*Trigger Warning* This episode discusses upsetting themes such as maternal death, please do decide if this is the right time for you to listen. However, we do hope that the discussion is not only useful but also reassuring.

In this episode of The Birth Uprising Podcast, we unpack a conversation that many people are understandably scared to touch. Maternal mortality rates are increasing, yet the information being shared with pregnant people is often partial, simplified, or framed in a way that limits genuine informed consent.

We talk openly about the reality that caesarean birth is associated with a significantly higher risk of maternal death, including research showing up to a six-fold increase compared to vaginal birth. Crucially, we explore how this information is rarely shared when caesarean birth is positioned as the “safer” or “more controlled” option, particularly in non-emergency situations.

We also discuss the rapid rise in caesarean rates across the UK, with some areas reporting figures as high as 70 percent in certain months and many trusts now sitting at around 50 percent as standard. We question how these rates have become normalised, what systemic pressures are influencing decision-making, and how fear-based narratives around birth safety shape the choices parents feel able to make.

This episode is not about judging individual decisions or blaming parents or clinicians. It is about context, transparency, and autonomy, and the growing gap between what is known in the evidence and what is routinely communicated in maternity care.

This conversation was sparked by an Instagram reel shared by Tracy, whose content opened the door to discussing why nuance matters so much when we talk about maternal safety and birth outcomes. You can find Tracy on Instagram here:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/tracypma

If you are pregnant, supporting someone who is, or working in birth care and feeling uneasy about the direction maternity services are heading, this episode is an invitation to think critically, ask better questions, and reclaim informed choice.

🎧 Listen now

If you’re pregnant and you want to know more about TBU and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions/

Ready to come and prepare for your birth with us? Check out our amazing No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off-

www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables/

Watch us on TikTok-

https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising?_t=8pIctTBbsVV&_r=1

Join us on the gram-

www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

This week on The Birth Uprising Podcast, Jade and Alix are back after a little break — and they’re diving straight into one of the biggest sources of fear and confusion in pregnancy: what happens when your “low risk” label suddenly turns “high risk.”

If you’ve ever sat in an appointment and heard the words “we’ll need to induce you” or “your baby’s measuring big” and felt your heart drop — this one’s for you.

We talk about:

• ​Why “low risk” and “high risk” are pretty meaningless labels in the real world.
• ​How policies (and panic) vary wildly depending on your hospital, your postcode, and sometimes even your midwife.
• ​How to spot when you’re being managed by policy versus genuine medical need.
• ​Why big babies get such a bad rep — and the truth about “shoulder dystocia” and scan accuracy.
• ​The importance of listening to your gut and remembering that you are the expert on your own body.
• ​How to handle conversations with healthcare professionals (and what to say when they throw scary stats or “policy” at you).
• ​Why it’s okay to ask for time, a second opinion, or to say no altogether.
• ​How your mindset can be the most powerful birth prep tool you’ve got.

This episode is funny, fiery, and absolutely packed with the straight-talking reassurance every pregnant person needs. Whether you’re currently being told your risk status has changed, or you just want to go into birth knowing your rights — listen to this before your next appointment.

You’ve got this.

————————————-

If you’re pregnant and you want to know more about TBU and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions/

Ready to come and prepare for your birth with us? Check out our amazing No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off-

www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables/

Watch us on TikTok-

https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising?_t=8pIctTBbsVV&_r=1

Join us on the gram-

www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Anna from @HackneyHypnobirthing, and we’re digging deep into the realities of giving birth in today’s NHS.

We talk about the systemic challenges in maternity care, the rise in trauma and inequality, and how you can advocate for yourself in a system that often isn’t set up to support individualised care.

We also explore the impact of media, institutional pressure, and why understanding birth physiology and your rights is more crucial than ever.

We discuss:

👉 The worsening state of maternity services and rising birth trauma

👉 Why personalised care is essential and often missing

👉 What your rights are as an NHS service user

👉 How media and hospital culture shape our expectations

👉 Why preparation, confidence, and the right support can change your experience

👉 The importance of understanding risk and what it actually means

This is the episode to listen to if you want to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take control of your birth experience in 2025.

You can follow Anna on Instagram at: @hackneyhypnobirthing

Or check out her website here:

https://www.hackneyhypnobirthing.com

Resources recommended by Anna:

Book: In Your Own Time by Sara Wickham

Book: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed

Kirsten Small at @birthsmalltalk

And check out Anna's brilliant post on risk here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHnW1e2oOL4/?hl=en

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, Jade and Alix are chatting all things birth prep, but not in a way that overwhelms or pressures you.

We're talking real, practical ways to support your body and mind in the lead-up to labour.

From movement and hydration to mental health and rest, we explore what actually helps and what’s just unnecessary noise (spoiler: perineal massage might not be the miracle you’ve been told it is).

We discuss:
👉 Why physical preparation matters—but doesn’t need to be extreme
👉 How hydration, nutrition and rest support your body in late pregnancy
👉 The truth about perineal massage (and why you can skip it if it’s not for you)
👉 Listening to your body and focusing on what feels right
👉 The power of tuning out the pressure and tuning in to yourself

This one’s perfect if you want to feel prepared—but not panicked—as your birth approaches.

