Birthing at Home: A Podcast

This is the 70th birth story and it's shared by Haley mum of 2 living on Awabakal country. After a traumatic first caesarean with her first baby Nora, Haley eventually chose to hire a private midwife and plan her homebirth and vaginal birth after caesarean with baby Remy. Haley shares her pregnancy journey, her labour at home and ultimately the decision to transfer into hospital, which ended up resulting in a second caesarean. Haley's story really is incredible, whilst we laugh a lot, this story really shows how valuable private midwifery care can be as it really influenced how amazing her experience was, despite everything, finding herself for the second time having a surgery she didn't plan to have. In this episode we do talk about birth trauma in reference to her first birth so please be mindful when listening. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do. Resources: Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

This episode is a part of the homebirth around the World Series. In this episode, I chat with Renee, a community midwife or a ‘LMC' on the North Island of Aotearoa  ‘New Zealand'. I was really excited to chat with Renee as New Zealand is often looked up to in terms of its midwifery care and homebirth access. Renee shares her journey to becoming a midwife and how the system works in Aotearoa. We cover homebirth rates and access, the challenges, risks and a bit about funding. Homebirth Aotearoa New Zealand College of Midwives - you can find a definition of an LMC here too https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/health-workforce-development/midwiferyReferral Guidelines Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Episode 69 is shared by Brooke, a first time mum who chose to freebirth her first baby, Mana-kai. Brooke talks us through her pregnancy, her reflections on mothering and grieving her maiden self and then her very cosy birth of Mana-kai, labouring without electricity due to power outages for much of her labour. She also shares her post partum journey, chatting about breastfeeding and the challenges of her prolapse.  Resources: How to Belly MapVideo of Belly MappingI couldn't find specific resources exploring maidenhood to motherhood but this concept is explored in these resourcesChildbirth as a Rite of Passage 10 Moons Baby CPR I haven't listened but this is an ep from B from Core Floor Restore chatting about prolapse https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/03-b-core-floor-restore-its-not-normal-to-pee-poo-yourself/id1625607785?i=1000564849488Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Episode 68 is shared by Genna who lives on Wurunderji land. After Genna's IVF journey, she chose to have a homebirth with her first baby, Freddie through the publicly funded homebirth program. She also shares how invaluable midwifery care was during her pregnancy, labour, birth and post partum experience, especially in the context of her significant prior mental health struggles including at the time undiagnosed ASD, and her ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and then also  having previously had a psychotic episode. We also chat about how she factored in her mental health vulnerabilities into her journey and also the benefits of homebirth for those who are neurodivergent. Resources: Birth With Confidence: Savvy choices for normal birth (Book)Embracing the intensity workshopThe Birth Space: A Doula's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondGalinjera Maternity ProgramPossum Skin Cloak Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

This is the first episode of Homebirth Around The World. A series where I chat with homebirth midwives and they share how homebirth works in their area. From cost, culture, insurance, becoming a homebirth midwife and working as one, this series aims to try and dy-mystify homebirth and raise awareness for homebirth. In this episode, I chat with Lucy from @lucybuddingwood who shares her journey to becoming an indepedent private midwife in England and how homebirth works generally in England. We chat a lot about insurance and the challenges in the system - quite different to home we in Australia may perceive it! Below are some resources worth checking out!Homebirth, NHS midwifery, regulation and unions.NHS Homebirth: Where to give birth NHS Guide, Birthrights Guide to Choice in place of birth, Homebirth UK (old site, gives some historical background to that 1990s/2000s surge in homebirth popularityWhat is an Independent Midwife? NCT Guide Zest Midwives: Membership for Independent Midwives to access intrapartum insurance.RCM: Midwives' UnionNMC: UK Nursing and Midwifery RegulatorNMC guide to indemnity insurance Albany Midwifery Practice: Overview via AIMS Closure: How the flagship Albany Midwifery Practice, at the heart of its South London community, was demonised and dismantled Paperback – 11 May 2023ARM: Association of Radical MidwivesMidwifery Matters (quarterly member's magazine of the Association of Radical Midwives, this is the magazine I Edit.)ARM Archive on Homebirth (ARM member's archived discussion thread on homebirth, again this was probably mostly from 2000s/2010s.#saynotobullyinginmidwifery Report, via ARM. This is a book by ARM members on bullying in midwifery and gives a really good insight into NHS midwives' experience within the UK. It isn't specifically about homebirth, but it goes really deep into the culture!!Lucy's website www.lucybuddingwood.comSupport the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Episode 67 is shared by Amy who lives on Gubbi Gubbi country in Queensland. Amy shares her two homebirth stories, which includes one in a publicly funded hospital homebirth program and then her second with a private midwife. We chat about her experiences with both models, her episiotomy  and then her fear around tearing, her desire for a water birth and so much more. Please make sure to share this episode or any others you've listened to, whether it's wth friends, or on social media, or leaving a rating or review. All of it helps to get the word out there that homebirth is an option! Resources:Free Antenatal Classes from Core Floor Restore Dr Andrew Bisits One-on-one midwife care linked to lower risk of premature birthAustralia's breech baby whisperer (ABC)Intrapartum CTG monitoring in breech presentationBirth Time: The Documentary Catherine Bell - Birth MapLael StoneBirth is Magic Kids Book for HomebirthSupport the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Episode 66 shared by Tegan in Queensland. This episode unfortunately, is a roller coaster & I'm so grateful to Tegan for sharing her story. It's difficult to summarise Tegan's story into a quick intro, but how's this - after being accepted and excluded from the local publicly funded program MULTIPLE times in her pregnancy with her second baby, Tegan made the decision to birth at home, unassisted. We talk about so much in this episode too, like GBS diagnoses, antibiotics, gut health, breastfeeding, Cervical ectropion and more. Resources: Short cervix info Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Dr Sarah Buckley Cervical EctropionFirst 1000 Days of Life: Consequences of Antibiotics on Gut MicrobiotaThere is SO much info out there on this topic - this is just one article Born at Home: The Documentary Pacific Mother (See the Trailer) Thrush in PregnancyGBS (Group B) Testing About Group B Strep (GBS) Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

