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Birth Untethered
Birth Untethered episodes
- S2E34 - The History of Cesarean Birth. How and Why They Have Become Safer Over The Years
Shellie and Kemi explore the history of caesarean birth and the changes that have made the surgery safer. From antisepsis and anesthesia to antibiotics, checklists, and modern monitoring. They also examine what “safer” means in practice, discuss risks including infection and blood clots, and question how informed choice and respectful care shape birth outcomes.A candid, evidence-focused conversation for pregnant people, birth workers, partners, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of caesarean birth and maternity care. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 26 min - S2E33 - Instrumental Birth Forceps and Vacuum with Dr Stu
Dr. Stuart Fischbein joins Shellie and Kemi Birthjoy Johnson to discuss instrumental birth, including when forceps or ventouse may be genuinely helpful, the different risks involved, and why essential obstetric skills are disappearing.Together, they explore consent, intervention cascades, medicalised birth, fear-based protocols, and the importance of collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, doulas, and parents. This episode offers an honest look at assisted vaginal birth and why skilled, individualised care matters.Become an Untethered Rebel:https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscriptionBook time with Shellie:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellieBook time with Kemi:https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-meWebsite:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us with merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shelliehttps://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 15 min - S2E32 - In Conversation with Dr Stu-How Fear, Incentives, and Protocols Turn Birth Into Interventions
Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein examine the forces shaping modern maternity care and what happens when we look beyond the intervention itself to the system that created the circumstances for it.
We explore how birth care can be shaped by institutional incentives, liability and throughput as much as by evidence, and how time limits, induction, defensive caesareans, routine scanning and licensing can become mechanisms of control rather than genuinely individualised care.
We look at how poor outcomes are often the end of a cascade rather than a single event. Instrumental birth, caesarean, NICU admission and difficulties with bonding may follow a chain that began much earlier with restricted movement, fear, continuous monitoring, coached pushing, early intervention or time pressure.
We also examine deskilling. When practitioners lose confidence and experience in breech birth, twins, forceps or vacuum extraction, caesarean can become the default, not necessarily because alternatives are inherently unsafe, but because the skills to offer them are disappearing.
What happens when the numbers we rely on aren't as universal as they appear? We explore how growth charts, labour curves and other obstetric thresholds can turn narrow reference populations into supposedly universal definitions of “normal”, potentially turning healthy variation into pathology.
Consent is another key theme. We question when counselling becomes coercion, particularly when information is selectively framed, alternatives are minimised and a woman's “no” is repeatedly challenged.
Finally, we discuss continuity of care, fear and professional culture. Continuity can create trust and accountability, while fragmented systems can encourage defensive practice. Much of the behaviour experienced as bullying or coercion may stem not from individual malice, but from clinicians working within a system that teaches them to fear uncertainty, blame and responsibility.
This episode asks us to look beyond the final intervention and follow the signal back to its source: what assumptions underpin the evidence, who benefits from the way care is organised, and who ultimately carries the cost?
Become an Untethered Rebel:
https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscriptionBook time with Shellie:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellieBook time with Kemi:
https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-meWebsite:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:
https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/
https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/
https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us with merch:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube1 hr 7 min - S2E31 - In Conversation with Dr Stu-What Doctors Get Wrong About Safety, Consent, and Birth Outcomes
In this episode, join Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein as we explore how birth outcomes can be shaped by system design, not just clinical skill, or lack thereof.
We discuss how time pressure, immobility, fear, monitoring and routine intervention can create the very problems they are then used to solve. Epidurals, coached pushing, early admission and continuous monitoring can influence labour, malposition and intervention rates, while evidence is often focused on short-term outcomes and hospital-based measures rather than longer-term effects on bonding, breastfeeding, the microbiome, child development and future reproductive health.
From breech caesareans and synthetic oxytocin to postpartum decision-making, we ask whether the outcomes we measure are always the outcomes that matter.
We examine how induction thresholds, routine scans, escalation protocols and arbitrary time limits, such as the 24-hour waters-breaking and 42-week thresholds, have become rigid rules rather than prompts for individualised decision-making.
We also explore continuity of care, responsibility and professional power. Trust and familiarity can influence decision-making, while fragmented responsibility can allow harmful practices to continue because everyone is simply “following the system”.
Ultimately, this is a conversation about who owns birth knowledge: who controls the tools, who is allowed to learn and teach, and who gets to decide what is considered safe. From the historical secrecy surrounding forceps to the medicalisation of midwifery and restrictions on independent birth workers, we question when professional control becomes disguised as safety.
Become an Untethered Rebel:
https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscriptionBook time with Shellie:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellieBook time with Kemi:
https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-meWebsite:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:
https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/
https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/
https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us with merch:
https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube1 hr 10 min - S2E30 - Episiotomy - Part 2
This episode continues the episiotomy discussion, focusing on what it is, why it’s used, the evidence against routine use, the risks and complications, and the importance of informed consent. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 6 min - S2E29 - Episiotomy - Part 1
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine intervention.Shellie, joined by her husband and co-host Simon, takes you inside the anatomy, history, and real-world consequences of episiotomy. From the pressure of crowning to the structures that can be cut, torn, or damaged, this episode exposes the gap between what birthing people are often told and what the research shows.You'll discover:What an episiotomy is, how it differs from a natural tear, and why the direction of the cut mattersWhy midline, mediolateral, lateral, J-shaped, T-shaped, and radical incisions each carry different risksHow episiotomy became routine through outdated obstetric ideology, not evidenceWhy forceps births are one of the few scenarios where episiotomy may genuinely reduce serious anal sphincter injuryWhat women report about pain, healing, sex, breastfeeding, anxiety, and the long shadow episiotomy can leave behindThey also unpack the consent problem head-on. Shellie and Simon discuss how often episiotomies happen without meaningful consent, why pain relief is sometimes withheld or minimised, and how being on your back in hospital can increase the likelihood of intervention. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
51 min - S2E28 - Epidurals - Side Effects and Impacts on Physiology
In this episode Shellie and Kemi discuss the side effects of epidurals and how frequently they occur to give you evidence based information upon which to make your own informed choices. They also explore the impacts of epidural on physiology and how these cause effects to the mother and baby.
If you are wanting to make a more informed decision about whether you would like to accept an epidural in your labour, or you are a birthworker wanting to have a more in depth knowledge about epidurals to help support the families you are serving, this episode has you covered.
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shelliehttps://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 16 min - S2E27 - Epidurals - The Process and Different Kinds of Epidural
On this week's episode Shellie and Kemi discuss what actually happens when an epidural is placed, why the consent process is far too rushed and how the medications involved can affect the mother and baby. From the surprising chemistry behind the medications like bupivicaine, to the real-world consequences of reduced mobility with epidural. We also discuss some different kinds of epidurals and what benefits they can provide.
If you are interested in Shellie's Birthing Biomechanics course you can find it here: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/b-irthing-biomechanics-online-lectu
If you are interested in reading more free information about biomechanics, you can do so on Shellie's website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/techniques
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription
Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie
Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me
Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/
Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch
Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shelliehttps://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
55 min - S2E26 - Epidurals History and How They Work
In this episode, Kemi and Shellie trace the history of epidural anaesthesia in childbirth, exploring how pain relief evolved from early general anaesthesia to modern epidural techniques. They break down the anatomy and physiology behind how epidurals work, why they can affect movement, blood pressure, bladder function, and pushing, and what that means for mothers and babies. Along the way, they discuss informed choice, the impact of culture and medicine on birth, and why understanding the whole picture matters for anyone supporting or preparing for birth.
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription
Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie
Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me
Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/
Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch
Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shelliehttps://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 30 min - S2E25 - Katie's Birth Stories - Induction, Synthetic Oxytocin and HIE
In this powerful conversation, Katie shares her deeply moving birth stories, the life-changing consequences of medical negligence, and how she’s turned her experience into advocacy for other mothers. Honest, urgent, and unforgettable, this episode explores consent, induction, maternal care, and the fight to be heard.Please give generously to Katie and her family here:https://linktr.ee/kspinks06
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
1 hr 9 min
About Birth Untethered
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Birth Untethered. A sanctuary for truth-tellers, change-makers & advocates of physiological birth. We’re Shellie Poulter & Kemi Johnson: educators & rebels with decades of combined experience in pregnancy, birth & beyond. With backgrounds in osteopathy, naturopathy, biomechanics, midwifery, & advocacy.
We expose the realities of modern maternity systems, challenge coercive practices & bring both scientific & lived wisdom to the forefront. We exist to empower birth workers, families & seekers of truth with informed choice, not fear.
This is the birth revolution & you're invited.