In this episode of the Growing Pains podcast, we talk to Chantel Kismet, founder of Blooming Births and a mum of one, and ask her everything from fertility journeys and giving birth to postpartum support.
About our guest – Chantel Kismet

Having been through a traumatic birth experience herself, Chantel found her passion and set up Blooming Births to help other parents (and parents-to-be) on their birthing journey from conception all the way through to parenthood. Chantel draws on a wide range of practices and covers everything from womb healing to fertility support.
Key points we covered in this episode to take a listen to…
02:00 – What is a doula? Chantel explains how a doula acts as a non-medical care provider, supporting a family at any stage of their birthing journey – from conception through to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. “You can think of us as a guide, a coach, advocate and support who helps a family’s journey into the unknown – because that’s what having a baby really is. A doula helps a family through this transition and acts as a sounding board for them by providing evidence-based information”.
06:40 – What advice do you have for couples just starting their conception journey? Chantel shares how important the conception journey is and how she works with couples to focus on three areas: the mind, the body, and the energetic body (which are the energy channels and the energy centres). Chantel goes on to explain the importance of blood work, nutrition and exercise for both men and women as a starting point on the conception journey. She shares that stress is the biggest factor affecting pregnancy for many, and also the importance of compassion with one another when facing issues relating to fertility.
22:50 – The birth of the baby is also the birth of the mother. Chantel and Ange discuss the transition from being pregnant to becoming a mother and how the emphasis and focus quickly switch from the pregnant woman to the baby after birth. This can lead to a lack of much-needed attention and support for the mum, even though they have also been on a huge journey and rite of passage. Chantel’s advice? Hold the mum as well as the baby.
33:50 – Dealing with pregnancy loss – Pregnancy loss at any stage is never easy. Chantel explains that there are so many emotions at play and how it can be very hard to explain these emotions to others. Chantel goes on to talk about how to support couples who have experienced pregnancy loss, and it’s really about being there and allowing them the space to talk about their unborn child when they are ready.
38:30 – When can couples have sex after birth? Switching it up a gear, Ange puts this question to Chantel and asks if the medical advice of 6-8 weeks postpartum is correct. Chantel says that when it comes to sex, it’s honestly based on how you feel, and it’s not something you need to rush into. Giving birth is a massive transformation, and there’s postpartum recovery, as well as breastfeeding etc., all of which can affect intimacy. Chantel stresses that it doesn’t have to just be about sex – it can be connecting on so many different levels.

Want to know more? Check out these resources…
Want more advice on conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum care? If you’re starting out on your conception journey, then have a look at how you can prepare your body for a baby. from managing your stress to making sure you’re getting your forty winks every night.
Pregnant and want to know what to do next? Check out this article for 21 top tips on ways to prep for birth. If you’re further along on your birthing journey and are starting to consider a birth plan, then take a look at Chantel’s top tips for securing the birth you want.
Want to learn more about doulas? Check out our roundup of doulas available in Singapore.
Watch this space for Episode 3, dropping next week!