Healing Birth with Carla

This isn’t Chloe’s first podcast episode with me. I interviewed her back in May 2024 after learning about her traumatic first birth when she requested a debriefing session with one of the trainees from my Healing Birth Practitioner Training course. At that stage, Chloe hadn’t yet become pregnant again, so she didn’t have a story to share of a healing birth experience. Instead, she talked about Olivia’s difficult birth, and the journey she had travelled over the time since, including the healing work she’d done, and readying herself for the conscious conception of her next baby.Today’s interview is all about that ‘next baby’ of Chloe’s - her pregnancy with him, his birth, and their early postpartum weeks. The two birth and new motherhood experiences Chloe has had couldn’t be more contrasting. Throughout Ruben’s pregnancy and birth Chloe chose to have no medical or midwifery input, not even a pregnancy test to confirm that the signs her body was giving were indeed due to a little bub growing in her womb. She so generously shares her powerful story of tuning in, trusting, asking for what’s needed, and surrender.I highly recommend having a listen to Chloe’s first interview with me before diving into this one, if you haven’t already done so. Links to watch or listen are found below.YouTube link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://youtu.be/w39KiuTGx-k?si=m0DgbHfs4O4kipVyPodcast link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CzZtHBlPdK16JZnSf86xM?si=BknUK9quRGaegVFkrQ46iAAlso discussed in this episode:* partner's hesitations with unassisted birth* Mother Blessing* Reconciling a positive birth and postpartum after a traumatic first* postpartum preparation* community postpartum support* naturally healing a tear

Georgia’s first baby was 5.1kg (that is, 11lb, 5oz), something that curtailed her initial home birth plans and saw her birthing in the hospital. This, along with feeding into a narrative which convinced Georgia that she shouldn’t feel pain in her birth, led to a less than ideal experience and a second degree tear. As well, Georgia and her man were sent spiralling down a postpartum anxiety hole, in part because of poor preparation, unhelpful expectations and a lack of support. This was all exacerbated by the Covid lockdown restrictions at the time.Hear about how Georgia and her man navigated their relationship as struggling new parents, and how they set themselves up for an incredibly healing, beautiful and empowering home birth with their second, along with a peaceful and joy-filled postpartum. By the way, Georgia’s second baby was 4.6kg (10lb, 2oz), and was born after just 2.5 hours of labour, something she forgot to share during our interview.Also discussed in this episode:* Stretch and sweep* Irregular contractions* Artificial rupture of membranes* Maternal and paternal postnatal depression and anxiety, including panic attacks* Intrusive thoughts* Counselling* Postpartum preparation* Birth planning process - birth mapping* Home birth with sibling present* Fast labour* Birth photosCheck out Georgia's website: https://www.alightbeheld.com/Follow Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alightbeheld/And here's the link to the Manawatu Home Birth Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MHBAInc

In this podcast episode I catch up with Kate Hicks of Birth Trauma Aotearoa, a timely episode during Birth Trauma Awareness Week, running from July 14-20.I last spoke with Kate around 2.5 years ago, so Kate will update us on the mahi (work) they've done over this time as well as plans for the future, including launching in-person support, developing research in the Aotearoa context, and the continual push for birth trauma prevention and improved support.Kate will also tell us about Birth Trauma Awareness Week, this year's theme, what the week aims to achieve and how you might like to get involved (you can head to this webpage to learn more: www.birthtraumaaotearoa.org.nz/take-action).Follow BTA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_trauma_aotearoa/or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthtraumaaotearoa

Today I bring you a bit of a different episode. I’m joined by six women who, like me, are core members of the Wise Women Network. This is a fast growing movement that aims to protect physiological birth and champion women-led care through connections with birth-workers and mothers who are seeking our support. Tune in to hear more about our ‘why’ and be inspired by our fire, heart and passion.**If you want to be a part of the Wise Women Network, you can join us on the following social media pages**Facebook group aimed at birth worker support and information: Wise Women Network NZ Facebook group aimed at consumer support and information: Wise Women Network: Birth Support (to Birth YOUR Way)Instagram @wisewomennetwork_nz

