Men & Birth with Lianne Schwartz

Welcome to the first official episode of Brothers in Depth. To kick things off, I welcomed Lianne Schwartz, a renowned midwife who has been a registered midwife for 23 years and attending births for 28, including the births of my own children, Lila and Latham.    Our discussion starts with the magical and intuitive aspects of midwifery, touching on how midwives like Lianne can often sense details about pregnancies that parents themselves may not yet realize — including how she knew my wife Megan was pregnant before we even did.    Later, we dig deeper into the often underappreciated role of fathers during pregnancy and childbirth. Lianne emphasizes how crucial it is for fathers to be actively involved from the very beginning, including preconception meetings where intentions and plans are set with the midwife. She stresses the importance of emotional connection, presence, and the simple yet profound act of loving touch to help both the mother and the baby feel secure and supported. Lianne also sheds light on how Western societies lack rituals and rites of passage for men entering fatherhood, something that still holds strong in many indigenous cultures.    Lianne outlines common mistakes men make during labor, such as bringing stress and anxiety into the birthing space, advises fathers on how to maintain a calm and supportive environment, the importance of planning and having clear birth plans, and the role of advocacy if complications arise.    Throughout the episode, Lianne highlights how the entire process of pregnancy and birth can serve as a profound rite of passage for men, encouraging them to grow and connect in ways they might not have previously considered. This episode serves as an essential guide for expectant fathers wanting to fully engage in the birthing process and support their partners emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Connect with Lianne online:   Website: https://www.consciousbirthcommunity.com/ConnectedFromtheStart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_birth_community/ Find more from James: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.jamesmattingley.com/ Instagram: @james.mattingley Free polarity guide: https://mailchi.mp/jamesmattingley/av41397s0n