Childcare guilt shows up for so many mums, even when childcare is the thing that keeps the whole family afloat. One comment at a playgroup or one post on social media can send us into a spiral of “am I doing the right thing” and it needs to stop.
In this episode I talk about the real roots of childcare guilt. We look at cultural conditioning, gender expectations, financial realities, and the total lack of village support that modern mums are dealing with. None of this guilt comes from your instincts. It comes from a system that still expects mums to do everything alone.
I also share why childcare can actually strengthen your connection with your child, how children thrive when they learn from multiple caregivers, and why needing support is not selfish. A calm and fulfilled mum bonds more deeply than a burnt-out one, and we need to start saying that out loud.
If you have ever wobbled at drop-off or felt judged for needing a break, this conversation is for you.
🫂 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
New episodes every Wednesday🎧 Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a quick review — it really helps other mums find the show.
What does real postpartum support look like?
In this episode, I’m joined by Geri Spicer and Hannah Warnes, founders of The 4th, a new London-based service redefining how we care for mothers after birth.
We talk about:
• The gap between birth prep and postpartum reality
• Why “you’ll be fine” isn’t enough for new mums
• How proper rest, nourishment and connection change everything
• What inspired two new mothers to create The 4th
• The small, practical ways we can all make postpartum kinder
About The 4th:
Hannah and Geri, founders of The 4th, are two mothers driven by a shared belief that women deserve better support after birth.
The 4th is a weekly in-person postpartum program designed to support women through the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Inspired by their own experiences of birth and postnatal care, they created
The 4th to fill a vital gap in support for new mothers.
Each program brings together trusted specialists — from midwives and physios to tongue-tie experts and pilates instructors — creating an accessible, community-driven space that empowers women and makes expert care more attainable.
👉🏽Follow The 4th on Instagram
💌 Email for more info the4thcomms@gmail.com
🫂 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
New episodes every Wednesday🎧 Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a quick review — it really helps other mums find the show.
This week we’re diving into the mother-in-law problem: when support turns to control, and when well-meaning advice becomes a slow erosion of your confidence.
We’ll talk about:
Why mother-in-laws often overstep after a baby arrives
The emotional undercurrent of fear, loss of relevance, and control
Why “you’re too sensitive” is code for I don’t want to take responsibility
How to hold boundaries without blowing up the relationship
What healthy, respectful help can actually look like
Because sometimes “help” isn’t help and it’s a hidden cost of modern motherhood.
🎧 Listen now to My mother-in-law moved in to ‘help’ — and made everything worse.
And if you’ve ever thought, “It’s not just me, right?” then no, it’s definitely not just you.
Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
Food prices keep climbing — but what does it actually cost to feed a family right now?
In this episode, Nat takes you through her real grocery numbers (around €550–€600 a month for two adults and a toddler) and the small, realistic shifts she’s making to spend less without losing the joy of a full fridge.
You’ll hear:
What a €600 monthly grocery shop looks like for her family
Why constant “top-up shops” are quietly draining your budget
The small swaps and habits that save money without adding stress
How batch cooking and bulk buying stretch food (and sanity) further
Why “using what you already have” builds financial confidence
This isn’t about restriction — it’s about feeling more in control of what you spend, using what you’ve got, and bringing intention (not guilt) back into your weekly shop.
Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
In today’s episode, I’m taking a step back to reflect on the gifts motherhood has given me through my son, Jackson.
This is the softer side of the story... the one where motherhood gives more than it takes. From clarity and courage to the kind of love that remakes you from the inside out, these are the lessons that changed me.
It’s not a sugarcoated list, either. Some of these “gifts” came wrapped in exhaustion and tears. But they’ve all shaped me into someone stronger, softer, and more grounded than before.
If you’ve found motherhood to be both a teacher and a test, this one’s for you.
In this episode:
The five gifts motherhood gave me
Why “barely making it” can still mean you’re winning
Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
You know that feeling when you’re wiped out but can’t explain why? You’ve been running on autopilot, juggling birthday gifts, nap schedules and meal plans, but it’s not just the doing that’s exhausting. It’s the thinking about everything.
In this episode, Nat dives into the real reason mums are exhausted: the mental load. She unpacks how it quietly drains mothers, how gender roles and social conditioning created it, and what to do when you feel like the household project manager instead of an equal partner.
You’ll hear:
What the mental load actually looks like day to day
Why it’s not about doing too much, but holding too much
How gender roles and conditioning keep mums overloaded
The resentment loop that creeps into relationships
How to start sharing the load without another argument
🎧 Listen if you’ve ever felt like the manager of your household instead of a partner in it.
Because it’s not just you, and it’s not what you think.
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
So many of us feel blindsided by how much motherhood changes our relationships. Nobody warns you how having a baby can completely rewrite the dynamics between you and your partner...the exhaustion, the resentment, the unspoken mental load.
In this episode, Nat reads two Reddit posts from mums whose marriages started crumbling after having kids and reflects on why it really happens. From the invisible load to unmet needs, shifting identities, and structural cracks that existed long before the baby, this one’s a deep, honest look at why modern motherhood leaves so many couples struggling to stay connected.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it just us?” — you’re not alone.
In this episode:
The difference between structural vs. circumstantial relationship strain
Why unmet needs (sleep, rest, connection) turn into resentment
How the mental load creeps in and erodes partnership
When to question if staying together is helping or harming
Why separation isn’t failure, and what rebuilding support looks like
Listen if you’re:
Feeling unseen or unsupported in your relationship
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
Money is one of those things we don’t talk about enough, especially as mums. In this episode, I’m sharing my own money wake-up call and how motherhood completely changed the way I look at finances.
I open up about:
This isn’t a “how-to” from someone who’s got it all figured out. It’s a real, honest account of where I’m at and the changes I’m making in the hope that it helps you feel less alone with your own money story.
If motherhood has been your money wake-up call too, this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned:
💸 Financielle: https://www.financielle.com/
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
We talk about this kind of stuff in It's A Lot. So, if you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it, this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
☕️ Support my work: if you’re enjoying my podcast, you can buy me a virtual coffee here! Thank you 🫶🏽 buymeacoffee.com/nataliekmartin
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
In today’s Reddit episode, we dive into a post that so many of us will relate to: “My husband slept through the baby crying -right next to her bassinet.”
This story isn’t just about night wakings. It’s about postpartum exhaustion, resentment when we say “yes” to things we don’t want to do, and how trust in our partner can wobble when we feel like we’re carrying everything alone.
Inside the episode, I talk about:
Why postpartum travel can be so draining (and why “six weeks” really is the bare minimum for recovery).
How resentment grows when we override our own boundaries.
What might really be going on when a usually-responsible partner suddenly drops the ball.
Ways to share the load of night wakings without feeling like you’re left alone in the trenches.
Practical tips to make travel and sleep easier for babies, toddlers, and you.
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it – this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes – https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Reset from chaos to calm in minutes The Overwhelmed to Grounded Toolkit gives you three simple, real-life tools to help you recalibrate without adding more to your to-do list. Download it here.
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
Going back to work after kids can feel terrifying. Will your brain still work? Can you juggle the home stuff as well as job deadlines?
In this episode, I’m here to remind you that not only can you do it - you’re already highly qualified.
Motherhood is like running a business. You’ve been project managing, negotiating, crisis handling, and leading every single day. These are not “soft skills.” They’re powerful, transferable, and exactly what employers are looking for.
Here’s what I cover in this episode:
- The key skills you’ve developed as a mum (and how they match workplace needs)
- How to frame your experience for CVs, interviews, and appraisals
- My best tips for balancing the juggle of work and home life without losing yourself in the process
If you’re nervous about returning to work or need a confidence boost to see your value clearly, this episode is for you.
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it – this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes – https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
Have you ever felt guilty because motherhood is easier than you thought it would be? Maybe your baby sleeps well, rarely gets sick, and you’re actually enjoying this season but instead of celebrating, you feel bad about it.
In this episode, Nat unpacks a Reddit post from a mum who admitted she was finding things surprisingly smooth, and the guilt and isolation that came with it.
