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Think scientific evidence is going to give you a clear a 'best' path forward in your birth decision making? Unfortunately, it's rarely that simple. With midwife Beth Russell, we explore the messy middle where numbers meet lived experience: why absolute risk matters more than scary “your risk doubles” headlines, how studies like the Big Baby Trial get misread, and why nuance changes everything.  In this episode you will understand: How 'evidence' is created in the first place.What to consider and what to ask when evidence is being shared with you.What other facts influence the gathering of evidence and creation of clinical guidelines, so you can think critically about the choices you are making.What practical steps you can take to hold power in the choices youre making for you birth.An incredibly helpful episode for you to understand birth within the context of the system in which it's happening.  Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

What happens when your birth experience completely contradicts everything you prepared for? For author Hannah Marsh, an emergency cesarean section after 30 grueling hours of labor left her feeling not just physically scarred, but emotionally devastated. Despite cesarean sections accounting for roughly 43% of UK births today, Hannah found herself woefully unprepared for this possibility – having focused exclusively on hypnobirthing techniques and natural birth preparation. In the years that followed, Hannah began to reconcile her experience of birth as she discovered the history, magic and tales of caesarean birth in years gone by. Hannah's book "Thread: A Cesarean Story of Myth, Magic and Medicine" reframes cesarean birth not as a failure but as part of a rich historical narrative "full of power and magic and ingenuity and determination." By weaving together personal experience, historical research, and mythological connections, Hannah offers something rarely found in birth literature – a validating, empowering narrative specifically for cesarean births. This conversation challenges the polarized debates in modern birth discourse by highlighting historical parallels between today's tensions and early 20th century divisions between "operators" and "non-operators" in obstetrics. Hannah reminds us that beneath these seeming oppositions, most birth practitioners share the common goal of supporting safe, positive birth experiences. For anyone who has felt their birth story wasn't worth celebrating or those preparing for the possibility of various birth scenarios, this episode provides both validation and a new perspective on what it means to bring life into the world – regardless of the path taken. Buy Hannah's Book Thread here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thread-Caesarean-story-magic-medicine/dp/1786584484?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE Join in the podcast conversation here https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Davina McCall joins the Birth-ed Podcast to share her transformative journey from anxious first-time mum to empowered birth advocate. Celebrating the launch of Davina's new book "Birthing," co-written with midwife Marley Henry – a judgment-free guide that supports women through conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond. Davina and I explore what's missing from modern maternity care, celebrate the wonder of pregnancy and birth and empower you to navigate you rbirth choices with confidence and a sense of self.  A gorgeous listen if you're having a pregnancy wobble, need a lift or a nudge to remember just what a fantastic job you're doing already.  Listen now to discover how finding your voice in pregnancy can transform not just your birth experience, but your entire parenting journey. ______________________ Buy Davina McCall's book Birthing here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/BIRTHING-self-help-Menopausing-pregnancy-conception/dp/0008701849/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1760F0DVHUO9W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hlxLo4mQmYpEQlQIENFmfY3Yj4GUM-kOY3V0vzLDGsVoNsIMtK2FWgHxPM3NSYXd-z08j10hzgFjQG27_g04h_ZgjQ-CNouh9XRZPBBZDR0uKPMp0ixA7R3Qf3FKLX3E47eMf20-JF0_-zdGTe7qsq5ELRTqSxQ8mhHpS1NmSR_vfOxJfxrfXxhnr3oU7PdsgPC2N8Gu7oV5QeYMSK-8-1iIKhsGuzr5uDSoFx2z8bo.fgweLHg3oO74eEl2AMJGuWX_IROn7FTq7BPoEhZoasY&dib_tag=se&keywords=birthing&qid=1758630561&sprefix=birthing%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 Follow Davina on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/davinamccall/ And Join in this week's podcast chat on instagram here https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Season 5 of The Birth-ed Podcast launches THIS WEEK.  On Friday 26th September (and every Friday thereafter), we are back with world leading expert guests, heart warming wisdom, fascinating science and the warm hug you need every week during pregnancy!  Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode, and come join the weekly chats over on Instagram @birth_ed. Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

