The Blaze Trails Podcast

You Are Not Alone: Parenting, Mental Health & Finding Your People

If you’re a new parent navigating the emotional rollercoaster of early parenthood, feeling isolated, or wondering if anyone else finds it this hard—this episode is for you. 💛 India, Rehna, and Iona open the episode with a candid conversation about loneliness in motherhood, the mental load of caring for little ones, and how hard it can be to ask for help. They reflect on how finding community—through something as simple as a walk—has been a lifeline in their own journeys. Later in the episode, India sits down with Ruth Dobson, a researcher and Blaze Trails parent, to talk about her work exploring loneliness and mental illness in the perinatal period—that crucial time during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Ruth shares her personal experience with postnatal depression, and how it inspired her to research and advocate for better support for new parents. They dive into the power of community support, how nature and movement can improve mental wellbeing, and why volunteering and local walking groups like Blaze Trails are making a difference for parents across the UK. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and filled with insights on how we can better support each other—and ourselves—through the messy, magical early years of parenthood. So whether you’re listening on a walk, during a nap break, or while juggling snacks and emotions—we’re right here with you. You can find out more about Ruth and her work with Blaze Trails @ruthoutside [https://www.instagram.com/ruthoutside/?hl=en] and www.perinatal-loneliness.com [https://perinatal-loneliness.com/] And don’t forget to follow, share, and tag us—we’d love to hear how you’re finding your community. ✨ Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://blazetrails.org.uk] Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/]

The Power of Community in Parenthood

In this heartwarming episode of the Blaze Trails Podcast, hosts Rehna, Iona, and India open up about their personal experiences with community and how it has shaped their journeys through motherhood.  From the early, often isolating days of parenting to the joy of finding connection through shared walks and conversations, they reflect on how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who get it. Later in the episode, Rehna is joined by fellow parent, Blaze Trails Director and Community Manager Elizabeth for a deep and honest conversation about the essential role of community in parenting—especially through the magic of getting outside. Together, they share how meaningful connections have transformed their parenting experiences, and how outdoor spaces offer the perfect setting for those bonds to grow. They also dive into the evolving role of digital connection in modern parenthood, and how to strike a healthy balance between online support and face-to-face interaction. Whether you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just looking to build your village, this episode is a gentle reminder: you’re not alone—and community is often just a walk away. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting to venture out with your little one, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice to help you feel more confident, connected, and cared for—indoors and out. 🔗 Find out more about Elizabeth on Instagram: @withatoddlerintow [https://www.instagram.com/withatoddlerintow/?hl=en] Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/]

Sleep, Recovery & Pelvic Health - Preparing for Getting Outside

If you’re a new parent trying to balance sleep deprivation, postpartum recovery, and self-care, this episode is for you! India, Rehna, and Iona kick off the episode by sharing their personal experiences with physical health and becoming parents. They get real about the challenges of maintaining movement and emotional well-being after childbirth, the societal pressures around postpartum recovery, and the ongoing struggle to find balance between caring for little ones and taking time for themselves. Later in the episode, India sits down with Cher Hart, an osteopath specialising in women’s health, to dive deeper into postpartum recovery, pelvic health, and self-care strategies for new mums. Cher shares expert insights into hormonal changes, pelvic floor strength, and key recovery techniques, including the 555 protocol and Daily 7 movements, which help new mums reconnect with their bodies after birth. They also discuss getting outside for mental health, choosing the right baby carrier, and recognising red flags in postpartum recovery. This episode is packed with expert advice, real-life experiences, and practical tips to help you feel more confident in your postpartum journey. So whether you’re tuning in on a walk, enjoying a rare quiet moment, or just looking for reassurance that you’re doing great—we’ve got you. 💛 You can find out more about Cher here @livewellosteopathy [https://www.instagram.com/live.well.osteopathy/?hl=en] livewellosteopathy.com [https://livewellosteopathy.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab-J_jnqTGF5xZPHtPH47L9wJ3T-eOCS8vsXrvXz1KxbMHFe9cCk6r1NCg_aem_p9IPLyQtesWt-c1xgItkYQ] And if you love this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and tag us—we’d love to hear from you! 🚶‍♀️✨ Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/]

Navigating the Outdoors with Babies

In this episode of the Blaze Trails Podcast, we’re diving into a great skill for parents who love getting outdoors with their little ones—navigation. Hosts Rehna  Iona and India share their personal experiences, discussing the importance of being prepared and the balance between technology and traditional navigation. They explore how building confidence in these skills can empower parents, making outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable. Plus, they highlight the value of practice, learning from others, and embracing the journey—because let’s be honest, getting lost is sometimes part of the adventure! Later in the episode, Rehna sits down with outdoor leader Coriarna to chat about the joys and challenges of exploring nature with young children. They cover route planning, navigation techniques, and the importance of preparation, along with plenty of practical tips for making outdoor adventures fun and stress-free. Coriarna also shares her wisdom on communication, adaptability, and the magic of creating family memories in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting to venture out with your little one, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you feel more confident outdoors.  You can find out more about Corianna here - @blazetrails_staffordshire [https://www.instagram.com/blazetrails_staffordshire/?hl=en] And if you loved this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and tag us—we’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures! 🚶‍♀️✨ Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/]

First Aid Essentials for Outdoor Adventures with Little Ones

In this episode of the Blaze Trails Podcast, India, Iona, and Rehna are diving into a must-know topic for every outdoor-loving parent—first aid essentials. From personal experiences to practical tips, we’re talking about what you really need in your first aid kit and why it’s so important to be prepared when out exploring with little ones. India also chats with Sammy from Happy Hearts, a former registered nurse who now runs first aid training specifically for parents. She shares her journey into first aid education and breaks down the key skills every parent should know, plus what to pack in your first aid kit for outdoor adventures. We also get into the nitty-gritty of dealing with ticks—how to remove them properly, why it matters, and how to stay calm if your child gets one (yep, Sammy shares her own real-life experience with this!). Plus, we talk about emergency situations—when to seek help, how to stay prepared, and how tools like the What3Words app can be a lifesaver when you’re out in nature. This episode is packed with practical tips and reassurance to help you feel more confident when heading outdoors with your little ones. So, grab your headphones, maybe even check your first aid kit while you listen, and join us for this essential conversation!  You can connect with Sammy here - @happyheartsfirstaid [https://www.instagram.com/happyheartsfirstaid/?hl=en] https://www.happyheartsfirstaid.com/ [https://www.happyheartsfirstaid.com/] And if you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, share, and tag us on social media—we love hearing from you!  Find out more @blaze.trails or blazetrails.org.uk [https://www.blazetrails.org.uk/]