Today’s rerun episode features the incredible Professor Hannah Dahlen, an Australian midwife, researcher, and international leader in maternity care. Hannah has published over 100 papers, spoken at more than 100 conferences, and appeared in documentaries and major media worldwide.In this conversation, Hannah shares:Her powerful journey into midwifery, growing up in Yemen alongside her mother, a practicing midwife.The art of holding space in birth, and why it’s often misunderstood as “doing nothing.”Stories of humility, intuition, and the delicate balance between action and inaction in midwifery.Her vision for shifting the global understanding of midwifery alongside obstetrics.We're also thrilled to announce the launch of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship. Christie Davis and I created this mentorship to help future leaders step into advanced practice with confidence, build sustainable careers, and truly change the culture of midwifery for good.And here’s the best part — to celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky midwife will win a complete starter kit valued at over $500 — everything from a Doppler and neonatal stethoscope, to a scale, instruments, NRP kit, blood pressure cuff and more. PLUS, a gorgeous handmade Patchwork Carpet Bag from St. Clair Designs to carry it all in.More details on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com
In this rerun of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine sits down with Elke and Charlotte to tackle a timely question: how does technology help—or hinder—midwifery practice? From cybersecurity risks and data privacy to the practical tools shaping daily care, the conversation dives deep into both the promises and pitfalls of modern tech.You’ll hear candid stories about electronic charting, breaches, and the financial risks small practices face, balanced with a hopeful look at innovations like handheld ultrasounds, continuous glucose monitors, and integrated lab tools. The trio also explores how midwives can harness social media and AI—like ChatGPT—to expand influence, streamline documentation, and amplify their voices in a system that too often silences them.Whether you’re tech-curious, tech-cautious, or somewhere in between, this discussion reminds us that while technology can never replace the human essence of midwifery, it can support us in practicing more safely, efficiently, and visibly.Interested in learning more? Augustine will be teaching a course on AI and Midwives at this year's WARM conference. Sign up on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com
This week, we’re revisiting a Season 3 episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast with Aubre Tompkins, CNM and author of Midwifery for Expectant Parents. At the time of recording, Aubre was Director of Midwifery at Seasons Midwifery and Birth Centre and President of the American Association of Birth Centers where she now continues to serve on the Executive Committee.Augustine and Aubre unpack the dangers of pregnancy in the U.S.—especially for BIPOC communities—revealing how poor outcomes stem from the hospital-based, physician-led system rather than midwifery care. Yet, the for-profit model of healthcare continues to suppress the most obvious solutions. This conversation, as urgent today as ever, is also a call to action—for midwives and consumers alike—to raise their voices and demand meaningful change in U.S. healthcare.Keep the conversation going on skool.com/midwiferywisdom
In this week’s episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, host Shiphrah Israel sits down with Zaire Sabb—Clinical Herbalist, Traditional Midwife, Registered Nurse, and founder of Mystic Momma Herbals.Zaire shares her remarkable journey from pediatric cardiac transplant nursing to apprenticing with grand midwives in Georgia and herbal masters in Nigeria, weaving together clinical knowledge, traditional midwifery, and holistic herbalism. She discusses the vital difference between community herbalists and clinical herbalists, how unresolved emotions can manifest physically in the body, and why reclaiming herbal wisdom is essential for reproductive health and sovereignty.We also dive into her new book, Herbal Harmony: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Herbs to Help with Reproductive Health, which empowers readers to better understand their bodies, advocate for themselves in medical spaces, and pass on generational wisdom to their families.✨ Topics we cover:The path from allopathic nursing to traditional midwiferyWhat sets a clinical herbalist apart from community herbalismThe role of emotions, trauma, and lifestyle in reproductive healthEveryday herbs growing in your own backyardPractical steps to begin your herbal journeyHow Herbal Harmony helps bridge the gap between patients and providers📖 You can find Herbal Harmony on Amazon and at https://www.mysticmommaherbals.com/Join Midwifery Wisdom Skool—your all-in-one membership for courses, community, and NARM prep for $69/month. Unlock 12+ classrooms inside as you level up: https://www.skool.com/midwiferywisdom.
In this episode host Shiphrah sits down with Jessica Arnold—better known as The Combat Midwife. From growing up with a calling to catch babies, to serving as a firefighter, paramedic, and military Combat Medic instructor, Jessica has forged a one-of-a-kind path in birth work.She shares her journey from witnessing her mother’s VBAC and traumatic hemorrhage as a child, to teaching life-saving skills in the army, to blending EMS training with midwifery wisdom in both civilian and disaster settings. Jessica opens up about why VBACs hold a special place in her heart, how resourcefulness and quick thinking translate across emergencies, and why every family—not just midwives—can benefit from basic birth and survival knowledge.We also dive into her Combat Midwife workshops and OB kit, created to prepare families and communities for emergencies, and discuss how midwifery and EMS share surprising historical roots. Whether you’re a birth worker, parent, or simply curious about resilience in the face of the unexpected, this episode is full of insight, grit, and inspiration.👉 Resources, free downloads, and kits are available at combatmidwife.com (use code WISDOM for a discount). 👉 Listeners also receive 15% off CEU courses at Midwifery Wisdom with code MWCPOD15.
In this episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, host Shiphrah Israel sits down with Satori Shakoor - a master storyteller, story director, and coach whose gift for weaving words was born from generations of Black women in the Jim Crow South. Raised listening to her Alabama and Mississippi elders transform everyday events into epic tales, Satori learned to speak the language of storytelling with the power to teach, warn, entertain, and inspire.Satori brings that same storytelling magic to a topic too often shrouded in silence: menopause. From her acclaimed film Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale to her advocacy with the Michigan Women’s Commission, she shares her deeply personal journey through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—illuminating the emotional, physical, and societal challenges along the way.This conversation explores the gaps in medical training that leave women unsupported, and the transformative self-discovery that can emerge in this life stage. With humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, Satori reframes menopause not as an ending, but as an opening to deeper self-awareness and freedom.🎧 Listen now to discover:Why most doctors get only one hour of menopause training—and what that means for women’s healthThe emotional and physical realities of perimenopause and menopauseHow storytelling can break stigma and build communityThe urgent need for advocacy, awareness, and accessible careResources & Links:Watch Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or Google PlayLearn more about Satori on her website www.satorishakoor.com
This week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, we welcome the founder of Flower Girl, a radical period underwear brand born from one woman’s frustration with toxic menstrual products—and her deep desire to care for the bleeding body differently.As a former e-commerce strategist turned slow fashion entrepreneur, she brings both science and soul to this powerful conversation about conscious menstruation, cycle care, and body literacy. Together, we explore:Why midwives and birthworkers should care about what clients use post-birth and beyondHow period underwear is reshaping not just menstruation, but postpartum recoveryWhat it means to create a product that actually honors the female body🔗 Learn more: flowergirl.co 📲 Follow on Instagram: @flowergirl.co_ 💬 Share with a postpartum doula or cycle educator or anyone in your life who needs to hear this!
In this week’s episode, Augustine connects with fellow midwife and world traveler, Allison, for a deep and expansive conversation about what it really means to live at the edge of reality—whether supporting births or crossing oceans. From an unexpected career shift out of accounting to midwifery school in New Zealand, and from practicing in Canada to captaining a sailboat across the Pacific, Alison shares how curiosity, courage, and midwifery magic have shaped her wild and winding path.This conversation is part of a larger theme we’ve been exploring this month in our ongoing webinar series Midwifery on the Move where we explore what it really means to live a mobile midwifery lifestyle. We’ve been talking about the beauty, the complexity, the ethics, and the practical steps to working around the world.✨ If this episode sparks something in you, know that it’s not too late to join the webinar and explore what traveling midwife life might look for you. Sign up today on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com
Longtime midwife turned somatic trauma healing coach, Christie Davis talks about what it really takes to stay whole in the world of birth work. After over 20 years of attending births and running a private midwifery practice, Christie now supports midwives and birth professionals through the emotional aftermath of traumatic births, burnout, and the heavy expectations of the profession.Together, we unpack the somatic foundations of trauma, how nervous systems get "stuck," and what real healing can look like. We also talk boundaries (the kind that keep you and your clients safe), deconstruct the martyrdom baked into midwifery culture, and explore how to build more sustainable careers in birth work—without abandoning your heart.Whether you're a seasoned provider or a student midwife just entering the field, this is an honest, compassionate conversation you need to hear.🔗 Show Notes: Learn more about Christie Davis and her somatic healing work for birth professionals at https://www.perinataltraumacenter.com/aboutCheck out our Boundaries for Birthworkers course on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com
In this special episode, we’re stepping beyond borders — and beyond our usual programming — to bring you a snippet from our Midwifery on the Move webinar series.Host Augustine Colebrook is joined by two extraordinary traveling midwives: Katrina, a licensed midwife and educator who began her international work in India, and Jata, a neurodivergent advocate and researcher who has practiced in Tanzania, the UK, Australia, and more.This series explores what it really means to bring midwifery across cultures: The beauty and challenge of practicing globally Cultural humility vs. cultural competence How travel shapes us personally and professionally Navigating ethics, expectations, and impactIf you’ve ever dreamed of taking your midwifery work on the road — or you’re just curious about what’s possible — this conversation will inspire, challenge, and expand your view.Want more? This episode is just a taste of our four-part Midwifery on the Move (8 CEU) webinar. Sign up now to get the full recordings, handouts, and join us live on August 6 and 11, 2025 for the final sessions.Links: 🎧 Learn more & register for the webinar → https://midwiferyonthemovewebinar.eventbrite.com 📌 Follow us on Instagram → www.instagram.com/midwiferywisdom
Host Shiphrah sits down with Kavita Sahai, founder of Vibes Tribe, to explore her journey from burnout and brain fog to vibrant health and grounded purpose. She shares how a simple shift in mindset—prioritizing wellness over hustle—led her from finance to natural wellness. We talk about the power of small daily practices, why midlife is such a profound (and often overlooked) period of transition for women, and how stacking five-minute habits can change everything. From meal planning to hormone shifts, from fiber to essential oils—this is a candid, practical, and empowering conversation for anyone seeking a more vibrant life. Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or simply feeling the need for change, this episode reminds us: your well-being is a worthy goal—and you're not alone in the journey.Feeling burnt out from birthwork? You need to take our Boundaries for Birthworkers class online! Access the community at vibestribe.co
In this episode, newly graduated midwife Adilah Yelton joins host Shiphrah Israel to reflect on her journey from student to practicing midwife. She shares openly about the complexities of shifting from student to colleague, navigating preceptor relationships, and the deep need for self-care, community, and nervous system regulation along the way.Adilah also recounts the unexpected discovery of a brain tumor just as she was preparing for her NARM exam—and how rest, community support, and cultural postpartum traditions helped her recover and slowly return to practice.Based in Houston, Texas, Adilah provides culturally rooted postpartum care through Malay Postpartum Spa and Wellness, alongside her midwifery work with Tulip Midwifery.🎧 Looking for a preceptor? Download our free Ultimate Preceptor Match Checklist at www.midwiferywisdom.com to help you find the right fit on your midwifery journey.
In this week’s episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine Colebrook sits down with Indie McDowell—a classically trained anthropologist and clinically trained midwife with a truly global journey.Indie began her career working with UNICEF’s Maternal and Neonatal Health Team in Kyrgyzstan before returning to the UK to complete her midwifery training. From there, her path led her to clinical work in Cambodia and Malawi, ultimately drawing her to Ethiopia.After a year and a half leading neonatal services and emergency obstetric care at a busy referral hospital in rural southwest Ethiopia alongside her colleague Atsede Kidane, the two chose to build something different: their own clinic, rooted in compassion and centered on women’s needs.Stories from their work in Ethiopia is beautifully captured in the book With Two Souls, co-written by Indie McDowell and Atsede Kidane.We also dive into what it means to truly commit to place, community, and long-term impact in global birth work.Are you a midwife called to work beyond borders? Join us for our upcoming Traveling Midwife Webinar —a 4-part, 8-hour CEU event designed for aspiring and experienced birthworkers who are exploring midwifery on the move. Led by Augustine Colebrook, and guest traveling midwives, this immersive series will cover legalities, logistics, and cultural considerations of traveling birth work—both international and domestic.🗓️ Part 1: July 3rd & 9th | 7–9PM EST 🗓️ Part 2: August 6th & 11th | 7–9PM EST ✅ 8 MEAC-approved CEUsRegister now on https://tinyurl.com/travelingmidwife
Hosts Shiphrah and Susanna sit down with Sophia Ortiz, an independent midwife based in Corfu, Greece, to explore what it truly means to walk the path of midwifery.With over a decade of experience and more than 100 births attended, Sophia brings a deep reverence for birth as both a physiological marvel and a spiritual rite of passage. She shares how her journey—from drama school to midwifery school in the UK, to her current work supporting families in Corfu—helped her realize what she had always known deep down: she is and has always been a midwife.Learn more about Sophia on her website: https://www.birthingwisdomcorfu.com/
In this powerful episode, hosts Shiprah and Susanna sit down with Adelaide Adubouffour—renowned Perineal Specialist Midwife and founder of Peri Health London—to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of postpartum care: perineal trauma.Drawing from her work at West Middlesex University Hospital and nearly a decade of teaching and clinical leadership, Adelaide shares why perineal health matters, how we can improve outcomes for birthing people, and what inspired her to create a globally recognized training program for midwives and doctors.If you care about pelvic floor integrity, respectful repair, and empowering providers to do better, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Learn more about Adelaide's work here:https://perihealthlondon.com/
We’re still on a break from the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast but will be back with new episodes in just a few weeks!In the meantime, enjoy these clips from the Q&A section of our latest Teachable e-course, Preventing and Treating Hemorrhage.This in-depth course is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge and stay up to date on the latest hemorrhage management protocols in the community birth setting.Resources:Preventing and Treating Hemorrhage E-CourseBoundaries for Birthworkers E-Course
This week, we’re bringing back one of our top episodes featuring the one and only Flor Cruz, aka Badass Mother Birther! 🌟Flor is a: Latina Birth Worker, Birth Influencer, Award-Winning Doula and a Birth Educator with a wildly popular social media account @badassmotherbirtherShe’s on a mission to normalize birth and celebrate women’s bodies—no matter how or where they choose to give birth. You won’t want to miss this powerful conversation! 🎧
Today’s episode is a rerun—a timeless favorite from our archives. Three experienced midwives join Augustine Colebrook for an insightful discussion on charting fetal heart tones.✨ Topics Covered:How often should you chart?How do you determine if a baseline has changed?Most importantly, what data is essential for defensible documentation in case of a bad outcome?Like we said—an oldie, but a goodie!🔹 Special Update: The wonderful Ilka Fanni, featured in this episode, has since come a long way in her midwifery journey. She will be a mentor at our upcoming Pathway to Midwifery – New Student Retreat at Yokayo Ranch, March 17-18, 2025!🎟 Reserve your spot now at www.midwiferywisdom.com.Resources:Fetal Heart Tones CourseDefensive Charting Course
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including fetal and maternal loss.Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! While we take a short break between seasons, enjoy this rerun of one of our most popular episodes. We’ll be back with brand-new episodes in just a couple of weeks!In this episode, Augustine Colebrook sits down with Roxanne Anderson, a seasoned Texas midwife, for a powerful conversation about faith, birth, and the challenges of midwifery.Roxanne shares personal stories from her early years, reflecting on her journey as a Christian midwife within the Born in Zion movement. Together, she and Augustine explore the intersections of faith, fear, societal influence, and the role of religion in birth.Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion!
What It Means to Be a Birth Rebel – Season 5 Finale! 🎉This episode with Dr. Melanie Jackson marks the end of Season 5! As a midwife, researcher, and host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast, Melanie dives deep into what it truly means to be a "birth rebel." She shares insights from her PhD research on birth outside the system, her experience as a private midwife, and her work mentoring midwives, and expecting parents in Australia and beyond through her impressive online reach!Join us for this powerful conversation on informed choice, the challenges of midwifery beyond traditional models, and what it takes to create meaningful change in birth care.We’re taking a short break, but we’ll be back soon with an exciting global adventure in Season 6! We’ll travel the world, meeting midwives from different countries to learn about their wins, challenges, and the incredible ways they are making a difference.Until then, take care and make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter at www.midwiferywisdom.com to stay up to date! 💜✨