Women on Fire

Have you heard of the infamous cervical lip? Why are they infamous? Are they even real? Are they something else? Are they normal? Are they a problem? What do they mean and WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THEM !?!? ❤️‍

It's a juicy episode full of wisdom nuggets capable of radically shifting women's wellness. 

Today we get to hear the birth stories of a woman who dared to dream. Rava Ray desired to birth on the island of her people but was met with a lot of road blocks along the way. Her journey to the birth she wanted required a lot of perseverance, patience and creativity. It also opened up her eyes to the realities of the birth climate around the world where options are limited, conventional medicine prevails and traditional practices are systemically erased. In a world where women centered birthing is an endangered practice, we hope this inspires you to dream big. May this be a reminder that we have the power to shift the tides in maternity care worldwide. You can follow rave on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravaray/

Today we have special guest Kemi Johnson. A UK based birth keeper and former NHS midwife with a strong, proud & courageous heart dedicated to making birth better for all! She helps us understand how midwifery care is set up in the UK and the challenges it's currently facing. We explore her perspectives on what's working, what's not, and what's needed moving forward in birth culture. Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Website: https://www.kemibirthjoyjohnson.com

The Pacific Mother Film is a magnificent birth documentary released in 2023. It follows the birthing experiences of mothers in Japan, Hawai'i, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Aotearoa. It was largely inspired by the question "“Why do mothers have to fight so hard for what feels so right?” by Sachiko Fukumoto. You can read more about the film on their website: https://www.pacificmotherfilm.com and their instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Je7oRvAsR/?img_index=1We also reviewed a significant development in our Hawai'i birth politics landscape. The Hawai'i attorney general has answered questions and clarified issues regarding midwifery regulations. Spoiler alert- this means major implications for non immediate family, friends and unlicensed providers (grandmas, doulas, birth attendants) giving any childbearing advice. The full letter can be read here: https://ugc.production.linktr.ee/30be8bf3-e954-46dd-aff7-91409e947536_AG-Letter-.pdf

We have the honor to welcome back Alexandra Kisitu to share about her new book Back to the Womb: Reclaiming Birth Sovereignty Back to the Womb traces the complexities of birth in America as well as the voices of home-birth moms in Hawai'i. This book uncovers the struggle for sovereignty, the issues with medicalized birth and the sacredness of home birth. It is a book about reclaiming our birthright, honoring our humanity, cultivating our divine feminine energy, trusting in ourselves, relying on our ancestral strength and returning back to the womb. You can purchase the book and learn more about her on her website: https://alexandrakisitu.com/meet-the-authorYou can also purchase her book via amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Back-Womb-Reclaiming-Birth-Sovereignty/dp/1962834042/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=33K4FNZ3K7V75&keywords=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaiming&qid=1705955590&sprefix=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaimin%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1-fkmr0

We have repeat guests today, Jess and Brad Adair. They've joined us before to share about their journey through parenthood with baby number 1 and 2(Listen to that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jess-brad-on-hospital-care-midwifery-free-birthing/id1522143371?i=1000604887020 ). Now they are back to share about their freebirth with baby number 3. And here is the link to their new product they mention at the end of the episode. A product to help parents live a tidier life: https://www.instagram.com/teensytidyliving/

Today we explore long labors. What are some contributing factors ? How can we work through them ? Are they safe ?

Today we cover an often ignored topic, home birth transports.

We are honored to have parents Jess and Brad join us today. They share all the real life details of what it's been like welcoming in baby #1, #2 and now preparing for number #3. They share lots of different angles from dad, from mom, as a team. They also share about the emotional, spiritual and practical lessons they've learned along the way. You can find Jess on Ig @adair_jess and her blog: https://teensytidyliving.com/blogs/news and Brad is on Ig as @6figurestayathomedad

It's that time of year again - the legislative session is ON! We give you a recap of how we got to where we are for those who may be brand new to the Hawai'i midwifery licensure conversation. And we share about the current bill that's making its way through the House right now- HB955. We answer common concerns and questions and share an important call to action at the end to make sure this bill keeps moving forward. If you're interested in how to preserve traditional birth wisdom - then take a listen ! These are the link mentioned throughout the episode:The Hawai'i Home Birth Collective - for membership and legislative updates: https://hihbc.org@hawaii_home_birth_collective/Video of Rep. Natalia Hussey-Burdick's opening speech on the House floor:https://www.instagram.com/p/Con6BWXMzFR/ACNM apology letter: https://www.midwife.org/truth-and-reconciliationACOG statement on racism: https://www.acog.org/en/News/News%20Articles/2020/08/Joint%20Statement%20Obstetrics%20and%20Gynecology%20Collective%20Action%20Addressing%20Racism

We are honored to interview Elisa Spring, an intimacy Midwife. She assists folks in enhancing their communication skills and expanded self-expression, building the capacity for experiencing sensation, pleasure, intimacy, and deep states of connection, and learning to honor and liberate their bodies and their sexuality. We dive into the need to honor rights of passages, how to tune in to yourself, and an epic poem reminding you to slow the fuck down. You can connect further with her via https://www.spellsoftruth.com and on IG as @spellsoftruth

New Women on Fire Podcast❤️‍

Curious about a vegan diet in pregnancy ? Kelly Stern shares with us her experience through pregnancies, birth and postpartum while on a plant based diet. She addresses common concerns and shares tips that she's figured out along the way in her many years as a plant-based chef. Find her on IG @goldielockshawaii and her website www.kellysternyoga.com

Wise momma Chloe Bee takes us on her journey through her first pregnancy -that went to 43 weeks- and her postpartum and how movement and dance has been a key elements to flowing her way through and processing the various aspects of life as a new mother.

I was once taught a natural induction is an oxymoron. Yet many turn to natural inductions options to avoid a hospital induction. As we always say, nothing is ever an always or never situation. So, we explore some of the circumstantional considerations that come up when contemplating induction options. And the difference between induction and supporting the pathways of vitality and birth.

Inspired by Jaymie's fresh postpartum and breastfeeding journey we decided to dive into the nuances and details of what can come up and how to navigate it. From first latch to logged ducts and enjoying the unique connection between mother and baby.

It's only fitting to share Jaymie's birth story episode on Halloween since baby was conceived on Halloween last year. And yet there is nothing spooky or terrifying - "just" a powerful and healthy pregnancy and birth experience.

We dive into two major topics brought up by women in our childbearing wisdom circle 1- How to navigate people/loved ones not being supportive of your plan to birth at home and 2- What's an intervention ? And sprinkles of insights from Jaymie's third trimester days

There's often confusion about what a doula is versus a midwife. So that's exactly what we focused on clarifying in this episode.

Jaymie and I talk about midwifery as an act of love- the many ways it can look, feel and sound. And why it matter to always remember this as the foundation of midwifery. 

Thursday mornings are our usual podcasting days.

We love having guests on our podcast!❤️‍

We are honored to have Lizel Zeager (Ig: @lizelzeager) on as our guest of honor in this episode sharing her journey as a first time mother carrying twins and birthing in her home. You can watch her amazing home birth video online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5km2d3zeao&t=7s

In this episode of Women On Fire ❤️‍

Odds are you've been in that twilight zone of your period being late or ultimately completely missing because now you're growing a baby❣️ I've navigated this a lot. And usually all by myself. Holding myself through the uncertainty of whether or not my life will be forever altered. We realize this is a common experience that much to no ones surprise doesn't get talked about much yet it's soooo huge. So here it is - Jaymie & I talking about our most recent experiences with late & missed periods

In this episode we interview a dear friend, Gianny Navas (IG: @giannynichole) She shares with us everything that led up to her finally hearing and feeling the calling of midwifery & hows she's been navigating being a student midwife.

Switching it up! Last year I recorded a class on the menstrual cycle for a group I was invited to speak with. This episode is that recording. It's lecture style - just breaking down the basics of menstruation and answering the questions the group had for me.

As we navigate the legislative session in Hawai'i to protect midwifery diversity it stirs up our passionate hearts to reflect on why this matters. Join us for a ride through the nuances of birth options and birth culture.

We recorded this interview with Tara Compehos in March of 2021 and I was just able to salvage it from my dead computers hard drive ! Tara is a wise women, midwife, and birth advocate. She brings up many of the quintessential topics of midwifery in general and as it relates to the birth politics occurring in Hawai'i. 

We recap some major events in our lives through 2021, summarize birth adventures, travels, challenges, triumphs, and major transitions.

If you have spent any time listening to me and Jamie‘s podcast -Women on Fire❤️‍

Time to unpack menstrual cycles - from the social conditionings of tabu and shame to misconceptions and unhealthy norms. We hope this episode nourishes the paradigm of conscious & empowered menstruation.

Today Jaymie shares her transition from doula-hood after 10+ years and we reflect on the challenges and significance of doula-ing. We'd love to hear from you about this topic - how do you navigate all the nuances of being a doula ? Email us at womenonfirepodcast@gmail.com

Yvonne is a doula and mother of 4 boys. After 3 cesareans she knew she needed something different for her next birth. Tune in for the details of all her birth stories and the many lessons along the way. Connect with yvonne on ig @wunderbirth or on her website https://www.wunderbirth.com/

Todays special guest is Ezinne Dawson. She shares about her journey as a student midwife in Hawai'i and how she juggled the many aspects of life along the way. Mahalo @goodmotherbirthing for your commitment to women's rights & well-being

Today we are honored to hear wise woman Summer Yadao share her life's story as it relates to sovereignty, family lineage, being houseless, persevering, motherhood and birthwork.

Placenta birth - What is the physiology of it ? What conditions support physiological placenta birth? Is it okay to pull out a placenta ? Join us for a dive down the rabbit hole of the many different ways that placenta birth can look and feel.

Birth plans - Do you really need one? Is it even helpful ? Whats the point of them ? Then we walk you through elements that are important to consider when putting together a birth plan - or birth preferences list as we prefer to call it.

Honored to interview Dr. Stuart Fischbein. A very passionate home birth attending OB who specializes in twin and breech births. He's dedicated to true informed consent and refusal and reteaching the art of breech birth. Today we talk about prolonged pregnancies, home birth, freedom to choose, understanding risk and stats and everything in between. You can learn more about him and checkout his podcast via his website http://www.birthinginstincts.com/

Today we talk about pushing - the classic coached pushing "purple pushing", spontaneous pushing, intuitive pushing and everything in between.

Our special guest today is Alexandra Kisitu - a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Her research focuses on medical sociology, health lifestyles theory, obstetric violence, midwifery and childbirth. She shares how her own experiences with pregnancy and birth inspired her dissertations topic: the lifestyles and world views of moms who choose home birth in Hawai'i.

It was so much fun to chat with Midwife Kayce Pearson about midwifery regulations in the state she practices in - Utah. The regulatory model there is voluntary -so you can be a licensed midwife or not be licensed and still be a midwife. This model allows for midwifery diversity & birth options to be preserved . Tune in for the ins and outs of how an open & inclusive model supports great outcomes in the community. Find Kayce on Ig: @moontreemidwifery & on her website www.moontreemidwifery.com and here is the link to the birth nerds study group she hosts: https://moontreebirthnerds.mn.co/share/oQbd1_k7bykvE0so

We are so honored to interview Mahal Al Musa- international & independent childbirth educator, natural birth and extended breastfeeding advocate, and a mother to 3 beautiful children, all born as nature intended. She shares her truth and wisdom regarding the cycle of womanhood. You can learn more about her and her many offerings on her Instagram as @Maha_al_musa and on her website https://mahaalmusa.com/about/

Yes 2 episodes in 1 month about postpartum because it's worthy of that much attention. We chat with Kiersten Homalon, cofounder of Thrive Postpartum, about her experience with her own postpartums and how that inspired her offerings to nourish women postpartum. Thrive postpartum website: https://www.howtothrivepostpartum.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Yd6eoEDhmf3rmS5T6PF9KcH5oK_7J5zB2O_nThrXw7WTNHmaOrHa2oSA

In this podcast episode Daniela works through her morning grogginess with Jme to dive into the practice of eating your placenta- spoiler alert: it's what pretty much every other mammal does. We explore how it's been used traditionally in the case of bleeding. And we unpack the one case study always used to fear monger people into not eating their placenta. And if you want to contact us reach out via email at womenonfirepodcast@gmail.com

What happens when birth doesn’t feel like rainbows, butterflies and glitter? Join us for a deep dive into the double-edged sword that can be romanticizing birth. Its pros, its cons and the need for being an optimistic realist.

We are blessed to have Melissa be a guest for the second time on our podcast sharing her experience, insights and tips in navigating postpartum. We too often hear moms say they wish someone had told them about the realities of postpartum - so that's what you can expect in this episode. Part of those realities is the fact that there are so many different elements that can arise for different people that It's can be hard to know what will be relevant for someone. However, some aspects of postpartum are also way more predictable. Tune in to learn how you can support yourself or loved ones through the expected and unexpected of postpartum. Find Melissa on instagram as @oahumothercircle

Yet another legislative season is upon us and thus another opportunity to preserve midwifery diversity in Hawaiʻi. We talk about Senate Bill 893, why we support it, how it improves upon the existing midwifery licensure law in Hi, and what you can do to support these efforts to preserve midwifery options and birth autonomy. For more info on the Hawaiʻi Home Birth Collective & their membership see their website: https://hihbc.org/ And here is a link to read sb893 https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/bills/SB893_.htm

**Trigger Warning** this is a story of early pregnancy loss. Sister Simona Open heartedly shares her experience from breakdowns to breakthroughs. Grateful for her willingness to publicly open up about a very personal & tender experience so we can collectively shine more light on the common experience of miscarriage. @simonahawaii thank you for using your voice & story to break the silence. You can find Simona's offering on IG: @magicpotionsbysimona and on her website https://www.magicpotionsbysimona.com/

An interview with Oahu based Dr. Carie Kwan sharing about how chiropractic care can support one in pregnancy & postpartum && yes newborns too! Find her on IG as @drcariekwan and the following website: http://www.islandfamilychiro.com/dr-carie-kwan/