The birth-ed podcast
The birth-ed podcast is hosted by Megan Rossiter, founder of birth-ed. It aims to provide the information listeners might have expected from antenatal appointments but didn't receive. Each episode covers aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenthood through conversations with women's health and parenting experts, including midwives, obstetricians, doulas and activists. The tone is warm and supportive, intended to help listeners feel safe, nurtured and fully informed in their birth preparation.
Episodes
Giving Birth In A High-Intervention System with Guests Sheena Byrom OBE and Professor Soo Downe
Intervention rates have climbed so fast in UK maternity care that it is hard not to ask a blunt question: is all this doing what it promised to do? I sit down with Sheena Byrom, OBE and Professor Soo Downe to explore what has changed over the last decade, why fear now feels baked into the system, and how a laser-focus on a narrow set of outcomes can quietly create new harms such as birth trauma, p
'Evidence-Based' Maternity Care: Limits, Bias, and How to Navigate It with Guest, Midwife Beth Russell
Think scientific evidence is going to give you a clear a 'best' path forward in your birth decision making? Unfortunately, it's rarely that simple. With midwife Beth Russell, we explore the messy middle where numbers meet lived experience: why absolute risk matters more than scary “your risk doubles” headlines, how studies like the Big Baby Trial get misread, and why nuance changes
Reconciling Caesarean Birth Stories Through Storytelling with Guest Hannah Marsh
What happens when your birth experience completely contradicts everything you prepared for? For author Hannah Marsh, an emergency cesarean section after 30 grueling hours of labor left her feeling not just physically scarred, but emotionally devastated. Despite cesarean sections accounting for roughly 43% of UK births today, Hannah found herself woefully unprepared for this possibility – having fo
Celebrating the Power of Informed Birth with Guest, Davina McCall
Davina McCall joins the Birth-ed Podcast to share her transformative journey from anxious first-time mum to empowered birth advocate. Celebrating the launch of Davina's new book "Birthing," co-written with midwife Marley Henry – a judgment-free guide that supports women through conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond.Davina and I explore what's missing from modern maternity car
SEASON 5 TEASER
Season 5 of The Birth-ed Podcast launches THIS WEEK. On Friday 26th September (and every Friday thereafter), we are back with world leading expert guests, heart warming wisdom, fascinating science and the warm hug you need every week during pregnancy! Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode, and come join the weekly chats over on Instagram @birth_ed.Sign up to The Birth-ed Me
Optimal Cord Clamping, with Amanda Burleigh
When to clamp the cord that leads from placenta to baby has become a contested issue in recent years. Today’s guest, Amanda Burleigh, has fought long and hard to introduce evidence-based practice and advocates delayed cord clamping for better baby health.Amanda talks openly about her personal journey to discover the benefits of delay and how it works in practice. We also bust some myths that women
Positive Hospital Birth, with Lily Brockenhurst
Some women choose to labour in hospital, others feel they arrive there through the course of their care. If you find yourself in a delivery suite or labour ward for your birth, this episode aims to help you feel the most comfortable and prepared to be there.I’m speaking to Lily Brockenhurst, a midwife who specialises in holistic care in a hospital setting, about what your expectations should be on
High BMI pregnancy and birth, with Alice Keely
Why is so much importance placed on how much you weigh in pregnancy? Is a mother with over 30 BMI really at a high risk of complications in birth?This week, I’m speaking to Alice Keely, the Heavyweight Midwife, about the stigma attached to plus size parents, what to expect in pregnancy and labour if you’ve been labelled high risk, and how to approach interactions with healthcare professionals so t
Postnatal exercise and bouncing back, with Hollie Grant
Our culture surrounds us with pressure to look a certain way and be a certain way, and no more so than after pregnancy. The focus on whether you ‘bounce back’ after birth can be overwhelming. My guest this week challenges us instead to focus on postnatal rehab, functional movement and enjoyment. Hollie Grant is a Pilates PT and founder of The Bump Plan. Together we talk about when you can start mo
Breathwork in pregnancy and beyond, with Carolyn Cowan
If you’re a regular listener to the show, or you’ve done a Birth-ed course, you’ll know that I really value breathwork in labour, but I hadn’t realised the calm that breathwork can bring to pregnancy until I read today’s guest’s book. This week I’m talking to Carolyn Cowan, embodied psychotherapist, yoga teacher and author of Breathing for Pregnancy. Carolyn explains why and how conscious breathin
C-Section recovery, with Clare Bourne
C-section recovery is one of those subjects that is rarely mentioned before you experience it. So this week, I’ve got together with Clare Bourne, a pelvic health physiotherapist, to talk you through what you need to know to recover well. We cover everything from how to get out of bed in those first few hours, to exercise, to long term recovery and scar massage. For more information on Caesarean Se
Birth Centres, with Issy Bourton
This episode is essential listening if you’re trying to decide whether to labour in a birth centre or midwife-led unit.I’m exploring everything birth centres, with my friend, midwife, Issy Bourton. Issy and I look at what a birth centre/midwife-led unit is, how your experience there can differ from a hospital birth, what you can expect to happen during your labour, how to request a birth centre la
Mixed Feeding, with Lucy Ruddle
Many parents feel that they have to pick a side on the feeding debate - breast or bottle. But the reality is that often families find themselves a compromise, whether that is adding an occasional bottle to their routine, or switching to formula during the day, and breastfeeds when mum gets home from work. Despite this, information about how to go about mixed or combination feeding has been scarce,
Candid Birth & Connecting with Your Body, with Emma Armstrong
With social media platforms increasingly censoring candid images of birth and women’s bodies, I got together this week with The Naked Doula, Emma Armstrong, to talk about why we need to see real women’s experiences online. Our wide-ranging chat touches on using the correct words for female anatomy in schools, how we set realistic expectations for birth, and how reconnecting with your body through
Continuous Foetal HR Monitoring, with Dr Kirsten Small
Continuous Foetal Monitoring can be uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing or misleading, but there’s plenty of evidence for its use, right? That’s the question Dr. Kirsten Small set out to answer after her long career in obstetrics. Her research led her to question everything about trace monitoring, from the case for low and high risk differentials to how centralised monitoring changes care in the birth
The Birth-ed Method
The Birth-ed Method is finally here. After years of supporting 10,000s of families preparing for their births using hypnobirthing, it’s time for birth-ed to wave that chapter goodbye, and introduce- The Birth-ed Method.The 4 pillars of the Birth-ed Method, Mind, Body, Choices & Communication provide you with a deep & holistic preparation for birth and early parenthood. There’s no point in
Preparing for the 4th Trimester with Host, Megan Rossiter
Modern Maternity Care has a tendency to separate conception, pregnancy, birth, feeding & parenting. But there is a thread that runs from one through to another. The choices you make and experiences you have during and prior to birth have a direct impact on your postnatal experience.In this episode, we join the dots. What can we do or consider now, ahead of birth, to prepare for the 'fourt
7 Steps to Confident Decision Making
Decision making is a guaranteed part of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. But it can feel like a massive responsibility when you're not really sure where to start. It's often much easier to just 'do as you're told.. often, you don't even realise you've GOT a choice in the first place.This episode is one you can come back to, time and time again, any time
Sharing Birth Stories with host, Megan Rossiter
I was once told that we should only be sharing with women 'positive birth stories'.. But as the years have gone by, I've supported 10,000s of families in their birth prep, I realised that perhaps it's not quite that simple. Dive with me into the nuances of this conversation, discover how to use birth stories as a way of deepening your understanding of birth, building your confi
DUE 26th April: SEASON 4
BIG NEWS.I'm expecting!Expecting a NEW SEASON of The Birth-ed Podcast (and hey, did you spot the new look?)A season that once again dives deep into the things you'd expect to learn in your antenatal appointments.. but don't! C-section recovery, fetal monitoring, mixed feeding, hospital birth.. there's so much incoming and it's going to be GOOD.Launching with a MINI series
Birth Plans with host, Megan Rossiter
It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about birth plans.. let's explore together-Can you really plan for birth?Why bother?What to include?How to write one?What to do with it?Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can!______________________SPONSORSThis episode is sponsored by Little List Start your list with Litt
Pain in Childbirth with Host, Megan Rossiter
It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about pain in birth.. let's explore together-What causes pain in labour?What does birth feel like?What is the purpose of pain in birth?Why most conversations about pain relief have got totally the wrong angle!Which elements of this are within our control?Everything you need to know, before you can even start considering what sort o
Postnatal Depression & Aniexety with Psychotherapist, Anna Mathur
In today's episode, Psychotherapist, Author and Mother of 3 Anna Mathur & I discuss all things postnatal mental health. Whether you are currently pregnant and getting prepared for what to expect postnatally, or you're in the depths of the early days of motherhood, there's heartwarming chat, practical tools and tons of helpful info to takeaway from this conversation. In this epis
Osteopathy for Pregnancy & Infants with Osteopath Laura Tilson
In today's episode, Osteopath Laura Tilson & I share a little insight into the practice of Osteopathy. Something you may have heard recommended for pregnancy or for your baby. In this episode we explore:What actually IS Osteopathy?What happens in an apptDifference between Osteo, physiotherapy & chiropracticPregnancy Pelvic Pain (What causes it, how to treat it)Cranial Osteopathy for t
Pregnancy Sickness & Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Pregnancy Sickness is often a welcome and exciting sign of early pregnancy. But knowing what is 'normal' and what's NOT can be hard to navigate. In today's episode I am joined by Dr Caitlin Dean, Nurse Specialist Researcher into HG & Chairperson of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support. Caitlin & I have worked together on many contexts over the years and this topic is
Partners to Parents with Dr Jenna Brough
Having a baby is one of the most transformative moments in anyone's lives, and this can go on to have a huge impact on our relationships, especially romantic relationships!In today's episode I am joined by Dr Jenna Brough, perinatal clinical psychologist, specialising in supporting people through the perinatal period. We explore:Preparing for the impact that new parenthood might have on
Vaginal Examinations with Emma Ashworth
Vaginal Examinations, par for the course of giving birth.. or something you have a choice over?In today’s episode I am joined by Emma Ashworth. Emma is Birth Rights consultant, a retired doula & breastfeeding counsellor, former Trustee of AIMS (The Association of Improvement for the Maternity Services), Maternity Rights Activist, Author of ‘The AIMS Guide to your rights in pregnancy and birth,
Breastfeeding Preparation with Midwife, Shaheda Khan
If you are hoping to breastfeed your baby, it's really important to prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode I am joined by Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife, Shaheda Khan. Shaheda provides one to one support in person and online and offers tons of free support via her website and social media ‘Mother Shaheda’. In this episode, Shaheda and I explore:What can you do to prepare for b
Matresence with Zoe Blaskey
Matresence is the period of growth and transition in the early years in becoming a mother. Whilst turmoil and identity shifts are expected in 'adolescence', it's only recently that such shifts have been recognised and validated in our becoming of a mother too. In this episode I am joined by Zoe Blaskey, transformational coach, founder of Motherkind and host of The Motherkind Podcast
VBAC with Dr Hazel Keedle
If you're pregnant after a previous caesarean birth, you might be starting to explore your options for birth this time around.In this episode I am joined by midwife Dr Hazel Keedle who specialises in supporting birth after caesarean choices.This episode focuses on vaginal birth after a caesarean, complimented by S2E6- episode on caesarean birth, including planned repeat caesarean birth.In thi
Navigating Pregnancy Choices with Midwife Laura Green
We talk a lot about decision making for birth- Where might you choose to birth your baby? Do you want an epidural? Should you have an induction? etc etc.. but the decision making (and the impact of those decisions) actually starts MUCH earlier on in pregnancy.This week I am exploring all of this with friend and community midwife Laura Green, whose approach to informed choice, birth education and a
Hypnobirthing with your host, Megan Rossiter
It's a SOLO episode from me today! Actually our first ever solo episode of the podcast!Exploring what 'hypnobirthing' actually is?How can it support you in your pregnancy, your birth and beyond? How does it work? What does it involve?Listen up for some myth busting, take away tools and tips and the next steps to feeling more confident and prepared ahead of your baby's birth.Joi
Induction of Labour with Dr Sara Wickham
In this episode, Dr Sara Wickham shares her insight and wisdom into all things 'Induction of Labour'. Sara is a World Leading Midwifery expert in the area of induction and has dedicated her life's work to disseminating, unpicking and making accessible the evidence around induction of labour.Sara and I explore the landscape of the maternity system, the rising rates of induction and g
TEASER Series 3: Induction, VBAC, Hypnobirthing, Antenatal Care
A sneaky peek of some of the fascinating conversations coming in series 3 of the birth-ed podcast. Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss an episode!!Support the show
Series 3 is DUE SOON