Please note that this episode includes discussions of domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing for you, you may wish to skip this episode or listen with support. Relevant Aotearoa/NZ helplines are accessible at the bottom of these show notes.Naomi’s story is a troubling, heart-wrenching listen. She bravely lets us in on the abuse and trauma she endured as a young first-time mum in a violent relationship with a manipulative man who would later become her husband. Together they had two more children, both healing home births, but the domestic abuse continued.One day, whilst working a shift as a midwife, Naomi spotted a brochure that stated, “family violence changes the brains of our children.” This realisation was the final straw for Naomi. She knew she needed to protect her babies from growing up in this abusive household, and she left their dad for the final time. He still had contact with the children, though no formal parental agreement was instated. Fuelled by anger and jealousy, when he discovered Naomi had met a new man, he took the children and told her she wouldn’t be getting them back. The police could do nothing. Naomi desperately tried to get her children safely back into her care. But after many months of battling the system, and despite a clear history of abuse, including multiple protection orders, Naomi ultimately lost custody of her children to her violent ex. She was utterly powerless to protect her babies, something that nearly killed her.Find out how Naomi not only found the will to live, but went on to have another baby to a beautiful man, and now works to help heal the hearts of other wounded mothers. Her story is both deeply disturbing and profoundly inspiring.Also discussed in this episode:* contemplating abortion* protection orders for physical and psychological violence* pressured into medical pain relief - Pethidine & Epidural* lack of bond with newborn* Raynaud’s Syndrome (breastfeeding)* pressured to give formula to baby* Postnatal depression & anxiety* Maternal Mental Health support - Aropax* CBT* Nursing & midwifery training* Siblings at birth* Gambling addiction* Court appointed psychologist (bias towards father)* contemplating suicide* Mama’s Tribe * Healing Birth Practitioner Training* 42 week pregnancy* PROM & meconium stained waters* Syntocinon* healing & empowering cesarean* Wise Women Network NZ* sleep consultancy - responsive settling* postpartum sleep deprivationAotearoa/NZ HelplinesLifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text HELP to 4357Women’s Refuge 24/7 Crisis Line - 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)Shine (DV support) - 0508 744 6331737 - Need to talk? Free call or text 1737Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865Connect with Naomi on FacebookJoin The Mamas Tribe on FacebookFor coaching (mama, baby or trauma related) with Naomi email her on nurture@naomiruth.nzJoin the Wise Women Network Facebook groupCheck out my (Carla's) Healing Birth Practitioner Training course

In strong labour, birthing her first baby at home, Michelle was unexpectedly met with the news that her baby was breech. Supported by a trusted care team, she went on to confidently birth her big boy in her lounge. High on magical birth hormones, basking in the glory of what she’d just achieved and marvelling at the gorgeous human she’d created, Michelle was unaware that she’d sustained a decent tear. But that wasn’t a problem. It went on to heal naturally, without fuss. The real challenge came with breastfeeding. Michelle couldn’t make sufficient milk to meet Beren’s needs, and had to supplement feed throughout his babyhood. This was a source of absolute struggle and heartbreak for Michelle. Today she shares with us the trials and tribulations of her breastfeeding journey, both with her first born, and then with Willis, her second child, also born at home (but this time, head down). Even now, as she reflects on her 12 years old story, the emotions run high. Oftentimes birth is a breeze compared to the breastfeeding challenges that some are met with. Michelle’s story is a testament to this.Also discussed in this episode:* importance of good relationship with midwife* holding boundaries* meconium* Maggie Banks’ books - Homebirth Bound & Breech Birth Woman Wise* partially torn cord with birth of head* consuming placenta* donor breast milk* La Leche League support* supplemental nursing system* water birth* sibling at birth

It was the following Suzanne Arms quote, that inspired my guest today, Sharon Robinson, to become a midwife:“If we are to create a nonviolent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life, for that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust.”As a new grad, Sharon left her home in the US to practice midwifery in NZ because of our “gold standard” midwifery care. However, she was met with challenges - hierarchies, power-plays, professional jealousy, over-medicalisation - that stifled her ability to practice where and how she wanted to, and in the ways that she knew women deserved.Sharon shares with us some of the trials and tribulations she has faced throughout her personal and professional life, including childhood abuse at the hands of her father, a mastectomy for breast cancer 10 years ago, and then, last year, being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We discuss what the role of a midwife is, how the way a woman is treated in birth matters a lot more than her mode of birth, and what birth and midwifery are like in different parts of the world.Also discussed in this episode:* Creating birth plans* Stillbirth* Deep grief versus trauma* Abusive and fraudulent maternity ‘care’ in South Africa* Rights in birth* Informed decision making and consent* Post dates* Induction of labour* Differing roles of midwives and obstetricians* Defensive, risk-centric practice* Home birth midwifery* Collegial support from like-minded midwivesCheck out Sharon’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sharonrobinson.midwifeFind some awesome videos that Sharon has created on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sharonrobinsonmidwife516Become a part of the Wise Women Network NZ - a global (despite the name) Facebook group for birth workers and birth-passionate consumers who are seeking a reclamation of empowered, undisturbed, physiological birth, supported by wise woman midwives: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538842372367843Follow my (Carla’s) Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/healing.birth/Check out my website here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/Email me carla@healingbirth.co.nz if you have a story that you believe is a good fit for my podcast and that you’re keen to shareYou can also watch this episode, and others, on my Healing Birth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healingbirth

Millie’s father passed away just prior to her first pregnancy. She was consumed by grief and had no capacity to take birth preparation on board. Just shy of 42 weeks pregnant, Millie agreed to an induction and a sequence of disempowering, sometimes traumatising, events played out, including a 3rd degree tear which required 2.5 hours of surgical repair, separating her from her newborn at this critical time.Now, 6 weeks postpartum with her second baby, Millie has quite a different story to share of pregnancy and birth. Encouraged by her midwife, Millie chose a home birth this time, and she did the inner work necessary to set herself up for a vastly different, very empowering, experience.Tune in to hear all about the self work that’s required to honour the need for a healing birth. Millie shares all of her top tips and invaluable resources.Also discussed in this episode:* ARM/Syntocinon* TENS* Unconsented student midwife involvement* FSE* Cervical lip - told not to push* Painful catheterisation* Fetal heart decelerations* PPH* haematoma* physical trauma* Soulful Birth course* Acupuncture* 40 minute physiological 3rd stage* JournalingLearn more about my (Carla’s) Soulful Birth course here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthgroupOr there is the option to do a personalised Soulful Birth For You course with me, 1:1. Check out the details here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthforyou

Candice, a midwife, recently gave birth to her second baby. We worked together during her pregnancy, helping her to unpack the story of her first birth and to prepare for a different experience this time around. Mildred’s birth had been shockingly painful for Candice, and she exhaustedly made the call to abandon her home birth plans in order to have an epidural in hospital. This left her with feelings of shame and self doubt, especially given she was a midwife. But doing the self-work required to unravel her traumatic experience and find compassion for how she had coped, enabled Candice to manage another very painful posterior labour in an entirely different way. Candice’s story highlights our undeniable mind-body connection and its very real impacts on how we birth. When we enter labour with unhealed traumas and experience the inevitable loss of control that giving birth entails, many, like Candice, experience this as hugely triggering. Tune in to Candice’s vulnerable share about how she worked through her fears to ready herself, as best she could, for a beautiful and empowering home birth. Also discussed in this episode: * Posterior labour - direct OP birth * Long early labour * Nitrous oxide - gas & air (at home birth) * Ventouse birth * Second degree tear * Effects of childhood trauma on birth * Difficulties bonding with baby * Work with me - Havening, Unravelling Your Trauma session, Planning Your Healing Birth session, Soulful Birth online course * Journal prompts and guided meditation * Tools for managing fears (especially around pain) in labour * Affirmations * Water birth * Self vaginal exam * Requesting a managed 3rd stage an hour postpartum * Tandem feeding Follow Candice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagebirthnz/ Learn more about healing with me (Carla) here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/healing And learn more about my online Soulful Birth (holistic birth & postpartum preparation) course here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthgroup

When Nathalie got married in her 20s, she and her husband were set on a life without children. They had met in an ashram in India, studying Vedanta philosophy, and were of the view that parenthood was a distraction from the spiritual path. But some years into their marriage, Nathalie developed a growing, undeniable urge to become a Mother. With her biological clock ticking, and a marriage where needs were no longer aligned, Nathalie and her husband separated. He returned to NZ, and she went on a wild journey of self discovery, delving into the more feminine aspects of her nature, and doing her all to call in the man who would father her children. As I talk to Nathalie today, her boy Sage, now 7 weeks old, is being cared for by his Dad, Ivan, in their LA apartment. She shares with me about the challenges she faced, and preparations she undertook, to achieve a positive and rewarding birth experience. Find out how her childless ex-husband came to be the one who enthusiastically encouraged Nathalie to explore home birth, and suggested that she contact me for guidance around achieving that. It’s quite the story! Also discussed in this episode: * Breast reduction surgery and its impact on milk production * Donor milk, low supply, supplemental nursing system, triple feeding * Home birth obstetrician * Fears of going post-dates. ‘The labor salad’ & castor oil smoothie * Chinese medicine - Nathalie is an acupuncturist * Denial/suppression of feminine aspects of self - healing the guilt and shame of being a woman * Dr Sarah Buckley’s work * Bed-sharing * Positive impacts of home birth on postpartum Nathalie worked with me (Carla) via both my 1:1 and Group Soulful Birth (holistic birth and postpartum preparation) options. For more information on these, head to this webpage: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/birthprep Check out Nathalie’s work here: https://nathalievitality.com/

For someone who, like so many out there, had been under the illusion that their hideous cesarean births were ‘just the way birth was’ and not justifiably classified as traumatic, Kiki, having just birthed her third baby at home, has quite the story to tell! She and her husband, Adam, share about initially being under the veil of disempowering conditioning, and the journey they went on to achieve an undisturbed home birth just 6 weeks ago. Kiki’s is a powerful story of courage and self-determination. The system had her labelled as ‘high risk’ due to multiple factors that Kiki came to see were not based on good evidence, didn’t align with what she instinctively knew, and were tools in the patriarchal birth machine, designed to keep her scared and under the control of the system. Once she learnt that she was rightfully the one behind the steering wheel, Kiki stood in her power and readied herself for the birth that she and her baby needed and deserved. I had the honour of being a part of Kiki’s pregnancy journey, helping her to learn the truth about her earlier births, and sourcing the tools, understandings and wise woman sisterhood that she needed in order to take radical responsibility for the way her birth would unfold. At almost 39 weeks of pregnancy, her midwife dropped her, afraid of Kiki’s uncompromising approach to planning her birth. This turned out to be an absolute blessing, opening the door for some incredible midwives to rally around Kiki, supporting her right to birth her way. Kiki now seeks to pay it forward. She has found her voice and has a fire in her belly, and she’s determined to do all she can to tear down the patriarchal structures that keep birthing women from accessing their power in the wondrous rite of passage that birth is.  Also discussed in this episode: * NFP ‘The Village NZ’ * Australian maternity system - no continuity of care * Artificial rupture of membranes - meconium * Syntocinon augmentation * Epidural  * Crash c section under GA * Lack of initial bond with baby * Gestational diabetes * Inaccurate ultrasound scans * ‘Advanced maternal age’ (41 years) * VBAC * Detailed birth plans * Responsibilities  * Soulful Birth course * Freebirth * Doula * ‘Unravelling Your Trauma’ session with Healing Birth Practitioner trainee * Born at Home and Birth Time films * Sibling at birth Join the Wise Women Network NZ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538842372367843 Check out The Village NZ: https://thevillagenz.org/ Contact Michelle if you’re a birth worker who is interested in becoming a part of the ‘Authentic Midwifery - Wise Women Collective’ - email her on info@wisewomennetwork.co.nz. Or connect with her via her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleandIzzy Join my (Carla’s) Soulful Birth course: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthgroup Look into my Healing Birth Practitioner Training: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/hb-practitioner-training

Nell was one of a number of wonderful, and sorely needed, home birth midwives who was mandated out of her job when the Covid epidemic swept the world. When she was legally allowed to re-enter her profession, she chose not to, instead asking the Midwifery Council to remove her from the register altogether.  Nell had not lost her passion for supporting women to birth their babies, their way, but she had lost trust in the professional midwifery bodies to enable her to work as a midwife, in the truest sense of the word. Instead, Nell became a sovereign birth keeper, perhaps better known as a doula, and focuses on working with families who are seeking out home birth or free birth.  In this podcast episode we are two friends, two former midwives, two women who know that birth belongs with women, and that true midwifery is an endangered profession, discussing the in-and-outs of what this all means. Also discussed in this episode: * NZ maternity care model * what is ‘true midwifery’? * impacts of Covid lockdowns and mandates on birthing families * doula support for partners at birth * mind-body connection - impacts of birth place and birth companions Check out Nell’s website: https://nurturingmamas.co.nz/ Or follow Nell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturing_mamas22 And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurturingmamasnz Check out my (Carla’s) webpage on Healing Birth Practitioner Training: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/hb-practitioner-training

Clancy is an Australian based birth worker and mother of three. Although she had planned to birth her first baby at home, instead she ended up with a traumatic hospital birth experience.  In this podcast episode Clancy shares with us the terrain she has traversed in the 8 ½ years since Louie’s birth, including an early loss experience followed by a four years long journey to conceive her next baby. She talks about the solo bush retreat she went on for 4 nights with just water and a tarp, a life-changing ceremonial undertaking that enabled her to drop into full trust when she became pregnant again. This time she had a wild pregnancy and free birth, an incredibly healing experience despite the fact that Clancy was really sick when she went into labour! And it was not to be her last birth either… she found herself unexpectedly pregnant when Opal was 9 months old. Clancy also shares about her doula work and why she no longer attends births within the system, as well as the role she plays in supporting others to heal after a traumatic birth. I’d been looking forward to talking with Clancy for some time, and now I’m excited to get to share her story and her wisdom with you. Also discussed: unhelpful 'optimal positioning' focus PROM, ARM, posterior baby 'good girl' impacts obstetric violence forceps & episiotomy postpartum incontinence prophylactic antibiotics for baby early birth/miscarriage conception struggles slow birth of placenta doula training birthing physiology & what interferes with it (causing unnecessary trauma) Healing a bad second degree tear naturally Follow Clancy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womancraftway/

This podcast episode is such a potent mix of deep trauma, powerlessness, hope, faith, determination and sisterhood. Chaya carries us through the births of her seven children, starting with the cesarean birth of her twins and ending with the free birth of her newest baby, just a few weeks ago.  Among her sharing are stories of placental abruption and stillbirth, breech presentation, postpartum haemorrhage, unconsented to sedation, threats of labelling Chaya as psychotic as a means of forcing her to go to hospital, which I’ll just add at this point, she is not just perfectly sane in an insane world of traumatising birth ‘care’ (read control), she herself is a practising psychologist… and it gets worse, at the end of her most recent pregnancy she was forced into hiding from the police since there was a hearing underway where the authorities were attempting to make her give birth via cesarean. Of course there was no legal basis for the court hearing since it is a basic human right to choose what medical interventions we do or don’t have in birth, and ultimately Chaya’s case was won in the supreme court. Needless to say, it was a remarkable feat for Chaya to welcome her baby gently and peacefully with a couple of women friends at her side and without an ounce of medical interference during the birth process… a free birth, the most liberating of experiences, after four previous cesareans.  Also discussed in this episode: * ECV for breech twin pregnancy * 42 - 43 week long pregnancies * Pregnancy with an IUD in place * Faith as an orthodox Jew * Birthing in the US and Israel * Meconium * PPH at free birth * Dismissed signs of PET by doctors * Blood loss following SROM at home * Loss of sense of safety in the world * Rising maternal mortality rates, particularly for women of colour * Separation from children at end of pregnancy

