Best Simply Zesty Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 181 Assisted Vaginal Birth, a woman's perspective 50:58

19d ago50:58

50:58

Trigger warning: This episode discusses birth trauma. When a birth doesn't go as planned and requires intervention, how does it feel from the woman's perspective? Jacqueline Edwards, mother of five, shares her powerful firsthand experiences of both traumatic and positive assisted vaginal births, challenging healthcare professionals to see beyond th…

1
Vertigo & Big News!!! 57:03

1M ago57:03

57:03

Autumn updates us on her vertigo journey. Is it time for a life alert? If Julia thought her life was stressful before her wedding it's about to get a little more intense.By Julia & Autumn

1
Chit Chat & Bridal Showers 1:02:02

2M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Trigger Warning: Autumn and I do talk about SA and weight loss at the beginning of this episode. If you're sensitive to these subjects, please skip this episode and we'll see you next week. If you like a long weekly catch up, this episode is for you! We have been LIVING, and not all of it good. lol We take you along the ride of our week and dive in…

1
To Have Babies or To Not Have Babies 1:08:42

2M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

As we enter into our 30's, you would think we would know if we want kids... But this is Autumn and me you're talking about. With such a HUGE decision facing us within the next several years, we dive into this heavy topic. Somethings mentioned in this weeks episode : Article - on vox.com "I help people decide if they want to have kids. Here’s my adv…

1
Making Your Apartment/ House a Home, Advice From Serial Movers 56:24

3M ago56:24

56:24

On today's episode Autumn and I give our best advice for turning your space into your own personal sanctuary. Clean girl aesthetic is out and eclectic hoarder is in! What says "your home" more than a visit from your favorite ghost! And no, I'm not talking about your ex. A literal spirit made itself known on this episode. Although most of the knocki…

1
Episode 180 Mama Academy a chat with Heidi 39:51

3M ago39:51

39:51

Trigger warning Baby Loss This episode is part of the podcasthon global charity podcast event 15th-21st March 2025. Join me as I chat with Heidi Eldridge, founder of the Mama Academy, a charity dedicated to reducing stillbirths and improving maternal health. Heidi's personal story, marked by the tragic loss of her son Aidan, propelled her into acti…

1
Becoming Ski Girlies?? Zesty Feet, Planets Aligning, Not Changing My Last Name 48:40

3M ago48:40

48:40

Let's Chat it UP! Who knew starting a new sport in your 30's would be so hard?? Is Autumn right? Do I just need a ski instructor? But should I be taking life advice from someone who zests their feet?? These are the questions we'll get answered in today's episode.By Julia & Autumn

1
Episode 179 Ramadan Special 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

Step into our enlightening conversation about the multi-faceted experience of Ramadan, particularly as it relates to pregnant women and the maternity care system. With insights from Muslim doctors Miss Natasha Abdul-Aziz and Dr Emma Wiley , we dive into the spiritual and communal aspects of fasting during this holy month, discussing its potential i…

1
Self-Love v.s Self-Care, The Consumerism of It All, But First Let's Catch Up and Chit Chat About Valentine's Day, My Wedding, & Some of My Most Embarrassing Stories 1:02:37

3M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Today's Episode starts out with a little bit of a ramble; plane anxieties, wedding planning, valentine's day outcomes, and wtf is a scallop! If you want to skip all that fun the self-love v.s. self-care conversation starts 35 minutes into the podcast. With self-love and self-care being such buzzy words, have we lost the true meaning of them? Is sel…

1
Dating & Relationships In Our 20's 1:26:04

3M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Officially out of our 20's, we thought it would be fun to share stories of failed relationships and ones that stand the test of time. Autumn and I lived completely different lives in our 20's. She was/is married. Autumn gives perspective on what makes a marriage last while changing and evolving every day. My 20's led me to a completely different re…

1
Episode 178 Maternity Triage 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Maternity triage plays an essential role in providing urgent care to pregnant women, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to potentially life-threatening situations. The episode discusses the BSOTS system, its implementation, challenges, and the importance of maintaining relationships with GPs and midwives while prioritising urgent care needs.…

1
Introducing Garson! Pet Roadrunner, Changing Your Own Brakes, Relationships w/ Differing Political Beliefs, Coming Together, Putting Love Fist 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Autumn got a pet fish!! Now, that's one lucky fish!! Julia's Dad talks to wild animals and surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, they talk back! Loving your neighbor, or in this case, your husband when you have different political beliefs. Is it possible? And how do you navigate core values and political values? Are they the same? Grab a cup of cof…

1
Finding My Wedding Dress, Being a Bridesmaid, Technical Difficulties, American Prison Rats, Not Giving Your Happiness Away 30:11