This is episode 65 and it's shared by Meg in NSW who shares her experience being a first time mum who chose to have a homebirth. She shares her journey to finding homebirth, her pregnancy journey, the birth of her baby girl Dylan & then her post partum experience including post partum hameomorrahe and breastfeeding difficulties influenced by a severe tongue tie. A fantastic episode for anyone planning a homebirth for the first time!Resources: Birth Time: The Documentary The impact on midwives and their practice after caring for women who have a traumatic childbirth: A systematic reviewTrauma and fear in Australian midwivesThe Dinner Ladies (post partum food)Birth Circle (Abby & Sheryl Siddery)The Birth SlingTongue Tie Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Episode 64 is shared by Amber who is a mum to two homebirth babies. Today she shares the fantastic story of the birth of Delilah at 42 + 5 weeks at home, and then the birth of Bette, who was a planned homebirth with midwives, but ended up being an accidental freebirth at home  as the midwives didn't make it in time! We also chat about family centred birth and changing the narrative around homebirth and birth. ResourcesEvidence on post dates baby written by Dr Rachel ReedOP baby written by Dr Rachel ReedA survey of Australian women's digital media usage in pregnancy and labour and birth (2023, journal article) ECV (external cephalic version) for breech babyJust Another Day in a Woman's Life?Women's Long-Term Perceptions of Their FirstBirth Experience. Part I (older article from 1991 but still relevent I think) - click on the PDF download for the full text The meaning of a very positive birth experience: focus groups discussions with women (2015)Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textEpisode 63 is shared by the amazing Alice. Alice is the creator of Halo Mumma, which is a free website resource to support those on their pregnancy after loss journey. Alice herself today shares the loss of her twins Ayla and Millie, and the trauma which this created, not just from the pregnancy, but the induction of labour, post partum, and including a delayed PPH. During the pregnancy of her rainbow baby, Vinny, she ended up switching to homebirth in order to foster a more positive experience. We talk about multiple different quite difficult topics in this ep that may be triggering for some - so please take care of yourself when listening. Ultimately, Alice's story demonstrates that you can homebirth after loss and that no one should be forced to birth in a place where they have experienced so much trauma. Resources: Halo Mumma Twins - Great Birth Rebellion Episode with Dr Stu The Fifth Vital Sign (book) Calm Birth (Education) PANDA Pregnancy After Loss Chemical Pregnancy Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is the 62nd episode and it's shared by mum of 3, Mel from Newcastle who shares her incredible stories with having 2 babies after 42 weeks and planning 3 home births through the publicly funded system. Mel chose to have a publicly funded homebirth with her first baby, but at 42 weeks, she was coerced into an induction due to the criteria of the program. After a 5 day induction, Oscar was born. For her second baby, she planned another homebirth with the the publicly funded program, however at 41+2 her baby girl Zara arrived before the midwives did, in a fantastic unassisted homebirth. For her 3rd baby, after choosing the PFHB program, as the clock ticked past that arbitrary cut off again, Mel connected with a privately practicing midwife and she was supported to have a fantastic homebirth   4 days later. This also happened to be on her mums birthday, who passed away the year before. I am so grateful for Mel who recorded with me when Archie was only 5.5 weeks old. I know these stories will mean a lot to so many listeners. As we talk about in the ep, going past 42 weeks is a rarity these days so please make sure to share the ep in whatever way you can.Resources: Post dates baby - Induction of Labour https://www.rachelreed.website/blog/induction-of-labour-for-prolonged-pregnancyPost Dates Birth https://consultations.health.gov.au/health-services-division/pregnancy-care-guidelines-review/supporting_documents/Prolonged%20pregnancy%20evidence%20evaluation%2015Oct18.PDFMeconium in post dates baby https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In episode 61, I chat with Emma who is a student nurse and midwife who shares her positive homebirth turned hospital birth story. After labouring for well over 20 hours at home, Emma was forced to come to terms with transferring to hospital. We chat about her experience of a publicly funded (ie. free) homebirth program, having a doula, her long labour, the emotional journey of accepting the need to transfer, and she also shares her powerful birth story, where despite having an epidural on board, she successfully goddess squatted baby Lua out! Resources: Birth Time Documentry (get a 20% discount with code ' CICADA20 ' ) Di Diddle Birth Education Epidurals Cochrane Review Evidenced Based Birth Podcast Ep Homebirth Victoria Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is the 60th birth at home story! And it shared by Racheal in Victoria, mum to 2 babies both born at home. Growing up Rachael, alike many people, thought homebirth was a bit ‘woo woo'. Meeting her home birthed husband, now paramedic, they began on a homebirth journey for their 2 babies, choosing private midwifery care. We also chat about the emotional experience of the baby when it is born, its transition to life outside the womb and the impact of social media on perceptions and understandings of birth. Racheal also shares her experience with homebirth after significant perineal and cliteral tearing. Resources: Julei Bell - Blissful Herbs https://www.blissfulherbs.com.au/The changes required when transitioning to extrauterine life https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4987541/Thought provoking points:Why do we feel safest in the hospital?What is the impact of social media on perceptions and understandings of birth?Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is another partner episode in the partners supporting birth at home series.Today Cian, dad to 2 girls, shares his experience witnessing two very different births, a c-section and then a homebirth after caesarean. As with all the partner episodes be sure to share them, as we reflect in this episode, they are powerful and play an important role in understanding, choosing and feeling comfortable with homebirth. Resources: The Purple Line in Labour https://www.sarawickham.com/questions-and-answers/evidence-for-the-purple-line/Birth After Caesarean by Hazel Keedle https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/birth-after-caesarean-your-journey-to-a-better-birth-by-hazel-keedle?srsltid=AfmBOoog7Eytny_gtQdPDC5wasYBifyofjiweadXdzIp2IZ3I3OzbFCkEpisode 28: How to be a great birth support https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147895640Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@homebirth.doula_birthingathome birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In episode 59, Sahara a midwife and IBCLC shares her 3 homebirth stories. Sahara shares her journey to finding homebirth and choosing to become a midwife. We then hear about her experience in a publicly funded homebirth program during the start of COVID 19 in Melbourne and the challenges she faced — she then shares her two home births under the care of private midwives. We go on some interesting tangents in this episode and we also talk about loss and also the trauma associated with a pyloric stenosis surgery that her 3rd baby had to undergo in the early weeks of her life outside the womb. Resources: Gestational Diabetes https://www.rachelreed.website/blog/gestational-diabetes-beyond-the-labelhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ua/podcast/gestational-diabetes-the-pregnancy-perspective/id1523178579?i=1000527077230Eating dates for inducing labour https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-06196-yAcupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour https://www.cochrane.org/CD002962/PREG_acupuncture-or-acupressure-induction-labourPyloric stenosisThe 'Timing Method' to increase chance of a particular sex https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/how-to-conceive-a-boy-or-a-girlSupport the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 58 is shared by Sam from WA. She is a midwife of 13 years, who has recently become endorsed and is working privately. She is mum to 3 children, 2 of which were born at home. Today she shares her story of finding homebirth and eventually having 2 of her own homebirths. She shares her birth stories and we chat parenthood along the way. Resources: Fiona Hallinan https://www.thepelvicspace.com.au/Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is birth story 57, and it is shared by Monique from the Northern Beaches in Sydney. She shares her freebirth story with her first baby, Jonathan or Jojo. Monique's normal boring freebirth story is so interesting given her own birth imprint includes both her and her brother being born via c-section. It's a beautiful story and lovely to listen to how Monique learnt about freebirth and the confidence she had in her body. Resources: Birth Video Labour https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-9tj-Ih98EyxpM4rNOEjpPIVV2Utt95xzEyxo0/?igsh=dHNtbXh4aHNhMDl5Birth https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-9vAjxhlGsZ39-AQV2uTVfKMOes3wDSRxPfTY0/?igsh=cTgyYWk0bW10dWZlPlacenta https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-9vuB9hwFgAp3f9gIkpFsRbwJn64ahl72Zg4Y0/?igsh=MTNqaTlwZHFobWhqZA==Normal Boring Freebirth (insta + podcast) https://www.instagram.com/normalboringfreebirth/Using Scans to measure babies https://www.rachelreed.website/blog/big-babies-care-provider-fearEvidence (or lack of) on ultrasounds in pregnancy:2016 Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy – Your Questions Answered! By Dr Sarah Buckley 2009 Safety of ultrasonography in pregnancy: WHO systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis 2023 A Review on Biological Effects of Ultrasounds: Key Messages for Clinicians“…ultrasound involves exposure to a form of energy, so there is the potential to initiate biological effects. Some of these effects might, under certain circumstances, be detrimental to the developing fetus.” (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), 2009)“Currently, there is no reliable evidence that ultrasound is harmful to a developing fetus. No links have been found between ultrasound and birth defects, childhood cancer, or developmental problems later in life. However, it is possible that effects could be identified in the future. For this reason, it is recommended that ultrasound exams be performed only for medical reasons by qualified health care providers” (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2013)Great Birth Rebellion Episode 2 - The medicalisation spectrumSupport the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In episode 56, Emily, an emergency nurse who chose to homebirth with her first baby 'Benson' shares her unexpected, non-emergency transfer to hospital story. Emily shares her pregnancy journey, her labour at home, and her decision to transfer into hospital, where she had a very positive experience in birthing Benson in an assisted vaginal birth, supported by her private midwife. She also shares some insights into her experience post partum. ** Emily would like people to know that she realises she has used terminology such as "let me" but wants to clarify that everything she consented to was her choice

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 55 is shared by Emilie who is a Melbourne based doula, and HBAC mama who today shares her two extremely different experiences. She birthed her first baby Reuben under general anesthic during COVID in the UK, an experience which she soon after recieved a PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) diagnosis from. Following moving to Australia, Emilie was determined to have a different experience and so chose to homebirth daughter Brontë. Emilie shares this experiences and how she powerfully goddess squatted Bronte out in an incredible birth experience where she describes being able to reclaim her power and autonomy. Resources in this episode: The evidence on epidurals https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/benefits-of-epidural/The cascade of interventions - The Great Birth Rebellion ep https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148575903The birth map https://birthmap.life/VBAC vaginal birth after caesarean - The Great Birth Rebellion ep https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148668424VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) - An Interview with Dr Hazel Keedle - The midwives cauldron https://www.buzzsprout.com/1178486/episodes/10779155This episode is sponsored by https://dearmemothertobe.com/Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 54 - Today we hear from Brenda in New York. Brenda's first baby Harper was in a breech position and although she initially planned to have a homebirth, she ended up agreeing to a c-section. Her next baby Hudson was head down and born on the way to the hospital in the car, an incredible VBAC story, and for her third baby Holden, he remained breech, and although she called her midwives, the labour happened so quick that in the end, only her doula was present. I initially saw Brenda's brilliant stories shared on her instagram and I'm so glad to be able to share another breech story and HBAC story on the podcast. Make sure to share this episode! Resources: Yoga Girl's Birth Story https://www.freebirthsociety.com/podcasts/free-birth-society/episodes/2148192922Bicornuate Uterus https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/baby-position/breech/breech-bicornuate-uterus/Breech without Borders https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In this episode of Partner's Supporting Homebirth, Tom from South Australia shares his experience supporting his wife Chloe (Episode 39) during the home birth of their daughter Matilda. Tom shares his initial fears and biases about home birth, the research he conducted, and the preparations they made leading up to the birth. He recounts the rapid progression of labor, the unexpected challenges they faced, and the emotional impact of becoming a father. Tom offers valuable advice for partners considering home birth and reflects on the transformative experience of parenthood.Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is episode 53, and today we hear from Joey in Canberra. Joey is a physio and mum to two boys, Bellamy who she very almost had a homebirth with and Avery, who she did birth at home. Joey shares with us her journey with Bellamy and we reflect on why she chose homebirth, even having had what she describes as a positive hospital birth. We also chat about the impact of COVID on pregnancy, labour and her post partum, and the many things she learnt even as a physio, when researching physiological birth. Resources in this ep: Birth Skills by Juju Sundin https://thememo.com.au/products/birth-skills?srsltid=AfmBOoqvWYN5vby3hUbgVLzxcnvNRHGFSmF9Nzn8OAI0_R1aOB04j7SPCub Birth Stool https://www.cubmama.com/Peaut App https://www.peanut-app.io/Support the showConnect with me, Elsie, the host :) www.birthingathome.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@birthingathome_a.doula birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Epsiode 52 is shared by Sam from NSW who tells her huge vulnerable, honest, and beautiful story of how her homebirth baby boy, Archie came to be. Sam's story starts in her 20's where, alike many women, she chose to have an abortion, partly influenced by her birth imprint. Some years later, when the timing was better, she was excited to become pregnant, then experienced a miscarriage. These events had significant influence  on her journey and experience in being pregnant with her now 16 month old, baby Archie. She also shares her experience with a post partum haemorrhage after her homebirth, and then 2 weeks later, a secondary post partum haemorrhage which required surgery. Whilst this is a longer episode, it is a great story that includes many different topics and experiences. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comLinks to resources: What is a birth imprint? https://ishasoulseededucation.com/birth-imprints/Stigma of Abortion https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-26/senate-inquiry-universal-reproductive-healthcare-abortion-access/102018234Belmont Birthing Centre https://www.hunterbirtheducationcentre.com/belmont-birthingSterile Water Injections for pain in labour https://evidencebasedbirth.com/sterile-water-injections-for-pain-relief-during-labor/Secondary Post Partum Haemorrhage https://teachmeobgyn.com/labour/puerperium/secondary-post-partum-haemorrhage/Bicornuate Uterus https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/uterine-differencesSupport the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In this month midwife story episode, I chat with the amazing Abbey who is a midwife in Western Australia. The story to how Abbey found homebirth for her own 2 children is amazing, and as she goes on, you can tell, she was destined to be a homebirth midwife. She shares her journey to midwifery and homebirth midwifery. What a special story, I felt so amazed to hear it!! Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comSupport the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)In episode 51, Jess from the Northern Territory shares the births of Matilda (hospital), Edith (freebirth) and Angus (freebirth > hospital transfer). After years of trying, Jess finally became pregnant through IVF with her 1st baby Matilda, and gave birth in 2020 with little insight into the medicalisation of birth. For her second baby, Edith however, she chose to birth at home, however was unable to access homebirth midwifery care where she lives in the Northern Territory, and so had little other options, other than to freebirth. Empowered by this experience, for her third baby Angus, she chose to lean deeper into that experience and have an anxiety free wild pregnancy and planned to have another freebirth. Whilst we talk about all 3 births in this episode, it is worth highlighting in this intro that  during her labour with Angus, she felt that something wasn't quite right, and so made the decision to transfer to hospital for medical support. Whilst Jess has and will continue to work through the common emotions that this decision evokes, I hope sharing this story with you today, the listener, demonstrates how amazing jess is - how she trusted and listened to her body and in the end, she listened to her intuition and sought help to birth all 4.9kg of baby Angus. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comLinks to resources: IVF associated with higher rates of Gestional Diabetes Diagnosis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9852144/The Cascade of Interventions on The Great Birth Rebellion  https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148575903"Single umbilical artery is when one artery in the umbilical cord is missing. It happens in about 1 in 100 singleton pregnancies (1 percent) and about 5 in 100 multiple pregnancies (5 percent). " Support the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)This is another episode in the partners supporting birth at home series, and today Dan, husband of Rosie who shared her birth at home stories in episode 43,  shares his experience. As dad to 4 baby's all born at home, it was great to get some insight into his thoughts about preparing and supporting a birth at home. As with all the partner episodes, sometimes they can be tricky to find, so please give this a share. Support the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 50!!! In this ep Georgia from Victoria, a nurse, midwife and mum to Amelie & Ellidy shares her two homebirth stories!Georgia shares with us her journey to homebirth before being a midwife, and her journey with Elidy as a midwife. She shares about her anxieties, her long labours, her post partum experience during COVID 19, and her drama's when a scan revealed abnormalities with her baby's liver. Part of Georgia's story is also briefly sharing her experience planning homebirth when her sister had previously delivered a baby born sleeping - so for this reason, please take care of yourself if listening to this amazing episode. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comSupport the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 49 and the first Northern Territory episode is shared by Asa, a first time mum who shares her beautiful experience with the birth of her daughter Zoe. What is also special about her story is that with the Defense Force, she was able to claim her entire homebirth back on her private insurance - not without a fight of course! She also shares her preparation for birth and motherhood, how her doula supported her and about her transfer to hospital for retained membranes after the birth of Zoe's placenta. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comResources: Pregnancy Mental Health https://panda.org.au/articles/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-pregnancy/Tapping Therapy https://www.calm.com/blog/tapping-techniqueOverview of Shadow Work https://www.conni.me/blog/shadow-workThe Great Birth Rebellion https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellionDr Rachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/Herstroy by Dr Rachel Reed - First Chapter of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSBVz4ulD1EPanadol in Labour https://www.sarawickham.com/promoting-normality/the-paracetamol-question/https://undercovermidwife.blogspot.com/2015/03/paracetamol-and-labour.htmlhttps://undercovermidwife.blogspot.com/2017/06/paracetamol-and-pregnancy-more.htmlIna May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth https://letstalkbirth.au/products/ina-mays-guide-to-childbirthSupport the Show.

