Ashley James: Motherhood, Body Image, Birth Trauma & Why Women Need to Stop Shrinking Themselves

Ashley James joins Gemma Atkinson and Claire Sanderson for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about motherhood, body confidence, women's health and finding your voice. Known for her broadcasting career, activism and new book Bimbo, Ashley reflects on growing up in a world that taught women to take up less space and how she's spent years unlearning those messages. She opens up about the sexualisation she experienced as a teenager, the pressure women face to look a certain way, and why health should never be defined by body size.  Ashley also shares her experience of birth trauma, prolapse, postnatal recovery and the reality of life after having children – highlighting the support she believes women deserve but too often don't receive.  Together, the trio discuss: The pressure to "bounce back" after childbirth Postpartum health, prolapse and recovery Diet culture and the rise of weight-loss injections Raising daughters and sons in today's world Misogyny, social media and modern womanhood Ashley's new book, Bimbo This is a thoughtful, empowering conversation about health, confidence and why women deserve better. If you've ever felt pressured to be smaller, quieter or "less", this episode is for you. Want more from Women’s Health? Join the Women’s Health COLLECTIVE for workouts, exclusive events and expert advice to unlock your fittest self - Train smarter. Live better. Visit www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/wh-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices