In this episode, Zineb shares what it was really like becoming a mother for the first time — the beauty, the isolation, and the unexpected loneliness that can exist even when surrounded by loved ones. She opens up about how everything shifted when she connected with a small group of local mums, and how that experience inspired her to create LeanOn, a platform helping other mothers in the UAE build their own village. This is a conversation about finding connection, the power of community, and why no mother should feel like she’s doing it all alone.

In this heartfelt episode, Aneeka opens up about the emotional toll of motherhood. She talks candidly about the sadness that can accompany the early parenting journey, the exhaustion that comes with constant physical demands, and how critical self-care and personal time are for emotional recovery. This episode is a reminder that it’s okay to not feel okay—and that you're not alone in the chaos of raising little ones.

In this week’s episode, Aneeka shares the contrasting stories of how she birthed her two boys — one born via planned C-section in the UK, the other a powerful VBAC in Dubai.

She opens up about:
— The challenges of early pregnancy, low iron, and cultural expectations— Feeling empowered through hypnobirthing and research— Navigating a breech baby and planned C-section— Fighting for her VBAC birth plan despite pressure from medical staff— How each birth — and each baby — brought something totally different

From a movie-like waters-breaking moment to standing her ground in labour, Aneeka’s story is packed with raw honesty and resilience. Tune in for a powerful reminder that you are allowed to advocate for the birth you want.

In Part 2 of her story, Nour returns to Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond to share her honest and powerful postpartum journey with twins.

She opens up about the highs and lows — from navigating breastfeeding challenges and managing sleepless nights, to feeling isolated and questioning her choices as a new mum. Nour shares how routines, support from her partner, and trusting her instincts helped her find stability in the chaos.

Through laughter and tears, she reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all to motherhood, and that doing what works for your family is what truly matters.

In this episode of Mama Becoming, Nour shares her deeply personal journey to motherhood after two years of unexplained infertility. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of trying to conceive, her successful IVF experience, and the surprise of discovering she was expecting twins.

Nour also discusses the challenges of early pregnancy, including a threatened miscarriage and switching doctors in her third trimester to pursue a natural twin birth. Her story is a beautiful example of informed choice, self-trust, and surrender — culminating in the unmedicated vaginal birth of her two baby boys.

This episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the right support shows up exactly when we need it.

In this episode of Mama Becoming: Birth & Beyond, Emma — returns to share her postpartum journey after the birth of her daughter, Bonnie.

She opens up about the early days of recovery, the reality of cluster feeding, and what it was like having a baby who only wanted to be held. Emma also reflects on her physical recovery, the challenges of returning to work, and how becoming a mother gave her a new sense of confidence and purpose.

From navigating sleep deprivation to launching her own business while caring for a newborn, this conversation beautifully captures the raw, real, and transformative side of postpartum life.

In this episode of Mama Becoming, I sit down with Emma, the founder of Next of Kin, to hear the story behind her unexpected journey into motherhood. Emma opens up about moving to Dubai during the COVID pandemic, discovering she was pregnant, and the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating pregnancy while unmarried in the UAE.

She shares her experience with intense pregnancy symptoms, preparing for labor, and a three-day birth that ended with the arrival of her daughter, Bonnie. From epidurals that didn’t fully work to the overwhelming emotions of meeting her baby, Emma’s story is filled with honesty, strength, and heart. She also reflects on breastfeeding and the early joys and challenges of motherhood in a new country.

This is an open and powerful episode about resilience, support, and redefining what becoming a mother looks like.

In this powerful episode, Amina opens up about the emotional realities of early motherhood—navigating postpartum depression, the pressure to breastfeed, and struggling to feel a connection with her newborn. She shares how returning to work while managing her health and caring for her baby tested her limits, and why mental health support should never be an afterthought.

Amina’s story is raw, honest, and a much-needed reminder that motherhood doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. From cultural expectations to personal struggles, she reminds us that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Note: This episode includes a discussion about suicidal thoughts. If you’d prefer to skip this part, it begins at 18 minutes and ends at 20 minutes.
For support in the UAE, contact Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital’s 24/7 helpline at 800-4673 or The Lighthouse Arabia at +971 4 380 2088.