Dear Mum, it's Neema Sempebwa: Perimenopause, motherhood and advocating for yourself

Nobody warned us about perimenopause. Not really.We heard about menopause - hot flushes, older women, “something to worry about later”…But perimenopause?The feeling that you are fundamentally breaking apart, that the person showing up for your kids every day isn't really you anymore… and all of it arriving while you're also knee deep in the baby years?! It's a whole other world.This week I'm joined by my friend of many years, Neema Sempebwa — personal trainer, mum of two, and someone I used to work alongside doing towel duty at a gym in Chelsea about 12 years ago.By 43, Neema knew something wasn't right. What followed was a battle to be taken seriously, two dismissals, a misdiagnosis, and the offer of antidepressants before anyone would even say the word perimenopause.We talk about what perimenopause actually is, why it can start up to 10 years before menopause, why South Asian and Black women are often affected earlier, and what's actually helping Neema now — from HRT to movement, morning routines, and handpan music (trust me on this one).This is a conversation every mum needs to hear - whether you're in the thick of the baby years or starting to wonder if something feels a bit off. ❤️New episodes every Thursday - hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss one ✨Follow NeemaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/neemasempebwa/Follow me (Charlie!)Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlielaunderAnd get to know my business, Bumps & Burpees - https://www.instagram.com/bumpsandburpees and http://www.bumpsandburpees.comProduced by Bear Lane Productions 🎙️Music licensed via PremiumBeat - 4WJJ2ROAVKXSJCGW