Series 3 of the birth-ed podcast is DUE to arrive on Friday 6th October.Bringing together the world leading experts in pregnancy, birth, parenting & women's health.. with some CORKER episodes this series- from Induction to VBAC, Hypnobirthing to Breastfeeding. Double check that you're subscribed and we will see you every Friday right here in your usual podcast app.Support the show
Advocacy, Trauma & Decision Making with Midwife, Illiyin Morrison
Advocating for yourself (or other people) or knowing how to make decisions can be really difficult when it comes to maternity care. In this episode I'm joined by birth trauma specialist midwife, Illiyin Morrison to discuss how we can ensure we are advocated for throughout the perinatal period. Speaking from a trauma informed perspective, listen to this episode for practical decision making ti
NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care with Dr Frankie Harrison
Did you know 1 in 7 babies will access care in NICU when they are born and 60% of those are born at full term.So why don't we ever talk about what it's like to have a baby in the NICU?This week I am joined by Clinical Psychologist (And NICU Mum) Dr Frankie Harrison, who specialises in supporting families during and after time spent in NICU through her work as a psychologist and organisat
Holistic Birth Preparation with Guest, Aimee Strongman
The Mind, The Body, The Heart: 3 pillars of holistic birth preparation. A way of approaching birth that you might not yet have considered. Taking a look how you can prepare yourself emotionally, spiritually and physically for birth; and how the three things are more closely interconnected than you first realise.In this episode I am join by Pre and Postnatal yoga specialist and antenatal educator A
Cultivating Self Trust with Guest, Midwife, Dr Rachel Reed
When journeying through pregnancy we tend to just hand ourselves over to our care providers, on whom we rely to tell us if we are healthy and well and what we should do to bring our babies into the world safely. But is this really the best way to be navigating pregnancy, birth and parenthood?Self trust is a vitally important quality in birth.How much do we trust ourselves to know what is going on
Caesarean Birth with Consultant Obstetrician, Florence Wilcock
Around 1/3 births in the UK happen by caesarean, so it's certainly something you might like to learn about during pregnancy.The prospect of major abdominal surgery whilst awake can be quite daunting for many of us, so in this episode we talk through exactly what you can expect from a caesarean birth.Not just that, but thinking about- what are your options and what considerations might you mak
Consciously Preparing for Parenthood with Guest Dr Maryhan
What kind of parents do you want to be?So much of pregnancy is taken up researching prams and cots and car seats and preparing the nursery.. Or considering birth plans and pregnancy complications and baby names.. It's not often that anyone actually consciously considers parenting until they are in it.Is parenting something you can prepare for? We think YES!This week I am joined by Dr Maryhan,
Intrusive Thoughts with Dr Caroline Boyd
"What if the blanket covers baby's face and I don't notice""Imagine if I threw my baby down the stairs""I could shake you right now"Intrusive thoughts affect around half of new mums. These thoughts of harm can feel quite terrifying, but are they anything to worry about? What can you do to manage them or where can you seek support?In this episode I am joined
Your Baby, Your Pelvis and Labour Dystocia with Midwife, Molly O'Brien
Ever heard of a back to back baby, but not sure what it means?When is a long labour TOO long and what might be causing it?Do we have influence over the unfolding of our births, even in pregnancy?The answers to these questions and more as I'm joined by the wonderful Molly O'Brien to discuss all things 'Biomechanics for Birth'. Put simply, it's the process of your baby fitti
Second Babies with Natalie Meddings
How do second labours differ from firsts?How do you prepare older children?How do you prepare after both a wonderful or a difficult birth first time?Natalie Meddings is an experienced doula of 20 years, Author of my FAVOURITE birth book 'How to Have a Baby' and 'Why Homebirth Matters' and you may remember her from Series One, where talked about Doulas and Understanding Labour.
Tongue Tie with Midwife/IBCLC Carmelle Gentle
Does Tongue Tie just affect breastfeeding?Can a baby actually have a tongue that that DOESN'T affect feeding?Is there a link between Folic Acid and Tongue Tie?I challenge anyone that's encountered more than a handful of babies to have encountered Tongue Tie at some point in conversation. But there is so much misinformation about it.Midwife, IBCLC, Founder of The Tongue Tie Centre for Inf
Season 2: Sneak Peek
A sneak peek at what you can expect from Series 2 of The Birth-ed Podcast!Snippets from just a handful the episodes coming up over the coming months.___________________________________________________________________________________Birth-ed LinksJoin free- BUMP CLUB- expert week by week support throughout your pregnancyOnline Course from £40/$49Group and Private Antenatal/Hypnobirthing Courses wi
The Birth-ed Podcast is BACK!
Series 2 of The Birth-ed Podcast Launches on Tuesday 17th May 2022Find out what to expect in this trailer!Hit Follow/ Subscribe NOW, so the episode lands in your Podcast App before you wake up on Tuesday!SIGN UP TO THE BUMP CLUB for more tips, information and supporthttps://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-clubSupport the show
What Does your Midwife Do? With Guests Midwife May Bourne and Midwife Sophie Hiscock
From booking to after your birth, your midwife is there to support you throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. But what can you expect from midwifery led care?This week I am joined by Midwives May Bourne (Founder of Positive Birth Jersey) and Sophie Hiscock (Founder of Village Midwife) where we discuss exactly what your midwife is there for and how to make the most of your care. We chat through th
First 24 Hours with Guest, Midwife Marie Louise
And in a single moment, your entire life changes. Your baby who has spent the last 9 months curled up inside, is earthside. WHAT NOW?In this episode I'm join by Midwife Marie Louise and we discuss what to expect in those first 24 hours after birth. Both physically and emotionally, for both mum and baby.You can follow Marie Louise on instagram @themodernmidwife and her new books is available t
Home Birth with Guest, Midwife Kemi Johnson
In this episode, Independent Midwife Kemi Johnson and I discuss all thing Home Birth. The benefits, what if’s, practicalities, everything you may want to know about having your baby at home.Something important to consider, is that regardless of where you choose to give birth, if you go into spontaneous labour, at least part of your labour will be in your home environment. So understanding how birt
Exercise for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Guests, PT Charlie Launder and Midwife & PT Emily Pullan
Does the way you exercise need to change because you fall pregnant? What about if you've never exercised before? Is now a good time to start?This week we're bring you an up beat episode chatting through all things exercise when it comes to having a baby! From the physical and mental benefits, the impact on birth itself, things to be aware of and building it into your recovery for birth.J
Birthing Outside of Guidelines with Guest, Midwife Rebecca Savage
Have you been told you 'have' to give birth in a certain way? That you're 'not allowed' to do something, like have an elective caesarean, give birth at home or in water?This week I am joined by Rebecca Savage, experienced midwife of 15 years and trainee Consultant Midwife. We discuss the role of a consultant midwife in accessing birth choices that do not sit within the &ap
Birth Photography with Guest Jo Robertson
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Have you ever thought about capturing your birth on camera? If you're shaking your head and recoiling at the thought, bear with me.. if I've caught your attention, this episode answers all your questions!In this episode I'm joined by Birth Photographer and Doula Jo Robertson and
Healing and Preventing Birth Trauma with Guest, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist Dr Rebecca Moore
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Trigger Warning: In this episode we discuss birth trauma. The focus of the episode is on healing from trauma and preventing it and you may well still find it useful to listen to during pregnancy. No specific traumatic birth stories are referenced. However if you would prefer not to listen to it
A Mindful Fourth Trimester with Guest Sophie Burch
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________In this episode I'm joined by guest Sophie Burch and we talk candidly about life as a new parent of a baby. The feelings and emotions you might encounter at this time, tools and techniques to make this time positive for yourselves. Sophie works extensively with women throughout the perinat
Understanding Infant Sleep with Guest: Sarah Ockwell-Smith
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________We all know that having a baby means your sleep is going to be disrupted. If anything, we probably underestimate exactly just HOW much. Understanding the biology and normal patterns of infant sleep can make the demands that life with a baby brings, just a little bit easier.This week I am joined
Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth with Guest, Dr Leah Deutsch
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Yoga is something often recommended by midwives as a helpful form of exercise for women during pregnancy. But yoga has many more benefits than simply exercise. In this episode I am joined by Dr Leah Deutsch (AKA 'The Yoga Doc') who, as well as being a practicing obstetrician is also a
Pregnancy after a loss in partnership with Tommy’s and Guest, Midwife Kate Marsh.
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________TRIGGER WARNING: Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage and Still Birth 1 in 4 women experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss, so for a lot of us falling pregnant again can come with a lot of conflicting emotions. In this episode I’m joined by midwife Kate Marsh from the team at Tommy’s. Tommy’s are the U
Physiological Birth & The Maternity System with Guest, Midwife Dr Sheena Byrom OBE
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Last year in the UK only 52% of women went into spontaneous labour. An even smaller number ended up having the physiological birth the vast majority of women want and expect when it comes to meeting their babies. In a highly technological era, what does physiological birth look like for the mod
Breech Birth: Your Choices with Guests, Midwives Dr Shawn Walker and Emma Spillane
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Around 1 in 25 women will face decisions around how to give birth to their bottom first babies! But did you know the options are more than simply 'have a caesarean'? From helping your baby to turn head down, to physiological/vaginal breech birth, these little discussed alternatives ar
Men in Birth: Evolution to Politics with Guest, Midwife Mark Harris
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________Seeing men in the birth room is a relatively recent occurrence, but something that the vast majority of women have come to expect if they have a male partner. Interestingly, the male hormonal responses to birth can be very different to that of a women. And in this episode we take a look at why
Doulas and Understanding Labour with Guest, Natalie Meddings
Join the Birth-ed Online CourseJoin the BUMP CLUB FREEFollow us on Instagram_____________________________When you begin to understand what labour truly feels like; what it really takes from both a physical and emotional perspective; then you'll stop asking the question 'what does a doula do?'In this episode I chat with Doula, Active Birth Yoga Teacher, Author, Mother & all round
