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. From a dramatic early pregnancy scare to three medication-free water births, Melissa’s story is filled with surprise, humour, and extraordinary moments (including her first baby swimming to the surface still in her sac!).✨ Key Topics CoveredDiscovering a heart-shaped (bicornuate) uterus at 8 weeksTwo babies born en caul (in the sac) — “mermaid babies”Why water birth felt right for MelissaAnxiety during pregnancy & navigating unexpected bleedingThe difference between her first, second, and third water birthsThe role of midwives, her mum, and her partnerGas & air, pain management, and what really happens in the poolGoing past her due date for the first time with baby #3A sweep that triggered labourRecovering between births and leaving the hospital within hoursThe emotional side of birth stories and trusting your body💬 Memorable Moments“Half of my uterus knew I was pregnant… the other half didn’t.”“My firstborn literally swam to the top in her little alien sack.”“I know it sounds like I made my birth stories up — but I swear it all happened!”“Gas & air? I’m taking that if they let me!”“With my second, I gave birth at 4:45 AM and was walking around Sainsbury’s by lunchtime.”📚 Resources Mentioned / Related Helpful LinksThese links provide accurate, medically reviewed information related to topics in the episode.Water BirthNHS Guidance — Water Birthhttps://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens-at-the-hospital-or-birth-centre/En Caul Birth (“Mermaid Baby”)Parents — En Caul Birth Overview https://www.parents.com/baby/all-about-babies/you-have-to-see-this-video-of-a-baby-born-in-an-amniotic-sac/ Bicornuate / Heart-Shaped UterusCleveland Clinic — Bicornuate uterushttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22798-bicornuate-uterus Signs of Labour & What to ExpectNHS — Stages of Labourhttps://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/Mucus Plug (“The Show”)NHS — What Is the Mucus Plug?https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-that-labour-has-begun/Gas & Air (Entonox)NHS — Pain Relief in Labourhttps://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birt💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.
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#4- Grace - When your child stops growing
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:Spotting the first signs that her son’s growth had stalled — and why she trusted her instinctsThe long process of ruling out allergies, food intolerances and “catch-down growth”How she pushed for referrals and why private healthcare accelerated the diagnosisWhat happens during endocrine testing: IGF-1 blood tests, stimulation tests, and MRIsUnderstanding growth hormone deficiency and why early diagnosis mattersStarting treatment: daily injections, bedtime routines, and the emotional side for young childrenRealising her daughter also had the same condition — and how symptoms can look differentThe impact of treatment: energy levels, confidence, muscle strength and rapid catch-up growthFinding community through the Child Growth FoundationGrace’s advice for parents concerned about their child’s centile chart or growth trajectory🩺 Useful Resources:Child Growth Foundation https://childgrowthfoundation.orgNHS – Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/growth-hormone-deficiency/NICE – Human Growth Hormone (Somatropin) in Children https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta188Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – UK-WHO Growth Charts https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/growth-chartsMAGIC Foundation (Growth Disorders Support) https://www.magicfoundation.org💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.
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#3- Louisa - First pregnancy in my 40s - Part 2
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:The moment she had to make big decisions about her pregnancy and her baby’s healthHow her pregnancy eventually happened — with a surprise twist she didn’t see comingWhat it was like giving birth after such an emotional journeyThe early days of life with her newborn at the NICU and at home, and what helped her through themHer reflections on that first pregnancy — and what she’d choose to do differently next time🩺 Useful Resources:NHS: Exomphalos (Omphalocele)Tommy’s – Having a baby over 40Fertility Network UKNHS – IVF and fertility treatmenthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/omphalocele/ https://bringyourbaby.org/ 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.
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#2- Louisa - First pregnancy in my 40s - Part 1
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. It’s a story about time, choice, uncertainty, and courage — and about how sometimes, motherhood unfolds in ways we could never plan.💬 In this episode:What it’s like to start trying for a baby in your late 30s and early 40sThe emotional and medical journey through fertility treatment and IVFDiscovering that her baby had exomphalos (omphalocele) — what that means, and what came nextFinding support and strength in uncertaintyReflections on what “being ready” for motherhood really means🩺 Useful Resources:NHS: Exomphalos (Omphalocele)Tommy’s – Having a baby over 40Fertility Network UKNHS – IVF and fertility treatmenthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/omphalocele/ 💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.
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#1- Lily - Pre-eclampsia
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 & SupportIf 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:NHS – Pre-eclampsia:Clear info on symptoms, causes and when to seek help.👉 nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsiaTommy’s:Great charity resource with easy-to-read info, FAQs and parent stories.👉 tommys.org/pre-eclampsiaNHS Inform (Scotland):Friendly overview on signs, risks and management.👉 nhsinform.scot/pre-eclampsiaRemember — 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.If something feels off, always speak to your midwife or doctor. You know your body best. 💛💛 Stay connectedNew episodes every week — listen wherever you get your podcasts!🌍 https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 https://www.instagram.com/raisingwith_thevillage/Got a story to share about pregnancy, parenting, or family life?Send a message — your story could help someone else feel less alone.💛 Raising with the Village This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood. New episodes every Thursday! 🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms. If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.
Raising with the VillageBecause it really does take a village to raise a child — and most of us don’t have one anymore.Raising with the Village is a podcast about the real stories of parenthood — from pregnancy to the early school years and everything in between. Each episode shares an honest, unfiltered conversation with a parent who’s been there: through the highs, the lows, the unexpected turns and the moments that change everything.No experts. No judgement. Just real people sharing their experiences — because when we talk openly about what we’ve been through, we help someone else feel less alone.Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, navigating the chaos of toddlerhood, or simply figuring it out one day at a time, this is your virtual village — a place to listen, relate, and remind yourself that you’re doing better than you think.🎧 Hosted by Maeva,Parent, storyteller, and believer that there’s power — and comfort — in sharing our stories.
UK