Episode 128 - Birth keepers an investigation with journalist Charlotte King ABC

A birth keeper is a vague and obscure term used to describe some unregulated birth workers who attend births. No one except the birth keeper themselves really knows the full scope of what they do or what they are capable of because they prefer to work in secret and away from the gaze of society. In this episode Mel invites journalist Charlotte King to explore the stories of two families who hired birthkeepers and who now, having experienced the care of a birthkeeper, want to alert the public to their experiences. Charlotte makes clear that the families sought her out and asked her to report on and share their stories and her article for the ABC was written in collaboration with the families. A birth keeper is different from a doula and different from a registered Midwife. This episode seeks to communicate the differences. We thank the families in this story for their bravery and resilience in sharing their experiences and seek to share these with respect to both the families and birth keepers involved. Charlotte King has been on the great birth rebellion podcast before for episode 70. Read Charlottes recent article for the ABC here Get Mel's ‘Guide to giving birth without pain medication’ here. To get on the mailing list for the podcast and to access the resource folders for each episode, visit melaniethemidwife.com Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion PodcastJoin the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.comJoin the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.comFollow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwifeIf this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. DisclaimerThe information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors