The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast
A podcast that prepares pregnant women and their partners for labour, birth, and early parenthood. It aims to give partners confidence and knowledge about their role during birth, so they can support effectively. Episodes feature guests sharing experiences as birth keepers and advocates. The podcast is inclusive, inviting diverse perspectives from around the world.
Episodes
Episode 183 - Safety
SAFETY: What Does Safety Actually Feel Like?What do we really mean when we talk about safety in birth?In this episode, I introduce the first word in the SPACE Framework™: Safety.When we talk about safe birth, we often think about physical or clinical safety, and of course, the wellbeing of both mother and baby matters enormously. But safety is not only about clinical observations, equipment or the
Episode 182 - Curiosity
CURIOSITY: What Don't You Know Yet?How do we prepare for birth when we don't yet know what we don't know?In the first episode of Season 7, I'm exploring the word Curiosity and why I believe it may be one of the most valuable things you can bring into pregnancy and birth.We are surrounded by information, advice, opinions, recommendations and stories, but being given information
Episode 181 - Words
WordsWelcome to Season 7 of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast.This season is a little different.Rather than focusing on one particular aspect of pregnancy, labour or birth in each episode, I’m taking a single word and using it as the starting point for a much bigger conversation.The words I’ve chosen have come from decades of experience as a doula and antenatal educator, as well as from everythin
Episode 180 - It’s Not Just About the Destination – It’s About the Journey as Well
In this final episode of the season, I’m bringing together many of the themes we’ve explored over recent weeks and looking at one central idea: birth is not just about the destination — it’s about the journey as well.So often, birth conversations are reduced to outcomes. Was the baby healthy? Did everything go okay? Was everyone safe? And while those things absolutely matter, they are not the full
Episode 179 - The Truth About Breathing and Relaxation for Birth
In this episode, I take a deeper look at breathing and relaxation in preparation for labour — going beyond the simple advice to “just breathe” or “try to relax.” These are not magic fixes, but skills that reflect how your nervous system responds to stress, intensity, and the sensations of labour.I talk about how the modern world keeps our bodies in a constant state of alert. Our bodies are always
Episode 178 - The Survival Response in Birth: Fawning and Cognitive Dissonance Explained
Why do so many women leave their birth experience wondering, “Why did I agree to that?”In this episode, we explore a rarely discussed but deeply important aspect of childbirth — the body’s survival response, and how it can shape decision-making in labour in ways we don’t always recognise at the time.Through a powerful listener story, this conversation gently unpacks what can happen when a woman is
Episode 177 - Breastfeeding - Essential information for supporting a new parent with Maddie McMahon (Replay)
I’m taking a little break over the Easter holidays, but I didn’t want you to miss this episode, because it’s the final one in our postpartum series, part of this season on The Reality of Birth. Across this series, we’ve explored what life is really like after birth—the joys, the challenges, the surprises, and all the moments in between. We’ve talked about sleep, emotional shifts, body changes, ide
Episode 176 - Becoming a Mother: Understanding Matrescence
Motherhood is more than a role—it’s a profound transformation. In this episode, I explore matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, and what it really means for your body, your relationships, and your sense of self.I talk openly about reconnecting with your postpartum body, navigating intimacy and sex after birth, and adjusting to the new dynamics in your relationship. I share reflections on
Episode 175 - Welcoming a New Baby – Preparing Your Family and Supporting Your Older Child
Bringing a new baby into your family is often described as a joyful and exciting time — but the reality is far more complex.In this episode, I share an honest, real-world look at what it’s like to welcome a newborn into your home and your family, whether this is your first baby or you already have children.We explore the emotional, physical, and practical realities of the early weeks — from sleep
Episode 174 - The Fourth Trimester and Postpartum Planning
Since last week’s episode was released, I’ve received so many messages from listeners asking for more information about the fourth trimester and postpartum planning that I decided to record this extra episode to explore these topics in more depth.The weeks after birth are often overlooked in birth preparation, yet they represent one of the most significant transitions for both mother and baby. In
Episode 173 - Specialist Midwife Lara - The Postpartum Period
In this episode, I’m joined by specialist postpartum midwife Lara for a thoughtful and honest conversation about what really happens after birth.Recorded last summer, this discussion explores the often-overlooked realities of the postpartum period — not just physically, but emotionally, relationally and hormonally.Together, we unpack:Why the fourth trimester deserves as much preparation as labour
Episode 172 - Relationship Circles – Planning Postpartum Support
Preparing for birth is only half the story. What happens in the weeks after your baby arrives can be just as challenging — and often more overwhelming than labour itself. That’s why I teach the Relationship Circle in my antenatal classes, a practical way to map your support network, set boundaries, and clarify who does what.At the heart of the circle is Mother + Partner + Baby, because postpartum
Episode 171 - Safety: Why Continuity of Carer Changes Everything
Last week I talked about hypervigilance — what happens when a woman’s nervous system doesn’t feel safe in pregnancy, birth or postpartum.This week, I explore one of the most evidence-based ways to reduce it: continuity of carer.Continuity is not just about seeing the same service. It’s about being known. It’s about relationship. And decades of research show that when women receive continuity of mi
Episode 170 - Hyper‑Vigilance in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum
Hyper-vigilance is common in pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period — but rarely named. In this episode, we explore what hyper-vigilance really is, why so many women experience it, and how it impacts mothers, partners, and babies.We talk about nervous system safety, surveillance culture in maternity care, why reassurance often doesn’t help, and what truly supports healing — without pathologis
Episode 169 - Your Questions Answered: Birth, Babies & Early Parenthood Q&A
This episode is a little different! I decided to answer a batch of listener questions that were shorter than the single-question episodes, and they fit perfectly with what’s coming up in the coming weeks. As I went through them, I noticed quite a few shared a common theme, and it reminded me just how important it is to dedicate some episodes specifically to postpartum experiences, because there is
Episode 168 - Beyond the Headlines: Freebirth, Preparation, and Choice — Fenja’s Story
In this episode, I’m joined by Fenja, who shares her freebirth story with honesty, depth, and clarity.At a time when freebirth is being widely discussed — and often misunderstood — Fenja’s experience offers a grounded and much-needed perspective on what informed, conscious birth preparation can look like.Fenja speaks openly about the extensive work she did during pregnancy: building physiological
Episode 167 - Self-Gaslighting – When You Silence Your Own Instincts
In this episode, I am exploring the hidden and often overlooked phenomenon of self-gaslighting—when women dismiss their own instincts, feelings, or inner knowing. Self-gaslighting can show up during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood, quietly eroding confidence and disconnecting women from their power.I will break down:What self-gaslighting is and how to recognise itWhere it comes from and why
Episode 166 - The Ten Commandments of Birth: Why Inner Work Matters More Than Technique
So much of birth preparation focuses on what to do — how to breathe, how to move, how to plan.But none of that works if a woman doesn’t trust herself.In this episode, I’m sharing my Ten Commandments of Birth and explaining why I believe inner work is the missing piece in so much birth preparation. I talk honestly about what I’ve seen shift in women since creating Discover Your North Star, and why
Episode 165 - The Baby I Dreamed Of — And the Feelings I Didn’t Expect
In this final episode of the year, I’m talking about something I see all the time in my work — but something women rarely feel able to admit out loud: that the desperate longing for a baby doesn’t always match how they feel once they are actually here.After more than two decades supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and those early vulnerable weeks, I’ve heard this story in so many different
Episode 164 - Beyond the BRAIN Acronym – Rethinking Communication in the Birth Room
In this episode, we dive deep into communication in the birth room — going beyond the widely taught BRAIN acronym. While BRAIN (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) can be a helpful tool, waiting until labour to rely on it often means you’ve already been pulled into reactive decision-making. We discuss how true advocacy, sovereignty, and physiological birth are protected long before
Episode 163 - Why Early Labour Matters More Than You Think with Jen Culley
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow birth worker Jen Culley to talk about the reality that early labour is often overlooked in modern birth preparation.We explore how early labour is represented on social media and how these portrayals can unintentionally shape women’s expectations in unhelpful ways. While short clips and reels can beautifully capture the moment a baby is born, t
Episode 162 - Is My Lived Experience More Important Than Your Future One?
In this episode, I explore one of the most delicate and important questions in birth work: Is my lived experience more important than your future one?So many women feel torn between wanting to share their birth story — whether it was empowering, challenging, or deeply traumatic — and wanting to protect others from fear or unrealistic expectations. But how do we find the balance? How do we share tr
Episode 161 - The Waiting Game – Why Patience in Late Pregnancy Matters More Than Ever
In this episode, I talk about one of the most emotionally testing times in pregnancy — the waiting game.When your due date is approaching, or has come and gone, it can feel as though the world is on pause while everyone keeps asking, 'Have you had the baby yet?' I explore what this waiting period can really feel like — the impatience, the frustration, and the mental tug of war that happe
Episode 160 - Sliding Doors – When Chance Determines Your Antenatal Advice and Birth Outcome
Have you ever wondered why two women can walk into the same antenatal clinic and have completely different experiences? In this episode, I explore what I call the 'Sliding Doors' effect in maternity care — how the door you walk through, quite literally or metaphorically, can shape your confidence, choices, and ultimately your birth outcome.I unpack how seemingly small differences in care
Episode 159 - Kintsugi and Birth Healing – How Trauma Can Make You Stronger
In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am exploring the Japanese art of kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a powerful metaphor for healing after a difficult or traumatic birth.Instead of hiding the cracks, kintsugi honours them, turning them into the most beautiful part of the story. And birth can be the same. Your previous experience, however painful, does not ma
Episode 158 - The Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your Experience
The Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your ExperienceIn this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore how Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework can help women, partners, and birth professionals better understand how we respond to expectations — and why that matters so much in pregnancy and birth.I share real-life examples of how each Tendency (Upholder, Que
Episode 157 - Beyond the Headlines: Paracetamol in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
In this episode, I’m speaking openly about the ongoing debate around paracetamol (Tylenol), especially its use during pregnancy and in young children.Headlines and politics — including Donald Trump jumping on a microphone with bold claims — have left many people either dismissing concerns outright or panicking. But if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, we risk missing the real science that
Episode 156 - The Wobble – How to Feel Supported in Labour if You Say 'I Can’t Do This Anymore'
Every birth has a moment that feels impossible. For many women, it comes right before the pushing stage — a sudden rush of overwhelm, doubt, or fear. This is what I call 'The Wobble'.In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m diving deep into this essential topic. You’ll learn:What the Wobble really is — why it happens, when it usually shows up, and how to recognise itWhy
Episode 155 - Are Doulas Guardians or Gatekeepers?
In light of the recent NMC and Doula UK video, I decided to record this special episode as I felt it relates this this season's theme: The Reality of Birth.The video tried to define the role of a doula but missed the mark — suggesting we simply reinforce what midwives advise. That’s not the truth.You can watch it here - https://youtu.be/bXqIBMTZHDsMany care providers still remain confused abo
Episode 154 - Expectations vs. Reality — The Untold Elements of Poppy’s 2nd Birth Story
In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m joined by Poppy Child from Pop That Mumma, who shares parts of her second birth story that she has never spoken about publicly before.Poppy went into her pregnancy journey believing that a pain-free birth was achievable, but the reality unfolded in ways she hadn’t expected. In this conversation, she opens up about the untold elements of he
Episode - 153 - The Romanticism of Birth – Beyond the Picture-Perfect Vision
Season Six - The Reality of Birth TodayWelcome to a brand-new series of The Ultimate Birth Partner PodcastIn this first episode, I am exploring the romanticised idea of birth that we can sometimes hold.I shareWhere the romantic image of birth comes fromWhy relying only on a partner can be overwhelmingHow the 'bubble' can burst in labour and postpartumPractical preparation tips for birth
Episode 152 - Dr Rachel Reed - Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid: variation or complication?
It's the season finale, and I’m delighted to wrap up with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation featuring the incredible Dr Rachel Reed - midwife, educator, author, and advocate for physiological birth.In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid something that often triggers alarm bells during labour. But should it? Rachel helps us unpack the physio
Episode 151 - Amelia's Story - MLU Birth with High BMI and Gestational Diabetes
In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares her powerful birth stories - welcoming both of her daughters in a Midwife Led Unit, despite being labelled ‘high risk’ due to a high BMI and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes.Amelia’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when a woman is supported to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and remain at the centre of her care
Episode 150 - Why I Left the NHS - Midwife Insights with Rosemary
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by former NHS midwife Rosemary, who bravely opens up about her time working within the UK’s maternity system - and why she ultimately made the difficult decision to walk away.With her knowledge and experience of women-centred care, Rosemary speaks candidly about the challenges she faced as a midwife, from rising pressures to the emotional toll of witnessing car
Episode 149 - Postpartum Prolapse - And Why We Need to be Talking About It!
In this essential episode, I open up a conversation with Hayley Schoenberg and Dr Margo, where they explain, that far too many women are suffering from postpartum prolapse - in silence. Despite how common it is, prolapse is rarely discussed during pregnancy, and even less so after birth. Yet it can have a profound physical and emotional impact on a woman's life. It's time to break the si
Episode 148 - Why a Physiological Birth in 2025 Requires More Than Just a Birth Plan
In today’s episode, I explore one of the most profound truths about birth - the fact that you are the creator of life. I dive into how modern maternity services undermine women's instincts, why doubt is a normal part of labour, and how the subconscious work of pregnancy is what truly saves women in the birth room.I explore why achieving a physiological birth in 2025 is about more than just ha
Episode 147 - The First Moments of Life – How Your Body Supports Your Baby’s Transition to the World
In today’s episode, I am sharing the incredible biological design of birth and how your body naturally prepares your baby for life outside the womb. Modern maternity care often disrupts this process, but when we understand how nature intended birth to unfold, we can make informed choices to protect it.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How your microbiome shifts in pregnancy to prepare the birth ca
Episode 146 - Doulas Can’t Protect You from the System, But They Can Help Protect You from Yourself
In this powerful episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, we dive into a topic that may challenge how you think about birth support: the role of a doula or birthkeeper. While many believe our job is to shield you from the medical system, the truth is more complex.My role isn’t to control external factors or guarantee a specific birth outcome. Instead, it’s to help you overcome self-doubt, na
Episode 145 - The Power of a Full Body Yes - How to Make Decisions with Confidence and Clarity
In this episode, I explore the concept of the 'Full-Body Yes' and its profound impact on decision-making, particularly in the context of childbirth. Key topics include:Understanding the Full-Body Yes: Recognising when your entire being - mind, body, and spirit - is in complete alignment with a decision, leading to a deep sense of certainty and peace.The Role of Intuition in Childbirth: E
Episode 144 - Why Long Contractions are Not Necessarily a Sign of Progress in Labour
In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am diving into the idea that intense, long contractions don't necessarily indicate progress in labour. I’ll take you through why contraction length alone isn’t a reliable indicator of progress and what actually matters more in birth.Tune in to discover: ✨ Why rhythm and body positioning matter more than contraction length ✨ What long co
Episode 143 - What is the Privacy Instinct - And Why it Matters for Neurodiverse Women
In this episode, I explore the 'privacy instinct' and its profound significance for neurodiverse women during childbirth. I delve into how an innate desire for privacy and autonomy can influence birth experiences, especially for those with heightened sensory sensitivities and unique communication needs.Episode Highlights:Understanding the Privacy Instinct: Discussing the natural inclinat
Episode 142 - Why You Need to Interview Your Hospital or MLU
In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of thoroughly researching and interviewing your chosen place of birth. Many women assume that midwife-led units or hospitals will automatically align with their birth preferences, but policies and practices can vary widely.I’ll be sharing: ✔️ Why hospitals and MLUs don’t always provide the experience you expect. ✔️ The key questions you MUST ask befo
Episode 141 - Simple Strategies For a Calm and Empowered Labour
In this episode, we are diving into two game-changing strategies for labour: STOP and FLOP. These simple, yet powerful tools can help you navigate your birth journey with a sense of calm, control, and empowerment.Developed through years of experience in the birth space, these methods are designed to help you release tension, trust your body, and create the right conditions for oxytocin to flow. Wh
Episode 140 - 8 Quotes That Will Change the Way You Think About Birth
In this episode, I’m sharing 8 powerful quotes that I have written about, and taught over the past couple of decades while supporting couples both in and out of the birth room. These phrases are designed to shift your mindset, empower your choices, and help you tap into your inner strength as you prepare for birth.Tune in to explore how these sayings can help you let go of fear, trust your body’s
Episode 139 - Discover Your North Star - A course for Autonomous and Intentional Women
In this episode, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my course Discover Your North Star! This isn’t your typical antenatal course - it’s designed to help you break free from fear-based narratives and step into your birth experience feeling empowered, calm, and fully aligned. Tune in as I share a comprehensive overview of the course, including what’s inside, how it can transform your mindset, an
Episode 138 - 5 Essential Steps to Consider When Hiring a Doula for Your Birth
In the last episode of 2024 - I am bringing you another solo episode where I pull up my big girl pants, and bravely admit that earlier this year I had a complaint made against me. I am so passionate about my work and the support I offer, that I wanted to share a little bit about this experience, and highlight some essential steps you can take, if you are considering hiring a doula. My wish is tha
Episode 137 - Part Two - Postpartum Journey with The Schoenberg Family
In this episode of the podcast, we begin exactly where we left off last week, with Hayley and Katja sharing the details of their healing home birth. Baby Isabelle was born safely after a previous traumatic birth, but Hayley knew instinctively that she needed some support. After a wonderful golden hour, everyone began to notice that Hayley wasn't herself, and was showing signs of deterioration
Episode 136 - Part One - A Healing Homebirth with the Schoenberg Family
In this episode, I am chatting with Hayley and Katja Schoenberg about their healing homebirth story. In part one, they candidly share their decisions regarding having another baby, and how important it was to Hayley for them both to do a lot of preparation to ensure that they had the best chance of achieving their dream birth. Tune in next week to pick up where we left off and learn more about the
Episode 135 - Journalling - An Effective Tool For Birth Preparation
This week I am sharing with you how Journalling can support you to prepare for birth by 'Doing the work'. This involves asking yourself questions and being open and honest about how you feel about giving birth and also how to share your thoughts and feelings with your birth partner. You can either use your own notebook and answer some of the questions that I share with you, or you can pu
Episode 134 - Healing Birth Hierarchy of Needs with Sheryl Wynne
In this episode, I am chatting to Sheryl Wynne who kindly talks us through her Healing Birth Hierarchy of Needs tool that she uses to help prepare couples for their dream birth. This conversation will allow you to identify ways that you can support yourself on your journey to achieving the birth that you want. It aims to help you understand why it is so important to reach for the stars, and not se
Episode 133 - Healing From Birth Trauma - With Dr Jenna Brough
In this week's episode Dr Jenna and I are discussing the importance of healing from birth trauma before having another baby. We talk through the reasons why this is useful for both you and your birth partner as well as a wider conversation about birth preparation and how to take ownership of the information you are exposed to, rather than just accepting any information you receive. Being curi
Episode 132 - Part Two - Dhi's Story (Father of 5) - Birth from a Father's Perspective
This week is part two of Dhi's story - where he shares his version of each of the births of his 5 children. In this episode we pick up where we left off last week, with Dhi telling us his experience of discovering Leonie was pregnant with twins and how they went on to have a C-section due to pre-eclampsia. He candidly talks about the disappointment he felt when they needed to engage with mate
Episode 131 - Part One - Dhi's Story (Father of 5) - Birth from a Father's Perspective
In this week's episode, Leonie's husband Dhi shares his experience of becoming a father and how his philosophies of birth changed dramatically as he learned more about the process. He explains how confident he felt in the idea that Leonie was capable of giving birth without medical assistance, and how his understanding deepened as each of their children were born.Next week, he candidly s
Episode 130 - A Wild Pregnancy Leading to Surprise Twins with Leonie Rainbird Savin
In this week's episode, I am chatting with Leonie Rainbird Savin who is sharing her experience of wild pregnancy with her 4th child.She describes how different this pregnancy was in comparison to the other 3, and how as it progressed, she began to feel instinctively that she may end up needing medical intervention regarding the birth. In the end, Leonie became unwell and went into hospital to
Episode 129 - Craniosacral Therapy and How it Supports Pregnancy and Postpartum
In this episode, I am chatting to Sarah Geraghty, a craniosacral therapist who treats pregnant women, newborn babies, postpartum women and their families as they grow. Sarah explains a little about how craniosacral therapy works and how it can support you. Sarah's website is http://sarahgeraghty.co.ukYou can find Sarah on instagram @sarahgeraghtycraniosacralSend me a messageIf you want to acc
Episode 128 - Baby Loss Awareness Week - Amy Shares her Experience of Stillbirth
In this week's episode, I wanted to honour Baby Loss Awareness Week by re-posting episode 30 with Amy from The Lily Mae Foundation, who shares her experience of discovering her baby had no heartbeat, and how she went through the process of birth. This episode also includes how Amy and her husband moved forward and how it felt for them to continue to grow their family. Recorded in 2021, she ca
Episode 127 - Choosing to Freebirth with Chloe and Tony
In this episode I am chatting to Chloe and Tony about their decision to free birth at home with their second child. After learning more about the birth process during her postpartum, Chloe discovered that during her first birth in hospital, she had experienced a few unnecessary interventions. Second time around, she decided to hire a doula, and as her pregnancy progressed she felt it was necessar
Episode 126 - What to Eat During Labour and Birth
In this weeks episode I am sharing information with you about what to eat during labour and birth. It's always difficult to think about what to pack in your birth bag, and I have tried to give you ideas that you might not have thought of. I also speak about the role that your birth partner plays in feeding you during this time and why it is so important. Send me a messageIf you want to access
Episode 125 - Doula Support and Attunement with Heidi Oh
In this weeks episode I am chatting with Heidi Oh, an experienced doula in the US who has recently come back to the birth world after training to be a sexologist. Heidi shares some fascinating insights into the role of being a professional birth partner, including a great explanation on the meaning of attunement. This is such an important skill and I encourage all women to share this episode with
Episode 124 - Discovering Your Own Power When Becoming a Parent.
