The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast

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Motherhood is more than a role—it’s a profound transformation. In this episode, I explore matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, and what it really means for your body, your relationships, and your sense of self.
I talk openly about reconnecting with your postpartum body, navigating intimacy and sex after birth, and adjusting to the new dynamics in your relationship. I share reflections on shifting priorities, managing guilt when taking time for yourself, and learning to let go of control while trusting others with your baby. I also explore the delicate and personal decisions around having another child, including balancing fear and desire and honouring your own readiness.
This episode is honest, grounded, and compassionate. It’s a reminder that motherhood isn’t about getting it right—it’s about understanding the changes you’re going through, moving through them with awareness, and integrating them into your new life. I also discuss what to do if you’re struggling and why asking for support is a sign of strength, not failure.
By the end of this episode, I hope you feel seen, validated, and reminded that you’re not just learning how to care for a baby—you’re learning how to live as a mother.
If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford
Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

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Bringing a new baby into your family is often described as a joyful and exciting time — but the reality is far more complex.
In this episode, I share an honest, real-world look at what it’s like to welcome a newborn into your home and your family, whether this is your first baby or you already have children.
We explore the emotional, physical, and practical realities of the early weeks — from sleep deprivation and feeding challenges to the intense sense of responsibility and constant worry that many parents experience.
I also share the importance of managing expectations — including why I often say that babies are boring — and how understanding the reality of newborn life can make the transition feel more manageable.
For those with older children, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help them feel secure, included, and valued, rather than pushed aside during this big change.
We also look at how to involve family members and visitors in a way that supports your older child, protects your space, and creates a calmer environment in those early weeks.
This episode is full of practical tips, real-world examples, and simple strategies you can implement immediately to make the arrival of a new baby a positive experience for everyone.
If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford
Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

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Since last week’s episode was released, I’ve received so many messages from listeners asking for more information about the fourth trimester and postpartum planning that I decided to record this extra episode to explore these topics in more depth.
The weeks after birth are often overlooked in birth preparation, yet they represent one of the most significant transitions for both mother and baby. In this episode, I talk about the biological realities of the fourth trimester, why newborn behaviour often makes perfect sense when we understand human development, and why planning for postpartum can make such a difference to recovery and wellbeing.
I also explore how cultural expectations in modern Western society can sometimes clash with biology, particularly when it comes to rest, recovery, and the close contact that newborn babies instinctively seek.
During the episode, I walk through a practical framework for a postpartum planning conversation. If you are preparing for birth, this is something I encourage you to discuss with your partner or support network before the baby arrives. Taking time to think about support, rest, feeding, emotional wellbeing, and household responsibilities can help protect the early weeks and reduce unnecessary stress.
I also explain why postpartum rest is not simply a luxury, but an important part of physical recovery. Giving the body time to heal after pregnancy and birth supports long-term health, including pelvic floor recovery and overall wellbeing.
The fourth trimester matters. When we understand the biology behind newborn behaviour and maternal recovery, we can approach this period with more realistic expectations and greater compassion for ourselves and our babies.
Episode 172 - Relationship Circles - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ultimate-guide-to-being-a-birth-partner/id1541228817?i=1000752253453
Episode 149 - Postpartum Prolapse - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ultimate-guide-to-being-a-birth-partner/id1541228817?i=1000706091689 
If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford
Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

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In this episode, I’m joined by specialist postpartum midwife Lara for a thoughtful and honest conversation about what really happens after birth.
Recorded last summer, this discussion explores the often-overlooked realities of the postpartum period — not just physically, but emotionally, relationally and hormonally.
Together, we unpack:
Why the fourth trimester deserves as much preparation as labour itself
The importance of debriefing your birth experience
The embodied transition women move through after birth
The evolving role of the birth partner once the baby has arrived
Why personalised, relational postpartum care matters
How intentional postpartum planning can reduce tension and misunderstanding
Understanding Matrescence — the developmental transition into motherhood.
Postpartum Planning is something I teach extensively and have dedicated the final chapter to in my book: 
Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - UK
Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - US
You can find Lara here - The Specialist Midwife 
If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford
Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

Send us Fan Mail
Preparing for birth is only half the story. What happens in the weeks after your baby arrives can be just as challenging — and often more overwhelming than labour itself. That’s why I teach the Relationship Circle in my antenatal classes, a practical way to map your support network, set boundaries, and clarify who does what.
At the heart of the circle is Mother + Partner + Baby, because postpartum is a shared journey. Around that centre, the circles show both parents’ families and friends, making it easy to see who will help, who needs boundaries, and where conversations are essential.
In this episode, we talk about mapping your network, having important discussions during pregnancy about visits, practical help, and boundaries, and navigating common challenges — like the now very common “no kissing the baby” rule. Planning this way helps reduce overwhelm, prevent conflict, and protect your recovery, so you can focus on what matters most: your new family.
Download Your Relationship Circles Postpartum Planning Workbook – 5-page printable PDF with templates, examples and questions to help you plan support and boundaries before baby arrives.
A practical tool to map your postpartum plan with confidence and clarity.
If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford
Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...