By Your Side
By Your Side
Podcast Description
Pregnant or navigating life with a newborn? By Your Side is the podcast that gets it. Hosted by Katie Barron — educator, parent support advocate and big believer in honest conversations — each episode brings real talk, expert insight and emotional backup for the messy magic of early parenthood. From baby sleep to identity shifts, crying to co-regulation, this is the place to feel calmer, more connected, and a little more like yourself. Because no one should have to figure this out alone — and now, you don’t have to.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various aspects of early parenthood, covering themes such as infant sleep, bonding through touch, emotional support, and identity shifts. Episodes include expert insights like those from Professor Helen Ball on sleep patterns and Dan Berman on the benefits of infant massage, aimed at debunking myths and providing practical advice.
Pregnant or navigating life with a newborn? By Your Side is the podcast that gets it. Hosted by Katie Barron — educator, parent support advocate and big believer in honest conversations — each episode brings real talk, expert insight and emotional backup for the messy magic of early parenthood. From baby sleep to identity shifts, crying to co-regulation, this is the place to feel calmer, more connected, and a little more like yourself. Because no one should have to figure this out alone — and now, you don’t have to.
In this episode, Katie speaks with Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of For Baby’s Sake, about something that can quietly emerge or escalate during pregnancy and early parenthood: domestic abuse, particularly coercive control.
Lauren explains why this period of huge transition can place strain on relationships, and how past trauma and early life experiences can shape the way partners relate to one another. She also helps unpack the warning signs of coercive control — behaviours that may initially appear subtle but can deeply affect a parent’s wellbeing and sense of safety.
Together they discuss:
Why pregnancy and early parenthood can be a time when abuse first appears or intensifies
How trauma can influence relationship patterns
The warning signs of coercive control
Why speaking to a trusted professional can be an important first step
Lauren also shares practical guidance on safety planning and where parents can find support — from midwives and health visitors to specialist helplines and local charities.
At the heart of this conversation is a simple message: support is available, and no one should feel they have to face this alone.
This episode centres the wellbeing of both parents and babies, recognising that when parents are supported and safe, babies are safer too.
To find out more or ask for support, you can contact:
👉 https://forbabyssake.org.uk/
👉 Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
👉 NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for information and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice. If you are worried about your safety or someone else’s, please speak with a trusted professional or contact a specialist support service.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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