Bun in the Oven | The Podcast by Hollie Grant

In today’s episode of Bun In The Oven Hollie is joined by her absolute favourite pelvic health physiotherapist, and all round superwoman, Emma Brockwell. In this episode Hollie and Emma discuss how to look after your pelvic floor before and after pregnancy.At time of recording Hollie was 22 weeks pregnant and was actively trying to stay on top of her pelvic floor training this time around. Hollie struggled with stress incontinence during her first pregnancy and found it a real shock. She had spent her life telling women to do their pelvic floor exercises yet hadn’t in any way prioritised it herself. So, one day, when she was sat in a café waiting for a meeting she sneezed and leaked. Sadly this is pretty common, but the good news is that there’s a lot we can do to prevent it.So in today’s episode Emma and Hollie discuss:► How you can look after your pelvic floor before and after pregnancy► What exactly the pelvic floor is► What happens to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and labour► How we can boost the health and tone of our pelvic floor during and after pregnancy► What prolapse is and how to manage it► When to seek help from a professional.Emma and Hollie have worked together in various capacities for many years. She is a passionate pelvic health physiotherapist, author of the book Why Did No-One Tell Me, co-host of the fantastic podcast At Your Cervix, sits on the scientific clinical advisory board of the Active Pregnancy Foundation, and is a passionate runner (and a mother too).This episode is ideal for you if you are currently pregnant, work with pregnant people, are recently postnatal or are worried you may be suffering with some level of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a topic that is far less taboo than it has been previously, with social media and female tech brands helping to raise awareness of the issue, but there are still people out there nervous to ask for help. We hope this episode helps you better understand such an important part of your body, and helps you seek help if you need it!Guest Bio: Emma BrockwellEmma is a specialist Pelvic health physiotherapist focusing on problems related to the pelvic floor and pelvis. These include incontinence, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, constipation, painful intercourse as well as aches and pains during pregnancy. She specializes in helping post-natal women return to running and exercise, in addition to leading a popular running group and helping women meet their running objectives. She has co- authored published returning to running postnatal guidelines for medical, health and fitness professionals. She is passionate about treating all women with the highest level of care.She is the co-host of At Your Cervix - The podcast and the incredible book ‘Why Did No One Tell Me’.► Follow Emma Brockwell on Instagram here► Listen to the 'At Your Cervix Podcast' here► Buy Emma's book 'Why Did No One Tell Me' here► Emma Brockwell's Website - click hereA Word From Our Sponsor: The Bump PlanAre you pregnant currently? Not sure how to move your body safely during this changing time? Want to stay active but need a helping hand? Join my revolutionary pregnancy fitness method The Bump Plan Pregnancy FREE for 7 days here and feel strong and empowered in your pregnancy.The Bump Plan has already helped over 25,000 pregnant women stay safely active and empowered throughout their pregnancies through its trimester specific workouts (in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours), extensive Education Hub of video, audio, and article content, discount platform, and growing Facebook community – try it out for FREE here.Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HEREAs a listener of Bun in The Oven if you enter the code ‘BUN20’ at checkout for The Bump Plan you will receive 20% discount per month off the price of your subscription – click HERE to sign up with your discount today

In this episode Bump Plan Founder Hollie Grant looks into everything you need to know about second trimester exercise.By this stage of your pregnancy you will have a growing bump that needs navigating, your pelvic floor is under more strain from a growing uterus, and there needs to be some new considerations around how you train your core. Knowledge is power though, and Hollie talks you through all of this in this episode.For many pregnant people though it can be really confusing as to what you can and can’t do during pregnancy from an exercise, or physical activity point of view. Some choose to completely cease physical activity for fear it’s harmful, whilst others continue as they did before. It can really vary so much, but what’s really important is that we are staying active!Therefore, in this episode Hollie examines:► What the current Chief Medical Officers 'Guidelines for Physical Activity During Pregnancy'► Defining 'Physical Activity During Pregnancy'► What to consider when moving your body in your second trimester►What to prioritise in second trimester exercise► Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy► Prolapse during pregnancy► Diastasis during pregnancy► Actionable activities to include in your second trimester exercise routinesI hope you find this episode on second trimester exercise helpful, and it supports you through an active second trimester!Helpful Links► UK Chief Medical Officer Physical Activity Guidelines: Pregnancy and After Childbirth► The Active Pregnancy Foundation► Bun in the Oven Season 2, Episode 2: First Trimester Exercise - What You Need to Know Guest Bio: Hollie GrantHollie Grant is an award-winning Pilates expert, experienced personal trainer and pre & postnatal exercise specialist. With over a decade’s experience, Hollie has taught thousands of women across the globe in her popular London studio, at luxury hotels such as The Royal Mansour and The Mandarin Oriental, via her online and through her hugely successful online pre & postnatal fitness platform The Bump Plan.Since launching in December 2020, The Bump Plan has helped over 25,000 women stay active during pregnancy and after birth, and is recognised as the leading pre & postnatal fitness plan in the UK. Hollie has been featured regularly in publications such as Vogue, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, and Stylist magazine, and has been interviewed on various industry podcasts, whilst also hosting both ‘The Strong Women’ and ‘Bun in The Oven’ podcasts.► Follow Hollie on Instagram HERE► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE► The Bump Plan Website: click HERE► Check out The Bump Plan Pregnancy: click HEREA Word From Our Sponsor: The Bump PlanAre you pregnant currently? Not sure how to move your body safely during this changing time? Want to stay active but need a helping hand? Join my revolutionary pregnancy fitness method The Bump Plan Pregnancy FREE for 7 days here and feel strong and empowered in your pregnancy.The Bump Plan has already helped over 25,000 pregnant women stay safely active and empowered throughout their pregnancies through its trimester specific workouts (in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours), extensive Education Hub of video, audio, and article content, discount platform, and growing Facebook community – try it out for FREE here.Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HEREAs a listener of Bun in The Oven if you enter the code ‘BUN20’ at checkout for The Bump Plan you will receive 20% discount per month off the price of your subscription – click HERE to sign up with your discount today

In today’s episode of Bun in the Oven I’m talking about Pregnancy Sickness, a topic not often discussed but that’s experienced by 70-80% of pregnant women, and at it’s worse is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum and can be completely debilitating. Personally, at 14 weeks, I have just come through that first trimester fog of pretty mild morning sickness and feel so so lucky to have got away so lightly. Given my job I know so many women who have struggled throughout their pregnancies with some form of pregnancy sickness, and the key here is you do not have to suffer in silence and there is support out there. So, in today’s episode I speak to the incredible Dr Caitlin Dean and Megan Rossiter. In this episode we go into detail about:► What pregnancy sickness is► The sliding scale of severity of pregnancy sickness► When and where to get support► What Hyperemesis Gravidarum is and how it’s treated► The stigma that is still present when it comes to pregnancy sickness► How to support your mental health when facing pregnancy sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum This really does give great insight into a really difficult symptom and is ideal for those suffering but also those who work closely with pregnant people. I hope this episode is helpful and provides you with the support you need.Useful Links:► NHS: Severe Vomiting in Pregnancy - read HERE► NHS: Vomiting & Morning Sickness - read HEREGuest Bios:Megan Rossiter:Megan Rossiter is an antenatal and hypnobirthing teacher, mum to 2 and 2 little stars in the sky. Megan suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidarum in both pregnancies and uses her platform to raise awareness around the condition. Megan is the founder of birth-ed, providing Multi-Award Winning antenatal & hypnobirthing courses to families across the globe.► Follow Birth Ed on Instagram HERE► Birth-Ed Website: click HERE► Listen to The Birth-Ed Podcast HEREDr Caitlin Dean:Dr Caitlin Dean is a registered nurse and researcher specialising in pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum and is the chairperson for Pregnancy Sickness Support.Having suffered the condition herself she has dedicated her career to ensuring other sufferers receive support and information needed to survive the condition. She writes widely for the lay and medical press, talks at conferences, provides education for healthcare professionals and acts as a spokesperson for the condition globally.Last October Caitlin obtained her PhD in hyperemesis research and is passionate about putting the patient's voice and lived experience at the heart of medical research. Caitlin lives on a farm in Cornwall with her husband, three children, two dogs and some cows, in her spare time she runs a property development company and likes to travel.► Follow Pregnancy Sickness Support on Instagram HERE► Pregnancy Sickness Support Website: click HEREA Word From Our SponsorThe Bump Plan:Are you pregnant currently? Not sure how to move your body safely during this changing time? Want to stay active but need a helping hand? Join my revolutionary pregnancy fitness method The Bump Plan Pregnancy FREE for 7 days here and feel strong and empowered in your pregnancy.The Bump Plan has already helped over 25,000 pregnant women stay safely active and empowered throughout their pregnancies through its trimester specific workouts (in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours), extensive Education Hub of video, audio, and article content, discount platform, and growing Facebook community – try it out for FREE here.Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HEREAs a listener of Bun in The Oven if you enter the code ‘BUN20’ at checkout for The Bump Plan you will receive 20% discount per month off the price of your subscription – click HERE to sign up with your discount today

SEASON 2 Episode 1 – Everything You Need to Know in Trimester 1Welcome to the very first episode of Season 2 of Bun in the Oven podcast. I’m currently 10 weeks pregnant and have just left that weird pre booking appointment limbo where you’re 99% sure you’re pregnant, but you haven’t yet seen a health professional to confirm everything. Now for many women those first 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, with no direct access to a midwife, can be a daunting time, especially if they have suffered a previous loss. It can feel like such a long time to wait until that initial booking appointment, which I have just had, and you might have so many questions you want to ask a health professional before then. That’s where todays episode comes in. In this episode, I am talking to the wonderful, and super knowledgeable, Pip Morrish. Pip is an experienced, practicing Midwifery Sister, MSc graduate, founder of Midwife Pip Podcast, Hypnobirth and Antenatal Educator, co- author of published research and importantly a mum. In this episode Pip and I dive into the feelings, concerns, highs and lows of those first few weeks. We talk about:► When it’s time to call your GP to book an initial appointment► What happens in your booking appointment► What to expect from your 1st trimester, and► How to manage anxiety in that timePip also simplifies:► What foods to avoid► What supplements are important, and► Why staying active in that first trimester is so powerful. This is a really helpful episode for anyone who is yet to meet their midwife and wants some professional support and reassurance before then. Pip is such a wonderful guest and personally she is on a mission to ensure all expectant and new mums feel like superwoman during pregnancy and when they give birth. I hope you find this episode helps you feel confident and positive ahead of one of the best, and most thrilling, journeys of your life. Guest Bio:Pip Morrish (aka Midwife Pip):Pip is an experienced, practicing Midwifery Sister, MSc graduate, founder of Midwife Pip Podcast, Hypnobirth and Antenatal Educator, co- author of published research and importantly a mum. Pip is on a mission to ensure all expectant and new mums feel like superwoman during pregnancy and when they give birth. Pip believes passionately that with the right support, honest and evidence-based information all birth should be positive regardless of any twists and turns that may crop up. For this reason, Pip begun her Instagram page @midwife_pip followed by her online courses where she is on hand to support and guide women through all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum every step of the way. Friendly, non-judgemental advice throughout every trimester of pregnancy, birth and beyond, with the benefit of exclusive community support groups, live calls and 24/7 access to Pip she is here to create empowered, positive experiences for all! ► Follow Pip on Instagram HERE► Midwife Pip’s Website: click HERE► Listen to The Midwife Pip Podcast HERE A Word From Our SponsorThe Bump PlanAre you pregnant currently? Not sure how to move your body safely during this changing time? Want to stay active but need a helping hand? Join my revolutionary pregnancy fitness method The Bump Plan Pregnancy FREE for 7 days here and feel strong and empowered in your pregnancy. The Bump Plan has already helped over 25,000 pregnant women stay safely active and empowered throughout their pregnancies through its trimester specific workouts (in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours), extensive Education Hub of video, audio, and article content, discount platform, and growing Facebook community – try it out for FREE here.Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE As a listener of Bun in The Oven if you enter the code ‘BUN20’ at checkout for The Bump Plan you will receive 20% discount per month off the price of your subscription – click HERE to sign up with your discount today

In this week’s episode we’ll be talking about the racial disparities in maternal health, and the current challenges faced by black women and birthing people during pregnancy and after childbirth. My guests are the amazing founders of the organisation Five X More, Tinuke Awe and Clotilde Abe.We discuss the worrying statistics surrounding black women and birthing people in the UK, what is currently being done to reduce these figures, and how we can all help support Five X More in their goal of improving the statistics as soon as possible.Tinuke and Clo, whilst feeling this cause is their calling, work incredibly hard whilst also raising their own children. We do have another gorgeous little guest in this podcast, Tinukes 1 year old daughter Eden, so I hope you enjoy the occasional squeels of excitement you hear in the background.Guest Bio:Five X More Five X More is a grassroots organisation committed to changing Black women and birthing people’s maternal health outcomes in the UK. It was initiated in 2019 when two Black mothers, Tinuke and Clotilde came together with the dream of improving maternal mortality rates and health care outcomes for Black women.Five X More is dedicated to supporting mothers and birthing people with its campaigning work and recommendations. It focuses on empowering Black women and birthing people to make informed choices and advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancies and after childbirth.► Follow Five X More on Instagram HERE► Check out the Five X More Website HEREUseful links and How You Can Help:► Navigating Pregnancy as a Black Person - watch HERE► Read this article about Racial Disparities in Maternal Health and the disparity in maternal deaths because of ethnicity - click HERE► Donate to Five X More HERE► Take the 'Black Maternity Experience Survey' HEREA Word From Our SponsorThe Bump PlanThis episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by The Bump Plan.Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code 'bun' at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code 'bun' at checkout. Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

In this week’s episode I’ll be talking to founder and CEO of Welltodo Lauren Armes about the realities of being pregnant when you are self-employed or a business owner, including navigating mat leave, and working out how on earth to replace yourself in your own business. I will also be talking about my experiences being a mother and a business owner.Lauren and I discuss the concerns, considerations and logistics of having children when you already have another baby – your own business. At the time of recording this episode Lauren is pregnant with her first child, so is in full on preparation mode, and I’m over 2 years deep in the juggle having a toddler myself. I hope this episode helps those of you in a similar position get your head around the juggle, and understand what to expect, when your expecting (see what I did there)Guest BiosLauren ArmesLauren Armes is the Founder and CEO of Welltodo, a global industry platform for the wellness industry. She is the leading Business Coach for experts and coaches in the wellness sector and hosts both the Business of Wellness podcast and EXPERTS.As well as coaching some of the industry's most respected entrepreneurs and influencers, Lauren has been featured as an industry expert on the BBC series The Apprentice, as well as by The Times, Evening Standard, Glamour, Red and more.► Follow Lauren Armes on Instagram HERE ► Follow Lauren Armes on Facebook HERE ► Follow Lauren Armes on Twitter HERE ► Follow Lauren Armes on LinkedIn HERE Hollie GrantAlso, here’s a little bit of information about me, given that I’ll be sharing my experiences on this episode too. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for the last 11 years, am an experienced Pilates instructor, Advanced pre and postnatal specialist, and personal trainer, the owner of the Pilates PT studio in London, and founder of The Bump Plan. I am obsessed with helping women exercise for the right reasons, especially during their pregnancies and am an absolute hater of all things diet culture. I’ve worked across the globe teaching thousands of women and featured as an expert for the BBC World News, The Sunday Times, Evening Standard, Vogue and more. Oh and I also host a podcast in case you don’t know.► Follow Hollie Grant on Instagram HERE ► Check out the Pilates PT Website HERE ► Follow The Bump Plan HERE ► Join The Bump Plan HERE A Word From Our SponsorsPenny & LolaThis episode of ‘Bun in the Oven’ is sponsored by Penny and Lola. A family-run children’s company, born in lockdown, exclusively bring you: The Happy Song Toys. If you’re a parent, or a Youtube fan, I can almost guarantee you have heard the incredibly catchy song by Imogen Heap – ‘The Happy Song’. If you’re not sure what I mean you can watch the video HERE.The founders of Penny and Lola’s new baby was soothed, like so many babies, by the video of ‘The Happy Song’, and an idea was sparked to recreate the lovable characters - Cat, Badger and Rabbit in cuddly toy form, which my daughter Freya absolutely adores! So much so that when we gave them to her, her first words literally were “I just love them so much Mummy”.The song was designed to make children happy, so these cuddly toys are intended to do exactly the same. Cute, and quirky, each toy is soft and fluffy and has squidgy beanie arms and legs perfect for little hands to hold onto. Each toy is baby safe and CE and UKCA certified.With the purpose of sharing happiness the founders of Penny and Lola felt it was important to support a cause that is really deserving, and chose the NSPCC - so you know with each purchase, the happiness will spread a little further.► As a listener, you can use this exclusive offer of 25% off all Penny and Lola toys by using the code BUNINTHEOVEN (all caps, all one word). ► Head to the website www.pennyandlola.co.uk ► Follow them on Instagram @penny_andlolaThe Bump PlanThis episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by The Bump Plan.Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code 'bun' at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code 'bun' at checkout. Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERE

In this week’s episode I’m talking to Professor of Gynaecology Andrew Horne, and one of my favourite people Louise Abdalla all about Endometriosis, its symptoms, and its effect on fertility. Please note that we do also discuss miscarriage in this episode.In this episode we talk about the symptoms and signs of Endometriosis and the effects it can have on a woman’s everyday life, and their desire to have children. Andrew shares the clinical elements of the condition so perfectly and shares his advice for those suffering whilst Louise gives us an insight into living with the condition. Louise’s honesty, and Andrew’s knowledge, will help so many women push for a diagnosis I’m sure (as it currently takes on average 7 years to be diagnosed).Guest BiosAndrew HorneAndrew Horne is Professor of Gynaecology and founder and co-director of the EXPPECT Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis at the University of Edinburgh. He is a world-leading researcher in women’s health problems, with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain, and has published over 150 scientific papers. He is Trustee to Endometriosis UK and has co-authored a book on endometriosis for patients called “The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage and Live Well with Your Symptoms”. I still can’t believe he found the time to talk to us – he is an incredible incredible man! Follow Professor Horne on Twitter HERE Buy Professor Horne’s book “Endometriosis: The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage and Live Well with Your Symptoms” HERE – sales of which will raise funds for Endometriosis UK Louise AbdallaLouise Abdalla is one of the funniest, loveliest and honest women I know. Married to king of positivity – Mr PMA, Faisal Abdalla, she is a huge support behind the scenes (although is too modest to admit how much she does to grow his brand). With a background in PR, they make a great team alongside their long-awaited son Raffi.Useful Links: What is Endometriosis – click HERE Endometriosis UK: the leading UK charity dedicated to providing information and support to those with endometriosis – click HERE A Word From Our SponsorsThe Bump PlanThis episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERESproutThis episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by Sprout!Sprout is the first ever discount club for pregnancy and parenthood. Born out of the reality of just how expensive having a baby can be, Sprout is here to help you save at what we know to be a truly expensive time.Founded by Sophie, Mum to 2 - Sophie found the adjustment to statutory maternity pay a challenge and when reflecting on her time as a student when she had lots of lovely discounts, she found it crazy that as a new parent, there wasn't anything out there for those with little ones.And so Sprout was born...since launching in 2020, Sprout has now saved its members over £28k and now partners with over 90 brands including JoJo Maman Bebe, My 1st Years, Mama Mio Skincare, Natal Active, Bloom & Wild, Latched, Bugaboo and so many more to offer members repeat discounts to help them save.Whether you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant, you are adopting, have little sprouts or older ones, membership is open to all parents and parents to be. Either join for a year or life and you can now buy a membership for a friend to help them save too!A lifetime membership to Sprout comes with a free gift box and, as a listener of this podcast, by using the code bunintheoven you can save 50% on a lifetime membership and sign up today for only £10. Yes, that is access for life for only £10 by using the code bunintheoven.To join the club, simply head HERE , choose the lifetime membership and enter the code bunintheoven, all lowercase, all one word and You will be given instant access to the discounts so you can start saving straight away!​Follow Sprout on Instagram HERE

