Your Midwife Mentor Podcast

Today we’re chitty chatting about the second core element of the ‘MMM’ framework-MARVEL!This may sound like an interesting topic to cover, however when you’re able to bring ‘it’ all back to the bare bones, you’re able to rediscover your passion and drive for a career you’ve dedicated SO much time, energy, tears and dollar bucks to.Here we will uncover what it means to truly marvel at birth again! Do you remember that?! We will explore rediscovering your philosophy, how you integrate this in your #werklyfe and to find the special moments in the most hectic of days!I’ll also share my 3 hot tips that have brought me back from the bring of bitter-battleaxe Midwife to deeply passionate and motivated Midwife again!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

What does it mean to be a ‘willing’ midwife?! The inspiration for this episode comes from an episode of ‘The great birth rebellion’ podcast’ I love a good birth conversation and Rhea Dempsey has stirred up this latest thread.We know about Rhea’s concept of a ‘willing’ woman to walk into labour and surrender to the journey. BUT what does it mean to be the ‘willing’ midwife to hold the door open for that woman?!What do we need to be aware of?How does that look in interacting with women?And how can we change this when/if we become aware that this extra-amazing version of ourselves is needed!In this episode, we chat about:The energy we bring to the birth suite is SO important and influential-both negatively and positively.Keep an eye on your belief in birth working in the hospital. This view can become skewed the more we see as ‘normal’ in this birthing context. Birth works.Being able to recite every policy and draw up antibiotics with one hand isn’t the most important part of your role.An awareness of physiology, psychology, communication, social interactions AND how this plays out in the birth suite is the nuts and bolts of midwifery care.Gold stars about using the ‘right’ color pen doesn’t mean you’ve made it-its a clue for you to keep delving into your own role and philosophy.Knowing when to take time for yourself means you're able to fully embody ‘willing’ day in, day out.Stay aware of your ability to provide exceptional care when your feeling depleted and the best ways YOU reset.Have a listen and reflect on how you show up as 'willing' to work with others on the same page.Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Kate, the self-professed maternity nerd, registered and endorsed midwife, mother of three, wife, feminist, and passionate about motherhood. Her list of ‘accreditation’ is impressive BUT what I was most interested about is her journey from Melbourne to Perth (sound familiar?!), stressful working conditions in rural WA, when it became too much (and what took the hit!). Not to mention where she sits now with her career and life integration-happy as a clam.We chatted ALOT (there seems to be a theme here!):Kate’s knowing about working in healthcare in any capacity The ‘long way round’ journey to MidwiferyThe realities of hospital Midwifery in metropolitans cities Vs ruralThe concept of ‘safe practice’ for MidwivesThe challenges inconsistent work and motherhood presented in the relationship Integrating back into work after the move BACK across the NullaborBurnout at work was gaslighting as relationship issuesIdentifying the lack of support for women and working mothers in a ‘woman-centered’ environmentThe politics of exec and how out of  touch they really are!The never-ending journey of EFT problems within hospitals and Kate’s own experiences of thisThe battle of being a ‘good’ midwife (exceptional notes and jobs done) Vs with woman (true, fulfilling connection with a birthing woman BUT crappy notes)The grind of working OUT of alignment with philosophyThe pull to build own business which would allow for school drop offs, pick ups, sports days and MotheringThat ONE LAST SHIFT that confirmed she’s out of ‘the system’Difficulty and inability of managerial Midwives to uphold theoretical patient ratios and maintain safetyThe allure of doubles and the road to ruinHow the small things mean the most from an organizational care standpoint Community feel in private Midwifery that FEELS GOODKate’s top 3 tips for Midwives working the hospital at the momentI hope you enjoy the listen!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

