Bun in the Oven | The Podcast by Hollie Grant

In this week’s episode we’ll be talking about the experience of being pregnant and a parent, within a lesbian relationship. My guests are the wonderful Kate Everall and Charlotte Ulett.
In this episode Kate and Charlotte highlight the challenges faced when trying to become pregnant in a lesbian relationship, including the financial demands that come through IUI and IVF costs, the support they received from friends and colleagues, and the language used around partners of those who chose to carry the baby.
There are some really small considerations that can be made by anyone working in the birthing world when working with same sex couples, that can help both parents feel included, and I loved hearing them. It was such a joy to hear both Kate and Charlottes experiences and I hope that one day same sex couples who wish to grow their family get the support they need much quicker. I hope you enjoy the episode.
Guest Bios:
Kate Everall
Kate is one half of an award-winning LGBTQ Family, Travel & Lifestyle Blog called Lesbemums. Based near Brighton, East Sussex she writes about life as a Two-Mum family and everything in between. From raising a son in a Two-Mum household to their travels and days out. Over the past 8 years she's also written about LGBTQ History and current affairs as well as shared her favourite LGBTQ-inclusive books for children.
► Follow Lesbemums on Instagram HERE

► Lesbemums Website: click HERE

Charlotte Ulett
I first met Charlotte as a Bump Plan Member and I really enjoyed hearing her journey to pregnancy and I wanted to know more about the challenges faced when trying to become pregnant in a lesbian relationship. Charlotte and her partner Katie have been together for 5 years and they started trying to conceive in November 2020.
► Follow Charlotte on Instagram HERE
A Word From Our Sponsors

Penny and Lola

This 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_andlola

The Bump Plan
This 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 str...

SEASON 2 Episode 1 – Everything You Need to Know in Trimester 1
Welcome 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 time
Pip 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 Sponsor
The 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 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 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 Bios
Andrew Horne

Andrew 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 Abdalla

Louise 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 Sponsors
The Bump Plan

This 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 HERE
Sprout
This 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 c...

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 HERE
Useful 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' HERE
A Word From Our Sponsor

The Bump Plan

This 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 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 HERE
Guest 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 HERE
Dr 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 HERE
A Word From Our Sponsor
The 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 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 disc...