The Fearless Birth Podcast

Birth Trauma: Navigating the Emotional AftermathBirth trauma is far more common than we talk about, affecting over 45% of women, whether or not the birth itself went to plan. In this episode, we explore what birth trauma can look like, why it often stems from feeling unheard or losing control, and practical ways to begin healing, from therapy and support groups to self-compassion, mindfulness and journaling. A reminder that these feelings are valid, healing takes time, and you are not alone.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

From Maiden to MotherA powerful love letter on the deep transformation of birth, from maiden to mother. This episode speaks to the ancient, sacred shift that happens as you birth not just your baby, but yourself, and reminds you that you don't have to be fearless to be brave, or perfect to be powerful. A beautiful, emotional listen for anyone standing at the edge of this transformation.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Riding the Wave: A Contraction VisualisationA short, powerful visualisation to use during labour itself. This practice guides you to welcome each surge as a wave, using breath and surrender to soften your body and support optimal dilation, moment by moment, contraction by contraction.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Oxytocin Cocoon: A Guided Birth VisualisationDesigned to be listened to during labour itself, this guided visualisation takes you to a safe, ocean-side space to meet your baby and deepen your oxytocin flow. Through gentle imagery of moonlight, water and connection, it supports the conditions your body needs for optimal contractions, freedom of movement and a beautiful bond with your baby as they move down and into the world.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Your Birth Environment: Setting the Vibe for OxytocinYour environment might be the single most important factor in your birth experience. In this episode, we explore why oxytocin, the hormone driving your labour, thrives on privacy, darkness, warmth and safety, and how to create that space wherever you're birthing, at home, hospital or even in theatre. We also cover practical essentials like staying nourished and warm, the birth partner's role as guardian of the space, and small changes that make a real difference to how your labour progresses.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

