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 tips, a deeper understanding of navigating maternity services and a holistic conversation about birth advoc...
Sep 21, 2022•54 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 organisation Miracle Moon. We discuss the practicalities of caring for a baby on NICU from feeding to dressing them, ...
Sep 14, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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 Aimee Strongman, who shares her insight into matresence, building self trust, physiological birth an...
Aug 02, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 for us.. and if not much, what can we do to cultivate a sense of self trust? Dr Rachel Reed (Midwi...
Jun 28, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 make to support yourself and your baby and mark this as a positive, transformative, special way of giving ...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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, experienced psychologist & parenting expert, to discuss what consciously preparing for parenthood...
Jun 07, 2022•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
"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 by clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd where she shares her research into Intrusive Thoughts and tells us about her new book 'Mindful...
May 31, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 fitting through the bones of your pelvis. How do they do that? And how can you help them? A MUST listen for anyone who is curre...
May 24, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 . When our second baby was born last year, WE did our birth preparation in Natalies safe and knowledgable hands; so th...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 Infant Feeding and Tongue Tie Specialist Educator Carmelle Gentle joins me to finally shine a light on Tongue...
May 17, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 Links Join free- BUMP CLUB- expert week by week support throughout your pregnancy Online Course from £40/$49 Group and Private Antenatal/Hypnobirthing Courses with podcast host and birth expert Megan Rossiter Support the show...
May 16, 2022•5 min0
Series 2 of The Birth-ed Podcast Launches on Tuesday 17th May 2022 Find 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 support https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Support the show...
May 13, 2022•2 min0
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 the benefits of antenatal education and everything you REALLY need to know to have a good birth exper...
Apr 27, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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 to purchase here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Midwifes-Guide-Pregnancy-Beyond/dp/B0853DTQ9V/ref=sr_1_...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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 birthing in this space is going to feel and going to work is important for most of us! References The B...
Mar 24, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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. Joining me are Personal Trainer Charlie Launder- founder of Bumps and Burpees; and B&B Personal Trainer a...
Mar 17, 2020•54 min
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 'normal' guidelines or care pathways. This episode is an absolute must listen if you want to feel informed and supported about ...
Mar 10, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 we talk about the beauty of birth photography, covering everything from the practicalities of having a birth p...
Mar 04, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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, or you find it triggering to listen to, please consider your own emotional health first and sw...
Jan 28, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 perinatal period and her wise words are a must listen for any pregnant or new mothers. You can visit Sophie'...
Jan 21, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 by renowned infant sleep and gentle parenting expert, Sarah Ockwell-Smith. Whether you are cur...
Jan 14, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 yoga teacher. We take a look at what the practice of yoga involves and the benefits of this for...
Dec 09, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 UK Baby Loss Charity, supporting women through baby loss and researching miscarriage, preterm bir...
Dec 03, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 modern woman? And how does this fit in to the current maternity system? This week I am joined by th...
Nov 25, 2019•49 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 are explained in this episode. Joining me this week is Dr Shawn Walker, founder of The Breech Birth Network ...
Nov 18, 2019•52 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 that is, and what men can do to make sure they feel calm and confident as they support a women t...
Nov 11, 2019•51 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow 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 inspiring lady, Natalie Meddings about the role of a doula. What started as an episode about doulas, quickly ...
Oct 28, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 1