Hello! I would love to hear what your fave part of the ep was. Send me a msg by clicking here :)Episode 48 is shared by Australian 'Salina', who shares her 2 homebirth stories from Banff, Canada.She also shares the multiple reasons why she chose midwifery care, how she came to choosing homebirth late in her first pregnancy and the benefits of doula care. And all these whilst being labelled by the system as geriatric! These are 2 beautiful stories showing the power of having truly informed pregnancy care. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comResources: PCOS and pregnancy https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/fertility-and-pregnancy'Advanced Maternal Age' and 'Geriatric' pregnancy https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-for-advanced-maternal-age/Freya App https://thepositivebirthcompany.com/freya-hypnobirthing-appDr Rachel Reed's Website https://www.rachelreed.website/Hypnobirthing Australia https://hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au/Support the Show.

What did you think?In episode 47, we hear Hannah share her story. Hannah is based in Canberra and shares her hospital birth story and then homebirth story. Honestly, after you hear of everything Hannah endured in both her pregnancies, you'll be amazed and inspired by her strength to listen to her body and baby, and her mother's intuition to achieve such an incredible homebirth. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comLinks to resources: Core Floor Restore Free Antenatal classes https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/antenatal-classesPre-labour Rupture of Membranes: impatience and riskEpisiotomy https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148567888Premature Atrial Contractions https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21700-premature-atrial-contractionsSupport the Show.

What did you think?In this months midwife story episode, I chat with Jo Hunter who many of you may know from being one of the creators of Birth Time (& if you haven't seen it, it's essentially mandatory for anyone planning to give birth). She is also a homebirth midwife, former doula & former convener for Homebirth Australia.,,just to name a couple of things she has done. I invited Jo to come and chat with me to give some context around homebirth in Australia in the past 30 or so years, also given that 3 of her 4 children were born at home in the late 90's and early 2000's and to also talk about the current issues affect homebirth in Australia right now. The issue around Public Indemnity Insurance for private midwives, including homebirth attending midwives is evolving as the weeks go by, so make sure to follow Homebirth Australia and join their newsletter for the most up-to-date information. I hope you love this episode as much as I do. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comLinks to resources:Birth Time https://www.birthtime.world/Learn more about Jo here: https://midwifejo.com.au/Learn about Waminda https://waminda.org.au/Homebirth Australia https://www.homebirthaustralia.org/Support the Show.

What did you think?Today in episode 46, we hear from Emma in South Australia who is a midwife, nurse, and lactation consultant. She shares her 2 hospital births and homebirth story intertwined with stories of her life as a midwife, including her journey of unlearning and relearning about physiological birth, challenges with breastfeeding, bleeding during pregnancy, falling in love with your newborn, and the impact of birth related trauma from her work as a midwife. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comResouces in this episode: Hypnobubs Course https://www.hypnobubs.com/Pre-labour rupture of membranes https://midwifethinking.com/2017/01/11/pre-labour-rupture-of-membranes-impatience-and-risk/Sebchorionic haemtoma - some info can be found here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559017/Janice having a baby on 'Friends' LOL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrul9EqJ7uYBreast Abcess info https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/breast-abscessGreat Birth Rebellion Ep on Preparing for a Homebirth https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148221037Support the Show.

What did you think?In episode 45, Tiahn in WA shares her story on finding homebirth. After her first birth experience in hospital left her knowing she did not want it to occur like that again, she found homebirth. Her story also shows the power of knowing others who have birthed at home - in this case, Britt, her cousin who shared her own 4 home births in ep 32. Tiahn then shares how she also got accepted into the Community midwife program for a birth centre birth in Perth but ultimately, had a super super quick homebirth with baby Archer — so quick she didn't even have time to take off her shorts! Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comLinks to resources: Benefits of a doula https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/https://open.spotify.com/episode/7A7zQPoOsabVkXeSREYKah?si=d7ac2955d7984976Morphine in Labour https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-iv-opioids-during-labor/Support the Show.

What did you think?Episode 44 is shared by Hannah in South Australia, who is a first time mum that chose to homebirth with her baby Charlotte (Lottie). Amazingly, Hannah already knew of private midwifery prior to becoming pregnant and so already had a head start in finding homebirth. She also shares how educating herself through podcasts and books helped her to avoid an unnecessary c-section which was recommended to her at 32 weeks due to a low lying placenta. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comResources: Great Birth Rebellion - Low Lying Placentas https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148558295Hypnobirthing online https://hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au/hypnobubs-hypnobirthing-online-course/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ai0BhDPARIsAB6hmP6bAmWmnDEeZElnUwtbCx_p2W7wjNoVrY2f31MpSZnQQ_0ebg1YwF8aAtOBEALw_wcBOsteopathy in Pregnancy (not specifically spoken about but in the context of sciatica) https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148319641Gas/Nitrous Oxide in Labour https://evidencebasedbirth.com/nitrous-oxide-during-labor/Spinning Babies https://www.spinningbabies.com/Breast Crawl https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/baby-led-attachmentMarginal Cord Insertion https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147942648Support the Show.

What did you think?Episode 43 is shared by Rosie, mum to 4 babies all  born at home, doula and also the co-owner of Earthy Birth who was the June podcast sponsor!Rosie talks us through her 2 home births and 2 free births and the challenges she encountered. We chat about being able to trust yourself, her reasoning for birthing at home and other experiences like gender disappointment, the shock of a quick birth, the imapact of pelvic congestion syndrome, and post natal depression. Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comResources: Read about Rosie's births here on her blog https://www.therosiedoula.com.au/blogWatch Rosie's birth videos on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@rosieparton7210/videosSupport the Show.

What did you think?In this month's midwife story, chat with Beth. Beth shares her story spanning over 20 years now, including her first experience attending a homebirth and then her work as a midwife and eventual transition into private midwifery attending home births. We also chat about  girls and women's rites of passage and her amazing walking emerging wwoman workshops. I first met Beth almost 10 years ago now when studying midwifery so it was beautiful to catch up and learn more about her story all these years later!Please share this story, especially with student midwives who may be interested in homebirth midwifery! Resources: Beth @womanwithchild.beth + find out about her Walking the Emerging Woman Workshops here tooJenny Blyth https://birthwork.com/about-us/Impact of 'light' in labour https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148625925Core of Life https://coreoflife.org.au/Jane Hardwicke Collins https://janehardwickecollings.com/Dr Rachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/Support the Show.

What did you think?In episode 42, we hear from Kate who so beautifully walks us through her 3 births at home, including a footling breech homebirth. Kate and her partner James began connecting with the homebirth community before their first baby, and so naturally, when the time came, they chose homebirth and after 2 magical births, Kate decided to birth unassisted but supported by her loved ones. Make sure to check out the great images shared on my instagram birthingathome_apodcast. Learn more about me, my offers as a doula & the podcast here: https://www.birthingathome.com.auResources: I don't think we discuss any specific resources in this ep, but we do talk about Doula'sFootling breach YogaHypnobirthingThe magic of birth Support the Show.

What did you think?This week's episode is shared today by Bek. After researching and choosing private midwifery care in her first pregnancy for a planned hospital birth, Bek shares today about her 2 subsequent home births. It is a beautiful conversation about pregnancy, birth, continuity of care, challenges in pregnancy, and having children present during birth. I really liked Bek's reflection of feeling like she COULD birth alone, but then asking herself the question if she actually WANTED to birth alone.Resources: Fear Free Childbirth Podcast https://www.fearfreechildbirth.com/podcast/fear-free-childbirth-podcast/The Impact of Light in Labour https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/214862592510 Moons by Jane Hardwicke Collings https://janehardwickecollings.com/product/ten-moons-the-inner-journey-of-pregnancy/Bek's husband 'Lloyd's' episode https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/birthing-at-home-a-podcast/id1705684880?i=1000636382306Learn more about me, my offers as a doula & the podcast here: https://www.birthingathome.com.auSupport the Show.

What did you think?As a part of the partners supporting birth at home series, today we hear Sean's story of the birth of his baby girl who his partner Bronnie (who was in episode 39) freebirthed! Sean chats with us about his journey as a chiropractor to learning of birth at home.  It was amazing to hear how unconditionally Sean trusted in Bronnie, her body and their baby. Be sure to share this ep far and wide to help other partners find this great and persepctive of supporting birth at home. Bronnie's birth of Abigail (Abi) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/birthing-at-home-a-podcast/id1705684880?i=1000656833927Freebirth Society Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/free-birth-society/id1231912533Support the Show.

What did you think?Episode 40! Today we hear how after 4 obstetric led hospital births, Kate began exploring her options for birth at home - but with uncertainty around private midwife availability, Kate instead chose to have a freebirth with her 5th baby. Whilst we don't cover her 4 hospital births in detail Kate does not go in to detail about her 4 hospital births however it is helpful to note that she experienced a post partum haoemoorraheg with her 3rd baby and her 4th baby was diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome and spent much of her first year of life on       oxygen. I think it's important to include such details because it really contrasts how different her freebirth journey was - in a complication free birth and post partum. Kate also reflects on the importance of good support and self belief.Resources: The Rhomus of Michaelis https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/the-rhombus-of-michaelis/Support the Show.

Send me your feedback!Episode 39 is shared by first time mum, Chloe, who had a homebirth with her baby Matilda. This story is actually pretty amazing - it's not often that you come across birth at home stories, where the intention and prearation has spanned a number of years - especially with your first baby — which is what Chloe did and shares today! This is such a good example of how pregnancy and birth should be, feeling supported and an authority over your body and baby. Chloe also shares about her struggle with hyperemesis, her very fast labour, and her post partum journey. Resources: Sisterwives Tv Show https://go.tlc.com/show/sister-wives-tlcHilary Duff's Homebirth https://www.instagram.com/p/C6rZGXRPRM3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Core Floor Restore Antenatal classes https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/antenatal-classesHyeremesis Gravidarum https://www.hyperemesis.org/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/Waterproof blanket https://splashblanket.com/collections/the-originalSupport the Show.

Send me your feedback!Episode 38 is a first time mum freebirth story from Bronnie in Melbourne. Bronnie shares how she grew up petrified to be pregnant but after a lot of self discovery and unlearning, she set her intention to freebirth her first baby. In this episode we talk about the mental and emotional work that goes into planning a freebirth, healing, media shaming of social media freebirth communities, and then her quick, intense birth with baby Abi, and how birth has changed her . I'm also excited to say that Bonnie also shares her placenta smoothie recipe! Connect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comDon't forget to check out the May sponsor https://letstalkbirth.au/ and use ELSIE15 to get 15% off Resources: Skin to skin https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/skin-skin-contactCabbage Leaves for engorgement https://milkygoodness.com.au/blogs/news/cabbage-leaves-fact-or-fictionThe Freebirth Society https://www.freebirthsociety.com/CHAPTERS00:00Introduction and Background03:20Overcoming Fear and Embracing Free Birth10:29Unlearning and Healing13:48Holistic Living and Preparation26:41The Birth Process and Trusting the Body30:00The Onset of Labor31:00Preparing for Birth32:18Entering the Birth Pool33:15The Birth Process36:09Welcoming the Baby40:18Postpartum Challenges45:30Postpartum Recovery52:59The Transformation of Motherhood58:35Empowering Women to Trust Their BodiesSupport the Show.

Send me your feedback!Today I chat with Anna as a part of the midwife stories series. Anna is actually Swedish and currently lives in her midwitch cottage in Sweden, but to my delight, the day of this interview, I learnt she studied and practiced midwifery in Australia! She shares her eclectic journey pre birth work and how her passion for human rights is what has continued to motivate her in this work. Anna has so much knowledge, and it was truly wonderful to talk to her about midwifery, physiological birth, witches, birth culture and the importance of knowledge sharing amongst women, but also birth workers. Anna also is the host of the Natural Birth Podcast and has some great online offerings for which she has given me a code which is my name ELSIE to get 10% off her courses and offerings.Don't forget to check out the May sponsor https://letstalkbirth.au/ and use ELSIE15 to get 15% off Resources: Midwives as the OG witches https://www.salon.com/2023/10/23/were-midwives-the-og-witches-how-the-history-of-mystic-medicine-and-reproductive-health-intertwine/What is Human Design? https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3wnnx/human-design-meaning-what-is-itAll of Anna's courses and offerings https://www.sacredbirthinternational.com/work-with-annaConnect with me, Elsie, the host :)www.birthingathome.com.au@birthingathome_apodcastbirthingathome.apodcast@gmail.comCHAPTERS00:00Introduction and Background01:31Anna's Eclectic Journey in Midwifery13:16Women's Rights and Connection to Spirituality24:11Transition to Becoming a Mid-Witch26:53Supporting Women in Birth and Postpartum29:13Conclusion and Future Plans29:42Reclaiming the Word 'Midwife'38:13The Medicalization of Birth43:26The Rise of Free Birth and Home Birth Programs49:28Mentoring and Educating Sacred Spaceholders51:19Creating Safe Spaces for Birth WorkersSupport the Show.

Send me your feedback!Episode 37 is shared today by Emma in South Australia. Emma is a Mental Health Doula with 2 children, 1 who was born at home! Today she shares what a mental health doula is, her work in post partum and antenatal counselling, the importance of post partum planning, and of course her experience in finding and choosing homebirth! A very interesting episode especially if, like me initially, you aren't sure of what a mental health doula is! Resources: Emma's website and services https://emmaholdsworth.com.au/Julia Jones - Post Partum https://newbornmothers.com/CHAPTERS 00:00Introduction and Background02:22From Counselor to Mental Health Doula09:26Exploring the Concept of Mental Health Doula14:38Reflecting on a Traumatic Birth Experience25:32Becoming a Postpartum Doula and Finding Resources33:36The Importance of Supportive Professionals40:11Integrating Mental Health and Birth Support36:23The Importance of Postpartum Support52:20Feeling Like a Warrior56:08Budgeting for Postpartum Services01:05:41Caring for Mothers at Any Stage of MotherhoodSupport the Show.

Send me your feedback!Episode 36 is shared by mum to 4 under 6 years, Shelby. Shelby felt naive going in to her first 2 births, and although she learnt about homebirth (via freebirth first!) after her 2nd baby, she chose to have another birth centre birth. It wasn't until after reflection many months later, that she decided for her 4th baby she would plan a homebirth. An episode that makes you think about why 3 non-homebirths had so many issues, but her 4th baby who was born at home, was so different. Resources: Velamentous Cord Insertion https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24111-velamentous-cord-insertionPreterm Premature Rupture of Membranes https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-281-mini-q-a-on-the-evidence-on-preterm-prom/IVF & Induction https://www.therealbirthcompanyltd.com/2021/04/28/ivf-and-stillbirth/Meconium in waters https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/Learn more about me, my offers as a doula & the podcast here: https://www.birthingathome.com.au/CHAPTERS00:00Shelby's Birth Center Births06:15Discovering Home Birth08:08Overview of First Two Births11:21Dealing with Shoulder Dystocia28:36Bringing Baby Home on Oxygen33:25Considering Induction for Future Pregnancies34:53Making an Informed Decision39:59Dealing with Others' Opinions41:22Finding the Right Midwife43:31Unexpected Early Labor48:43The Excitement of Catching the Baby54:07Creating a Comfortable Birth Space57:41Returning to Normalcy After Birth01:03:13Passing on the Knowledge of Home Birth01:05:24Challenges with Publicly Funded Home Birth01:06:45The Power of Physiological BirthSupport the Show.

Send me your feedback!Episode 35 is shared by Courtney, a doula and personal trainer, in NSW. After never really thinking of having children, Courtney ended up in a birth rabbit hole which led her to choosing a birth centre birth for her first baby, and then in an effort to reduce the risk of more interventions, she chose homebirth with her second baby. We chat about birth, pregnancy, post partum & all the varying experiences. A beautiful feel good episode ✨Links to resources: Food taboos in pregnancy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9281602/Policing food in pregnancy https://www.bonappetit.com/story/diet-culture-and-pregnancyIntuitive Eating in Pregnancy https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/intuitive-eating-during-pregnancyBirth in Film PodcastComplications of having an Episiotomy https://www.birthinjuryhelpcenter.org/episiotomy-complications.html#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20effects%20of%20episiotomies,Anorectal%20dysfunctionRisks of coached pushing https://www.better-birth.co.uk/post/guided-vs-spontaneous-pushingHip squeezes in labour - How to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-buRloF0RoSupport the Show.

Episode 34 is from Mel, who whilst recording her homebirth story on the podcast in episode 11, was planning a frebirth during her wild pregnancy with Lakai. So today, we hear the beautiful and inspiring story of how Mel birthed Lakai at home, trusting her body and intuition completely, having done a lot of preperation for this radical responsiblity. Links to resources: What is a Mother Blessing/Blessingway? https://open.spotify.com/episode/107RkCyW6LVaEkbBP2wE8Y?si=7210da421aa249b1Dr Rachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/Dr Sara Wickham https://www.sarawickham.com/Born at Home Film https://www.bornathomefilm.com.au/The Fetal Ejection Reflex https://www.instagram.com/dr.rachel.reed/p/C1-TNK8PEf2/BRAIN decision making tool https://www.pregnancy.com.au/brain-decision-making-tool/Support the Show.

Episode 33 on the 22nd...fitting for a twin freebirth story, and not just any story - because we know these are special...but Georgia shares how she only found out she was having twins as Freddy was being born! Georgia talks us through her first birth with daughter 'Bo' and the immense trauma she experienced. It is an example of how denying women options based on 'low risk' 'high risk' can trigger a cascade of events that ultimately end in trauma and have lasting consequences on future experiences. Based purely on appearance, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Disgraceful and hugely problematic. Georgia, determinded to not place her 'care' in the hands of people who seemingly did not 'care', chose to have a wild pregnancy and freebirth her next baby...or BABIES! The first part of the episode discusses the traumatic birth story. If you're not in a place to listen to this - the WILD PREGNANCY/FREEBIRTH STORY BEGINS AT approx: 1 hour 11 mins Links to resources: Jane Harwicke Collins https://janehardwickecollings.com/EMDR Therapy for Birth Trauma https://fionarogerson.com.au/emdr-for-birth-trauma/Ina May Gaskin https://www.facebook.com/InaMayGaskin/Rachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/Support the show

Episode 32 --- what a feel good episode! Was so great to chat with Britt from Perth who had homebirths with all 4 of her babies, and with all 4 she had the same midwife as a part fo her care! We chat all things physiological birth and how although all born at home, they were all individual birth experiences. A great episode for anyone planning a homebirth! Links to resources: (the purple book) Well Adjusted Babies - Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Babies & Beyond  https://shop.welladjusted.co/product/well-adjusted-babies-your-complete-guide-to-pregnancy-birth-babies-beyond/PROM https://midwifethinking.com/2017/01/11/pre-labour-rupture-of-membranes-impatience-and-risk/Water Immersion for Pain Relief in labour https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494420/CHAPTERS00:00Introduction and Background10:49The Importance of a Supportive Birth Team29:59Positive Postpartum Experiences38:45The Unpredictability of Birth55:47Unique Birth Experiences01:05:01Expectations vs. Reality01:15:27Empowering Women and Trusting Your BodySupport the show

Today's midwife story is from Ineka - mum of one little boy born at home, and a homebirth/private midwife. Ineka is based in the Newcastle region and today share's how initially, she didn't think she would be able to get the results to be accepted in to a Bachelor of Midwifery program. After some soul searching through travel, including attending a talk by Ina May Gaskin, Ineka returned to Australia determind to be a midwife. She talks about how she achieved her 5000 hours and found her way in to private midwifery, reclaiming her own power as a midwife, in a system that generally disempowers midwives and limits their scope drastically to keep the hierachy of the medical model. Please share with any student midwives and midwives, or anyone who may be interested in Ineka's great story :) Links to resources: Ina May Gaskin https://thefarmmidwives.org/Becoming a Private Midwife https://www.homebirthaustralia.org/homebirth-information.htmlJane Hardwick Collins https://www.instagram.com/janehardwickecollings/?hl=enCHAPTERS00:00Introduction and Background10:49Becoming a Privately Practicing Midwife29:35Trusting Birth and Supporting Autonomy52:28Birth as a Transformative Experience59:06Exploring Birthing OptionsSupport the show

Episode 31 is shared by the amazing Crystal who after having had a traumatic hospital birth, had 4 births at home, 3 of which were freebirths. They weren't without their challenges but these stories reinforce that every birth is different, and that in today's westernised societies especially, we are encouraged to only view one version of birth as ‘normal' the one that is usually labelled as ‘low risk'. It is with this variation that we learn and can appreciate the power and magic of women's bodies. Links to resources: Ina May Gaskin TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9LO1Vb54ykSpinning Babies https://www.spinningbabies.com/About moxibustion https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/Orgasmic Birth https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/CHAPTERS07:01Crystal's First Birth and Desire for Home Birth27:06Discovering Home Birthing and Free Birthing32:45The Birth of Crystal's Second Child43:31Choosing Home Birth for Lazarus44:26Trauma in the Hospital: Feeling Out of Control51:48Distrust of the Body: Overcoming Negative Conditioning01:04:04The Curse of Death: Navigating Fear and Doubt01:19:38Rebellion and Empowerment: Trusting the Body's Wisdom01:26:23Believing in the Self: Finding Healing and Empowerment01:47:00 Snapped umbilical cordSupport the show