A Long Way To Go

Postpartum hair loss is incredibly common, but that does not make it any less unsettling when it happens to you.In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and Brand President of the British hair care brand Philip Kingsley, to unpack what really happens to our hair during pregnancy and after birth.Together, they discuss why hair can feel thicker and fuller during pregnancy, what causes postpartum shedding, when it usually starts, how long it lasts, and how to know whether what you are experiencing is normal or worth seeking help for.They also explore what actually supports hair health during this time — from nutrition and scalp care to supplements, products and the common mistakes that can make things feel worse.This episode is for anyone who has found clumps of hair in the shower, noticed dramatic regrowth around the hairline, or wondered whether their hair will ever feel like their own again.Because postpartum hair loss may be common, but women still deserve clear, calm and expert guidance through a change that can feel deeply personal.Follow A Long Way To Go for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s healthFollow Anabel Kingsley on Instagram here. This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of caesarean birth, including planned and emergency C-sections, surgery, pain relief, scar healing, infection, birth recovery and the emotional impact of birth. Please take care while listening, especially if your birth experience was difficult or traumatic.C-sections are one of the most common birth experiences in the UK, yet many women still feel underprepared for what the procedure involves and what recovery really looks like afterwards.In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Vic Holyoak, practising midwife and founder of C-SectionUK, to talk honestly and clearly about caesarean birth and recovery.Together, they discuss what actually happens during a C-section, the difference between planned and emergency procedures, the first 48 hours after surgery, pain relief, scar healing, emotional recovery, and when to seek further support.This is not about alarming women. It is about giving them the information they deserve so they can feel better prepared, better supported and less alone in their recovery.Whether you are planning a C-section, recovering from one, supporting someone through birth, or simply want to better understand what caesarean recovery involves, this episode offers clear, compassionate and practical insight.Follow @alongwaytogclub for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s health.Following Vic Holyoak on Instagram here and her work at C-Section UK here.This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and postpartum can change your skin in ways that feel sudden, confusing and sometimes difficult to manage, from acne and pigmentation to dryness, sensitivity, dullness and changes after breastfeeding.In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, consultant physician, skin specialist and founder of Adonia Medical Clinic, to unpack what is really happening to our skin during pregnancy and after birth.Together, they discuss the truth behind the so-called “pregnancy glow”, how hormones affect the skin, what ingredients and treatments are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, how to manage postpartum breakouts and pigmentation, and what a simple, realistic skincare routine can look like when you have a baby.This episode is for anyone who has looked in the mirror during pregnancy or postpartum and wondered what has happened to their skin, what will settle on its own, and what might need more support.Because skin changes during and after pregnancy are common — but women still deserve clear, expert guidance on how to care for themselves safely, confidently and without panic.Follow ⁠@alongwaytogclub⁠ for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s health.Follow Dr Ejikeme on Instagram here.This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.⁠SUBSCRIBE⁠ABOUT KATIE O'MALLEYKatie O'Malley is a journalist, broadcaster and founder of A Long Way To Go. During her career she's interviewed everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Margot Robbie and is on a mission to ensure every woman has access to research-led, expert-informed information about pregnancy and postpartum so they can advocate for their wellbeing.

Exercise during pregnancy and after birth can be hugely beneficial, but knowing what is safe, realistic and actually helpful is not always straightforward.In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Nancy Best, qualified personal trainer, pre and postnatal fitness specialist, and founder of Ladies Who Crunch, to unpack what movement really looks like during pregnancy and postpartum.Together, they discuss how the body changes during pregnancy, how to adapt exercise safely, what recovery after birth actually involves, the truth about the six-week check, diastasis recti, pelvic floor support, and how to rebuild strength without rushing or buying into the “bounce back” narrative.This episode is for anyone who has felt confused by conflicting advice, nervous about exercising while pregnant, unsure how to return to movement after birth, or overwhelmed by social media’s version of postpartum fitness.Because returning to exercise after having a baby is not about getting your old body back. It is about understanding what your body has been through, rebuilding safely, and feeling supported as you find your way back to strength.Follow ⁠@alongwaytogclub⁠ for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s health.Follow Nancy Best and Ladies Who Crunch on Instagram ⁠here⁠.This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.⁠SUBSCRIBE⁠ABOUT KATIE O'MALLEYKatie O'Malley is a journalist, broadcaster and founder of A Long Way To Go. During her career she's interviewed everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Margot Robbie and is on a mission to ensure every woman has access to research-led, expert-informed information about pregnancy and postpartum so they can advocate for their wellbeing.

A Long Way To Go (ALWTG) is a women’s health and wellness podcast exploring pregnancy, postpartum and modern motherhood through honest, evidence-led conversations with the UK’s leading experts.Hosted by journalist Katie O’Malley, each episode cuts through the noise around women’s health to ask the questions many women still struggle to get clear answers to, from C-section recovery, pelvic health and postpartum fitness to nutrition, skincare, mental health, relationships and identity.No scaremongering.No toxic positivity.Just clear, compassionate conversations designed to help women feel informed, reassured and confident in their choices.New episodes weekly.SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@alongwaytogoclubABOUT KATIE O'MALLEYKatie O'Malley is a journalist, broadcaster and founder of A Long Way To Go. During her career she's interviewed everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Margot Robbie and is on a mission to ensure every woman has access to research-led, expert-informed information about pregnancy and postpartum so they can advocate for their wellbeing.