Birth Is The Equivalent of 10 Marathons And It's Why You're Still Tired (Even Years Later)

About this episode

Welcome to the new era of Motherkind. This is a new chapter. More intentional. More expansive. The conversations are deeper, the guests are bold, and the ambition is clearer. We’re now video-first, which means you can watch every full episode on YouTube. I’d love you to subscribe and join us in this next season of Motherkind. If you’re ready to think differently about ambition and motherhood, you’re in the right place You grow a baby.Then you give birth to a baby.And somehow you’re expected to just… carry on. In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, Zoe sits down with nutrition scientist and public health expert Dr Federica Amati to explore how motherhood transforms the female body and why proper nourishment is essential from preconception through postpartum. Together, they unpack the science of the “first 1,000 days” from trying to conceive to toddlerhood and why this window is as important for mothers as it is for babies. Because pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding aren’t just life moments, they are physiologically intense, nutrient-depleting experiences that require real recovery, support and care. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why preconception nutrition matters more than we realise How partners’ health impacts fertility and baby outcomes What to focus on nutritionally during each trimester Why postpartum recovery is like running multiple marathons Practical ways to nourish your body when you’re exhausted The importance of rest, support and spacing pregnancies Dr Federica also challenges the myth of “bouncing back” and explains why physical change is a natural and healthy part of matrescence. This episode is a compassionate reminder that mothers are not machines. You deserve nourishment.You deserve recovery.You deserve support. Loved this episode? Follow or subscribe so you never miss a Motherkind conversation. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing. Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and  download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet If you liked this episode, listen to this next: 2026 health reset: Dr Mindy Pelz on burning fat, clearing brain fog, balancing moods and getting your energy back Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram  Watch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe  Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’ This Motherkind episode is sponsored by: Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply. Sign up for your one-pound-per-month trial today at shopify.co.uk/motherkind  Start your children’s reading journey with Usbourne Books For a £100 sponsored job credit, visit Indeed.com/ Motherkind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices