Mum Brains Abroad

Ep 17 Mom Friend Questions, Part 2: Boundaries, Loss & What We're Proud Of

We're back with round two of our mom friend questions — and this one goes deep. From the hobbies we miss to the boundaries we're learning to set, this conversation gets real about the things we let go of, the things we protect, and the things we're quietly proud of. In this episode: The hobbies we miss most (and the ones we're rediscovering with our toddlers) How we make time for ourselves and our relationships — including "work dates," couple games, and love languages Setting boundaries to protect your energy: saying no, curating your words, and stepping away from social media Dream solo trips: Italy, Spain, and why we'd never choose somewhere colder than Denmark Getting honest about pregnancy loss, emotional processing, and why pregnancy is not a given Mum Light & Mum Low: toddler words, the "no" phase, autumn core memories, and the bittersweet of parenting abroad Mentioned in this episode: DIY projects and crafting with toddlers Love languages (words of affirmation, acts of service, gift giving) Setting screen-time boundaries with kids Yoga retreats and solo travel IVF and fertility journeys

EP 16 - Beyond "How's the Sleep?" — 5 Questions for Mum Friends

In this episode, hosts Anjelli and Annika shake up the usual mom-friend chat by asking each other five questions — some silly, some deeper — that go beyond the default sleep, food, and daycare talk. They share their current favorite non-parenting media (Danish reality TV, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and parenting audiobooks), reflect on what they'd do with three uninterrupted hours to themselves, and discuss the advice that got them through the baby phase (accepting phases, co-sleeping, baby-wearing, free play, and avoiding comparison). They talk childhood friendships — from inner circles to low-maintenance friendships that pick up right where they left off — and laugh over chaotic first-time parenting moments. The episode wraps with their Mum-Light (a sweet reunion after a week apart and catering Copenhagen's world championship event) and Mum-Low (ear infections and teething struggles). Timestamps 0:00 — Intro & episode concept 1:00 — Q1: Favorite non-parenting media (Danish reality TV, Untamed, audiobooks) 6:24 — Q2: Three uninterrupted hours to yourself 10:00 — Q3: Advice that helped in the baby phase (co-sleeping, free play, avoiding comparison) 16:49 — Q4: Childhood friendships & low-maintenance friends 24:57 — Q5: Funny chaotic parenting moments 28:59 — Mum-Light: Daughter reunion & Copenhagen championship catering 33:16 — Mum-Low: Ear infection & teething struggles 36:50 — Wrap-up & next episode teaser

Ep 15 What Nobody Tells You About Mum Life

In Episode 15 of Mum Brains Abroad hosts Anjelli and Annika dive into the messy, unspoken realities of motherhood — from postpartum rage and the shame that follows, to the exhaustion of sleep deprivation and the comparison trap on social media. They unpack why Denmark banned the cry-it-out method, how baby temperament plays a bigger role than any sleep training technique, and how the "no sugar, no screen" promises they swore by before becoming moms slowly crumbled. The conversation explores losing patience (especially during the night), the chaos of toddler food battles and daycare drop-offs, and the vulnerability that comes with being reborn into a new identity as a mother. They wrap up with their mom lows and highs of the week — tantrums and messy apartments on one hand, thriving toddlers at daycare on the other. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The things nobody talks about 00:20 – Postpartum rage: emotions no one prepares you for 01:50 – The shame of anger vs. the empathy for depression 03:30 – How long does postpartum really last? (Hint: longer than you think) 04:00 – Sleep deprivation & the constant comparison trap 07:30 – Denmark's ban on the cry-it-out method: the science and the guilt 10:10 – Baby temperament: the missing piece in the sleep conversation 12:10 – Losing patience: why it hits hardest at night 14:10 – The daycare drop-off struggle: socks off, shoes off, 10 minutes lost 16:00 – Breaking the "no sugar, no screen" promises we swore we'd keep 18:50 – Ice cream culture in Denmark and setting food boundaries with others 20:30 – Vulnerability, identity shifts, and why community matters 22:00 – Mom low & mom high of the week: tantrums, mess, and thriving toddlers at daycare 26:30 – Wrap-up & see you next episode

Ep 14 - Are we romanticizing parenting in Denmark?

In this episode of Mum Brains Abroad, hosts Anjelli and Annika unpack whether the Danish parenting dream is real — or just a very good marketing campaign. They dig into the structural support that makes Denmark famous for family life: 52 weeks of shared parental leave, heavily subsidized childcare, a 37-hour work week, and Copenhagen ranking as the #1 most livable city in the world. But they also get honest about what the brochures don't tell you: the messy reality of parental leave pay, the loneliness of raising children far from extended family, and the cultural distance that comes with Danish reserve. Anjelli shares how growing up in the Philippines meant going back to work after just three months and relying on nannies, while Annika reflects on her German upbringing where moms stayed home for two to three years. Both discuss the guilt of sending their babies to daycare early, the universal struggle of the first postpartum year, and the mom groups and family-friendly infrastructure that help — but don't replace — having your tribe nearby. They wrap up with their mom lows (sleepless nights, teething, and medical uncertainty) and mom highs (beach trips, creative toddler activities, and falling in love with this age). TimestampTopic 0:00 Welcome back and episode intro — what's on the agenda 0:48 Danish parental leave: 52 weeks shared, 9 weeks earmarked for fathers, and the messy reality of pay 2:17 Childcare in Denmark: guaranteed daycare from 6 months, parents pay only 25% of real cost 3:05 Work-life balance: 1,380–1,560 annual working hours, 37-hour weeks, only 1–2% work 50+ hours 4:00 Janteloven — the Law of Jante and Danish social conformity 5:00 Denmark ranks 3rd in the 2026 World Happiness Report 5:35 Copenhagen named #1 most livable city in the world for 2026 6:02 Is Denmark a fairytale? The myth vs. the marketing 6:36 The "no classrooms" myth — how one extraordinary case becomes the national narrative 10:15 Growing up in the Philippines: 3 months maternity leave, nannies, no daycare culture 12:30 Growing up in Germany: 2–3 years at home, no daycare before kindergarten 14:30 The guilt of early daycare and the relief of flexible work 17:30 Why the first postpartum year should be supported everywhere — no matter the country 19:00 Family-friendly infrastructure: changing tables, baby-friendly cafes, and kommune-organized mom groups 21:30 International moms groups and building community as an expat 23:15 Not romanticizing — just grateful: acknowledging privilege without dismissing the hard parts 24:00 What structural support can't replace: loneliness, distance from family, and missing your culture 25:45 Mom lows: sleepless nights, teething pain, and medical uncertainty 28:30 Mom highs: beach birthdays, creative toddler activities, and loving this stage 29:45 Outro — share your story @mumbrainsabroad Find us on Instagram: @mumbrainsabroad

EP 13 - Could We Be Trad Wives?

The tradwife movement is everywhere on social media — but what does it actually mean, and could two moms living in Denmark actually do it? Anjelli and Annika unpack why women are drawn to traditional roles, the paradox of "modern tradwives" earning income online, and how Denmark's gender equality makes this lifestyle hard to imagine. They reflect on their own upbringing, the pressure to "do it all," and ultimately answer the big question: if money didn't matter, would they stay home? Timestamps: 0:00 — What is the tradwife movement? 1:33 — Why it's gaining traction now 6:40 — Are men driving this too? 9:10 — The modern tradwife paradox 11:30 — Denmark, equality, and the death of chivalry 22:00 — What our parents' marriages looked like 27:30 — Could we be tradwives? 33:00 — Why women need a seat at the table 35:55 — Mom Light & Mom Low 41:03 — Outro Let us know what your thoughts about the tradwife movement Find us on instagram @mumbrainsabroad

EP 12 - Who Were We Before You Became an Expat?

Welcome back to Mum Brains Abroad! After a summer break, Annika and Anjelli are back with a topic close to every expat's heart: identity. Who were we before we moved abroad — and who did we become? Anjelli shares her journey from the Philippines, where she worked in nonprofits after a finance degree, to arriving in Denmark at 27 with big ambitions and very little money. Annika reflects on her move from Germany to Australia at 20, discovering her Australian roots, and then relocating to Copenhagen for her partner — and eventually landing a fully-funded PhD position. Together they explore the identity shifts, confidence losses, financial realities, and unexpected growth that come with building a life in a foreign country. From Anjelli starting a free salsa club that drew 100 people, to Annika realising she felt at home in three countries at once — this episode is full of honest, relatable stories for anyone who's ever felt like they belong everywhere and nowhere. They also share their mum highs and lows of the week, wrapping up with a call for your questions and topic suggestions. Follow us: @mumbrainsabroad TIMESTAMP SUMMARY 0:00 – Intro — who were we before we moved abroad? 0:42 – Anjelli's background: nonprofits, finance & life in the Philippines 4:12 – Anjelli arrives in Denmark at 27 — money, uncertainty & survival 5:00 – Annika's story: Australia at 20, discovering her roots, long-distance love 11:29 – Moving to Denmark: losing confidence, building a new life 14:37 – Finding your people — international friendships & falling in love with Copenhagen 15:34 – Anjelli on confidence: always hopeful, always resourceful 18:00 – What was the first thing that changed when you moved? 18:58 – Financial reality check: from comfort in the Philippines to bare minimum in Denmark 20:44 – What moving abroad gave us — growth, opportunities & new dreams 22:59 – Anjelli starts a free salsa club — 100 people show up! 25:41 – Annika pursues a PhD in Denmark — a door Australia couldn't open 27:59 – Do you feel like you belong anywhere? Reflections on home 33:00 – Mum lights & lows: daycare wins, beach days & exhaustion 37:06 – Outro — share your expat story & follow us @mumbrainsabroad

Ep 11 - Sick Days & Deadlines: How Motherhood Changes the Way We Work

In this episode, Anjelli and Annika tackle a question sent in by a listener: How do you manage deadlines and unforeseen circumstances — like when your child is suddenly sick? Both hosts share what their workdays actually look like: Annika is finishing her PhD in Denmark (hello, thesis deadline on Christmas Eve!), while Anjelli runs a family-friendly café/community space she co-founded with her husband. Despite having flexible jobs, they both know that flexibility doesn't mean easy — it often means working late into the night to make it all work. They talk about how motherhood completely changed their relationship with time, the mental load of being the "flexible parent," what it really means to work within nap schedules, and how building a support village makes it all possible. Plus: a peek into what a typical day actually looks like for each of them. This episode is full of honest, relatable moments for any mum trying to show up fully — at work and at home. 💬 Got a question, a topic request, or just want to share your experience? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram: @mumbrainsabroad TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome & celebrating Episode 10 + listener questions 0:40 – The listener question: managing deadlines when your child is ill 1:04 – What does Annika's work as a PhD student actually look like? 6:42 – What does Anjelli's work running a café look like? 10:41 – How motherhood changed their work lives 15:13 – A typical day: Anjelli's schedule (café + toddler) 20:16 – A typical day: Annika's schedule (PhD + toddler) 22:49 – What actually happens when everything falls apart? 23:14 – Anjelli's approach: urgency, money mindset & working past midnight 25:12 – Building your village (teaser for next episode) 26:48 – Annika's approach: accepting the situation & flexible deadlines 28:44 – What does work-life balance look like in your country? We want to know! 29:43 – Final takeaway: good enough IS good enough

EP 10 - Understanding Your Nervous System as a Mother

On today's episode of Mum Brains Abroad, we welcome our very first special guest expert — Friederike Steinbeck, a yoga teacher, yin yoga specialist, and nervous system educator based in Copenhagen. This episode was produced by Anjelli and the conversation was led by Annika. Friederike breaks down why understanding your nervous system is one of the most important things a mother can do — not to become a "perfect calm mother," but to build a compassionate relationship with your own body. She explains how motherhood rewires your nervous system, what regulation actually means (hint: it's not about being calm all the time), and how to read the early signals your body is sending before it reaches the breaking point. We also get super practical: Friederike shares simple, under-one-minute tools you can use whenever you're overwhelmed, from breathwork to grounding, slowing your walk, releasing your jaw, and even screaming into a pillow. Plus, she shares three powerful journaling prompts to help you start recognizing your own patterns. These will also be posted on our socials (see our instagram account details below). Whether you're in survival mode, struggling with sensory overload, or just curious about why motherhood feels so hard on your body — this episode is for you. 🕐 Timestamp Guide — Key Topics 0:00 — Welcome & intro to our first guest expert, Friederike Steinbeck 2:43 — Why every mother should understand her nervous system 4:02 — What is the nervous system? Sympatheticus vs. parasympatheticus explained 7:39 — How motherhood changes and affects the nervous system 16:28 — What "regulation" actually means (it's not about being calm) 23:14 — "The body whispers before it screams" — reading your body's signals 40:59 — Practical under-1-minute tools to regulate your nervous system 52:55 — 3 journaling prompts to understand your nervous system patterns 56:46 — Final message for every mother: "You're not failing" Instagram: @mumbrainsabroad Friederike´s Instagram: @friederike.steinbeck

EP 9 – Summer in Copenhagen with Kids: Sunshine, Giants & No Structure

Summer in Copenhagen hits different when you've got a toddler and no clear routine. In this episode, Annika and Anjelli talk candidly about what summer actually looks like as expat moms in Denmark — from daycare closures and substitute pedagogues to summer houses, swimming spots, and the legendary Thomas Dambo giants hidden across the city. They also compare summer culture in Denmark with their home countries (Germany and the Philippines), discuss how they're juggling work and childcare during the long school break, and share their honest mom lights and mom lows of the week — including midnight swims, weaning struggles, and toddlers who think they're invincible. Topics covered: 0:55 – Summer plans: building a business vs. summer houses & a Norway fjord cruise 4:46 – How daycare & school breaks work in Denmark (including the summer merge model) 8:51 – Free activities & family events in Copenhagen 11:06 – The Thomas Dambo giants: Copenhagen's hidden wooden troll sculptures 17:54 – Summer house life: what a day actually looks like with a baby 25:52 – How summer compares to Germany & the Philippines 25:24 – Mom light & mom low of the week Instagram:@mumbrainsabroad

Ep8 - Parenting Rules (we broke), Home Cravings & Danish Life

Episode Summary: In this episode of Mom Brains Abroad, hosts Annika and Anjelli dive into a fun and candid Q&A using ChatGPT-generated questions about motherhood, parenting abroad, and chasing ambitions while raising little ones. Recording from a Copenhagen heatwave, they reflect on what it truly means to build a life — and a family — far from home. From cargo bikes and forest kindergartens to the realities of Danish parental leave, the episode takes a heartfelt and honest look at the joys and challenges of expat motherhood. They discuss the tension between career ambitions and family life, unpack the myth of work-life balance, and share relatable stories about the parenting rules they vowed to keep — until they didn't. The episode wraps up with their weekly Mom Light and Mom Low, including a tender milestone moment and a gut-wrenching playground incident. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:00 – If you could import one thing from home to make parenting easier, what would it be? 6:21 – The most Copenhagen parent thing you've caught yourself doing 12:08 – The biggest myth people back home have about raising kids in Denmark 19:48 – Have you ever felt like you're chasing two dreams at once — a career and a family? 31:35 – A parenting rule you swore you'd never break — until you had kids 46:48 – Mom Light & Mom Low of the week Instagram: @mumbrainsabroad

Ep 7 – Raising Kids Far From Home: The Grief, the Guilt, and the Village We Build

In this deeply honest episode, Anjelli and Annika — two expat moms living in Copenhagen — open up about what it's really like to raise children far from home and family. They share the emotional weight of missing milestones, the guilt of choosing a life abroad, and the grief that comes with aging parents living thousands of miles away — feelings that many expat parents carry quietly. Anjelli and Annika explore how community becomes a lifeline when you're building your "village" from scratch in a new country, and why connecting with fellow expat parents can feel like therapy. They also discuss the unexpected freedom and joy in raising your child on your own terms, away from family pressure and generational expectations. The episode closes with their "Mom High & Mom Low" — from the challenges of teething and work-life balance to the heartwarming moments of found family stepping in to help. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Anjelli and Annika on raising kids far from home 0:03 – The grief of missing milestones & wishing grandparents were near 6:04 – Building your village from scratch as an expat parent 11:03 – Have you ever questioned staying abroad after having kids? 17:15 – Advice for new expat moms: trust your instincts & ask for help 21:37 – Episode takeaways: the strength of a small family unit & parenting freedom 24:30 – Mom High & Mom Low: teething, work-life guilt, and chosen family moments Instagram: @mumbrainsabroad

Ep 6 Boobs & Bottles: Our Two Very Different Stories

Episode Summary Hosts Annika and Anjelli open up about one of the most personal topics yet: their breastfeeding journeys. Two very different experiences, one honest and judgment-free conversation. Anjelli prepared thoroughly after her midwife's encouragement, but a post-birth infection sent her body into stress, tanking her milk supply. Despite over a month of triple feeding, pumping around the clock, lactation cookies, and Facebook groups — there was never enough milk. She's been formula feeding her daughter ever since, and describes it as one of her real heartbreaks as a mom. Annika went in with almost no preparation, but her daughter Amalia latched perfectly from birth. The challenge came later: oversupply, constant spitting up (likely reflux), a bout of mastitis, and months of painful positions. A lactation consultant proved invaluable. Now at 16 months she's still breastfeeding, has become a passionate advocate — and openly admits she used to judge extended breastfeeding before becoming a mom herself. Together they cover: formula feeding logistics (sterilizing, milk makers, the "pharmacy bag" that goes everywhere), Denmark's supportive breastfeeding culture and public resources, the WHO's 2-year recommendation that most doctors don't mention, the real link between feeding method and sleep (Anjelli's daughter slept through at 3 months; Annika's woke hourly until 12 months), and what they'd tell any expecting mom. The episode closes with their mom highs and lows: a magical first conscious Mother's Day with flowers, a handwritten card and a "Mor" balloon — versus relentless toddler sickness and daycare separation anxiety in full swing. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & Episode Overview 0:52 – Breastfeeding Expectations Before Birth 4:41 – After Birth: Latching, Infections & Triple Feeding 5:47 – Anjelli's Journey: Low Supply, Pumping & Formula 8:21 – Annika's Journey: Oversupply, Mastitis & Finding Confidence 14:24 – Formula Feeding: Equipment & Challenges 26:14 – Breastfeeding in Denmark: Public Support & Resources 31:23 – Sleep, Night Wakings & Night Weaning 33:51 – Anjelli: Sleep & Formula Feeding at Night 35:56 – Advice for Expecting Moms 38:25 – Mom High & Mom Low of the Week Coming up: Annika and Anjelli plan to invite a lactation consultant or breastfeeding expert for a dedicated guest episode — so stay tuned for a deeper dive into the science and support behind breastfeeding. They'll also check back in with a breastfeeding update as both their journeys continue to evolve.

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Ep 5 The First Days After Birth — What Nobody Really Tells You

Episode Summary: The first days after birth are intense, emotional, and nothing like the Instagram version. Annika and Anjelli get honest about what those early days really looked like — the hospital stays, the pain, the sleepless nights, and the moments that caught them completely off guard. In this episode: What the first 24 hours felt like for each of them — C-section recovery vs. an unmedicated birth in a hotel-wing room The golden hour: why that uninterrupted time matters so much Triple feeding, tracking sheets, and setting alarms every 3 hours while sharing a room with another couple Anjelli's post-birth infection that went undiagnosed for a week — and what she wishes had been caught sooner The great visitor debate: why both hosts say they would do it very differently next time Contradictory breastfeeding advice from nurses, and how to navigate the information overload What it's like recovering from a C-section at home — and the ibuprofen allergy Annika discovered the hard way Practical advice for expat parents giving birth away from family, plus why your "birth plan" should extend past the birth itself This week's Mom Light & Mom Low: first words, new shoes, and two very shaken toddlers after back-to-back falls Next episode: The breastfeeding and feeding journey — expectations vs. reality, what worked, what didn't, and navigating the fourth trimester. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro & episode overview *(Annika & Anjelli)* 0:17 — Annika: first 24 hours — C-section recovery, shared room, surreal feeling 2:14 — Anjelli: first 24 hours — unmedicated birth, golden hour 4:44 — Anjelli: the hotel-wing room — two beds, no nurses, "why did we even bring a bag?" 5:44 — Annika: C-section aftermath — pain kicking in, couldn't stand, 4-night stay 6:59 — Anjelli: post-birth complications — pain dismissed, readmitted, infection missed for a week 9:53 — Both: triple feeding, the ML tracking sheet & shared room alarm chaos 12:24 — Anjelli: the sleeping couple story — baby had jaundice, they slept anyway 14:15 — Anjelli: infection finally diagnosed by GP a week after discharge 15:38 — Annika: officially discharged but stayed extra nights due to scar pain; the placenta question 16:31 — Both: visitors at hospital — regrets, boundaries, the couple with 1,000 visitors behind the curtain 20:40 — Annika: the nurse who told them to tidy up "as practice for going home" 23:10 — Both: contradictory breastfeeding advice from different nurses 26:17 — Both: first nights at home — relief, better sleep, newborn sounds at 3am 28:00 — Annika: C-section recovery at home — ibuprofen allergy, first family walk at 2 weeks 29:07 — Anjelli: grieving the postpartum she expected — 3 weeks unable to walk due to untreated infection 31:16 — Both: parental leave in Denmark, missing family from abroad, mom support 34:08 — Both: advice for expat parents — research, open mindset, network, placenta tip 38:43 — Annika: breastfeeding expectations — going in without over-researching 40:18 — Anjelli: choosing what's best for your baby without added guilt 41:53 — Mom Light: Anjelli's daughter saying new words / Annika's daughter's new confident shoes 43:41 — Mom Low: Anjelli & daughter fall together / Annika's daughter's double fall at daycare 46:33 — Outro & next episode: breastfeeding & the fourth trimester

Ep 4 From Birth Plan to Birth Reality

Episode Summary: In this episode of Mom Brains Podcast, hosts Anjelli and Annika go deep on their birth experiences in Denmark. They share how they each approached their birth plans — Anjelli hoping for a natural, unmedicated birth and Annika facing the reality of a planned C-section due to her daughter being breech. From birth prep classes (public vs. private, Danish vs. English) to the moment they first held their babies, they cover it all with honesty, humor, and heart. Anjelli recounts a lightning-fast labor that nearly ended in a car delivery, a crowning moment she wanted to forget, and a post-birth infection that clouded an otherwise uncomplicated birth. Annika shares what it was like to have a scheduled C-section, the surreal calm of the operating room, and the challenging recovery that followed. The episode closes with their weekly Mom Light and Mom Low, touching on daycare transitions and sleepless teething nights. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & intro 0:30 – Birth plans: what to write and why it matters 7:00 – Birth prep classes: public vs. private, Danish vs. English 22:00 – Natural induction, zone therapy & curb walking 28:00 – Anjelli's labor: from contractions at 4am to nearly giving birth in the car 35:00 – Arriving at the hospital 9cm dilated 37:00 – Laughing gas, crowning, and the pushing stage 46:00 – Meeting baby for the first time & the golden hours 53:00 – Annika's story: finding out about the C-section & getting a date 1:06 – The C-section experience: the operating room, the team, the epidural 1:11 – Baby's arrival via C-section & first moments 1:23 – The hospital stay: the "hotel" wing vs. the ward 1:27 – Anjelli's post-birth infection & difficult recovery 1:31 – Breastfeeding beginnings & what's coming next 1:42 – Mom Light & Mom Low of the week (daycare wins & sleepless nights) 1:06 – Wrap-up & preview of next episode

Ep 3 The Good, The Hard & The Unexplained: Our Pregnancies

Episode Decription: In Episode 3 of Mum Brains Abroad, hosts Annika and Anjelli take listeners through their full pregnancy journeys — from the shock of those first positive tests to the final weeks before birth. They share how and when they announced their pregnancies, compare their very different first trimester experiences (including Anjelli's severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)), laugh about unexpected cravings (oysters, healing soil, and dairy despite lactose intolerance), and discuss the emotional rollercoaster of gender scans, the 20-week scan, and feeling their babies move for the first time. The third trimester turns more serious as Annika opens up about a complicated pregnancy involving mysterious pains, a baby measuring small, breech positioning, and the stress of frequent hospital visits. Both hosts also reflect on navigating the Danish healthcare system as expats, and the episode wraps with their weekly Mum High & Mum Low ritual — covering nap transitions, stroller struggles, and the joy of watching their daughters' personalities emerge. Topics covered: When & how to announce a pregnancy Miscarriage risk and building a support network HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) and managing severe pregnancy nausea Pregnancy cravings: the weird, the wonderful & the unexplained Private gender scans as expats The 20-week anatomy scan Feeling your baby move for the first time Navigating a complicated third trimester Gestational diabetes testing The Danish healthcare system vs. home country prenatal care Mum High & Mum Low: nap transitions, strollers & personality milestones Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome & episode intro: pregnancy experiences overview 0:54 – Announcing the pregnancy: the secret-keeping phase, when to tell 3:42 – Angeli's announcement story (family Facebook reveal) 7:00 – First trimester: symptoms, exhaustion, HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) 8:34 – Heightened sense of smell stories 10:00 – Cravings: oysters, healing soil, dairy despite lactose intolerance 13:16 – Second trimester: energy, nausea updates & private scans 14:00 – Gender scan: finding out it's a girl 25:02 – First baby movements & kicks 27:38 – Third trimester begins 32:08 – Gestational diabetes test: the glucose drink experience 34:48 – Annika's complicated pregnancy: mysterious pains, baby measuring small, breech & C-section concerns 39:48 – Danish healthcare system as expats: 2 official scans vs. the Philippines 47:47 – Mum High & Mum Low of the week: nap transitions, stroller battles & cheeky personality milestones

Ep 1 Hello from Copenhagen: Meet the Hosts of Mum Brains Abroad

Episode Description: Welcome to Mum Brains Abroad! In their very first episode, Annika and Anjelli introduce themselves — two expat mums living in Copenhagen navigating first-time motherhood far from home. Annika is a German-Australian PhD researcher; Anjelli is a Filipina entrepreneur. Together they are rewriting what "mum brain" means. They share how they met through a pregnancy community brunch they built themselves, why they started this podcast, and what listeners can expect every week — including their signature segment, Mum High & Mum Low. Topics covered: Who they are & how they ended up in Denmark The story behind the name "Mum Brains Abroad" Building community during pregnancy as an expat Mum groups in Denmark: municipality groups vs. their own community Their different perspectives: birth stories, partners, age, languages Mum High & Low: personality milestones & nap schedule chaos Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & introductions 0:08 Annika's background (Germany/Australia → Denmark, PhD, new mum) 0:50 Anjelli's background (Philippines → Copenhagen, hospitality business, new mum) 2:55 Why "Mum Brains Abroad"? Reframing the name & mission 4:20 How they met – pregnancy brunch community 6:37 Mum groups in Denmark & the value of bonding during pregnancy 10:38 Why they started this podcast 11:39 What to expect: weekly episodes, guests, Instagram & website 12:30 The "Mum High & Mum Low" segment explained 13:35 Their different perspectives: partners, birth stories, age, multilingualism 17:34 Anjelli's Mum High & Low (daughter's sweet gesture / daylight savings nap chaos) 21:47 Annika's Mum High & Low (personality burst / high chair battles at dinner) 25:38 Next episode preview: Journey to motherhood, partners, pregnancy stories

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Ep 2 Did We Always Want Kids? Our Journey to Becoming Moms

Episode description: Did you always know you wanted to be a mum? In this episode, the hosts get honest about where they each started — one who never felt the pull until her thirties, and one who always knew but let life lead the way. They share how their relationships shaped their paths to parenthood, what their fertility journeys looked like, and the very different (and very real) moments they found out they were pregnant. They also talk about what it means to raise children as expats in Denmark — a country that makes space for slow living, long maternity leave, and strollers on the metro (terrifying or not). The episode closes with their mum high and mum low of the week: toddler dinner meltdowns, unpredictable nap schedules, a first outdoor play session, and the peace that comes with finally making a decision about daycare. Themes covered: Did she always want children? Career vs family mindset Fertility, age, and staying stress-free Finding out you're pregnant — the real reaction Expat parenting in Denmark Mum highs and lows Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction — Expectations vs Reality of Motherhood 0:47 Did We Always Want Kids? 2:09 Marriage, Family & Our Relationships 7:22 Trying to Conceive & Fertility 18:33 How We Found Out We Were Pregnant 30:00 Raising a Family in Denmark 35:38 Mum High & Mum Low of the Week

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