We'll hear:
- why mums often expect only the hard parts of motherhood
- how comparison and guilt creep in when things feel “too easy”
- why every phase brings its own mix of challenges and ease
- the importance of celebrating the good moments without shame
- how to find safe spaces to share your real experience
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
This week I’m opening up about something that feels raw but vital: financial independence for mums. It started with a viral comment I left on a reel by Tori Dunlap (Her First $100K). The conversation that followed showed me how many women still believe 'my partner handles the money, so I don’t need to worry.'
But is that really safe? What happens if life changes through divorce, illness, job loss or widowhood?
you’ll hear:
why 'my partner handles the money' feels safe, but isn’t
the truth behind the 80% of divorces initiated by women
how history still shapes our finances today
the motherhood penalty and why mums retire with less
a step-by-step guide to becoming financially independent (without shame)
Resources to help:
Tori Dunlap @herfirst100K
Ramit Sethi’s Money for Couples podcast
Books: Profit First, Overcoming Underearning
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
In this episode of The Mama Circle Podcast, Nat gets real about self-care — not the glossy Instagram version, but the kind that actually keeps you functioning as a mum.
She shares her take on the self-care hierarchy — a simple triage approach inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the base are the survival basics: water, sleep, food, movement. Once those are in place, you can layer on soothing practices (like a shower or clean clothes), restorative extras (like meditation or journalling), and finally self-development and expansion.
This episode is a reminder that self-care isn’t indulgence, it’s maintenance. And when you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, you don’t need a bubble bath — you probably just need a glass of water and an early night.
✨ Inside this episode:
Why so many mums skip the basics of self-care (and why that backfires)
The four levels of the self-care hierarchy and how to use them as triage
Quick, doable ways to build a foundation of care when time is short
How small shifts (like drinking water or going to bed earlier) create space for bigger ones
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with one basic step.
🤩 Join IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode
It's holiday time! Once you’ve got kids though, they'll look very different to how they used to — but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun, memorable and even (dare I say it) relaxing. In this episode, I’m sharing tips fresh from my own trip to Spain with my toddler.
From flights and airports to naps and meals, I’ll walk you through the small mindset shifts and realistic travel tips for mums that made all the difference.
Whether you’re travelling solo with your child, as a family, or with friends, this episode will help you let go of old expectations, take the easy options without guilt, and create memories that feel just as good as the ones you made pre-kids — even if they look very different.
✨ In this episode you’ll hear:
Why holidays with toddlers aren’t really “holidays” — and how to be okay with that
Travel tips for flights, airports, and luggage when you’ve got little ones in tow
How to pack light but smart (without forgetting the essentials)
Why convenience is your best friend (yes, even sunbeds and screen time)
How to make memories that matter without burning yourself out
If you’ve got a family holiday coming up, this one’s for you.
🤩 Join IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why can’t I just cope like my mum did?” — this episode will make you feel seen.
Nat breaks down the real numbers behind the parenting struggle in 2025, comparing wages, housing, childcare, energy bills, food, holidays, and petrol costs today with those from the 1990s. Spoiler: the maths is brutal.
💥 Jaw-drop stat: In 1990, the average UK family had the equivalent of £2,870 a year in today’s money left over after essentials. In 2025? The same lifestyle leaves the average family almost £9,000 in the red.
We’re talking about:
How wages have risen — but not enough to keep up with the essentials.
Why two incomes are now a necessity, not a choice.
The staggering cost of childcare (and why it feels like a second mortgage).
The jump in everyday bills — from electricity to broadband.
Why holidays have gone from a yearly treat to a once-in-a-blue-moon luxury.
And all the extra emotional and mental load that our parents simply didn’t face.
By the end, you’ll see why it’s not you — it’s the system. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll stop blaming yourself for not keeping up in a game that’s completely changed.
🤩 Join IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Having a rough day? This episode offers the simplest reset you’ll try: a Hard Day Protocol that skips the “shoulds” and leans into what you already do that helps. I share my own list to show you just how easy it really is.
🎶 My Hard Day playlists and that Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet
RAGE: Metal, hardcore and music to scream in the car (or silently) to
And if you need a place to VENT! 🤩 Join IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
When your toddler is sick and everything falls apart – the routine, the sleep, the house – it’s easy to feel like you're on the edge.
In this honest and helpful episode, Natalie shares how she survived a week of solo parenting while her toddler was unwell – and how she actually came out of it feeling more rested than expected. From letting go of tidying to reclaiming nap times for rest, this is a refreshingly real look at navigating the chaos of sick days with more calm and less burnout.
Listeners will hear:
practical tips for handling sick days without losing their mind
how to prioritise what actually matters (and drop the rest)
why rest during nap time is not a luxury – it’s survival
how simple rituals like drawing or a short walk can shift the whole energy
creating space for help and support (and actually accepting it)
small boundaries that protect energy, sleep, and sanity
This is the episode every overwhelmed parent needs when the house is upside down, the to-do list won’t quit, and their child just wants to be held all day.
🤩 Join IT'S A LOT - free for 30 days, then just 5€ per month
If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share to joys of being a mama with people who get it - this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes - https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
In this episode of The Mama Circle Podcast, Natalie chats with Hannah Clapham from Little Nest Sleep about the reality of baby and toddler sleep. Hannah shares how she went from feeling out of control and exhausted to helping families find what works for them, without rigid routines or guilt.
They talk honestly about why there’s so much pressure to ‘do sleep right’ and how easy it is to feel like you’re failing when your child doesn’t follow the rules.
Inside this episode:
What ‘sleep training’ really means (and why it’s not just cry-it-out)
The cultural myths that tell us sleep should look the same for every family
Why short naps and early wake-ups can be normal
How sleep needs change as your child grows
How to handle naps without losing your mind
Tips for adding baby number two and managing different sleep needs
Permission to trust yourself more and shut out the noise
This chat is full of nuance, real stories and reminders that you’re not alone. It’s for anyone feeling stuck in the trenches of sleep deprivation or second-guessing every bedtime.
Need some help with your little one's sleep? Connect with Hannah
🤩 Join a loving community of mums in IT'S A LOT – free for 30 days.If you’re feeling shaky having brought your new baby home, in the trenches of toddlerhood or just need a place to share the joys of being a mama with people who get it – this is your new support network. The best part? It’s all via voice notes – https://www.nataliekmartin.com/mama-circle
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
Email: info@nataliekmartin.com
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This episode is not a pep talk. It’s a personal share from the floor of my son's bedroom, nap-trapped with my sick toddler on my chest, period pain in full force, and all the ‘shoulds’ swirling in my head.
This is real life: the messy moments that don’t make it onto Pinterest boards.
I share how sometimes the healthiest thing is not to ‘fix’ yourself but to let yourself be distracted (yep, even by mindless Instagram scrolls). Sometimes the only question is: What’s the absolute minimum that needs to get done today?
If you’ve ever felt stuck under the weight of sick days, laundry piles, emotional overwhelm or just the relentlessness of it all, this one’s for you. You are not alone.
📌 Mentioned:
My free Overwhelm-Busting Bingo Sheet for 25 real ways to calm your nervous system (distraction scrolling not included 😉) subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo
If you're in the trenches too right now, you can reach out to:
👉🏽 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
What if your relationship doesn’t ‘bounce back’ after the baby? What if it actually takes years?
In this Mums Talk episode, I sit down with my friend Sophie Jane Hardy - writer, coach and host of the Menstruality Podcast, to talk about the unspoken parts of motherhood and how long it can take to feel like you again.
We talk about:
✨ Sophie’s four-year journey to rebuild her relationship after becoming parents
✨ The grief and rage underneath infertility, birth that didn’t go to plan and letting go of the version of motherhood you’d imagined
✨ The invisible mental load and the surrender that nobody prepares you for
✨ The moment Sophie realised she had to stop trying to control everything and trust her partner’s way of parenting too
✨ Why nervous system care is the real work, and how we find our way back to ourselves (and each other)
If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so hard?” this one is for you.
Want to connect with Sophie?
Sophie’s website: https://www.sophiejanehardy.com
Instagram: @sophie.jane.hardy
Menstruality Podcast: https://www.redschool.net/podcast
Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:
📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.
And, if you're in the trenches right now:
🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here www.nataliekmartin.com
👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo