What does pregnancy look like after trauma, and what can we do to help ourselves and others after birth trauma? I chat to psychologist Dr Jenna Brough about the different ways trauma can present in planning future pregnancies, post conception and during birth.

Dr Jenna Brough is a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist specialising in perinatal trauma and pregnancy after trauma, infertility and loss. She is experienced in a range of psychological therapies, and works integratively, with a focus on trauma, compassion, and acceptance based approaches. She is EMDR trained and also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Systemic and Narrative therapies to offer a responsive approach tailored to your individual needs. You can find Dr Jenna at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenna.psychologist/⁠ and https://www.drjennapsychologist.com

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I chat to doula Maddie McMahon about what happens when you arrive at hospital and are triaged. We talk about the systems in place to assess priority, why this isn't appropriate when you're in active labour, how to mitigate the risks of triage slowing labour down, and how to voice concerns. We also touch on neurodiversity, advocacy, and a fantastic story from Maddie on the power of asking to wait.

Maddie is mother to 2 wonderful young people, stepmum to one wonderful, all-grown-up person and grandma to two.  She has also been a breastfeeding counsellor since 2005 and founded a well-known breastfeeding support group in 2007. She is co-founder of Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance. And is also chair of the trustees of another breastfeeding charity, Maddie’s Miracle

Her books Why Doulas Matter and Why Mothering Matters are published by Pinter & Martin.

You can find Maddie at https://maddiemcmahon.com, https://developingdoulas.co.uk and https://www.instagram.com/doulamaddie

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

I chat to the wonderful doula Roma Hearsey about her 3 home births. Roma explains why she had her first son at home despite planning a hospital birth, the fetal ejection reflex, orgasmic birth, and the benefits of biomechanics and spinning babies techniques. This is a must listen episode for anyone wanting positive birth stories peppered with fascinating birth and physiology knowledge!

Roma is a doula, a Spinning Babies Certified Parent Educator, biomechanics nerd, hypnobirthing teacher, doula mentor & mother of three home born sons. She’s also a festival cafe owner, winner of Best Cake at Glastonbury Festival & a home educator. She has a passion for permaculture, foraging & all things primal. You can find her online https://www.labouroflovedoula.co.uk/ and https://www.instagram.com/labour_of_love_doula/

You can book on Roma's upcoming course by emailing her. Details available here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKgxXNGt1YI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Being told you have developed diabetes in pregnancy can be a scary thing, and often means a whole host of medical intervention pushed on to you to prevent "risks", but are they always necessary and how big ARE the risks? I chat to Shellie about the differences between type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes, the interventions that may be recommended, and whether the research backs up early induction of babies.

Shellie has been a birth advocate and doula for 20 years and as a full spectrum doula supports people throughout pregnancy, with antenatal education, birth and postnatal support. She qualified in Osteopathic and Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 and has been teaching ever since. She hosts Birthing Biomechanics courses around the country, as well as providing online learning material for parents and birth workers. You can find shellie @theserenitydoula on instagram or her website www.theserenitydoula.co.uk where she uses humour and referenced information to highlight birthrights and important information for pregnancy, birth and beyond. 

To access Shellie's gestational diabetes lecture to go: https://chipper-teacher-4208.kit.com/products/june-bitesize-gestational-diabetes?promo=SERENITY50 or https://chipper-teacher-4208.kit.com/products/june-bitesize-gestational-diabetes and use the discount code serenity50 for 50% off the usual price, taking it from £30 to £15. It includes a 2 hour lecture and a PDF with lots of helpful information about Gestational Diabetes including supplement, dietary and lifestyle advice and links to further resources. 

Studies referenced in this episode:

• AJOG - 2004 - Takoudes et al - Risk of cesarean wound complications in diabetic gestations
• AJOG - 2022 Reicher et al - Diabetes Mellitus in pregnancy - a risk factor for perineal injuries, independent of foetal macrosomia
• Midwifery Vol 69 2019 - Strandhold et al - Diabetes Mellitus and lower genital tract tears after vaginal birth: A cohort study
• BJOG - Stacey et al 2019 - Gestational Diabetes and the risk of late stillbirth: Case control study uk
• Ye at al - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
• Kawakita et al, AM j Perinatol 2017 - neonatal respiratory morbidities
• Dr Rachel Reed  - Reference figures for the changing diagnostic range thresholds
• BMJ - Benefits and harms associated with an incerase in gestational diabetes diagnosis in Queensland Australia - a retrospective cohort comparison of diagnosis rates, outcomes, interventions and medication use for two periods 2011-2013 and 2016-1028 using a large perinatal database
• Cochrane Review into tighter BGL control
• BMC 2023 - Luo et al Comparison adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes between induction and expectant management among wimen with gestational diabetes mellitus at term pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis
• Nice guidance - not evidence based for recommendation for induction no later than 40+6

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

In this episode I chat to Charlotte the Smart Doula, about deciphering medical research, the difficulties in teasing out what studies show, and why doing your own research, or getting support from a birth worker or doula, is so vital when preparing for birth within the NHS.

Charlotte, the founder of The Smart Doula, is dedicated to empowering families throughout the UK to make informed choices about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. After her own birth experiences underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making, she launched The Smart Doula to provide virtual support, helping parents navigate the wealth of information available and confidently advocate for the birth experience they want.

Erin Fung is a birth educator and activist, providing classes and support to anyone wanting an informed and positive birth. Her courses can be found www.better-birth.co.uk or on all social media channels @betterbirthuk

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

In this episode I chat to osteopath Nicolas Grimaldi, about the power of osteopathy and how he helps resolve birth injuries and issues with babies who have experienced traumatic births. We discuss what osteopathy is, how the over medicalisation of birth, use of instruments and c-sections can have unintended and little discussed knock on effects with feeding, comfort and mobility of babies, and how we could learn so much from other cultures' innate understanding of babies and massage.

Nicolas Romulus Grimaldi is the founder of ONE OSTEO. He graduated in 2007 after 6 years of full-time studies at ATMAN, one of the oldest French osteopathic colleges. He is a passionate osteopath and entrepreneur, recognised for his work on immune system disorders through the ISD method. His passion and love for paediatric osteopathy, his work on pregnant women and reproductive disorders, along with his team have finally sealed the great reputation of ONE OSTEO around SEA and beyond.  You can follow Nicolas on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/niconeosteo/

Erin Fung is a birth educator and activist, providing classes and support to anyone wanting an informed and positive birth. Her courses can be found www.better-birth.co.uk or on all social media channels @betterbirthuk

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Previous client and fellow birth worker Bec Oakaia shares her magical freebirth story. In this birth story, Bec talks about her wild pregnancy, free from medical monitoring and interventions, why she chose to freebirth, and her truly magical experience with labour, nature and intuition. This is truly a wonderful birth story!

Bec can be found on instagram https://www.instagram.com/becoakaiah/

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

The Big Baby Trial study has been published,

and are already being used to justify inductions at 38 weeks... but what did the study ACTUALLY show? I chat to doula Samantha Gadsden about this study, and why despite it being touted as evidence for early inductions, the results actually show the opposite!

You can find the study here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00162-X/fulltext

Samantha (Sam) Gadsden is one of the UK’s leading doulas, specialising in home birth, freebirth, and virtual support. With over a decade of experience, she is renowned for empowering families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, championing the sacred nature of birth and the right to self-advocacy. As an outspoken activist, she has led campaigns against obstetric violence and supported countless families facing domestic abuse, social services involvement, and trauma.

Samantha runs a thriving online community for parents, mentors birth professionals, and regularly contributes to media discussions on birth and parenting. She is the former co-host of The Birth Activist podcast and is soon launching her new podcast The Village Wise Woman. Deeply rooted in her belief in community and spirituality, Samantha uses her work to ensure that those who cannot afford her services are still able to access the care they deserve. Sam's home birthsupport group can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homebirthsupportuk/ and she can be found on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/samanthagadsdendoula

Erin Fung is a birth educator and activist, providing classes and support to anyone wanting an informed and positive birth. Her courses can be found www.better-birth.co.uk or on all social media channels @betterbirthuk

Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time. The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of the podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed. Your use of content contained in or linked to this podcast is entirely at your own risk. The Better Birth podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

In this episode I chat to the wonderful Emily, who reached out to me over instagram wanting to share her positive birth story! Emily, a first time mum, decided to have a home birth, and explains the prep she did in pregnancy, as well as how she handled her birth. It's such a wonderful (and funny!) story that I hope reassures any parent hoping for a home birth!

Emily Baker is a secondary school teacher and first time mum and gave birth to her son Stanley at home in July this year. After a really positive antenatal and homebirth experience with the NHS, Emily is now training to be a Hypnobirthing Instructor. Emily wanted to share her birth story in the hopes of inspiring other pregnant people in the same way that she felt so inspired by this podcast throughout pregnancy. Emily used her acting training as well as her birth education and research to have a successful physiological homebirth; using vocal techniques, breath work, focus and visualising her baby's journey throughout labour. Her HB insta handle is @bake.yourbirth

In this episode I chat to Nico, the husband of my previous guest and client Anna! He speaks about his experience of her first pregnancy and birth, the trauma of the lack of empathic and informed care and support, and the helplessness he felt as a birth partner, which led them both to book on a course with me. He explains the impact of being educated had on their second pregnancy and birth, and shares his pearls of wisdom on the key things a birth partner should do to be the best support they can be. In Nico's words:

"I'm Nico, father to two wonderful children, both of whom came into the world under very different circumstances. The first pregnancy was riddled with misinformation and coercion, and for the second we wanted to be even more prepared. There is not a wealth of information available on how the birth partner can be of help, so I wanted to share my experience of the two pregnancies, what I learned, what are some red flags, and how best to help your person carrying your baby."