The Mama Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sumayya Sarwar
Giving birth in an Uber and realising that motherhood is unpredictable has led me to this journey of connecting, supporting and empowering mamas. Join me on this journey where I'll be talking with experts & other mamas sharing their highs and lows of motherhood, giving us some tips and expert advice along the way
In this weeks episode I speak to Pascale, Parenting coach @momentofparenting
We have all been in the situation where the kid is crying, we want them to do something simple like put on their shoes and they do the complete opposite! This leads to raised voices and frustration. It leaves you feeling overwhelmed and thinking there must be a better way.
There is!
Have a listen to today's podcast where Pascale shares a calmer and more mindful approach that actually works.
I personally learnt so much talking to Pascale, there is so much to take away from this one.
Connect with Pascale @momentofparenting
Website
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I speak to Francesca @bigmothering
We have seen the rise in home schooling/online schooling since the pandemic started. Today I talk to Francesca about home schooling in its original form and more specifically unschooling. She talks to me about the concept, what it is and how she goes about making this a reality for her family.
Connect with Francesca @bigmothering
Want to learn more about unschooling and self directed education
Books to explore:
The Self-driven child by William stixrud & Nee Johnson.
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
Rethinking school by Susan
Why are you still sending your kids to school? By Blake Boles
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I speak to Yasmine, sleep consultant @yasminegaddis_sleepconsultant
We talk about infant sleep, the 4th trimester and what the bedtime schedule should look like to help support your child to settle for the night.
Connect with @yasminegaddis_sleepconsultant
More details available at www.yasminegaddis.com
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I chat to Aya and Omnia, co-founders of @koalapicks
We talk about how Koala Picks came to life and how they are changing the children's snacking scene. How their snacks are different, why no sugar snacks are so important for kids including their tips on weaning and running a business.
Connect with @koalapicks
More details available at www.koalapicks.com
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I chat to Angelica, founder @cloudninekidsuae
We talk about how we can utilise the help of these amazing professionals in our home to support us with our day to day activities and childcare. What to look for when hiring a nanny and how to set up a good routine for them to settle into our family schedule.
CloudNine Kids is a British-led childcare company based in Dubai. They are committed to ethically sourcing and training qualified childcare professionals for families. They provide on-call and part-time Childcare & Babysitting Home Services, Full-Time Placements and Professional Nanny & Childcare Training.
Connect with @cloudninekidsuae
More details available at www.cloudninekids.ae
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
As it is Maternal Mental Health week we really wanted to visit the topic of postpartum depression and anxiety. 80% of women suffer from baby blues and 1 in 15 births result in postpartum depression. We want to support maternal mental health!
This week I speak to Zaynab @the_zee_tribe. She shares her story of multiple challenges post-birth and how that spiralled into postpartum depression. Zaynab believes it is a miracle she is still here and she was able to combat and come out of the other side of postpartum depression. She shares her trials and tribulations and how she managed to overcome them all. She now spends a lot of her time raising awareness to help and protect other mothers from experiencing the same.
Connect with @the_zee_tribe
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Helpful links for support:
Postpartum support international
Brightshift
Lighthouse Arabia
Thrive Wellbeing Centre
The description below has been extracted from WebMD to give you an overview of the symptoms likely associated with PPD, if you feel like you may be experiencing any of these please reach out for support and speak to your doctor.
"Symptoms of postpartum depression can be hard to detect. Many women have these symptoms following childbirth:
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Severe fatigue
- Lower libido
- Frequent mood changes
With PPD, these come along with other symptoms of major depression, which aren’t typical after childbirth, and may include:
- Being uninterested in your baby or feeling like you’re not bonding with them
- Crying all the time, often for no reason
- Depressed mood
- Severe anger and crankiness
- Loss of pleasure
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Thoughts of hurting someone else
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions"
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I chat to Akhila, early years educator and co founder of @indigrowkids. At Indigrow kids they believe in growing great kids. In diversifying every playroom. We believe a mirror into one’s own culture and a window into other cultures are essential to raise more empathetic and imaginiative kids of tomorrow.
We talk about how we are now raising children in a 'global village'. How we can talk about our roots through play with our children so they learn their heritage in a non-pushy and judgmental way. Teaching them about other cultures so they are exposed to this from a young age to raise empathetic children.
Connect with @indigrow
Products and more details available on their www.indigrowkids.com
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this weeks episode I chat to Sarah Babiker, positive psychology coach and mentor for mothers.
Talking self compassion, balancing our duties and how to manage guilt. What impact will this generation of mothers have on the future.
Follow Sarah and her work @alifeyouchose
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
We're back after a short break with Season 2! We're starting this season with a bang,
Hanan has 11+ years experience in teaching. Hanan has a Masters in Education and currently completing her Masters in Psychology. Hanan is a positive discipline educator, she has a wealth of knowledge and shared so much insight in this conversation.
Here in this week's podcast, Hanan speaks about when, why and how we should teach our children body privacy. We also talk puberty and periods and how we can support our children through these changes.
For mamas with younger children, you may think this topic isn't relevant just yet but you'll be surprised to hear that we can teach our children body privacy from as young as age 2! Listen in to hear more about how we can communicate this with a toddler.
Find more details on IG @thefamilyhub_hanan
Book recommendations by Hanan:
Raising Girls and Raising Boys
Brilliant questions about growing up
No means no!
Let's talk about body boundaries, consent & respect
Mama ME Social media: @mymamaapp
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Sehr Sarwar has 8+ years experience in PR, government relations, public affairs, parliamentary lobbying, former journalist, based between Dubai and London, S&S Strategic Comms looks after clients in Westminster SW1, sunny Al Sufouh in Dubai and beyond.
Handles PR for MamaME and oversaw our launch event at Tania's Teahouse where we welcomed so many of the mama community.
Here in this week's podcast, Sehr speaks about some basic PR tips for small business owners who may not know where to begin their external communications journey as well as her views on why PR should never be an after thought when launching your new businsess.
Find more details on IG @sands.london
Contact Sehr: sehr@sands.london We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Social media: @mymamaapp
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Michelle talks to me about all things fitness and exercise. Our bodies change drastically during pregnancy and have a lot of healing to do after birth, ReBalance has been designed by Michelle and her team to support women through the process of getting back into shape. She shares what to focus on after birth and what to do during pregnancy to stay fit without harming your body or growing baby.
Find more details on IG @rebalance_me_now
Contact the team at info@rebalancemenow.comWe love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Social media: @mymamaapp
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Real moms series! Grab a cuppa and be part of the conversation, listen in to a chat between 2 moms, just having a 'natter' (as we like to call it in the UK).
It is incredibly empowering to hear from other moms, knowing we are not alone through this journey of motherhood and that we all go through similar obstacles. Hearing from them, learning from their experiences and having a laugh at the daily mishaps of parenting is what this mini series is all about.
In this episode I am joined by my dear friend Annam Salim, she is based in the UK but it's interesting to hear that we all have to deal with the same challenges. We talk all about balancing work and life and how we deal with 'mom guilt'.
If you'd like to share your story, get in contact!
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com or Instagram @mymamaapp
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
I discuss all things confidence and self love with Aliya. It is so common for women to lose some of their confidence after they become moms; Aliya talks to me about how we can build this back up. We discuss comparison and what impact that has on us and our confidence along with carving out time for yourself.
Connect with Aliya on Instagram @coach_aliya or @women_who_flourishWe love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media: @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Have you ever wondered why gut health is so important for us and our children? And with all the supplements on the shelves today, which ones should our children be taking?
Momina is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach who specialises in paediatrics. This conversation with Momina digs deeper into what gut health is, why it's so important and what we can do for our children to have optimal health.
Connect with Momina on Instagram @momina_salim_coachingWe love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media: @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this episode I talk to Sara about her journey to making Citron what it is today, what the future holds for the brand and how Sara manages a busy work schedule with being a mother to 3 children under the age of 5.
Find more product details and connect with Sara on Instagram @citrondubai We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media: @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
This conversation digs deeper into how we can approach transitions in life, whether you are moving abroad, transitioning to a new stage in life or becoming a mother! I am joined by Rachael Lynn, Bestselling Author of At Home Anywhere and journaling queen.
Rachael @withrachaellynn and Website We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media: @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this episode I talk to Darine about the ideal morning routine, how to have a great day ahead and vibrate high. This can be done even if you have kids! Darine is a mother of 2, life coach, motivational speaker and author.
Find Darine @darinehounaine or @growgloworg
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
Facebook @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this episode I draw on my experience from the last 10 years working as a Private Dentist in London. You'll hear all about when to start brushing your babies teeth, how to brush, when to visit the dentist and what kinds of foods are good for their teeth and which ones to avoid!
I asked my friend Nadia to join me on this one, who is a fellow colleague and friend. We met at university and have been friends since.
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
Facebook @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Like the world around us, education is changing.
In this episode I am joined by Saif Sarwar, Director of education at Invictus Learning Center. Saif shares how the education system is changing and how we can use this opportunity to adapt and prepare our children for the future by becoming empathetic, creative and confident individuals.
Invictus learning website, contact: info@invictuslearningcenter.com. @invictuslearningdxbWe love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media: @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Nevena shares her top tips on how to raise children responsibly and which of our behaviours as parents has the largest impact on the child. She shares her insight into what type of communication style and phrases we should be using to support and guide the growth of our little ones into well rounded, confident individuals.
Nevena is best known for her unique “Successful Parenting” Program that provides guidance to parents on how to deal with the most common struggles in parenting, reduce stress, guilt, and worries, re-build harmony in their family, enjoy parenthood more and help their children achieve success in life.
Nevena is also a published author of books “Nursery Yes or No?, “Successful Parenting” and “Create Your Own Future” Program for Orphanages that has a goal to empower children growing up in institutions, without parental guidance, and in poverty.
Find more details on Nevena's website.
Instagram: @nevenabazalac
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
Facebook @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
As a mother herself, Pranjul spent a significant amount of time seeking truthful, logical and scientific principles that helped her during her pregnancy. This inspired her to become a certified Childbirth Educator.
Pranjul shares her journey with me, the common misconceptions and how to debunk those old wives tales. We talk about colic, how it's diagnosed and what a colicky baby might be experiencing. She also shares her tips and tricks on how we can relieve our babies tummy aches and colic.
Find Pranjul on Instagram @womb_and_beyond and website
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
Facebook @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Real moms series! Grab a cuppa and be part of the conversation, listen in to a chat between 2 moms, just having a 'natter' (as we like to call it in the UK).
It is incredibly empowering to hear from other moms, knowing we are not alone through this journey of motherhood and that we all go through similar obstacles. Hearing from them, learning from their experiences and having a laugh at the daily mishaps of parenting is what this mini series is all about.
In this episode I am joined by Maria Manasawala, she gave birth during the pandemic. Since giving birth she has moved in with her parents for a short time to help her with the adjustment to motherhood and get that much needed hands on support. She shares her journey of giving birth and needing an emergency c-section. How she prepared for labour and her very honest account of how she dealt with it emotionally along with what her biggest challenges and learnings have been since her little boy arrived.
Find Maria on Instagram @calorie_collector
If you'd like to share your story, get in contact!
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com or Instagram @mymamaapp
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Claudine has well and truly 'been there'. Claudine has had her own personal experience with sleep deprivation which started her along this journey to becoming the first sleep consultant in Abu Dhabi. Claudine is passionate about helping other parents who are struggling to navigate their child's sleep and has helped over 250 families to achieve their goals in person and online.
Claudine shares her journey with me, what led her to becoming a sleep consultant and some tips and tricks on how we can support our children to have a good nights sleep in turn allowing us parents to get that well deserved rest also.
Find Claudine Gillard on Instagram @sweetdreamsbabysleep, Facebook and website
and mention Mama app to get your 10% discount.
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
Rebecca has such a warm and loving energy, she is able to find the positive in everything. She looks at the recent situation from a fresh perspective and has already done an incredible job reflecting and extracting some important lessons for all of us.
We also talk about Rebecca's role now, what future maternity care looks like in the UAE and how this will have a positive impact on all mamas and the children of the next generation.
Find Rebecca on Instagram @midwife_rebecca_dxb_ab
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com
In this episode I am joined by my very good friend Annam Salim who I have known since University. Our careers took different paths but our friendship has remained the same and I couldn't think of anyone better to have with me on our very first episode. Annam has 2 children a 2 yr old and 5 yr old, we talk all about our pregnancies, births and labour. And don't worry I reveal all the details about how it happened in the car!
We love hearing from you, contact us, email: hello@mymamaapp.com
Download the Mama ME app on Apple or Android, Find the links on the website
www.mymamaapp.com
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Social media:
Instagram @mymamaapp
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Intro music: www.bensound.com