August 15, 2021 • 30 mins
Naomi is joined on the iCandy Duo Podcast by Amy Lane - Author of 'I Can Run', Host of 'Well Far' podcast, Executive Editor of Digital Women’s Health UK and mum to Huxley. In this episode we chat to Amy about the marathon of motherhood and the importance of making physical and mental health a priority as a new mum.
(Trigger Warning - Birth Trauma is discussed in this podcast)
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the eye-candy duo podcast with me,
Naomi Williams, a 30 somethingparents of none baffled by how
much is undiscussed in the worldof pregnancy and parenthood.
I'll be asking the questionsbecause you want the answers to
on this podcast, which isbrought to you.
I candy world makers ofbeautifully British Bush stares
for parents across the globe.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
[inaudible]
Speaker 1 (00:33):
This week, we are joined on the eye-candy DNA
podcast by Amy Lane, author oficon run, host of welfare
podcast, executive editor ofdigital, of women's health, UK,
and mum to Huxley.
In this episode, we'll bechatting to Amy about the
marathon of motherhood and theimportance of making physical
and mental health, a priority asa new mum.
(00:54):
Hello, Amy, it's so lovely tohave you on the eye-candy duo
podcast.
I have to say when I was readingout all of the things that you
do, I always run out of breathto even finish off with, and
then she's mama of Huxley, butlike, how are you, how are you
getting on?
I hear that your son is justabout to turn a year old next
month.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
He is.
Um, so firstly, thank you forhaving me on, um, and that
lovely intro it.
Yeah, it's been quite a lot topack in, I would say in the past
couple of years.
Um, but yeah, thankfully I'm themother of a nearly one-year-old
who is literally keeping me onmy toes at the moment running
around, um, and has become thecheekiest little boy I know out
(01:34):
of nowhere.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Oh, fantastic.
Also great name by the way,Huxley.
That's all.
Uh, was it, was it based onanyone or is it just a name that
you go, is this really loved?
Speaker 3 (01:46):
I'm going to be really honest here.
Um, I could say it's after avery famous author, um, but it's
really from a nameless.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
Oh, well, do you know what good for you for say like,
so I was looking at going, oh,Huxley Huxley.
And we were actually justtalking before the podcast ad,
we're all doing a bit of a map,Google I've got, what is that?
And then of course the authorcame up and we were like, yeah,
we wouldn't have said thatthough.
Like it's reminding us ofsomething else, but it's really
cool name so good for you.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
I feel I have to be honest with it, but I saw it
probably like 3:00 AM in themorning when you have pregnancy
insomnia.
And um, there's one, um,description of it where it it's
described as here's my day asthe name definition.
And we moved whilst I waspregnant to opposite a really
beautiful meadow.
And so it just, it just felt so,right.
(02:34):
So we went with it
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Sort of a peer for the moment at 3:00 AM while
you're desperate facility.
Just go, I'll take that.
I'll take that as a win in thisscenario,
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Not in your app,
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Like your big for any of our guys that are listening
and they're not alreadyconnected to you on your sort of
your, on your social channels.
Of course we'll link them allin.
Um, as you've got such a great,very transparent, actually
you're very ode to what youwould just talk about a value
full transparency here then.
Okay.
From here.
Um, you've got a very, it'sreally, it's like a breath of
fresh air.
It's a really open and honest,uh, social platform, which I
(03:12):
really commend you on.
Um, because it isn't always abed of roses, you know, when,
uh, when you're having cares orsometimes people have very
challenging pregnancies.
Um, and you know, sometimes, andlike, like yourself that you've
been quite open about, um,having quite traumatic birthing
stories, um, and that don'tnecessarily get discussed enough
(03:33):
sometimes that, um, what can beperceived as a sort of negative
scenario can be kind of brushedunder a carpet, but actually
it's what it's disgusted.
It can be quite empowering forother women.
Um, I mean, was there, did youintentionally kind of go in and
wanting to share that, that sideof your birth story?
(03:53):
Um, did you know, did you justwant to sort of do it for
yourself or did you think thiscould actually really help
connect other women with sort ofa similar story?
Speaker 3 (04:03):
So it was, it was the latter.
So, um, I, well, whilst I waspregnant, I did a fantastic
hypnobirthing course and I I'dmoved to I'd relocated from
London, I'd moved to Winchesterand I found out that they had
this fantastic home birthingteam.
And so whilst I was pregnant, I,I really went down the natural
(04:24):
bursary and I did everything Icould.
So when Huxley was breached, Iresearched into spinning babies
and I was upside down on anironing board trying to turn him
, um, my husband thought I wasmental.
Um, but I really, really boughtinto that and to doing as all of
the natural things, as much as Icould.
And I thought I was really,really on track to if you like
(04:47):
breathe my baby out.
Um, and then I did have acomplication at the end of my
pregnancy, which meant thatsadly, I couldn't go with the
home birth team.
So it switched to beingconsultant that care.
But in my head I was stillhaving an actual birth and when
that didn't happen and it was sofar from an actual birth, um,
(05:09):
and I, I woke up.
So I ended up getting intogeneral anesthetic because, and
for anyone who hasn't seen myInstagram posts, I had a really,
really, really rare, rarecomplication during theater when
they were going to use for sex.
And I was given a spinal blockand fortunately it, it went
high.
(05:30):
Um, and what that means is, isthat it affected the muscles in
my chest, which controlledbreathing, and then it affected
my vocal chords.
And so before I knew it, I wasunconscious and I was put on a
ventilator.
And so I was not present for mybest.
And so I came around in this, um, I came back around in the
(05:50):
recovery room hours later andthen got wheeled into the
delivery suite.
And my husband had been in thatroom or by himself during that
time.
And he had no idea what wasgoing on with me.
Um, the first Matt, our sonHuxley as he was whizzed passed
with a bag on his face, on hisway to, um, neonatal.
(06:10):
And I won't, you know, I woke upand he was trying to, you know,
be brave for me, but I, all Icould remember was just that
kind of crashing out moment intheater.
And I was like, oh my God, whathappened?
Um, but then we kind of wentinto this weird situation where
it was all about my son anddon't get me wrong.
(06:31):
I am so lucky to have a healthybaby now, but it became that
narrative of, oh, it doesn'treally matter what happened
because you've got a healthybaby.
And so for, for days I was in ahospital room by myself, um, and
he was down in neonatal and Ijust kept getting told that
same, that same line.
At least you've got a healthybaby and I was then discharged
(06:54):
from hospital.
And even on my notes, it wassaying that I was having PTSD
flashbacks and obviously mymental wellbeing, wasn't where
it should be.
Um, but I was still dischargedand I, for months for probably
about two months, my mentalhealth got worse and worse.
And I just didn't know where toturn because I was at home with
my gorgeous little boy.
(07:15):
Um, but I just felt so far frombeing well.
And I really, really didn't knowhow to voice that because every
time I broached what hadhappened with people, I got that
same kind of response again, butat least you're okay now, at
least he's okay now.
And I think that's just how itall snowballed.
And I ended up, um, with havingreally bad intrusive thoughts
(07:39):
and just really scared for bothmyself and my son.
And then when I went to the GPabout something to do with him,
she said to me, are you okay?
Like, you know, you seem, seem alittle bit on edge, a bit
anxious.
And that was just the moment Ibroke down.
And then she helped me.
Um, and I ended up gettingspecialist treatment, but I've
(07:59):
just never felt so alone in mylife.
And so when it came to sharingthat and Instagram, I did it
because I wanted other women tounderstand that, you know, it,
isn't sometimes those naturalbursts that you plan really
don't happen.
Um, and you know, you might nothave something as extreme as I
went through, but you might havean experience that leaves you
really traumatized, and thatdoesn't mean that you're broken,
(08:22):
um, or that, you know, you're,you're instantly a bad mom or
it's just what you'veexperienced and actually getting
help can make you make sense ofthat and can help you heal and
move on.
And so that's why I shared itbecause I wanted other women to
be able to speak up.
And I just felt so alone as in,I didn't know where to turn to.
(08:44):
Um, so I wanted to put a charitycalled birth trauma association
on other women's radar becausethey are trying to open a phone
line at the moment.
And for me that phone, I feel soimportant because aren't very
many dedicated resources topairing and natal mental health.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Thankfully though, like, like you say, you did
finally get that, that supportthat you needing.
It's great that the doctor kindof saw in you that, you know,
just by asking quite simply,like, how are you able to really
kind of open up and take thatopportunity?
You know, it's sad to hear thatit came sort of two months later
, um, into that part of thejourney with you.
(09:20):
But, um, and like you say aboutthe birth trauma association, I
mean, I do talk to a lot ofvarious different people on the
podcast, but actually I might,maybe this is to my shame.
It's the first time I'veactually seen these guys and
they've got a great socialplatform as well.
Again, we'll tag everything in.
Um, I mean, what was, what wasit like reaching out to those
guys and kind of the, you know,the dialogue that you had with
(09:43):
that kind of association and howthat helped you?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
So I actually spent just a lot of time on their
website and going through theirsocial channels and I joined
Facebook group, um, which islinked and that's what really
helped me because I started toread other women's stories and
it made me realize that actuallyI, I wasn't alone and I wasn't
broken.
(10:07):
Um, there, you know, there areother women that have really,
really experienced somethingsimilar or something, um, or
some kind of trauma relating tobirth.
And so that experience ofconnecting with others really,
really helped me because I thinkwhen you experienced something
like birth trauma and you are inlike a mum's network, you might
(10:31):
be one of the only ones who'sexperiencing that at the time.
And I think you don't want tobring others down around you.
So I had a great little, um, mumnetwork here in Winchester, and
I spoke openly to one of themums, but I felt like to the
other mums, I couldn't actuallymention how, how I was feeling,
because I just didn't want to bethe Debbie downer.
(10:54):
He, you know, he had a six weekold baby and he just really,
really wasn't feeling right whenthey were just like ni heads,
everything deep in that newbornbaby love.
Um, and so I did really kind ofconnect with other women online
and found that really helpful.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Actually, there's some, there's actually from what
you've just said.
Cause I was just thinking, causeI'd love to talk about your
book.
I can run.
Um, because actually there's a,there's a lovely line in the
synopsis of the book of, uh, itsays, uh, we're all in it for
the long run together.
We can do this and it does havethat really lovely synergy with
parenthood.
And like you say, the way thatyou can connect to certain
(11:32):
people, um, and really kind ofdiscuss it and in a way they
kind of join that, the journeywith you throughout parenthood.
I mean, um, have you found sincethat obviously when the books
come out and it's, it's reallybeen, it focuses on kind of
don't let that, I suppose, likedon't let the title necessarily
completely deceive in thatsense.
(11:53):
It's not just all about her sayrunning, I suppose that's right
to say AB obviously, becauseit's about 100%.
Yeah.
It's about digging in to find asort of, I mean, you say sort of
inner athlete, but I think it's,it's so good.
And to be fair, I will startwalking because you'll probably
the best person I've actuallyexplained your own book, but I
did love because it's that thingof like, I can't run and it's so
(12:17):
interesting when you apply thatto so many different areas of
your life.
Like I can't do this or I can't,you know, I, I, there's so many
areas where you you're mentally,you shut down before you give
yourself the opportunity.
Um, but yeah, no, maybe if it'sthe guys, you know, with this,
with your, with your book andmaybe explain a little bit more
about that for them.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah.
Say that phrase I can't run, um,is heard obviously all around
the world and sure people mightnot be able to run, but it's
because they don't have theeducation or the experience.
And so as soon as you startexplaining to people, this is
exactly how you can run.
Um, and you start breaking itdown and, you know, giving
(13:02):
people the tools that they needsuddenly running becomes really
testable.
But we just think that becausewe can put our trainers on and
go out the door and you know,that we should be able to run a
five pay or run for 30 minutesbecause the barriers to entry of
like the barriers to entry ofrunning are quite low, but then
(13:23):
people find it really hard andthey immediately give up.
But I say to people, would yougo to a gym and, you know, try
lift, try dead, lift a hundredkilos.
You wouldn't, you'd have to putthe trading in.
And so that's what the bookdoes.
It, it shows people how to, howthey can ride and how they can
fall in love with it.
Um, and I suppose how it canhave such positive impact on
(13:45):
their lives.
You don't have to be, you don'thave to be an athlete.
You don't have to chase thetime, but having that competent
to put on your trainers and toget out the door for five
minutes or 30 minutes at somepoint during your week and
benefit your mental wellbeing asmuch as your physical wellbeing.
And so that's what I reallyhoped for the birth, along with
(14:07):
all the kind of the expertise inthere.
There's also my personal storyabout how I conquered quite a
few demon to run a marathon andwhat that taught me and those
lessons have really stuck withme.
And I suppose they've been soimportant now, as I try and
rebuild my Fitbit, um, in thiskind of postnatal period,
because on a marathon, you can'tjust train hard and fast for 16
(14:33):
or 20 weeks because you're burntout and you really need to
respect your body.
And I think those lessons ofwhat really, really transfer
over to the postnatal period,because you have to be kind, you
have to do things right.
If you don't do things right,you risk more injury.
Um, and ultimately just, itsucks and it just lacks
(14:53):
enjoyment.
And that's how I think that kindof fits into everyday life.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Um, and I have to say, cause I do I do, I do love
writing myself and it's I waslooking over it and I was like,
my God, you've absolutely nailedthis.
Cause there's some morningswhere, I mean, getting up to go
for a five minute run is likean, a choice.
It's like, say run 10 K, butthere'll be other days.
Or you might not even be in themorning.
It might be a lunchtime when yougo, do you know what I am?
(15:22):
So in the mood and it's almostlike your mind can keep you
going and I have not a healthyAmy.
Do you know what I mean?
So normally my body wouldcollapse, you know, after about
20 minutes.
But, um, but it's, it'sincredible once your mind is
really aligned with it and goes,you really fancy this, you'll do
it.
You clear your head, go for it.
There'll be a number of reasonswhy you get totaled.
(15:43):
Like almost like your starsaligning you go, let's go and
you'll just lose yourself in it.
And it's like you say, it's sotrue.
You know, it's so many differentaspects of your life as soon as
you kind of mentally go, right.
And you've almost got to let goto allow that kind of acceptance
back in where you are.
Right.
Let's just take our time.
(16:05):
Do you want to go, just go forfive minutes, if you want
whatever, go for a walk insteadof going for a run, instead of,
you know, kind of almostalienating yourself from
something that actually deepdown you love doing, or you just
might not be fueled enough or inthe right mind frame.
And I think, yeah, as a, someonewho's got a brand new baby
actually taking that approach isjust like that.
(16:27):
That should be the only advicethen this kind of idea that you
need to sort of snap back in andwrite.
This is pure army drilldiscipline.
Um, in getting back to this kindof sense of like where you used
to be, which I used to alsothink is kind of madness in
itself.
I mean, you speak again, youspeak about this quite a lot on
(16:47):
your Instagram, um, and a lotabout that kind of mental
health.
Um, and I suppose toparticularly personal battles
surrounding sort of thatpost-baby fitness period, um,
again, like comparing yourselfand your social media media can
be a brilliant platform, butalso just absolutely Viper den
(17:08):
when it comes to bodycomparisons or anything like
that.
I mean, what would you say tonew parents who are also
experiencing this and how do youpersonally navigate that kind of
battle?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
I think I struggled in the beginning because
everyone talks about this andloss of identity when you become
a mum.
And I did feel that to someextent, but I actually just felt
like I gained a new identity andthen I had to, I had to get to
grips with that and I had toreally understand how I fit it
into this new world.
(17:40):
And that's really what Istruggled with.
That's really what I struggledwith in the beginning, because I
never been as fast as I was asat nine months pregnant because
I went into my pregnancy, I justrun a marathon.
So I was really, really in agood place.
And then I managed to keep up myexercise throughout and
(18:00):
obviously I tapered it towardsthe end.
Um, but I was still liftingweights.
I was doing yoga and I felt thebest I've ever felt.
Um, in mind and body, I felt sostrong.
And so then when I came out theother side, uh, then I came up
for air.
Um, and at six weeks I stilldidn't want to exercise.
(18:21):
I've really struggled with thatbecause I just thought when I
was nine months pregnant, I justthought, right.
You know, I'm going to givemyself a few weeks to adjust to
my new kind of mum life.
Um, and then I know where to goto get my exercise is I'll just
add them into my daily routine,but when I actually didn't want
(18:41):
to.
And then when I found out lifegets really busy with a new
board when they actually wake upand you don't have much time.
I really struggled with thatbecause I was like, the old me
doesn't exist.
And this new me is somebody whoI've never met before.
(19:01):
Um, and how do I, how do I stillhave a sense of self with
getting, getting the thingswhich I enjoy into my life at
the right time?
So I still enjoy them and theydon't become another stress.
And so I, you know, I startedvarious workout plans and I put
on a gram, I'm doing this, I'mdoing that.
Um, I did it for a few days andthen I fell silent because I
(19:24):
just took on too much.
Um, and then I sat down and Ireally thought about how much
time do I have in my week andhow much time do I want to
exercise because I've also neverbeen as tired as I was.
Um, and I know that, I know thatshould have been a pretty
obvious thing with having anewborn, but the breastfeeding
(19:46):
fatigue was just unreal.
Never felt anything like it.
And so I had to be reallyrealistic with actually how much
extra stress can I take and howmuch an extra energy can I
expand and say, when I startedto think about that and then
find times in my week and Isigned up to that app, um, and
(20:10):
they have, uh, they have a planon there called fit mum.
And I actually know the trainerswho designed that plan.
So I felt I had quite a lot ofconfidence in the fact that it
was the right training and itwas all being done really well
with a lot of emphasis onrebuilding your core and your
pelvic floor in the right way.
When I signed up to that, and Irealized that actually a 30
(20:31):
minute workout, because that'sall they are on there, um, can
be done in a nap time or can bedone before my husband goes to
work.
And I only need to do three ofthem a week.
I suddenly started to reallybuild my confidence up again and
build my strength and my fitnessback up again.
And then I started to reallyenjoy exercise again.
(20:53):
But I mean, that took, that tookmonths I would say is now 11
months.
And I probably started thatabout four months ago.
Um, and up until that time, I, Ifell into that trap, which you
mentioned that other parentsfall into where you look at
other people and it's Graeme andyou're like, how is she managing
to work out all the time?
But what you don't realize isthat, you know, behind the kind
(21:16):
of the high profile accounts andInstagrams and lots of them have
nannies.
And that makes it a lot easierbecause they've got, they've got
childcare whenever, you know,whenever they like, or they pay
for it.
Um, and so that gives them thefreedom to be able to work out.
And then also, probably aftertheir workout, make themselves
(21:38):
some food, which has, you know,which is actually quite tough at
the moment.
I find that, you know, if you doyour 30 minute workout, you're
like, what am I giving up to dothat 30 minute workout might
given a shower, my giving up thechance to like sit down and
actually eat some breakfastrather than eat it as I'm
walking around the kitchen.
And so I think you've kind ofgot to take what you see on
(21:59):
Instagram with a pinch.
So, and realize that, you know,it's not real life.
A lot of the time, a lot ofthing goes on.
A lot of things go on behind thescenes of those accounts to make
those accounts a reality.
Um, and so it's all about zoningin, on honing in on what you can
do in your household.
That's going to make you andyour family happy.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
I really hope a lot of listeners get a lot out of
what you've just said, becauseexactly that.
And honestly, I mean, I've, I'vespoken to a limpian before and
they are, they do incrediblethings, but they've said exactly
the same as you.
They recite, you know what Icould Bailey for various
reasons.
Maybe they lack of motivationsometimes, you know, because of
(22:42):
the C-sections or whatever, somehave just gone.
And actually, I really just tookmy time.
I didn't do anything for atleast 6, 7, 8, you know, really
long periods of time.
Do you think my copy, you know,it's awful.
Just assume, well, you, Ithought you'd be straight back
up and doing it.
So why, why would you ever seethat they've just gone through
what, you know, what other womenwould might be going through at
(23:04):
the same time going?
I just had a baby.
Yeah.
So it's like a reset.
You just got to listen to yourbody and really take your time.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
And I think like let's not overlook the benefits
of walking.
I've never pounded the pavementso much as I did when Huxley was
litter.
And then when I actually, Ithink he was about two months or
something, and I looked on likethe apple health app and I
realized that I was walking 5k aday on the nap backs to like
(23:32):
help her to get him to sleep.
I was like, oh my God, I'mactually doing quite a lot of
exercise without, without evenrealizing it.
So, you know, if you're feedingguys, if you're listening in and
you're feeling like you're not,you're not doing that much,
actually look at your dailymovement trackers over the day
and just see actually thatyou're probably more active the
way you think.
And if you're doing that alongwith your pelvic floor work, um,
(23:56):
and then can get in like astrength session at home, and
that can just be a body weight,strength session, you know,
you're, you're probably doingenough, so don't stress and just
enjoy it.
I mean, oh my God,
Speaker 1 (24:08):
That's like so much more that I do.
And I don't have any kids.
No, but I think that's thething.
It's those little bits it'slike, actually don't ignore
them.
You're running around.
Like you are doing a lot andprobably not like you saying
probably not eating when youshould, or the beats you are.
You're just stealing bits offood when you can.
It's like actually given thefuel you're putting in, you're
(24:29):
probably doing more than youneed.
Um, and actually what's lovely.
And it's a FA a brilliantsection on women's health online
, um, that that's called sort ofhealthy mums.
Um, and of course that, youknow, since becoming a mom
yourself, does it feel moreimportant for you to be covering
this kind of content on women'shealth?
Speaker 3 (24:50):
100% that actually, um, that's actually been on our
radar for quite a while, thatsection, and we launched it just
before I went on mat leave andit was so well timed because I
found myself Googling certaintopics to do with pregnancy.
And, and I just thought, gosh, Iam in such, such a prevalent,
(25:13):
privileged position to know somany experts, um, and to have
access to them yet.
I still find myself Googlingbecause I just don't have the
information.
And so when it came to decidingwhether we should press the
press the button and, and tolaunch that section, it was, it
was a unanimous yes.
Across the board from the teamat women's house.
(25:35):
And I just think it's reallyimportant to support women in
all stages of their life.
So we've obviously got thatsection, but I think it's really
important to talk about themenopause too, because for so
long women's bodies, peoplehaven't really understood them
and, you know, people or brandshave been scared of them because
there hasn't been enoughresearch.
(25:55):
Um, cause so many scientificstudies are done on men.
And so, you know, to be in asituation now in 2021 where
there's research papers, comingout all the time and there's new
tech launching, which educatesus in the female body and the
hormones, I think it's reallyexciting, but it also means that
as a health brand, we need tojump on that and make sure that
(26:16):
the information is really,really accessible.
And so you'll see that sectiongrow.
Um, it's still in its infancy,but it's growing.
Um, and we really, really valuethe feedback from the women's
health community.
We've got really engagedInstagram audience and how they
respond in IDM is reallyhelpful.
And so we'll often pick up kindof, or listen into those and
(26:40):
pick up topics and turn theminto features.
And that's really how, anotherreason why that section started
because people were saying tous, I'm pregnant and I don't
know what to size today.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Yeah.
It just, even as like a startingblock, um, I don't absolutely.
I think, yeah, the propensityjust to be like, I'm just going
to Google it, but if it can behoused under one area, I like
you say it points them then intodifferent directions where they
go, I hadn't even thought ofthat.
Right.
Or that looks reallyinteresting.
Let's learn more about that.
It's great to have such a, a fabresource all in one area.
(27:13):
Um, because also likewise, youkind of covered quite a lot of
those sorts of topics.
Like the stuff that we'vediscussed today in your welfare,
um, podcast as well, whichagain, it's going to be a whole
load of links for everybody toreally kind of tuck into in the
show notes.
But, um, I mean, what can youshare any plans you have in
store for your podcast
Speaker 3 (27:33):
At the moment?
So after, after realizing that Ineeded to take step back from
everything can get myselfbetter.
Um, I decided to take a Proctormat leave this year.
So I'm on mat leave from women'shealth.
And I decided to take a matleave from the podcast because I
was fitting that in, um, aroundmy full-time job.
And then I, and then I went backto it when Huxley was three
(27:56):
months old and it was such ajuggle.
So we've taken the rest of thisyear.
I'm due back in the autumn Taiand we've taken the rest of this
year to just, I'm having a bitof a reset and then I'll go back
to it in your term and it'll beall conversations about where
we're going to go with it.
Um, until then though we areworking with Spotify and there
(28:17):
is a bite-sized daily playlistthat people can listen to where
we just offer either a runningchair or a bit of advice from a
famous runner each day, um, thatpeople can just find that to you
for free.
So that's on there at the momentand it's doing really well.
It's really exciting.
Oh,
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Fantastic.
Now.
And it's perfect.
They just kind of little dailyanecdotes would.
Yeah, they go so far.
They really do.
They can absolutely change yourmindset, but, um, but no
fantastic.
Amy, thank you so much forcoming on.
It's been an utter pleasuretalking with you today and all
the best and um, yeah.
I hope Huxley keeps you well, hesounds like he keeps you on your
(28:57):
toes anyway, but I hope he's adelight before you have to go
back to work after maternityleave, but we're really looking
forward to welfare welfarepodcast coming back, um, to our
soon.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Thank you very much.
And thanks to everyone who'slistened in to them to today's
episode.
It's been really nice sharing.
Maybe, maybe your walk with youor maybe your run, or maybe
you're just lifting on thecouch.
So thanks for listening
Speaker 1 (29:24):
To find out more information about the topics
covered in today's podcast hitsthe eye candy blog page on
www.eyecandyworld.com forwardslash blog.
You can also catch up on seasonone, featuring thought provoking
and engaging interviews from amix of industry leaders,
experts, celebrity, parents, andhealth care specialists, all via
your preferred podcast provider.
(29:46):
If you enjoy today's episode,then don't forget to leave a
review and hit like andsubscribe to ensure you never
miss an episode.
Eye candy is a proud supporterof great Ormond street
children's hospital charityevery day brings new challenges
at gosh.
And this extraordinary hospitaldepends on charitable support to
(30:08):
give seriously ill children thebest chance of fulfill their
potential Ida nation from aslittle as 10 pounds could pay
for a genetic test that willhelp diagnose sick children.
I'll say only 50 pounds couldcover the cost of one night.
Stay for parents in Ghosh'sfamily accommodation every
little bit helps support bothchildren and parents alike and
(30:30):
making a challenging time ascomfortable as possible.
If you'd like to make adonation, please head to
discover DOT's eye candy,world.com/gosh,
Welcome to the eye-candy duo podcast with me,
Naomi Williams, a 30 somethingparents of none baffled by how
much is undiscussed in the worldof pregnancy and parenthood.
I'll be asking the questionsbecause you want the answers to
on this podcast, which isbrought to you.
I candy world makers ofbeautifully British Bush stares
for parents across the globe.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
[inaudible]
Speaker 1 (00:33):
This week, we are joined on the eye-candy DNA
podcast by Amy Lane, author oficon run, host of welfare
podcast, executive editor ofdigital, of women's health, UK,
and mum to Huxley.
In this episode, we'll bechatting to Amy about the
marathon of motherhood and theimportance of making physical
and mental health, a priority asa new mum.
(00:54):
Hello, Amy, it's so lovely tohave you on the eye-candy duo
podcast.
I have to say when I was readingout all of the things that you
do, I always run out of breathto even finish off with, and
then she's mama of Huxley, butlike, how are you, how are you
getting on?
I hear that your son is justabout to turn a year old next
month.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
He is.
Um, so firstly, thank you forhaving me on, um, and that
lovely intro it.
Yeah, it's been quite a lot topack in, I would say in the past
couple of years.
Um, but yeah, thankfully I'm themother of a nearly one-year-old
who is literally keeping me onmy toes at the moment running
around, um, and has become thecheekiest little boy I know out
(01:34):
of nowhere.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Oh, fantastic.
Also great name by the way,Huxley.
That's all.
Uh, was it, was it based onanyone or is it just a name that
you go, is this really loved?
Speaker 3 (01:46):
I'm going to be really honest here.
Um, I could say it's after avery famous author, um, but it's
really from a nameless.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
Oh, well, do you know what good for you for say like,
so I was looking at going, oh,Huxley Huxley.
And we were actually justtalking before the podcast ad,
we're all doing a bit of a map,Google I've got, what is that?
And then of course the authorcame up and we were like, yeah,
we wouldn't have said thatthough.
Like it's reminding us ofsomething else, but it's really
cool name so good for you.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
I feel I have to be honest with it, but I saw it
probably like 3:00 AM in themorning when you have pregnancy
insomnia.
And um, there's one, um,description of it where it it's
described as here's my day asthe name definition.
And we moved whilst I waspregnant to opposite a really
beautiful meadow.
And so it just, it just felt so,right.
(02:34):
So we went with it
Speaker 1 (02:36):
Sort of a peer for the moment at 3:00 AM while
you're desperate facility.
Just go, I'll take that.
I'll take that as a win in thisscenario,
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Not in your app,
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Like your big for any of our guys that are listening
and they're not alreadyconnected to you on your sort of
your, on your social channels.
Of course we'll link them allin.
Um, as you've got such a great,very transparent, actually
you're very ode to what youwould just talk about a value
full transparency here then.
Okay.
From here.
Um, you've got a very, it'sreally, it's like a breath of
fresh air.
It's a really open and honest,uh, social platform, which I
(03:12):
really commend you on.
Um, because it isn't always abed of roses, you know, when,
uh, when you're having cares orsometimes people have very
challenging pregnancies.
Um, and you know, sometimes, andlike, like yourself that you've
been quite open about, um,having quite traumatic birthing
stories, um, and that don'tnecessarily get discussed enough
(03:33):
sometimes that, um, what can beperceived as a sort of negative
scenario can be kind of brushedunder a carpet, but actually
it's what it's disgusted.
It can be quite empowering forother women.
Um, I mean, was there, did youintentionally kind of go in and
wanting to share that, that sideof your birth story?
(03:53):
Um, did you know, did you justwant to sort of do it for
yourself or did you think thiscould actually really help
connect other women with sort ofa similar story?
Speaker 3 (04:03):
So it was, it was the latter.
So, um, I, well, whilst I waspregnant, I did a fantastic
hypnobirthing course and I I'dmoved to I'd relocated from
London, I'd moved to Winchesterand I found out that they had
this fantastic home birthingteam.
And so whilst I was pregnant, I,I really went down the natural
(04:24):
bursary and I did everything Icould.
So when Huxley was breached, Iresearched into spinning babies
and I was upside down on anironing board trying to turn him
, um, my husband thought I wasmental.
Um, but I really, really boughtinto that and to doing as all of
the natural things, as much as Icould.
And I thought I was really,really on track to if you like
(04:47):
breathe my baby out.
Um, and then I did have acomplication at the end of my
pregnancy, which meant thatsadly, I couldn't go with the
home birth team.
So it switched to beingconsultant that care.
But in my head I was stillhaving an actual birth and when
that didn't happen and it was sofar from an actual birth, um,
(05:09):
and I, I woke up.
So I ended up getting intogeneral anesthetic because, and
for anyone who hasn't seen myInstagram posts, I had a really,
really, really rare, rarecomplication during theater when
they were going to use for sex.
And I was given a spinal blockand fortunately it, it went
high.
(05:30):
Um, and what that means is, isthat it affected the muscles in
my chest, which controlledbreathing, and then it affected
my vocal chords.
And so before I knew it, I wasunconscious and I was put on a
ventilator.
And so I was not present for mybest.
And so I came around in this, um, I came back around in the
(05:50):
recovery room hours later andthen got wheeled into the
delivery suite.
And my husband had been in thatroom or by himself during that
time.
And he had no idea what wasgoing on with me.
Um, the first Matt, our sonHuxley as he was whizzed passed
with a bag on his face, on hisway to, um, neonatal.
(06:10):
And I won't, you know, I woke upand he was trying to, you know,
be brave for me, but I, all Icould remember was just that
kind of crashing out moment intheater.
And I was like, oh my God, whathappened?
Um, but then we kind of wentinto this weird situation where
it was all about my son anddon't get me wrong.
(06:31):
I am so lucky to have a healthybaby now, but it became that
narrative of, oh, it doesn'treally matter what happened
because you've got a healthybaby.
And so for, for days I was in ahospital room by myself, um, and
he was down in neonatal and Ijust kept getting told that
same, that same line.
At least you've got a healthybaby and I was then discharged
(06:54):
from hospital.
And even on my notes, it wassaying that I was having PTSD
flashbacks and obviously mymental wellbeing, wasn't where
it should be.
Um, but I was still dischargedand I, for months for probably
about two months, my mentalhealth got worse and worse.
And I just didn't know where toturn because I was at home with
my gorgeous little boy.
(07:15):
Um, but I just felt so far frombeing well.
And I really, really didn't knowhow to voice that because every
time I broached what hadhappened with people, I got that
same kind of response again, butat least you're okay now, at
least he's okay now.