4M ago30:11

30:11

It has been a journey finding my wedding dress. Spoiler Alert!! I found my dress!! But not without a ton of drama and emotion. Some dress shops mentioned in this episode: Brides for a Cause - "Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for charity." Honestly, would recommend this to any b…

1
I'm Engaged!! 35:56

4M ago35:56

35:56

2024 Wrapped! Julia's engaged, Autumn's on Ozempic. Committing to you and our podcast in 2025.By Julia & Autumn

1
Episode 177 Be the Difference a chat with Catherine 52:24

8M ago52:24

52:24

In this episode recorded for baby Loss Awareness week 2024, Join us as Catherine MacLennan from the Vilomah Foundation opens up about her personal journey through pregnancy loss and the varied care she received. Catherine’s story underscores the emotional toll and disparities in care, urging for a more empathetic approach in maternity services. We …

1
Episode 176 Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - a chat with Sarah 1:05:01

9M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Join me as I talk with Sarah Fishburn, who shares her deeply personal journey through three pregnancies plagued by pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Sarah opens up about how the lack of adequate information and support during her experiences inspired her to create the Pelvic Partnership, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women suffering…

1
Episode 175 RSV vaccine 18:57

10M ago18:57

18:57

Curious about how the new RSV vaccine could protect your baby? Join me, Florence, as we uncover the latest addition to the UK’s maternal vaccination program. In this episode of the OBSpod, I break down everything you need to know about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Learn how this innovative recombinant vaccine works & why it's cruc…

1
Episode 174 Dental Care 19:42

10M ago19:42

19:42

Can dental care during pregnancy really impact your baby's health? Join me, Florence, as I crack open the myths and present the facts on this crucial yet often ignored topic. Discover why maintaining good dental hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy, despite outdated beliefs linking gum disease to preterm birth being debunked by rece…

1
Episode 173 Postnatal Psychosis a chat with Sarah 48:01

11M ago48:01

48:01

Could you imagine the emotional and mental whirlwind of encountering postnatal psychosis right after welcoming your baby into the world? Join us as we sit down with the incredibly courageous Sarah, who takes us through her deeply personal journey of battling postnatal psychosis following an emergency caesarean section and her son’s critical NICU st…

1
Episode 172 The Unexpected - A Chat with Prof Emily Oster 32:17

11M ago32:17

32:17

Ever wondered how to navigate the uncertain terrain of pregnancy complications with confidence? Join us as we welcome Professor Emily Oster, an economist from Brown University and a celebrated author, who brings her latest data-driven insights to the table. In this episode, we dive deep into her new book, "The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy Durin…

1
Episode 171 Noise 20:51

12M ago20:51

20:51

Imagine giving birth in a peaceful sanctuary rather than a bustling, noisy ward. Join me, Florence, as newly installed noise-monitoring devices in our maternity ward prompt me to think about noise levels in maternity. Reflecting on my own experiences, including the challenges of keeping my voice down, we’ll navigate through the World Health Organiz…

1
Episode 170 Weight Stigma in Pregnancy 1:03:42

1y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Have you ever considered the impact of a simple medical term on a person's experience? Midwife Jenny Cunningham and Catriona Forbes of a research collective join us to unravel the complex issue of weight stigma in pregnancy. Jenny shares her path from hands-on midwifery to academic research, while Catriona offers a personal narrative on the stigma …

1
Episode 169 Hyperemesis 59:08

1y ago59:08

59:08

I am excited to bring you this episode on hyperemesis gravidarum. Joined by renowned experts Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Dr. Melanie Nana, and Professor Catherine Williamson, we dissect the impact of this condition and the ground breaking RCOG guidelines that are transforming care for pregnant women. These leading figures pull back the curta…

1
Episode 168 Ramadan, it's ok to ask 20:26

1y ago20:26

20:26

Have you ever experienced a moment of cultural awakening, realizing that there's so much more to learn about the traditions of those around us? That's exactly what happened to me, Florence, after reading an enlightening tweet from the outstanding obstetrician Nisha Knot, which set me on a path to discover more about Ramadan and its effects on pregn…

1
Girl's Trips Are The Best Trips 49:15

1y ago49:15

49:15

🎉 Episode: Girls' Trip Galore: Why Every Woman Needs a Getaway with Her Besties 🎉 Ready to escape the daily grind and make memories that will last a lifetime? Join hosts Julia and Autumn on a virtual girls' trip extravaganza as they passionately advocate for the transformative power of female friendships and the magic of getaway adventures. 🌴 Unloc…

1
Episode 167 Consent 30:02

1y ago30:02

30:02

This week follows directly on from Episode 166 Personalised care this time talking about the issue of consent. In this episode I reflect on the introduction of electronic consent in maternity care, scrutinizing its benefits and the unforeseen complexities it introduces. I discuss the General Medical Council's 2020 guidance on consent, spotlighting …

1
Episode 166 Personalised Care 32:40

1+ y ago32:40

32:40

As we navigate the intricate journey of childbirth, there is a balance between a mother's autonomy and stringent clinical guidelines. Step into the world of Personalised Care in maternity services, where my discussion sheds light on the emotional complexities of honouring the unique birth plans of expectant mothers. This episode is a clarion call f…

1
Episode 165 Oxytocin Use 38:39

1+ y ago38:39

38:39

Discover the hormone oxytocin and its role in the birthing process in the latest ObsPod episode. We unravel the dual nature of this potent hormone, once an unquestioned staple in Active Management of Labour. Listen as we share an engaging conversation about its physiological impacts, the delicate balancing act required for its use in inducing labor…

1
Episode 164 Intermittent Auscultation 53:40

1+ y ago53:40

53:40

Join me & my guest Dr. Kirsten Small as we build on our previous joint episode 157 Fetal heart monitoring in labour. This time we discuss the world of intermittent auscultation, you'll be enlightened by the evolution from the hands-on Pinard stethoscope to the advanced Doppler device. Dr. Small shares her expertise on the intimate connection care p…

1
Welcome To Girl Daze Episode 1 39:34

1+ y ago39:34

39:34

🌟 Episode 1: Meet Julia and Autumn - Unveiling the Magic of Girl Daze 🌟 Dive into the debut episode of Girl Daze, the podcast where hosts Julia and Autumn open the doors to their world, inviting you on a journey of laughter, friendship, and unfiltered conversations. 👋 Meet Your New Best Friends 👋 In this inaugural episode, Julia and Autumn take cen…

1
Episode 163 Overweight 41:47

1+ y ago41:47

41:47

Embark on a poignant exploration of a topic that's often cloaked in stigma yet crucial to maternal health: obesity and BMI during pregnancy. Join me, Florence, on the ObsPod, as we unravel the intertwined issues of weight management and prenatal care, delving into the NHS classifications that inform how expectant mothers with a BMI over 30 navigate…

1
Episode 162 Alcohol and Pregnancy 26:30

1+ y ago26:30

26:30

Embark on a transformative journey through the complexities of alcohol use during pregnancy, as we unravel the myriad risks and the vital necessity of abstinence for expectant mothers. Grappling with the nebulousness of self-reported alcohol intake and the deceptive simplicity of a 'unit' of alcohol, we aim to demystify the misconceptions and bring…

1
Episode 161 Blood Transfusion 36:08

1+ y ago36:08

36:08

Are you already familiar with the life-saving role of blood transfusions in obstetrics? If not, get ready for an enlightening journey into this critical aspect of maternity care. This episode is packed with insights about the ins and outs of transfusions, from packed red cells to platelets, plus everything else a woman might need to replace followi…

1
Episode 160 ICP & Me 1:07:07

1+ y ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Trigger warning this episode contains discussion of baby loss. What if you found yourself entangled in a challenging and rare pregnancy condition, not once but twice, with a heartbreaking ending? Unravel the personal narrative of Jenny Chambers, the founder and CEO of ICP Support, as she shares her painful journey through Intra-Hepatic Cholestasis …

1
Episode 159 Sleep position in Pregnancy 23:42

1+ y ago23:42

23:42

Ever felt confused or guilty about your sleep position during pregnancy? Fear not, as I, Florence, an experienced NHS obstetrician, guide you through the maze of advice on this critical topic. Drawing from years of practice, continued learning and the latest research, I shed light on this topic, putting to rest unfounded fears and guilt. Together, …

1
Episode 158 Fertility 30:44

1+ y ago30:44

30:44

Today is a much awaited episode having been brewing for over three years since I started the podcast which seems apt given the subject. How does it feel to be pregnant after fertility treatment, what might be the issues maternity staff need to be aware of ? What maternity care do we need to provide to the increasing number of families in our care a…

1
Episode 157 Monitoring the Fetus in Labour 57:22

1+ y ago57:22

57:22

How much trust are you placing on the CTG monitor as you welcome a new life into the world? Get ready to have your beliefs challenged as Dr. Kirsten Small and I dissect the language and implications surrounding fetal monitoring during labor. We dive beneath the surface to expose how CTG monitoring can become a source of moral panic, shifting the fo…

1
Episode 156 Hypnobirthing with Megan Rossiter Birth-Ed 57:39

1+ y ago57:39

57:39

Ever wondered how hypno-birthing can change your childbirth experience? Today's special guest, Megan Rossiter, will take you on a journey through the transformative power of hypno-birthing. Megan went from an initial skeptic to becoming an inspiring advocate and teacher in this field. Dive in as we explore how hypno-birthing techniques influence th…

1
Episode 155 Antenatal Steroids 23:55

2y ago23:55

23:55

What if the treatments we believe to be beneficial in Obstetrics aren't as helpful as we thought? Or worse, might they bring along hidden risks for mothers and babies? As your host, Florence, I invite you to journey with me as we explore the complex world of antenatal steroids, a commonly used intervention for preterm labor and planned cesarean bir…

1
Episode 154 Pregnancy in Prison 28:04

2y ago28:04

28:04

There have been some disturbing stories in the media recently about outcomes for women and babies in prison. Here I explore some evidence and more importantly what is being done to try and improve the situation. Want to know more? https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/pregnant-women-prison-greater-risk-pregnancy-complications-and-baby-loss htt…

1
Episode 153 Breast Cancer in Pregnancy 22:55

2y ago22:55

22:55

In this episode I am joined once again by incredible obstetric physicians Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy & Dr Melanie Nana. This time we are discussing breast cancer in pregnancy & some fantastic work they have been doing to standardise and improve care for women in this situation. We also discuss the fabulous charity Mummy's Star. Want to know …

1
Episode 152 Obstetric Medicine 32:36

2y ago32:36

32:36

In this episode I am joined by incredible obstetric physicians Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy & Dr Melanie Nana. We discuss what is an obstetric physician? How can we better work together in pregnancy to care for women with more complex medical issues? Plus learn all about maternal medicine networks. Want to know more? https://www.pslhub.org/lea…

1
Episode 151 Compassion 14:16

2y ago14:16

14:16

It's a tough time in the NHS at the moment. This week is a brief reflective episode on the importance of compassion not only for families under our care but for our selves and colleagues. Want to know more? Compassion for midwives https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002034&type=printable GMC training s…

1
Episode 150 Experience of Induction of Labour 23:09

2y ago23:09

23:09

In this episode I explore an article that looks at women's experience of induction of labour and ask are we aware of the repercussions when we suggest induction of labour? What impact does this have on how women feel and on their choices or birth options? Want to know more? https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/5/e071703 Thank you all for listening, M…

1
Episode 149 Smoking 24:50

2y ago24:50

24:50

Quitting smoking is the single most important action a woman can take to improve the health of her baby. I am ashamed to say I don't know much about the best way to tackle this discussion in the antenatal clinic. In this episode I discuss some training I have done to rectify this and my thoughts on what I learnt. Want to know more? https://elearnin…

1
Episode 148 Bladder Care 28:59

2y ago28:59

28:59

This episode follows on directly from last week's episode on fluid balance as the urine we produce is such an important component of that balance. Hear why caring for the bladder in labour is so important and why in some labours and births a catheter tube in the bladder may be an essential part of treatment. Want to explore more? https://www.rcn.or…

1
Episode 147 Fluid Balance 28:27

2y ago28:27

28:27

With a bit of a heatwave this week by UK standards we are encouraging pregnant women to drink plenty of water, but is there a downside could we actually be causing a problem? Surely water isn't harmful right? Join me to discuss fluid balance in labour, why its important and how to manage it. Want to know more? https://hsib-kqcco125-media.s3.amazona…

1
Episode 146 Thyroid 24:35

2y ago24:35

24:35

Today I am talking about the thyroid gland and what we think about if it is under or over active in pregnancy. These women are often referred to an obstetrician. Want to know more? https://thyroiduk.org/having-a-baby/ https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/iodine.html Currently out for review https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/4v3hsepc/thyroiddisordersinpregna…

1
Episode 145 Born Before Arrival 21:42

2y ago21:42

21:42

What is a BBA? What do we mean by born before arrival and how frequently does it happen? What are the options for women that may have experienced this in the past? Want to know more? https://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/content/supervision/born-before-arrival-supervision-in-action/ https://www.maternityandmidwifery.co.uk/homebirth/ https://www…

1
Episode 144 Unstable Lie 27:50

2y ago27:50

27:50

Today I am talking about unstable lie when a baby is moving around loads at the end of pregnancy instead of settling to head down. Want to know more? https://fn.bmj.com/content/99/Suppl_1/A112.3 https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/3wykswng/gtg-50-umbilicalcordprolapse-2014.pdf https://www.spinningbabies.com/when-a-person-is-told-they-have-an-unstable-lie…

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