In this voice note from a very sunny (and sweaty!) Berlin, I’m sharing something that’s been on my mind during our time here. As I’ve been walking and cycling around with Jackson, I’ve noticed something that honestly made me pause. Every child I see on a bike is wearing a helmet (which is great!), but hardly any of the parents are.

It reminded me of a short video I saw from a paediatric doctor who made a really simple point: if you’re riding a bike, you need protecting too. Especially when your child is relying on you.

This episode isn’t about guilt, it’s just a loving nudge. I know how easy it is to put our own safety last when we’re focused on our kids. But the truth is, they don’t just need to be protected. They need us. Healthy, safe, and here.

Sending you all the sunny vibes from Berlin, Nat 💛

Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: info@nataliekmartin.com

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And, if you're in the trenches right now: 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here www.nataliekmartin.com 👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

Ever wondered what actually happens to your placenta after birth or why some mums choose to eat it?

In today’s episode of The Mama Circle, I’m joined by my longtime friend, Lynnea Arnold (formerly Lynnea Shrief) - doula, baby massage therapist, and founder of Europe’s first placenta encapsulation network, IPEN. She’s also a mum of four, a creator of change, and someone who has quietly shaped birth support for thousands of women.

Together, we dive into:

• What doulas really do (and why they can change your whole birth experience)

• The truth about placenta encapsulation: how it works, why people do it, and what you need to know

• Baby massage as a tool for bonding, emotional regulation, and deep connection

• Building a legacy while raising a family and why you don’t need to be loud to make an impact

Mentioned in this episode:

👋🏽 Connect with Lynnea: https://www.everwelltherapies.co.uk/ 🤓 Learn more about placenta encapsulation: https://www.placentanetwork.com/ 💌 Join my mailing list and get your free Overwhelm Busting Bingo for quick wins when motherhood feels overwhelming: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo

Get in touch!

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: info@nataliekmartin.com

In today’s voice note (recorded on my walk to work), I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind: what if our modern relationship timeline is setting us up for failure when it comes to parenting?

We’ve all heard of or experienced the heartbreak of feeling disconnected from your partner after having children. But what if the problem isn’t just them changing... but us expecting things to stay the same?

In this episode, I explore:

• The relationship escalator and why it might not serve parents

• Why parenting is such a profound identity shift

• Whether having children earlier in a relationship could actually help

• The gap between expectations and reality in parenting roles

• Why knowing someone pre-kids might not prepare you for the real deal

I’m not claiming to have all the answers here – just sharing a curious thought and inviting you to reflect with me. I’d love to hear your take!

Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Comment on Spotify or:

• Instagram: @natalie.kmartin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodandempowerment
• Email: info@nataliekmartin.com

📢 Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.

And, if you're in the trenches right now: 🌀 You can join a real-life Mama Circle here www.nataliekmartin.com 👉🏽 Overcome those moments of overwhelm with some light hearted fun! Download my Overwhelm Busting Bingo sheet here: subscribepage.io/overwhelmbingo