And I think that's just how itall snowballed.
And I ended up, um, with havingreally bad intrusive thoughts
(07:39):
and just really scared for bothmyself and my son.
And then when I went to the GPabout something to do with him,
she said to me, are you okay?
Like, you know, you seem, seem alittle bit on edge, a bit
anxious.
And that was just the moment Ibroke down.
And then she helped me.
Um, and I ended up gettingspecialist treatment, but I've
(07:59):
just never felt so alone in mylife.
And so when it came to sharingthat and Instagram, I did it
because I wanted other women tounderstand that, you know, it,
isn't sometimes those naturalbursts that you plan really
don't happen.
Um, and you know, you might nothave something as extreme as I
went through, but you might havean experience that leaves you
really traumatized, and thatdoesn't mean that you're broken,
(08:22):
um, or that, you know, you're,you're instantly a bad mom or
it's just what you'veexperienced and actually getting
help can make you make sense ofthat and can help you heal and
move on.
And so that's why I shared itbecause I wanted other women to
be able to speak up.
And I just felt so alone as in,I didn't know where to turn to.
(08:44):
Um, so I wanted to put a charitycalled birth trauma association
on other women's radar becausethey are trying to open a phone
line at the moment.
And for me that phone, I feel soimportant because aren't very
many dedicated resources topairing and natal mental health.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Thankfully though, like, like you say, you did
finally get that, that supportthat you needing.
It's great that the doctor kindof saw in you that, you know,
just by asking quite simply,like, how are you able to really
kind of open up and take thatopportunity?
You know, it's sad to hear thatit came sort of two months later
, um, into that part of thejourney with you.
(09:20):
But, um, and like you say aboutthe birth trauma association, I
mean, I do talk to a lot ofvarious different people on the
podcast, but actually I might,maybe this is to my shame.
It's the first time I'veactually seen these guys and
they've got a great socialplatform as well.
Again, we'll tag everything in.
Um, I mean, what was, what wasit like reaching out to those
guys and kind of the, you know,the dialogue that you had with
(09:43):
that kind of association and howthat helped you?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
So I actually spent just a lot of time on their
website and going through theirsocial channels and I joined
Facebook group, um, which islinked and that's what really
helped me because I started toread other women's stories and
it made me realize that actuallyI, I wasn't alone and I wasn't
broken.
(10:07):
Um, there, you know, there areother women that have really,
really experienced somethingsimilar or something, um, or
some kind of trauma relating tobirth.
And so that experience ofconnecting with others really,
really helped me because I thinkwhen you experienced something
like birth trauma and you are inlike a mum's network, you might
(10:31):
be one of the only ones who'sexperiencing that at the time.
And I think you don't want tobring others down around you.
So I had a great little, um, mumnetwork here in Winchester, and
I spoke openly to one of themums, but I felt like to the
other mums, I couldn't actuallymention how, how I was feeling,
because I just didn't want to bethe Debbie downer.
(10:54):
He, you know, he had a six weekold baby and he just really,
really wasn't feeling right whenthey were just like ni heads,
everything deep in that newbornbaby love.
Um, and so I did really kind ofconnect with other women online
and found that really helpful.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Actually, there's some, there's actually from what
you've just said.
Cause I was just thinking, causeI'd love to talk about your
book.
I can run.
Um, because actually there's a,there's a lovely line in the
synopsis of the book of, uh, itsays, uh, we're all in it for
the long run together.
We can do this and it does havethat really lovely synergy with
parenthood.
And like you say, the way thatyou can connect to certain
(11:32):
people, um, and really kind ofdiscuss it and in a way they
kind of join that, the journeywith you throughout parenthood.
I mean, um, have you found sincethat obviously when the books
come out and it's, it's reallybeen, it focuses on kind of
don't let that, I suppose, likedon't let the title necessarily
completely deceive in thatsense.
(11:53):
It's not just all about her sayrunning, I suppose that's right
to say AB obviously, becauseit's about 100%.
Yeah.
It's about digging in to find asort of, I mean, you say sort of
inner athlete, but I think it's,it's so good.
And to be fair, I will startwalking because you'll probably
the best person I've actuallyexplained your own book, but I
did love because it's that thingof like, I can't run and it's so
(12:17):
interesting when you apply thatto so many different areas of
your life.
Like I can't do this or I can't,you know, I, I, there's so many
areas where you you're mentally,you shut down before you give
yourself the opportunity.
Um, but yeah, no, maybe if it'sthe guys, you know, with this,
with your, with your book andmaybe explain a little bit more
about that for them.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah.
Say that phrase I can't run, um,is heard obviously all around
the world and sure people mightnot be able to run, but it's
because they don't have theeducation or the experience.
And so as soon as you startexplaining to people, this is
exactly how you can run.
Um, and you start breaking itdown and, you know, giving
(13:02):
people the tools that they needsuddenly running becomes really
testable.
But we just think that becausewe can put our trainers on and
go out the door and you know,that we should be able to run a
five pay or run for 30 minutesbecause the barriers to entry of
like the barriers to entry ofrunning are quite low, but then
(13:23):
people find it really hard andthey immediately give up.
But I say to people, would yougo to a gym and, you know, try
lift, try dead, lift a hundredkilos.
You wouldn't, you'd have to putthe trading in.
And so that's what the bookdoes.
It, it shows people how to, howthey can ride and how they can
fall in love with it.
Um, and I suppose how it canhave such positive impact on
(13:45):
their lives.
You don't have to be, you don'thave to be an athlete.
You don't have to chase thetime, but having that competent
to put on your trainers and toget out the door for five
minutes or 30 minutes at somepoint during your week and
benefit your mental wellbeing asmuch as your physical wellbeing.
And so that's what I reallyhoped for the birth, along with
(14:07):
all the kind of the expertise inthere.
There's also my personal storyabout how I conquered quite a
few demon to run a marathon andwhat that taught me and those
lessons have really stuck withme.
And I suppose they've been soimportant now, as I try and
rebuild my Fitbit, um, in thiskind of postnatal period,
because on a marathon, you can'tjust train hard and fast for 16
(14:33):
or 20 weeks because you're burntout and you really need to
respect your body.
And I think those lessons ofwhat really, really transfer
over to the postnatal period,because you have to be kind, you
have to do things right.
If you don't do things right,you risk more injury.
Um, and ultimately just, itsucks and it just lacks
(14:53):
enjoyment.
And that's how I think that kindof fits into everyday life.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Um, and I have to say, cause I do I do, I do love
writing myself and it's I waslooking over it and I was like,
my God, you've absolutely nailedthis.
Cause there's some morningswhere, I mean, getting up to go
for a five minute run is likean, a choice.
It's like, say run 10 K, butthere'll be other days.
Or you might not even be in themorning.
It might be a lunchtime when yougo, do you know what I am?
(15:22):
So in the mood and it's almostlike your mind can keep you
going and I have not a healthyAmy.
Do you know what I mean?
So normally my body wouldcollapse, you know, after about
20 minutes.
But, um, but it's, it'sincredible once your mind is
really aligned with it and goes,you really fancy this, you'll do
it.
You clear your head, go for it.
There'll be a number of reasonswhy you get totaled.
(15:43):
Like almost like your starsaligning you go, let's go and
you'll just lose yourself in it.
And it's like you say, it's sotrue.
You know, it's so many differentaspects of your life as soon as
you kind of mentally go, right.
And you've almost got to let goto allow that kind of acceptance
back in where you are.
Right.
Let's just take our time.
(16:05):
Do you want to go, just go forfive minutes, if you want
whatever, go for a walk insteadof going for a run, instead of,
you know, kind of almostalienating yourself from
something that actually deepdown you love doing, or you just
might not be fueled enough or inthe right mind frame.
And I think, yeah, as a, someonewho's got a brand new baby
actually taking that approach isjust like that.
(16:27):
That should be the only advicethen this kind of idea that you
need to sort of snap back in andwrite.
This is pure army drilldiscipline.
Um, in getting back to this kindof sense of like where you used
to be, which I used to alsothink is kind of madness in
itself.
I mean, you speak again, youspeak about this quite a lot on
(16:47):
your Instagram, um, and a lotabout that kind of mental
health.
Um, and I suppose toparticularly personal battles
surrounding sort of thatpost-baby fitness period, um,
again, like comparing yourselfand your social media media can
be a brilliant platform, butalso just absolutely Viper den
(17:08):
when it comes to bodycomparisons or anything like
that.
I mean, what would you say tonew parents who are also
experiencing this and how do youpersonally navigate that kind of
battle?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
I think I struggled in the beginning because
everyone talks about this andloss of identity when you become
a mum.
And I did feel that to someextent, but I actually just felt
like I gained a new identity andthen I had to, I had to get to
grips with that and I had toreally understand how I fit it
into this new world.
(17:40):
And that's really what Istruggled with.
That's really what I struggledwith in the beginning, because I
never been as fast as I was asat nine months pregnant because
I went into my pregnancy, I justrun a marathon.
So I was really, really in agood place.
And then I managed to keep up myexercise throughout and
(18:00):
obviously I tapered it towardsthe end.
Um, but I was still liftingweights.
I was doing yoga and I felt thebest I've ever felt.
Um, in mind and body, I felt sostrong.
And so then when I came out theother side, uh, then I came up
for air.
Um, and at six weeks I stilldidn't want to exercise.
(18:21):
I've really struggled with thatbecause I just thought when I
was nine months pregnant, I justthought, right.
You know, I'm going to givemyself a few weeks to adjust to
my new kind of mum life.
Um, and then I know where to goto get my exercise is I'll just
add them into my daily routine,but when I actually didn't want
(18:41):
to.
And then when I found out lifegets really busy with a new
board when they actually wake upand you don't have much time.
I really struggled with thatbecause I was like, the old me
doesn't exist.
And this new me is somebody whoI've never met before.
(19:01):
Um, and how do I, how do I stillhave a sense of self with
getting, getting the thingswhich I enjoy into my life at
the right time?
So I still enjoy them and theydon't become another stress.
And so I, you know, I startedvarious workout plans and I put
on a gram, I'm doing this, I'mdoing that.
Um, I did it for a few days andthen I fell silent because I
(19:24):
just took on too much.
Um, and then I sat down and Ireally thought about how much
time do I have in my week andhow much time do I want to
exercise because I've also neverbeen as tired as I was.
Um, and I know that, I know thatshould have been a pretty
obvious thing with having anewborn, but the breastfeeding
(19:46):
fatigue was just unreal.
Never felt anything like it.
And so I had to be reallyrealistic with actually how much
extra stress can I take and howmuch an extra energy can I
expand and say, when I startedto think about that and then
find times in my week and Isigned up to that app, um, and
(20:10):
they have, uh, they have a planon there called fit mum.
And I actually know the trainerswho designed that plan.
So I felt I had quite a lot ofconfidence in the fact that it
was the right training and itwas all being done really well
with a lot of emphasis onrebuilding your core and your
pelvic floor in the right way.
When I signed up to that, and Irealized that actually a 30
(20:31):
minute workout, because that'sall they are on there, um, can
be done in a nap time or can bedone before my husband goes to
work.
And I only need to do three ofthem a week.
I suddenly started to reallybuild my confidence up again and
build my strength and my fitnessback up again.
And then I started to reallyenjoy exercise again.
(20:53):
But I mean, that took, that tookmonths I would say is now 11
months.
And I probably started thatabout four months ago.
Um, and up until that time, I, Ifell into that trap, which you
mentioned that other parentsfall into where you look at
other people and it's Graeme andyou're like, how is she managing
to work out all the time?
But what you don't realize isthat, you know, behind the kind
(21:16):
of the high profile accounts andInstagrams and lots of them have
nannies.
And that makes it a lot easierbecause they've got, they've got
childcare whenever, you know,whenever they like, or they pay
for it.
Um, and so that gives them thefreedom to be able to work out.
And then also, probably aftertheir workout, make themselves
(21:38):
some food, which has, you know,which is actually quite tough at
the moment.
I find that, you know, if you doyour 30 minute workout, you're
like, what am I giving up to dothat 30 minute workout might
given a shower, my giving up thechance to like sit down and
actually eat some breakfastrather than eat it as I'm
walking around the kitchen.
And so I think you've kind ofgot to take what you see on
(21:59):
Instagram with a pinch.
So, and realize that, you know,it's not real life.
A lot of the time, a lot ofthing goes on.
A lot of things go on behind thescenes of those accounts to make
those accounts a reality.
Um, and so it's all about zoningin, on honing in on what you can
do in your household.
That's going to make you andyour family happy.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
I really hope a lot of listeners get a lot out of
what you've just said, becauseexactly that.
And honestly, I mean, I've, I'vespoken to a limpian before and
they are, they do incrediblethings, but they've said exactly
the same as you.
They recite, you know what Icould Bailey for various
reasons.
Maybe they lack of motivationsometimes, you know, because of
(22:42):
the C-sections or whatever, somehave just gone.
And actually, I really just tookmy time.
I didn't do anything for atleast 6, 7, 8, you know, really
long periods of time.
Do you think my copy, you know,it's awful.
Just assume, well, you, Ithought you'd be straight back
up and doing it.
So why, why would you ever seethat they've just gone through
what, you know, what other womenwould might be going through at
(23:04):
the same time going?