When to clamp the cord that leads from placenta to baby has become a contested issue in recent years. Today’s guest, Amanda Burleigh, has fought long and hard to introduce evidence-based practice and advocates delayed cord clamping for better baby health. Amanda talks openly about her personal journey to discover the benefits of delay and how it works in practice. We also bust some myths that women have encountered during delivery, including the facts behind cord blood donation and storage. And finally we give you the tools you need to advocate for delayed cord clamping. Find out more from Amanda at https://waitforwhite.com/ Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Some women choose to labour in hospital, others feel they arrive there through the course of their care. If you find yourself in a delivery suite or labour ward for your birth, this episode aims to help you feel the most comfortable and prepared to be there. I’m speaking to Lily Brockenhurst, a midwife who specialises in holistic care in a hospital setting, about what your expectations should be on a ward, what is in your control, and how you can make your birthing experience a positive one. Find out more about Lily at www.yuula.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @yuulaofficial Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Why is so much importance placed on how much you weigh in pregnancy? Is a mother with over 30 BMI really at a high risk of complications in birth? This week, I’m speaking to Alice Keely, the Heavyweight Midwife, about the stigma attached to plus size parents, what to expect in pregnancy and labour if you’ve been labelled high risk, and how to approach interactions with healthcare professionals so that you feel more cared for and in control. Find more from Alice at www.theheavyweightmidwife.com Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/HealthyPregnancyAtAnySize Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Our culture surrounds us with pressure to look a certain way and be a certain way, and no more so than after pregnancy. The focus on whether you ‘bounce back’ after birth can be overwhelming.  My guest this week challenges us instead to focus on postnatal rehab, functional movement and enjoyment. Hollie Grant is a Pilates PT and founder of The Bump Plan. Together we talk about when you can start moving your body after birth, where to start if it’s been a while, and what to look out for in your body to ensure that you don’t go too far too quickly. Find out more at www.thebumpplan.com Follow The Bump Plan on Instagram @thebumpplan and Hollie @thepilatespt Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

If you’re a regular listener to the show, or you’ve done a Birth-ed course, you’ll know that I really value breathwork in labour, but I hadn’t realised the calm that breathwork can bring to pregnancy until I read today’s guest’s book.  This week I’m talking to Carolyn Cowan, embodied psychotherapist, yoga teacher and author of Breathing for Pregnancy. Carolyn explains why and how conscious breathing works, gives a short breathwork demonstration and shows how to integrate the practice into your life. Find more from Carolyn at www.carolyncowan.com Buy Breathing for Pregnancy, by Carolyn Cowan from Penguin, in all good bookshops. Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ Cheeky Wipes Check out the range at www.cheekywipes.com and use the code birthed15, for a 15 cent discount across the range._____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

C-section recovery is one of those subjects that is rarely mentioned before you experience it. So this week, I’ve got together with Clare Bourne, a pelvic health physiotherapist, to talk you through what you need to know to recover well. We cover everything from how to get out of bed in those first few hours, to exercise, to long term recovery and scar massage.  For more information on Caesarean Sections, see Season 2 Episode 6 - Caesarean Birth with Consultant Obstetrician, Florence Wilcock Find out more about Clare and her services at www.clare-bourne.com Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-postnatal to access: Free Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery WorkshopFree Online Postnatal Returning to Exercise MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Postnatal POSTNATAL PLAN: A physio-approved program designed by Hollie Grant while she was postnatal, creating a unique and trustworthy experience for new mothers. This plan includes real-time responsive workouts for holistic recovery and fitness, with 24/7 access to resources and community support. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 for an annual membership, including a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

This episode is essential listening if you’re trying to decide whether to labour in a birth centre or midwife-led unit. I’m exploring everything birth centres, with my friend, midwife, Issy Bourton.  Issy and I look at what a birth centre/midwife-led unit is, how your experience there can differ from a hospital birth, what you can expect to happen during your labour, how to request a birth centre labour if you are not low risk, and transferring to a labour ward. For more information about speaking to your consultant midwife about out of guidelines care plans see Series 1 Episode 12 Birthing Outside of Guidelines with Guest, Midwife Rebecca Savage You can follow Issy on Instagram @issythemidwife Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: Free 45 minute Pregnancy WorkoutFree Online Active Pregnancy MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan PregnancyPREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Many parents feel that they have to pick a side on the feeding debate - breast or bottle. But the reality is that often families find themselves a compromise, whether that is adding an occasional bottle to their routine, or switching to formula during the day, and breastfeeds when mum gets home from work. Despite this, information about how to go about mixed or combination feeding has been scarce, until now. My guest this week, Lucy Ruddle IBCLC, is author of a guide to mixed feeding, Mixed Up, which guides you through all you need to know. In our conversation, we touch on why you might want to mixed feed, we cut through the marketing to what you actually need to buy, and we talk about the emotional journey that many parents face when they can’t meet their infant feeding goals. Find more from Lucy, including details of her four books at www.lucyruddle.co.uk Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-postnatal to access: Free Postnatal Pelvic Floor Recovery WorkshopFree Online Postnatal Returning to Exercise MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan Postnatal POSTNATAL PLAN: A physio-approved program designed by Hollie Grant while she was postnatal, creating a unique and trustworthy experience for new mothers. This plan includes real-time responsive workouts for holistic recovery and fitness, with 24/7 access to resources and community support. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 for an annual membership, including a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

With social media platforms increasingly censoring candid images of birth and women’s bodies, I got together this week with The Naked Doula, Emma Armstrong, to talk about why we need to see real women’s experiences online. Our wide-ranging chat touches on using the correct words for female anatomy in schools, how we set realistic expectations for birth, and how reconnecting with your body through periods, birth and the menopause is truly empowering. Emma Armstrong is a mother, a birth coach and a talented illustrator. Her new book, The Fearless Birth Book, can be found on her website www.thenakeddoula.com You can share your views and experiences of censorship of women's bodies on social media as part of the CensHERship campaign here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef_zhCZBkjLfIr46XkedZ2vSu6JtF5I_XVl33Lm4yQdWNFVQ/viewform Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: Free 45 minute Pregnancy WorkoutFree Online Active Pregnancy MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan PregnancyPREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

Continuous Foetal Monitoring can be uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing or misleading, but there’s plenty of evidence for its use, right? That’s the question Dr. Kirsten Small set out to answer after her long career in obstetrics. Her research led her to question everything about trace monitoring, from the case for low and high risk differentials to how centralised monitoring changes care in the birth room. In this episode, I’m speaking to Kirsten about her findings, and how you can make an informed choice about whether to use CTG monitoring during your birth. Kirsten Small is a retired specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, working as an educator, writer, and researcher. Her vision is to promote and protect respectful maternity care for women, babies, families, and their care providers through education and research.  She is a feminist and is critical of the patriarchal values embedded within healthcare systems, and particularly within obstetrics and gynaecology.  Kirsten is mother to two lovely grown up people. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s probably reading, sewing, gardening, or cooking.  Find more from Kirsten on her blog - www.birthsmalltalk.com or follow her on Instagram, Facebook or X @birthsmalltalk Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: Free 45 minute Pregnancy WorkoutFree Online Active Pregnancy MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan PregnancyPREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show

The Birth-ed Method is finally here.  After years of supporting 10,000s of families preparing for their births using hypnobirthing, it’s time for birth-ed to wave that chapter goodbye, and introduce- The Birth-ed Method. The 4 pillars of the Birth-ed Method, Mind, Body, Choices & Communication provide you with a deep & holistic preparation for birth and early parenthood.  There’s no point in knowing your choices, if you don’t feel confident enough to communicate what you want. Understanding how your body works in labour is useless, if you don’t have the mindset techniques to manage what you’re feeling.. These 4 pillars of birth & parenting preparation are essential to achieving a positive and satisfying birth & early postnatal experience, skip one, as many antenatal courses do, and the whole preparation falls apart.  Bringing together a decade’s worth of working in maternity care supporting 1000s of families across the Globe, The Birth-ed Method is EVERYTHING you need to prepare for an empowered, satisfying and supported birth & postpartum on YOUR terms. In this episode we explore what the birth-ed method is, why I’ve made the change and how it can help you. Please subscribe, rate and review, so we can get this vital info to as many parents-to-be as we can! ______________________ This episode is sponsored by iCandy Visit  https://discover.icandyworld.com/birth-ed to shop my favourite pushchairs!Follow iCandy on IG and/or TikTok for helpful advice and ‘hints & tips’ too!https://www.tiktok.com/@icandyworld https://www.instagram.com/icandyworlduk/ The Bump Plan - visit thebumpplan.com/birthed-pregnancy to access: Free 45 minute Pregnancy WorkoutFree Online Active Pregnancy MasterclassAn exclusive 20% discount code to join The Bump Plan PregnancyPREGNANCY PLAN: Offers personalised prenatal workouts, uniquely filmed during Hollie Grant's own pregnancy. This distinctive approach allows clients to progress through their pregnancy alongside Hollie, enhancing trust and relatability. It includes trimester-specific workouts, an educational hub, live classes, and a supportive community. Prices: £35/month, £180 for 6 months, £240 annually, with a 7-day free trial. _____________________________ Hear More from Birth-ed Join the Birth-ed Online Course https://birth-ed.co.uk/online-course-2 Join the BUMP CLUB FREE https://birth-ed.co.uk/bump-club Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birth_ed/ Sign up to The Birth-ed Method Support the show