Midwife Pip® Podcast

How Birth Could Shape Your Baby’s Brain with Emily Roper

Today’s conversation dives into a stage of life that every single one of us has experienced, but almost no one really talks about in depth.

When we think about early brain development, most of the focus tends to land on pregnancy or what happens after a baby arrives. But what if we’re overlooking one of the most influential moments in shaping a child’s neurological future?

My guest today is Emily Roper @earlyroots who specialises in working with children experiencing developmental challenges, everything from anxiety and ADHD to autism spectrum profiles. And what she’s found, time and time again, is that many of these patterns can be traced back to the earliest stages of life, especially the birth process itself.

We’re talking about how birth can shape everything from attachment and stress response to gut health, reflex development, and even long-term emotional regulation. But this isn’t just a conversation about what can go wrong, it’s also about how incredibly adaptable and resilient babies are, and what parents can actually do to support healthy brain development from the very beginning.

This episode might just change the way you think about the very first moments of life.

This episode is sponsored by Aniball, a birth preparation tool designed to help you become more familiar with the sensations of stretching and relaxation around the vaginal opening. As a midwife, I know how valuable building body awareness and confidence can be when preparing for birth.

To get 10% off, use code PIP26.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫

Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” - “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip

Connect with Pip:

Instagram: @midwife_pip

Facebook: Midwife Pip

Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review - it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance.

And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community, you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe!

Midwife Pip x
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Why Won’t My Baby Stop Crying?- With Heidi Skudder

A baby who won't settle. Hours of crying. Back arching. Wind. Feeding difficulties. Broken sleep. And suddenly you're Googling everything, wondering whether it's colic, reflux, an allergy or simply normal newborn behaviour.

In this episode, Pip is joined by baby and parenting expert Heidi Skudder to explore what can sit underneath an uncomfortable baby, why labels like “colic” and “reflux” can sometimes stop us asking the more important question - what is actually going on? - and how parents can find a more individualised middle ground.

They talk about feeding, sleep, winding, gut sensitivity, parental intuition and mental health, as well as the danger of both over-medicalising normal behaviour and over-normalising a baby who is genuinely struggling.

Most importantly, this is a conversation about helping parents feel informed rather than frightened and reminding them that crying is communication, parental instincts matter, and asking for support is not a sign that you're getting it wrong.

This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” - “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip

Connect with Pip:

Instagram: @midwife_pip

Facebook: Midwife Pip

Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review - it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance.

And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community, you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe!

Midwife Pip x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hidden World Shaping Your Baby’s Health- With Dr. Ruairi Robertson

Your baby’s gut microbiome is developing from the moment they’re born - but how much should parents actually worry about it?

In this episode, I’m joined by scientist Dr Ruairi Robinson to unpack what the research really tells us about the infant microbiome, and separate the science from the marketing and misinformation.

We’re talking C-sections, vaginal birth, antibiotics, breastfeeding, formula, probiotics, vaginal seeding and, importantly, what you can actually influence.

Because yes, early life matters - but your baby’s microbiome is far more adaptable than you might think.And if you’re feeling guilty about how your baby was born, whether you breastfed, or whether they needed antibiotics, this episode is one you’ll want to hear.

This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” - “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip

Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pipFacebook: Midwife PipEmail: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review - it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance.

And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community, you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe!

Midwife Pip x
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Mothers Are Running The World (And Burning Out) – Dr Punam Krishan

What happens to women after the baby arrives?

In this powerful conversation, Midwife Pip sits down with NHS GP, broadcaster and author Dr Punam Krishan @drpunamkrishan to explore the often unseen reality of motherhood. Together they discuss identity shifts, matrescence, the mental and physical load mothers carry, why maternal health is still overlooked, and how modern motherhood places unprecedented demands on women.

From brain changes in pregnancy to the lifelong impact of maternal health, this episode is a validating, honest and empowering conversation for every mother who has ever wondered, "Is it just me?"

The answer is no.

This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫 Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” - “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip

Connect with Pip:

Instagram: @midwife_pip

Facebook: Midwife Pip

Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review - it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance.

And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community, you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe!

Midwife Pip x
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redefining Fitness in Motherhood - Jen Murray

Motherhood changes everything - including how we see ourselves, our bodies, and what “fitness” even means.

In this honest and empowering conversation, I’m joined by personal trainer and women’s health specialist Jen Murray to unpack the pressure so many women feel to “bounce back” after having a baby - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Because the truth is… nothing about motherhood is linear.

We explore why your priorities naturally shift after children, how unrealistic expectations are harming women, and why your body doesn’t need fixing - it needs understanding, support and compassion.

From pelvic floor recovery and sleep deprivation to identity shifts and the invisible mental load, this episode is a powerful reminder that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you’re human.

We also share practical, realistic ways to rebuild strength, confidence and trust in your body - without guilt, perfectionism or pressure.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “lost yourself” in motherhood, this episode will help you feel seen, supported and empowered to move forward - on your terms.

This episode is sponsored by Aptaclub. Aptaclub offers expert advice, practical guidance and trusted resources for parents throughout pregnancy, feeding and early parenthood, helping families navigate each stage with confidence.

Extra Resources:

📚Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books💫

Feel calm, confident, and fully supported through pregnancy with Midwife Pip ‘DM” - “YPJ” on Instagram: @midwife_pip

Connect with Pip:Instagram: @midwife_pip

Facebook: Midwife Pip

Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a short review - it truly helps more mums find this support and reassurance.

And if you’d love to feel more confident and calm through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, come join our community, you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Enjoy listening… and don’t forget to subscribe!

Midwife Pip x

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices