S10 E6 - Anna Whitehouse (Mother Pukka) and Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein

* Trigger warning - Prenancy after loss and motherhood discussed during this episode*

In this episode of The Worst Girl Gang Ever, Bex, Laura, Anastasia Shubareva-Epshtein , and Anna Whitehouse (aka Mother Pukka) sit down for an honest, no-filter conversation about pregnancy, motherhood, and the parts we’re so often expected to carry quietly - miscarriage, grief, and life after loss.

Anastasia shares how her own journey through IVF and loss led to the creation of Carea, an app designed to support women through pregnancy in a way that reflects real life, not just milestones and happy endings. She talks about how many pregnancy apps fail women the moment things don’t go to plan, leaving them feeling unseen and alone at a time when support matters most.

Together, they explore the pressures placed on mothers to “bounce back”, the way postpartum struggles are minimised, and why silence around miscarriage causes so much harm. The conversation centres on the power of community - of being believed, understood, and supported without having to explain yourself.

This episode is a reminder that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all, grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and healing starts when we’re allowed to tell the truth.

💬 Key Takeaways

• Carea was created from lived experience - IVF, loss, and navigating pregnancy after trauma.
• Many pregnancy apps ignore emotional realities when things go wrong.
• Women need spaces where their full experiences are welcomed and validated.
• Postpartum struggles are often dismissed or minimised by society.
• Community and peer support can ease isolation and shame.
• Shared experiences help women feel less alone in their grief.
• Maternal mental health education is still deeply lacking.
• Partners play an important role in holding grief together.
• Safe spaces allow women to speak freely, without judgement.
• Breaking the silence around miscarriage is essential for healing.

https://www.careaapp.com/

@careaapp on Instagram

We are The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation. We’re all about bringing people together who are going through the tough stuff — baby loss, infertility, and everything in between — and making sure no one has to face it alone. Our community is full of honesty, compassion, and real talk, offering support, understanding, and hope when it’s needed most. You can find out more and connect with us over at www.theworstgirlgangever.co.uk