BIRTH: The Middle Way Podcast

We are truly honoured to welcome the extraordinary Jane Hardwicke-Collings — elder midwife, author, mother, teacher, and wisdom keeper, to this episode of Birth: The Middle Way.

With deep reverence for the path she has walked, we are grateful for this opportunity to sit at her feet. It is such a sacred thread woven into the tapestry of womanhood, each time we have the opportunity to learn from our elders; from those wise women who have walked the path before us. The natural continuation of our lineage as women is revived every time an elder turns around, reaches out her loving hand, and infuses her wisdom in the the consciousness of a woman walking behind her. The arts of story telling and hands on learning that have forever been passed down from one generation to the next, is an ancient technology infused into our woman-ness. So we thank Jane for the path she has walked in her life, that has lead to this embodied chapter of teaching women, the art, medicine, and beauty that it is to be a WOMAN.

Jane has lived a life of self-dedication, refining her craft and serving the women in her circle for decades. She is now a well-spring of wisdom here to support the women rising in her wake. So join us! This episode is sure to offer some beautiful pieces of wisdom to uplift and inspire you as you take the next step in your own life.

Jane has spent decades tending to birthing women in her homelands of Australia, and yet her devotion to women extends far beyond the birth portal. She is deeply passionate about the initiations that are available to women through our unique rites of passage. Her teachings radiate embodiment as she herself has traversed each rite of passage, being divinely reshaped through each experience. In this episode she shares her personal stories and experiences and how they have influenced her perception of what is true about life, womanhood, birth, menopause and more. From menarche to birth, from mothering to sage-essence (Jane’s term for menopause) we take this opportunity to touch as many sweet spots as possible.

Jane shares a teaching that, “how we move through our rites of passage directly influences how we live our lives.”

As she shares her own story, she takes us on a journey to help us understand this concept deeper. Directly weaving how her births influenced her processes and experiences when moving through her sage-essence. We explore how the echoes of one rite of passage show themselves again in the next — not by mistake, but as the natural intelligence and design woven into the very essence of womanhood. Not only do our rites of passage influence who we are and how we show up in the world… but their is a continuum of continuation that traces from one rite of passage, to the next.

Jane has this unique way of reminding us that it is an honour and a blessing to be a woman; that the potential and power at the very essence of womanhood is not metaphorical, but real, tangible, and ripe for the receiving. Through her presence and stories, that truth becomes felt.

Thank you Jane for playing your role in stewarding the return of our innate knowing, our medicine as women in this world, and our unique powers as portal carriers. You are truly a beacon on the path of becoming.

In reverence,

Sami Love & Emma Cardinal.

LINKS:

Website: Janehardwickecollings.com

Jane’s School: schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janehardwickecollings/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8JpZoDKHNAa7YtyUFg0okw

Online Store: https://janehardwickecollings.com/online-store/

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spinning-wheels/id1540698472

Music: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.cocreations.moonsong&pli=1

Today we are joined by Carly Rae Beaudry, a specialist in Female Physiology, Pelvic Heart Brain Coherence, and everything related to: Fertility, Birth, and Womb Continuum.

Known for radically sharing her unfiltered opinions and willingness to stand in the fire of projection, we find ourselves sitting at the feet of Carly Rae. She does not shy away from taboo or triggering conversations and today, we too, are diving into some potentially controversial topics.

As always, we welcome you to join the conversation in the comments below, and share your perspectives.

In deep reverence to you and your journey,

Sami Love & Emma Cardinal

Feminine Waters with Carly Rae Website

Connect with Carly on Instagram IG Link

In keeping with the choosing-to-have-difficult-conversations pillar of Birth: The Middle Way, we are showing up today with a discussion on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

We believe in open dialogue with people who think differently than we do — and so here we are today, standing in that, discussing a man who too embodied the (fallible) art of discussion.

So — why is this topic relevant to the conversation about birth?

Because birth is political.

If we’re not able to talk about Charlie Kirk, politics, gender-ideology, abortion, or anything that is polarizing and potentially triggering in nature, we’re not going to be able to come together and create change.

Charlie Kirk was a man of many things — one being a human who chose to have controversial discussions with people publicly. He held many beliefs that instigated various reactions in those who listened. Some were offended by his words, calling him a fascist-bigot, while others felt empowered by his ideas and revered him as a truth-teller.

Whether you liked the man, hated him, or landed somewhere in the middle — we would like you to join in on the conversation respectfully.

Our intention with this space has always been to face the uncomfortable conversations, to respectfully discuss our opinions, dissect our beliefs, welcome what may be triggering, and encourage human connection.

This dialogue expands upon our conversation around stepping outside of our Echo-Chambers — there is always something to learn, if only we can face our blind-spots… which often occurs when we sit with people who think and feel differently than us.

Why is it a courageous thing to speak your truth or have potentially triggering & inflammatory discussions?

Why is it brave to share your opinion?

How did we come to a point in human history where having public controversial discord about our beliefs, thoughts, and ideas leads to assassination?

As human beings, we need to be able to have difficult conversations. We must learn to have our ideas and beliefs challenged in a respectful way. When we cannot do this foundational human thing with people who feel differently than we do on a mass scale: war ensues.

We see this in the conversation around birth all the time. Free-birthing women hyper against the medical system — OBGYN’s vehemently against natural home birthing practices. But, what would happen if we got them in the same room in respectful dialogue? What might come of that?

Just something to ponder.

Thank you for being here in this conversation space with us.

For now, we will leave you with this quote from Charlie Kirk.

“When people stop talking, that’s when violence happens.” - Charlie Kirk

Birth is political.

Let’s talk about it.

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

Today on Birth: The Middle Way we are joined by the beautiful Alessandra Isola who wanted to come on and share the story of her daughter’s birth.

Initially Alessandra reached out saying that she had an “unmedicated physiological hospital birth wasn’t just positive; it was ceremonial, a deeply respected and uninterrupted experience” and of course we were excited to hear her story.

On this dynamic episode we explore the nuances of what “disturbing a birth space” can look like, when it’s necessary and how it can be harmful.

The way we, as women… as mothers, share our stories changes, shifts, and evolves as we do over time. Deeper understandings and integration opens up our storytelling ability into something far beyond a woman’s first telling of an event, like a birth.

As I, Emma, write this now I reflect on the way I first shared the story of my son’s birth and death — how it has changed overtime as I’ve gained more awareness about the experience and myself.

In this conversation we see, in real time, the evolving perspective of Alessandra’s birth. The shift from the beginning of the episode into an altered perception at the end.

Here, we engage with curiosity with a desire to learn and explore the many layers of what birth can present.

It was a deep honour to have Alessandra join us for this eye-opening chat — our hearts spilling over with gratitude.

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

Because Fly Medicine was so prevalent to this episode — here are some potential meanings:

1. Transformation & Adaptability

* Personal transformation through uncomfortable or “dirty” experiences.

* Adaptability in the face of adversity.

* Moving quickly through phases of life or emotional states.

2. Shadow Work & the Unseen

* The shadow self — the parts of us we often reject or repress.

* A call to explore the hidden or ignored aspects of life.

* Death and rebirth, especially in shamanic or mystic traditions.

3. Disruption & Annoyance

* A nagging problem or unresolved issue.

* Something in your life that’s being ignored or needs attention.

* A message to wake up or shift your focus.

4. Messengers of the Spirit World

* Flies are seen as messengers between worlds — especially in times of transition or grief.

* They may appear during spiritual awakening, signaling a need for cleansing or purification.

5. Ego and Worldliness

* The fly is sometimes tied to Beelzebub, “Lord of the Flies,” representing corruption, pride, and the fall of the ego.

* Spiritually, this can point to being too attached to material or base desires.

What does it ACTUALLY mean to be free and sovereign in this world?

Is it just about birthing your baby “outside the system”?

Is it about homeschooling, choosing not to vaccinate your children, growing your own food, and swearing off social media forever… or does it go far beyond that?

In a world inundated with abuse of power and control, how do we as individuals and families reclaim this radical idea of choice and responsibility while being rooted in love?

Today on BIRTH: The Middle Way, we are exploring the topic of Birth Certificates, freedom in birth/life, & cultivating sovereignty as a family.

We welcome the beautiful Veda Revival, a woman, wife, and mother who holds a mission to help families have babies out of the system and function perfectly without a birth certificate & SSN.

In this conversation we ask the questions:

Can you get your baby a passport without a birth certificate? What exactly IS a Birth Certificate?When you get a Birth Certificate for your baby or yourself, what exactly are you agreeing to?What do you do about CPS and how do you navigate the law as a sovereign family?How do you get a Driver’s Licence?Can you get married out of the system?What power does language actually hold in the reality that we live in?How do we make (unconscious) verbal contracts every day?Can you still receive important medical care when you’re living outside the system?Is sovereignty only for the financially privileged?

This episode offers an alternative perspective on what radical mothering can look like outside the system (primarily in the United States) — As a gentle reminder: there is no absolute one right way that is going to work for each woman, child, family. This conversation and this work simply offers an alternative way as well as a perspective to ponder.

As you listen to this conversation, what comes up for you? What thoughts, emotions, feelings, and beliefs arise? Do you agree or not? Was there anything shared here that deeply resonated or triggered something in you? A reminder that this is a conversation space: your thoughts, feelings, and contemplations are welcome — the comments section is open to you.

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

citizen

/sĭt′ĭ-zən/

* noun

* A person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation.

* A resident of a city or town, especially one entitled to vote and enjoy other privileges there.

* A civilian.

