The MAMA Podcast Podcast By MAMA Academy cover art

The MAMA Podcast

The MAMA Podcast

By: MAMA Academy
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Brought to you by the safer pregnancy charity, MAMA Academy, which aims to save babies lives in the UK.
Hosted by Heidi Eldridge, CEO, with various special guests, this bi-weekly podcast empowers parents on how to have a safer pregnancy as well as maternity rights and how to cope with a pregnancy after loss.
Full of inspiring conversations on how to navigate the complex world of parenting to being aware of cultural differences with our peers.
Packed with practical advice and fascinating facts for healthcare professionals as well as expectant parents, you are guaranteed to learn something new in every episode.
Please rate and review if you enjoy it.
Together we can help more babies arrive safely.

All information we provide is for entertainment and awareness purposes only. Any concerns should be discussed with your GP, Midwife or healthcare professional.MAMA Academy 2023 Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Episode 2: The Importance of Capturing High-Quality Maternity Data

    Episode 2: The Importance of Capturing High-Quality Maternity Data
    Mar 13 2026
    In this episode of the MAMA Podcast’s series for healthcare professionals, Heidi Eldridge is joined by Georgia Kontosorou, Midwife and Maternity Digital Programme Delivery Manager.With more than 20 years of experience across maternity services and over a decade working in digital maternity systems, Georgia brings a unique perspective on how data shapes safety, equity and decision-making in maternity care.Together they explore why high-quality maternity data is essential for improving outcomes, where the current gaps lie across NHS systems, and how better digital integration could help clinicians identify risk earlier and prevent harm.From the challenges of fragmented data systems to the opportunities for stronger national oversight, this conversation looks at how accurate, meaningful data can support safer, more proactive maternity care.Georgia also shares a powerful reminder for midwives: capturing good data isn’t just administrative work, it’s a vital clinical tool that helps protect families and improve care across the system.

    This series is proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors, supporting our shared commitment to safer, more equitable maternity and neonatal care. Find out more about Fletchers Solicitors here: https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/


    If you’d like to find out more about MAMA Academy and our resources, visit: www.mamaacademy.org.uk
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    35 mins
  • Episode 1: Leading Change; How Midwives Are Shaping Governance

    Episode 1: Leading Change; How Midwives Are Shaping Governance
    Feb 27 2026
    Welcome to Episode 1 of our new 10-part MAMA Podcast series created for healthcare professionals working in maternity and neonatal care.In this first episode, our CEO Heidi Eldridge is joined by Dalvir Kandola, Consultant Midwife and Lead for Inclusivity, and Nursing Times Midwife of the Year 2025. Dalvir shares what leadership looks like in practice, how consultant midwifery creates space for deep, sustained improvement, and why meaningful change needs more than “an email and a poster”.

    Together, they explore:
    • The difference between leadership and management in maternity services
    • How to bring teams with you, reduce resistance, and build allies
    • What it takes to implement and sustain change (and why education alone isn’t enough)
    • Health literacy, inclusive communication, and reducing barriers for families
    • Anti-racism work in practice and why equity must be part of safety
    • How staff can raise concerns safely, including routes like Freedom to Speak Up and PMA themes
    • Practical examples of change, from vitamin D and iron pathways to improving identification of jaundice in Black and Brown babies
    • How tools like the MAMA Wellbeing Wallet can support consistent messaging and access to care

    This series is proudly sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors, supporting our shared commitment to safer, more equitable maternity and neonatal care. Find out more about Fletchers Solicitors here: https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/

    Subscribe to The MAMA Podcast to make sure you don’t miss the next episode in the series.

    If you’d like to find out more about MAMA Academy and our resources, visit:
    www.mamaacademy.org.uk
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    43 mins
  • From Expectation to Reality: NCT’s New Report on Pregnancy, Birth and Early Parenthood

    From Expectation to Reality: NCT’s New Report on Pregnancy, Birth and Early Parenthood
    Feb 23 2026
    In this bonus episode of The MAMA Podcast, Heidi is joined by Joanna from NCT (National Childbirth Trust) to discuss their newly released report, From Expectation to Reality: Parents’ Experiences of New Life through Pregnancy, Birth and Early Parenthood.Drawing on the voices of 2,000 new and expectant parents across the UK, the report explores the emotional realities of pregnancy, concerns around safety and staffing, informed consent, birth rights, postnatal support, and the urgent need to tackle inequity within maternity care.

    Together, Heidi and Joanna discuss:
    • Why nearly half of parents felt more worried than excited during pregnancy
    • The gap between a “positive” birth and feeling informed, supported or listened to
    • Reports of pressure, coercion and inconsistent consent practices
    • The impact of staffing shortages and service suspensions
    • Racial discrimination, language barriers and access challenges
    • What must change and how charities, professionals and parents can shape reform

    Read the full NCT report here:
    https://www.nct.org.uk/about-us/becoming-a-parent-report

    If you’ve experienced challenges in pregnancy, birth or postnatal care, support is available.You can find more of our resources at: https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/

    If you'd like to support our work improving maternity safety and equity, you can make a one-time donation by texting:
    ‘MAMA05’ to 70085 to donate £5
    ‘MAMA10’ to 70085 to donate £10
    ‘MAMA50’ to 70085 to donate £50

    Together, we can amplify parents’ voices and help shape safer, more equitable maternity care.
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    39 mins
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