In this first-ever episode of Bun in the Oven I’m talking to Senior Consultant in Reproductive Medicine Dr Meenakshi Choudhary and the wonderfully honest Sophie Johnston about egg donation, and the logistics both practically and emotionally.I’ll be honest I couldn’t believe my luck when Meenakshi agreed to take part in the podcast as she is an incredible incredible, important, woman.In this episode we’ll be talking all about egg donation and how it works, how eggs are in short supply in the UK, and the logistics of using a donor egg. Donating your eggs, to help others become pregnant, is one of the most selfless things a woman can do and it blows my mind at the science that goes on behind the scenes here. You may need some tissues for this episode.Guest BiosDr Meenakshi ChoudharyDr Choudhary is a leading Clinician in Reproductive Medicine at the internationally renowned Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life and oversees the world first mitochondrial donor program. She is passionate about empowering women who volunteer to be donors and give a ‘gift of life’ to several women who suffer from infertility or deadly inheritable diseases. She is a Trustee on the board of national UK Charity, Sperm, Egg, Embryo Donation (SEED) Trust. To read her full bio head to our show notes as she is an incredibly inspiring woman.https://fertilityinternational.orgFollow Dr Choudhary on Twitter HERE Sophie Johnston Sophie Johnston first reached out to me when I announced I was recording this podcast, and offered to share her incredible story of infertility, followed by egg donation. I will admit I cried many times during this episode and I can’t thank her enough for sharing her journey. Sophie works as a dietitian for the NHS with people with neurological conditions and those who have suffered major traumas, and I can confirm since recording this podcast she has given birth to a beautiful baby girl Flo and says that all her dreams have come true.Useful links: Check out Seed Trust Website – click HERE Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority: find out about sperm and egg donation HERE The Daisy network – a charity for those with premature ovarian insufficiency – click HERE Paths to Parent Hub – a private space to find support, information, friendship, and a sense of community all about parenting via donor conception – click HERE Follow Becky, the founder of Defining Mum HERE Finally, a lovely lady called Amanda Dawn has created YouTube videos on her donor egg/IVF journeys (she is now a mum of two!), her ovaries also failed at a very young age. You can follow her on Youtube HERE A Word From Our SponsorsThe Bump PlanThis episode of Bun in the Oven is sponsored by The Bump Plan.Given the theme of this podcast I imagine that some of you are currently pregnant or planning a family. So many women I know just aren’t sure how to move their body safely during this changing time? Or they want to stay active but need someone to show them the way and hold their hand? That’s where the Bump Plan comes in. The Bump Plan is a holistic prenatal fitness plan that allows you to work out with confidence at each trimester of your pregnancy.Founded by myself, Hollie Grant, The Bump Plan has already helped over 30,000 pregnant women stay active safely, and feel empowered throughout their pregnancies. Through its trimester specific workouts in which I am always at the same stage of my pregnancy as you will be in yours, hypnobirthing subscription, and extensive Education Hub, you’ll feel supported and part of a welcome community.Let me help you move safely through your pregnancy, maintain your fitness and strength, and enter parenthood strong and prepared for all the demands it poses.► As a listener of Bun in the Oven I am offering you £5/month off the cost of your monthly subscription to The Bump Plan simply by entering the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. To get started today simply head here and enter the code ‘bun‘ at checkout. Join our community today and stay strong throughout your pregnancy► Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram HERESproutThis episode of Bun in the Oven is also sponsored by Sprout!Sprout is the first-ever discount club for pregnancy and parenthood. Born out of the reality of just how expensive having a baby can be, Sprout is here to help you save at what we know to be a truly expensive time.Founded by Sophie, Mum to 2 - Sophie found the adjustment to statutory maternity pay a challenge and when reflecting on her time as a student when she had lots of lovely discounts, she found it crazy that as a new parent, there wasn't anything out there for those with little ones.And so Sprout was born...since launching in 2020, Sprout has now saved its members over £28k and now partners with over 90 brands including JoJo Maman Bebe, My 1st Years, Mama Mio Skincare, Natal Active, Bloom & Wild, Latched, Bugaboo and so many more to offer members repeat discounts to help them save.Whether you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant, you are adopting, have little sprouts or older ones, membership is open to all parents and parents to be. Either join for a year or life and you can now buy a membership for a friend to help them save too!A lifetime membership to Sprout comes with a free gift box and, as a listener of this podcast, by using the code bunintheoven you can save 50% on a lifetime membership and sign up today for only £10. Yes, that is access for life for only £10 by using the code bunintheoven.To join the club, simply head HERE , choose the lifetime membership and enter the code bunintheoven, all lowercase, all one word and You will be given instant access to the discounts so you can start saving straight away!​Follow Sprout on Instagram HERE