Alexa’s six year old daughter was born in the water under the big Oak tree, just as she’d seen in her dream. This loving, gentle and oh so powerful free birth experience added further fuel to the fiery passion that Alexa held for working with the divine wisdom of birth.  In this heart-fuelled podcast episode, Alexa shares with us her path to becoming a birth doula and much of the philosophy surrounding the ways she navigates this role. She also talks about the birth trauma support she offers and the part that birth photography (another of Alexa’s skill sets) can play in honouring the transition into Motherhood. Also discussed in this episode: * midwifery practice * mastitis * breast abscess * birth photography * free birth * waterbirth * Healing Birth Practitioner Training * birth trauma Follow Alexa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.doula/ Check out her website: https://www.alexadoulaphotography.co.nz/ Find out more about my (Carla’s) Healing Birth Practitioner Training course: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/hb-practitioner-training Follow my work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing.birth/ Check out the Healing Birth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healingbirth

This podcast episode with Sarah is one of the most powerful stories of trauma, resiliency, courage, vulnerability and healing that has ever been shared with me… and over the years I have been privy to hundreds of stories of traumatic birth and healing. I feel it’s important to forewarn my podcast listeners of the, what will be for many, hugely confronting topics that we discuss in this episode, including rape and sexual abuse, suicide, cancer, early pregnancy loss, extreme postnatal depression, suicidal ideation, a near-death experience of early postpartum septicaemia, and complex PTSD.  Please take a moment to tune into your mind, heart and body to ascertain whether you are in an okay space to be taking in this conversation right now. If not, honour your current needs and come back to this episode if and when you feel ready to do so. Should you decide to listen and find that the themes trigger your own trauma responses please contact a trusted friend, therapist or local support service to garner the help that you are needing. Sarah is a mum to two children, aged 2 and 4. She is a survivor of adolescent sexual abuse, and cancer, as well as having dealt with the trauma of losing both her parents by 13 years of age. In this podcast episode she talks through the coping strategies she adopted, including fawning, numbing and dissociation, and how these impacted her birth and postpartum experiences. Sarah wants to share her story so that others won’t feel so alone in their traumatic experiences of new parenthood. In her sharing, she offers guidance, hope and inspiration to those who may be feeling a sense of hopelessness surrounding the hardships that life, birth and new parenthood can sometimes bring. She is an absolute heroine and is courageous beyond measure. Other topics discussed include: * Ectopic pregnancy * PCOS * Hypnobirthing * Artificial rupture of membranes * Rebozo * Epidural * Isolation and loneliness in postpartum * Workaholic tendencies & people pleasing as a trauma response * Milk oversupply * Sleep deprivation * Father - anxiety attacks, depression and medication * Covid impacts on postpartum and pregnancy * Hypervigilance * Postpartum suicidal ideation * PND * Pelvic floor physio * Amazing doula support * Home birth * 42+6 week pregnancy * Influence of VEs on mindset * Melanoma surgery and treatment * ACC sensitive claim - therapy for cPTSD

Hannah, a mother to two daughters aged 3 and 6 months, joins me on the podcast from her rural home, a yurt, in a remote part of Northland here in Aotearoa. Her story is in equal parts, unsettling and inspiring.  She began her journey into motherhood with full trust that birth, as a healthy part of life, would happen naturally. But Hannah learnt the hard way that relying on the guidance of a midwife whose philosophy was a misalignment for her own, was not going to allow her to feel safe enough to get on and birth her baby. Instead, she ended up being flown by helicopter to Whangārei Hospital where she and her baby would meet via cesarean section. Hannah shares with us the crucial self-connection work that she did to heal her birth trauma, and the journey she took to prepare herself for her next pregnancy and birth. The story of the birth of her second baby was wildly different to her first. Hannah chose to have no medical or midwifery input into her pregnancy or birth, instead leaning on the support of her wise-woman sisters who would regularly sit in circle together. We take a deep dive in this podcast episode, so she’s a bit of a lengthy one. I can guarantee though, that you’re going to want to listen until the end with its taste of nourishing sweet redemption.  Also discussed in this episode: * Interventions related to prolonged rupture of membranes * Coached pushing * Syntocinon (Pitocin) use without consent * Dissociation * Emotional release for baby’s healing * Support circle for women (preconception - birth - Motherhood) * Child/sibling at the birth Connect with Hannah via her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/wild_flower_nz/

Gwen lives in Washington State USA after travelling the US for the past year in their RV and before that living in Australia, the place where she birthed her three babies who are now 1, 5 and 6 years old. She has an honours undergraduate degree in Sociology, Masters in Teaching and she is certified by the International Coaching Federation as a Spiritual Psychology Coach and trauma specialist. Gwen is founder of her business Connecting Consciously Collective and is very passionate about supporting mothers to fully step into their power and create their intuitive desires. She had two very traumatic birth experiences herself which was the catalyst to her doing her inner work and learning about the subconscious mind and manifestation. Using this knowledge, Gwen was able to manifest the empowered birth she desired and have a healthy baby and healing birth experience - one that doctors had told her she should abort due to ‘high risk’. Now, she is able to coach women from around the world on how they too can harness this power and have the empowered birth experience they desire. Also discussed in this episode: * Hypnobirthing * Pre-labour & premature rupture of membranes (PROM)  * Induction of labour * Failure to progress leading to emergency cesarean * Elective repeat cesarean * Dissociation * Newborn apnoeas - near death experience at 4 weeks old * How traumatic experiences can serve us * Miscarriage - cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (baby growing into lining of uterus) * D & C - large haemorrhage  * Healing the red line (maternal lineage) * Uterine infection * Subconscious reprogramming - shifting beliefs * Advised against having anymore children * Abortion recommended due to risk of placenta accreta * Lotus cesarean Check out Gwen's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/connectingconsciously.co/⁠ Email her: info@connectingconsciouslycollective.com Book a call with Gwen: https://calendly.com/connectingconsciouslycollective/30min  Watch Gwen's YouTube video: Create the birth you desire (youtube.com)

Ella, a home-birthed, surprise breech baby herself, knew, before she was even pregnant, that she would be having an unassisted birth at home. In this podcast episode she shares with us the explorations she did before and during her pregnancy, including attending Radical Birth Keepers School, conversations with her man about “what if our baby dies?”, the decision to hire a virtual doula, and conversing with her baby when unsure about his quietness, in terms of movements. Just shy of 42 weeks pregnant, Ella’s labour began. I love how she depicts the story of her son’s birth as being so utterly normal, hard, for sure, but also really quite uneventful. We talk about whether this may have been the inroad to a very easeful breastfeeding experience with not even a hint of nipple damage. Ella now runs a monthly Free Birth Circle for women who are planning a free birth themselves. If you’re inspired by her story and want to learn more, get in touch with her via her website or Instagram links below. Other things we discuss on the episode: * Free birth preparation * Radical Birth Keepers School * Free Birth Society podcast * Questionable safety of pregnancy ultrasounds * Tests for Downs Syndrome * Irregular contractions throughout labour * Self vaginal checks in labour * Water birth * Cord burning ceremony * Tongue tie Ella's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/earth.mama.wellbeing/ Ella's website: https://www.earthmamawellbeing.com/ Get your hands on a copy of my (Carla's) book which includes the story of Ella's own birth - a surprise breech birth at home: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/mybook Follow my work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing.birth/ Check out the Healing Birth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healingbirth

I first met Elvisa when, pregnant with her second child, she joined my online Soulful Birth course. Although she had planned to birth her first baby at home, she said she wasn’t mentally prepared and decided to transfer to hospital for an epidural. The birth of her first baby resulted in a big tear, and breastfeeding struggles and PND ensued.  In describing her experience, Elvisa says that the birth itself wasn’t traumatic for her, but rather it was the transition to motherhood that she grappled with. In this podcast episode Elvisa shares with us the ways she overcame her depression and things she did to set herself up for an empowering and positive next birth and postpartum. Her newest baby, Wiremu, was born in the water at home, with Elvisa being cared for by wonderful wise women midwives. Enjoy listening to the challenges she faced and how she rose above them. Other topics discussed: * Hapū Wānanga * Long early phase of labour * Trails & Tots - walking group for mums * Importance of physical activity and nature for mental wellbeing * Being a career-driven woman * Stay at home dad; working (from home) mum * Early shift to bottle feeding for mental wellbeing * Navigating cultural differences with a Filipino mother If you are interested in finding out more about my (Carla's) Soulful Birth course - a holistic birth & postpartum preparation series held online - head to this webpage: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/birthprep