POPULARITY
Categories
Have you listened to Episode 42 Assisted Birth and Episode 181 Assisted vaginal birth a woman's persepctive. Did you wonder if assisted vaginal birth could things be improved? If so this episode is a glimpse into development of a new device The Odon Assist that is an interetsing new option for clinicans. Join me as I chat to Emily Hotton obstetrician and Georgina Kelly midwife about Odon Assist, a new method of assisted vaginal birth designed for when the baby's head is already low, and why it could offer a safer, more acceptable alternative to forceps or ventouse. We dig into the origin story, the clinical data so far, how women are involved in design and consent, and what needs to change in antenatal education so choices feel informed rather than frightening.Want to know more:For photos of the device check my instagram @theobspod images taken by Julian Benjamin/MNHIWatch the information videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzWi1dtd4QRead the research:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38462264/Contact Emilt Hotton, or Georgina Kelly on LinkedIn if you want more informationIf you have enjoyed the podcast, it'd be fantastic if you could subscribe, rate, and review on whatever platform you find your podcasts. As well as recommending the Obspod to anyone you think might find it interesting. If you found this episode interesting and want to explore the subject a little more deeply, don't forget to take a look at the programme notes where I've attached some links. If you want to get in touch to suggest topics for future episodes, you can find me at the Obspod on Instagram and you can email me at the Obspod at gmail.com. If you've enjoyed my episodes and by chance you do have a tiny bit to spare, you can now contribute to keep the podcast going and keep it free via my link to buy me a coffee. Don't feel under any obligation but if you'd like to contribute, you now can.Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth. Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small. Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes, I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor. If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Instagram @TheObsPod and email me on TheObsPod@gmail.com Please also check out #MatExp matexp.org.uk for ideas about how to improve maternity experience. My bea...
Health New Zealand is boosting its front line with an extra 380 full time nursing midwifery and health care assistants. Each year Health New Zealand uses a formula to estimate how many staff it needs and today's announcement of 380 additional roles stems from that. Te Whatu Ora's Chief National Nurse, Nadine Gray spoke to Lisa Owen.
Health New Zealand's attempting to plug frontline workforce gaps - after this winter placed intense pressure on hospitals around the country. It's launched a review of the 20-year-old approach to nursing staffing - and a business case looking at new models, like nurse-to-patient ratios. It's also now recruiting for 380 new nursing, midwifery and health care assistants. National Chief Nurse Nadine Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan they'll be a mix of new graduates and overseas hires. She says about a quarter will be hired for emergency departments, reflecting demand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Maternity Hospital is a hive of activity, but with so many people working behind the scenes, you won't see all of them.Joining Andrea to shine a light on their work is Leah Haughey, Staff Midwife in the Labour and Birthing Unit. Andrea was also joined early by Lucille Sheehy, Assistant Director of Midwifery.
Speakers: Lily Wakeley – Student MidwifeRosanna Wiseman – Student MidwifeSafia Saad – Newly Qualified Midwife Link to Fund Future Midwives - https://ffmuk.co.uk/
What happens when a nurse who believed in midwives ends up learning, the hard way, why so many women leave the system behind? Kari shares the full arc from a fast-moving love story and her first hospital-adjacent birth to the moment she realized the real authority in the room had to be her.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Introducing LEMONADE, my newest training program.Six months, live, with me. LEMONADE is where you stop shrinking your truth and start building the visibility, the spiritual grit, and the real world tools to speak it in public and survive what comes after. Because the backlash isn't a maybe. It's the toll for doing big work in the open, and I'm going to teach you how to turn it into fuel.Learn more at emileesaldaya.com/lemonadeThe Complete Guide to Freebirth, our popular flagship program, takes you from conception through postpartum with a full education in physiological birth and the mindset of self-responsibility.Learn more at freebirthsociety.com/cgtfThe Radical Birth Keeper School, an in-depth training for women called to sovereign birth-work, blends self-mastery, birth literacy, and practical mentorship outside the medical model. Learn more at freebirthsociety.com/radicalbirthkeeperschoolThe Lighthouse, our private membership sanctuary for awakened women, offers four live coaching sessions a month with Emilee, a library of 50+ expert workshops, and a private forum connecting women worldwide. Learn more at freebirthsociety.com/membershipFollow Emilee's next chapter at emileesaldaya.com, where business and self-mastery coaching for disruptors, healers, and mission-driven entrepreneurs lives beyond the birth space.Find more from Emilee and all things Free Birth Society on Instagram, YouTube, and the Free Birth Society website.Disclaimer: Free Birth Society, LLC of Florida shares personal and educational stories and experiences related to freebirth and holistic care. This content is not medical advice, and we are not a licensed midwifery practice. Testimonials reflect individual experiences; results may vary. For services or scheduling, contact info@freebirthsociety.com. See full disclaimer at freebirthsociety.com/youtubeterms.
In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire examine the available evidence on planned unassisted birth, also known as freebirth, defined as intentionally giving birth without a qualified midwife or physician present. They explore why some people choose a planned unassisted birth, including previous trauma, distrust of the medical system, barriers to preferred care, and a desire for greater autonomy. Dr. Dekker and Dr. Ailshire also explain how freebirth differs from midwife-attended home birth, what research shows about planned community birth, and the safeguards a trained birth attendant can provide during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the newborn period. Finally, they discuss investigative reporting concerning the Free Birth Society, including allegations of misinformation and preventable harm associated with its community. Content Note: This episode includes discussions of stillbirth, maternal death, newborn death, birth trauma, and serious complications related to planned unassisted birth. (00:03:20) What Is Freebirth? (00:07:41) Prenatal Care, Wild Pregnancy, and Freebirth (00:10:30) How Common Is Freebirth? (00:14:27) The History and Origins of Freebirth (00:22:16) Why Do Some People Choose Freebirth? (00:26:14) What Do We Know About the Risks of Freebirth? (00:34:42) The Role of Skilled Midwives in Home Birth Safety (00:42:28) Free Birth Society Controversy (00:53:49) Lessons from the Free Birth Society (00:55:44) Warning Signs of Controlling Group Dynamics and Influencer Manipulation (01:01:50) Final Takeaways on Freebirth, Safety, and Informed Decision-Making View the full transcript for this episode at evidencebasedbirth.com. ResourcesEBB 23 – Home Birth Midwives EBB 110 – Inside an Unplanned, Unassisted Home Birth with Parent Sabrina Tran EBB 122 – Home birth during the pandemic with Vicki Penwell EBB 292 – Confronting the Unknowns in Childbirth with Liesel Teen of the Mommy Labor Nurse EBB 130 – Home Birth in the Black Community with Isis Rose Count the Kicks: https://countthekicks.org/ PUSH Pregnancy: https://www.pushpregnancy.org/ Star Legacy Foundation: https://starlegacyfoundation.org/ Healthy Birth Day: https://healthybirthday.org/ CDC Stillbirth resources: https://www.cdc.gov/stillbirth/communication-resources/index.html Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support: https://nationalshare.org/ Stillbirth and infant loss support communities: https://postpartum.net/group/stillbirth-and-infant-loss-support-for-parents/ Works Cited Birthplace in England Collaborative Group (BECG). (2011). "Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies: the Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study." BMJ 343: d7400. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22117057/ Biesele, M. (1997). "An Ideal of Unassisted Birth: Hunting, Healing, and Transformation among the Kalahari Ju/'hoansi." In Childbirth and Authoritative Knowledge. Cross-Cultural Perspectives. Davis-Floyd, R. & C.F. Sargent (eds), Childbirth and Authoritative Knowledge. Cross-Cultural Perspectives, Berkeley: University of California Press, pp. 474-92. Bjellmo, S. & Iversen, J. K. (2025). "Unassisted home births in Norway: A growing concern." Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 104(8): 1418-1419. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40536244/ Boodman, S. G. (2007). "Do-it-yourself Delivery." The Washington Post. July 31. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072702164.html Bovbjerg, M. L., Cheyney, M., Hoehn-Velasco, L., et al. (2024). "Planned Home Births in the United States Have Outcomes Comparable to Planned Birth Center Births for Low-Risk Birthing Individuals." Med Care 62(12): 820-829. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39514513/ Boushra, M., Stone, A., & Rathbun, K. M. (2023). "Umbilical Cord Prolapse." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542241/ Brandt, J. S. & Ananth, C. V. (2023). "Placental abruption at near-term and term gestations: pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management." Am J Obstet Gynecol 228(5S): S1313-S1329. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10176440/ Carlson, K. & Vadakekut, E. S. (2026). "Amniotic Fluid Embolism." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559107/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Natality on CDC WONDER Online Database. (2026). Data are from the Natality Records 2016-2024, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/natality-expanded-current.html on Jul 29, 2026. Cheyney, M., Bovbjerg, M., Everson, C., et al. (2014). "Outcomes of care for 16,924 planned home births in the United States: the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009." J Midwifery Womens Health 59(1): 17-27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479690/ Dahlen, H., Kumar-Hazard, B., & Schmied, V. (2020). Birthing Outside the System: The Canary in the Coal Mine. Edited Volume. London: Routledge. Dahlen, H. G., Jackson, M., & Stevens, J. (2011). "Homebirth, freebirth and doulas: casualty and consequences of a broken maternity system." Women Birth 24(1): 47-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21163719/ Davey, M. (2026). "Stacey Warnecke died after choosing a birth free of all medical help. An inquest wants to know why." The Guardian. June 19. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/20/stacey-warnecke-melbourne-influencer-died-freebirth-inquest-ntwnfb Davis-Floyd, R. & Cheyney, M. (2019). Birth in Eight Cultures. Edited Volume. Waveland Press. Einerson, B. D., Gilner, J. B., & Zuckerwise, L. C. (2023). "Placenta Accreta Spectrum." Obstet Gynecol 142(1): 31-50.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10491415/ Feeley, C. & Thomson, G. (2016). "Tensions and conflicts in 'choice': Womens' experiences of freebirthing in the UK." Midwifery 41: 16-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27498184/ Feeley, C. & Thomson, G. (2016). "Why do some women choose to freebirth in the UK? An interpretative phenomenological study." BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 16: 59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27000100/ Greenfield, M., Payne-Gifford, S., McKenzie, G. (2021). "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Considering "Freebirth" During Covid-19." Front Glob Womens Health 2: 603744. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816178/ Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). "Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies." CMAJ 188(5): E80-E90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26696622/ Iceland Monitor. (2024). "How do you know this woman had this child." Iceland Monitor. May 9. https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2024/05/09/how_do_you_know_this_woman_had_this_child/ Johansson, M., Jansson, O., Lilja, F., et al. (2023). "Freebirth, the only option for women who do not fit into common practice- A Swedish national interview study." Sex Reprod Healthc 37: 100866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37295181/ Johnston, K. & MacDougall, C. (2026). "Toward Conceptual Clarity: Out-of-Hospital Birth Practices and Freebirth Entrepreneurialism." Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture, & Social Justice. 47(1): 44–57. https://atlantisjournal.ca/atlantis/en/article/view/5920 Kale, S. & Osborne, L. (2025). "Influencers made millions pushing 'wild' births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world." The Guardian. November 22. https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/nov/22/free-birth-society-linked-to-babies-deaths-investigation Kale, S. & Davey, M. (2026). "A US champion of 'freebirthing' always claimed there had been no maternal deaths linked to the movement. Is Stacey Warnecke the first?" The Guardian. June 29. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/30/freebirth-wellness-influencer-stacey-warnecke-death-ntwnfb Lou, S., Dahlen, H. G., Gefke Hansen, S., et al. (2022). "Why freebirth in a maternity system with free midwifery care? A qualitative study of Danish women's motivations and preparations for freebirth." Sex Reprod Healthc 34: 100789. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36332498/ Mackeen, D. (2026). "She wanted a `free birth.' It put her and her baby in grave danger." The New York Times. April 22. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/science/free-birth-wild-pregancy-risks-home-birth.html McKenzie, G., Robert, G., & Montgomery, E. (2020). "Exploring the conceptualisation and study of freebirthing as a historical and social phenomenon: a meta-narrative review of diverse research traditions." Med Humanit 46(4): 512-524. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32361690/ Miller, J. F. (2020). "Solitary and Kin-Assisted Rarámuri Birth: Ideals and realities." In Birthing Models on the Human Rights Frontier. Daviss, B. & Davis-Floyd, R., eds. Routledge: London. Payne, E. (2025). "Officials 'strongly advise' against freebirths after cluster of stillbirths in Ontario." Ottawa Citizen. January 15. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/officials-advise-against-freebirths-after-stillbirths-ontario Pillai, S., Cheyney, M., Everson, C. L., et al. (2020). "Fetal macrosomia in home and birth center births in the United States: Maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes." Birth 47(4):409-417. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8923081/ Rosenberg, K. & Trevathan, W. (1995). " Bipedalism and human birth: The obstetrical dilemma revisited." Evolutionary Anthropology 4(5): 161-168. https://doi.org/10.1002/evan.1360040506Sargent, C. (1982). "The Implications of Role Expectations for Birth Assistance among Bariba." Soc Sci Med 16(16): 1483-1489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7135022/ Shorey, S., Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva, G., Akik, B. K., et al. (2023). "Trends and motivations for freebirth: A scoping review." Birth 50(1): 16-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36598288/ Shostak, M. (1981). Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Snowden, J. M., Tilden, E. L., Snyder, J., et al. (2015). "Planned Out-of-Hospital Birth and Birth Outcomes." N Engl J Med 373(27): 2642-2653. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26716916/ Sperlich, M. & Gabriel, C. (2022). ""I got to catch my own baby": a qualitative study of out of hospital birth." Reprod Health 19(1): 43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35164785/ Togioka, B. M. & Tonismae, T. (2023). "Uterine Rupture." In StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559209/ Uda, E. (2026). "Facing rural realities and mistrust in hospitals, these women turned to home births." CBC Radio. April 26. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/freebirthing-rural-maternal-medicine-9.7172199
Navigating a midwife license suspension is every practitioner's nightmare. Salli Gonzalez shares the reality of her experience. Salli joins us to discuss the sudden news of her license suspension following a baby's death. This conversation addresses the vulnerability of midwives in the current climate, specifically regarding potential repercussions for comments made in online spaces. We look at how quickly professional standing can be challenged and the anxiety that surrounds public discourse for providers.Beyond the legal and professional, protecting your midwifery practice requires both emotional resilience and a clear understanding of the risks involved in today's digital landscape, especially when maintaining online professional boundaries.Subscribe for weekly midwifery wisdom breakdowns, and let us know in the comments: what steps are you taking to maintain your professional boundaries?
Guest: Amy Breslin, Maternity Advisor, UK Sepsis Trust@maternalsepsisuk @uksepsistrust UK Sepsis Trust website: sepsistrust.org
After going into labor unexpectedly at just 35 weeks with her first baby, Hannah's plans for a midwife-assisted homebirth quickly turned into a hospital transfer and a traumatic experience that left her feeling deeply let down by the very system of support she had trusted. She went on to freebirth her next two babies at home, experiences she remains incredibly grateful for. But looking back, Hannah can also see how her choice to birth without professional support was shaped, at least in part, by what she had experienced the first time around. By her fourth pregnancy, something had shifted. She no longer felt like she needed to do it all on her own. She wanted support, and for the first time since her first birth, she felt ready to invite a midwife back into her birth space. She experienced weeks of exhausting, mind-bending prodromal labor before Hannah finally welcomed her fourth baby peacefully at home, surrounded by her midwife and supportive friends. This is a story about much more than one homebirth. It's about the ways our previous birth experiences shape the choices we make, the difference between choosing independence and feeling like we have no other choice, and Hannah's journey toward healing her relationship with midwifery and allowing herself to be supported again. You can listen to both of Hannah's powerful, previous birth stories here: Trusing Birth at 35 Weeks A (Surprise!) Breech Freebirth If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto
Security policy has traditionally been built around the state: its borders, its military capability, its ability to deter external threats. Gender-based violence rarely features, despite being one of the most persistent and predictable forms of harm in the world, in peacetime and exacerbated during conflict. Treating gender-based violence solely as a private, social, health or humanitarian issue without recognition of it as a security one has consequences: it shapes what gets funded, what gets measured, and whose safety counts as a matter of state responsibility. When it comes to policy, prevention and intervention, the gap between that recognition and practice remains stark, and the impact through violence, displacement and death, notably femicide, continues to rise alongside global military spending. By comparison, funding to address gender-based violence remains miniscule. This event asks what it would mean to take that gap seriously: why gender-based violence functions as both a cause and a consequence of insecurity, and what a security framework would look like if it were built around who is actually being harmed. This event is a collaboration between La Trobe Centre for Global Security and Reducing Gender Based Violence Network (ReGEN). Speakers: Professor Elizabeth Miller (Deputy Director (Strategic Planning and Coordination), Integrated Center for Women's Health) Desireé LaGrappe (Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University and Chair, ReGEN) Dr Jessica Ison (Deputy Director, Reducing Gender-Based Violence Research Group (ReGEN), La Trobe Rural Health School) Dr Natasha Singh Raghuvanshi (Politics and International Relations, La Trobe University) Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Centre for Global Security) Emeritus Professor Dennis Altman (Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, La Trobe University) Recorded on 1st September, 2026. A content warning that this discussion includes topics of violence and abuse. We recognise that these experiences are common in Australia and globally, and that these issues may have affected members of our audience personally or through someone they know. Please take care of yourself during and after the session in whatever way feels right for you. If anything raised during the conversation is difficult or distressing, we encourage you to speak with someone you trust or seek additional support. For more information and resources, please consult: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/research/violetmarshman/regennetwork/resources-and-support
Martha Redpath, a CNM turned burnout and boundaries coach, joins Augustine to talk about what happens when the people who hold space for everyone else run out of space for themselves. Martha traces her path from home birth CNM in Vermont to founder of Provider Space Coaching — a pivot that came out of her own reckoning with alcohol, burnout, and eventually grief after losing her husband.The conversation moves through the state of community-based midwifery today (closures, legal exposure, the pressure CPMs face that CNMs often don't), the martyrdom culture baked into midwifery training, and what it actually looks like to teach boundaries as a clinical skill rather than a personality trait. Martha and Augustine also get into nervous system regulation, the difference between CNM and CPM entry points into boundary-setting, and why the ability to disappoint people — kindly and clearly — might be the most underrated skill in this profession.Key TopicsMartha's path: nursing → home birth CNM in Vermont → 10 years in a small hospital birthing center → burnout, alcohol, and the pivot to coachingThe current landscape for community-based midwives: closures, lawsuits, board investigations, and the Texas trend of using public social media posts as testimony against midwivesHistorical spikes in home birth rates (Ricki Lake's documentary, the ACA, COVID) and where rates stand nowCNM vs. CPM pathways into professional boundary-setting — and why CPMs often enter the field less boundariedThe martyrdom/"lone cowboy" culture in community-based midwifery, and generational shifts around itMartha's coaching framework: strengths-based reflection across eight life domains, nervous system regulation, "tiny habits," and discomfort resilienceGrief as a parallel thread to birth work, following the loss of Martha's husbandThe value of one truly safe confidant ("marble jar friends") for midwives carrying constant on-call stressResources Mentioned:Martha's coaching practice: providerspacecoaching.com — sliding scale fees, one-off debrief calls, and a six-week burnout package built around The Big Life JournalStudent Midwife's Keepsake Journal — the HIPAA-appropriate documentation journal mentioned in the mid-episode ad, with space for 100 birth records and built-in compliance guidance
It's Monday, August 31. Here are today's top stories around Central Indiana. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org and follow us on social media to get local news every day. WFYI News Now is hosted by Barb Anguiano and produced by Zach Bundy. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When high-profile cases like Lindsay Clancy hit the news, public fear and sensationalism surrounding Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) spike—making clinical clarity and lived experience more vital than ever. In this special re-released episode, we sit down with Aaisha Alvi, author of "A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis." Aaisha is a two-time PPP survivor who navigated severe hallucinations, delusions, and several medical dismissals before finally receiving life-saving psychiatric treatment.Community birth workers, midwives, and doulas are often the primary line of defense in the first 14 days postpartum. In this conversation, we break down:* The clinical differences between Postpartum Depression (1 in 5) and Postpartum Psychosis (1-2 per 1,000).* What hallucinations and delusions actually look and feel like from the inside.* Why calling PPP "rare" leads to dangerous medical dismissals in emergency rooms and clinics.* Exact red flags, key phrases, and emergency protocols birth workers must use when advocating for a client in crisis.CONTENT WARNING: This conversation includes discussion of severe perinatal mental health crises, intrusive thoughts, and psychiatric emergencies. RESOURCES & LINKS:• Learn more about Aaisha Alvi & grab her memoir: https://www.aaishaalvi.com• Follow Aaisha on Instagram: @AaishaAlviWrites• Postpartum Support International (PSI): Call or text 1-800-944-4773 | https://www.postpartum.net• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988• Explore Midwifery Wisdom courses & resources: https://www.midwiferywisdom.com
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Deakin University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: Sport Science. Deakin is the #1 Sport Science school in the world. If you're interested in a career in the sports industry, Deakin is the university for you. The other courses and faculties that Deakin has a great reputation in like Forensic Science, Criminology, Psychology, Nursing and Health Sciences The business courses offered at Deakin that allow you to study Marketing and Human Resource Management through the lens of Psychology. How you can dive into Marine Science (sorry, not sorry) at Deakin if you're not afraid of the cold. I also mention a previous episode where I interviewed Lauren, the Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning at the School of Midwifery and Nursing at Deakin. Check it out here: www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/32 If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days
How To Make Dreams Come True is always an intriguing topic! Christina Blecher, originally from Sweden, shares, how a gap year spent in Peru has lead her to co-founded the non-for-profit Greenlamp in Switzerland, to support the development of midwifery in Ethiopia. Christina formed the roots of Greenlamp in 2012, after gathering 12 friends to discuss the book "Half the Sky ..." by Nicolas Kristof and his wife, with a vision of a bright future for women, girls, and their families. The organization operates in Ethiopia, supporting midwifery education, solar energy access for health centers, and alumni leadership development. Over 14 years, Green Lamp has contributed to more than 1.3 million births assisted under solar-powered conditions and supported approximately 84 midwifery students in Bachelor of Science programs.
Althea Hrdlichka opened a birth center in Colorado in 2020 — a state where CPMs were not legally allowed to practice in birth centers. She then changed the law. She opened a second location in 2026. She has attended over 1,000 births and she's far from done.In this episode Augustine sits down with Althea for one of the most unfiltered conversations this podcast has had about what it actually takes to build midwifery infrastructure in a hostile system — the legislation, the license battles, the EMS protocols that she believes are being used deliberately against out-of-hospital providers, the rivals who tried to bring her down, and the moment she almost didn't keep going.And why she kept going anyway.In this episode:Four births that led her to midwifery — and the one that changed everythingOpening a birth center she couldn't legally practice in — and changing the lawA two-year license battle, $70,000 out of pocket, and what pulled her back from the edgeThe EMS "stay and stabilize" protocol and what it means for out-of-hospital birthWhy she pays herself zero and what her sustainability plan actually looks likeThe homegrown midwife model — and why it's the only one that worksWhat midwives eating each other is costing the profession• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MidwiferyWisdom • Birth Center Incubator: https://www.skool.com/birth-center-incubator-4343/about • Guest Contact: https://tendergiftsmidwiferyandbirthcenter.com/about-us/
There are various strategies that you can start using today that will help to reduce the chances of your vulva or vagina tearing during childbirth. This episode lists the action that you, your care team and partner can use to help you try and increase the chance of your vulva remaining intact during your birth. If you are preparing for birth make sure you get Mel's guide to giving birth without pain medication here. Episodes that complement this episode: 72 - Episiotomy Part 1 & 73 - Episiotomy Part 2 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth 143 - Declining Medical recommendations 19 - The Perineal Bundle This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors
When complications arise during pregnancy or birth, many women assume their birth plans are over. But does it have to be that way?In this episode, we're joined by Catey, a mother of four whose pregnancies and births included severe preeclampsia, inductions, postpartum hemorrhages, postpartum depression, thyroid disease, infertility, and a hospital transfer. Despite these serious complications, every one of her births was planned under the care of certified nurse-midwives.Catey shares how her midwives navigated medical emergencies while preserving shared decision-making, how they helped preserve the aspects of birth that mattered most to her, and how continuity of care made all the difference. We discuss the differences between physiologic labor and Pitocin inductions, when interventions like epidurals can become valuable tools, and the support that helped her recover from postpartum depression after both uncomplicated and traumatic births.#358 | Dr. Sarah J. Buckley on Oxytocin, Safety, and the Biology of BirthStream our classes on this topic:Recognizing & Overcoming Postnatal DepletionChoosing Induction: When it May be Needed**********Send us Fan Mail Support the showAccess our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs RhetoricNeeded
Corina was literally born into midwifery. She came into the world in an old school bus on The Farm — the legendary intentional community in Tennessee founded by Stephen Gaskin and Ina May Gaskin — and grew up surrounded by communal living, the absence of money, and birth as an ordinary, community experience. After years of practicing midwifery across six countries, raising three daughters as a single mother, navigating a nine-year mental health journey, and returning to The Farm as part of a new generation of midwives, she has arrived at something extraordinary: a framework for motherhood that she believes could change everything.This episode is for every midwife who has ever burned out, every mother who has lost herself, and everyone who believes birth work is about so much more than catching babies.In this episode we cover:Growing up on The Farm — communal living, kid herds, no money, and birth as a normal community eventLeaving The Farm at 10, landing in Hollywood Florida, and the culture shock of the "real world"Her first birth on her 21st birthday — and three months apprenticing with Ina May and the Farm midwives that summerGetting licensed in 1999, practicing in Florida, taking students to Honduras, and attending births across six countriesBecoming a mother as a midwife — and how her first postpartum experience shattered every expectation she hadA nine-year mental health journey including depression, anxiety, and eventually a bipolar diagnosis — and the shame of suffering in silence as "the one who knows"The vision for Motherfly — a new archetype for motherhood rooted in self-compassion, creativity, and community rather than martyrdom and supermom mythologyWhat matrescence is, why it matters, and why it should be a household wordReturning to The Farm in 2020 — driving through the Confederate-flag South with her Black daughters, the financial relief, and the racial reckoning of arriving in a predominantly white communityThe onboarding meeting that became a confrontation — and the "Midwives for Black Lives" sign that nobody would respond toHolding Ina May's legacy with nuance — the good, the harm, and the missed opportunityFounding Community Birth and Wellness with three other midwives — and the spontaneous passing of the torch at the Sanctuary SummitThe Motherfly nine-month group coaching container, the Matrescent Circle, and what's coming nextWhy our culture does a so-so job birthing babies and a terrible job birthing mothersResources & Links:
You've probably never been told that a private midwife is even an option, not just the hospital care you default to. That gap in information can shape how safe, informed and supported you feel through pregnancy and birth.This conversation gives you a real look at what private midwifery care involves in practice, from early pregnancy through labour, and why having the same trusted person by your side changes the experience.This is part one of our six-part Pregnancy and Birth series.In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Kelly Langford, endorsed private midwife and co-founder of MAMA Private Midwifery Practice, to explore what private midwifery care and home birth involve. Together they cover continuity of care, what non-negotiables matter for first-time mums, the physiology behind labour, and how to choose a care provider that feels right.You'll Hear AboutWhat private midwifery care actually includesWhy continuity of care changes birth outcomesHow physiological birth naturally worksWhat pain relief looks like without interventionHow to choose the right care providerYou don't need a radical plan to feel in control of your birth, only the right information and the right people around you. Understanding your options early gives you the confidence to make decisions that are truly your own.If this conversation shifted how you think about your birth options, share it with a friend who's navigating the same decisions. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.Resources & Links
It's spicy Friday but on a Monday! In this episode Mel answers listener questions in this unscripted, off-the-cuff, unfiltered Q&A session submitted straight from her social media followers. She tackles burning birth questions and hot topics, including: 08:32 – To protect the perineum or not when pushing? How to know when to do it and when not to do it? 14:18 – How can we protect our oxytocin when transferring from home to hospital? 19:50 – Do you think that posterior labour that's not supported properly leads to unnecessary intervention and caesareans? 28:28 – How often is position breech missed resulting in a surprise breech birth? 44:13 – What's your view on the removal of the 5,000 hours for private midwives 49:20 – Why do midwives push on your uterus after birth with no warning or cause? Can I say no? 53:11 – Does birth impact breastfeeding? 55:16 – Does a physiological third stage have to be a lotus birth? 01:06:03 – Tips on how to support neurodiverse women in labour with sensory issues in hospital. In this episode Mel mentions: The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives 2027 tickets here! The Assembly Waitlist Episode 153 - How to avoid tearing during childbirth Episode 197 - Having a vaginal birth in hospital Episode 195 - The high powered hospital bag Episode 156 - Hypnobirthing! Can it really help? Episode 211 - Manage your labour pain with sterile water injections and hypnobirthing This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors
In part 2 of this episode of The Phoenix Cast, Violence Prevention Educator Cassandra Carmona-Wayman (she/hers/ella) continues her conversation with reproductive health advocate Cristina Ponce (she/hers) about Abortion Access, Reproductive Coercion, and Survivor Autonomy. Cristina shares her abortion story and shares her lived experiences with these topics. We also unpack how shifting laws, financial barriers, and crisis pregnancy centers impact survivor autonomy and safety. We highlight practical resources like abortion funds, doulas, travel support, and trusted clinic locators. We also break down myths about medication abortion and centering abortion as both healthcare and a crucial safety option for survivors of violence.Content warnings: discussion of abortion (including personal and self-managed abortion stories), reproductive coercion, intimate partner and interpersonal violence, sexual violence (including rape and sexual coercion), pregnancy-related homicide risk, and anti-abortion harassment/misinformation.Additionally:We discuss healthcare clinics and abortion providers near the Denver Metro area. Please be aware of clinics that misrepresent their services and can appear misleading to patients in need of care. Some “crisis pregnancy centers” near campus and in Denver are not medical clinics and may offer misleading or incomplete information about abortion and pregnancy options. When you can, seek licensed providers or clinics that clearly offer full-spectrum reproductive healthcare, and remember you can reach out to the Phoenix Center at Auraria for confidential support and accurate referrals.Sources and Resources mentioned in the episode:American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 554: Reproductive and Sexual Coercion. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2013.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Reproductive and Sexual Coercion.” ACOG, Feb. 2013, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/02/reproductive-and-sexual-coercion.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Violence and Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/violence-and-pregnancy.html.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Pregnancy Resulting from Sexual Violence.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/pregnancy-resulting-from-sexualviolence.html.Cobalt Abortion Fund. Cobalt Abortion Fund, https://cobaltaf.org/.Colorado Doula Project. Colorado Doula Project, https://www.coloradodoulaproject.org/.Foster, Diana Greene. The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women, and the Consequences of Having—or Being Denied—an Abortion. Scribner, 2020.Grace, Kelsey T., and Julie C. Anderson. “Reproductive Coercion: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, vol. 63, no. 4, 2018, pp. 371–84.Guttmacher Institute. U.S. Abortion Patient and Policy Reports. Guttmacher Institute, https://www.guttmacher.org.Miller, Elizabeth, et al. “Pregnancy Coercion, Intimate Partner Violence and Unintended Pregnancy.” Contraception, vol. 81, no. 4, 2010, pp. 316–22.National Abortion Federation. National Abortion Federation, https://prochoice.org/.National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States. National Academies Press, 2018.“North Carolina Bill Would Authorize Deadly Force for Women Seeking Abortions.” WCNC Charlotte, https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-bill-would-authorize-deadly-force-for-women-seeking-abortions/275-353d54a3-9231-4341-ae44-a127546db76f.Raymond, Elizabeth G., and David A. Grimes. “The Comparative Safety of Legal Induced Abortion and Childbirth in the United States.” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 119, no. 2, 2012, pp. 215–19.“Reproductive Coercion.” The National Domestic Violence Hotline, https://www.thehotline.org/resources/reproductive-coercion/.“Reproductive Coercion: What Is It?” Teen Vogue, https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-reproductive-coercion.Sexual Assault Awareness Fund. “Bisexual Women Are More Likely to Have Abortions.” Sexual Assault Awareness Fund, https://saafund.org/bisexual-women-are-more-likely-to-have-abortions/.Society of Family Planning. #WeCount Reports on Abortion Access After Dobbs.Society of Family Planning, https://societyfp.org/.Tarzia, Laura, et al. “Reproductive Coercion and Abuse: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5819992/.Van Parys, An-Sofie, et al. “Prevalence and Evolution of Intimate Partner Violence before and during Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 14, 2014, article 294, https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-14-294.Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Pregnancy and Domestic Violence Issue Brief. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2013, https://wscadv.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pregnancy-dvfr-issue-brief-12-2013.pdf.World Health Organization. Abortion Care Guideline. World Health Organization, 2022.You can learn more about your options with healthcare service providers like Just the Pill. They can provide vital information and assistance with abortion, contraception, and other sexual and reproductive health services. We provide efficient and equitable access to health care by telemedicine. https://justthepill.com/about-us/You can also look into resources like Elevated Access. They are a nonprofit organization that provides free air transportation through a network of volunteer pilots, helping people travel to essential healthcare services they might not otherwise be able to reach. Their services primarily support access to abortion care and gender-affirming care by coordinating safe, confidential flights in partnership with healthcare and advocacy organizations across the United States.Be aware of Denver Metro Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs):The AVI Project https://www.theaviproject.com/Alternatives Pregnancy Center (Alternatives Colorado) https://youhavealternatives.org/Bella Health and Wellness. Bella Health and Wellness. https://bellahealthandwellness.com/.Alternatives Pregnancy Center. Alternatives Pregnancy Center. https://youhavealternatives.org/.Marisol Health. Marisol Health. https://marisolhealth.com/.Life Choices. Life Choices. https://lifechoices.org/.If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call our 24/7 interpersonal violence helpline at 303-556-2255.Request an Appointment with an Advocate athttps://www.thepca.org/online-appointment-requestRequest a Violence Prevention Presentation at https://www.thepca.org/prevention-educationInstagram @phoenixauraria
In part 1 of this episode of The Phoenix Cast, Violence Prevention Educator Cassandra Carmona-Wayman (she/hers/ella) talks with reproductive health advocate Cristina Ponce (she/hers) about how abortion care works, common myths about abortion, and the impact of post‑Dobbs restrictions. They also explore reproductive coercion as a form of abuse, its connections to interpersonal violence, and why protecting survivors' bodily autonomy and access to abortion is essential.Content warnings: discussion of intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, sexual and physical violence, abortion (including later‑term), pregnancy loss, legal and systemic barriers to care, and brief mention of hospitalization due to assault.Additionally:We discuss healthcare clinics and abortion providers near the Denver Metro area. Please be aware of clinics that misrepresent their services and can appear misleading to patients in need of care. Some “crisis pregnancy centers” near campus and in Denver are not medical clinics and may offer misleading or incomplete information about abortion and pregnancy options. When you can, seek licensed providers or clinics that clearly offer full-spectrum reproductive healthcare, and remember you can reach out to the Phoenix Center at Auraria for confidential support and accurate referrals.Sources and Resources mentioned in the episode:American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 554: Reproductive and Sexual Coercion. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2013.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Reproductive and Sexual Coercion.” ACOG, Feb. 2013, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/02/reproductive-and-sexual-coercion.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Violence and Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/violence-and-pregnancy.html.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Pregnancy Resulting from Sexual Violence.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/pregnancy-resulting-from-sexualviolence.html.Cobalt Abortion Fund. Cobalt Abortion Fund, https://cobaltaf.org/.Colorado Doula Project. Colorado Doula Project, https://www.coloradodoulaproject.org/.Foster, Diana Greene. The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women, and the Consequences of Having—or Being Denied—an Abortion. Scribner, 2020.Grace, Kelsey T., and Julie C. Anderson. “Reproductive Coercion: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, vol. 63, no. 4, 2018, pp. 371–84.Guttmacher Institute. U.S. Abortion Patient and Policy Reports. Guttmacher Institute, https://www.guttmacher.org.Miller, Elizabeth, et al. “Pregnancy Coercion, Intimate Partner Violence and Unintended Pregnancy.” Contraception, vol. 81, no. 4, 2010, pp. 316–22.National Abortion Federation. National Abortion Federation, https://prochoice.org/.National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The Safety and Quality of Abortion Care in the United States. National Academies Press, 2018.“North Carolina Bill Would Authorize Deadly Force for Women Seeking Abortions.” WCNC Charlotte, https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-bill-would-authorize-deadly-force-for-women-seeking-abortions/275-353d54a3-9231-4341-ae44-a127546db76f.Raymond, Elizabeth G., and David A. Grimes. “The Comparative Safety of Legal Induced Abortion and Childbirth in the United States.” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 119, no. 2, 2012, pp. 215–19.“Reproductive Coercion.” The National Domestic Violence Hotline, https://www.thehotline.org/resources/reproductive-coercion/.“Reproductive Coercion: What Is It?” Teen Vogue, https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-reproductive-coercion.Sexual Assault Awareness Fund. “Bisexual Women Are More Likely to Have Abortions.” Sexual Assault Awareness Fund, https://saafund.org/bisexual-women-are-more-likely-to-have-abortions/.Society of Family Planning. #WeCount Reports on Abortion Access After Dobbs. Society of Family Planning, https://societyfp.org/.Tarzia, Laura, et al. “Reproductive Coercion and Abuse: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5819992/.Van Parys, An-Sofie, et al. “Prevalence and Evolution of Intimate Partner Violence before and during Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 14, 2014, article 294, https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-14-294.Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Pregnancy and Domestic Violence Issue Brief. Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2013, https://wscadv.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pregnancy-dvfr-issue-brief-12-2013.pdf.World Health Organization. Abortion Care Guideline. World Health Organization, 2022.You can learn more about your options with healthcare service providers like Just the Pill. They can provide vital information and assistance with abortion, contraception, and other sexual and reproductive health services. We provide efficient and equitable access to health care by telemedicine. https://justthepill.com/about-us/You can also look into resources like Elevated Access. They are a nonprofit organization that provides free air transportation through a network of volunteer pilots, helping people travel to essential healthcare services they might not otherwise be able to reach. Their services primarily support access to abortion care and gender-affirming care by coordinating safe, confidential flights in partnership with healthcare and advocacy organizations across the United States.Be aware of Denver Metro Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs):The AVI Project https://www.theaviproject.com/Alternatives Pregnancy Center (Alternatives Colorado) https://youhavealternatives.org/Bella Health and Wellness. Bella Health and Wellness. https://bellahealthandwellness.com/.Alternatives Pregnancy Center. Alternatives Pregnancy Center. https://youhavealternatives.org/.Marisol Health. Marisol Health. https://marisolhealth.com/.Life Choices. Life Choices. https://lifechoices.org/.If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please call our 24/7 interpersonal violence helpline at 303-556-2255.Request an Appointment with an Advocate athttps://www.thepca.org/online-appointment-requestRequest a Violence Prevention Presentation at https://www.thepca.org/prevention-educationInstagram @phoenixauraria
In this episode, Augustine sits down with Dr. Koen Deurloo, a Dutch gynecologist at the Diakonessenhuis in Utrecht and the first physician in the Netherlands to perform a maternal-assisted cesarean (MAC) — a technique that lets the birthing parent help lift their own baby from the incision during a planned cesarean. What began as a single patient's request in 2018 has grown into a practice Dr. Deurloo has now performed more than 200 times, and one he freely shares with hospitals around the world.This conversation goes far beyond the surgical technique. Dr. Deurloo talks candidly about the home births of his own two daughters and how that experience shaped his respect for the midwifery model of care, learning to ask "why" instead of overriding a patient's choice, and building one of the most collaborative OB-midwife relationships in the Netherlands — a country where roughly 90% of pregnancies start with midwifery-led care. He shares research on women who request care outside standard guidelines, why the "dead baby card" says more about a provider's own trauma than about safety, and how he trains residents, midwives, and doulas to work from a shared goal instead of competing silos.Dr. Deurloo is also the author of Door de ogen van een gynaecoloog ("Through the Eyes of a Gynecologist"), a collection of 35 stories from his clinical life.Whether you're a physician, midwife, doula, or student, this episode offers a rare, first-hand look at what it looks like when a high-risk hospital system chooses trust and autonomy over rigid protocol — and how that shift actually happened, person by person.In this episode we cover:The story behind the first maternal-assisted cesarean in the Netherlands and how the procedure has evolved since 2018What selection criteria Dr. Deurloo uses for MAC, and why he doesn't offer it routinely to every patientHow the Dutch maternity system integrates first- and second-degree midwives with hospital-based obstetric careDr. Deurloo's research on women who request birth outside clinical guidelines — and what happened to their outcomesReframing the "dead baby card" as a signal of provider trauma, not patient riskHow to build trust between physicians, midwives, and doulas without changing the actual clinical carePractical advice for starting pilot programs and finding your "pioneers" when introducing new practices into a hospital systemResources & Links:
How has maternity care changed over the last few decades, and what still needs to improve? In the final episode of this series, we reflect on the evolution of birth and look forward to the future of maternity care.If you're interested in being part of the next series of Life of a Midwife we'd love to hear from you! Just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.ukLinks from our midwives:All4Maternity is the go to place for education and support if you're a midwife or student midwife.And All4Birth is the home for expectant and new parents - free, non-biased, evidence-based information! Curated by a midwife ❤️BabySZN™ is a platform built to help women train specifically for fertility, pregnancy from a birthdual-qualified midwife and performance trainer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Augustine shares a real one-on-one consult from the very first Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship cohort — a conversation with Emmelia.Emmelia is navigating a question many apprentice and student midwives face: what does a sustainable path in this work actually look like? She's processing betrayal by a preceptor who left her stranded without signed-off skills, wrestling with whether solo practice or a birth center model fits her life, and trying to figure out if she can be both a hands-on provider and a business owner without losing herself — or her family — in the process.Augustine and Emmelia talk through the Dunning-Kruger effect and why that crash in confidence after early competence is actually a sign of real growth. They talk about processing trauma from an unsupportive preceptor relationship, the difference between scarcity and abundance mindset in a competitive field, and why so many birth centers close within a few years while others last for decades. It's an honest look at the tension between calling and capacity — and a reminder that building something sustainable is its own form of midwifery.Emmelia generously gave us permission to share this consult, believing other students and apprentices working through similar struggles might find something useful in it.To learn more about the next cohort of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship starting September 1, 2026, visit our website https://www.midwiferywisdomcollective.com/midwifery-wisdom-fellowship-2
In this episode, Augustine sits down with Rafia Islam, a midwife from Bangladesh with eight years of experience spanning refugee camps, mentorship roles, and one of Dhaka's busiest labor wards. Rafia walks us through her training, her path from data collector to midwife, and what a 12-hour night shift with 13 deliveries actually looks like.The conversation turns to the realities shaping birth in Bangladesh: a cesarean rate as high as 80% in some private hospitals, the financial incentives driving unnecessary surgery, and the coercion many families face in the delivery room. Rafia also shares why midwives are legally barred from home birth in Bangladesh, how the country's neonatal mortality rate has dropped dramatically since 2000, and a harrowing memory of delivering a baby during a hospital fire.This is a candid look at what it means to fight for autonomous, respected midwifery care in a system still learning what a midwife is for — and a reminder that no matter where you practice, the work of holding space for birth looks remarkably the same.
Why not favour pain management options that have no side-effects? In this episode, Mel interviews midwife and researcher Nigel Lee who explains the research he and his team undertook regarding 2 pain management options for labour and birth - sterile water injections and hypnobirthing. In this episode we pick apart the research, explain how they are used and show how using sterile water injections and hypnobirth could change the course of your labour and birth. If you want to reduce your chances of needing an epidural or caesarean, this episode has some helpful strategies for you. In this episode Mel makes reference to her GUIDE TO GIVING BIRTH WITHOUT PAIN MEDICATION which is currently on sale for $27 until end of July 2026. Get it now for an all-round clear strategy for navigating the pain Australian Midwives, answer Nigel's survey here for his current research project: https://uqnm.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o8pgZYB9HNcAF8 If you want to re-skill or upskill in physiological birth and be part of the solution with Mel by your side throughout your midwifery career, join the wait list here, to be one of the 200 midwives Mel is offering to nurture. This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors
The new pilot scheme in Limerick is between the Gardaí and the HSE and is known as CAST - Community Access Support Teams. Professor Owen Doody from the University of Limerick's School of Nursing and Midwifery is the independent evaluator for the project.
Even when caring for similar patient populations, some hospitals have significantly higher Cesarean rates than others, and factors like teamwork, psychological safety, leadership, staffing, and beliefs about childbirth can affect outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with family physician and researcher Dr. Emily White VanGompel about how the culture of labor and delivery units can shape decision-making and influence the birth experience for families. Dr. White VanGompel explains the NTSV (nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex) Cesarean rate, why it is used as a quality measure, how hospitals have successfully reduced unnecessary Cesareans, and what families can look for when choosing a birth setting that supports vaginal birth. Plus, learn about the Labor Culture Survey (LCS), Dr. White VanGompel's research on the impact of the ARRIVE Trial on provider attitudes, and why conversations about reducing Cesarean overuse are important from a public health perspective. (01:58) Growing up around home birth and discovering differences in birth culture during medical training (09:05) How family medicine influences perspectives on childbirth, postpartum care, and long-term family health (12:46) What NTSV Cesarean rates are and why they are used as a quality measure (16:19) Defining labor and delivery unit culture and how it affects Cesarean decision-making (19:23) Lessons from hospitals that successfully reduced Cesarean rates (23:50) Real-world examples of hospitals that transformed their birth culture and lowered Cesarean rates (29:36) Common attitudes and beliefs associated with higher Cesarean rates (32:32) The Labor Culture Survey (35:44) The ARRIVE Trial, provider attitudes toward induction, and shifting birth culture (43:01) How families can evaluate hospitals and providers when seeking support for vaginal birth (48:24) Midwifery models of care and their potential role in supporting vaginal birth (52:40) How personal birth experiences influence clinician attitudes toward Cesarean and vaginal birth Resources View the original validation study that explains the creation of the LCS: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/birt.12406 See how the first statewide use of the LCS found an association between labor culture and hospital-level cesarean rates: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1475-6773.13123 Deep-dive into this qualitative study about how hospitals that lowered their cesarean rates changed their cultures: SpringerAccess research journals, articles, books and more | Springer Nature Linkarticle/10.1186/s12913-024-12108-3 See how this study used the Labor Culture Survey (LCS) to compare clinician beliefs and attitudes about induction of labor before and after the publication of the ARRIVE Trial: Sciencedirectsciencedirect.com science/article/abs/pii/S0884217522003914 For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.
This episode gives a snapshot of the main global challenges that face women in their childbearing years and the midwives that care for them. In this episode, Mel covers what she learned from the International Confederation of Midwives conference in Portugal June 2026. The main global challenges include, the over-medicalisation of childbirth, a shortage of skilled midwives and the erosion of midwifery skill to identify and facilitate physiological birth. In this episode, Mel shares both the problems and the solutions that are already being acted upon and what you can do to combat the challenges described in this episode If you want to re-skill or upskill in physiological birth and be part of the solution with Mel by your side throughout your midwifery career, join the wait list here, to be one of the 200 midwives Mel is offering to nurture. This episode is generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to https://hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox You can watch this episode on YouTube here Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors
In this beautiful and powerful episode, host Augustine sits down with Eva Rose — Norwegian birth photographer, doula, advocate, documentarian, and creator of Birth Mood — for a conversation that spans birth rooms, operating theatres, Ethiopian hospitals, and the fragile future of midwifery-led care across the globe.Eva has been attending births for nearly 30 years, building one of the most extraordinary visual archives of physiological birth in the world — and along the way becoming an unstoppable voice for women's birth rights and informed consent.In this episode we cover:How witnessing her baby sister's home birth at age seven — and growing up in a family of photographers — set Eva on her pathHow a midwife told Eva "you are a doula" — and what happened nextThe closure of ABC, Norway's most beloved midwifery-led unit, and how Norway went from 70 such units to just fourWhy Norwegian hospitals profit from over-medicalizing birth even within a free public healthcare systemThe fetal scalp electrode post that went viral globally — and why Norwegian midwives were furiousHow Eva's role as a doula shifted from loving birth companion to consent advocateThe mother-assisted cesarean in the Netherlands — and Eva's mission to bring it to NorwayBirth culture across countries — the stark difference between consent practices in Norway, the UK, and SwitzerlandBirth Around the World — selling everything to document birth globally before COVID shut it downFundal pressure in Ethiopia and Eva's campaign to make it illegal worldwideBurnout, her lowest two years, and what slowing down has taught herBirth Mood — the visual birth preparation course now used by birthing women, midwives, and doctors worldwideResources & Links:
In this month's recap, Sophia and her student, Eva, reflect on a surprisingly quiet month in practice, highlighted by one incredibly fast birth that unfolded very differently than planned.They discuss pregnancy hypertension, anxiety, postpartum recovery, practicing suturing skills, funny listener questions, and exciting innovations in sustainable baby products—including biodegradable diapers designed to disappear within a year.Topics include:• Unexpected hospital induction and rapid birth• White coat hypertension• EMDR and emotional healing• Midwifery skills training• Home birth Q&A• Eco-friendly diaper innovationProducts Highlighted on the show: Check out HIRO diapers Check out MotherLove Organics Other products we recommend: Wish Garden HerbsMioberry Organics Get 15% off with code: Bornwild15Connect with Sophia: www.bornwildmidwifery.comThis podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support.
Shawn Dove, founder of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, discusses how transformational leaders need support to birth their greatest work—using the metaphor of a doctor pulling his son from a breech delivery. The conversation explores race, media representation, economic mobility, and why those closest to problems hold the most innovative solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Aimie Hines and Andie McCombs. First up, to the UK, where Keir Starmer is leaving Downing Street as the shortest-serving Labour prime minister in history. Dr Mark Bennister of Queen Mary University of London brings his reaction. Then, if police are paid for their training hours, why shouldn't doctors, nurses, midwives or teachers be? Midwifery student Sòrcha Carr explains how paid placements would change her life.
Join Sophia and Lisa as they explore the real challenges and rewards of midwifery. From managing costs and balancing family life to navigating legal pressures, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt reflections.Key Topics:Hidden costs and financial management in midwiferyBalancing on-call schedules with personal lifeBuilding community and support among midwivesNavigating legal challenges and client autonomyPreventing burnout and maintaining passionConnect with Lisa RawsonInstagramConnect with Sophia Hendersonwww.bornwildmidwifery.comCheck out some of Sophia's favorite products to support pregnancy and beyond: ▶︎Afterease Tincture by Wish Garden Herbs▶︎Sitz Bath Herbs by Motherlove Organics▶︎HIRO diapers▶︎Mioberry Organic Muslin Swaddle sets & more: Save 15% with code: Bornwild15Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support.
In this wide-ranging and utterly fascinating episode, host Augustine sits down with Vandana — doctor, public health expert, MBA, entrepreneur, beekeeper, candle maker, and one of the most multi-dimensional humans to ever grace this podcast. Born and raised in Bangalore, India, now based on Long Island, New York, Vandana has spent over two decades working across 13 countries in disaster zones, war zones, and underserved communities — always following the woman, always asking: what does she actually need to thrive?This conversation moves from the villages of rural India to the boardrooms of global philanthropy, from beehives in Brooklyn to the operating table, and from the burnout of nonprofit founderitis to the liberating power of learning to ask. There is so much in this episode for midwives, birth workers, nonprofit founders, and anyone who has ever built something from scratch and wondered why it won't grow.Resources & Links:
Ep. 31 | Birth & Midwifery in the Philippines - Bernice Tutor by Sofia Scheuerman
Sophia sits down with Rowan Bailey and Sarita Bennett of Foundational Concepts for Midwives for a conversation about traditional midwifery, mentorship, persecution, peer review, and preserving birth wisdom.Together they discuss:practicing midwifery in illegal statesaccountability within the birth communitytrauma and trust among birth workerscompetency-based educationnervous system safety in learningsupporting the future of traditional midwiferyA thoughtful conversation for birth workers, students, and anyone passionate about preserving physiological birth knowledge.Connect with Foundational Concepts Connect with Born Wild Midwifery Some of our FAV products: ▶︎Afterease Tincture by Wish Garden Herbs: ▶︎Sitz Bath Herbs by Motherlove Organics: ▶︎HIRO diapers: ▶︎Mioberry Organic Muslin Swaddle sets & more: Save 15% with code: Bornwild15Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support.
We now know that things like access to affordable housing and healthy food, good jobs that provide a livable income, education, safe environments, and other factors that make up what we call the “social determinants of health” are more powerful in promoting health of individuals and communities than health care itself. Sir Michael Marmot has been a pioneer in advancing this concept and has created what are called Marmot Cities and Towns or Marmot Places. One nurse who has worked with Marmot is Charlotte McArdle, a Global Nurse Consultant, Visiting Professor Ulster University Belfast, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and a former government chief nurse officer in the United Kingdom. On April 22, 2026, HealthCetera producer and host Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, talked with McArdle about Marmot Places and its relevance for people in the United States. This interview first aired on HealthCetera in the Catskills on WIOX Radio on April 22, 2026. The post Marmot Places appeared first on HealthCetera.
In today's episode, host Augustine sits down with Kayla Branstetter — English instructor, TEDx speaker, doctoral candidate in healthcare education, and author of the forthcoming book Don't Be an Athena — for a conversation that sits right at the intersection of storytelling, reproductive trauma, and the future of patient-centered care.Kayla's work in narrative medicine is a beautiful reminder that behind every chart, every lab result, and every clinical encounter is a human being with a story that deserves to be heard. And for midwives and birth workers who already know this in their bones — this episode gives you the language, the research, and the tools to do it even better.In this episode we cover:What narrative medicine actually is — and why it's been around for centuries, we're just now naming itKayla's personal journey through her mother's teen pregnancy, her own infertility and miscarriage, and how storytelling found herHow a patient's chart tells a story — and what we miss when we only look at the numbersThe growing mistrust between the medical community and patients — and what narrative medicine offers as a bridgeHow providers can support traumatized clients after unwished-for birth outcomes — including the power of offering writing as an alternative to talkingObstetric violence, medical gaslighting, and what patients can actually do — from documenting their experience to filing grievances and amending their own medical recordsHow a midwife or doula can be a powerful patient advocate in the aftermath of traumaVicarious and secondary trauma in providers — and how narrative medicine workshops create space for clinicians to reflect and healThe myth of Medusa and Athena — and why Kayla's book asks us to stop turning survivors into monstersWhy medical humanities is on the rise — and the medical school built next to an art museum that's changing how future doctors are trainedResources & Links:
In this March recap episode, Sophia, Eva, and Aly share personal updates, behind-the-scenes practice conversations, and three very different birth stories.They discuss:a prolonged labor ending in hospital transfer + C-sectioninformed consent and newborn antibioticsa peaceful birth after pregnancy losspostpartum hemorrhage management at homebalancing intervention with autonomy in birth workwedding planning, concerts, and midwifery student lifeA candid look inside real midwifery care, decision-making, and community support.Connect with us on IG @bornwildpodcastSome of Sophia's favorite recommendations: ▶︎Afterease Tincture by Wish Garden Herbs: ▶︎Sitz Bath Herbs by Motherlove Organics: ▶︎HIRO diapers: ▶︎Mioberry Organic Muslin Swaddle sets & more: Save 15% with code: Bornwild15Connect with Sophia ▶︎https://www.bornwildmidwifery.com/00:28 Personal life updates02:18 Concert stories + family life05:32 Midwifery skills + training07:22 Long labor + hospital transfer10:46 Informed consent + newborn antibiotics14:01 Birth after pregnancy loss17:46 Fast second birth story22:26 Postpartum hemorrhage managementThis podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support.
Everyone who gets into politics has their story -- whether it's about making a difference or helping their community. For our co-host, Holly Richardson, it was both… and it largely stemmed from her time as a midwife. Holly goes into what pushed her into the world of politics and gives us the inside view of midwifery in Utah.
hearing against the FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances) Act convened by anti-abortion extremists on the House Judiciary Committee! If you could stomach the question, “What's your favorite type of abortion?” WE TOOK A ZOFRAN AND BARRELLED THROUGH IT FOR YOU! PLUS, Tennessee's Attorney General just CANCELED a Very Very Important lawsuit challenging Tennessee's near-total abortion ban that literally everyone and their mother has been waiting for. Meanwhile, scientists have made sure a male birth control with ZERO side effects exists, AND it may reverse aging, AND other cool perks! Take that, ladies! We hate it here. GUEST ROLL CALL: Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, is here! Lupe drops her knowledge and expertise on the intersectionality of immigrant and reproductive justice, combatting stigmas against immigrants, changing hearts and minds, AND gifts us some marching orders on multiple ways YOU can help during this devastating ICE occupation. PLUSSSSS! Comedian Max Higgins drops by to deliver the hehes and hahas we so desperately need! Tune in and hear all about his coming out story, using jokes and comedy as medicine, his special “The Underdog,” AND find out just how much he loves Phish! Times are heavy, but knowledge is power, y'all. We gotchu. OPERATION SAVE ABORTION: You can still join the 10,000+ womb warriors fighting the patriarchy by clicking HERE for past Operation Save Abortion trainings, your toolkit, marching orders, and more. HOSTS: Lizz Winstead IG: @LizzWinstead Bluesky: @LizzWinstead.bsky.social Moji Alawode-El IG: @Mojilocks Bluesky: @Mojilocks.bsky.social SPECIAL GUESTS: Lupe M. Rodríguez IG: @LupeMRodriguez @LatinaInstitute Max Higgins IG: @Max_HeadGear GUEST LINKS: The Latina Institute Website ACTION: Adopt A Day Labor Corner Max Higgins' Website Max Higgins' Linktree WATCH: Max Higgins' Burlington Half Comedy Special NEWS DUMP: Tennessee's Abortion Ban Won't Go On Trial as Attorney General Taps New Law After Abortion Ruling, Powell City Councilman Calls for ‘Hanging Bad Judges' Scientists May Have Finally Created a Male Birth Control Pill—So Far, It Shows Very Few Side Effects From Tool to Weapon: The Face Act and the Dangers of Federalizing Criminal Law Three Years Post-Dobbs, Abortion Providers Experience High Levels of Violence & Disruption EPISODE LINKS: ADOPT-A-CLINIC: Jane's Due Process 5/9 Jane's Due Process Bundles of Care Event Volunteer RSVP 6 DEGREES: Ruby Bridges Has a TikTok SUBSTACK: Abortion Access Front Operation Save Abortion Expose Fake Clinics BUY AAF MERCH! EMAIL your abobo questions to The Feminist Buzzkills AAF's Abortion-Themed Rage Playlist FOLLOW US: Listen to us ~ FBK Podcast Instagram ~ @AbortionFront Bluesky ~ @AbortionFront TikTok ~ @AbortionFront Facebook ~ @AbortionFront YouTube ~ @AbortionAccessFront TALK TO THE CHARLEY BOT FOR ABOBO OPTIONS & RESOURCES HERE! PATREON HERE! Support our work, get exclusive merch and more! DONATE TO AAF HERE! ACTIVIST CALENDAR HERE! VOLUNTEER WITH US HERE! ADOPT-A-CLINIC HERE! GET ABOBO PILLS FROM PLAN C PILLS HERE! When BS is poppin', we pop off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Eriko Lalanne has spent 18 years as a midwife in Tokyo, and now focuses much of her work on supporting expat families navigating Japan's distinct approach to birth and postpartum care. In this conversation, we dig into the cultural values that shape the Japanese birth experience — from remarkably strong postpartum support to attitudes around pain in labor — and what that means for families coming from very different backgrounds. We also hear about her project Midwife World, a platform bringing midwives together across borders to share knowledge and build global connection.
Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Guest: Hayden Meza, APRN, Certified Nurse Midwife, UK Healthcare Season 8 | Episode 46 Join guest host Dr. Courtney Luecking in a conversation with Hayden Meza, a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) at the University of Kentucky, as they explore the history and modern practice of midwifery. Topics include Kentucky's midwifery roots with Mary Breckenridge and the Frontier Nursing Service, the role of CNMs within the healthcare system, differences between midwives and OB‑GYNs, and common myths about midwifery and birth settings. Hayden shares patient‑centered examples of midwifery care, evidence on outcomes, guidance on choosing the right care model for individual risk and preferences, and tips for finding midwives locally. For more information: About Midwifery | American College of Nurse Midwives Find a Midwife | Midwives of Kentucky Core Competencies | American College of Nurse Midwives Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS. Kentucky Extension Offices UK FCS Extension Website Facebook Instagram FCS Learning Channel
Welcome to the Mad in America podcast, my name is James. Today, we are discussing the experiences of people who have attempted to stop taking psychiatric drugs. These experiences are captured in a survey undertaken by the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Joining me to talk about this work are Cathal Cadogan and Agnes Higgins, both from Trinity College. Cathal is an Associate Professor in Practice of Pharmacy at Trinity College. His research focuses on developing supports to help people make informed decisions about starting and stopping psychiatric medication. He was recently involved in a priority setting partnership to identify priorities for future research on reducing and discontinuing psychiatric medicines. Agnes is a nurse, researcher and academic who has recently retired as a professor in mental health at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College. She is a former Chairperson of the Board of Mental Health Reform, Ireland's leading service user organization, campaigning for improvements in mental health services. She is also currently a board member of Kyrie Farm, an innovative initiative combining the benefits of nature, meaningful participation, community and therapy to support mental health recovery. Their work is part of a wider examination of priorities for future research on reducing and stopping psychiatric medication, and we'll talk about this as well as the findings of their survey. We'll also talk about the role that pharmacists could potentially play when people are considering stopping their psychiatric drugs. *** Thank you for being with us to listen to the podcast and read our articles this year. MIA is funded entirely by reader donations. If you value MIA, please help us continue to survive and grow. https://www.madinamerica.com/donate/ To find the Mad in America podcast on your preferred podcast player, click here: https://pod.link/1212789850 © Mad in America 2026. Produced by James Moore https://www.jmaudio.org
Some of the most effective solutions for improving birth outcomes worldwide are rooted in relationships, not technology. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker speaks with midwife Stephanie Marriott of the International Confederation of Midwives about the global impact of midwifery care. She outlines what defines a midwifery model of care, why continuity of midwife-led care matters for both outcomes and experiences, and how trust and relationship-based care can influence Cesarean rates, trauma-informed care, and access to services. Stephanie draws on her work across the U.K., Asia, and Africa to share how countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh are strengthening midwifery education, regulation, and deployment, and what that means for maternal and newborn health. Together, Stephanie and Rebecca also discuss the essential role midwives play in humanitarian and disaster settings, the global shortage of midwives, and the growing call for One Million More midwives worldwide. (04:58) What is a midwifery model of care? (08:00) Why relationships are central to better birth outcomes (10:27) Time, workload, and sustainability for midwives (12:20) Trust, disclosure, and safety during pregnancy (13:01) How continuity of care shapes labor and birth experiences (16:48) What is the International Confederation of Midwives? (22:05) Strengthening midwifery education worldwide (28:13) Rebuilding midwifery education where it was lost (34:53) Rising cesarean rates and the role of midwives (39:26) Why midwives are essential in humanitarian settings (42:35) The global shortage of midwives Resources Learn more about the International Confederation of Midwives: internationalmidwives.org Support the One Million More campaign: millionmore.org Explore UNFPA's work supporting sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, and midwifery systems: unfpa.org For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.