urgent situation — and within hours, both she and his partner had to be transferred to another hospital. What followed was a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a place many parents never anticipate visiting — especially as a co-parent trying to find his footing. Liam speaks about:
This episode also highlights important ways families are supported during NICU stays — from milk donation and food provision, to accommodation programs like Ronald McDonald House. In This Episode We Cover
Resources & Links Mentioned Breast Milk Donation Donating breast milk can have a massive impact on premature and medically vulnerable babies cared for in NICUs. If you’re interested in learning more or donating, resources include: Food Support for NICU Families While there isn’t a single universal link, many hospitals and charities offer meal programs or community support for families staying long hours near NICUs. One example is: Ronald McDonald House Charities (Support Accommodation & Family Services) These charities help families stay close to their sick or hospitalised children by providing accommodation and other support services near major children’s hospitals: Thank you for listening to Raising with the Village — where real parenting stories remind us that we don’t do this alone. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #8 - Sarah - Premature Birth at 32 Weeks: A Mother’s NICU Journey | 08 janv. 2026 | 00:51:28 | |
In this episode of Raising with the Village, we hear from Sarah, whose baby arrived much earlier than expected — born at just 32 weeks after what began as a routine check-in following unexpected bleeding around 30 weeks. Sarah takes us through how that moment led to an early delivery, and then into the emotional and psychological journey that followed: the uncertainty, loneliness, anxiety, and identity shift that come with having a premature baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This conversation explores how motherhood can begin far from the imagined path — in waiting rooms, hospital corridors, and days blurred by routine checks — and how parents learn to find strength, resilience, and connection even in the most bewildering moments. Highlights From This Episode
Support & Resources Mentioned If you’re navigating life with a premature baby or in the NICU, Sarah highlighted Miracle Moon as an incredibly valuable support resource — especially on Instagram and for connecting with other NICU parents who truly understand the emotional journey. Miracle Moon started as a supportive Instagram space created by NICU parents and has grown into a wider community with mental health resources, peer support, and tools for resilience during and after neonatal care. Why This Episode Matters Premature birth changes the expected rhythm of pregnancy and early motherhood. Sarah’s story offers insight and companionship to anyone whose baby arrived before their due date, whose hospital stay was longer than planned, or whose experience didn’t match the picture in their mind. It reminds us that there is no “right” way to start motherhood, and that community — even online through shared stories — can make us feel a little less alone. Connect with the Podcast If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. You can:
Thank you for being part of Raising with the Village. 🌿 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| Holiday Message: Thank You, What’s Next & More Parenting Stories Coming Soon | 25 déc. 2025 | 00:03:12 | |
A short holiday message from Raising with the Village. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the first season of the podcast, thanking the parents who bravely shared their stories, and looking ahead to what’s coming next — including new parenting topics and voices from dads. If you’ve been listening along, thank you for being part of this growing village. As we head into the holiday season, this episode is a gentle reminder that parenting can feel especially intense at this time of year, and that connection, support, and shared experiences matter more than ever. New episodes return on Thursday 8th January. Until then, don’t forget to share your favourite episode, leave a review, and help more parents feel a little less alone. Happy holidays from Raising with the Village — a podcast about real parenting stories, community, and support. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #7 - Anita - From Emergency to Elective: What Two C-Sections Taught Me | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:52:29 | |
Emergency vs Elective C-Section: Two Very Different Births with Anita In this episode of Raising with the Village, we sit down with Anita, a mum of two, to talk candidly about her experiences of both an emergency C-section and a planned (elective) C-section — and how different those two births felt physically, emotionally, and mentally. Anita shares her first pregnancy journey, which was complicated by a lung defect diagnosed at the 20-week scan. With close monitoring and a planned induction at 38 weeks, she hoped for a vaginal birth — but after six long days of induction, her labour stalled, her waters broke, and signs of infection led to a fast-moving emergency C-section. She walks us through what it’s really like when a birth plan changes suddenly: the speed, the sensory overload, the number of medical staff in theatre, and the surreal feeling of meeting your baby while still trying to process what just happened. Anita also shares what recovery looked like after an emergency C-section, including pain management, mobility, antibiotics, and the emotional impact of focusing entirely on her baby’s health. A few years later, Anita found herself pregnant again — this time facing a different decision: VBAC or planned C-section. Drawing on her first experience, plus new factors like gestational diabetes, baby’s size, age, and childcare logistics, she chose an elective C-section. In contrast to the emergency birth, Anita describes the second C-section as calm, controlled, and predictable — but not without its own challenges. She talks honestly about anxiety before planned surgery, the physical sensations of a spinal block, longer operating time due to scar tissue, and recovery while caring for a newborn and a toddler. Throughout the conversation, Anita reflects on:
This episode is a compassionate, realistic look at C-sections without judgement — ideal for anyone preparing for a Caesarean, considering their options after a previous C-section, or wanting to better understand what recovery can truly involve. Topics We Cover:
Anita’s Top Advice for C-Section Recovery:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #6 - Candida -Two Boys, A Newborn, And A Cold Cup Of Soup | 11 déc. 2025 | 01:17:45 | |
In this episode, Candida shares her journey from being a child who adored babies to becoming a mother of three — and discovering how motherhood can be both everything she dreamed of and nothing like she expected. She reflects on the years she spent worrying about her fertility in her 20s (not for medical reasons, but because of headlines and conversations around her), the long path to meeting her first baby, and the identity-shifting experience of going from one child to three. From the early shock of becoming a mother much sooner than she anticipated emotionally, to the beautiful chaos of siblings playing together while she finally enjoys a warm bowl of soup, Candida speaks with refreshing honesty and humour about the realities of family life — the joyful, the challenging, and the entirely human parts in between. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Early longing for motherhood
✨ Fertility fears in her 20s
✨ Becoming a mother for the first time
✨ Growing her family to three
✨ Siblings, connection, and reclaiming space
Books mentioned by Candida From the transcript, the books she referenced appear to be:
(If you want me to verify the titles you think she meant, feel free to send a quick line and I’ll adjust.) Why this episode matters Candida’s story is a reminder that:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #5- Melissa - Three babies, three water births | 04 déc. 2025 | 00:50:45 | |
In this powerful episode, Melissa walks us through her three water births — two of which resulted in rare “mermaid babies,” born entirely in their amniotic sac. She also shares how she discovered she had a heart-shaped uterus, her anxiety during pregnancy, and how each labour unfolded.
These links provide accurate, medically reviewed information related to topics in the episode. Water Birth
En Caul Birth (“Mermaid Baby”)
Bicornuate / Heart-Shaped Uterus
Signs of Labour & What to Expect
Mucus Plug (“The Show”)
Gas & Air (Entonox)
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #4- Grace - When your child stops growing | 27 nov. 2025 | 00:33:40 | |
In this episode, Grace shares her family’s journey through discovering that both of her young children have growth hormone deficiency — from spotting early signs, to seeking answers when her instincts told her something wasn’t right, to navigating diagnosis, testing, treatment and life on daily injections. It’s a story about persistence, parental intuition, advocating for your children, and the enormous difference early diagnosis can make. 💬 In this episode:
🩺 Useful Resources:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #3- Louisa - First Pregnancy After 40: IVF, Unexpected Challenges and a NICU Baby - Part 2 | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:52:51 | |
In part two of Louisa’s story, she faces the reality of her baby’s possible medical complications and the uncertainty that follows. A powerful story of courage, resilience, and the unexpected strength that comes with motherhood. 💬 In this episode:
🩺 Useful Resources:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #2- Louisa - First Pregnancy After 40: IVF, Unexpected Challenges and a NICU Baby - Part 1 | 13 nov. 2025 | 00:48:52 | |
In this two-part episode, Louisa shares her experience of becoming a first-time mum in her forties — from waiting to feel “ready,” to navigating IVF, and facing an unexpected diagnosis during pregnancy. 💬 In this episode:
🩺 Useful Resources:
💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| #1- Lily - Pre-eclampsia | 06 nov. 2025 | 00:45:38 | |
Lily shares her unexpected experience with pre-eclampsia — a reminder that even when everything seems fine, it’s important to listen to your body and trust your instincts. 💛 Resources & Support If you’d like to learn more about pre-eclampsia or what to do if you’re worried, here are a few trusted places to start:
Remember — pre-eclampsia can develop after 20 weeks, and symptoms can include headaches, swelling (especially in the face/hands), changes in vision, or upper abdominal pain. 💛 Stay connected 🌍 https://raisingwith.co.uk/ Got a story to share about pregnancy, parenting, or family life? 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||
| Welcome to Raising with the Village! | 02 nov. 2025 | 00:04:33 | |
Welcome to Raising with the Village! I’m Maeva, and I’m so happy you’re here. This podcast was born out of a simple idea — it takes a village to raise a child. But in today’s world, most of us don’t really have that village anymore. We often raise our children far from family, with little experience and even less sleep. And somehow, we’re just expected to figure it all out as we go! That’s why I wanted to create a space where real stories are shared — the kind of stories you’d normally hear from a friend who says, “I know someone who went through that too.” Because when we share our experiences, we help each other feel less alone. Each episode, you’ll hear from parents and caregivers who’ve lived through all kinds of moments — the beautiful, the difficult, and the downright unexpected. No job titles, no labels — just honest conversations about what it really means to raise a child. ✨ Raising with the Village is here to remind you that every story adds to our shared wisdom — that together, we can rebuild that sense of community, one conversation at a time. If you’d like to share your story, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/raisingwith_thevillage/ or by email at raisingwith@gmail.com. 💛 Because there’s power in our stories — and when we share them, that power becomes our collective strength. 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/ If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs. | |||