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It's the season finale, and I’m delighted to wrap up with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation featuring the incredible Dr Rachel Reed - midwife, educator, author, and advocate for physiological birth.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid something that often triggers alarm bells during labour. But should it? Rachel helps us unpack the physiology, the myths, and the medical responses surrounding meconium in the waters.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone preparing for birth, especially those wanting to feel informed and empowered in situations where the language of risk is used to justify intervention.

We explore:

• What meconium actually is - and when it’s considered 'normal'
• Why the presence of meconium doesn’t always mean distress
• The difference between thin and thick meconium - and why that matters
• How maternity systems often respond to meconium stained amniotic fluid
• How to approach decision-making with confidence and context

About Dr Rachel Reed:
Rachel is renowned for her evidence-based approach and her ability to reframe complex birth topics with clarity and wisdom. She’s the author of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage, and Why Induction Matters. Her MidwifeThinking blog became a go-to resource for birth professionals and parents alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Rachel’s website: www.rachelreed.website
• Rachel's Blog https://www.rachelreed.website/blog
• Instagram: @dr.rachel.reed

Thank you for joining me this season.
Whether you’ve listened to one episode or every single one, I’m so grateful for your time and energy. This show is for you - for every birth partner, mother, and supporter who wants to walk into birth feeling prepared, powerful, and protected. I’ll be back in September with more conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire.

If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review or share it with someone preparing for birth. Your support helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

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If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

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Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...