Midwife Crisis : The Podcast

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by trauma-informed yoga instructor Ileana for a grounding and insightful chat about the healing potential of yin yoga—especially for midwives and healthcare workers carrying the emotional weight of their work.
Ileana shares her own path into yoga, what makes yin so uniquely powerful, and why slowing down is often the first step to processing grief, burnout, and trauma. Together, they explore the importance of presence, emotional release, and creating support systems that hold space for the carers as much as the cared-for.
This episode is a gentle, practical invitation to reconnect with your body, your breath, and your boundaries—especially if you’ve been pouring from an empty cup.

(04:26) Understanding Yin Yoga

(10:03) The Window of Tolerance and Trauma

(19:16) Self-Care Practices for Healthcare Workers

(22:01) Finding Joy in Small Moments

(23:16) The Power of Presence

(24:59) Advice for Healthcare Workers

(25:22) Understanding Hope Theory

(27:48) The Importance of Forgiveness

(31:19) Investing in Support Systems

(32:45) Healing Through Joy and Creativity


For more information and links to Iliana's work, check out these links:

Website: www.ilianacontos.com

'Take A Break' Guided Meditation with Iliana Contos

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Click here to learn more about Yin Yoga and other therapies offered by Iliana.
Follow Iliana on Instagram.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff speaks with Steph—a mother of eight whose birth experiences stretch across continents and care models. From hospitals in the U.S. to birth centres and home births here in Australia, Steph’s story weaves together moments of trauma, empowerment, and deep resilience.

They talk through what it’s really like to give birth eight times under vastly different systems, how care providers can shape an experience for better or worse, and the incredible responsibility midwives carry in holding space for families. It’s an emotional, powerful conversation that highlights just how critical compassionate, individualised care is in the world of birth.

(01:30) Steph's First Pregnancy Experience
(03:38) Discovering Birth Centres and Midwifery
(05:40) First Birth: A Natural Water Birth
(08:00) Challenges with the Medical System
(13:55) Transition to Australian Midwifery
(15:14) Settling in Australia and Finding a Midwife
(18:01) Navigating the Canberra Birth Centre
(18:34) Navigating Birth Centre Challenges
(19:01) Hiring a Doula for Support
(19:25) Meeting the OB and Facing Induction Pressure
(20:16) Overdue and Under Pressure
(21:02) Labor and Delivery at the Birth Center
(23:07) Midwife's Indifference and Its Impact
(25:10) Reflecting on Birth Experiences
(26:09) Qualities of a Good Midwife
(28:22) Challenges Faced by Modern Midwives
(32:27) Empowering Women in Birth

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this moving episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with midwife Ally, who made the difficult decision to leave private practice and return to the hospital system. Through a candid and emotional conversation, Ally opens up about the challenges that led to her departure—chronic isolation, emotional exhaustion, and the immense weight of responsibility that often comes with working independently.

The episode explores the deep fulfilment private practice can bring, alongside the quiet heartbreak it can leave behind. Ally shares how COVID-19 intensified the pressures, the moment she realised something had to change, and how she’s redefining her relationship with midwifery while prioritising her own wellbeing.

This is a story of honesty, strength, and the bravery it takes to walk away in order to heal.

(01:14) The Challenges of Private Practice
(04:30) Rewards and Realities of Private Practice
(07:40) The Impact of COVID-19
(13:41) The Final Tipping Point
(16:42) Exploring New Career Paths
(16:57) The Addiction to Midwifery
(17:12) The Knowledge and Experience of Midwifery
(18:03) The Emotional Toll of Midwifery
(19:25) Transitioning Out of Midwifery
(20:43) Support Systems for Midwives
(22:48) Advice for Aspiring Private Midwives
(24:04) Systemic Issues in Midwifery
(26:24) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Midwifery
(28:33) Gratitude and Reflections

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In today’s episode, Kelli sits down with Mariya and Joel, a couple who’ve spent years working on the frontline as paramedics. While Joel is still out on the road, Mariya has stepped into new roles as a mother and business owner. Together, they share the highs and lows of navigating life behind the sirens and how they’ve managed the emotional weight of emergency care, both individually and as a couple.

We talk about trauma, identity shifts, conscious parenting, and how their businesses are now focused on empowering others through first aid education and emotional support. It’s a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.

Check out Nurture Safe here: www.nurturesafe.com.au

(01:16) Meeting Mariya and Joel
(01:23) Journey into Paramedicine
(02:53) Working Together as Paramedics
(08:08) Memorable Experiences on the Job
(12:09) Coping with Trauma and Seeking Support
(19:19) Balancing Family and Career
(22:56) Navigating Post-Paramedic Life
(24:57) Discussing Trauma Bonding
(27:02) Transition from Paramedic to Postnatal Work
(29:56) Balancing Work and Family Life
(33:19) Creating and Merging Businesses
(36:02) Importance of First Aid Training
(42:23) Advice for Healthcare Workers

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it.

You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty.

Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.

(00:44) Meet Amy Garrett: A Midwife's Journey

(01:55) The Emotional Impact of Maternity Care

(03:16) Amy's Viral Post: Honouring Midwives

(05:57) Understanding Vicarious Trauma

(10:52) The Weight of Grief and Guilt

(12:56) Creating Safe Spaces for Midwives

(13:46) The Importance of Speaking Up

(15:15) Supporting Midwives: A Call to Action

(17:00) Amy's Personal Reflections and Advice

(22:25) The Need for Systemic Change

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by the incredible Jess—a midwife, lactation consultant, hypnobirthing practitioner, and Australia’s first certified birth trauma resolution therapist. You’re going to want to lean into this one.

Jess shares her personal and professional journey into the complex world of birth trauma, and what it means not just for birthing families, but for the midwives and professionals who witness it day in and day out. From recognising the signs of secondary trauma to practical healing tools like the Rewind Technique, this conversation is equal parts grounding and transformative.

Together, Jess and Kelly explore how we can create safer, more trauma-informed spaces for caregivers and why the system urgently needs to shift to better support the people holding the space. It’s raw, wise, and deeply moving—an essential listen for anyone working in perinatal care.

(00:29) Meet Jess: A Journey in Perinatal Care

(01:54) Reading from 'Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma'

(03:05) Jess's Professional Journey and Birth Trauma Work

(06:06) The Rewind Technique: Healing Birth Trauma

(10:52) Recognising and Addressing Trauma in Midwives

(18:42) Balancing Professional and Personal Well-being

(24:56) The Importance of Support and Debriefing

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

Welcome to episode 15 of Midwife Crisis! This week, Kelli sits down with the incredible Melanie Jackson to tackle one of the most pressing issues in maternity care right now: rising induction rates. With 43% of first-time mums in Australia being induced, this isn’t just a blip—it’s reshaping the whole birth landscape.

Melanie brings her usual fire and wisdom as a midwife, educator, and advocate, breaking down what’s really driving these numbers, the impact on women, and the pressure midwives are under to toe the line. This one’s all about informed choice, pushing back against fear-based care, and standing up for what matters.

Oh—and if you’ve been curious about the Great Birth Rebellion Convergence, Melanie’s got all the juicy details. Don’t miss it.

(00:28) The Rising Rate of Induction

(01:06) Impact on Midwives and Mothers

(02:58) Exploring the Reasons Behind Inductions

(03:44) Interview with Melanie Jackson

(04:17) Melanie's Bold Statement: Just Stop It

(07:38) Midwives' Role and Challenges

(11:29) Empowering Women with Information

(25:45) The Rise in Inductions: Causes and Consequences

(28:07) Accuracy of Growth Scans in the Third Trimester

(29:48) Navigating Informed Decision to Decline

(30:44) Challenges for Private Midwives

(31:41) Importance of Thorough Documentation

(37:39) Midwives Managing Induction Epidemic

(40:21) Advice for Midwives: Practical Tips and Mindset

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this powerful episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with an anonymous midwife, 'Sarah', about the emotional and professional challenges that come with being reported to regulatory authorities. Set against the backdrop of a small community and independent practice, Sarah shares the aftermath of an adverse event that changed everything.

The episode explores the realities of isolation, financial strain, and the ripple effects on mental health and family life. It also highlights the strength required to keep going in a system that can feel punishing and unsupportive. Sarah’s story is a rare, honest look into the burden midwives can carry—and the resilience that keeps them standing.

In this powerful episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with an anonymous midwife, 'Sarah', about the emotional and professional challenges that come with being reported to regulatory authorities. Set against the backdrop of a small community and independent practice, Sarah shares the aftermath of an adverse event that changed everything.

The episode explores the realities of isolation, financial strain, and the ripple effects on mental health and family life. It also highlights the strength required to keep going in a system that can feel punishing and unsupportive. Sarah’s story is a rare, honest look into the burden midwives can carry—and the resilience that keeps them standing.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli is back with another brilliant conversation—this time with Victoria, a midwife of over 20 years and mum of seven (yes, seven!), including one through surrogacy. Many of you will love this one: Victoria takes us right back to where her midwifery journey began (spoiler: it started in childhood), and walks us through the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of life as both a midwife and a mother.

She gets real about dealing with hyperemesis in her pregnancies, the realities of working across different models of care, and why informed choice and truly meeting women where they are is everything. It’s warm, funny, and full of the kind of wisdom only years on the job can bring.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff sits down with Catherine Isaac — a clinical nurse and founder of Two Souls Co — to share a conversation that is both deeply personal and powerfully important. Catherine opens up about her own experience of multiple pregnancy losses and the emotional toll they took, not just as a parent, but as a healthcare professional.

Out of her pain, she created the Soul Collection Kit — a gentle, practical resource designed to help families and healthcare providers navigate early pregnancy loss with care, compassion, and dignity. Together, Kelly and Catherine explore what it means to grieve while still showing up in a demanding healthcare environment, and why the system needs to do more to support both patients and the people who care for them.

This is an honest and heartfelt episode about loss, resilience, and the power of turning personal grief into meaningful change.

(00:39) Meet Catherine Isaac: A Journey Through Loss

(02:17) The Day That Changed Everything

(03:04) Navigating the Healthcare System

(04:41) The Emotional and Physical Toll of Miscarriage

(13:39) Returning to Work After Loss

(17:19) Creating the Soul Collection Kit

(21:10) Impact and Future of the Soul Collection Kit

To learn more about Catherine’s work and the Soul Collection Kit, visit twosoulsco.com.au, follow @two.soulsco on Instagram, or reach out directly at [email protected].

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife 

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak