In this episode, we discuss one of the most commonly used—and misused—reasons for cesarean in India: Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD), or the claim that a woman’s pelvis is “too small” for her baby’s head.

We dig into:

• What CPD actually is (and what it isn’t)
• Why true CPD is extremely rare—yet so frequently cited
• How fetal position, mobility in labor, and hospital timelines all impact diagnosis
• The danger of using estimated baby weight or maternal size to justify early surgery
• What women can ask or do if told they have CPD

Episodes to listen to explore further

EP88: Big Baby - A curse or Boon

EP83: Induction an epidemic?

EP101: Lavanya's Unnecessary Cesarean and the experience of Induction

EP106: Nikita's experience of Labor Pain with or without Induction

EP128: Decoding Meconium- the good and the bad?

With CPD being used to silence or rush thousands of birthing women every year, it’s time we take a closer look at the science—and the stories.

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It’s all too common—women being rushed into surgery at the very sight or even assumption of meconium in conventional hospital settings. Add to that the pressure many women face to deliver before 40 weeks, based on general risks that may not even apply to them personally.

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Vijaya Krishnan, Certified Professional Midwife and founder of Sanctum Natural Birth Center, a pioneering autonomous midwifery-led birth center in India. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Vijaya brings insight into what truly matters when it comes to safe, individualized care.

We unpack:

1. What meconium really means—when it’s normal, and when it’s not.
2. How meconium is approached at different stages of labor.
3. Can meconium be detected on an ultrasound?
4. Is artificially breaking the water helpful to check for or speed things up?
5. Why shared responsibility between provider and parents changes everything.
6. How preparation, education, and continuity of care impact outcomes.

Book Recommendations by Dr Vijaya:

• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery – by Ina May Gaskin
• Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage – by Dr. Rachel Reed ( My addition)

Connect with Dr. Vijaya:
📸 Instagram – @sanctumbirthcenter
🌐 Website – healthy-mother.com

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

Support the show:

Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

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Postpartum in India is celebrated in rituals, gatherings and expectations—but what about the actual needs of a new mother?

In this episode, I unpack 5 ways Indian women can experience a gentler, more supported postpartum phase—especially in the midst of complex family dynamics. From the emotional toll of unsolicited advice to the silent pressure to perform as a "good bahu," we explore how the early days after birth can feel more like a test than a time for healing.

We also talk about the vital role partners play—not just in baby care, but in mediating boundaries, protecting the mother’s space, and making sure her voice isn’t drowned out by cultural noise.

I also touch upon a deeply sensitive issue: the bias between families that exist with respect to the new family unit, the relationship with in laws , privacy and emotional boundaries—and how that dynamic can affect postpartum wellbeing.

If you're a new parent, expecting, or simply navigating these unspoken tensions, this episode will give you tools to make postpartum not just survivable—but sacred.

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

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Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
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In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood world of nipple shields—thin silicone covers used during breastfeeding. We’ll discuss why they’re so commonly recommended in the Indian hospitals, and how it can impact your breastfeeding journey.

As a Lactation Counselor, I see numerous cases where Nipple Shields alter the complete breastfeeding pace and route for mothers , so much so that, it sometimes, a lot more effort to establish breastfeeding.

We see in this episode , how this can be prevented earlier on in this journey.

Request the brochure for my Exclusive Efficient Breastfeeding and Postpartum program

Or book a free 20 min Call and connect with me ...

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

Support the show:

Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

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The primary aspect of birth is finding a place that supports us.
For some women, no institution feels like a safe space where they can truly let go and allow their intuition to guide them—where they can allow the process to unfold in its most optimal form. For others, a birth center that supports the natural function of the body is the right path.

Self-direction is crucial in any birth journey.
Afeeda’s birth story is an inspiring example of a self-directed birth—one rooted in deep connection with the self and intuition.

Today, we discuss:

• Afeeda’s journey of finding a birth center
• Events leading up to the birth
• Counseling she received along the way
• Self-directed decisions made at every step
• Her experience of labor and birth
• Breastfeeding and immediate postpartum

Afeeda holds a doctorate in Sociology and is a Social Anthropologist. Her research focuses on the embodied experience of pain in both medical and religious domains. She is the founder of Daiirah, a company that fosters a community centered around reconnecting with oneself. As a Life Coach, she has mentored students and institutions, helping them navigate emotional challenges and reach their highest potential.

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

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Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

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In the last episode, we spoke of Henry's Birth. In this part, we go through the experience of the transfer to the hospital and the reason behind.

Often, people are worried about a Home Birth and transfer, here we see what it can look like and that should help parents in their decision on where they would like to birth.

We discuss:

• Raj's feeling around the movement and iteraction with ambulance and authorities.
• Vikki's feelings and experience around the transfer.
• The hospital birth experience
• Breastfeeding experience and early postpartum
• A couple's journey of discerning what the experience taught them

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

Support the show:

Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

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Vikki and Raj decided on a Home Birth as life directed them to . They found a midwife after one referred to another and then another until finally they met Ditta.

Their experience of a home birth is discussed in detail here. The one thing that stands out with them is the team work and mutual understanding they carry of each other at every step of the way. Its nourishing to each other, progressive as a couple and nurturing to a new soul.

No doubt, the birth was fast and little Henry wanted to meet his parents quick.

After the birth, placenta was separated with some pieces still retained, a situation like this can quickly escalate to a more serious and hence she was transferred to a hospital.

We discuss this at length in Chapter II

About the Guest: Viktoria (Vikki) and Raj are the proud parents of Henry and a dynamic Indo-German couple based in Berlin. Viktoria, an accomplished Western classical soprano, performs full-time with the internationally acclaimed RIAS Kammerchor, where her voice has graced prestigious concert halls across Europe. Raj, founder of Your Mind Sage Coach, combines his expertise as a certified coach with deep mindfulness practices rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions. His transformative approach has helped hundreds of clients navigate personal and professional challenges, fostering lasting positive change. Together, they blend artistic expression and mindful living, bringing their unique cross-cultural perspectives to both parenting and their respective crafts.

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

Support the show:

Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

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Routine Vaginal Examinations were never a part of traditional midwifery accross various ethnicities around the word.

It was used sparingly as it was also considered an intervention.

In this episode, you will learn about

• Vaginal Examination in Late Pregnancy
• Vaginal Examination during Labor
• Benefits and Downsides of it along the way

Donate to support this podcast -

https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#donate

This is the voluntary support that keeps the podcast going.

Support the show

Sign up for Childbirth Preparation Programs! visit www.birthagni.com/birthclasses

This episode is supported and made possible by podcast recording and hosting tool Zencastr, it is impeccably made!

Use my link : https://zen.ai/vxmuJUgYKKGTF3JuTuFQ0g to sign up and record flawless remote podcast , USE my code : BIRTHAGNI

Support the show:

Donations (India) - https://birthagni.com/birthagnipodcast#podcast-list
Donations (world) - buymeacoffee.com/birthagni

• If you like what you hear, leave us
  • a rating on Spotify app and answer the question at each episode!
  • a review on Apple podcasts.
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• Support the production by making a donation at ...