The birth-ed podcast

Health, Fitness & Longevity

About

Bringing you the information you thought you'd get in your antenatal appointments, but didnt.The birth-ed podcast opens up conversations about all aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenthood, with the World's leading women's health & parenting experts- from Midwives to Obstetricians, Doulas to Activists. Host and founder of birth-ed, Megan Rossiter is your warm guide, a gentle holding hand through these vulnerable moments of pregnancy, birth and parenting. If you want to feel safe, nurtured and fully informed in your birth preparation, you're in the right place. Through inspiring, informative and sometimes challenging conversations, Megan leaves no stone unturned when it co...

Episodes

  • 'Evidence-Based' Maternity Care: Limits, Bias, and How to Navigate It with Guest, Midwife Beth Russell

    This episode features midwife Beth Russell discussing the limitations and biases in evidence-based maternity care. It covers how evidence is created, how to critically evaluate shared evidence, and practical steps for individuals to assert…

  • Reconciling Caesarean Birth Stories Through Storytelling with Guest Hannah Marsh

    Author Hannah Marsh shares her experience with emergency cesarean birth and how she reconciled it by exploring historical, mythological, and medical narratives. Her book, "Thread: A Cesarean Story of Myth, Magic and Medicine," reframes ces…

  • Celebrating the Power of Informed Birth with Guest, Davina McCall

    Davina McCall joins The Birth-ed Podcast to discuss her book "Birthing," co-written with Marley Henry. The episode explores her journey as a mother, advocating for informed birth choices, and discusses aspects of modern maternity care.

  • SEASON 5 TEASER

    The Birth-ed Podcast is launching Season 5 this week, featuring expert guests, insights, and support for pregnancy every Friday.

  • Optimal Cord Clamping, with Amanda Burleigh

    Amanda Burleigh discusses optimal cord clamping, advocating for delayed cord clamping based on evidence for improved infant health, and debunking myths surrounding cord blood donation and storage.

  • Positive Hospital Birth, with Lily Brockenhurst

    This episode features midwife Lily Brockenhurst discussing how to have a positive hospital birth. Topics include managing expectations on the ward and identifying what is within your control to make the experience better.

  • High BMI pregnancy and birth, with Alice Keely

    Alice Keely, the Heavyweight Midwife, joins the Birth-ed podcast to discuss the stigma surrounding plus-size pregnancies. The episode explores expectations during pregnancy and labor for those labeled high-risk and strategies for improved…

  • Postnatal exercise and bouncing back, with Hollie Grant

    Hollie Grant, founder of The Bump Plan, joins the birth-ed podcast to discuss postnatal exercise and rehab. The episode addresses the societal pressure to "bounce back" after pregnancy, focusing instead on functional movement and safe exer…

  • Breathwork in pregnancy and beyond, with Carolyn Cowan

    Carolyn Cowan, an embodied psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and author, joins the Birth-ed podcast to discuss the benefits of breathwork during pregnancy and labor. She explains the principles of conscious breathing, offers a demonstration,…

  • C-Section recovery, with Clare Bourne

    Pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Bourne discusses C-section recovery, covering immediate post-operative care, exercise progression, long-term healing, and scar massage techniques. Information is provided for parents-to-be on how to reco…

  • Birth Centres, with Issy Bourton

    This episode features midwife Issy Bourton discussing birth centres and midwife-led units. Topics include the differences from hospital births, what to expect during labour, and how to arrange a birth centre labour if not low risk.

  • Mixed Feeding, with Lucy Ruddle

    This episode features Lucy Ruddle IBCLC, author of Mixed Up, discussing the practice of mixed feeding. The conversation covers motivations for mixed feeding, essential items needed, and the emotional journey parents may experience.

  • Candid Birth & Connecting with Your Body, with Emma Armstrong

    Emma Armstrong discusses the online censorship of birth and women's bodies on The birth-ed podcast. The conversation covers using anatomical terms in schools, managing birth expectations, and the empowering aspects of reconnecting with one…

  • Continuous Foetal HR Monitoring, with Dr Kirsten Small

    Dr. Kirsten Small, an obstetrician and researcher, examines the evidence and implications of continuous foetal heart rate monitoring in childbirth. Her work questions standard practices and aims to inform parents about CTG monitoring choic…

  • The Birth-ed Method

    The Birth-ed Method introduces a new holistic approach to birth and early parenthood preparation, built upon four pillars: Mind, Body, Choices, and Communication. This method aims to provide comprehensive support for an empowered and satis…

  • Preparing for the 4th Trimester with Host, Megan Rossiter

    This episode discusses the connection between conception, pregnancy, birth, and parenting, emphasizing how prenatal choices impact the postnatal experience. It offers guidance on preparing for the "fourth trimester" and beyond, encouraging…

  • 7 Steps to Confident Decision Making

    This episode of The birth-ed podcast provides 7 steps to help listeners make confident decisions during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It serves as a guide for navigating choices when feeling stuck or facing significant decisi…

  • Sharing Birth Stories with host, Megan Rossiter

    This episode discusses the complexity of birth stories, moving beyond solely positive narratives. Host Megan Rossiter explores how sharing and understanding birth stories can build confidence, aid in making informed choices, and contribute…

  • DUE 26th April: SEASON 4

    The Birth-ed Podcast is launching Season 4 on April 26th, with a mini-series starting April 22nd. The new season will cover topics typically not discussed in antenatal appointments.

  • Birth Plans with host, Megan Rossiter

    In this solo episode, host Megan Rossiter explores the concept of birth plans. She discusses the practicality and importance of creating a birth plan, including what information to include and how to best utilize it.

  • Pain in Childbirth with Host, Megan Rossiter

    This solo episode features host Megan Rossiter detailing the experience of pain during childbirth. It covers the causes and purpose of labor pain, explores what birth feels like, and critiques common approaches to pain relief, offering ins…

  • Postnatal Depression & Aniexety with Psychotherapist, Anna Mathur

    Anna Mathur, a psychotherapist, joins the birth-ed podcast to discuss postnatal mental health. The conversation covers the emotional ups and downs in the first year of motherhood, recognizing when feelings are not normal, and practical too…

  • Osteopathy for Pregnancy & Infants with Osteopath Laura Tilson

    Osteopath Laura Tilson discusses the practice of Osteopathy, its application in pregnancy and infancy, including treatment for pelvic pain, cranial osteopathy for newborns, and infant reflux. The episode contrasts Osteopathy with physiothe…

  • Pregnancy Sickness & Hyperemesis Gravidarum

    This episode discusses pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum with Dr. Caitlin Dean, a specialist researcher. They cover the distinctions between morning sickness and HG, available treatments and their safety, side effects, barriers…

  • Partners to Parents with Dr Jenna Brough

    Dr. Jenna Brough, a perinatal clinical psychologist, joins the Birth-ed podcast to discuss how becoming parents affects romantic relationships. The episode covers preparing for these changes, the influence of gender roles and societal land…

  • Vaginal Examinations with Emma Ashworth

    This episode discusses vaginal examinations, their usefulness and risks, and a person's right to decline them during childbirth. Guest Emma Ashworth, a Maternity Rights Activist, provides insights.

  • Breastfeeding Preparation with Midwife, Shaheda Khan

    In this episode, midwife Shaheda Khan discusses breastfeeding preparation, getting started, societal challenges, normal infant feeding behaviors, and the impact of birth on the feeding journey. The discussion assumes a focus on breastfeedi…

  • Matresence with Zoe Blaskey

    This episode of The birth-ed podcast features Zoe Blaskey, discussing matresence, the transition into motherhood. They cover what matresence is, its causes, duration, and strategies for navigating the identity shifts involved.

  • VBAC with Dr Hazel Keedle

    Dr Hazel Keedle discusses vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), covering safety statistics, research, self-advocacy, birth options, and the importance of emotional safety.

  • Navigating Pregnancy Choices with Midwife Laura Green

    Midwife Laura Green joins the birth-ed podcast to discuss navigating choices during pregnancy, such as screening and scans, and their impact on birth experiences. The conversation covers decision-making, advocacy within the maternity syste…

  • Hypnobirthing with your host, Megan Rossiter

    This solo episode of The birth-ed podcast explores hypnobirthing, explaining what it is, how it can support during pregnancy and birth, and its practical applications. The episode offers myth-busting insights, practical tools, and tips to…

  • Induction of Labour with Dr Sara Wickham

    Dr Sara Wickham, a midwifery expert, shares insights on induction of labour. The episode covers the maternity system, rising induction rates, and provides practical tips for decision-making regarding induction.

  • TEASER Series 3: Induction, VBAC, Hypnobirthing, Antenatal Care

    This is a teaser for Series 3 of the birth-ed podcast, highlighting upcoming episodes on topics such as Induction, VBAC, and Hypnobirthing.

  • Series 3 is DUE SOON

    Series 3 of The birth-ed podcast is launching Friday, October 6th. The new series will cover topics like Induction, VBAC, Hypnobirthing, and Breastfeeding with world-leading experts.

  • Advocacy, Trauma & Decision Making with Midwife, Illiyin Morrison

    In this episode of The birth-ed podcast, midwife Illiyin Morrison discusses advocacy and decision-making in maternity care from a trauma-informed perspective. The conversation includes practical tips for navigating perinatal services and m…

  • NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care with Dr Frankie Harrison

    Dr Frankie Harrison joins The birth-ed podcast to discuss neonatal intensive care (NICU). The episode covers practical aspects of NICU care and the significant emotional impact on parents, highlighting that 1 in 7 babies access NICU servic…

  • Holistic Birth Preparation with Guest, Aimee Strongman

    This episode features Aimee Strongman discussing holistic birth preparation through mind, body, and heart. It covers emotional, spiritual, and physical readiness for birth, emphasizing their interconnectedness and exploring topics like mat…

  • Cultivating Self Trust with Guest, Midwife, Dr Rachel Reed

    Dr. Rachel Reed discusses the importance of self-trust during pregnancy and birth, encouraging listeners to rely on their own intuition rather than solely on care providers. The episode offers guidance on cultivating self-trust for navigat…

  • Caesarean Birth with Consultant Obstetrician, Florence Wilcock

    Consultant Obstetrician Florence Wilcock discusses caesarean birth, which accounts for about a third of UK births. The episode covers what to expect during the procedure, available options, and ways to approach it as a positive experience.

  • Consciously Preparing for Parenthood with Guest Dr Maryhan

    This episode features psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Maryhan discussing conscious preparation for parenthood. The discussion aims to help listeners navigate parenting choices amidst external 'noise' and find their own way, offering…

  • Intrusive Thoughts with Dr Caroline Boyd

    This episode features clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd discussing intrusive thoughts, which affect about half of new mothers. She shares her research and insights from her book 'Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and…

  • Your Baby, Your Pelvis and Labour Dystocia with Midwife, Molly O'Brien

    Midwife Molly O'Brien joins The birth-ed podcast to discuss biomechanics for birth, explaining how babies fit through the pelvis during labour and how to help the process. The episode covers topics like back to back babies and when a long…

  • Tongue Tie with Midwife/IBCLC Carmelle Gentle

    Midwife and IBCLC Carmelle Gentle joins The birth-ed podcast to discuss Tongue Tie, clarifying misinformation and addressing its impact on breastfeeding. The episode explores potential links with Folic Acid and offers guidance on support a…

  • Second Babies with Natalie Meddings

    Doula Natalie Meddings discusses the differences between second and first labours, and how to prepare older children and parents for a subsequent birth. Meddings shares her expertise based on 20 years of experience and her own book recomme…

  • Season 2: Sneak Peek

    This episode offers a preview of the second season of The Birth-ed Podcast, featuring snippets from upcoming episodes. Host Megan Rossiter also shares information about the show's antenatal and hypnobirthing resources.

  • The Birth-ed Podcast is BACK!

    The Birth-ed Podcast is launching Series 2 on Tuesday 17th May 2022. This trailer provides a preview of what to expect. Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe and can sign up for The Bump Club.

  • What Does your Midwife Do? With Guests Midwife May Bourne and Midwife Sophie Hiscock

    This episode features Midwives May Bourne and Sophie Hiscock discussing the role of a midwife from booking through postpartum care. They cover what to expect from midwifery-led care, the benefits of antenatal education, and how to ensure a…

  • First 24 Hours with Guest, Midwife Marie Louise

    Midwife Marie Louise discusses what to expect in the first 24 hours after birth, covering the physical and emotional experiences for both mother and baby.

  • Home Birth with Guest, Midwife Kemi Johnson

    Independent midwife Kemi Johnson discusses home birth, covering its benefits, potential challenges, and practical aspects on The birth-ed podcast. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the home environment for birth, regar…

  • Exercise for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Guests, PT Charlie Launder and Midwife & PT Emily Pullan

    This episode discusses how exercise routines may need to adapt during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Guests Charlie Launder and Emily Pullan offer insights and tips relevant to various fitness backgrounds.