The MatNeo Podcast

Send a textObstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) remain a significant cause of maternal morbidity, with lasting physical and psychological impact if not identified, managed, and supported appropriately.In this episode, midwife and host Jo Govier is joined by Jenna Sweeney, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, to explore OASI across the continuum of maternity care. Together, they discuss risk factors and prevention strategies, the physiological rationale behind perineal massage and warm compresses, and best practice for identification and immediate postnatal management.The conversation also focuses on postnatal recovery — including pelvic floor rehabilitation, the role of Pelvic Physiotherapy Health Services, what the 6-week physiotherapy review involves, and how women should be supported through recovery.This episode aims to raise awareness, strengthen multidisciplinary understanding, and support maternity professionals to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care for women and birthing people affected by OASI.

Send a textIn this episode of The MatNeo Podcast, we explore how teams can better understand and address smoking in pregnancy through compassionate, evidence-based care.Host Jo Govier is joined by Gemma Horsefield, Midwife Sonographer and Fetal Surveillance Lead Midwife at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and Nicola Brown, Lead for SmartStart, Norfolk and Waveney's in-house Maternity Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service. Together, they discuss the physiological impact of smoking in pregnancy, the science of nicotine addiction, the importance of opt-out referrals, the support offered by SmartStart, and how multi-professional teams can create supportive, non-judgemental conversations that help women and families make positive changes.Listeners will gain practical insights into:The physiological impact of smoking in pregnancyFraming smoking discussions with sensitivity and confidenceUnderstanding addiction as a clinical condition, not a habitBuilding effective referral pathways and multidisciplinary supportReducing stigma while improving perinatal outcomesThis episode is designed for frontline maternity and neonatal professionals who want to deepen their understanding, strengthen their communication skills, and enhance collaborative practice around tobacco dependency in pregnancy.

Send a textIn this episode, we explore the often-overlooked reality of mild to moderate mental health challenges during the perinatal period. While severe perinatal mental illness receives necessary clinical attention, many individuals experiencing distress below that threshold often fall through the cracks due to challenges in identification, fear of stigma and a lack of clear care pathways. We speak with Consultant Obstetrician Dr. Beth Revell, who specialises in perinatal mental health, and Natalie Goult, a Perinatal Psychological Therapist with NHS Talking Therapies, to discuss why early identification, integrated care, and reducing stigma are vital for improving outcomes. Together, they offer clinical insights, practical guidance, and system-level perspectives to help reframe how we understand and respond to perinatal mental health — across the full spectrum.