The Better Birth podcast with Erin Fung

I welcome the fabulous midwife Kelly back on to the podcast for the low down on growth charts and scans! We discuss what a growth chart is and why we measure baby's size, the different types of "small babies", why some may be cause for concern and others not at all, big babies and why they may not be so scary, and inaccuracies of fundal height measurements, scans and plotting averages on charts. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I chat to Maeve and her midwife Daisy about how she achieved an empowering and positive birth. Maeve is a 32 year old first time mum who gave birth in June 2024. She is passionate about holistic health and the practice of yoga, which drew her to travel to Bali 8 years ago, where she met her husband. Maeve lives between Bali and the UK and is now exploring birth work after her amazing birth of her first child.

I chat to Vanessa D'Souza, Masterchef semi-finalist, autism and ADHD awareness campaigner, and new mother. We discuss her experience of pregnancy, and why being AuDHD and navigating antenatal care, advice and recommendations can be hugely challenging, and how she prepared for and handled discussions around induction and risk with obstetricians. She tells me about going to almost 43 weeks pregnant and the discussions had with doctors, lack of information and up to date evidence, and how her autism meant she was better clued up than most in order to advocate for herself and her baby! You can find Vanessa on social media @The.Autistic.Chef

I chat to client Anna about why she chose to do a hypnobirthing course with me, her VBAC journey navigating the NHS maternity system, and what happened when she gave birth! Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I chat to doula Caz Sayles about how she started in doula work, what the role of the doula is (and isn't!) and the highs and lows of birth work. You can find Caz at https://www.cazsayles.co.uk or on Instagram and Facebook at @cazsayles_doula Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

In this episode I chat to Stephanie Ernst, founder of the TAPS Support Foundation, about monochorionic twins and the complications they may experience. Monochorionic twins, often referred to as identical twins, can experience more complications compared to dichorionic twins (fraternal), and Stephanie talks us through the chances of these twins experiencing conditions such as TTTS, TAPS and fetal growth restriction. We discuss the ways these babies may be monitored for these conditions, the pathways of care if they're diagnosed, and the potential outcomes. Stephanie Ernst facilitates conversations between parents and professionals about the unique needs of complicated twins and multiple birth families and their challenges. Founder of TAPS Support, and experienced twin parent, her passion is breaking down medical jargon and ensuring that people have quality information about multiple births from before birth, to beyond the NICU.  You can find her charity at https://www.tapssupport.com Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I listen to my client Emma's story of her second pregnancy and birth. Emma talks about why she chose to do a course with me, and the impact it had on both her own confidence in navigating the NHS maternity services, but how reassuring it was for her partner. She talks us through bumps in her pregnancy, and how despite the birth center being closed, she ensured she had a positive and magical birth! If you'd like to find out more about the courses I offer, go to www.better-birth.co.uk

In this week's episode I chat to Ashley Winning, a doula, birth educator, fellow podcaster and mum of 3. Ashley talks about her 2 unplanned c-sections, and why she chose to freebirth at home with her third child. We chat special scars, posterior birth, risks and benefits of an HBAC, and the importance of intuition. It's an important episode for anyone hoping for a vaginal birth after a caesarean!If you want to contact Ashley for support with your VBAC or HBAC you can find her at https://ashleywinning.com or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ashleylwinning/ Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Emma's back! I chat to the Naked Doula about the birth of her second child. Whilst the birth didn't take the path she had hoped and dreamed of, Emma's story is one of tenacity, faith, instinct, intuition and power, and demonstrates the importance of knowing yourself, your body, and your options. This story is raw, emotional and inspirational. Thank you so much Emma for your vulnerability and authenticity sharing such a powerful birth story! We also talk about Emma's new book, the Fearless Birth Book, which is available to buy at https://geni.us/FearlessBirthBook Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Joanne and Gareth did my complete hypnobirthing course in preparation for their first baby. I was so happy when Joanne got in touch as we worked together back in my old life when I worked in Canary Wharf in Corporate marketing, and I was super excited to support her throughout her pregnancy! Joanne and Gareth planned a home birth, but their baby had other thoughts and decided to throw a spanner in the works and surprise Joanne on her due date! Listen to how strong, in control, and empowered Joanne was throughout her birth despite it being fast and not quite according to plan!

