In this first episode, I have the pleasure of conversing with Gauri, a remarkable individual who serves as a freebirthing doula and facilitates a birth story circle right here in Frome, a town nestled in the west country of the UK.

Gauri shares insights from her background in psychology and trauma-focused healing, revealing how her spiritual journey and tantric healing work intertwined with her experiences giving birth to her two sons, ultimately guiding her towards becoming a freebirthing doula. Her stories illuminate the transformative power of birth, including a vaginal breech birth.

We talk about elements and practices that nurture a conducive birthing process, exploring ways to prepare for and honour this rite of passage. Gauri also addresses the topic of birth trauma and the importance of integrating birth stories, acknowledging their impact on our well-being.

With her work with the Yoni Tree, Gauri offers full support throughout the prenatal, birthing, and postnatal periods, with a focus on empowering women to activate their full power and authority in relation to their bodies and their transition into motherhood.

I feel immensely grateful to have Gauri as a friend and to have her presence within our immediate community. Her wisdom, compassion, and commitment to empowering individuals during this transformative journey are truly beautiful.

Links to the people, organisations, books mentioned in the podcast:

Gauri Algar and The Yoni Tree https://www.theyonitree.com, on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_yoni_tree/, email: [email protected]

Ina May Gasken https://birthworks.org/our_team_members/ina-may-gaskin/Freebirth Society https://www.freebirthsociety.com

Freebirth Society https://www.freebirthsociety.com and their podcast https://soundcloud.com/freebirthsociety

Yolande Norris-Clark and Orgasmic Birth https://www.yolandenorris-clark.com, https://www.instagram.com/bauhauswife/?hl=en

Kalindi Jordan and tantric body connection https://www.kalindijordan.com

Michel Odent https://www.midwiferytoday.com/speakers/michel-odent/

If you have enjoyed the podcast, please support me on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mothermouth

Music by 12Volt, with great thanks to my friend Sascha Usison.