Sprogcast

In Episode 40 of Sprogcast, Mark and Karen take a long hard look at their own prejudices, and narrowly manage to avoid insulting the people of Slough. Heather Trickey talks about her research into health messages around alcohol in pregnancy, and we also discuss the recent articles about giving early solids in order to make babies sleep "better."

Mark and Karen keep it brief in episode 39, with a quick chat about Sara Wickham's new book on induction, and Maddie McMahon's Doulavation course, and then hand over to Mars Lord who has something to say about cultural competence.

In Sprogcast 38, entitled Working Together, Mark and Karen make a supreme effort to do just that, despite badmouthing each other's professions for a few minutes at the start of the show. They go on to interview maternity advocate Paul Golden, several members of Reading's Maternity Voices Partnership, and Mama Conference attendee Bronwen Rashad. By the end, they are still on good terms.

In Sprogcast 37, Mark mansplains breastfeeding guilt to Karen. Karen claims to be married when she isn't. Rebecca Schiller tells us why the world needs another book about birth; and Maddie McMahon drives off into the sunset on her Boobie Bus.

In Episode 36, Karen and Mark explore continuity of carer, one of the principles of Better Births. Michala Marling discusses how this can work within the NHS, and Rebecca Doyle tells of seven births where continuity of carer made a difference

In episode 35, Mark and Karen have a proper falling out over the importance of evidence. Mark interviews Alex Heath about the 3-step rewind technique for birth trauma; and Karen listens to Kat Grant's moving story of postpartum psychosis.

In Sprogcast 34, we're discussing maternal request for caesarean with Maria Booker from Birthrights, and Professor of Women's Health Dr Susan Bewley. We have a report from the Birth Trauma Conference, and Mark puts Karen on the spot about which birth book she would most recommend. Tune in to hear her squirm.

In Episode 33, Mark and Karen try really hard to be inclusive of all the different midwinter celebrations. Scott Kirschenbaum tells us about making the documentary film Of Woman Born. Laura James tells a heartwarming seasonal birth story.

Sprogcast 32 was recorded live in Leeds, with a panel of special guests. Sheena Byrom, Fran Bailey, Rineke Schram, Claire Harbottle and Mia Scotland chat with our studio audience about midwifery, with some great tips and encouragement for student midwives; and the state of birth and parenting today.

In Sprogcast 31, Karen and Mark are happily reunited but both under the weather, but their croaky voices don't stop them getting into a scrap about research evidence. Amy Brown chats about her Why It Matters book on Introducing Solids, and Alison Thewliss MP explains how a bill goes through parliament, and what the All Party Working Group does.