"just hop on the bed" "I'll be back in 10 mins to monitor baby" "I can't hear baby well so we'll just pop on this CTG"... They're common occurrences in a hospital birth, but even the most well prepared birther can have their birth re-railed by seemingly innocuous circumstances. I chat to doula Georgie about the common things that can derail your plans for a vaginal birth if you're planning to birth in hospital. Georgie is doula in Oxfordshire, who home educates he rtwo older children and has a new baby. She fell into being a doula because she loves information sharing, and discussing both evidence and intuition about pregnancy, birth, post partum and parenting with families. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I chat to Maddie McMahon, doula, doula trainer and breast-feeding counsellor, about the history of the doula role and what the skills and training doulas receive. We chat about the differences and overlap between midwives and doulas, the value a doula can bring to the perinatal period for a pregnant person and their family, and how their roles have evolved over the years to the current modern day. Maddie is a mother and step mother to 3 children, doula and breastfeeding counsellor of 20 years, and founder of Developing Doulas, a doula training company. She's the author of the Pinter and Martin books "Why doulas matter" and " Why mothering matters" and is also a founder and trustee of two breastfeeding support charities. You can find Maddie at https://developingdoulas.co.uk/ Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Catch up on my Instagram live with @hazelkeedle and @drfeeleyrm talking about the U.K. birth trauma enquiry. On 9 January 2024, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on birth trauma in the UK Parliament will set up an inquiry to investigate the reasons for traumatic birth and to develop policy recommendations to reduce the rate of birth trauma. Research shows that about 4-5% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth – equivalent to approximately 25,000-30,000 women every year in the UK. Studies have also found that a much larger number of women – as many as one in three – find some aspects of their birth experience traumatic. Birth Trauma affects 30,000 women across the country every year. 53% of women who experienced birth trauma are less likely to have children in the future and 84% of women who experienced tears during birth, did not receive enough information about birth injuries ahead of time.   The cross-party inquiry is led by Theo Clarke MP and Rosie Duffield MP and aims to find out more about the experiences of women who have been affected by traumatic birth. The inquiry is currently gathering written and oral evidence to inform the policy report which will include practical policy recommendations for the UK Government and will be published in Spring 2024.  Seven sessions to hear evidence will run on consecutive Mondays in Parliament between 5 February and 18 March 2024.  The inquiry is inviting written submissions both from parents and from professionals who work in maternity. It is open to everyone in the UK, and we particularly welcome submissions from people from marginalised communities such as those who are racially minoritised, LGBT, economically disadvantaged, homeless, asylum seeking or displaced, care experienced, neurodivergent or facing any other circumstances which means their voice is less likely to be heard.    The inquiry will report in April 2024. If you feel distressed as a result of sharing your story, either in writing or in person, please contact one of the organisations listed below: 💜@birth_trauma_association_uk peer support: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk The Birth Trauma Association supports parents who have been affected by traumatic birth. Its email is staffed by peer supporters who have all themselves experienced birth trauma. 💜 @birthbetter Make Birth Better: hello@makebirthbetter.org Make Birth Better also supports parents affected by birth trauma as well as professionals affected by vicarious trauma. Their email is staffed by mental health professionals (psychologists and a psychiatrist). 💜 @pandas_uk helpline: 0808 1961 776 PANDAS supports parents with prenatal or postnatal depression, as well as other perinatal mental health challenges. Its helpline is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm. 💜 @blisscharity : hello@bliss.org.uk This offers support for parents and families of premature and sick babies. You can request a video call if you prefer. 💜 @masicfoundation info@masic.org.uk or 0808 1640 8333 MASIC supports people who have experienced injuries as a result of birth. 💜National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 The helpline is run by the charity Refuge. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers free and confidential advice. A translation service is available if English is not your first language. 💜Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org The Samaritans helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress. 💜 @sandscharity : 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk. You can call the helpline if you need support after the death of a baby, whether it was recent or long ago. It is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