A Moment of Silence MeditationA simple two-minute silent meditation designed to help you reconnect with yourself, your emotions and your baby. With no music, just space to sit with whatever comes up, this practice is followed by gentle guidance to journal, speak or record what surfaced, a grounding reminder that everything you're feeling and choosing is exactly as it should be.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Final Days: Preparing for Labour the Oxytocin WayAs you approach or pass 40 weeks, it's normal to feel a mix of anticipation and impatience. In this episode, we explore the "Naked Doula Birth Moon," practical, feel-good ways to build an oxytocin-rich final stretch of pregnancy. From movie nights and dancing to intimacy, nesting and time in nature, these simple shifts help your body relax, release tension, and move into labour naturally, in its own time.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Grounding for Birth: A Guided Release ExerciseA guided grounding exercise to connect you with the earth and release any emotions no longer serving you. Best practised outdoors with bare feet on grass, sand or soil, this practice guides you through visualisation and breath to feel steady, held, and supported, before gently releasing stagnant energy and unwanted emotions back to the earth.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Guided Visualisation: Feeling AwarenessA gentle guided visualisation to build body and emotional awareness, part of a series connecting you with each of your senses. This practice guides you to notice physical sensations and emotions without judgement, helping you feel more present, grounded and connected to your body and how you truly feel.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Guided Visualisation: Taste AwarenessA short guided visualisation to bring you into the present moment through taste, part of a series connecting you with each of your senses. This practice guides you to notice the subtle sensations in your mouth without judgement, helping you feel more grounded, present and connected to your body.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to https://thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Guided Visualisation: Smell AwarenessA gentle guided visualisation to bring you into the present moment through smell, part of a series connecting you with each of your senses. This practice guides you to notice the scents around you and how your breath carries them, helping you feel more grounded, present and connected to your body.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Unwanted Sensations: The Shape Changer TechniqueA guided visualisation technique to help you manage pain or discomfort during pregnancy and labour. By giving a sensation a shape and colour, then working to reshape and recolour it, this practice taps into your mind's power to shift how pain feels, easing tension and building a tool you can return to whenever you need it.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Your Birth Beliefs: The Brain Behind Your ExperienceYour beliefs, emotions and environment shape your birth experience far more than you might realise. In this episode, we meet the hippocampus, your brain's library of stored memories and beliefs, and the reticular activating system, the filter that decides what you notice and focus on. We explore how fear-based stories become well-worn pathways, how neuroplasticity lets you build new ones, and practical ways to reprogram your mindset so calm, confidence and oxytocin can lead the way.Head to https://thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Making Friends With PainPain in labour isn't the enemy, it's a messenger. In this episode, we explore why understanding pain's purpose changes how you experience it, how your brain and emotions shape your perception of sensation, and how to build a relationship with pain that lets you welcome it rather than fight it. A practical, empowering shift in mindset for approaching contractions as something to work with, not against.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Guided Visualisation: Sight AwarenessA gentle guided visualisation to bring you into the present moment through sight, part of a series connecting you with each of your senses. With eyes open, this practice guides you to observe your surroundings with fresh attention, helping you feel grounded, present and connected to your body.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Guided Visualisation: Raising AwarenessA gentle guided visualisation to bring you into the present moment through sound. This practice guides you to tune into the world around you, from the obvious sounds in your space to the quiet rhythm of your own breath, helping you feel calm, grounded and connected to your body. A simple, restorative practice to return to whenever you need a moment of stillness.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Your Brain's Natural Wisdom & How to Tap Into ItYour pregnancy brain comes with real superpowers, and this episode shows you how to work with them. We explore enhanced intuition, emotional processing and sensory awareness, why your gut feelings right now are sharper than ever, and how to use them to guide decisions about your care, your birth space and your rest. A practical guide to trusting your body's signals and tuning out the noise that pulls you away from them.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Self Trust & Wisdom: Reconnecting With Your Inner KnowingSelf trust, confidence and wisdom sit at the heart of your birth journey, and you already have everything you need inside you. In this episode, we explore how to reconnect with your body's ancient, instinctive wisdom, why modern life pulls us away from it, and how small daily moments of listening to yourself build real, lasting confidence. We also look at boundaries, honouring your instincts even against outside opinion, and how this trust shows up physiologically through oxytocin, strengthening your connection to your body, your baby and your birth.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Affirmations & Vision Boards for a Calm, Confident BirthAffirmations and vision boards aren't just a nice add-on, they're backed by neuroscience. In this episode, we break down how repeating affirmations rewires your brain through neuroplasticity, shifting you from fear to trust as you prepare for birth. You'll learn what makes an affirmation actually work, why vision boards engage multiple parts of your brain, and how to use both as practical tools for building confidence, calm and connection ahead of labour.Head to https://thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Grounding For Pregnancy: Benefits for Mum & BabyGrounding is one of the simplest, most research-backed ways to support your wellbeing in pregnancy, and it's as easy as connecting your bare feet to the earth. In this episode, we explore how grounding shifts your nervous system into rest mode, reduces cortisol, boosts immune function, and supports better sleep. We also look at co-regulation, how your calm becomes your baby's calm, and how grounding can deepen your connection to your body and your baby as you prepare for birth.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Positive Pathways Visualisation: Preparing Your Mind & Body for BirthA deeply relaxing visualisation designed to help you connect with your innate wisdom and prepare your mind and body for birth. Through calming breath, imagery and positive thoughts, this practice guides you to imagine new neural pathways forming, strengthening your confidence, intuition and trust in your body's natural ability to birth.Allow yourself to relax deeply, connect with your baby, and trust that your mind and body are preparing you for the journey ahead.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.Please note: This session is for relaxation purposes only. It is not a medical or therapeutic device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition or disease. Do not listen whilst driving or operating machinery. Not recommended for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. If you have any pregnancy complications or concerns, please check with your midwife or doctor before use. Not intended for children without adult supervision.

Self-Awareness: The Key to Connection & ConfidenceSelf-awareness is the foundation of self-trust, and it starts with reconnecting to your body. In this episode, we explore how tuning into your thoughts, feelings and instincts helps you make intentional choices in pregnancy and birth, including the BRAIN decision-making tool (benefits, risks, alternatives, nothing, intuition) for navigating care decisions. We also look at recognising unhelpful beliefs, protecting your energy around others, and why self-awareness is a daily practice, not a destination, that builds trust, confidence and connection with your baby.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Body Awareness Visualisation: Coming Home to Your BodyA guided visualisation to help you reconnect deeply with your body. This practice moves you through gentle awareness, from your feet to your face, using breath and imagery to release tension, build trust in your body's strength, and settle into a place of connection and calm.Please do not listen whilst driving or operating heavy machinery.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Flow & Release: A Body Awareness ExerciseA guided movement exercise to help you drop out of your mind and reconnect with your body. This practice guides you through mindful touch and free movement, helping you release stagnant energy, tune into what your body needs, and build a more present, positive relationship with yourself. A simple, grounding practice to return to whenever you feel the need to reconnect.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

Pregnancy Brain: How It Rewires You for BirthPregnancy brain isn't just forgetfulness, it's a biological upgrade. In this episode, we break down what's actually happening in your brain during pregnancy: the grey matter changes that sharpen bonding and empathy, why oxytocin is doing far more than you think, and how heightened sensitivity is a superpower, not a flaw. We also meet the three key players in your birthing brain, the amygdala, neocortex and reptilian brain, and how understanding them can help you create the calm, safe environment your body needs for a smooth, instinctive labour.Head to thenakeddoula.com for the Fearless Birth Toolkit, the Fearless Birth book & journal, and more digital guides to support your fearless birth.

This episode I'm joined by the gorgeous Chloe who takes us through her journey of baby loss, a baby after loss and her ongoing work within baby loss awareness and working with medical staff to ensure all families in this position are treated with empathy and consideration. This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: Chloe Curran Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

We are back with a super informative episode with Clare Bourne, a friend, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and author of strong foundations. Clare shares why loving your pelvic floor truly leads to a better birthing experience and why so many women miss it! We also delve into how society has taught us to disconnect from the pelvic floor and how we can reconnect with our bodies! This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: Clare Borne @clarebournephysio www.clare-Bourne.com  Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

In this touching episode I dive into Freebirth with my dear friend Fay. Fay decided to freebirth twice after her first birth and talks about how this effected her, why she chose to freebirth and the incredible connection and experiences she had with her first freebirth baby Forest. It's an emotional one so get the tissues ready! This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: Fay Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

What an episode, I'm joined by the incredible Kemi Birthjoy Johnson, a retired midwife, mother, birth activist and birth keeper. This episode really unravels the darker side of the medical system and how we are facing lack of respect and consent when it comes to pregnancy and birth. We cover red flags to look out for, what body autonomy is and how to ensure you're making informed decisions and giving consent when it comes to your birth experience. Please note this episode comes with a trigger warning as we discuss sexual abuse. This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: @kemibirthjoyjohnson -https://www.kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/ Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

In this personal and inspiring episode im joined by Carmen Rocha, a quantum life and birth coach and doula. Together we delve into what self trust actually means, how our emotions and childhood trauma effect our pregnancy and birth and how you can build trust in yourself so that you can listen to your body and make informed intuitive decisions during pregnancy and birth. This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: @quantumlifeandbirth - https://stan.store/quantumlifeandbirth Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

In this episode we delve into out of birth guidelines, risk factors and why home birth is a safe option for many with independent midwife Sarah Fitzsimmons. Sarah has been working as a midwife for 16 years, starting off as an independent from 2 years from qualifying, then working within the NHS for 12 years specialising in physiological birth. Since 2022 Sarah has gone back to Independent work and continues to influence not only the women she supports but many other midwives too. This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: @myindependentmidwifeltd Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn

In this very first episode of the fearless birth podcast, me and my fellow birth nerd Laura delve into why we believe birth to be a sensual, sexual and pleasurable experience. We open up the conversation around how sex and birth are interlinked and how you can romanticise your birth and tap into having a powerful enjoyable experience. Laura Berkeley is a dear friend, antenatal educator, mother of 2 and breastfeeding counsellor. You can read more about Laura and her work here https://thelemontreebirth.co.uk/ and you may also want to drop into her “infant feeding drop in” events held in Oxted, Surrey. This podcast is sponsored by The Wave Comb for birth https://www.thewavecomb.co.uk and Her9 https://her9.co.uk Credits: Host: @thenakeddoulaofficial Guest: @laura_thelemontreebirth Recorded at Mount Street Studios, Nottingham. Engineering - Matt Robinson Editing - Charlie Kirby-Cavell DOP/Colour - Jay Sanderson - @jaysndrsn