Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow birth worker Jen Culley to talk about the reality that early labour is often overlooked in modern birth preparation. We explore how early labour is represented on social media and how these portrayals can unintentionally shape women’s expectations in unhelpful ways. While short clips and reels can beautifully capture the moment a baby is born, they rarely show the quiet, powerful, and often lengthy process that leads up to i...
Send us a text In this episode, I explore one of the most delicate and important questions in birth work: Is my lived experience more important than your future one? So many women feel torn between wanting to share their birth story — whether it was empowering, challenging, or deeply traumatic — and wanting to protect others from fear or unrealistic expectations. But how do we find the balance? How do we share truthfully without limiting what’s possible for someone else? This conversation unp...
Send us a text In this episode, I talk about one of the most emotionally testing times in pregnancy — the waiting game. When your due date is approaching, or has come and gone, it can feel as though the world is on pause while everyone keeps asking, 'Have you had the baby yet?' I explore what this waiting period can really feel like — the impatience, the frustration, and the mental tug of war that happens when your baby still isn’t ready to arrive. I also talk about the pressure that ca...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered why two women can walk into the same antenatal clinic and have completely different experiences? In this episode, I explore what I call the 'Sliding Doors' effect in maternity care — how the door you walk through, quite literally or metaphorically, can shape your confidence, choices, and ultimately your birth outcome. I unpack how seemingly small differences in care — the tone of a conversation, the attentiveness of a practitioner, the questions asked — c...
Send us a text In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am exploring the Japanese art of kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a powerful metaphor for healing after a difficult or traumatic birth. Instead of hiding the cracks, kintsugi honours them, turning them into the most beautiful part of the story. And birth can be the same. Your previous experience, however painful, does not make you broken. It makes you wiser, clearer, and stronger as you prepare for your ...
Send us a text The Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your Experience In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore how Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework can help women, partners, and birth professionals better understand how we respond to expectations — and why that matters so much in pregnancy and birth. I share real-life examples of how each Tendency (Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel) might prepare for birth, how they may respond in the mo...
Send us a text In this episode, I’m speaking openly about the ongoing debate around paracetamol (Tylenol), especially its use during pregnancy and in young children. Headlines and politics — including Donald Trump jumping on a microphone with bold claims — have left many people either dismissing concerns outright or panicking. But if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, we risk missing the real science that deserves our attention. I explore: How paracetamol impacts the body: glutathione ...
Send us a text Every birth has a moment that feels impossible. For many women, it comes right before the pushing stage — a sudden rush of overwhelm, doubt, or fear. This is what I call 'The Wobble'. In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m diving deep into this essential topic. You’ll learn: What the Wobble really is — why it happens, when it usually shows up, and how to recognise itWhy it’s not a crisis, but a turning point in labourWhat partners can do in the moment to su...
Send us a text In light of the recent NMC and Doula UK video, I decided to record this special episode as I felt it relates this this season's theme: The Reality of Birth. The video tried to define the role of a doula but missed the mark — suggesting we simply reinforce what midwives advise. That’s not the truth. You can watch it here - https://youtu.be/bXqIBMTZHDs Many care providers still remain confused about the role of a doula — despite us providing care for 25 years or more in some case...
Send us a text In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m joined by Poppy Child from Pop That Mumma, who shares parts of her second birth story that she has never spoken about publicly before. Poppy went into her pregnancy journey believing that a pain-free birth was achievable, but the reality unfolded in ways she hadn’t expected. In this conversation, she opens up about the untold elements of her experience, offering an honest reflection on how expectations can differ from r...
Send us a text Season Six - The Reality of Birth Today Welcome to a brand-new series of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast In this first episode, I am exploring the romanticised idea of birth that we can sometimes hold. I share Where the romantic image of birth comes fromWhy relying only on a partner can be overwhelmingHow the 'bubble' can burst in labour and postpartumPractical preparation tips for birth partnersA listener’s question on intimacy vs. supportReflection prompts to help you prep...
Send us a text It's the season finale, and I’m delighted to wrap up with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation featuring the incredible Dr Rachel Reed - midwife, educator, author, and advocate for physiological birth. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid something that often triggers alarm bells during labour. But should it? Rachel helps us unpack the physiology, the myths, and the medical responses surrounding meconium in the waters. This co...
Send us a text In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares her powerful birth stories - welcoming both of her daughters in a Midwife Led Unit, despite being labelled ‘high risk’ due to a high BMI and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes. Amelia’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when a woman is supported to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and remain at the centre of her care. In our conversation, Amelia reflects on: The challenges and judgements she face...
Send us a text In this powerful episode, I’m joined by former NHS midwife Rosemary, who bravely opens up about her time working within the UK’s maternity system - and why she ultimately made the difficult decision to walk away. With her knowledge and experience of women-centred care, Rosemary speaks candidly about the challenges she faced as a midwife, from rising pressures to the emotional toll of witnessing care that didn’t align with her values. Rosemary shares what it means to support phy...
Send us a text In this essential episode, I open up a conversation with Hayley Schoenberg and Dr Margo, where they explain, that far too many women are suffering from postpartum prolapse - in silence. Despite how common it is, prolapse is rarely discussed during pregnancy, and even less so after birth. Yet it can have a profound physical and emotional impact on a woman's life. It's time to break the silence. In this episode, we explore: What postpartum prolapse actually isThe symptoms t...
Send us a text In today’s episode, I explore one of the most profound truths about birth - the fact that you are the creator of life. I dive into how modern maternity services undermine women's instincts, why doubt is a normal part of labour, and how the subconscious work of pregnancy is what truly saves women in the birth room. I explore why achieving a physiological birth in 2025 is about more than just having a birth plan. While a plan is a great starting point, it’s not enough to guarante...
Send us a text In today’s episode, I am sharing the incredible biological design of birth and how your body naturally prepares your baby for life outside the womb. Modern maternity care often disrupts this process, but when we understand how nature intended birth to unfold, we can make informed choices to protect it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How your microbiome shifts in pregnancy to prepare the birth canal for your babyWhy your baby’s first exposure to bacteria is essential for lif...
Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, we dive into a topic that may challenge how you think about birth support: the role of a doula or birthkeeper. While many believe our job is to shield you from the medical system, the truth is more complex. My role isn’t to control external factors or guarantee a specific birth outcome. Instead, it’s to help you overcome self-doubt, navigate fears, and trust your body. Together, we’ll work to build the resilience, ...
Send us a text In this episode, I explore the concept of the 'Full-Body Yes' and its profound impact on decision-making, particularly in the context of childbirth. Key topics include: Understanding the Full-Body Yes: Recognising when your entire being - mind, body, and spirit - is in complete alignment with a decision, leading to a deep sense of certainty and peace. The Role of Intuition in Childbirth: Emphasising the importance of trusting one's instincts during pregnancy and labor, an...
Send us a text In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am diving into the idea that intense, long contractions don't necessarily indicate progress in labour. I’ll take you through why contraction length alone isn’t a reliable indicator of progress and what actually matters more in birth. Tune in to discover: ✨ Why rhythm and body positioning matter more than contraction length ✨ What long contractions may be signalling about your baby’s position ✨ Prac...