Augustine Colebrook and Maryn Green of IndieBirth sit down and delve into the profound shifts in midwifery as it has evolved into a modern profession. Maryn reflects on how this transition has reshaped the role of the midwife, distancing it from the deeply integrated archetype it once was—a cornerstone of community life, present for both birth and death, and supported by the very people they served.

Today, midwives often feel like isolated islands, disconnected from the grounded community support that once gave their work deep significance. In this conversation, they explore what has been lost, what can be reclaimed, and how midwifery can return to a model rooted in autonomy, interconnectedness, and ancient wisdom. 

Links:
https://indiebirth.org/
https://indiebirthmidwiferyschool.org/

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role midwives play in supporting pregnant individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Dr. Kate Levick, a leading researcher in POTS, shares her personal journey with the condition and offers expert insights into how midwives can be frontline providers for people navigating pregnancy with POTS. We discuss the unique challenges of managing symptoms during pregnancy, from dizziness and fatigue to managing blood flow, and the ways in which midwives can create safe, supportive environments for those affected. With practical advice on monitoring and empowering patients, this episode is a must-listen for midwives, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of POTS and its management during pregnancy.

Tune in to learn more about how midwifery care can be transformative for individuals with POTS on their pregnancy journey.

Show Resources:

Our previous episode on POTS: POTS and Pregnancy
Kate Levick's Research
POTS and Pregnancy: A Review of Literature and Recommendations for Evaluation and Treatment

Email Kate at [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Federico, midwife, and Morgan Miller, clinical sex therapist, to explore the powerful connections between mental health and midwifery. Together, we discuss how understanding the intersection of emotional well-being, hormonal cycles, and reproductive health can transform the care midwives and birthworkers provide to their clients—and themselves.

We also dive into their new book, The Cycle Book, a game-changing resource that offers midwives and birthworkers a deeper way to help clients take control of their cycles. This analog, customizable guide goes beyond period-tracking apps, addressing key insights like:

• Supporting clients in managing pain and regulating emotions.
• Using cycle tracking as a tool for improving mental health and relationships.
• Helping clients better understand conditions like endometriosis, anxiety, and perimenopause.

Laura and Morgan share practical tools and personal experiences that highlight how cycle tracking can become a missing link in reproductive care. This conversation is packed with insights to deepen your practice and inspire new ways to empower your clients.

Support your local bookstore by grabbing The Cycle Book when it releases in January 2025—or pre-order your copy now wherever you buy books!

Learn more about Laura, Morgan, and their groundbreaking work at itslauraandmorgan.com.

And don’t miss updates about their book tour—follow them on Instagram at @thecyclebook!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Geneva Montano, a Colorado native, mother of four, and seasoned birth worker since 2003. Geneva is a Registered and Professional Midwife, Certified Doula, Registered Yoga Teacher, CPR instructor, body and energy worker, teacher, mentor, author, artist, and activist. Her lifelong passion for spirituality, art, and self-exploration shines through in her work, as she supports families and learns from each unique birth experience.

In this episode, Geneva dives into her book, Wisdom from the Womb, sharing how she wrote it in just six weeks and chose to self-publish. She reflects on the incredible feedback she's received from readers—many of whom have found her insights transformative, not just during pregnancy but at all stages of life, helping them release shame and guilt.

Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion about birth, healing, and creativity.

👉 Follow Geneva on social media: @GenevaMontanoMidwife
👉 Purchase Wisdom from the Womb on Amazon or at genevamontano.com.

🎙 Thank you to our sponsor: Redmond Real Life

📢 Announcement: Dopplers are back in stock at midwiferywisdom.com!

In this compelling talk two iconic figures in midwifery, Elizabeth Davis and Whitney Pinger, come together to share their insights on woman-centered birth and transformative midwifery care.

Whitney Pinger, known for her groundbreaking “Pearls of Midwifery” approach, has dedicated her career to reducing cesarean rates and promoting natural births through evidence-based practices. With a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, Whitney has empowered countless healthcare providers and patients to achieve safer, more fulfilling birth experiences. Her extensive work in research, education, and maternal health advocacy continues to shape the future of women’s health.

Elizabeth Davis brings over 40 years of experience in midwifery, reproductive health, and education. A co-founder of the National Midwifery Institute and author of six influential books, including the renowned textbook "Heart & Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth," Elizabeth is a global leader in midwifery education. She has dedicated her life to advancing an integrated view of birth, sexuality, family, and ecology. Her work emphasizes the importance of intuition and holistic care in the birthing process.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Redmond Real Salt!
Announcement: Dopplers are back in stock on www.midwiferywisdom.com

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the enduring partnership of Desiree LeFave and Petra Prostrednik, the co-founders of Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center, as they reflect on 17 years of working together to create and nurture their dream of a peaceful, natural birth center.

Through candid conversation, Desiree and Petra share the secrets to making their midwifery partnership not only last but thrive. From navigating the challenges of building a birth center to maintaining a deep, trusting professional relationship, they explore what has kept their collaboration strong over nearly two decades.

Petra’s journey to midwifery began with her own transformative birth experiences, while Desiree’s path was sparked by the powerful experience of birthing her first child at home. Together, they laid the foundation for Bella Vie in 2007, creating a space that has supported hundreds of families in the serene beauty of Oregon’s countryside.

If you’ve ever wondered how long-lasting professional partnerships succeed, this episode offers a blueprint from two women who have made it work with love, respect, and shared vision for nearly two decades.

FREE download: Start a Midwifery Business Right
Find out more about Bella Vie Gentle Birth Centre here: https://www.gentlebirthcenter.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellavie_gentlebirthcenter/

Exploring Placenta Remedies with Dr. Sophia Johnson

In this episode, Dr. Sophia Johnson joins Augustine Colebrook to dive deep into her groundbreaking research on placenta remedies and her new book, Placenta Power. Dr. Johnson shares insights into the benefits, composition, and clinical potential of placenta in postpartum care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Placenta Power Book: Stadelmann Verlag - Placenta Power
• Dr. Johnson’s Instagram: @placenta.universe
• Book Instagram: @plazentapower
• Placenta Artwork: Placenta Prints - Underwater
• Crowdfunding and Research Project: Experiment - A Scientific Approach to Placenta Remedies

Call to Action for Midwives: Dr. Johnson is conducting an international survey to learn more about midwives’ perspectives on placenta remedies. Midwives of all backgrounds, including those unfamiliar with placenta remedies, are encouraged to participate. The survey takes just 3-5 minutes and will help expand knowledge on women’s health and placenta research.

Take the survey here: Placenta Remedies Survey

Tune in to hear how Dr. Johnson’s research could shape the future of postpartum care!

Show Notes:

Email [email protected]

Join us at this years online conference midwiferywisdom.com

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

In this episode, Augustine sits down with rising social media star, Dr. K, to dive into her inspiring journey and the impact of her family’s legacy on her career.

Dr. K shares how she got started on social media and the pivotal role her grandfather’s career in naturopathy played in shaping her path.

Together, they explore the barriers within obstetrics that hinder midwifery from gaining the exposure it deserves and discuss the importance of informed consent and autonomy in childbirth. The conversation also touches on the history of obstetrics and examines why the increase of women in the field hasn’t brought about the transformative change hoped for.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersections of tradition, modern medicine, and the ongoing struggle for progress in maternal care.

Show Resources
-IG: @drk_pregnancyspecialist
-TikTok: drk_pregnancyspecialist

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week we are joined by two wonderful guest hosts, student midwives Shiphrah Sarai Israel and Susanna Israel. They share their passion for helping aspiring and new student midwives navigate the "rollercoaster" that is the pathway to midwifery.

In this episode they share their paths into midwifery, how difficult the pathways are, a little about each different pathway, tips for aspiring midwives, and so much more.  Both students and seasoned midwives, there is something in this episode for all of you!

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Student Handbook
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024