Real Mummy

It's 8:47pm. The kids are asleep — probably. This episode is the full bedtime play-by-play: the stories that don't count, the teaspoon wees, the water that "tastes old," and the philosophical question about fish feelings I got at 8pm on a Tuesday.

I didn't sign up for this. One toddler dance class to fill a Thursday morning, four years later I'm googling ballet barres at midnight and crying at the end-of-year concert. This is a confession episode about how I accidentally became a dance mum and somehow… kind of love it.

I stood in my kitchen last week holding a hot coffee. Still hot. And both my girls were playing together. Laughing. Making up games. No one was crying. No one was pulling anyone's hair. No one was screaming "MUUUUM." And I thought — when did this happen? Because four years ago? School holidays nearly broke me. A baby and a toddler. Two kids who couldn't play together. Days that dragged on forever. Me on the lounge room floor being the only source of fun in the house. But now? Now they're 4 and 6. And they actually like each other. They make up games. They giggle at stuff only they understand. They play for ages while I sit down and drink a coffee that's still warm. The close age gap almost took me out in those early years. But this episode is me saying out loud — it's paying off. And it's really, really good. This one's for any mum in the thick of it right now. The mum with the toddler. The mum with two little ones who won't play together yet. I'm not here to give advice. I just want you to know — this bit is coming. And it's worth it.

I am finally saying the thing every mum thinks but nobody admits — I don't enjoy playing imaginative play with my kids. From Barbie marathons to being cast as the sick dog in pretend vet, I unpack the guilt, the generational shift in what we expect of ourselves, and why just watching from the couch is more than enough.

I was making toast and made the mistake of looking at my phone. And I saw kids. Kids the same age as mine. And I couldn't move. This episode is me trying to say out loud what I think a lot of mums feel but don't know how to say — that weird guilt of watching the world fall apart while you're standing in your safe kitchen. The guilt of caring. The guilt of not doing enough. The guilt of still being okay. I don't have answers. I just needed to talk about it.

So I watched a reel of a mum doing a full workout, meal prepping 15 organic lunchboxes, and applying a full face of makeup. All before 7am. And I was on the couch in yesterday's shirt eating crust off a tiny plate. Cool cool cool. This episode is about that feeling. The one where you know it's just a highlight reel but your brain doesn't care. The one where you feel behind on something you never signed up for. But here's the twist — I'm also the problem. Because my "real" posts? Four attempts. My "messy" photos? Cropped. My honest caption? Rehearsed twice so it sounded casual. I cried next to a packet of crackers in the pantry and then filmed content an hour later. Same day. Same me. Different vibe. This one's a bit funny, a bit brutal, and I don't have a neat ending. Sorry. Hit play. Send it to a mum who gets it.

I made four cups of tea a day and drank none of them. I typed "I'm not doing great" and deleted it. I sat on the kitchen floor and realised I hadn't said a full sentence out loud all day. Then I walked into a room with plastic chairs and bad lighting. And someone said, "I cried in the shower because I dropped a spoon." And I thought… oh. It's not just me. This one's for the women who texted back fast. Who left coffee on my doorstep. Who sat in the mess with me and didn't try to fix it. This is my thank you.

I wasn't going to record this week. But I watched that Louis Theroux manosphere documentary last night and I haven't been able to think about anything else since. It was 2am. I was lying in bed feeling sick. Thinking about my girls. Thinking about the boys being fed this stuff right now. Thinking about what happens when those kids grow up and meet each other. So I got up and recorded this. This episode is me talking about what I saw. What scared me. What made me angry. And the one thought I can't shake — that my daughters are going to encounter boys who've spent years being told that women are less than. That kindness is weakness. That control is the same thing as strength. I talk about the moment in the documentary that made me feel physically ill. I talk about what it's like being a mum of girls right now and feeling like you're building something the internet is designed to tear down. I talk about mums of boys. Because honestly? I think they're fighting one of the hardest fights going and not enough people are saying that. I talk about smartphones. When to give them access. Why I think the delay matters more than we realise. And what I'm actually doing with my own kids right now. I'm not an expert. I'm not telling anyone how to parent. I'm just a mum who watched something that frightened her and needed to say it out loud. This one's raw. It's not polished. It wasn't planned. But I think it might be the most important thing I've recorded so far. If you watch that documentary and feel something — come find me. I want to hear what you think. Listen. Share it with a mum who needs it. And if you're lying awake at 2am thinking about this stuff too — you're not alone in that.

My first 3am Google search as a mum was "will a baby have hiccups forever." I was genuinely concerned she'd be forty. In an office. Still hiccuping. And people would ask if she was okay and she'd say "mum didn't fix it." It got weirder from there. Poo charts. Cot escape plans. Whether I was holding her too much. Whether she'd be sad if she fell asleep without me. And then the funny ones ran out. And I ended up where I always end up at 3am — staring at my phone in the dark, asking the same question over and over, just dressed up in different searches. Are my kids okay? And am I enough to keep them okay? If your search history looks anything like mine — press play. You're not the only one clocking in at 3am.

Everyone says "look after yourself, mama." Cool. When? Between the school run and the meltdown or during the 4 minutes I get to pee alone? Let's talk about it.

I was going to be the cool mum. The patient mum. The mum who never yelled. Plot twist: I'm none of those things. And maybe that's not the tragedy I thought it was.

I stopped recording. Stopped showing up. Stopped pretending I could do it all. Real Mummy went quiet — not because the podcast failed, but because I was falling apart trying to keep it going. Hour-long episodes while raising kids while holding everything together? Something had to break. And it did. This is the episode where I tell you what really happened. The burnout. The guilt of quitting something I loved. The 2am doubts about whether I should come back at all. And the moment everything shifted. Season 2 is here — but it's not the same show. It's shorter. It's sharper. And it's the most honest I've ever been. Because admitting you can't do it all? That might be the most real mummy move there is. If you've ever stepped back from something and wondered if you were allowed to try again — press play. This one's for you.

What happens when the adrenaline of birth fades and the visitors go home? We spend months preparing for labour, but the raw, messy, and profound journey of the fourth trimester is a chapter often left unspoken. In this episode, I’m sharing my birth story—not just the delivery, but the unfiltered reality of what came after. This isn’t a medical guide; it’s a personal account of navigating the overwhelming and beautiful chaos of new motherhood. We’ll go beyond the highlight reel and talk about the things we’re often too afraid to say out loud: the shock of physical recovery, the relentless fog of sleep deprivation, the frustrating breastfeeding challenges, and the unexpected identity crisis that can leave you feeling like a stranger in your own life. Have you ever felt like you were the only one struggling while everyone else was blissfully bonding with their newborn? Have you grieved the person you were before becoming a mother, even while loving your baby more than words can say? This episode is for you. Join me for an honest conversation about the postpartum experience. It’s time to shed the guilt and expectations, and start talking about the fourth trimester with the honesty and support every new parent deserves. If you're feeling alone on this journey, this is the episode that will make you feel seen.

Tired of fighting with your kids about sweets? This episode offers a research-backed approach to help you end the sugar war for good. Learn how to foster a healthy relationship with food in your children, navigate Halloween without stress, and move from restriction to trust. Discover practical tips and language to help your children develop body awareness and self-regulation around all foods, including sugar!

Are we pushing our kids too hard? In this episode of Real Mummy, we explore the "secret trap" of after-school activities. We'll discuss the signs of an over-scheduled child, the surprising benefits of boredom, and how to find a healthy balance between structured activities and essential downtime. Learn how to say "no" to the pressure and "yes" to a happier, less stressful family life.

Tired of the toddler trenches? Wondering if the "golden years" of parenting are a myth? This episode is for you. We dive into that magical age between toddlerhood and teens, a time of pure joy, endless curiosity, and heartwarming connection. If you're in the thick of early parenthood, this is a message of hope. If you're in the golden years, let's celebrate together. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and a reminder of the beautiful moments that make it all worthwhile. Don't miss it!