I just had a baby.
Yeah.
So it's like a reset.
You just got to listen to yourbody and really take your time.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
And I think like let's not overlook the benefits
of walking.
I've never pounded the pavementso much as I did when Huxley was
litter.
And then when I actually, Ithink he was about two months or
something, and I looked on likethe apple health app and I
realized that I was walking 5k aday on the nap backs to like
(23:32):
help her to get him to sleep.
I was like, oh my God, I'mactually doing quite a lot of
exercise without, without evenrealizing it.
So, you know, if you're feedingguys, if you're listening in and
you're feeling like you're not,you're not doing that much,
actually look at your dailymovement trackers over the day
and just see actually thatyou're probably more active the
way you think.
And if you're doing that alongwith your pelvic floor work, um,
(23:56):
and then can get in like astrength session at home, and
that can just be a body weight,strength session, you know,
you're, you're probably doingenough, so don't stress and just
enjoy it.
I mean, oh my God,
Speaker 1 (24:08):
That's like so much more that I do.
And I don't have any kids.
No, but I think that's thething.
It's those little bits it'slike, actually don't ignore
them.
You're running around.
Like you are doing a lot andprobably not like you saying
probably not eating when youshould, or the beats you are.
You're just stealing bits offood when you can.
It's like actually given thefuel you're putting in, you're
(24:29):
probably doing more than youneed.
Um, and actually what's lovely.
And it's a FA a brilliantsection on women's health online
, um, that that's called sort ofhealthy mums.
Um, and of course that, youknow, since becoming a mom
yourself, does it feel moreimportant for you to be covering
this kind of content on women'shealth?
Speaker 3 (24:50):
100% that actually, um, that's actually been on our
radar for quite a while, thatsection, and we launched it just
before I went on mat leave andit was so well timed because I
found myself Googling certaintopics to do with pregnancy.
And, and I just thought, gosh, Iam in such, such a prevalent,
(25:13):
privileged position to know somany experts, um, and to have
access to them yet.
I still find myself Googlingbecause I just don't have the
information.
And so when it came to decidingwhether we should press the
press the button and, and tolaunch that section, it was, it
was a unanimous yes.
Across the board from the teamat women's house.
(25:35):
And I just think it's reallyimportant to support women in
all stages of their life.
So we've obviously got thatsection, but I think it's really
important to talk about themenopause too, because for so
long women's bodies, peoplehaven't really understood them
and, you know, people or brandshave been scared of them because
there hasn't been enoughresearch.
(25:55):
Um, cause so many scientificstudies are done on men.
And so, you know, to be in asituation now in 2021 where
there's research papers, comingout all the time and there's new
tech launching, which educatesus in the female body and the
hormones, I think it's reallyexciting, but it also means that
as a health brand, we need tojump on that and make sure that
(26:16):
the information is really,really accessible.
And so you'll see that sectiongrow.
Um, it's still in its infancy,but it's growing.
Um, and we really, really valuethe feedback from the women's
health community.
We've got really engagedInstagram audience and how they
respond in IDM is reallyhelpful.
And so we'll often pick up kindof, or listen into those and
(26:40):
pick up topics and turn theminto features.
And that's really how, anotherreason why that section started
because people were saying tous, I'm pregnant and I don't
know what to size today.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Yeah.
It just, even as like a startingblock, um, I don't absolutely.
I think, yeah, the propensityjust to be like, I'm just going
to Google it, but if it can behoused under one area, I like
you say it points them then intodifferent directions where they
go, I hadn't even thought ofthat.
Right.
Or that looks reallyinteresting.
Let's learn more about that.
It's great to have such a, a fabresource all in one area.
(27:13):
Um, because also likewise, youkind of covered quite a lot of
those sorts of topics.
Like the stuff that we'vediscussed today in your welfare,
um, podcast as well, whichagain, it's going to be a whole
load of links for everybody toreally kind of tuck into in the
show notes.
But, um, I mean, what can youshare any plans you have in
store for your podcast
Speaker 3 (27:33):
At the moment?
So after, after realizing that Ineeded to take step back from
everything can get myselfbetter.
Um, I decided to take a Proctormat leave this year.
So I'm on mat leave from women'shealth.
And I decided to take a matleave from the podcast because I
was fitting that in, um, aroundmy full-time job.
And then I, and then I went backto it when Huxley was three
(27:56):
months old and it was such ajuggle.
So we've taken the rest of thisyear.
I'm due back in the autumn Taiand we've taken the rest of this
year to just, I'm having a bitof a reset and then I'll go back
to it in your term and it'll beall conversations about where
we're going to go with it.
Um, until then though we areworking with Spotify and there
(28:17):
is a bite-sized daily playlistthat people can listen to where
we just offer either a runningchair or a bit of advice from a
famous runner each day, um, thatpeople can just find that to you
for free.
So that's on there at the momentand it's doing really well.
It's really exciting.
Oh,
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Fantastic.
Now.
And it's perfect.
They just kind of little dailyanecdotes would.
Yeah, they go so far.
They really do.
They can absolutely change yourmindset, but, um, but no
fantastic.
Amy, thank you so much forcoming on.
It's been an utter pleasuretalking with you today and all
the best and um, yeah.
I hope Huxley keeps you well, hesounds like he keeps you on your
(28:57):
toes anyway, but I hope he's adelight before you have to go
back to work after maternityleave, but we're really looking
forward to welfare welfarepodcast coming back, um, to our
soon.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Thank you very much.
And thanks to everyone who'slistened in to them to today's
episode.
It's been really nice sharing.
Maybe, maybe your walk with youor maybe your run, or maybe
you're just lifting on thecouch.
So thanks for listening
Speaker 1 (29:24):
To find out more information about the topics
covered in today's podcast hitsthe eye candy blog page on
www.eyecandyworld.com forwardslash blog.
You can also catch up on seasonone, featuring thought provoking
and engaging interviews from amix of industry leaders,
experts, celebrity, parents, andhealth care specialists, all via
your preferred podcast provider.
(29:46):
If you enjoy today's episode,then don't forget to leave a
review and hit like andsubscribe to ensure you never
miss an episode.
Eye candy is a proud supporterof great Ormond street
children's hospital charityevery day brings new challenges
at gosh.
And this extraordinary hospitaldepends on charitable support to
(30:08):
give seriously ill children thebest chance of fulfill their
potential Ida nation from aslittle as 10 pounds could pay
for a genetic test that willhelp diagnose sick children.
I'll say only 50 pounds couldcover the cost of one night.
Stay for parents in Ghosh'sfamily accommodation every
little bit helps support bothchildren and parents alike and
(30:30):
making a challenging time ascomfortable as possible.
If you'd like to make adonation, please head to
discover DOT's eye candy,world.com/gosh,
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