In this week's episode, I am speaking to Elizabeth. A mother of two children who went on a really deep journey after she became a mother. Finding her voice and stepping into her power helped her to evaluate what elements of her life she wanted to keep, and what she wanted to shed. Elizabeth now helps other women through all of her work as a lawyer and doula to ensure they have empowered birth
Episode 123 - Dr Sarah Buckley - The Beneficial Role of Oxytocin
In the very first episode of Season 5 I am speaking to the Queen of Hormones - Dr Sarah Buckley. I have been so excited to bring this incredible conversation to you - as I recorded it way back in April. Sarah shares with us her knowledge about hormones in general, but in particular the role of Oxytocin. She has also gained lots of new information whilst doing her PHD - including some interesting f
Episode 122 - Season 5 is here!!
In this episode I am back by giving you a quick idea about what is to come next week when season 5 kicks off with my special guest Dr Sarah Buckley. I am excited to move forward this season with a deep dive into topics that will really support you when preparing for birth and parenting. Set your clocks - timers - watches and make sure you have subscribed to to podcast in order to get a notificatio
Episode 121 - FREE Somatic Guided Relaxation - Helps Calm Your Nervous System
This week, to mark the end of season 4, I am giving you a bonus free relaxation track. You can play this track whenever you feel like you want to take time out and calm your nervous system down. This track is NOT pregnancy-related, and can be used by everyone - including your partner and children. The music is my own and copyrighted to me. Please feel free to share the link to the podcast episode
Episode 120 - Rose's Sovereign Birth Experience at Home
In this week's episode, I am chatting to Rose, a young mum who knew what she wanted for her dream birth, and did everything in her power to achieve it. She always knew she wanted to give birth at home, which was backed up by her role in supporting families who have experienced medical negligence. Rose felt that the safest place for her baby to be born was away from unnecessary intervention bu
Episode 119 - Q and A with Sallyann - Birth Tools, Red Flags, Doulas, Homebirth, Breastfeeding, Postpartum and Much More
In this weeks episode, I answer many of the questions that were sent to me.These are:- What do you think is the most important thing to bring with you on your pregnancy journey?What is your top care provider red flag. My doula was not what I hoped they would be and I am pregnant again. Should I hire a different doula to support me this time or not? What do I do if the midwives don’t come to my ho
Episode 118 - Becoming a Midwife with Student Midwife and Doula Yas
In this episode, I am chatting to Yas who shares her views and experience about her life as a student midwife.This is a fascinating conversation where Yas goes into detail about her role, how she works alongside midwives and how her additional training as a doula has supported her knowledge about the 'softer skills' required to be a great midwife. I loved chatting to Yas who has such fab
Episode 117 - Children's Services Referral for a Planned Homebirth Against Medical Advice
In this episode, my client Esther bravely shares her experience of planning and preparing for a homebirth against medical advice. Despite ticking many 'risk factor' boxes, which included having a previous c-section and fibroids, Esther was keen to give birth at home. She had done alot of research and preparation, and was confident that her decision was safer for her and her baby than a
Episode 116 - Positive Psychology with Georgie From Blossomfield Coaching
After an incredible birth with her first baby, Georgie knew she wanted to help others discover more about themselves in order to have a similar experience.She decided that Positive Psychology was the exact coaching method that would support her, to make a difference to women who want to achieve the birth of their dreams. This exceptional tool focuses on the positive traits you already have, and is
Episode 115 - Overcoming an Unplanned Pregnancy & Antenatal Depression with Laila
In this episode, I am chatting to Laila, a first-time mum who struggled to accept her unplanned pregnancy. She candidly shares with us how difficult it was to come to terms with a positive pregnancy test, and how she handled sharing the news with her close family and friends. Despite suffering from antenatal depression, Laila went on to make it the best experience of her life so far. After the bi
Episode 114 - In Conversation with Dr Rachel Reed (Replay)
In the second of my replay episodes I have chosen this incredibly informative conversation I had from Season 2 with Dr Rachel Reed. We talk about everything birth and cover topics that relate to pregnancy, birth partners, midwives, student midwives, and doulas. I find it really helps to re-listen to the information that is shared with experienced birth professionals to help consolidate your knowle
Episode 113 - Optimal Cord Clamping with Amanda Burleigh (Replay)
In this weeks episode I am sharing an old episode I made in season 1 with Amanda Burleigh, who has helped to change maternity services by campaigning for not just delayed cord clamping, but optimal. This is where ALL the baby's blood transfers into their body, and they receive their full blood compliment. I have to say that this is a particular favourite of mine, because Amanda's story
Episode 112 - Hypnobirthing - with Tara from Christian Hypnobirthing
In this episode, I am chatting to Tara - who is the inventor of the Christian Hypnobirthing App. When looking for tools to prepare herself for birth, Tara was introduced to Hypnobirthing. She soon realised there was nothing that supported her faith, and so decided that she wanted to fill that gap. The Christian hypnobirthing app has now reached over 100,000 people worldwide and has expanded to inc
Episode 111 - Mike's Story (Part Three) - Helen's Birth Partner Shares His Experience
In this weeks episode, I am delighted to welcome Helen's husband Mike, who talks candidly about his experience of being a birth partner. He explains in detail the stark difference between their first birth and their second one. In addition, he shares what he did to improve his knowledge when preparing for their home birth, to ensure he was a confident birth partner who had the ability to supp
Episode 110 - Helen's Story (Part Two) - Hope's Healing Birth at Home
In this week's episode, I am chatting again with Helen Totton who shares her experience of giving birth to her second child at home after a traumatic first birth. Helen describes the journey she went on to heal herself and prepare for birth in an optimal way. This is such an inspirational story of how Helen worked so hard to ensure her second birth was completely different to her first, despi
Episode 109 - Helen's Story (Part One) - Induction of Labour and Birth Preparation for Second Baby
In this week's episode, I am chatting with Helen Totton who shares her experience of giving birth to her first child 8 years ago. Helen had an induction which left her struggling with postnatal depression. This is an inspirational story of how Helen worked hard to prepare for her second birth to ensure she was not going to have the same experience again. You can follow Helen on Instagram @tot
Episode 108 - Medicine Woman Cara Shares Her Story of Healing, Transformation and Finding Her Power
In this week's episode of the podcast, I am chatting with fellow doula Cara who is a true inspiration to so many in the birth world. Her knowledge and passion shines through in the support she offers. Her story is so interesting as she candidly shares with us her journey as a young single mum and how she found the strength to recover from an eating disorder. Cara also shares so beautifully h
Episode 107 - More Breathing and Relaxation Skills for Labour and Birth
To start the year, I have recorded another episode on Breathing and Relaxation Skills as these episodes are the most sought after. I know that you need to hear as much information as possible on this topic, so I have thought about some additional tips to share with you. I hope you enjoy them . Send me a messageIf you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannbe
Episode 106 - Q & A with Sallyann - Placentas, MLU's, Breech Birth, Newborns at Christmas, Sleep Issues and Much More.
In this weeks episode I share some exciting news!In addition, I am finally answering some of your questions about a wide variety of topics which include:- What happens if your placenta doesn't come out and the midwives have to remove it. What can I do to have a successful birth in a Midwife Led UnitCan I have my breech baby at homeHow can I cope with a newborn at Christmas when visiting frien
Episode 105 - Understanding the body with Somatic Practitioner Emily Carson
In this weeks episode of the podcast, I am chatting with Emily Carson from @emilyandruby who is a somatic practitioner, acupuncturist and craniosacral therapist. She talks us through her knowledge about the body and helps us to think about preparing for birth and postpartum. In particular, Emily shares the importance of regulating your nervous system and supporting the tissues in your pelvis. She
Episode 104 - Sovereign Home Birth After C-Section and Pregnancy Loss - with Daniella
In this weeks episode, Daniella shares her story of an incredibly traumatic c-section with her first child, the two miscarriages that followed and then her reasons behind deciding to have a home VBAC when she became pregnant again. This heartwarming story is one that so many of you may relate to. Daniella tells of how the work she did to learn as much as she could in preparation for this recent
