In this episode we speak Fiona Hallinan and Agia Nenke, midwives and internal pelvic release practitioners, about the role of the pelvis in understanding labour and birth, the role of soft tissue and the impact of tension, perineal massage (or more relevantly, perineal kneading, and what not to do!), spinning babies and how to best support women and babies bodies to work together and minimise trauma both emotionally and physically when doing the birth dance.

Fiona and Agia speak beautifully about the history we all hold in our bodies, and the need for midwives and other birth workers to have the skills to be able to support physiology when that history gets in the way.

This is an incredible opportunity to hear from two leaders in this space in this space and we know you (whether you are preparing to birth, or supporting others in birth) will love it.

Links:

• The Pelvic Space
• No Bullsh*!t Birth Preparation course with Fiona, Agia and Lani at The Pelvic Space

In this episode we hear from co-host Alice and her husband Dave about their road from birthing in a private hospital under private obstetric care, through the grief of two miscarriages, to then birth at home via a publicly funded homebirth program. Alice looks back on her first vaginal birth, which she emerged from feeling victorious, now through the lens of greater understanding of birth and the role that her model of care and place of birth played in influencing the dynamic in the birth space, and the interventions that resulted.

We speak about the process leading up to the decision to birth at home, and the common questions that come up for partners and support people along that road. This is a great listen for anyone wanting to hear about the difference in experience between continuity of obstetric care and continuity of midwifery care, for those considering homebirth, and for partners who would benefit from another story from both sides (see also Elysia & Andrew’s episode!)

Links:

• Fiona Hallinan & internal pelvic release via The Pelvic Space, and birth education with Agia, Fiona + Ilana
• Women’s Health Physio - Embrace Physio & Pilates
• Doula Sue Lee
• The Great Birth Rebellion on Episiotomies
• “Is Home Birth Safe” Summary of Evidence
• Safer Care Victoria Homebirth Guideline
• “Puts the magic back into life — Fathers’ experience of planned homebirthhh
• “It could not have been more different.” Comparing experiences of hospital-based birth and homebirth in Ireland: A mixed-methods survey
• Private birth education with midwife Danielle Sorbello

Chapters

(00:54) Introduction

(06:34) Choosing private obstetric care

(25:25) Hugo’s labour and birth

(42:17) First postpartum

(48:36) Pregnancy loss

(01:06:09) Billy’s pregnancy and the road to homebirth

(01:19:18) Experiences of midwifery continuity of care

(01:23:32) Managing other people’s opinions on homebirth

(01:36:35) Billy’s labour and homebirth

Disclaimer: This podcast aims to share stories and education to assist you in navigating your pregnancy and birth and in discussing these choices with your chosen pregnancy care provider. The information and resources provided are educational in nature and do not constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice.

While we have worked hard to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and based on reliable and up to date evidence, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information. Our website and podcast are intended to complement, and never to substitute, your midwifery or medical clinical care.

In this episode we speak with obstetrician Dr Natalie Elphingstone about her obstetric training and how that contributes to a certain dominant philosophy of birth, her road to “doing” less and learning from and collaborating with midwives and doulas, the question of obstetric care for “low risk” or uncomplicated pregnancies, homebirth, curating postpartum support, and your choices in caesarean section. As you can see, this is a juicy one, and a must listen for all entering the maternity setting whether you are seeking obstetric care or not.

Links:

Dr Natalie Elphingstone on Instagram

Disclaimer: This podcast aims to share stories and education to assist you in navigating your pregnancy and birth and in discussing these choices with your chosen pregnancy care provider. The information and resources provided are educational in nature and do not constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice.

While we have worked hard to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and based on reliable and up to date evidence, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information. Our website and podcast are intended to complement, and never to substitute, your midwifery or medical clinical care.