The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast

This week, in a continuation of the discussion about the birth process, I am incredibly privileged to have been joined by Midwife Amanda Burleigh.

I am a huge fan of Amanda's work and all that she has achieved in maternity services, because she has really opened our eyes to the benefits of optimal cord clamping, which is the process of leaving a baby’s umbilical cord alone at the point of birth, enabling it to pulsate and pump into the baby all the blood that belongs to them to ensure a healthy start to life. 

When birth moved to hospitals, and interventions became common - practice changed to immediate clamping of the cord before the baby had taken it’s first breath, despite there being no evidence that this was safe. Amanda has been on quite a journey trying to undo this, and throughout this episode, she shares with us what happened and the great progress she has made.

During the conversation, you may hear her mention medical terms like - PPH for example which means postpartum hemorrhage - or heavy blood loss after birth.

This podcast will be incredibly helpful to others who are expecting a baby, so please share with others. 

Disclaimer - Please note that this podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Opinions of guests are their own, and any statements made by guests are not my responsibility, so please do your own research on any subject discussed before making well-informed decisions.

Amanda’s website - https://waitforwhite.com
Email - [email protected]

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22843002/ Judith Mercer - Rethinking Placental Transfusion

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I was delighted to be joined by the very knowledgeable Bridget Supple from My Baby’s Biome. Bridget is an experienced antenatal teacher who wears many hats, but in today’s episode, she is talking about gut health and the immune system. The baby’s microbiome is designed to be ‘seeded’ at birth and in the early days and months of life.  If a baby is born by caesarean section, is unable to have skin to skin, unable to breastfeed, or is given antibiotics - it may miss out on vital microbes or be seeded by the wrong ones. Bridget talks in detail about what parents can do in this instance, and gives helpful tips on how to support the baby’s gut moving forward. It’s a very informative episode, so please share with anyone who is pregnant, has recently had a baby, or has an older child who may benefit from hearing this information.

Bridget’s website is a very valuable resource for parents and health professionals on the baby’s microbiome  www.babysbiome.org 

Instagram @babysbiome

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

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 guest, based on her own training.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am taking to Alyson Hewitt, a mother of two girls who  conceived using IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation. 

We get into a conversation about what it was like for Aly when she was pregnant, how she felt emotionally and what it was like planning her birth. She gives us an insight into the way her birth partner felt, and she also gives many tips for all birth partners out there to offer the right support in this scenario.

You can follow Aly on instagram @lady_hewitt

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am talking to the very lovely Matthew Clarke, Otherwise known as The Male Doula.  Matt is a Bowen therapist who specialises in birth work. He is also a birth and postnatal doula who is able to bring his wide range of skills to the birth room and support pregnant people and their partners throughout their journey.

We get into an incredible conversation about how Matt found himself on a training course in Brighton with other doulas, how he was thrown in at the deep end during his first-ever birth, and what he has to bring to the experience as a man in a predominately female role. As Matt speaks, you can hear his passion and knowledge shine through, and he shares some incredibly useful tips for other men and birth partners in general.

You can find Matt on his website: https://bowenbexley.co.uk

On instagram @the_male_doula

Email - [email protected]

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

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 guest, based on his own experiences as a doula. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am talking to my very first guest - Michelle Mayefske, otherwise known as The Limerick Doula.  Michelle is the mother of 5 children and advocates for others through her website and social media platforms called - Fat and Pregnant. Michelle is also in the process of writing her first book. 

We get into an incredible conversation about what it is like to be plus-sized and pregnant, and Michelle will tell you about how important it is for any pregnant person to recognise when they are being labelled as incapable of giving birth in a certain way, and why those limitations are not necessary.  We also talk in detail about the tole of the birth partner throughout the episode, so it is important to listen through the end to ensure that you find out what nuggets she shares about supporting anyone through labour and birth regardless of their size.

You can find Michelle on her website: www.fatandpregnant.com

Or over on instagram @fat.and.pregnant

Facbook - www.facebook.com/fatandpregnant

During this episode, I also chose 5 winners who will receive a free copy of the ebook version of - Labour of love -The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner. 

I will be sending Carly, Salvio, Gonzo, Dan, and Cecilia who left a review on the Canadian network (what great names). 

My favourite was from Salvio who said:

 “This podcast is essential for anyone who is either pregnant or works with pregnant women and their birth partners, The content is exceptional. I have learnt so much and feel really well prepared now”. 

Thanks, Salvio that is such a great review and I hope you enjoy the book. I will be contacting all winners via the email address that they used when they sent me a screenshot of their review. 

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

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 guest, based on her own experiences as a plus-sized woman. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women, so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am talking about birth plans. An essential tool for all birth partners to have to hand during the labour. The real power of a birth plan is the writing of the plan, where the pregnant woman or birthing person learns to understand what their preferences are for the birth, and how to get these across to her care providers. I also touch on the difficult subject of coercion, where a woman may be told she has to make a particular decision in labour, because otherwise there could be consequences. Unfortunately, this is common practice and not at all acceptable, where they are talked into having inductions they don’t want, procedures they don’t understand and inevitable interventions that can lead to a feeling of loss of control.  

For a more in-depth look at these topics, including sample birth plans, please buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:- Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Anyone who purchases the book also has access to a set of FREE downloads which includes:- Birth planning questions 

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am talking about breathing and relaxation skills for labour and birth. I also cover the types of sounds you can expect to hear her make. It is important to discuss these in advance and encourage her to practice various breathing techniques when possible, especially as the birth gets closer.    

To purchase copies of my various guided relaxations - contact me: [email protected]

For a more in-depth look at this topic, please read the entire chapter on pushing in the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:- Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

This episode covers the nitty gritty of what it entails to be a birth partner. There is more to come in the future, but for me, discussing these points seemed important, especially when we start looking into advocacy. It is so important for any birth partner to get a good understanding of the complexity of supporting a pregnant woman to achieve a positive birth and this episode gives you tons of information.

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Please remember that the information I have shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the recommendations I make may not suit all women 

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

During labour and birth, the baby passes through it’s mothers pelvis on the way out. The positions that a woman adopts during this time should ideally be upright and gravity-assisted to maximise space in the pelvis. For this reason, it is essential to practice positions in advance of the birth, and to understand the best ones to choose - giving the baby as much room as possible. 

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Please remember that the information I have shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the recommendation I make may not suit all women 

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...

In this episode, I am talking about the 2nd stage of labour - the pushing stage. This is a really important time which can easily go wrong.  As the birth partner, you need to learn about what to look out for when a woman is entering this stage, and to ensure that she follows her body at all times. It is essential to also be able to discuss this in pregnancy, so that she knows that she should only push when she feels an overwhelming urge to prevent the need for intervention. 

For a more in-depth look at this topic, please read the entire chapter on pushing in the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:- Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://amzn.to/35euaZr

Visit my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Send me a message

If you want to access any of my free resources click here:-https://stan.store/sallyannberesford

If you want to learn more about my Discover Your North Star Course then read more here:- https://stan.store/sallyannberesford/p/discover-your-north-star-

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 @theultimatebirthpar...