We often focus so much on the birthing person's experience of birth, but we forget that birth involves two people... and what about the baby? I chat to ex-midwife, birth keeper and wise woman Joy Horner about how baby's experience birth, and the impact this can have on an emotional, neurological and cellular level. Joy was a midwife for 21 years, and worked 16 years as an Independent homebirth midwife. She now works as a Sacred Birthkeeper, Perinatal Consultant, and Wise Woman. You can find Joy at https://birthjoy.co.uk/. You can find the books Joy mentions here: https://www.breathandinspiration.com/store/c6/Being_Born.html and the course she took here https://conscious-embodiment.co.uk/aboutus/overview/ Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Tearing! It's something we all worry about when it comes to birth, but what happens if you DO experience a tear? I chat to independent midwife Abigail Latif, and women health physio Beth Sutcliffe, about how tears are identified and treated. We discuss what to expect immediately after giving birth, how your tear may be fixed, and why and when to see a women's health physio, as well as the common complaints postnatally after a tear. Abigail is an Independent midwife and founder of maternal matters. Nhs midwife for over 10 years IM for 1 year. She practices independently now in Manchester, and her. previous experience is in community midwifery, home & birth center births. At her north Manchester studio she works with other maternal businesses & local community to provide a holistic maternal timetable for others and their babies, includes Hypnobirthing, Pilates, bio mechanics, pop up workshops and my passion breastfeeding support. She is also a mural free lance artist & birth activist. Beth is a women's health physio at the Mum Physio and is based in Middleton, North Manchester. She trained as a Physiotherapist at the University of Liverpool in 2013, and established TheMumPhysio after working six years in the NHS and two years privately. She treats women of all ages with women’s health related conditions, and she specialises in supporting women during their pregnancies, postpartum and beyond to help regain control and confidence. She is passionate about educating and informing women about Pelvic Health and often does educational talks at local groups. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Breathing is something we all do naturally and instinctively, but does how we breathe matter during pregnancy and particularly during birth? I chat to doula and biomechanics expert Shellie Poulter about how breathing techniques we teach in hypnobirthing actually affect not only how we're feeling, but the biomechanics effects on muscle, tissue, pelvic floor and labour itself. We chat coached pushing and why it's harmful, the different breathing techniques and how they differ, and what exactly is happening to you and your body during pregnancy and birth. If you want to give Shellie a follow you can find her on social media https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

What does LGBT stand for, and how does this community experience pregnancy and birth differently in maternity care? I chat to Laura Rose Thorogood about the experiences of the LGBT community throughout pregnancy and birth. From language, inclusion and care, we chat about the changes that need to be made, and how healthcare providers and the public can educate themselves to be empathetic, kind, and inclusive. Laura-Rose is a married lesbian mother of four donor conceived children by IUI and IVF over twelve years.  She is both a Bio and Non Biological mother and has loved experience of operative birth, failed cycles, miscarriage, secondary infertility and birth trauma.  She is an LGBT+, Maternity and Fertility Activist, educator, writer, seasoned speaker, & campaigner. She is Founder of LGBT Mummies, supporting over 70,000 worldwide through guidance, community, support groups and events. Through Proud Foundations their educational arm, she lectures & trains midwives and healthcare professionals, educates and consults with organizations to be inclusive, & has worked with the Government, NHSE & DHSC making policy & law recommendations & has been invited into and presented in Parliament. She has multiple roles across NHSE, RCOG,UCL, HFEA, MMHA, Chair of the largest national MNVP, & creates change to create equity and equality for marginalised minority groups. She is also a Trustee for UK charity Fertility Network UK. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

It's virtually impossible not to be labelled as high risk these days, but what does it ACTUALLY mean? I chat to midwife Daisy Kelly about the high risk label, why context and personalised care is so important, and what you can do if you're given the label of high risk. We talk rights, advocacy, delving in to statistics and making sense of chance and risk, and talk in more depth about specific situations such as PPH, big babies and other common "high risk" labels. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Birth & breast-feeding. There is such a huge impact on infant feeding depending on what happened during your birth. From drug use for induction or pain relief, so caesarean birth, mother baby separation, and so much more. I chat to Bea, a hypnobirthing and infant feeding specialist, about what can have an impact on your infant feeding journey postnatally, and what you can do if your birth affects feeding. Bea is from Bea’s Birth & Boobs and is a hypnobirthing teacher and antenatal instructor in Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire as well as a breastfeeding counsellor and infant feeding specialist, alongside working in the NHS community as an infant feeding support worker and has a passion for informed choice for birth and infant feeding. Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

It's the end of another year, and myself and my birth worker friends and colleagues review the highlights and worst bits of 2023, as well as our hopes and predictions for 2024. I hope you've had a wonderful year, and if you're expecting a baby in 2024, get in touch to get educated, empowered and ready to meet your baby! Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.