“The word "civilian" goes back to the late 14th century and is from Old French civilien. Civilian is believed to have been used to refer to non-combatants as early as 1829.” — Wikipedia.com

“civilian(n.)

late 14c., "judge or authority on civil law," from noun use of Old French civilien "of the civil law," created from Latin civilis "relating to a citizen, relating to public life, befitting a citizen; popular, affable, courteous," alternative adjectival derivative of civis "townsman" (see city). Sense of "non-military and non-clerical person, one whose pursuits are those of civilian life" is attested by 1766. As an adjective, "pertaining to or characteristic of a civilian," from 1640s.” — www.etymonline.com

“Hello my loves,

It’s Emma!

Unfortunately I was unable to make it to this conversation live, but I found it fascinating to listen to this perspective as I’m sure you will too. It brought up a lot as I received the words within this dialogue that I will be taking some time to journey about and deeply reflect upon. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all in the next episode.

Deeply grateful that you are all here with us.In reverence,

Emma Cardinal”

Veda Revival

Helping mothers & fathers have babies out of the system and function perfectly without a birth certificate & SSN

If you are interested in connecting with Veda & learning more about her work:

Veda’s Website

Follow her on instagram

Word Magic: The Powers & Occult Definitions of Words - By: Pao Chang

Your words create your reality — does this apply in the birth space?

This week on Birth: The Middle Way we are joined again by the wise and wonderful Catalina Clark, mother, midwife, and sister to birthing women.

Our conversation begins with unravelling the phrase “a woman’s birth is a mirror to her inner world”; the truths woven within these words as well as the potentially problematic layers that are present when we articulate birth in such a way.

Catalina shares an idea that: How you do one thing, is how you do everything — or phrased in an alternative way: How you relate to one thing, is how you relate to everything.

Beyond belief, this is a curious contemplation between three women, 3 mothers, 3 women who care deeply about birth. This opens a door to choosing to challenge our perspectives and perceptions which can ultimately expand our awarenesses to hold polarities with reverence.

Is there a way to honour spiritual concepts and humanness in birth as well as death spaces?

Amongst many other threads, we ultimately explore the current state of consciousness surrounding birth held by humanity and how that relates to the (true and untrue) history of childbirth.

This episode is sure to get you reflecting and contemplating. So grab yourself a cup of tea (perhaps a pen and paper), a cozy blanket, and settle in for a deeply thought provoking conversation.

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

Reference materials mentioned in todays episode

The Healers Calling - A Spirituality for Physicians and Other Care ProfessionalsBy: Daniel P. Sulmasy

Witches, Midwives, & Nurses - A History of Women HealersBy: Barbara Ehrenreich & Deirdre English

Dr. Nathan Riley on the Born Free Method Podcast Note-worthy episodes speaking on the history of birth:

If you have any other reference material that you feel could be important to the conversation, please share in the comments.

Well, Kelsey doesn’t have to imagine it — this is the miracle story how her daughter, Willow, came earth-side.

Hello everyone and welcome back to Birth: The Middle Way.

Today we’ve got a truly wild and beautiful story to offer —

Let us introduce to you: Kelsey & Willow.

On this episode Kelsey shares her daughters miracle home/free-birth story at just 28 weeks without the knowledge that she was pregnant.Kelsey and Willow live in British Columbia, Canada.

One night in mid-October 2021 Kelsey found herself giving birth at home without the knowledge she was pregnant. Aided and supported by Radium’s volunteer firefighters, she found herself and her new daughter being taken by ambulance to receive life-saving medical care. This is a story of unexpected love and miracles.

Today’s episode speaks for itself, and we know you will be as awe-struck as we were receiving her story.

With reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

—

Kelsey has a background as a Registered Nurse and is currently not practicing. For the past two years she has been facilitating women’s retreats as well as hosting regular full moon women’s circles. Kelsey welcomes the medicine of ceremonial space holding, sound journeys, Cacao, breath-work, and meditation. With studies in Acutonics levels 1 & 2 and continuing education in Integrative Wellness Coaching; she hopes to continue to serve her community with a vast array of modalities and medicines. If you would love to connect you can find out more instagram @sovereignhealing4444 or via email at [email protected].“Thank you for listening. My prayer and intention in sharing our story is to call upon our shared humanity and inspire hope, showing what is possible when the journey does not go according to plan. If you are a woman with a birth story, reach out. If you are a woman who did not know she was pregnant, I would love to hear from you. If you have had a NICU journey of any kind, I honour you. All is welcome here.”

— Kelsey Baker

We talk a lot about birth trauma and problematic protocols in the birth space on this podcast — but what about the positive stories?

Is there room for positive birth outcomes in the presence of a woman who has experienced birth trauma?

In this episode of Birth: The Middle Way we explore the nuance of women feeling shame for sharing positive birth stories in spaces where mothers who have experienced trauma in the birth portal also exist.

