Podcasts about Midwifery

Send us a textA center for indigenous birthing practices grew out of an expatriate's dream and was realized as a thriving hub for Indigenous midwives in Guatemala. The ground shifted when a model of local ownership and global alliance collided with personal greed. Executive Director Asia Blackwell unpacks the full arc: early wins rooted in trust, warning signs revealed by governance training and a whistleblower policy, and the moment when cultural respect had to face corrupt realities, overcome personal threats, retaliation, forged elections, missing funds, and state-backed intimidation. After a democratic vote unseated entrenched leaders, a wave of retaliation brought lawsuits, threats, violence, and a dramatic raid with arrests of innocents. Trusted allies hadn't founded a nonprofit. They created a private society they owned, a structural flaw they leveraged for personal gain, through corruption. Rather than surrender, the midwives pivoted, formed a new association and reopened within weeks, keeping mobile clinics running with minimal interruption—proof of resilience under pressure. The most powerful takeaway emerges from within Maya cosmology: leadership is a calling, and midwifery and administration are each their own gift. By separating clinical decision-making from administrative management—while keeping both local—the entire leadership and collaborative team aligned structure with values and protected what matters most: maternal and newborn health, Indigenous knowledge, and community sovereignty. Expect practical insights on equitable partnerships, accountable systems, language access in elections, and how to design governance that stands up to real-world stress. If this story moved you, subscribe, share with a friend who cares about global health and nonprofit governance, and leave a review to help others find the show. ____Firmly Rooted - A new documentary on orphanage response - the right way!To view the released trailer and sizzle reel, go to https://firmlyrootedfilm.com/or to https://www.helpingchildrenworldwide.org__________ ____Organize a Rooted in Reality mission experience for your service club, church group, worship team, young adult or adult study. No travel required. Step into the shoes of people in extreme poverty in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Helping Children Worldwide takes you into a world where families are facing impossible choices every day.Contact support@helpingchildrenworldwide.org to discuss how. Give to a 25 year legacy - plant seeds of hope! ________Travel on International Mission, meet local leadership and work alongside them. Exchange knowledge, learn from one another and be open to personal transformation. Step into a 25 year long story of change for children in some of the poorest regions on Earth.https://www.helpingchildrenworldwide.org/mission-trips.html******Support the showHelpingchildrenworldwide.org

Dive into the midwifery model with Samantha Crouch, Certified Nurse Midwife at UAMS Northwest, as she unpacks the role midwives play in pregnancy and women's health. Discover how midwives provide holistic, low-intervention care and support across various settings, from hospitals to home birth. Join us to learn why more mothers are choosing midwives for a more personalized birthing experience.  Learn more about Samantha Crouch, DNP, CNM, IBCLC  

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker explores the research on birthing positions and tried-and-true midwifery practices for protecting the perineum during childbirth. She explains why the flat-on-your-back position we often see on television isn't ideal and walks through the key differences between upright, sacrum-flexible positions, and common hospital practices like lithotomy and routine episiotomies.   Dr. Dekker reviews data from global research as well as real-world wisdom from midwives, including the extraordinary outcomes of hands-off, undisturbed birth approaches in the Philippines. She uncovers how hospital system pressures, caregiver convenience, and even obstetric violence drive the overwhelming use of recumbent positions and invasive interventions while sidelining evidence-based, patient-centered care. You'll hear firsthand strategies for minimizing severe tears, promoting intact perineums, and advocating for birth plans that prioritize the autonomy and comfort of birthing people.   Content Warning: Discussion of tears of the vagina, severe tears from the vagina to the rectum, obstetric violence related to episiotomies, and being forced giving birth on your back.   Resources For a full list of resources, visit: ebbirth.com/221 Watch the video version here on our YouTube channel which includes study breakdowns and PowerPoint slides. Protecting the Perineum Series: EBB 206 - Evidence on Perineal Tears and the Importance of Avoiding Episiotomy with EBB Founder, Dr. Rebecca Dekker EBB 210 - Evidence on Warm Compresses and Hands-on vs. Hands-off for Protecting the Perineum EBB 216 - The Evidence on Prenatal Perineal Massage for Preventing Tears in Childbirth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker EBB 218 - The Evidence on Perineal Massage during Labor with Dr. Rebecca Dekker   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.

Sanna Marin is the former Prime Minister of Finland who made history as the youngest female head of government in the world. She went on to become the longest-serving female prime minister of Finland, leading a coalition government entirely headed by women. Sanna talks to presenter Clare McDonnell about her rise to the top, leading her country through the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as dealing with enormous criticism when her personal life becoming very public – all themes in her new memoir Hope In Action.It's World Aids Day and the government has just unveiled its new HIV Action Plan with the stated goal of tackling to stigma and end transmissions in England by 2030. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton joins us to discuss the policy along with Ellie Harrison, who was diagnosed HIV positive when she was 21.With the rise of no and low alcohol drinks on supermarket shelves, a new survey from the University of Plymouth has been talking to expectant mothers about their relationship with these drinks and their understanding of what constitutes a safe percentage. To hear more, Clare is joined by Dr Kate Maslin, Senior Research Fellow in Maternal and Child Health School of Nursing and Midwifery at Plymouth University, who led the study.Filmmaker Shih Ching Tsou's debut feature Left Handed Girl tells the story of a single mother, Shu-Fen, and her two daughters who move to Taipei, Taiwan to open a night-market stall. When I-Jing, the younger, five-year old daughter – who is left-handed - is forbidden from using what her traditional grandfather dubs her ‘devil hand,' a chain of events is set in motion, which eventually unravels a family secret. Tsou joins Clare to talk about directing and co-writing the drama which is inspired by her own childhood, cultural superstition about the left hand and the lives of working-class Taiwanese women.Presented by: Clare McDonnell Produced by: Sarah Jane Griffiths

In den meisten Fällen ist ein so genannter Neugeborenenikterus physiologisch und harmlos. Doch gerade bei ambulanter Geburt oder Frühentlassung aus der Klinik ist es wichtig, Risikofaktoren zu erkennen und den Verlauf zu beobachten. Hier kommt der Hebamme in der Wochenbettbetreuung eine besondere Verantwortung zu. Denn auch wenn ein Kernikterus sehr selten auftritt, so gilt es doch, entschlossen zu handeln, wenn bei einem Neugeborenen klinische Zeichen auftreten. Mit meinem Gast, dem Kinderarzt Dr. Stephan Illing spreche ich über die Aufgaben der Hebamme in der Wochenbettbetreuung in puncto Überwachung des Neugeborenen-Ikterus. Gast: Dr. Stephan Illing, Arzt für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin. War 30 Jahre lang Oberarzt am Olga-Hospital in Stuttgart, Autor des Buches „Kinderheilkunde für Hebammen“ Dr. S. Illing: Kinderheilkunde für Hebammen, Thieme-Verlag Manuskript des Vortrags von Dr. S. Illing am 22.11.2025 beim Forum Hebammenarbeit in Mainz: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fMreMKFlp_LNeWr5Z9vrl4_OpqcEy0vE/view?usp=drive_link App zur Bilirubin-Messung: www.picterus.com Kongress Forum Hebammenarbeit: https://events.thieme.com/forum-hebammenarbeit/ „Hebamme” im Abonnement zum Einstiegspreis: https://shop.thieme.de/Hebamme/0932-8122.3

Annemarie Sliney, Director of Midwifery and Nursing at the National Maternity Hospital gives advice about pregnancy symptoms.

Anna finds out about social anxiety from Dr Odhrán McCarthy; Annemarie Sliney, Director of Midwifery and Nursing at the National Maternity Hospital gives advice about pregnancy symptoms; Dietician Orla Walsh has advice for pregnancy; and Amy Huberman takes the Supercharged Speed Quiz. 

message me: what did you take away from this episode? Ep 105  (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Deborah Fox on water births in Singapore, intrapartum transfers and reimagining technology in midwifery#PhDMidwives #research #midwifery #waterbirth #transfers #technology #UTS #Singaporeresearch link ibit.ly/mQ4jmWhat if transfer from a planned home birth wasn't a failure but proof the system is working? We sit down with Deborah Fox to unpack a career that moved from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to the frontline of woman-centred maternity care — and into the engine room where new technologies are designed. From scaling a water birth service in Singapore to shaping wireless CTG so women can keep moving in labour, Deborah shows how evidence and empathy can live alongside devices without crowding out choice.We walk through the findings of her grounded theory PhD on intrapartum transfer and why the real friction often occurs between midwives across settings, not between midwives and obstetricians. The fix isn't blame; it's continuity, shared protocols, and a culture that holds the woman at the centre. Deborah's current work uses mediation theory to ask smarter questions about technology: not whether it's good or bad, but how it shapes care — and how midwives and women can shape it back. That approach now guides collaborations with industry so future fetal monitoring and maternity devices embody mobility, consent, and informed choice from the start.The horizon is bold and necessary: virtual maternity wards and remote monitoring that keep complex pregnancies at home with strong midwifery relationships, timely escalation, and less disruption for families. In a country where distance defines access, this is more than convenience; it's equity. We talk practical steps for protecting physiology in every setting — from skin-to-skin in theatre to mobility in labour — and the habits that keep relational care alive across screens and sensors.If you care about safer births, better choices, and technology that serves people rather than the other way around, this conversation will give you fresh tools and a hopeful roadmap. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway — what would make maternity care more woman-centred where you live? Support the showDo you know someone who should tell their story?email me - thruthepodcast@gmail.comThe aim is for this to be a fortnightly podcast with extra episodes thrown inThis podcast can be found on various socials as @thruthepinardd and our website -https://thruthepinardpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ or ibit.ly/Re5V

Speaking on Newcross Healthcare's Voices of Care podcast, Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, reveals how childhood experiences of racism have shaped his mission to transform the UK's largest healthcare regulator into an anti-racist organisation committed to fairness and equity for all nursing and midwifery professionals. In a candid conversation with host Suhail Mirza, Rees discusses the organisation's culture transformation, the maternity crisis, and nursing's critical role in delivering the Government's ten-year NHS plan.

This is episode 78. Today Charlotte, living on Darug Country and a mum of 4 shares her amazing birth stories. This is a super special episode because Charlotte is probably one of the few women in Australia in recent times who has been supported by private midwives to birth her twins at home. Prior to her twins being born at home, she also had an accidental homebirth. She shares her journey to finding homebirth, her 3 pregnancies and the emotional journey of choosing something that she felt was safest and best for her and her twins, even when that may have made others uncomfortable. It's a fantastic episode and demonstrates true woman centred care. **Charlotte also wanted to share that her sharing her story of birthing her twins at home doesn't mean she believes everyone should. She wishes that more people knew they could hire private midwives for pre and post natal care so that women can have continuity of care and fill the gaps a lot of hospitals systems have.**I hope you'll also forgive my error in my audio quality for this episode and hope it doesn't detract from Charlotte's story sharing. Support the showReach out: www.emdrwithelsie.com.au @birthingathome_apodcast@emdr_with_elsie (EMDR info) birthingathome.apodcast@gmail.com emdrwithelsie@gmail.com

Today I interview Jo, a mother of two and GP who brings so much knowledge and advice to her story. She says that being a mother has definitely made her a better GP although she admits that so many of her expectations of parenthood were thrown out the window when she became a mum. She feels strongly about safe co-sleeping (she shares a lot of evidence around this) as well as extended breastfeeding and the societal pressures that often prompt early weaning. Lighthearted and joyful, Jo shares all the details of her two physiological births and the skills she embraced from to actively relax while her body actively birthed.You can learn more about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode serves two purposes: 1. Spotlight the October publication of the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (CDNM) of Australia and New Zealand Position Statement on Artificial Intelligence in Nursing and Midwifery Education; 2. Feature an AI tool that Jesse is using regularly to produce draft mind maps, make annotated notes and generate podcast synopsis of complex materials for high level pre-meeting or workshop overview - Notebook LM by Google. We aim to pick up on key pillar concepts from the CDNM Position Statement to drive future guest episodes.

Across generations, birth workers have held space for families with skill, love, and deep purpose. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Elder Midwife Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau, a licensed Certified Professional Midwife from Louisiana, and Chanté Perryman, Director of Programs at Evidence Based Birth®, certified doula, and student midwife. Together, they explore what it means to embrace the dual calling of doula work and midwifery and how both roles are acts of service, advocacy, and healing.   Elder Charlotte shares her journey from personal loss to becoming one of only a few Black midwives in Louisiana, carrying forward the wisdom of generations. Chanté reflects on how her experiences as a doula shaped her path into midwifery and her vision for compassionate, individualized care. They remind us that titles may change, but the heart of this work remains the same: being present, being of service, and being called to birth.   (03:46) How Chanté's Birth Experience Inspired Her to Become a Doula (05:42) Elder Charlotte's Journey from Stillbirth to Midwifery as a Calling (10:59) How Doula Work Shapes Midwifery Care and Philosophy (14:34) Serving Underserved Communities as One of Four Black Midwives in Louisiana (19:01) Shifting from Midwife to Doula During Hospital Transfers (24:08) Chanté's Perspective on Identity, Service, and Humility in Birth Work (28:40) Micro vs. Macro Advocacy: Supporting Families and Legislative Change (37:29) Navigating Hospital Restrictions During the Pandemic (42:57) Lessons from Midwifery School (45:30) Advice for Those Considering Doula or Midwifery Paths   Resources Follow Chanté on Instagram: @babydreamsmc Connect with Ms. Charlotte: midwifecharlotte.com Connect with an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor: directory.evidencebasedbirth.com Learn more about the National Perinatal Task Force: perinataltaskforce.com Visit the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery: commonsensemidwifery.org Check out the Kentucky Birth Coalition: kentuckyhomebirthcoalition.com Visit the Mercy In Action College of Midwifery: mercycollegeofmidwifery.edu   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.

message me: what did you take away from this episode? Ep 104  (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) John Pendleton on Rethinking Midwifery: Gender, Power, And Care@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery  #education #care #uninorthants_uon #genderinclusion #addressinginequitiesresearch link - t.ly/UPDGXA home birth at 2 a.m. changed everything. John Pendleton swapped the BBC's long-form documentaries for the long arc of labour, finding the same core craft in both worlds: showing up, listening deeply, and holding space through life-changing moments. We trace his path from community midwife to senior lecturer, and how a planned PhD on third stage physiology morphed into a bracing inquiry about gender, power, and presence in the birth room.We talk candidly about why people choose midwifery—and why many leave in years three to five. Younger cohorts are arriving straight from school while funding gaps, means-tested allowances, and a rising cost of living push placements and part-time work into the same week. Continuity-of-carer promises better outcomes but collides with childcare at 2 a.m. AI may streamline admin, but hands-on, relational care remains the human core. The hard question is practical: how do we build wraparound support so midwives can deliver the care families want without burning themselves out?John opens the black box of his research: an interpretive phenomenological study asking what it's like for men working as midwives. The answers live in details—where you stand, how you seek consent, when you offer a chaperone—and reveal how gender operates as power, not just identity. That lens widened into a hotly debated paper on gender-inclusive language and whether “midwife” still serves everyone we care for. The media firestorm missed the nuance, but the academic work stands: read to think, not to react. Along the way, we dig into decolonising midwifery education, teaching cultural humility, and why rigorous mentorship in physiological birth still matters.If you care about safer, kinder maternity care—closing racial inequities, protecting informed consent, and keeping brilliant clinicians in the job—this conversation offers both realism and hope. Listen, reflect, and share it with a colleague. Then tell us: what one change would help you deliver better care tomorrow? Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation so more people can find these stories and shape the future of midwifery. Support the showDo you know someone who should tell their story?email me - thruthepodcast@gmail.comThe aim is for this to be a fortnightly podcast with extra episodes thrown inThis podcast can be found on various socials as @thruthepinardd and our website -https://thruthepinardpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ or ibit.ly/Re5V

If you've had a caesarean before, you've probably been given a whole mix of advice about what to do next time. Some people warn you off VBAC. Others tell you to go for it. And then there's you, stuck in the middle, trying to make sense of it all.In this week's episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Dr Hazel Keedle, one of Australia's leading VBAC researchers and a Senior Lecturer of Midwifery at Western Sydney University. Hazel has spent decades listening to women, studying their stories, and breaking down what truly supports a positive birth after caesarean. She's down to earth, easy to listen to, and offers the kind of straight-up clarity mums are craving.Renee and Hazel talk through what actually matters, what's outdated, and how you can feel more confident in your choices moving forward.You'll hear about:Hazel's four factors framework for planning a supportive VBAC.Why “once a caesarean, always a caesarean” is old thinking.How your care team shapes your experience more than you realise.The system pressures that mums often feel, but rarely get explained.Practical tips for choosing people who genuinely support your birth wishes.You're allowed to slow down, ask questions, and choose the care that feels right for you. VBAC isn't about proving anything. It's about feeling informed, backed, and respected. This episode will give you that grounding so you can move forward with more clarity and less noise.Resources and Links

Send us a textEver wonder how midwifery knowledge makes its way from practice to publication? This episode pulls back the curtain on the world of midwifery publishing with two luminaries who shape how we learn and share our profession's wisdom.We're joined by Dr. Melissa Avery, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, and Dr. Julia Philippi, lead author of the foundational text Varney's Midwifery. These publishing powerhouses share their journeys and offer practical advice for midwives at every career stage who want to contribute to our collective knowledge."Your work doesn't do you," Dr. Avery reminds us. "Until we write about it and disseminate it, no one else is really benefiting from it." Both guests demystify the publishing process, from crafting that intimidating first draft to navigating peer review. Their message is refreshingly straightforward: just start writing. Whether you're considering a clinical case study for JMWH or wondering how textbooks like Varney's evolve to reflect contemporary practice, this conversation provides the roadmap you need.We explore the differences between journal articles and textbooks, the value of becoming a peer reviewer, and practical strategies like forming writing teams and protecting your writing time. For students and educators, Dr. Philippi offers fascinating insights into how midwifery texts might evolve to meet changing learning styles, potentially moving beyond the "eight-pound two-ounce textbook" to more interactive formats.Whether you're a student, new graduate, or seasoned midwife, this episode will inspire you to share your unique midwifery knowledge and experiences. Your voice matters—and with the right approach, it can strengthen midwifery care everywhere.#EveryMidwifeHasAStory #AcademicMidwife #GetPublished #MidwivesWhoWrite #TheScholarlyMidwife #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork @jblearning @midwiferyandwomenshealth @juliaphillippi 

The UK used to be held up as an idyllic maternity care system worth replicating, but in the past 10 years, the caesarean section rate has increased to over 45% and poor maternal outcomes are rising as a result. Midwives are leaving in droves, birth services that once facilitate physiological birth are closing and the whole system is becoming hostile toward normal birth. There are people petitioning to put a stop to midwifery education from focusing on physiological birth which will fundamentally change midwifery in the UK relegating midwives to obstetric nursing roles. In this episode Mel speaks to Dr Sheena Byrom and Prof Soo Downe who explain the situation and offer practical solutions. The easiest way to help save physiological birth in the UK is to sign this open letter from @thepeoplesbirthtribunal People power = change… sign the letter to help enact change. Together we can save physiological birth in the UK. This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. Great birth rebellion listeners get 25% off the Birth box. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife If 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. Disclaimer The 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. The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.

Series: Midwives around the worldWhat is traditionally midwifery and what do midwives have to say about Birth work, licensure and the shifting dynamics among birthworkers. As a pregnant couple listening to this episode you will have clarity in your decision making when choosing a midwife or support team for your birth.Discussion Points1. Licensure in the world of birth.2. Do skills matter in unlicensed midwifery?3. Division in the world of midwifery on medical vs non medical - helpful or regressive?4. Stories on supporting Plus sized pregnancy.About the GuestsMaryn Green is a traditional homebirth radical midwife with over 15 years of experience in supporting women throughout the perinatal period. She co-founded Indie Birth Association and hosts -Taking Birth Back and co-hosts Raising 10 kids with her husband. Margo has been a midwife since 2016 having apprenticed with Maryn for 5 years along with undertaking a midwifery course.  Margo works with women virtually, mentoring new midwives while single mom-ing and homeschooling her two gorgeous children. She is also a magical money coach. Find them:maryngreen.comagicalmama.orghttps://indiebirth.org/YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MomGoesSurfingSupport the showSign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit https://birthagni.com/services#childbirth-preparation-programs https://birthagni.com/copy-of-services#breastfeeding-preparation-program This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made! Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI Support the show:https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#donate If you like what you hear, leave us a rating on Spotify app and answer the question at each episode! a review on Apple podcasts. Share on Whatsapp/Insta/FB Share on Instagram and tag us @divyakapoorvox ...

In this episode. registered midwife Esther Bacon is joined by accomplished nurse and academic Lucy Osborne. Lucy, a current PhD student and Project Officer with Federation University, shares her inspiring and non-linear career journey, from initially seeing nursing as a stepping stone to becoming a passionate advocate for the profession.

Fertility awareness methods (FAM) offer midwives a powerful, evidence-based framework to support cycle literacy, natural family planning, and postpartum care. In this episode, Lisa interviews Kate Chantry, a licensed midwife of 14 years, who shares how she integrates FAM tools and teachings from the Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship (FAMM) into her rural Wisconsin midwifery practice. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book, Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! 

Episode: 2018 The Chamberlen family secret: the invention of forceps.  Today, guest historian Cathy Patterson reveals family secrets.

Join us as we jump into the complexities of freebirth, discussing autonomy, safety, and the various reasons women choose this path. We'll touch on our perspectives and share about the importance of responsibility in the birthing journey. Part 2 of 2.00:00 Introduction to At Home with Kelly and Tiffany01:09 Continuing the Free Birth Conversation01:54 Historical Perspectives on Birth04:25 The Role of Midwives and Birth Attendants11:04 Legalities and Regulations of Home Birth18:15 Responsibilities and Considerations for Free Birth21:36 Empowering Women in Birth Choices25:20 Conclusion and Further ResourcesLinks We Chat AboutFreebirth Safety ResearchOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offWe Heart Nutrition: Use Code BEAUTIFULONE for 20% Off your first orderOur Fullscript Supplement Dispensary, always 25% off MSRPBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Join us on the Reiki Lifestyle® Podcast as we welcome Lorna McLean, a spiritually rooted Reiki teacher, holistic therapist, and guide based in Glasgow, Scotland. Sensitive and intuitive since childhood, Lorna has spent decades weaving together Reiki, holistic practices, women's circles, and doula support to create soul-centered offerings of healing and empowerment. In this conversation, we explore her journey from corporate life into a lifetime of spiritual learning, the lessons she has carried through personal loss, and the sacred ways she supports others through birth, life, and death. What you'll hear in this episode: How Lorna discovered Reiki in 1996 and began teaching in 2002 Her experiences as a birth doula and soul midwife (death doula) Her personal experience of love, loss, grief and profound healing Spiritual journeys to India, Peru, Jerusalem, France, Sri Lanka, and Scotland Her journey to the South of France and experience with Mary Magdalene What's next on her path of service through Reiki and holistic healing Lorna's story is filled with resilience, devotion, and the wisdom of lived experience. Whether you are new to Reiki or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find inspiration in the ways she invites us all to return to our inner light and authentic selves. Connect with Lorna McLean: Website: www.lornamclean.co.ukEmail: lorna@lornamclean.co.uk Instagram: @lornamcleanreikiFacebook: Lorna McLean Listen to more episodes of the Reiki Lifestyle Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/ Free webinar on November 18, 9:30–12:30 PT. Registration required. All registrants receive the recording. Reiki and Shamanism - Journey Skills for Reiki Energy Healershttps://reikilifestyle.zoom.us/webinar/register/6117606442670/WN_52XfKIbmRbqGwIWsOkighQ ✨Connect with Colleen and Robyn 
Classes: https://reikilifestyle.com/classes-page/
FREE Distance Reiki Share: https://reikilifestyle.com/community/ 
Podcast: https://reikilifestyle.com/podcast/  (available on all major platforms too)
Website: https://reikilifestyle.com/ Colleen Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReikiLifestyle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikilifestyleofficialempo **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction, which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Today on The Natural Birth Podcast we have SamiSami is descended from a long line of natural birthing women, intuitives, and midwives. As the granddaughter of the founder of the Utah College of Midwifery, she has been surrounded by home birth her whole life, and didn't realize it wasn't the typical way for Americans to give birth until she was a teenager.Sami is the mother of 5 children, four daughters and one son. She is a stay at home mom who has dabbled in birth photography, birth support, personality typing, and writing romance novels. She has always felt called to the sacred space of natural birth, and is waiting for her time to follow in her family's footsteps as a future midwife.Today she shares all of her 5 births, including the partial placental abruption that brought her into the hospital from her home. Still owning her birth every step of the way.And the most amazing part of this story for me is that her grandmother and her mother in law were midwives for each of her births. Something I just find absolutely amazing!Sami has shared 37 photos with us from her 5 births that we will share inside the Podcast Inner Circle for you who are members of my Online Community The Maiden, Mother & Maga Village. If you're not a member yet please head on over and join us today! Right now you can access the Village for 3 months for free!Want to work with Anna or join The Sacred Birth Worker Mentorship?Find Anna's Website, about her Mentorship & How to Work with Her, as well as all Links & Resources she mentions in the episode here:⁠⁠ www.sacredbirthinternational.com/links-podcast

What if the skills that make breech and twin birth safe have been intentionally erased from modern medicine?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, an OB-GYN and longtime advocate for physiological birth. After nearly three decades in hospitals and over a decade attending home births alongside midwives, he's become a leading voice in reteaching the lost art of vaginal breech and twin delivery. Together, we dig into how this knowledge disappeared, what replaced it, and why practitioners are no longer taught to trust birth.Dr. Stuart exposes the ripple effects of fear, policy, and profit that shape today's obstetric system. We look at the flawed studies that reshaped global practice, the quiet politics behind “standard of care,” and the consequences of replacing skill with surgery. There's a reason breech birth became a lost language, and a growing movement to relearn it.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[03:17] Why the medical system stripped doctors of individuality and decision-making power[12:05] How one flawed study reshaped global birth practices overnight[19:59] Who qualifies for vaginal breech birth[31:33] When “hands off the breech” isn't enough[36:46] How doctors rationalize ignoring evidence that contradicts hospital policy[40:52] The hidden conflicts of interest behind vaccine and medication recommendations[56:36] Why hospitals prioritize liability and revenue over individualized, physiological care[01:03:41] Rediscovering birth as a human experience[01:08:25] When medicine loses its humanityResources Mentioned:Fearless Pregnancy by Stuart Fischbein, Victoria Clayton, and Joyce Weckl | BookTwin Home Birth by Fischbein, S. | ArticleBreech Birth At Home by Fischbein, S. and Freeze, R. | Article“Home Birth” With An Obstetrician by Fischbein, S. | ArticleTerm Breech Trial (2000) by Hannah, M. et al. | ArticleHealthy as a Mother episode #135 on The Truth About Ultrasounds: Risks & Benefits | Apple or SpotifyBirthing Instincts Podcast | Apple or SpotifyLearn more from Dr. Stuart on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and X.Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Join us as we jump into the complexities of freebirth, discussing autonomy, safety, and the various reasons women choose this path. We'll touch on our perspectives and share about the importance of responsibility in the birthing journey. Part 1 of 2.00:00 Introduction to At Home with Kelly and Tiffany00:37 Podcast Goals and Listener Support01:09 Reconnecting and YouTube Content01:55 Listener Reviews and Feedback05:08 Discussing Free Birth20:04 Safety and Responsibility in Free Birth28:15 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserLinks We Chat AboutFreebirth Safety ResearchOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offWe Heart Nutrition: Use Code BEAUTIFULONE for 20% Off your first orderOur Fullscript Supplement Dispensary, always 25% off MSRPBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Supporting family and friends as a doula can be both rewarding and complex. The personal connection you share makes it easy to overstep boundaries, give unsolicited advice, or slip out of your professional role. Maintaining the balance between being a loved one and being a doula requires awareness, restraint, and compassion. It means stepping back from the more intimate role you usually play and intentionally working within the doula's scope of practice. In this episode, we talk about how to navigate these blurred lines while honoring the unique journey of the people closest to us. Just as we do with our clients, we must offer care, support, and guidance without judgment or assumption.  Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how to serve with integrity, maintain boundaries, and show up professionally when supporting those you love.

Don and Tom revisit the Social Security debate after new Wall Street Journal and New York Times articles challenge long-standing advice to delay claiming. They dismantle clickbait claims that “waiting doesn't make sense,” highlighting emotional biases, unrealistic investment assumptions, and spousal benefit considerations. The episode also covers whether Social Security counts as an asset, then shifts to listener questions about 529-to-Roth rollovers for graduate school, switching funds in an IRA, and managing company stock in an ESOP-based 401(k). 0:00 Why they keep returning to Social Security and why 25% of retirees rely on it entirely 1:43 Two-thirds claim before full retirement age; Wall Street Journal's clickbait headline 3:02 The “bird in hand” fallacy and instant-gratification bias 3:48 Don's confession: took Social Security at 69—and dogs ruined the travel plans 4:40 WSJ's faulty 5%-return argument and why most investors won't achieve it 5:43 The math: waiting pays more monthly, but longevity is the unknown 6:32 Trade-offs between retiring early, portfolio drawdowns, and spousal benefits 7:35 NYT's claim that Social Security is America's most valuable “asset” 8:08 Don's rebuttal: it's income, not an asset—you can't liquidate it 9:49 Why people misclassify Social Security and how bonds fit differently 10:08 When and how to get a second (fiduciary) opinion on claiming strategies 11:00 The plague of commission-driven “advisors” and fake fiduciaries 12:29 Old brokerage “no-load fund” lies and how similar games persist today 12:40 Listener Q&A: overfunded 529 plan vs. Roth rollover for grad school 14:27 Midwifery degrees, student-loan math, and the 5% rate cutoff 17:13 Rollover IRA question: switching Fidelity funds to Vanguard ETFs 18:15 Active vs. index funds—why fees and diversification matter 20:05 Active-active management and small-cap risk humor 20:54 ESOP question: how much company stock is too much? (Hint: under 5%) 22:42 Selling discipline and diversification in employee-owned firms 24:39 Don and Tom joke about their own ownership and “sell-out” strategy 25:04 Daily calls, good-natured ribbing, and reminders about Saturday's live show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orgasmic Birth Story Series  Ep 162 Description:  "Try and change your mindset, because we're taught that birth is painful and hard and scary and can't be fun." —Tara Muckerheide    Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is more than a medical choice—it's a profound journey of bodily autonomy and healing. Every woman's birth story carries the potential to rewrite medical narratives that have historically limited her agency.  Tara Muckerheide transformed her birth experiences from medical trauma to empowered motherhood, challenging medical assumptions after two cesarean sections. Through midwifery care and a deep commitment to understanding her body, she successfully achieved two transformative vaginal births, proving that women's birthing experiences can be reclaimed and redefined. Tune in as Debra and Tara dive deep into a raw, inspiring conversation exploring pleasure-centered birthing, midwifery support, overcoming medical trauma, the power of mindset, partner involvement, and strategies for creating a joyful, empowering birth experience.   Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 02:43 Meet Tara: Embracing Labor with Joy and Confidence 09:24 Preparing for Baby Number 4  15:13 The Role of Pleasure in Labor  24:02 Advice for Future Parents     Resources: 

In this episode, of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Caitlin, a certified nurse midwife practicing within an OB/GYN group, to talk about how midwives are redefining patient-centered care inside traditional medical settings. Together, they explore what makes the midwifery model unique, why collaboration with obstetricians matters, and how integrating both perspectives can create safer, more supported birth experiences.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how the midwifery model emphasizes relationship, trust, and holistic support, even within hospital-based systems, and why this approach can be a powerful antidote to the fragmentation so many birthing people experience in modern maternity care.Together, Kayleigh and Caitlin explore:The core philosophy of midwifery care and how it differs from the traditional medical model.How midwives and OBs can work together rather than compete, creating a continuum of care that honors safety and connection.The value of presence and time, why listening and relational continuity matter in birth outcomes.How midwifery care supports trauma-informed, patient-led decision making.The challenges and opportunities of practicing midwifery within a hosptial system.Resources & LinksFollow Caitlin on TikTok: @Caitlin.Emmaline

Join Midwife Tiffany as she shares a heartfelt keynote speech delivered to homeschool moms in San Diego. Explore the ups and downs of her homeschooling journey, how it intertwines with her work as a home birth midwife, and discover tips, mistakes, and personal anecdotes for navigating the homeschool path.00:00 Introduction to Kelly and Tiffany's Podcast01:15 Tiffany's Keynote Speech for Homeschool Moms03:27 Homeschooling Challenges and Identity06:05 Mistakes and Lessons in Homeschooling08:54 Homeschooling Philosophy and Family Dynamics10:43 Transitioning from Public to Charter School15:15 Full-Time Homeschooling and Midwifery Practice20:56 COVID-19 and Homeschooling Adjustments21:41 Embracing Full Control and Private School Affidavit28:34 Teenagers and Homeschooling32:20 Homeschooling and Personal Growth34:15 The Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling35:51 Navigating Homeschool Conflicts38:09 Balancing Career and Homeschooling42:10 Answering Common Homeschool Questions56:58 A Day in the Life of a Homeschooling Mom01:00:51 Conclusion and Community SupportLinks We Chat AboutOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offWe Heart Nutrition: Use Code BEAUTIFULONE for 20% Off your first orderOur Fullscript Supplement Dispensary, always 25% off MSRPBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Are workplace tensions dragging down your patients' care? You know the feeling: the passive-aggressive emails, the hallway whispers, the moments of silence when communication breaks down. In healthcare, these conflicts aren't just frustrating—they're dangerous. On this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amy-Archibald Verli dives deep into the often-avoided topic of conflict in healthcare with special guest, Lena Morgan. Lena, a former midwife, transitioned her career to become a leading expert in communication and conflict resolution. She sits down with Amy to introduce her groundbreaking framework: "Fight Languages." In healthcare settings, unresolved tension doesn't just make for a bad day—it can directly impact patient care and lead to burnout among professionals. Lena shares her personal journey from the high-stakes environment of midwifery to developing her framework, driven by the need to give healthcare workers practical tools for better communication. What You'll Learn: Understanding "Fight Languages": Get an overview of Lena's system for categorizing different conflict styles  and how identifying your own and others' styles is the first step toward resolution. The Critical Impact of Conflict: We discuss real-world examples of how unresolved professional disagreements, miscommunications, and personal clashes can create dangerous cracks in the delivery of care. A Path to Healthier Workplaces: Lena offers concrete strategies focused on empathy, validation, and active listening that healthcare professionals can use immediately to transform difficult conversations into constructive ones. Fostering Better Outcomes: The conversation emphasizes that learning to navigate conflict isn't just about feeling better; it's about improving patient safety and cultivating healthier, more sustainable work environments for everyone on the care team. If you've ever felt stuck in a communication loop or wished you had a better way to address tension with a colleague, this episode will give you the language and the framework to move forward. Don't just survive conflict—learn how to "fight" it. Please do not forget to LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! Tune in for essential strategies to improve your communication skills and transform your professional relationships! Where to Listen / Watch * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com  More About Lena Lena Morgan is a retired midwife, communications expert, and author of The Fight Languages, a powerful communication system that helps people translate conflict and spark connection. Driven by a passion for advocacy and empowerment, she created The Overflow Effect, HealHer, and WOLFmother. All transformative programs designed to help people reclaim their power and voice in every stage of life. Lena partners with families, leaders, and organizations to foster stronger, more connected communities through better communication. Learn more at lenamorgan.com. Connect with Lena IG: @lenamorgan.co TT: @lenamorgan FB: @hi.lenamorgan   Buy The Fight Languages https://www.lenamorgan.com/product-page/the-fight-languages-pdf-download    

In this solo episode of 'At Home with Kelly and Tiffany,' Midwife Kelly shares personal reflections and tips on embracing the aging process and preparing for perimenopause. Discussing her journey through her early forties, Kelly emphasizes the importance of holistic health practices, including sleep, nutrition, stress management, and movement. Incorporating personal anecdotes and cultural perspectives, she encourages a positive view on aging, and offers practical advice on supporting the body through various natural methods. 01:07 Solo Episode with Kelly02:13 Kelly's Reflections on Aging02:41 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause13:46 Prioritizing Health and Wellness Foundations25:36 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview26:44 Supporting the PodcastLinks We Chat AboutPreparing for Menopause Podcast EpisodeOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Doula work often takes us on unexpected paths, and Eva's journey is a perfect example of how growth and change can come full circle. Eva began her career as an independent contractor, supporting families through labor and postpartum. Over time, she became a doula trainer, sharing her knowledge and experience with others entering the profession. Eventually, she joined Angela as a business partner at Tucson Doulas, helping to grow and shape the agency into what it is today. Now, after years of leadership and teaching, Eva has stepped back from training and agency ownership to return to her roots as an independent contractor with Tucson Doulas. Health and life circumstances can shift priorities, and her story is a reminder that evolving in birth work doesn't always mean moving forward; it can also mean coming home. Join us as we talk about Eva's journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how embracing change can bring renewed purpose and balance to a doula's career.

Who would have thought THIS would be one of the most controversial topics we've shared about on social media?! We're chatting synthetic Pitocin and naturally occurring oxytocin on the pod today. Discover why it matters for your birth and postpartum experience, hear real-life stories, and learn how to navigate these crucial decisions for your own birth journey.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:09 Today's Controversial Topic: Pitocin vs. Oxytocin02:42 Listener Review05:31 Understanding Oxytocin13:44 Understanding Pitocin15:06 Pitocin's Impact on Labor and Birth25:08 Supporting Natural Oxytocin Production29:56 Real-Life Experiences with Pitocin and Oxytocin34:15 Holistic Birth Preparation and Education39:46 Conclusion and How to Support the PodcastLinks We Chat AboutOur Instagram Profile, Check out Pitocin Highlights ThereOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwiferyBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Your favorite midwife duo answers your questions this week! We chat about everything from living in San Diego, how we manage sleep while being on call, our midwifery practice beginnings, social media growth, and items in our homes you may be surprised we still keep around.Links We Chat AboutOur Mama Midwife Podcast Series: Start HereOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

Philanthropy and doula work are deeply connected. When your business is financially sustainable, you gain the freedom to give back in meaningful ways. Charging your worth does more than cover your expenses. It creates space to support your community through acts both big and small. Whether organizing diaper drives, quietly helping families in need, or donating resources to local organizations, a thriving business gives you the ability to make a lasting impact. Giving back should not come at the expense of your livelihood. By valuing your services and setting fair rates, you create stability for yourself while opening the door to generosity. Join us as we explore how sustainable business practices empower doulas to serve their clients, support their communities, and expand their influence beyond the birth room.

Ep 158 Description:  “If something feels good and you are not harming anyone, keep doing it, because pleasure will give you health, as simple as that.” —Samara Ferrara Imagine for a moment that your body's capacity for pleasure is your greatest strength in birth. That every fear, every past pain, could be transformed into a source of profound power and release. This isn't a fantasy; it's an ancient wisdom rooted not in fear, but in profound joy, release, and presence. Samara Ferrara is a professional home birth midwife in Mexico who brings a blend of science, spirit, and sacred care to her work. Having witnessed birth as a child and later birthing her own three children at home, she embodies a deep trust in the body's innate wisdom. Her courageous journey of healing from past trauma offers profound insight into how women can reclaim their sovereignty and transform the birthing process through pleasure. Tune in as Debra and Samara dive into the heart of Samara's practice, exploring how her personal story with pleasure and spiritual connection guides her work. She also shares a moving homebirth experience that revealed birth as a rite of passage and opens up about how motherhood, loss, and life's deepest cycles have shaped her sacred service to others.    Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471    Episode Highlights: 03:23 Introduced to Home Births 08:38 The Role of Doulas and Support Teams 13:31 Addressing Trauma and Finding Healing  15:58 Motherhood, Loos, and Deepening   19:51 Creating Pleasure in Birth and Parenting 25:26 Educating Children on Pleasure and Health 28:42 Explore Joy    Resources: 

A very special episode of 'At Home with Kelly and Tiffany,' we're chatting with doula and bereavement advocate Ryley Chesnut. We discuss her personal experience with loss and how it inspires her to support other families going through similar hardships. Find hope, emotional support and tangible tools for walking through one of life's hardest journeys. 00:00 Introduction to Kelly and Tiffany's Holistic Health Podcast01:09 Interview with Doula Ryley Chestnut02:51 Ryley's Personal Bereavement Story05:28 The Role of Bereavement Doulas15:10 Navigating Provider Support21:48 Labor of Hope and Support Systems28:32 Advocating for Monitoring and C-Section Decision30:18 The Birth and 51 Minutes of Life31:22 Support and Memories33:23 Navigating Stillbirth and Bereavement Birth37:15 Empowering Birth Choices40:44 Community Support and Showing Up46:45 Resources and Support for Loss50:02 Hope and Moving Forward54:26 Conclusion and Ways to Support the ShowLinks We Chat AboutLabor of HopeStill Birth DayNow I Lay Me Down To SleepBridget's CradlesCradled in HopeMother of WildeOur Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

How well does the law serve women? That's a question Nuala puts to Brenda Marjorie Hale, The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Hale of Richmond, DBE a former judge who served as the first female President of the Supreme Court. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be appointed to the Law Commission, where she led the work on what became the 1989 Children Act. In 2019 she announced the Supreme Court's judgement that the prorogation of Parliament was ‘unlawful, void and of no effect'. She discusses her new book, With the Law on Our Side – How the law works for everyone and how we can make it work better.BBC Celebrity Race Across the World will soon be back on our screens as four celebs pair up with a friend or family member and travel from a starting point anywhere in the world to another BUT with no phones or flights allowed and only the cost of the flight as money for the entire trip. Woman's Hour had the privilege of revealing one of the pairings: none other than Woman's Hour presenter Anita Rani and her father Balvinder Singh Nazran.To so many women the symptoms of pregnancy are instant, intense and unmistakeable; however some make it the full nine months without having any idea they're even pregnant. This phenomenon is known as cryptic pregnancy, and the British Medical Journal suggests it's more common than triplets. Nuala was joined by two women who have experienced this first-hand, plus Professor of Midwifery, Helen Cheyne to discuss.Patricia Lockwood is a poet, memoirist and novelist whose work straddles the literary world and the wilds of the internet. Patricia first went viral with her traumatic poem Rape Joke, while her memoir Priestdaddy, about being the daughter of a Catholic priest, has been called a modern classic. She talked to Nuala McGovern about her new book, Will There Ever Be Another You, which explores the surreal disorientation of illness, memory and recovery in the wake of Covid.Sudanese women and girls are bearing the brunt of a civil war that is entering its third year. The relentless conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis for 6 million displaced women and girls. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence remain hugely under-reported, but evidence points to its systematic use as a weapon of war. Yousra Elbagir, Sky News' Africa Correspondent talked to Anita about the impact on women and also the role women play in providing support to the displaced.Are you a fan of words, their meanings and origins? The lexicographer Susie Dent, best known as the queen of Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown, has created a whole year's worth of words, most of which you most probably never knew existed, in a freshly published almanac. It is called Words for Life and each day you can read an entry, digest its meaning and maybe laugh at its sound. Susie gives Anita some examples and explains her interest in words.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Andrea Kidd

What if your pregnancy care was centered on your values, offering personalized support every step of the way? In this episode of Fertility Forward, licensed midwife Casey Selzer shares her two decades of experience advocating for holistic, patient-focused maternity care and demystifies the role of midwives in today's healthcare landscape. We explore how midwifery offers a holistic approach to pregnancy and birth that complements nursing and doula care. Casey explains different care models and encourages early reflection on birth values to help patients choose the best provider and setting. You'll also learn how innovative practices like Oula Health (where Casey is Senior Director of Patient Programs) integrate midwives, OBGYNs, doulas, and specialists in a team-based model that prioritizes education and continuity of care, ultimately transforming maternity care to be more accessible, supportive, and aligned with patient needs. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating pregnancy care options, dispelling misconceptions, and advocating for your unique journey toward parenthood! 

Womanhood Wellness is where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. Join today.What if acceptance is the most radical act of motherhood?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aviva Romm, a Yale-trained MD, herbalist, and midwife who has been practicing for over 40 years. She's a bestselling author of several books, a mom of four, and a grandmother who even got to midwife two of her own grandbabies at home.We talk about the tension between hopes and acceptance on the journey through fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. The conversation moves through the stories we tell ourselves, the weight of expectations, and what it looks like to find resilience and grace when things unfold differently than planned.You'll Learn:Why suffering often comes from the gap between expectations and reality in motherhoodWhat happens when fertility, birth, or parenting doesn't follow the story you imaginedThe link between perfectionism, self-judgment, and how women process fertility or birth outcomesWhy you need to stop “should-ing” yourself to cultivate more resilienceHow external judgment in wellness or parenting circles can intensify shame and isolationThe wisdom behind seeing every baby as having their own story and giftWhy self-compassion and trusting your body matter the most when plans changeHow support systems, partners, community, or trusted providers shape the journeyThe power of surrender and acceptance as lifelong practices for mothersTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[09:02] Balancing motherhood, creative work, and the importance of support systems[11:11] Shifting perspectives on motherhood, sacrifice, and the pressure to do it all[15:33] Letting go of expectations and finding acceptance in fertility and motherhood[30:20] Judgment in wellness culture and evolving personal stories in motherhood[55:56] Lessons in releasing guilt and honoring self-development in motherhoodResources Mentioned:Womanhood Wellness | WebsiteAmerican Herbalists Guild | WebsiteThe Mama Pathway | WebsiteBooks by Dr. Aviva Romm | WebsiteLearn more from Dr. Aviva:Dr. Aviva Romm | WebsiteDr. Aviva Romm | FacebookDr. Aviva Romm | InstagramDr. Aviva Romm | LinkedInDr. Aviva Romm | XDr. Aviva Romm | YouTubeOn Health For Women Podcast | Apple or SpotifyFind more from Leah:Leah Gordon | InstagramLeah Gordon | WebsiteLeah Gordon | WebsiteFind more from Morgan:Morgan MacDermott | InstagramMorgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

To so many women the symptoms of pregnancy are instant, intense and unmistakeable; however some make it the full nine months without having any idea they're even pregnant. This phenomenon is known as cryptic pregnancy, and the British Medical Journal suggests it's more common than triplets. Nuala McGovern is joined by two women who have experienced this first-hand, plus Professor of Midwifery, Helen Cheyne to discuss.Actor Karen Pittman earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as The Morning Show's hardworking producer Mia Jordan, alongside co-stars including Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston. As the newsroom drama returns to Apple TV+ for a fourth season, Karen joins Nuala to discuss the show's themes, from truth and deepfakes, to women in the workplace. Karen also featured in the Netflix adaptation of Judy Blume's teen romance Forever and is known to fans of Sex and the City spin off, And Just Like That, as Dr Nya Wallace.Poet Nikita Gill tells Nuala about her latest book Hekate the Witch. She is the Greek goddess of magics, the crossroads, keys and necromancy. Nikita retells Hekate's story, from being an orphaned child brought up in the Underworld to becoming a powerful goddess seeking revenge for her family.A Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national, suspected of killing a 21-year-old Kenyan woman, Agnes Wanjiru, more than a decade ago. Agnes was found dead in 2012 in the grounds of a hotel near an army base, nearly three months after she had allegedly spent an evening socialising with British soldiers. Hannah Al-Othman, a journalist for the Guardian who originally broke the story at the Sunday Times, and the BBC's Akisa Wandera, senior East Africa journalist based in Nairobi speak to Nuala.