When we are working as a hospital-based Midwife, we are still called to the profession for a variety of reasons. The babies, the women, the community, the clinical element?We are taught in the hospital ALL about birth and work under a set of policies/rules/OB preferences. We are largely governed by individual practice preferences, which often contradict the evidence around birth, intervention and birthing complications. (A BIG grind!).As a Midwife, the role of advocacy takes incredible amounts of resilience and in my own experience-some days you have it, some days you don’t. The emotional toll on our minds and bodies is one that’s not usually talked about where we’re ‘training’, the focus is on getting your births, ticking off competencies and surviving any given shift.The road to feeling energetically depleted is long (in hindsight) but can smack you in the face in the acute phase, when you’re least expecting it and has ongoing effects.Let’s chat about the 5 BIG signs that the wheels are falling off and some strategies to overcome and work through these, *cough* without quitting your ‘dream job’ and moving to interstate *cough*.5 SIGNS THE WHEELS ARE FALLING OFF:Key Point #1: (ongoing) Mild anxiety on way to workKey Point #2: Quick to reach FULL frustrationKey Point #3: Lacking in emotional connectionKey Point #4: Not taking care of yourselfKey Point #5: You lose faith in birth and womenTake a listen for WHAT TO DO about these!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Joelleen is a IBCLC lactation consultant, endorsed Midwife, Natropath and overall a gem of a human! We reflect upon her Midwifery beginnings in NZ and how education was an essential component of her grad year. This began and fuelled her desire to learn and grow professionally. We chat about her own health journey, non-negotiable self care practices and those that are effective for energy protection on the ward…And of course SO much more!!First taste of burnout whilst still new to the profession which manifested as migrainesOwn health journey to healing and integrating with workThe desire to invest time and energy into ongoing professional learningHow she has worked out ‘work’ over her career and has now hit a beautiful flow of hospital and private practiceNon-negotiable daily self care *cough* exercise *cough*How protecting your breaks at work is SO importantHow realizing her own role is diverse BUT very different in different organizations and should be kept separate for her own mental healthAbsolute dedication to a high level of self careJoelleen shares her TOP TIPS for any Midwife working now to healing and preventing burnout**As this episode goes to air Joelleen is launching her ‘Preparing for breastfeeding’ workshop, so pop to her website or instagram for more details**Let’s get chatting!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

I know how hard it can be some days to get your break, I do.I was that typical person who worked through breaks because ‘I’ll just see room 3 before I go’, nek minnit it’s been an hour and it seems more worthwhile to push through until lunch. Except…by the time I’m ready to go, it’s so close to handover I might as well wait, give handover and leave early. Hahaha! If there were still jobs to do, I’d quickly try to do them to help out the next shift because I KNEW it would be a shit show for them. Walking out the door by 4 was a bonus some days! I know I’m not unique in this and it took me a really long time of grinding to prioritise myself on a shift over-shock horror-my patients!Let’s talk about preparing for a shift, getting in the door, moving through your day and winding it all up-often to go do our second “shift” at home.Links and Resources:Enter the Midwive reset Giveaway HERE *This giveaway closes on January 8th, 2023* Download ‘The Midwives post-shift debrief:ultimate energy saver on-the-go!’ HEREJoin the waitlist for our online course RECALIBRATESupport the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Today we hear from Jasmine from ‘Let’s Sleep’. Jaz is a passionate Nurse, Midwife and Maternal and child Health Nurse. She is the go-to for sleep deprived parents and brings hands-on experience, knowledge and heart-filled wisdom to reclaim a family’s sleep. Using responsive strategies that suit your child and life, she’s here to give you the tools – and sleep – you crave. Jaz works in your home in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula or online and supports families with sleep and settling from birth to five years old.We get chatty about what led her to study Midwifery after completing her Nursing degree. This bright-eyed bushy tailed human seemed to always be studying and exploring learning when I met her. And to be honest, I was in complete awe-how on earth did she manage it all, I used to be able!Jasmine reflects on her career progression from ward life, to community Midwifery and now settling into her own business-Let’s Sleep. When connecting the dots backwards, where Jazz sits at the moment makes perfect sense! The long drives, tricky hours and assignments were and continue to be worth it for the knowledge and level of expertise she possesses. We talk about:Why Jaz  ‘became’ a MidwifeOvercoming initial apprehension around working on the Midwifery wardAppeal of working (and loving!) the postnatal wardThe path of continual learning in healthcare and exit strategyChallenges of hospital work and its effects on care of self and personal lifeOngoing systemic strainHot tips around self care and shift workBaby sleep chats and its impact on our mental healthThe bigger vision of having sleep education become as mainstream as birth education!This journey hasn’t been without its challenges: busy shifts, toxic workplace culture, challenging personalities, career hurdles, personal life and SO much more. These tricky spots were handled with an honest look at self and a prioritization and thought-process that has ensured longevity and a fresh perspective. To work with Jaz, you can enquire via her website or follow along via her Instagram account.👉  Links and ResourcesLet’s Sleep website IG- @lets__sleepDownload Midwives post-shift debrief toolRecalibrate Waitlist Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Episode 4 is here-after my own baby birthing hiatus!I’m grateful to have had my latest labour and birth experience to add another fresh perspective to the mix about what makes a 'good' Midwife?I have often wondered, what makes ME a ‘good’ Midwife and does that change depending on who I ask? Obstetrician? Midwife colleague?nStudent? Client? Friend?And I think it does! So, I ask the question, what makes a 'good' Midwife?What qualities make a ‘good’ Midwife?!According to the Australian College of Midwives,“A midwife is a health professional who supports you in labour and birth and helps you have your baby.”“Midwifery is more than just a job; it’s a calling, a lifestyle, for some it’s even a key part of identity.” (See link below for full definition).So what does that mean?? And am I even those things?!Here we look at those traits identified as unique to a Midwife and some hot tips to reflect on where you see yourself.Midwives are inherently caring; defined as: displaying kindness or concern for others/work or practice of looking after someone who is unable to look after themselves; especially due to age or illnessDifferent experiences leave you appreciating different qualities from your care provider.Clinical knowledge and competence is a given-all of us have that fundamental training.For Midwife leaders emotional intelligence has been identified as a vital element which comprises of being caring, supportive, warm, friendly, connected with others, empowering of others and ‘feeling’ their job.Effective communication is critical, especially in tense circumstances-which we often experience in any given shift.How do we enhance these traits, while surviving on the ward??Enjoy my 3 hot tips:Where do you sit on the emotional intelligence scale?Who do you admire and respect at work? And why?How are the people you care for feeling? And how do you treat them?Point for reflection: How does the way we care for ourselves reflect back into our work?Relevant Links:Australian College of Midwives https://www.midwives.org.au/Web/Web/About-ACM/Whats_a_midwife.aspx?hkey=2486b745-4da0-44c0-8f04-eaeaf27a9915‘She sort of shines’: midwives’ accounts of ‘good’ midwifery and ‘good’ leadershipSheena Byrom, RN, RM, MA (Consultant Midwife)a,􏰀, Soo Downe, BA (Hons), RM, MSc, PhD (Professor of Midwifery Studies)Join the waitlist for our online course RECALIBRATE Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Here is our final ‘M’ in the framework, all wrapped up nicely in a bow! Tah-dah!Our mindset walking in the double doors at work can have a huge impact on the energy in a birth room. Walking in feeling crappy and cranky can manifest with you feeling worse by the end of the shift because you haven’t fulfilled your own expectations of care provision.Or perhaps as with the case in ‘survival mode’, you're JUST trying to get through the day and get outta there again. This all has an impact on you, your colleagues and the people you're caring for.A junk mindset affects your perception of the fulfillment your getting from work, can build up stress and tension in your body AND leech into all aspects of your ‘outside’ life.Here we chat about:>Recap how powerful the mind is in affecting your emotions, physical responses and functioning.>Take a look at your own energy and how to tweak it before bringing that stink into a birth suite>Other tips and tricks to nut out where your at…ps I’m pretty sure you know this already!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Today I’m introducing the unique framework that underpins my flagship, online course and the bones of my most recent work!  This course has been in my mind and heart for years and has been designed to support Midwives through busting burnout by working WITH their bodies and minds.My ‘M.M.M framework’ came about through my own experiences with burnout during my Nursing and Midwifery career and stumbling across some brilliant resources.As a result, I officially  declare-There is more than one ‘M’ in Midwife!Movement, marvel and mindset are the foundations of the framework and today we will chitty chat about movement!These 3 core “M’s”, when integrated thoroughly into your #werklyfe, create a solid foundation for recognising stress triggers, micro traumas that can accumulate along the way (hot tip: the DO!) and how to weave in strategies to move through these, ALL while we’re going about our day on the ward.To download my FREEBIE to start you on your burnout busting journey, click HERESupport the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_

Are you a Midwife? Are you deeply passionate about your career? Are you energy-zapped? Are you nearly ‘tank empty’?Your Midwife Mentor podcast with Me, Midwife Clare, is dedicated to supporting Midwives in any iteration of their career to learn the ‘how’s and why’s of moving daily micro-trauma’s and emotion OUT! In this podcast, using my unique M.M.M. framework, we will uncover the evidence and practical tips you need to dodge fully-blown burnout mode on the ward and share inspiring stories to reignite that spark and passion for your career.You will find easy-to-digest ‘shortie’ episodes, weaved in with inspiring interviews with exceptional Midwives and leave you feeling seen, supported and empowered.We’re coming soon, so subscribe now to be the first to know when we’re live!Support the showDownload The ultimate midwife survival guide now >HEREYou can follow along at @your_midwife_mentor_ and for Midwifery care enquiry, head to @tobirthbeautifully_