We’re starting our new season of the Doulala Podcast with a topic extremely close to our hearts and something we think deserves exploring. 

In this episode, we challenge the conventional idea of what a "positive birth" should look like. Often, society, the media and plenty of social media accounts paint a picture of the ideal birth experience looking, sounding, and feeling a particular way... but the truth is, a positive birth is deeply personal and can come in many forms. Whether it's a home birth, a hospital birth, or a planned caesarean, whether there is intervention and shifts in the birth plan or birth takes place without any medical involvement at all, what truly matters is how a birthing person feels empowered, respected, heard, and autonomous throughout the process.

We dive into the importance of redefining what positive birth means for each individual and explore how true empowerment comes from choice, support, and what YOU define as the reality. Tune in for our standard honest discussion where we chat about embracing the diverse realities of birth and how we can create a more inclusive understanding of what it means to have a positive birth experience.

#positivebirth #doulalapodcast #homebirth #hospital #doulapodcast #birthpodcast #doula

Come and learn all about the benefits of Placenta consumption and encapsulation.

Louise shares her expert knowledge with Leanne is this in depth chat detailing her passion for placentas and how her work truly benefits all!

We discuss the Process of Encapsulation, The benefits of consuming the placenta and different methods, The lack of evidence and funding, how the patriarchy has impacted postpartum support as well as the importance of prioritising your recovery and self care.

Meg and I both love all things placenta ans we hope this podcast helps you to learn more about how you can use it to help you in your postnatal recovery!

Don't forget to let us know your thoughts!

Get hold of Louise here:

https://mandalabirthing.com/

[email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/mandalabirthing_uk/

#doulala #doulalapodcast #placentaremedies #doulapodcast #birthypodcast #placentaencapsulation

You might have already heard our podcast episode on early labour and what that’s all about...well now it’s time for what comes next and all things ‘active labour’!

This is the point when things get really established, sensations intensify and your uterus works hard to get your body (and baby) ready for birth... But how do you know when you’re in active labour?

We’ll dispel all the myths about what active labour is supposed to look/feel/sound like and give the reality of all the variations of normal. As always we’re also here for top tips to support your body throughout this phase.

This is definitely an episode for birth partners to get their ears in on (much like ALL of them to be fair!) so they know what to expect from labour too. 

#doula #doulapodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birthpodcast #activelabour #establishedlabour #labour #thisshitjustgotreal

So what is freebirth anyway?! 

Maybe you’ve heard about it, maybe you haven’t, maybe you think you know why people choose it as an option, maybe you can’t understand it at all. 

This Dou-la-la episode is for all of you!

Freebirth is on the rise in the UK and often any discussion about it in the media is pure clickbait and overflowing with misinformation. We are thrilled to be joined by one of our favourites, Samantha Gadsden, to set the record straight and explore all things freebirth. Why do people opt for it?Why are more people choosing it for their birth experience?How would you prepare for it? What are the legalities? And so much more! This episode isn’t just about freebirth. It’s about the current state of the maternity system and why that is influencing people’s desire to step away and do things their way. Valuable conversations for everyone to be having!

If you’d like to know more about freebirth, or are looking for information and support then follow @samanthagadsdendoula or check out Freebirth and Emergency Childbirth Support Group UK on Facebook. You can also join The Village or Home Birth Support Group UK on Facebook.

#freebirth #freeyourbirth #wildpregnancy #allbirth #homebirth #yourbirth #doula #doulapodcast #birthpodcast #birthypodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birthoptions #birthchoices

It’s highly unlikely you’ll make it through pregnancy without being offered a sweep (AKA stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep). Don’t worry, no brooms involved. Many people have heard of them but in our experience most people have very little knowledge about what is involved, whether they are actually effective and what the risks may be. That’s where your favourite friendly, unfiltered doulas come in! In this episode we explore everything you want to know about sweeps so you feel more confident in having the conversation should it come up (it probably will) and when making the decision about whether to decline or consent to one. As always, it’s 100% your choice.So, what do you want to know?

Do sweeps work? Do they hurt? Should I have one? Will it mean I don’t need an induction? Are there any downsides to having a sweep? Are sweeps safe? We’ll answer all these questions and more, as well as share our own experiences...You won’t want to miss it!

#sweep #stretchandsweep #membranesweep #inductionoflabour #naturalinduction #induction #Doula #doulapodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birthpodcast

Are you planning to breastfeed? Do you want to know more about how to get things off to a good start? Are you looking for top tips for the early days? You do not want to miss this awesome episode of the Dou-La-La podcast with Meg and our guest, Bea from @beasbirthandboobs  

Bea explains things in such a simple way, putting you and your baby at the heart of everything. This episode will bring nuggets of wisdom and reassurance if you’re a few days or weeks in, and valuable knowledge if you’re looking ahead to when you start breastfeeding. We chat about the different kinds of feeding support, including some amazing people you can find on social media with so much free information.

This is just a few of many you might want to follow: @lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc@olivia_lactation_consultant@emmapickettibclc@themilkrebel@prof_amybrown@kathrynstaggibclc 

The information and experiences shared are appropriate for all who are, or plan to, breastfeed or chestfeed. Throughout the podcast episode we refer predominantly to ‘breastfeeding’ as Bea and myself identify as breastfeeding mothers. We acknowledge that this is not the preferred vocabulary for everyone. 

#doulala #doulalapodcast #birthypodcast #birthpodcast #breastfeeding #chestfeeding #breastfeed #chestfeed #feedingsupport

Induction. One of the most discussed areas of birth, something that generates much debate, and for many, something you are statistically quite likely to experience.But what even is it?!In this episode we talk about the basics that you need to know. From the what's and whys, to the can I decides?....... it is a great starting point for anyone, regardless of whether induction has been mentioned to you yet or not (and we really do mean yet not if!)

Expect our usual chilled out chat, getting into some evidence and stats, balancing the benefits and the risks, and more.

Oh, and you should know by now that we will always metaphorically tie your cape so we’ll be reminding you of your options with tips to staying in the driving seat!

#birthpodcast #birthypodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birth #induction #induced #inducedlabour #inducedbirth #highrisk

Head here for more evidence based information:

@drsarawickham

@aimsuk

@dr.rachel.reed

To celebrate the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (29th April 2024) we’re bringing you a very special episode of the Dou-la-la podcast! We chat to Dr. Jenna Brough, a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist who specialises in providing support to people from fertility right through to early parenthood.

This episode is incredibly useful regardless of what stage you are at in your pregnancy/parenthood journey.

It is focused on prevention and self-help - offering an

We talk about planning ahead for protecting your mental health and emotional well-being before you even give birth right through to reflecting on your own coping mechanisms and support network in the postnatal period.

Have you heard of antenatal anxiety?

Are you worried you might struggle after having your baby?

Do you want to know how to prepare for life after birth with a focus on your mental health?

We focus SO much on everything that happens to our body but don’t forget your mind too...here is the perfect place to start!

Should you or someone you know be currently struggling with their mental health, they should talk to someone they are close to (family member or friend), and also make contact with their GP/midwife/health visitor. 

Here are some helpful organisations (UK based)

PANDAS https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/

SANDS https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you

Birth Trauma Association https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/get-help-now

@mmhalliance

@perinatalmhpartnership

Dr Jenna’s website is www.drjennapsychologist.com and

#doulapodcast #birthpodcast

Listen today to hear all about Remi's choice to have a homebirth following the birth of her first son.

She shares her thoughts on the system, tells us all about her experiences and how her mindset has completely shifted to what birth can be like and how her journey this time has impacted her family life.

I (Leanne) was lucky enough to be alongside Remi (and Oli) on their pregnancy and birth journey as their doula, this birth was truly magical so don't hesitate and have a listen!

#homebirth #birthstory #homebirthstory #secondbaby #doulasupport #doulapodcast #doulalathepodcast

You want to put your fingers where?!?

Vaginal examinations (someone inserting their fingers into your vagina, usually to have a good feel of your cervix) have become a standard expectation when it comes to assessing the establishment and progress of labour.

An expectation of both the person in labour, and the healthcare provider supporting them. 

This episode of Dou-La-La gets down to what a vaginal examination (VE) is, what information it can actually provide and whether or not they are a useful assessment tool for anyone. In our usual no filtered, no frills way we chat about all things VE to help you understand them and feel more informed about your choices when it comes to your own labour. So, what are you waiting for?! 

#doulapodcast #birthypodcast #birthpodcast #doulalapodcast #vaginalexamination #vaginalexaminations #VE #labour