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Have you ever wondered why two women can walk into the same antenatal clinic and have completely different experiences? In this episode, I explore what I call the 'Sliding Doors' effect in maternity care — how the door you walk through, quite literally or metaphorically, can shape your confidence, choices, and ultimately your birth outcome.

I unpack how seemingly small differences in care — the tone of a conversation, the attentiveness of a practitioner, the questions asked — can either empower you or leave you questioning your instincts. 

This episode is a deep dive into how chance encounters at antenatal appointments can ripple through an entire pregnancy and birth journey.

You’ll hear about:

• How the same clinic can feel like two entirely different worlds
• Why one interaction can build confidence while another can create doubt
• The difference between being truly heard versus just being managed
• Strategies for preparing yourself emotionally for whatever door you walk through

Listener reflection:
Which door did you walk through during your pregnancy — and how did it shape your story?

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

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In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am exploring the Japanese art of kintsugi — repairing broken pottery with gold — as a powerful metaphor for healing after a difficult or traumatic birth.

Instead of hiding the cracks, kintsugi honours them, turning them into the most beautiful part of the story. And birth can be the same. Your previous experience, however painful, does not make you broken. It makes you wiser, clearer, and stronger as you prepare for your next birth.

Through real stories of women she has supported, Sallyann shares how birth trauma can become a source of insight, boundaries, and courage — and how you can approach your next birth as a reclamation, not a repeat.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ Why minimising or dismissing birth trauma can be damaging
✨ How your scars and cracks can actually become your source of strength
✨ Reflection prompts to help you prepare for your next birth
✨ Why you are not starting over, but starting stronger

Resources & Links

💛 Join Discover Your North Star — my course for preparing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for birth → https://payhip.com/b/8PSYi
💛 Follow me on Instagram for daily insights and support → https://www.instagram.com/theultimatebirthpartner/

Share the Love

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Every share helps more women discover that they are not broken — they are whole, and capable of creating their own kintsugi birth.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

The Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your Experience

In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore how Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework can help women, partners, and birth professionals better understand how we respond to expectations — and why that matters so much in pregnancy and birth.

I share real-life examples of how each Tendency (Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel) might prepare for birth, how they may respond in the moment, and the unique challenges or strengths they bring into the birth room.

You’ll hear:
✨ Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools you can take into labour
✨ How partners can better support by recognising their own style and their loved one’s needs
✨ Why birth professionals and doulas benefit from tailoring their approach depending on the woman or family they’re working with
✨ What to do if you don’t know your care provider’s Tendency — and how to get your point across clearly in the moment
✨ How to express your own Tendency in your Birth Manifesto® so your values, priorities, and boundaries are unmistakably clear

This episode is full of stories, practical strategies, and even scripts you can use to explain yourself to others, helping you strengthen your inner compass and stay aligned with what matters most.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about creating your Birth Manifesto® in my Discover Your North Star course - https://payhip.com/b/8PSYi
• Gretchen Rubins The Four Tendencies Quiz - https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
• If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it makes such a difference

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m speaking openly about the ongoing debate around paracetamol (Tylenol), especially its use during pregnancy and in young children.

Headlines and politics — including Donald Trump jumping on a microphone with bold claims — have left many people either dismissing concerns outright or panicking. But if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, we risk missing the real science that deserves our attention.

I explore:

• How paracetamol impacts the body: glutathione depletion, mitochondrial stress, DNA and immune function.
• The role of genetics (like MTHFR variants) in how drugs are processed.
• Why giving babies paracetamol before vaccination may blunt their immune response.
• The connection between gut health, antibiotics, C-sections, and long-term wellbeing.
• Practical ways to make more thoughtful choices.

Studies & Resources:

• Paracetamol and the Developing Brain (PMC)
• Impact of intrapartum antibiotics and C-section on infant gut microbiome.
• Early-life Antibiotics and Risk of ADHD (PMC)
• C-section, Formula Feeding, and Infant Gut Microbiome (Frontiers)
• Maternal Antibiotic Prophylaxis During C-section and Infant Gut Microbiome (PMC)
• Paracetamol, Oxidative Stress, and Glutathione (PMC)
• Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of infant vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody responses.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

Every birth has a moment that feels impossible. For many women, it comes right before the pushing stage — a sudden rush of overwhelm, doubt, or fear. This is what I call 'The Wobble'.

In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m diving deep into this essential topic. You’ll learn:

• What the Wobble really is — why it happens, when it usually shows up, and how to recognise it
• Why it’s not a crisis, but a turning point in labour
• What partners can do in the moment to support her with calm, strength, and reassurance
• The words and actions that help most (and the ones to avoid)
• How to protect the birth space so she feels safe, supported, and able to move through it

The Wobble can sound like:

* 'I can’t do this anymore'.

* 'Something’s wrong'.

* 'I want to stop'.

But instead of signalling failure, these words often mean she’s closer than ever to meeting her baby. With the right support, the wobble passes — and she finds her strength again.

If you’re a birth partner, this episode is also for you. Your steady presence in this moment can make all the difference.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Download the Wobble Cheat Sheet for your partner: Here
• Explore my Discover Your North Star course for tools and strategies to prepare for birth: Here
• Follow me on Instagram for more tips and resources: Here

💌 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or partner who’s preparing for birth. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

In light of the recent NMC and Doula UK video, I decided to record this special episode as I felt it relates this this season's theme: The Reality of Birth.

The video tried to define the role of a doula but missed the mark — suggesting we simply reinforce what midwives advise. That’s not the truth.

You can watch it here - https://youtu.be/bXqIBMTZHDs

Many care providers still remain confused about the role of a doula — despite us providing care for 25 years or more in some cases. But that confusion isn’t what matters. What matters is that you and your partner are crystal clear on why you’ve chosen your doula, and how their continuous support aligns with your birth vision.

In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore:
✨ Why the recent video missed the mark about doula support.
✨ What families need to know when choosing a doula or birthkeeper.
✨ Why the woman herself is the true guardian and gatekeeper of her birth.
✨ How midwives can embrace this truth if they are to practise woman-centred care.

I also share how a group of local doulas in my area have been working collaboratively with the hospital to build stronger relationships with midwives — and why this kind of real-world connection is far more valuable than any video.

💡 Key Takeaway: A doula is neither a guardian nor a gatekeeper. The woman is both. Everyone else — doulas, partners, midwives, and doctors — are there in service to her.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m joined by Poppy Child from Pop That Mumma, who shares parts of her second birth story that she has never spoken about publicly before.

Poppy went into her pregnancy journey believing that a pain-free birth was achievable, but the reality unfolded in ways she hadn’t expected. In this conversation, she opens up about the untold elements of her experience, offering an honest reflection on how expectations can differ from reality in birth.

We explore:

• The vision of a pain-free birth and how it contrasted with reality
• The unplanned circumstances that shaped Poppy’s second birth
• The emotional impact of unmet expectations
• Why speaking about the less-shared parts of birth matters so deeply

Poppy’s openness is a true gift, and I’m so grateful for her courage in sharing the sides of her story that have remained unspoken. Her reflections will reassure and support anyone who has felt the gap between what they imagined birth would be and the reality they experienced.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Poppy on instagram: @Popthatmumma
• Follow me on Instagram: @ultimatebirthpartner
• Explore more episodes: The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

Season Six - The Reality of Birth Today

Welcome to a brand-new series of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast

In this first episode, I am exploring the romanticised idea of birth that we can sometimes hold.

I share

• Where the romantic image of birth comes from
• Why relying only on a partner can be overwhelming
• How the 'bubble' can burst in labour and postpartum
• Practical preparation tips for birth partners
• A listener’s question on intimacy vs. support
• Reflection prompts to help you prepare realistically

Whether you’re planning a freebirth, a homebirth, a midwife-led birth, or a hospital birth, this series will guide you through the truth of birth today — so you can prepare with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Sallyann on Instagram: @theultimatebirthpartner
• Learn more about Sallyann’s courses and resources: https://sallyannberesford.co.uk
• Submit your questions for future episodes: [email protected]

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

It's the season finale, and I’m delighted to wrap up with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation featuring the incredible Dr Rachel Reed - midwife, educator, author, and advocate for physiological birth.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid something that often triggers alarm bells during labour. But should it? Rachel helps us unpack the physiology, the myths, and the medical responses surrounding meconium in the waters.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone preparing for birth, especially those wanting to feel informed and empowered in situations where the language of risk is used to justify intervention.

We explore:

• What meconium actually is - and when it’s considered 'normal'
• Why the presence of meconium doesn’t always mean distress
• The difference between thin and thick meconium - and why that matters
• How maternity systems often respond to meconium stained amniotic fluid
• How to approach decision-making with confidence and context

About Dr Rachel Reed:
Rachel is renowned for her evidence-based approach and her ability to reframe complex birth topics with clarity and wisdom. She’s the author of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage, and Why Induction Matters. Her MidwifeThinking blog became a go-to resource for birth professionals and parents alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Rachel’s website: www.rachelreed.website
• Rachel's Blog https://www.rachelreed.website/blog
• Instagram: @dr.rachel.reed

Thank you for joining me this season.
Whether you’ve listened to one episode or every single one, I’m so grateful for your time and energy. This show is for you - for every birth partner, mother, and supporter who wants to walk into birth feeling prepared, powerful, and protected. I’ll be back in September with more conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire.

If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review or share it with someone preparing for birth. Your support helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares her powerful birth stories - welcoming both of her daughters in a Midwife Led Unit, despite being labelled ‘high risk’ due to a high BMI and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes.

Amelia’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when a woman is supported to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and remain at the centre of her care.

In our conversation, Amelia reflects on:

• The challenges and judgements she faced due to her BMI
• How she stayed informed and confident in her choices
• Building a relationship of trust with her midwives
• Navigating the medicalised narrative around gestational diabetes
• The difference respectful, individualised care made in her outcomes

This episode offers hope to anyone who’s been told their body isn’t capable of physiological birth - and a reminder that evidence-based care and personal autonomy can and should go hand-in-hand.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...