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, Jade and Alix are back with some BIG updates including the launch of their brand new Birth Essentials shop and the expansion of TBU HQ! 🎉

They’re chatting through the tools that can genuinely change the game during labour and birth...no fluff, no gimmicks, just the stuff that makes a real difference when it matters most.

We cover:👉 How to use a labour comb to manage sensations👉 Why focus balls, earplugs, and vibrators can totally shift your birth experience👉 What makes birth balls and peanut balls a total must-have👉 How a portable peri bottle will save your life postpartum👉 Why the new TBU pregnancy journal is your go-to birth prep companion

If you’re wondering what to pack or how to feel more in control during birth, this episode is for you.

You can find our products here:

https://thebirthuprising.com/product-category/essential-birth-kit/

Get the Aura Orbs we mentioned here:

https://www.yuula.co.uk/?ref=THEBIRTHUPRISING

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, we’re joined by Jemma Laker, who shares her powerful and personal story of choosing a home birth as a first-time parent. From facing uncertainty and assumptions based on family birth stories, to navigating the label of being 'high risk', Jemma talks us through how education, support, and self-trust helped her have the birth she truly wanted.

We discuss:
👉 Why home birth is absolutely a viable option for first-time parents
👉 The power of hypnobirthing and preparation
👉 How to challenge assumptions and medical labels
👉 Why self-advocacy and trusting your instincts matter
👉 The emotional recovery post-birth and normalising that adjustment period

If you’re a first-time parent curious about home birth—or just want to hear a badass, empowering birth story—this episode is for you.

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

Get the Birth Focus Balls here:

⁠https://thebirthuprising.com/product/tactile-birth-focus-balls/⁠

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, we’re joined by co-host Leanne (birthhooduk), Tash, and Ellie from Mokita to talk about a side of birth trauma that often gets overlooked—the perspective of healthcare professionals. We discuss the impact of trauma on both caregivers and birthing individuals, the challenges within the healthcare system, and why informed consent and collaboration are essential for creating safer, more supportive birth environments.

We discuss:
👉 The disconnect between training and real-world practice for healthcare professionals
👉 How fear-based communication affects birth outcomes
👉 The cycle of trauma among healthcare workers and how it impacts care
👉 Why collaboration between doulas and healthcare professionals can improve experiences
👉 How patriarchal norms and control still shape modern maternity care

This episode is all about challenging existing norms, rehumanizing birth, and giving both patients and healthcare professionals the tools to advocate for safer, more empowering birth experiences.

You can find out more about Mokita here:

https://www.mokitatraining.com/

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

In this episode, we’re joined by Tara Ghosh, women’s hormone health coach, to talk about something that hardly anyone prepares you for...the massive hormonal crash that happens after birth.

Tara shares her wisdom on the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and how hormones affect everything from your mental health to your ability to cope in those wild early weeks.

We discuss:
👉 Why postnatal hormonal shifts hit so hard (and why it’s not just “baby blues”)
👉 How your cycle and emotional patterns are connected
👉 The importance of postpartum nourishment, rest & support
👉 Why it’s okay to prioritise yourself—yes, even before the baby
👉 Cultural practices that actually honour the fourth trimester

This episode is packed with compassion, clarity, and the kind of real talk we ALL need when navigating the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum life.

You can find out more about Tara and her work here:

https://taraghosh.com/

https://www.instagram.com/_taraghosh_/

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Hinge, a lactation consultant, to talk about the realities of feeding! We dive into the pressures new parents face, the lack of support in the system, and how knowledge + preparation can make all the difference when it comes to meeting your feeding goals (whatever they may be).

We discuss:
👉 The challenges of breastfeeding and why so many parents struggle
👉 The pressures & expectations placed on infant feeding choices
👉 How learning to hand express colostrum in pregnancy builds confidence and autonomy
👉 The mental & emotional side of feeding struggles
👉 The lack of healthcare training & support for new parents

This episode is all about giving you the info & confidence you need to navigate feeding in a way that works for YOU. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or just preparing for what’s to come, this one is packed with real talk & practical advice.

You can find more out about Olivia here:

https://www.oliviahinge.com/

https://www.instagram.com/olivia_lactation_consultant/

Grab Olivia's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judgement-Free-Guide-Feeding-Your-Baby/dp/1399731904

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Green (@thegreenmidwife) to talk about the reality of birth outside medical guidelines and how hospital culture can shape the choices available to you. We discuss the importance of personalised care, informed decision-making, and advocating for yourself in maternity care.

We discuss:
👉 Why hospital policies vary so much—even under the same guidelines
👉 The difference between actual risk vs. blanket policies
👉 How birth trauma impacts future pregnancy choices
👉 The emotional side of making decisions that go against standard guidance
👉 The importance of early conversations about your birth plan & documenting your choices

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever been told “you have to do this because it’s safer” without real context—or if you just want to feel more confident in making informed choices for YOUR birth.

You can find Laura here:

https://www.thegreenmidwife.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/thegreenmidwife/

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork