Sophie Messager joins us in the Cauldron to talk about her new book Why Postnatal Recovery Matters We talk all things becoming a mother, including how a lovely pigs trotter soup or lotus birth is the perfect way to avoid too many visitors. We explore the raw, real and forgotten side of the 4th trimester and the misconception that mothering is 'just doing nothing' and the mother guilt and expectations put upon women. Sophie discusses the best ways to support women as they navigate the early days ...
Jan 03, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Here is the 2nd part of this listener requested episode. Rachel and Katie delve into self-care, dealing with colleagues, Christmas albums, the concept of resilience in the birth-worker realm and various antics. Links: Dr. Rachel Reed https://midwifethinking.com/ https://rachel-reed.website/books/ Jane Hardwicke Collings https://janehardwickecollings.com/category/school-of-shamanic-womancraft/ Marilyn French https://www.amazon.com/Marilyn-French/e/B000AQ4TNS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Get 10%...
Dec 07, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this long-awaited episode, Rachel and Katie get into the questions you've all been asking us; how to navigate, cope, and work within the system. In this 1st part, we look at spheres of influence, the gifts we can offer, and our relationships with women. We've got to say, that despite the title, this was probably one of the funniest episodes we have ever recorded! So, enjoy the fun along the way, and treat yourself to a bit of self-care by listening in! LINKS: Dr. Rachel Reed: https://midwifet...
Dec 07, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode we continue where we left you... on our cliffhanger question which we both love/hate to answer! Rachel & Katie also discuss twins and breech birth, galactogogues to increase milk supply and the usual fun along the way. Join us for more of your questions. LINKS: Dr. Rachel Reed's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Get 10% off The Feeding Couch pregnancy course with code POD10. Support the show Please support the show via Patreon or BuyMeACoffee MERCH here! Music Joseph McDade ...
Nov 08, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode, we answer your questions! You asked us a variety of questions, including "are tongues ties on the rise?" and "what actually bursts in labour, and is it really water?" We also discuss advanced maternal age and induction of labour; and how to get enough clinical hours to become an IBCLC. There were so many questions this is only part one... Links: FROSTTIE trial https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/frosttie/clinicians Mills N, Pransky SM, Geddes DT, Mirjalili SA. What is a tongue tie? Defini...
Oct 28, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On this episode of The Midwives' Cauldron we take a whistle-stop tour of breastfeeding over the years, stopping by to hear about some of the fascinating and peculiar 'herstories'. We learn how the corsets of the fashion conscious women of the day could lead to inverted nipples and in some cases far worse outcomes! The 6 specifications to become a wet nurse... and whether Rachel fits the mould! And some of the hilarious, yet gruesome remedies for low milk supply and sore nipples. Stay tuned for a...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Katie tries to enjoy a cup of tea while Rachel disturbs her with a tale of perineal bungles. We delve into the government-backed interventions implemented in a misguided attempt to save women's perineums. We explore the origins of perineal bundles and how they impact on midwifery practice and women's births. This tale is about how women are being blamed (again) for damage caused by care providers. Links: Midwife Thinking Blog: Perineal Bungles and Midwifery Practice: https://mid...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, we have the absolute delight of interviewing Jane Hardwicke Collings about women's rites of passage and how they shape our lives. We pay particular attention to the peri-menopause and the role of Autumn Women as leaders and change agents in the maternity system. This episode is jam-packed with intelligent, jaw-dropping and wonderful insights into womanhood. Let us introduce Jane... Jane Hardwicke Collings is a post menopausal grandmother. She was an intensive care and operating ...
Aug 18, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Join us as we delve deeper into induction of labour through the early postnatal lens. We discuss the impact of induction on the baby, and on the mother's lactation, looking at ways to ensure all mothers and infants get off to the best start, despite the labour and birth they may have had. Somehow this episode ends up wandering into the world of Wizard of Oz. We also learn new and, personally I think, much better words for amniotic fluid and the placenta. And we find out about the delights of Rac...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, we take a step back in time and a short but deep dive into history from a female perspective. We explore how ideas about women and their bodies have led to the birthing practices we see today. We visit the world of Goddesses, vulva art, and how women were once revered for their ability to create life. Then we move on through the times into a world where women were seen as dirty malfunctioning versions of men, whose primary role was to reproduce. We also talk about how science an...
Aug 02, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Welcome to episode 1, where we chat about how Rachel and Katie met, how our careers in midwifery evolved, and our plans for future podcast episodes. Join us as we invite you into our world of midwifery, education, laughter, and fun... and where this all began. LINKS: Rachel's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Rachel mentions her journey into embodying the true essence of midwifery and rites of passage with Jane Hardwick Collins. Find out more about Jane's work here: https://janehardwickecolling...
Jul 19, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Join Katie James RM, IBCLC and Dr. Rachel Reed RM, PhD as they hubble, bubble, toil and trouble their way through aspects of midwifery, birth, lactation and womanhood. Support the show Please support the show via Patreon or BuyMeACoffee MERCH here! Music Joseph McDade Like this podcast? Leave us a review here Want more from Katie and Rachel? Katie's website Rachel's website Disclaimer The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; i...
Jul 10, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 1