Tamsyn shares her journey from first-time mum to birthing fraternal twins vaginaly at 40+6 weeks. After experiencing a medicalised first birth with Maya during COVID lockdowns, Tamsyn was determined to achieve the physiological birth she envisaged for her twins. Despite facing significant pressure from hospital staff to accept routine interventions, Tamsyn's story demonstrates the importance of having strong support people and trusting your body's ability to birth. With the guidance of her private midwife Helen and support person Shelly (a midwife and family friend), Tamsyn navigated challenging conversations with obstetricians and ultimately achieved her dream birth - birthing both babies naturally within 10 minutes of each other after just 90 minutes in hospital.Prepare for your birth with our courses and products, The Birth ClassThe Caesarean Birth ClassWelcome to the First Trimester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss  an intense, yet victorious birth story from our midwifery practice in San Diego, navigating gestational diabetes management, labor challenges, our longest pushing phase we have supported as midwives, and the journey of a firmly committed and focused first-time mom.01:09 Diving into Birth Stories02:04 Reflecting on Midwifery Practices08:59 Client's Journey to Midwifery Care10:10 Managing Blood Glucose Issues17:44 The Birth Story Begins23:05 Navigating Early Labor Challenges23:22 Rest and Reassurance23:54 The Importance of Patience24:13 Encouraging Progress24:41 The Power of Support24:56 Midwives' Tools and Techniques25:35 A Critical Nap26:00 Reassessing and Adapting26:41 Pushing Through Obstacles27:26 Facing Position Challenges29:01 The Final Push30:44 A Hard-Earned Victory32:10 Reflecting on the Birth Experience40:41 Postpartum Reflections42:58 Empowering Future Births46:40 Community and SupportLinks We Chat About:Our Monthly MembershipOur Weekly NewsletterOur Childbirth Education Course, use code RADIANT10 for 10% offBe sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Follow us on Instagram for extra education and antics between episodes at: @beautifulonemidwifery

It is common for partners to have different opinions about pregnancy, birth, or parenting. These differences can create tension, especially when decisions need to be made. As doulas, we play a vital role in navigating these situations with professionalism and care. It is important that we equip ourselves with strategies to support both individuals without taking sides. We can more effectively help them communicate by asking questions that invite open communication and help uncover the underlying values or fears behind each perspective. Understanding where each person is coming from creates space for empathy and problem-solving. Guiding partners toward common ground by encouraging collaboration and fostering mutual respect is critical. By remaining neutral and supportive, doulas can help families approach these challenges as a team rather than opponents. Join us for a practical conversation on how to maintain balance, build trust, and support healthy communication when clients and their partners see things differently.

Dr. Nikia Grayson, nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, and anthropologist, joins us to share how she's helping reclaim and restore Black midwifery in the South. As Chief Clinical Officer at CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, TN, Dr. Grayson has led groundbreaking efforts to open Memphis' first and only birth center, launch the nation's first Black Midwifery Fellowship, and provide full-spectrum, justice-centered reproductive care. In this episode, Dr. Grayson reflects on the challenges of dismantling systemic racism in health care, the impact of the Dobbs decision on abortion access in the South, and the importance of investing in doulas, midwives, and community-based care. Dr. Grayson also offers advice for birth workers on building new systems rooted in justice, joy, and liberation. Content note: Discussion of infant mortality disparities as well as difficulties in accessing abortion care post-Dobbs decision. (02:33) The Vision Behind CHOICES (04:44) Obstetric Racism and Health Care Barriers in Memphis (07:21) Building Memphis' First Birth Center (10:34) A Calling to Midwifery and Restoring Black Traditions (13:41) Early Work in Home Birth and Community Care (15:19) Growing a Midwifery Team in Memphis (17:57) Launching the Black Midwifery Fellowship (20:11) Pivoting Care After the Dobbs Decision (24:26) Sustaining Joy and Practicing Self-Care in Justice Work (30:51) Partnering with Doulas and Growing Community Support (34:27) Investing in Workforce Development and Training (35:41) Advice for Birth Workers: Build Boldly, Do It Afraid   Resources Learn more about CHOICES: www.yourchoices.org | @yourchoicesclinics Explore the Black Midwifery Fellowship: www.yourchoices.org/fellowship-for-black-midwives   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.

Episode 147: of the American Grown Podcast in the Colortech Creative Solutions studios with Roberta Dever, Founder of Mountain Laurel Midwifery.In this episode, we sit down with Roberta Dever. Certified Professional Midwife and founder of Mountain Laurel Midwifery, to explore why more families are choosing home birth and how midwifery can help solve America's growing maternity care crisis.With over 30 years of experience and more than 1,500 births attended, Roberta shares her passion for empowering families through personalized, respectful care. Roberta is so passionate about home births & being a midwife that she was arrested in New York!Mountain Laurel MidwiferySHOW SPONSORS:College Knowledge Foundation. Your path to higher education.Cleona Coffee Roasters. A small batch coffee roastery & coffee shop, veteran & first responder owned located inside 911 Rapid Response in Annville PA.Angelo's Pizza. Enjoy mouthwatering Italian dinners.Triggered 22. Support a local veteran and help spread awareness for PTSD & #22aday.Modern Gent Customs. We don't make basics...We make statements.Hains Auto Detailing. Have your car smiling from wheel to wheel.A&M Pizza. Authentic Italian quality meals.Boyer's Tavern. Proper food & drinks made by slightly improper people.Hossler Engraving. Looking for unique handcrafted gifts for all occasions Zach has you covered.Sip or Snack break.SIP: Garage Beer.SNACK: Jurgy.OFFICIAL STUDIO SPONSOR: Colortech Creative Solutions takes your creative projects from visualization to realization. We've been doing so since 1980 all while keeping your budget in mind.To see photos of today's guest follow on social media:IG: AmericanGrownPodcastFB: American Grown Podcast or visits us at American Grown Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Lindsey Meehleis, a birth worker with over 20 years of experience supporting women through one of life's most powerful rites of passage. Lindsey blends her traditional medical training with what she calls “Great Grandma Wisdom,” honoring the mystery of birth, life, and death in ways that modern medicine often overlooks.We cover women's empowerment, the “her'story” of birth work, and how we can reconnect with our nervous systems to feel safe, calm, and supported during pregnancy and postpartum. Lindsey shares her personal journey into midwifery, the lessons she's learned from thousands of births, and her vision for co-creating a new future for healthcare that honors autonomy, safety, and community.→ Leave Us A Voice Message!Topics Discussed:→ What is Great Grandma Wisdom in birth work?→ How can women feel safe during homebirth?→ What role do midwives play in modern healthcare?→ How does calming the nervous system support birth?→ Why is individualized care important for mothers?Sponsored By: → Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.→ Kosterina | Use code KELLY for 15% OFF your first order at kosterina.com/bewell Not sure where to start? Shop all my Kosterina favorites at kosterina.com/bewell→ Vuori | Get 20% off your first order of Vuori AND free shipping on orders over $75 at vuori.com/kelly→ Maui Nui | Right now, Maui Nui is offering a free 12-pack of their jerky sticks with your first order of $79 or more. Just go to mauinuivenision.com/kelly to grab yours. Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:44 - Lindsey's birth story → 00:08:25 - Breastfeeding clinic to homebirth → 00:14:33 - Kelly's birth story & birth fears → 00:20:51 - Feeling safe during homebirth → 00:27:31 - Calming your nervous system → 00:33:07 - Individualized care & safety → 00:39:39 - Inductions & seeking options → 00:42:49 - Healthcare corruption → 00:45:49 - Midwife laws & abilities → 00:51:50 - Birthing interventions & autonomy → 00:55:13 - Picking your birth team → 00:58:44 - Postpartum support → 01:04:57 - The future of birth → 01:09:35 - Building community Check Out Lindsey:→ Instagram → Orange Country Midwives → The Remembering→ Where To Find Lindsey Check Out Kelly:→ Instagram→ YouTube→ Facebook