Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this heartfelt and informative episode, we sit down with Jude Polack, the visionary founder of the original Genesis Clinic in Saxonworld, Johannesburg. Jude takes us on a journey through the history of this beloved birthing facility, from its inception in 2009 to its unexpected closure and inspiring rebirth.

Jude shares the story of why she initially sold the clinic to the Life Healthcare Group in 2015. We delve into the difficult decision by Life Healthcare to close the clinic in 2023, a move that left the community and staff reeling. 

Genesis Clinic has always been more than just a maternity ward; it's a sanctuary for families seeking a less medicalised and more empowering birth experience. As a midwife-led facility with an on-site emergency operating room, it provided a safe and supportive environment for thousands of families from all walks of life. Jude explains the core philosophy of Genesis: placing birthing families at the forefront, empowering women to choose their birth, and prioritising low-intervention births.

We discuss the broader implications of the clinic's closure within the South African context, including the country's high C-section rates, gender-based and obstetric violence, and deep inequities in the healthcare system. The closure of Genesis, along with other similar facilities, represents a "theft of choice" for women who deserve autonomy in their birthing journey.

But this isn't just a story of loss. Jude shares the compelling reasons why she was driven to reopen the Genesis Clinic. She details the new Genesis Clinic, a natural birth facility where mothers are cared for by independent midwife practices, supported by affiliated obstetricians, and have access to an on-site operating theatre for planned or emergency C-sections. The new Genesis Clinic continues its mission to provide a nurturing, family-centered environment where highly qualified nurses care for new parents as they embark on their beautiful journey.

For more information and announcements on the official opening of the new Genesis Clinic, visit https://genesis-clinic.co.za/.

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Simphiwe Joyce Delhi, a passionate Donated Breastmilk Coordinator. As a mother, mentor and advocate for breastfeeding, Joyce shares her inspiring journey and her work with the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR).

Join us as Joyce explains:

• The vital importance of breastmilk for both baby and mother, and the profound differences between formula and breastmilk.

• The incredible nutrition packed into every drop, especially for premature and vulnerable babies.

• The process of donating breastmilk and how it provides a lifeline for infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.

• How to get involved and become part of this life-saving community.

Joyce's dedication to reducing malnutrition and infant mortality shines through as she shares her goal of seeing every new mother breastfeed her baby. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about the science and heart behind human milk donation.

For more information, visit the South African Breastmilk Reserve Website and follow them on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram.

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this insightful episode, Dr. Margreet sits down with Dr. Howard Manyonga, a distinguished Ob-Gyn and the visionary founder of Network One Health (Pty) Ltd.

Join us as Dr. Manyonga shares his rich background and diverse experiences in the healthcare sector, from his extensive practice as an independent Ob-Gyn to his senior management roles in both non-profit and commercial organisations. He'll discuss his journey, including leading a large-scale demonstration of team-based maternity care across four sites before establishing Network One Health in 2021.

Discover how Network One Health is transforming maternity services in Gauteng for women with low-risk pregnancies. Dr. Manyonga passionately believes in value-based care and collaborative relationships to achieve universal access to maternity care.

Key Takeaways from Network One Health's Approach:

• Pregnancy is a Natural Process: Emphasizing natural births and reserving interventions for complications.

• Women-Centered Care: Prioritizing your choices and fostering shared decision-making for a positive birthing experience.

• Team Effort in Birth: Highlighting the integrated team of midwives, doulas, sonographers, general practitioners, and obstetricians working together.

• Digital Solutions for Enhanced Experience: Utilizing intelligent health technology for timely and efficient care.

• Predictable and Affordable Medical Bills: Offering an end-to-end maternity program from booking to six weeks post-delivery.

Network One Health's Comprehensive Services Include:

• Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans

• Antenatal Care

• Antenatal Classes

• Midwife-Led Births

• Home Visits

• Virtual Consultations

• Postnatal Care

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Howard Manyonga's inspiring mission to provide holistic, supportive, and accessible maternity care through Network One Health. For more information: 

https://www.networkonehealth.co.za/

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

Join us as we explore the world of waterbirth with Ester, a highly experienced advanced midwife. We'll discuss her journey, the benefits of waterbirth, address common concerns, and delve into the practicalities of this empowering birthing option.

Ester is a qualified advanced midwife who has worked in private and government hospitals for over 10 years. She has recently returned from working in the UK as a midwife. Ester is a passionate midwife who supports mothers with continuity of care through pregnancy, labour, and birth, creating space for physiological, natural, and waterbirth. She believes that every woman should know the joy of a safe, comfortable birthing experience regardless of the type of birth you end up having.  

Reach out to Ester: www.midwifeoncall.co.za

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

VBAC: Exploring Your Options for a Subsequent Birth with Sarah Jones

In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, an independent midwife specializing in VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).

We discuss:

• What is a VBAC? Understanding the process and factors that contribute to successful VBACs.

• Finding the right care provider: The importance of choosing a healthcare provider who supports and has experience with VBACs.

• Challenges and considerations: Exploring potential challenges such as labor induction and the possibility of a repeat C-section.

About Sarah Jones:

• Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed birth choices.

• Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital.

• Founded Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice.

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Sarah Jones, a midwife who recently experienced an unexpected emergency C-section. Sarah shares her personal birth story, highlighting how she emotionally prepared for the possibility of a C-section despite her desire for a natural birth.

We discuss:

• Preparing for the unexpected: How to emotionally and practically prepare for a potential C-section.

• The C-section experience: Sarah's personal account of her C-section experience.

• Post-C-section recovery: Tips for emotional and physical recovery after a C-section.

Sarah Jones:

• Experienced midwife with a passion for supporting parents in making informed choices about their birth.

• Graduated from WITS University and completed her community service at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital.

• Founder of Great Expectations Midwives, a private midwifery practice.

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this episode, we explore the crucial link between oral health during pregnancy and the lifelong dental well-being of children. We are joined by Dr. Tshepiso Mfolo, President of the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry and a leading authority on maternal and child oral health. Dr. Mfolo reveals invaluable insights and dispels common myths, such as the idea that bleeding gums during pregnancy are normal and not a cause for concern. She also provides practical tips, like dietary recommendations, for expectant parents and healthcare providers. We'll uncover the unique oral health challenges pregnant women face, emphasize the importance of preventative care, and explain why those seemingly temporary milk teeth play a vital role in a child's future smile!

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this episode, Dr. Margreet Barnardt interviews Ruwaida Moola, an experienced midwife and founder of Birth on 5th, a birthing unit in Linden, Johannesburg. They discuss the benefits of Midwife-Led Care, including:

• Lower intervention rates: Fewer medical procedures like inductions and cesarean sections.   

• Increased client satisfaction: More personalized and empowering birth experiences.

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes: Increased support for breastfeeding initiation and continuation.   

Ruwaida explains what Midwife-Led Care entails, emphasizing its focus on low-intervention, personalized care and continuity of care. They explore the situations where Midwife-Led Care is most appropriate, such as low-risk pregnancies and those seeking a more natural birth experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the benefits and potential limitations of Midwife-Led Care.

• Learn why every community should have access to quality midwifery services.

• Gain insights into the importance of continuity of care in pregnancy and birth.

Website: http://www.birthon5th.co.za

Find a Professional: https://sisterlilian.co.za/midwives-allied-health-professionals/

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

Celebrating Five Years of Birth & Baby Show: A Heartfelt Thank You

It's the end of another year, and I'm taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together on the Birth & Baby Show. We've celebrated five years of connecting with amazing guests, listeners, and viewers, and I'm so grateful for your continued support.

As we wrap up another year, I, Dr. Margreet Barnardt, wanted to take a moment to reflect on the work we do and the personal journey that fuels my passion. In this episode, we'll delve into my recent research and a newly published peer-reviewed article focusing on Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African maternity units.

Based on challenges faced by midwives, we've developed two strategies to promote woman-centered care. These strategies emphasize creating an enabling work environment that empowers midwives to provide high-quality care and equips women to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

To further elevate midwifery practice in South Africa, we need to address issues like independence, autonomy, and ensuring midwives' voices are heard. Additionally, the curriculum for midwifery education and training should be aligned with the standards set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

Let's explore these critical aspects and discuss how we can collectively work towards a more supportive and empowering healthcare system for women."

James S, Wibbelink M, Thomson A, Strategies to facilitate upscaling midwifery practice in South African public units. Afr J Midwifery Womens Health 2023. https://doi.org/10.12968/ajmw.2022.0037 

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

Welcome and thank you for listening!

In this episode, Dr. Margreet welcomes director of the BabyGym Institute, Cozette Laubser, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development. This invaluable resource provides parents with essential insights into the fundamental building blocks of baby development, offering a solid foundation for their parenting journey.

Cozette, internationally qualified Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and a mom of two, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Fueled by years of dedicated research alongside her mother, Dr. Melodie de Jager (founder of the BabyGym Institute), Cozette has created a comprehensive guide that empowers parents and their chosen birth team to support their newborn's healthy development.

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Cozette shares her expertise on the BabyGym Institute's approach to early childhood development. In light of Premature Awareness Month, we also delve into the specific challenges faced by parents of premature babies and explore how to provide these little ones with the optimal support they need to thrive.

If you want to find out more about the BabyGym Institute and/or order Newborn Brain Essentials: A Healthy Start to Development, visit https://babygym.co.za/

If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you. 

So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift 

If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources.

That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses.

Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind.

Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.