Women on Fire

Have you heard of the infamous cervical lip? Why are they infamous? Are they even real? Are they something else? Are they normal? Are they a problem? What do they mean and WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THEM !?!?

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This episode is a classic WoF rabbit hole dive with nuances, gray areas, no general definitives and lots of experience based insights. 

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Each “cervical lip” experience is quite unique and tuning in to the unique circumstances at play is KEY. 

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It’s a juicy episode full of wisdom nuggets capable of radically shifting women’s wellness. 

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If you want to change the world, make sure everyone knows what their pelvic floor is and how to take care of it. Today we interview Dr. Leah Karp, a Physical Therapist with a particular affinity for Pelvic Floor Therapy. 

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Dr. Karp shares insights about the pelvic floor, how it relates to childbearing, common issues women deal with thinking there’s no fix for but there usually is, and what pelvic floor therapy can be like. 

You can connect further with Dr. Karp via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physiowellnesshi/

and her website: https://www.physiowellnesshi.com/about

Today we get to hear the birth stories of a woman who dared to dream. Rava Ray desired to birth on the island of her people but was met with a lot of road blocks along the way. Her journey to the birth she wanted required a lot of perseverance, patience and creativity. It also opened up her eyes to the realities of the birth climate around the world where options are limited, conventional medicine prevails and traditional practices are systemically erased. In a world where women centered birthing is an endangered practice, we hope this inspires you to dream big. May this be a reminder that we have the power to shift the tides in maternity care worldwide.

You can follow Rava on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravaray/

Today we have special guest Kemi Johnson. A UK based birth keeper and former NHS midwife with a strong, proud & courageous heart dedicated to making birth better for all! She helps us understand how midwifery care is set up in the UK and the challenges it's currently facing. We explore her perspectives on what's working, what's not, and what's needed moving forward in birth culture.

Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/

Website: https://www.kemibirthjoyjohnson.com

The Pacific Mother Film is a magnificent birth documentary released in 2023. It follows the birthing experiences of mothers in Japan, Hawai'i, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Aotearoa. It was largely inspired by the question "“Why do mothers have to fight so hard for what feels so right?” by Sachiko Fukumoto. You can read more about the film on their website: https://www.pacificmotherfilm.com and their instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Je7oRvAsR/?img_index=1

We also reviewed a significant development in our Hawai'i birth politics landscape. The Hawai'i attorney general has answered questions and clarified issues regarding midwifery regulations. Spoiler alert- this means major implications for non immediate family, friends and unlicensed providers (grandmas, doulas, birth attendants) giving any childbearing advice. The full letter can be read here: https://ugc.production.linktr.ee/30be8bf3-e954-46dd-aff7-91409e947536_AG-Letter-.pdf

We have the honor to welcome back Alexandra Kisitu to share about her new book Back to the Womb: Reclaiming Birth Sovereignty Back to the Womb traces the complexities of birth in America as well as the voices of home-birth moms in Hawai'i. This book uncovers the struggle for sovereignty, the issues with medicalized birth and the sacredness of home birth. It is a book about reclaiming our birthright, honoring our humanity, cultivating our divine feminine energy, trusting in ourselves, relying on our ancestral strength and returning back to the womb. You can purchase the book and learn more about her on her website: https://alexandrakisitu.com/meet-the-author

You can also purchase her book via amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Back-Womb-Reclaiming-Birth-Sovereignty/dp/1962834042/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=33K4FNZ3K7V75&keywords=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaiming&qid=1705955590&sprefix=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaimin%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1-fkmr0

We have repeat guests today, Jess and Brad Adair. They've joined us before to share about their journey through parenthood with baby number 1 and 2

(Listen to that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jess-brad-on-hospital-care-midwifery-free-birthing/id1522143371?i=1000604887020 ).

Now they are back to share about their freebirth with baby number 3. And here is the link to their new product they mention at the end of the episode. A product to help parents live a tidier life: https://www.instagram.com/teensytidyliving/

Today we explore long labors. What are some contributing factors ? How can we work through them ? Are they safe ?

Today we cover an often ignored topic, home birth transports.

We are honored to have parents Jess and Brad join us today. They share all the real life details of what it's been like welcoming in baby #1, #2 and now preparing for number #3. They share lots of different angles from dad, from mom, as a team. They also share about the emotional, spiritual and practical lessons they've learned along the way. You can find Jess on Ig @adair_jess and her blog: https://teensytidyliving.com/blogs/news

and Brad is on Ig as @6figurestayathomedad