The birth-ed podcast

Continuous Foetal Monitoring can be uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing or misleading, but there’s plenty of evidence for its use, right? That’s the question Dr. Kirsten Small set out to answer after her long career in obstetrics. Her research led her to question everything about trace monitoring, from the case for low and high risk differentials to how centralised monitoring changes care in the birth room. In this episode, I’m speaking to Kirsten about her findings, and how you can make an informed choice about whether to use CTG monitoring during your birth. Kirsten Small is a retired specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, working as an educator, writer, and researcher. Her vision is to promote and protect respectful maternity care for women, babies, families, and their care providers through education and research. She is a feminist and is critical of the patriarchal values embedded within healthcare systems, and particularly within obstetrics and gynaecology. Kirsten is mother to two lovely grown up people. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s probably reading, sewing, gardening, or cooking. Find more from Kirsten on her blog - www.birthsmalltalk.com or follow her on Instagram, Facebook or X @birthsmalltalk Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-edhttps://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Support the Show.

The Birth-ed Method is finally here. After years of supporting 10,000s of families preparing for their births using hypnobirthing, it’s time for birth-ed to wave that chapter goodbye, and introduce- The Birth-ed Method. The 4 pillars of the Birth-ed Method, Mind, Body, Choices & Communication provide you with a deep & holistic preparation for birth and early parenthood. There’s no point in knowing your choices, if you don’t feel confident enough to communicate what you want. Understanding how your body works in labour is useless, if you don’t have the mindset techniques to manage what you’re feeling.. These 4 pillars of birth & parenting preparation are essential to achieving a positive and satisfying birth & early postnatal experience, skip one, as many antenatal courses do, and the whole preparation falls apart. Bringing together a decade’s worth of working in maternity care supporting 1000s of families across the Globe, The Birth-ed Method is EVERYTHING you need to prepare for an empowered, satisfying and supported birth & postpartum on YOUR terms. In this episode we explore what the birth-ed method is, why I’ve made the change and how it can help you. Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-edhttps://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: PREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Support the Show.

Modern Maternity Care has a tendency to separate conception, pregnancy, birth, feeding & parenting. But there is a thread that runs from one through to another. The choices you make and experiences you have during and prior to birth have a direct impact on your postnatal experience. In this episode, we join the dots. What can we do or consider now, ahead of birth, to prepare for the 'fourth trimester' and beyond? An important aspect of the new Birth-ed Method, start here to get yourself thinking about how you can parent your baby, your way. Sign up for my free workshop 'how to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on Thursday 25th April here. Support the Show.

Decision making is a guaranteed part of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. But it can feel like a massive responsibility when you're not really sure where to start. It's often much easier to just 'do as you're told.. often, you don't even realise you've GOT a choice in the first place. This episode is one you can come back to, time and time again, any time you're feeling stuck, any time you're facing a big decision.. And use it to guide you to make confident choices that feel right for you, your baby and your circumstances. Sign up for my workshop 'How to Have a Baby, The Birth-ed Way' on Thursday 25th April here Support the Show.

I was once told that we should only be sharing with women 'positive birth stories'.. But as the years have gone by, I've supported 10,000s of families in their birth prep, I realised that perhaps it's not quite that simple. Dive with me into the nuances of this conversation, discover how to use birth stories as a way of deepening your understanding of birth, building your confidence and helping you to make choices for your own experience. Consider the clarity, processing and freedom sharing your birth story can bring you. And find out a little more about how Birth Stories form part of The Birth-ed Method. Sign up to my workshop 'How to Have a Baby: The Birth-ed Way' on Thursday 25th April 2024 here Follow me on Instagram here Support the Show.

BIG NEWS. I'm expecting! Expecting a NEW SEASON of The Birth-ed Podcast (and hey, did you spot the new look?) A season that once again dives deep into the things you'd expect to learn in your antenatal appointments.. but don't! C-section recovery, fetal monitoring, mixed feeding, hospital birth.. there's so much incoming and it's going to be GOOD. Launching with a MINI series on Monday 22nd April and Season 4 launching proper on Friday 26th.. make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss a thing. SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about birth plans.. let's explore together- Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can! ______________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List Start your list with Little List today! Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about pain in birth.. let's explore together- Everything you need to know, before you can even start considering what sort of pain relief options you might like to use in labour. Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can! ______________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List and Hot Tea Mama Start your list with Little List today! Get 10% off Hot Tea Mama withe the code HOTTEA10 Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ In today's episode, Psychotherapist, Author and Mother of 3 Anna Mathur & I discuss all things postnatal mental health. Whether you are currently pregnant and getting prepared for what to expect postnatally, or you're in the depths of the early days of motherhood, there's heartwarming chat, practical tools and tons of helpful info to takeaway from this conversation. In this episode we explore: Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can! ____________________- Anna Mathur, physchotherapist, author, podcast host & mum who is widely celebrated for her accessible mental health advice and the light-bulb moments she offers across her platforms, including her Instagram page, incredibly popular podcast ‘The Therapy Edit’ and five-star rated online courses on Reframing Anxiety, People Pleasing and Self-Worth. Instagram @Annamathur Anna's website Shop Anna's books ______________________ BACP Website SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List and Hot Tea Mama Start your list with Little List today! Get 10% off Hot Tea Mama withe the code HOTTEA10 Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ In today's episode, Osteopath Laura Tilson & I share a little insight into the practice of Osteopathy. Something you may have heard recommended for pregnancy or for your baby. In this episode we explore: Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we can! ____________________- Laura Tilson and her team work from clinics in South West London and Surrey. You can book or learn more by visiting www.LTosteo.co.uk and signing up for her Mum and Baby Newsletter. Instagram and Facebook @lauratilsonosteopathy To learn more about Osteopathy in general or find an Osteopath closer to you please visit the General Osteopathic Council’s website and search the register: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/register-search/ . ______________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Start your list with Little List today! Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ Pregnancy Sickness is often a welcome and exciting sign of early pregnancy. But knowing what is 'normal' and what's NOT can be hard to navigate. In today's episode I am joined by Dr Caitlin Dean, Nurse Specialist Researcher into HG & Chairperson of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support. Caitlin & I have worked together on many contexts over the years and this topic is one very close to my heart, having suffered with HG twice myself. In this episode we explore: Do share with anyone that you need to understand what your pregnancy sickness experience was like! ____________________________________________________________ Caitlin Dean & Pregnancy Sickness Support Links Website: https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spewingmummy PSS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pregnancysicknesssupport/ ______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Start your list with Little List today! Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the Show.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Join the birth-ed Online Course for JUST £29 this weekend! _______________________________________- I want you to stop, take a breath, close your eyes and picture this. It’s the early hours of the morning, the day after your baby is born, the rest of the world is sleeping. But not you. You’re in bed yes, but you’re wide awake, in awe of everything you just did. Pride is radiating from you. Your body's aching, your face is tired, but you’re beaming, because the way it panned out was exactly what you needed it to be. And in this moment, you are transformed. Transformed into a mother that is everything her baby needs. That same baby, heavy, asleep on your chest. You breathe in their sweet smelling head of hair, your hand cups their perfectly tiny bottom and you whisper to them.. ‘We did it my love. We did it together’. THIS is everything I want for you. And YOU can make it happen. It’s not for me to say how that birth should happen. Of course, there are no guarantees in birth. We don’t hold FULL control over what happens, and ‘a hypnobirthing course’ cannot (and should not) ever guarantee a certain type of birth or a certain place of birth- we are in part influenced by mother nature’s plans and by the system/people supporting us (or not). But we DO hold so much more power, control and responsibility than we often realise, until we come out the other side. It’s time to take control of the things we can, and let go of the things we can’t. And the birth-ed® Online Course is going to show you how. THIS BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND the birth-ed Online course is on sale for JUST £29! £29 to change not just YOUR life, but your baby’s too. Just sign up before midnight on Monday 27th November, 2023. It’s time! https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Support the show

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ Having a baby is one of the most transformative moments in anyone's lives, and this can go on to have a huge impact on our relationships, especially romantic relationships! In today's episode I am joined by Dr Jenna Brough, perinatal clinical psychologist, specialising in supporting people through the perinatal period. We explore: NB: Some (not all) of this conversation focuses on a hetrosexual (Male & Female/ Dad & Mum) partnership, in order to explore some of the traditional gender roles and sexism that impact romantic heterosexual relationships. Of course not all families will be 2 parent or heterosexual, hopefully still lots here that anyone in a relationship with their child's other parent can take away! ____________________________________________________________ Dr Jenna Brough Links Website: https://www.drjennapsychologist.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uZ30WckY4PRlMUuxQ7XRw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenna.psychologist/ ______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Little List and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Start your list with Little List today! Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the show Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ Vaginal Examinations, par for the course of giving birth.. or something you have a choice over? In today’s episode I am joined by Emma Ashworth. Emma is Birth Rights consultant, a retired doula & breastfeeding counsellor, former Trustee of AIMS (The Association of Improvement for the Maternity Services), Maternity Rights Activist, Author of ‘The AIMS Guide to your rights in pregnancy and birth, 'The AIMS guide to giving birth to your placenta'; and co author of 'The AIMS Guide to Safety in Childbirth'. In todays episode we explore: Essential listening for anyone planning a vaginal birth. ____________________________________________________________ Emma Ashworth Links Books: https://shop.aims.org.uk/products/aims-guide-to-your-rights-in-pregnancy-birth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_ashworth_birth_rights/?hl=en-gb ______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the show Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ If you are hoping to breastfeed your baby, it's really important to prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode I am joined by Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife, Shaheda Khan. Shaheda provides one to one support in person and online and offers tons of free support via her website and social media ‘Mother Shaheda’. In this episode, Shaheda and I explore: Whilst there are many ways you may choose to or need to feed your baby, for the sake of being able to provide focusses info, this episode makes the assumption you are exploring the idea of or hoping to breastfeed your baby. Worth listening to ahead of or during pregnancy or to find answers to your feeding difficulties further along the line. _____________________________________ Shaheda Links Website https://www.mothershaheda.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mother.shaheda/ Global Health Media: Breastfeeding videos https://globalhealthmedia.org/topic/breastfeeding/ ______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ Matresence is the period of growth and transition in the early years in becoming a mother. Whilst turmoil and identity shifts are expected in 'adolescence', it's only recently that such shifts have been recognised and validated in our becoming of a mother too. In this episode I am joined by Zoe Blaskey, transformational coach, founder of Motherkind and host of The Motherkind Podcast. In this episode, Zoe and I explore: Worth listening to whether you're pregnant and this period of your life is fast approaching, or you're right in the throes of it, with young children at home. _____________________________________ Zoe Blaskey Links Motherkind Website Follow Zoe on Instagram ______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and The Night Owl, Music and Lullabies for Babies and Children Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama Listen to The Night Owl Sings Nursery Rhymes on Spotify or Apple Music Music Playing: 'Teddy Bear's Picnic (Instrumental)' from The Night Owl Sings Lullabies Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ If you're pregnant after a previous caesarean birth, you might be starting to explore your options for birth this time around. In this episode I am joined by midwife Dr Hazel Keedle who specialises in supporting birth after caesarean choices. This episode focuses on vaginal birth after a caesarean, complimented by S2E6- episode on caesarean birth, including planned repeat caesarean birth. In this episode we look at- _____________________________________________ Dr Hazel Keedle Links 'Birth After a Caesarean' BookInstagram______________________________________________ SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by Hot Tea Mama and OR Collective Use code HOTTEA10 for 10% off Hot Tea Mama Use code BIRTHED50 for 50% off your first month with OR Collective Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ We talk a lot about decision making for birth- Where might you choose to birth your baby? Do you want an epidural? Should you have an induction? etc etc.. but the decision making (and the impact of those decisions) actually starts MUCH earlier on in pregnancy. This week I am exploring all of this with friend and community midwife Laura Green, whose approach to informed choice, birth education and advocacy makes my heart sing! She brings a brilliant insight and balance to this conversation through her experiences both working inside the maternity system and supporting families privately outside of the NHS- always centring women and families at the heart of her care. It is a conversation steeped in warmth, evidence, nuance and honesty- everything I love a 'bit of' here at birth-ed! In this week's episode we chat about: - What's going on in maternity services and how is this impacting rates of intervention? - What are the common things in pregnancy that might affect our birth experience? (Screening for Gestational Diabetes, Low PAPP A, Routine Scans, Growth Scans etc) - How to navigate these decisions in pregnancy and understand the longer possible impact of these decisions. - How to advocate for yourself once your decision has been made. This episode is worth listening AS EARLY ON in pregnancy as you can. Though even if you're due soon or have had your baby, it will hopefully give you some perspective on your experiences so far. So, set aside an hour, grab a pen and paper if you can, and enjoy! ______________________________________ Laura Green Links Laura's Website Follow Laura on Instagram ________________________________________ This episode is sponsored by OR Collective. For 50% OFF your first month's subscription, use the code BIRTHED50 at the checkout. Sign up here Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ It's a SOLO episode from me today! Actually our first ever solo episode of the podcast! Exploring what 'hypnobirthing' actually is? How can it support you in your pregnancy, your birth and beyond? How does it work? What does it involve? Listen up for some myth busting, take away tools and tips and the next steps to feeling more confident and prepared ahead of your baby's birth. Support the Show.

SIGN UP FOR MY WORKSHOP 'How to have a baby, the birth-ed way' on 25th April 2024 Here Join the Birth-ed Online Course Join the BUMP CLUB FREE Follow us on Instagram _____________________________ In this episode, Dr Sara Wickham shares her insight and wisdom into all things 'Induction of Labour'. Sara is a World Leading Midwifery expert in the area of induction and has dedicated her life's work to disseminating, unpicking and making accessible the evidence around induction of labour. Sara and I explore the landscape of the maternity system, the rising rates of induction and give you some really practical tips and advice on how to navigate decisions around induction of labour (a decision which the majority of us will inevitably face!). ______________________________________ Dr Sara Wickham Links In your Own Time Book What's right for me? Book Inducing Labour Book Five questions to ask if you're offered induction of labour: Blog How to cancel a labour induction? - Blog Sign up to receive Sara's Birth Information Emails Follow Dr Sara Wickham on Instagram Support the Show.