Is staying silent the answer or can we find a way to allow both to have space in sisterhood?

Do grief and sorrow need to be kept separate from joy and celebration?

How do we navigate life in community when one woman is nursing her newborn and another is cremating her beloved baby?

There are no easy, clean, or black and white answers —

And still, here we sit, meeting one another with a deeply complex topic.

Two women,

two mothers…

One mourning her son —

The other chasing after her daughters.

Learning from each other,

growing together, laughing, crying, and sitting in the mystery of it all.

So what do you think?

Can grief and joy coexist in women’s spaces?

Have you felt silenced in your joy or positive birth story in the wake of another women’s traumatic journey through the portal?

Or on the other side of the coin: have you felt unmet, unseen, or unacknowledged in your grief in women’s spaces?

Do you have an experience navigating the difficult path of grief juxtaposed joy, or sorrow standing next to celebration? How did you hold that? Was their room for both or space to allow triggers to exist?

Please share your journey in the comments section.

We would LOVE to hear from you.

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

You’ve heard the phrase “birth is a mirror to a woman’s consciousness” — or maybe, “birth reflects where a woman is at”… but what if those statements were not entirely true?

Beyond that — what if they were harmful?

Imagine this:

A woman who has shown up time and time again to therapy, meditates every day, sits in ceremony, practices radical self responsibility, is intentional with what she eats… doing all the things… and yet in spite of all that, still ends up with a traumatic birth, walking away from the portal now having to navigate a negative outcome. Does this mean she didn’t do enough inner work? What her ego in the way? Is it a reflection of her wrong doing? Is it karmic? Did she not face her fears throughout her pregnancy?

Is it black and white, or is it more nuanced?

** To be clear: a negative birth outcome does not necessarily mean a dead child — birth trauma can be many things with examples like (but not limited to): birth complications, physical injuries to mom and/or baby, psychological distress during and/or after birth, lack of informed consent, heightened states of fear in the labour + birthing processes, & immediately postpartum, potentially birthing in an undesirable way (ie, cesarean after a planned natural home birth).

Often in life (as well as in death) when things go wrong, we look for someone to place blame. Culturally speaking, in birth when things go wrong — the mother is often the one who receives the blame people so eagerly throw around.

It appears that no matter how “conscious” a community may be, the insidious idea that we must place blame on the women for negative birth outcomes, still finds its way to permeate such problematic ideologies.

In this episode of BIRTH: The Middle Way we explore a harmful rhetoric often found in free-birth & home-birthing communities — a narrative that speaks of a mother’s birthing experience being a reflection of how much “inner-work” she has or hasn’t done being in correlation to her birth outcomes.

This conversation challenges that.

We are not calling out any one person in particular, rather this idea that has been shared loudly, from our perspective. While there may be some threads of truth found woven in statements such as these, we have also noticed that once again — there are infinite layers of nuance.

While we agree that birth is a mirror, what we explore today is a reflection that is much more vast, mysterious, and nuanced than placing responsibility for all outcomes on the mother.

So,

what if birth wasn’t simply “a mirror to a women’s consciousness” reflecting who we are and where we are at?

What if birth was a portal of an opportunity to reflect on who, how, why, and what we are?

What if birth was a sacred pause for us to gaze inwardly and explore the literal and figurative metamorphosis that a mother, baby, family, and community go through?

What if birth was a delicate dance designed to observe the sacred mystery… not formulate opinions about it?

What if each and every birth was an opportunity to heal not just ourselves, but our entire bloodline?

What if birth was a ceremony?

What if birth was a medicine?

What if birth was more than just a mirror…

What if it was a threshold for deeper intimacy, surrender, and honouring of the great unknown.

Join us as we explore this topic —

with reverence, humour, and a little bit of spiciness.

This is BIRTH: The Middle Way,

and we are so grateful to have you here with us.

In reverence,

(& silliness)

Sami Love & Emma Cardinal

Goosebumps on goosebumps on goosebumps in this conversation.

Hello beloved BTMW community,

Today we have the privilege of sitting down with Midwife and Mother, Catalina Clark for a potent conversation anchoring a grounded perspective on birth keeping.

Join us as we explore the realms of free-birth, traditional midwifery, birth protocols in the medical model of care, creating trust with care providers, integral sacred birth prep, and grief in the birth space. In this hour long conversation we land with the profound truth and responsibility that: Birth Work is Death Work. Honestly, there are no words — this conversation was pure gold; so many jaw dropping moments, and we are deeply honoured to share them with you here.

Settle in with a cup of tea or cacao (and maybe even a journal to take some notes) — this episode is sure to get you thinking!

In reverence,

Emma Cardinal & Sami Love

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Links to stay connected with Catalina Clark

The Midwife of Healing Podcast

Catalina’s Instagram

Catalina’s Website