Does your heart break a little when your child dissolves into tears over a tiny mistake? Do you watch them, so capable and bright, crumble under a pressure that seems to come from within? If you're lying awake at night, worrying about the weight of perfectionism on your child's small shoulders, please know you are not alone. This episode is for you. Join me as I share my own journey of parenting a 'perfect' child and the lessons I've learned along the way. We'll gently explore the hidden anxieties behind that flawless facade and find compassionate ways to help our children—and ourselves. You're doing a wonderful job, and your child is so lucky to have a parent who cares this much. This isn't about fixing them; it's about understanding and loving them through their struggles. If this feels familiar, I hope you'll listen and enjoy this episode.

Join me for a candid and eye-opening discussion about C-section recovery, as I uncover the physical, emotional, and societal challenges that many mothers face. In this episode, we're challenging the myths and misconceptions surrounding surgical births and advocating for the respect and support that every mother deserves. So many women are told that a C-section is the 'easy way out,' but the reality is that it's a major abdominal surgery that requires significant time and care to heal from. We'll be diving deep into what recovery truly looks like, from the initial days in the hospital to the weeks and months that follow. We'll also be exploring the emotional impact of a C-section, including feelings of disappointment, guilt, and the struggle to come to terms with a birth experience that may have been different from what was planned.

In this episode, we delve into the pervasive and often overwhelming experience of "mum guilt." I explore why modern mothers are so susceptible to feelings of inadequacy, from the historical shift from communal to isolated parenting to the relentless pressure of social media's "highlight reel." Through personal stories, I uncover the societal and cultural forces that have transformed motherhood into a high-stakes, anxiety-inducing role. I'll discuss the "good enough" mothering concept, offering a powerful antidote to the perfectionist standards that dominate our culture. The episode also provides practical, actionable strategies to manage guilt, reframe negative self-talk, and cultivate self-compassion. Lets explore how to identify personal guilt triggers, curate information sources, and focus on what truly matters in your family. This episode is a reassuring and empowering guide for any mother who has ever felt like she's not doing enough. It’s a call to reject unrealistic expectations, embrace imperfection, and create a more compassionate, sustainable, and joyful experience of motherhood. Join me as we dismantle the myth of the perfect mother and learn to thrive in our own unique, "good enough" way.

Thinking about having a second child? Or maybe you're in the thick of it, wondering how you'll ever survive the beautiful chaos? This episode is for you. We're diving deep into the raw, unfiltered truth about how going from one to two children changes every aspect of your life. In this episode, we get honest about the things no one tells you: the surprising confidence of a second-time-mum-to-be, the moment you realise you're a rookie all over again, and the strain it can put on your relationship. We'll explore the emotional rollercoaster of your firstborn's world being turned upside down and the guilt that comes with dividing your time and attention. But it's not all challenges and exhaustion. We'll also share the incredible turning point when the sibling bond begins to form, creating a connection that will last a lifetime. Witness the unexpected joy and profound personal growth that comes from navigating the complexities of a bigger family.

Ever feel like you're losing your mind when your baby starts screaming at 5 p.m. every day? You're not alone. This is the "witching hour," and in this episode, we're diving deep into what it is, why it happens, and how you can survive it. We'll share practical tips for soothing your baby, coping strategies for you, and stories from a real mum who has been there with both her kids. Tune in to feel less alone and more empowered.

Ever caught your reflection and sighed? Or heard your daughter echo your own words about your body? This episode dives deep into the powerful, often unseen, connection between a mother's body image and her daughter's developing self-esteem. We'll unpack how seemingly innocent phrases or actions can become 'hidden household triggers' for body dissatisfaction. But it's not about blame; it's about empowerment. This episode offers practical, compassionate strategies to foster a positive body image in your daughter. Join us in shifting the narrative from body scrutiny to body respect, helping our daughters understand their worth far beyond their appearance.

Remember those hazy, dreamlike first few weeks (or months... or years) of motherhood? The ones fueled by lukewarm coffee, desperate pleas to a tiny human who refuses to sleep, and the constant, bone-deep exhaustion? Sleep deprivation isn't just tiredness; it's a profound, life-altering experience that reshapes your reality. If you're nodding along, feeling seen, or currently propping your eyelids open with sheer willpower, this video is your lifeline. Welcome to a raw, unfiltered, and deeply relatable conversation about how real mothers actually survive the relentless challenge of sleep deprivation. Forget the picture-perfect social media feeds and the unsolicited advice that makes you want to scream. In this episode, we sit down with incredible mums who are opening up about their genuine experiences – the good, the bad, and the utterly delirious.

Ever wondered if lightning can strike twice the same way? Maja's birth stories prove it absolutely cannot – and you won't believe what happened on her bathroom floor! In this raw, unfiltered conversation, I sit down with Maja who takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through her drastically different pregnancies and births that left me speechless. Grab your favourite drink, find a quiet corner, and prepare to be captivated by a story that proves truth is crazier than fiction!

Join us as we navigate the emotional peaks and valleys every mum faces—from those foggy newborn days when a shower felt like a luxury to the whirlwind of toddlerhood and the bittersweet transition into school. In this episode, we share relatable stories that resonate with every mother. Have you ever felt overwhelmed yet nostalgic for those sweet moments? You're not alone! We discuss the paradox of motherhood—feeling both exhausted and longing for the past as our little ones grow. Discover the hidden gifts within each season of motherhood, from the deep connection of late-night feeds to the joy of watching your child explore the world.

In this heartfelt episode of Real Mummy, Lucy sits down with sleep consultant Ayleen, who opens up about her own journey through the sleepless nights of motherhood. Together, they dive into practical tips and personal stories that will resonate with any parent navigating the challenges of sleep deprivation. Ayleen shares her expertise on creating calming bedtime routines, recognising sleep regressions as growth opportunities, and prioritising self-care for mental well-being. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that promises to transform your nights and empower your parenting journey!

Join us in this insightful episode as we tackle the often-dreadful topic of mastitis with breastfeeding expert Leah Moore. Discover the signs, symptoms, and causes of this common issue, along with effective treatment and prevention strategies. Empower yourself with reliable information, and learn how to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding without fear. Don't miss this essential guide for new mum's seeking support and knowledge!

Join Lucy Dalton as she chats with Sonya who shares her incredible birth story. Sonya’s journey included a breech baby, an unexpected ECV and then a planned and positive caesarean section. Lucy and Sonya share an honest conversation of what those first few months as a first time mum were like, with the sleep regressions; to the challenges of breastfeeding. Tune in for an inspiring and refreshing birth story that highlights the beauty of every unique experience!

Join host Lucy Dalton and her friend Tam as they navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood in this heartfelt episode of the Real Mummy Podcast. From the euphoric highs to the unexpected lows, they candidly share their journeys, including struggles with breastfeeding, postnatal depression, and the challenges of maintaining their identities. Discover how they embrace the rollercoaster of emotions, support each other, and find laughter amidst the chaos. Whether you’re a new mum or a seasoned parent, this episode offers relatable stories, valuable insights, and a reminder that you're not alone. Tune in for some real talk that might just bring a tear to your eye!

Join us in this enlightening episode where we dive deep into common misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. Our expert guest, Leah, a physiotherapist and qualified breastfeeding counsellor, shares her personal journey and professional insights. From debunking myths about breast size and sleep patterns to discussing the importance of support systems and emotional challenges, this episode empowers mothers with accurate information and practical tips. Discover the truth about milk production, the significance of a good latch, and the impact of cultural influences on breastfeeding choices. Whether you're a new mum or looking to support someone on their breastfeeding journey, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and encouragement.

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we dive into the beautiful yet chaotic world of motherhood with Lucy, a seasoned mum of three, including a set of lively twins! In this candid conversation, we explore the unique challenges and joys that come with raising multiples while juggling the demands of an older sibling.Lucy shares her personal journey, reflecting on the early days of sleepless nights, feeding routines, and the importance of building a supportive community. Discover the invaluable insights she gained from connecting with other multiple mums and how these relationships transformed her parenting experience.We also discuss practical strategies for managing the daily chaos, from creating routines to embracing flexibility, and the significance of asking for help. Lucy's warmth and authenticity shine through as she offers encouragement to new twin mums, reminding them that every season of motherhood has its challenges, but it also brings immense joy and connection.Whether you’re a mum of twins or simply navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, this episode is filled with laughter, wisdom, and a sense of camaraderie. Tune in and be inspired by Lucy’s journey and the beautiful bond shared between siblings.

In this episode, we dive into the realities of the FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) lifestyle with Lukah, a FIFO mama, as she shares her experiences of solo parenting, communication, and the importance of community support. From managing the emotional challenges of having a partner away for extended periods to celebrating the unique dynamics of their family life, Lukah provides valuable insights for those considering or currently navigating the FIFO journey. Join us as we explore the pros and cons, strategies for maintaining relationships, and the significance of self-care in the FIFO world.

Join Lucy Dalton and personal trainer Jess in this inspiring episode of Real Mummy as they explore the transformative journey of postpartum fitness. Discover the importance of patience and self-acceptances as new mums navigate the challenges of returning to exercise. From debunking common myths to celebrating the mental health benefits of movement, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical tips for every mum ready to embrace her postpartum transformation. Tune in and find your motivation to prioritise your well-being.

In this episode of Real Mummy, Leah Moore, a mother of two and a lactation-focused physiotherapist, shares invaluable insights on pumping breast milk. Join us as we discuss when and how to start pumping after childbirth, the importance of colostrum, and various scenarios where pumping is beneficial. We also cover effective pumping techniques, best practices for storing and reheating breast milk, different types of pumps available, and tips for managing nipple confusion. Whether you're a new mum or looking to enhance your breastfeeding journey, this episode is packed with essential information for all mothers.

Thinking about traveling with your children but worried about the potential chaos? This episode is your ultimate guide to stress-free family travel. We speak to an experienced mum of two who shares her top tips for planning, packing, and enjoying your trips, whether it's a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure. Discover how to keep the kids entertained, handle unexpected challenges, and create lasting memories. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories that will make you excited for your next family adventure.

In this heartfelt episode of Real Mummy, host Lucy Dalton sits down with Ali, a passionate advocate for adoption, to share her remarkable journey of becoming a mother through adoption. Ali reflects on the challenges and rewards of the adoption process, discussing the importance of openness, the differences between local and international adoption, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the nuances of adoption, including the impact of fostering connections with birth parents and the significance of creating a supportive environment for adoptable children. Join us as we explore the beautiful bond between Ali and her daughter, and learn how transparency and love can shape a family's journey.

Listen as we delve into the vital topic of pelvic health, particularly for women during and after pregnancy. In this episode,Yvette, a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic health, educates us on essential insights on the importance of awareness and education regarding pelvic floor issues, the role of specialised physiotherapy, and the significance of early intervention.

Welcome to your new refuge! Join Lucy Dalton, a nurse and loving mother of two spirited daughters, in the debut trailer of The Real Mummy Podcast. Designed as a sanctuary for all mums—from expectant to seasoned—this podcast is committed to unveiling the honest, unfiltered stories of motherhood with laughter and tears. Experience the raw beauty of parenting through Lucy's journey and stories that echo the shared trials and triumphs all mums face. Whether it's the pure chaos of juggling kids and household duties, battling mum guilt, or navigating unsolicited advice, Lucy and her expert guests provide invaluable insights, genuine support, and plenty of laughs. Feel understood, supported, and part of a community that celebrates the chaos and joy of motherhood. Tune in for real conversations about everything from breastfeeding challenges to the often-overwhelming social media pressures, and embrace the freedom to parent in your unique way. Subscribe now to The Real Mummy Podcast for a weekly dose of empowerment, authenticity, and a reminder that you're doing an amazing job.