Understanding ‘matrescence’ and embracing the evolution of you.

SMA® Baby Club Podcast featuring clinical psychologist Dr Romila Ragaven.

Description

Becoming a parent is an incredible, life-changing journey. It doesn’t just change your routines and responsibilities, it can also change your sense of who you are.

In this episode of SMA® Baby Club Podcast, host Amy is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Romila Ragaven, specialist in perinatal mental health, to talk about the mix of emotions that can come with pregnancy and having a new baby, what’s a normal adjustment and when it might be time to reach out for extra support.

Together, they explore the concept of ‘matrescence’ and the impact it can have. And discuss ways in which you can retain a sense of your own self as you navigate the identity shift to motherhood.

Like and subscribe for the latest SMA® Baby Club podcast episodes—featuring honest conversations about parenting and the journey into parenthood.

Join SMA® Baby Club @ smababy.co.uk/babyclub/registration.

Visit smababy.co.uk/newborn/new-parent-support for articles and information. Also, chat to a midwife at SMA Baby Club Midwife Live Chat Talk to a Midwife online | Pregnancy & Baby Support | Sma® Baby Club | SMA Baby

Chapters

1. Welcome to the SMA® Baby Club Podcast A gentle introduction to the episode & today’s conversation.

2. The emotional reality of becoming a parent Why becoming a parent can bring such a mix of feelings.

3. Why anxiety is so common Understanding why anxious thoughts can appear during pregnancy and new parenthood.

4. Practical ways to manage anxiety Small, supportive steps that may help you feel steadier.

5. When should you ask for help? How to recognise when extra support could be helpful.

6. Can babies pick up on your mood? Exploring how babies respond to the world around them.

7. What is matrescence? Understanding the emotional and identity shift into motherhood.

8. Understanding mum guilt Why guilt can show up — and how to meet it with compassion.

9. The myth of the perfect mum Letting go of unrealistic expectations in early parenthood.

10. Why “good enough” is more than enough Why being present & responsive matters more than being perfect.

11. Finding your identity again Making space for the person you are becoming — and the person you already are.

12. Small ways to reconnect with you Simple ways to feel more like yourself in everyday moments.

13. Final thoughts for new parents Reassurance, reflection & support to take with you.

Nestlé UK Ltd & Nestlé Ireland Ltd ®Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

The honest guide to preparing, recovering and healing.

SMA® Baby Club Podcast featuring post-partum professionals; The 360 Mama.

C-sections births affects over 40% of birthing women in the UK. Planned or unexpected, a C-section is a major physical and emotional experience yet for something that affects so many of us, there’s remarkably little awareness of what to expect.

In this episode of SMA® Baby Club Podcast, host Amy is joined by postnatal physiotherapist Emma Bradley and scar therapy specialist Hannah West from The 360 Mama for an honest conversation about C-section birth.

Together they chat all things C-sec, from preparing your home to life after surgery, from supporting scar healing to rebuilding strength, as well as navigating the emotional impact a C-section can have.

Whether you’re planning a C-section, recovering from one or want to feel prepared for every possibility, this episode is a must-watch for expert advice, tips and support.

Like and subscribe for the latest SMA® Baby Club podcast episodes—featuring honest conversations about parenting and the journey into parenthood.

Join SMA® Baby Club @ smababy.co.uk/babyclub/registration.

Visit SMAbaby.co.uk/pregnancy/c-section for a wealth of C-section articles and information. Chat to a midwife at SMA Baby Club Midwife Live Chat Talk to a Midwife online | Pregnancy & Baby Support | Sma® Baby Club | SMA Baby

SMA® Baby Club members will receive 20% off The 360 Mama award-winning ‘Ultimate post-birth recovery programme’. T&Cs apply. See SMA Baby Club for details.

For more details about The 360 Mama postpartum courses and their C-Section recovery book visit their website @ the360mama.com

Chapters

1. Welcome to the SMA® Baby Club Podcast

2. Why so many C-sections are unexpected Why C-sections can happen even when they were not part of the plan.

3. Preparing for a C-section Practical ways to feel more informed & prepared before birth.

4. Hospital bag essentials What to pack to help support comfort & recovery.

5. Recovery in the first few weeks What to expect physically in the early days after a C-section.

6. Rest, nutrition and healing Why recovery needs time, nourishment & support.

7. Returning to exercise safely How to rebuild strength gently and know when your body is ready.

8. Scar care and massage Simple expert guidance on caring for your C-section scar.

9. The C-section overhang Understanding body changes after birth with kindness & reassurance.

10. Emotional recovery Why your feelings matter just as much as your physical recovery.

11. Expert advice for every parent Final reassurance & practical takeaways.

Nestlé UK Ltd & Nestlé Ireland Ltd ®Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

The simple science behind your baby’s tummy, immunity and future health.

Gut health has become one of the most talked-about pillars of wellbeing—but how much does it really matter for your baby?

In this episode of the SMA Baby Club Podcast, host Amy is joined by Maude Grant, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs Manager at SMA, to help breakdown the science of baby gut health in a way that’s clear, practical and reassuring.

Together, they explore how your baby’s gut develops from day one, why the first 1,000 days are so important, and the key factors that shape microbiome in the early years. They also dive into how gut health can influence digestion, immunity, allergies, and even mood later in life.

Because when it comes to lifelong health, big things start in tiny tummies!

Like and subscribe for the latest SMA® Baby Club podcast episodes—featuring honest conversations about parenting and the journey into parenthood.

Join SMA® Baby Club @ smababy.co.uk/babyclub/registration.

Visit SMAbaby.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing/baby-gut-health for a wealth of articles and information. For additional support, chat to a midwife at SMA Baby Club Midwife Live Chat Talk to a Midwife online | Pregnancy & Baby Support | Sma® Baby Club | SMA Baby

Chapters

1. Welcome to the SMA® Baby Club Podcast A warm welcome to the episode and what parents can expect.

2. What is baby gut health? What gut health really means for your baby.

3. Understanding the microbiome Meet the tiny community of bacteria living in your baby’s gut.

4. Why the first 1,000 days matter Why this early window is so important for digestion, immunity and development.

5. Why the gut is called the “second brain” How your baby’s gut and brain are connected.

6. How birth can shape the microbiome The role of vaginal and C-section births in your baby’s early gut development.

7. How feeding affects your baby’s gut How breast milk, formula and early feeding choices can influence the gut microbiome.

8. Pregnancy and your baby’s gut health How pregnancy can play a part in your baby’s earliest gut health journey.

9. Weaning and eating the rainbow How variety, colour and fibre can support friendly gut bacteria as solids begin.

10. Feeding issues and constipation When to notice tummy troubles and when to seek support.

Nestlé UK Ltd & Nestlé Ireland Ltd ®Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.