In this podcast episode I speak with Emma Perks, a pelvic health physiotherapist. Emma is not only incredibly talented in her work, she has a heart of gold and a trauma informed approach, vital pieces of the puzzle when it comes to birth trauma prevention and healing.

In talking with Emma, I learnt that our pelvic floor is basically the bottom of our nervous system. In other words, what is going on with our pelvic floor will pretty much tell us how safe we are on the planet. Through this lens she explains why those who have a history of period problems, or PCOS, or endometriosis, or painful sex, or recurrent UTIs, anything related to the pelvic region, would do well to work with a pelvic health physio before giving birth.

So much of what Emma and I discuss highlights the powerful mind-body connection, and how key a subjective experience of safety is in preventing needless birth trauma and pelvic floor damage. Among much else, we talk about perineal massage, prenatal movement, pelvic girdle pain, reducing the likelihood of bad tears in birth, and what postpartum physio support entails.

I hope you find this podcast episode as informative, enlightening and encouraging as I did.

To connect with Emma, head to the Full Circle Physiotherapy website: https://fcphysio.co.nz/

Find Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullcirclephysio/

And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCirclePhysio

Purchase Emma's Pregnancy Prehab course for a reduced price: Health Practitioner Discount Prehab

This isn’t Chloe’s first podcast episode with me. I interviewed her back in May 2024 after learning about her traumatic first birth when she requested a debriefing session with one of the trainees from my Healing Birth Practitioner Training course. At that stage, Chloe hadn’t yet become pregnant again, so she didn’t have a story to share of a healing birth experience. Instead, she talked about Olivia’s difficult birth, and the journey she had travelled over the time since, including the healing work she’d done, and readying herself for the conscious conception of her next baby.

Today’s interview is all about that ‘next baby’ of Chloe’s - her pregnancy with him, his birth, and their early postpartum weeks. The two birth and new motherhood experiences Chloe has had couldn’t be more contrasting. Throughout Ruben’s pregnancy and birth Chloe chose to have no medical or midwifery input, not even a pregnancy test to confirm that the signs her body was giving were indeed due to a little bub growing in her womb. She so generously shares her powerful story of tuning in, trusting, asking for what’s needed, and surrender.

I highly recommend having a listen to Chloe’s first interview with me before diving into this one, if you haven’t already done so. Links to watch or listen are found below.

YouTube link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://youtu.be/w39KiuTGx-k?si=m0DgbHfs4O4kipVy

Podcast link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CzZtHBlPdK16JZnSf86xM?si=BknUK9quRGaegVFkrQ46iA

Also discussed in this episode:

* partner's hesitations with unassisted birth

* Mother Blessing

* Reconciling a positive birth and postpartum after a traumatic first

* postpartum preparation

* community postpartum support

* naturally healing a tear

Georgia’s first baby was 5.1kg (that is, 11lb, 5oz), something that curtailed her initial home birth plans and saw her birthing in the hospital. This, along with feeding into a narrative which convinced Georgia that she shouldn’t feel pain in her birth, led to a less than ideal experience and a second degree tear. As well, Georgia and her man were sent spiralling down a postpartum anxiety hole, in part because of poor preparation, unhelpful expectations and a lack of support. This was all exacerbated by the Covid lockdown restrictions at the time.

Hear about how Georgia and her man navigated their relationship as struggling new parents, and how they set themselves up for an incredibly healing, beautiful and empowering home birth with their second, along with a peaceful and joy-filled postpartum. 

By the way, Georgia’s second baby was 4.6kg (10lb, 2oz), and was born after just 2.5 hours of labour, something she forgot to share during our interview.

Also discussed in this episode:

* Stretch and sweep

* Irregular contractions

* Artificial rupture of membranes

* Maternal and paternal postnatal depression and anxiety, including panic attacks

* Intrusive thoughts

* Counselling

* Postpartum preparation

* Birth planning process - birth mapping

* Home birth with sibling present

* Fast labour

* Birth photos

Check out Georgia's website: https://www.alightbeheld.com/

Follow Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alightbeheld/

And here's the link to the Manawatu Home Birth Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MHBAInc

In this podcast episode I catch up with Kate Hicks of Birth Trauma Aotearoa, a timely episode during Birth Trauma Awareness Week, running from July 14-20.

I last spoke with Kate around 2.5 years ago, so Kate will update us on the mahi (work) they've done over this time as well as plans for the future, including launching in-person support, developing research in the Aotearoa context, and the continual push for birth trauma prevention and improved support.

Kate will also tell us about Birth Trauma Awareness Week, this year's theme, what the week aims to achieve and how you might like to get involved (you can head to this webpage to learn more: www.birthtraumaaotearoa.org.nz/take-action).

Follow BTA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_trauma_aotearoa/

or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthtraumaaotearoa

Today I bring you a bit of a different episode. I’m joined by six women who, like me, are core members of the Wise Women Network. This is a fast growing movement that aims to protect physiological birth and champion women-led care through connections with birth-workers and mothers who are seeking our support. Tune in to hear more about our ‘why’ and be inspired by our fire, heart and passion.

**If you want to be a part of the Wise Women Network, you can join us on the following social media pages**

Facebook group aimed at birth worker support and information: Wise Women Network NZ 

Facebook group aimed at consumer support and information: Wise Women Network: Birth Support (to Birth YOUR Way)

Instagram @wisewomennetwork_nz

Please note that this episode includes discussions of domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing for you, you may wish to skip this episode or listen with support. Relevant Aotearoa/NZ helplines are accessible at the bottom of these show notes.

Naomi’s story is a troubling, heart-wrenching listen. She bravely lets us in on the abuse and trauma she endured as a young first-time mum in a violent relationship with a manipulative man who would later become her husband. Together they had two more children, both healing home births, but the domestic abuse continued.

One day, whilst working a shift as a midwife, Naomi spotted a brochure that stated, “family violence changes the brains of our children.” This realisation was the final straw for Naomi. She knew she needed to protect her babies from growing up in this abusive household, and she left their dad for the final time. He still had contact with the children, though no formal parental agreement was instated. Fuelled by anger and jealousy, when he discovered Naomi had met a new man, he took the children and told her she wouldn’t be getting them back. The police could do nothing. 

Naomi desperately tried to get her children safely back into her care. But after many months of battling the system, and despite a clear history of abuse, including multiple protection orders, Naomi ultimately lost custody of her children to her violent ex. She was utterly powerless to protect her babies, something that nearly killed her.

Find out how Naomi not only found the will to live, but went on to have another baby to a beautiful man, and now works to help heal the hearts of other wounded mothers. Her story is both deeply disturbing and profoundly inspiring.

Also discussed in this episode:

* contemplating abortion

* protection orders for physical and psychological violence

* pressured into medical pain relief - Pethidine & Epidural

* lack of bond with newborn

* Raynaud’s Syndrome (breastfeeding)

* pressured to give formula to baby

* Postnatal depression & anxiety

* Maternal Mental Health support - Aropax

* CBT

* Nursing & midwifery training

* Siblings at birth

* Gambling addiction

* Court appointed psychologist (bias towards father)

* contemplating suicide

* Mama’s Tribe 

* Healing Birth Practitioner Training

* 42 week pregnancy

* PROM & meconium stained waters

* Syntocinon

* healing & empowering cesarean

* Wise Women Network NZ

* sleep consultancy - responsive settling

* postpartum sleep deprivation

Aotearoa/NZ Helplines

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text HELP to 4357

Women’s Refuge 24/7 Crisis Line - 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)

Shine (DV support) - 0508 744 633

1737 - Need to talk? Free call or text 1737

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865

Connect with Naomi on Facebook

Join The Mamas Tribe on Facebook

For coaching (mama, baby or trauma related) with Naomi email her on [email protected]

Join the Wise Women Network Facebook group

Check out my (Carla's) Healing Birth Practitioner Training course

In strong labour, birthing her first baby at home, Michelle was unexpectedly met with the news that her baby was breech. Supported by a trusted care team, she went on to confidently birth her big boy in her lounge. 

High on magical birth hormones, basking in the glory of what she’d just achieved and marvelling at the gorgeous human she’d created, Michelle was unaware that she’d sustained a decent tear. But that wasn’t a problem. It went on to heal naturally, without fuss. The real challenge came with breastfeeding. 

Michelle couldn’t make sufficient milk to meet Beren’s needs, and had to supplement feed throughout his babyhood. This was a source of absolute struggle and heartbreak for Michelle. 

Today she shares with us the trials and tribulations of her breastfeeding journey, both with her first born, and then with Willis, her second child, also born at home (but this time, head down). Even now, as she reflects on her 12 years old story, the emotions run high. Oftentimes birth is a breeze compared to the breastfeeding challenges that some are met with. Michelle’s story is a testament to this.

Also discussed in this episode:

* importance of good relationship with midwife

* holding boundaries

* meconium

* Maggie Banks’ books - Homebirth Bound & Breech Birth Woman Wise

* partially torn cord with birth of head

* consuming placenta

* donor breast milk

* La Leche League support

* supplemental nursing system

* water birth

* sibling at birth

It was the following Suzanne Arms quote, that inspired my guest today, Sharon Robinson, to become a midwife:

“If we are to create a nonviolent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life, for that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust.”

As a new grad, Sharon left her home in the US to practice midwifery in NZ because of our “gold standard” midwifery care. However, she was met with challenges - hierarchies, power-plays, professional jealousy, over-medicalisation - that stifled her ability to practice where and how she wanted to, and in the ways that she knew women deserved.

Sharon shares with us some of the trials and tribulations she has faced throughout her personal and professional life, including childhood abuse at the hands of her father, a mastectomy for breast cancer 10 years ago, and then, last year, being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We discuss what the role of a midwife is, how the way a woman is treated in birth matters a lot more than her mode of birth, and what birth and midwifery are like in different parts of the world.

Also discussed in this episode:

* Creating birth plans

* Stillbirth

* Deep grief versus trauma

* Abusive and fraudulent maternity ‘care’ in South Africa

* Rights in birth

* Informed decision making and consent

* Post dates

* Induction of labour

* Differing roles of midwives and obstetricians

* Defensive, risk-centric practice

* Home birth midwifery

* Collegial support from like-minded midwives

Check out Sharon’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sharonrobinson.midwife

Find some awesome videos that Sharon has created on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sharonrobinsonmidwife516

Become a part of the Wise Women Network NZ - a global (despite the name) Facebook group for birth workers and birth-passionate consumers who are seeking a reclamation of empowered, undisturbed, physiological birth, supported by wise woman midwives: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538842372367843

Follow my (Carla’s) Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/healing.birth/

Check out my website here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/

Email me [email protected] if you have a story that you believe is a good fit for my podcast and that you’re keen to share

You can also watch this episode, and others, on my Healing Birth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healingbirth

Millie’s father passed away just prior to her first pregnancy. She was consumed by grief and had no capacity to take birth preparation on board. Just shy of 42 weeks pregnant, Millie agreed to an induction and a sequence of disempowering, sometimes traumatising, events played out, including a 3rd degree tear which required 2.5 hours of surgical repair, separating her from her newborn at this critical time.

Now, 6 weeks postpartum with her second baby, Millie has quite a different story to share of pregnancy and birth. Encouraged by her midwife, Millie chose a home birth this time, and she did the inner work necessary to set herself up for a vastly different, very empowering, experience.

Tune in to hear all about the self work that’s required to honour the need for a healing birth. Millie shares all of her top tips and invaluable resources.

Also discussed in this episode:

* ARM/Syntocinon

* TENS

* Unconsented student midwife involvement

* FSE

* Cervical lip - told not to push

* Painful catheterisation

* Fetal heart decelerations

* PPH

* haematoma

* physical trauma

* Soulful Birth course

* Acupuncture

* 40 minute physiological 3rd stage

* Journaling

Learn more about my (Carla’s) Soulful Birth course here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthgroup

Or there is the option to do a personalised Soulful Birth For You course with me, 1:1. Check out the details here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthforyou

Candice, a midwife, recently gave birth to her second baby. We worked together during her pregnancy, helping her to unpack the story of her first birth and to prepare for a different experience this time around. Mildred’s birth had been shockingly painful for Candice, and she exhaustedly made the call to abandon her home birth plans in order to have an epidural in hospital. This left her with feelings of shame and self doubt, especially given she was a midwife. But doing the self-work required to unravel her traumatic experience and find compassion for how she had coped, enabled Candice to manage another very painful posterior labour in an entirely different way.

Candice’s story highlights our undeniable mind-body connection and its very real impacts on how we birth. When we enter labour with unhealed traumas and experience the inevitable loss of control that giving birth entails, many, like Candice, experience this as hugely triggering. Tune in to Candice’s vulnerable share about how she worked through her fears to ready herself, as best she could, for a beautiful and empowering home birth.

Also discussed in this episode:

* Posterior labour - direct OP birth

* Long early labour

* Nitrous oxide - gas & air (at home birth)

* Ventouse birth

* Second degree tear

* Effects of childhood trauma on birth

* Difficulties bonding with baby

* Work with me - Havening, Unravelling Your Trauma session, Planning Your Healing Birth session, Soulful Birth online course

* Journal prompts and guided meditation

* Tools for managing fears (especially around pain) in labour

* Affirmations

* Water birth

* Self vaginal exam

* Requesting a managed 3rd stage an hour postpartum

* Tandem feeding

Follow Candice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagebirthnz/

Learn more about healing with me (Carla) here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/healing

And learn more about my online Soulful Birth (holistic birth & postpartum preparation) course here: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/soulfulbirthgroup