The birth-ed podcast
by Megan Rossiter, birth-ed
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 comes to preparing you for your pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Episodes
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Giving Birth In A High-Intervention System with Guests Sheena Byrom OBE and Professor Soo Downe
Intervention rates have climbed so fast in UK maternity care that it is hard not to ask a blunt question: is all this doing what it promised to do? I sit down with Sheena Byrom, OBE and Professor Soo Downe to explore what has changed over the last decade, why fear now feels baked into the system,...
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'Evidence-Based' Maternity Care: Limits, Bias, and How to Navigate It with Guest, Midwife Beth Russell
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...
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Reconciling Caesarean Birth Stories Through Storytelling with Guest Hannah Marsh
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...
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Celebrating the Power of Informed Birth with Guest, Davina McCall
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,...
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SEASON 5 TEASER
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...
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Optimal Cord Clamping, with Amanda Burleigh
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...
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Positive Hospital Birth, with Lily Brockenhurst
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...
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High BMI pregnancy and birth, with Alice Keely
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…
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Postnatal exercise and bouncing back, with Hollie Grant
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....
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Breathwork in pregnancy and beyond, with Carolyn Cowan
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...
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C-Section recovery, with Clare Bourne
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…
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Birth Centres, with Issy Bourton
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...
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Mixed Feeding, with Lucy Ruddle
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...
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Candid Birth & Connecting with Your Body, with Emma Armstrong
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…
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Continuous Foetal HR Monitoring, with Dr Kirsten Small
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…
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The Birth-ed Method
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...
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Preparing for the 4th Trimester with Host, Megan Rossiter
Modern Maternity Care has a tendency to separate conception, pregnancy, birth, feeding & parenting. But there is a thread that runs from one through to another. The choices you make and experiences you have during and prior to birth have a direct impact on your postnatal experience. In this...
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7 Steps to Confident Decision Making
Decision making is a guaranteed part of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. But it can feel like a massive responsibility when you're not really sure where to start. It's often much easier to just 'do as you're told.. often, you don't even realise you've GOT a choice in the first…
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Sharing Birth Stories with host, Megan Rossiter
I was once told that we should only be sharing with women 'positive birth stories'.. But as the years have gone by, I've supported 10,000s of families in their birth prep, I realised that perhaps it's not quite that simple. Dive with me into the nuances of this conversation, discover how to use...
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DUE 26th April: SEASON 4
BIG NEWS. I'm expecting! Expecting a NEW SEASON of The Birth-ed Podcast (and hey, did you spot the new look?) A season that once again dives deep into the things you'd expect to learn in your antenatal appointments.. but don't! C-section recovery, fetal monitoring, mixed feeding, hospital birth.....
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Birth Plans with host, Megan Rossiter
It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about birth plans.. let's explore together- Can you really plan for birth? Why bother? What to include? How to write one? What to do with it? Please subscribe, rate and review! So we can get this vital info to as many parents to be as we…
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Pain in Childbirth with Host, Megan Rossiter
It's a solo episode from me this week, talking in detail about pain in birth.. let's explore together- What causes pain in labour? What does birth feel like? What is the purpose of pain in birth? Why most conversations about pain relief have got totally the wrong angle! Which elements of this are...
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Postnatal Depression & Aniexety with Psychotherapist, Anna Mathur
In today's episode, Psychotherapist, Author and Mother of 3 Anna Mathur & I discuss all things postnatal mental health. Whether you are currently pregnant and getting prepared for what to expect postnatally, or you're in the depths of the early days of motherhood, there's heartwarming chat,...
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Osteopathy for Pregnancy & Infants with Osteopath Laura Tilson
In today's episode, Osteopath Laura Tilson & I share a little insight into the practice of Osteopathy. Something you may have heard recommended for pregnancy or for your baby. In this episode we explore: What actually IS Osteopathy? What happens in an appt Difference between Osteo, physiotherapy…
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Pregnancy Sickness & Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Pregnancy Sickness is often a welcome and exciting sign of early pregnancy. But knowing what is 'normal' and what's NOT can be hard to navigate. In today's episode I am joined by Dr Caitlin Dean, Nurse Specialist Researcher into HG & Chairperson of the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support. Caitlin…
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Partners to Parents with Dr Jenna Brough
Having a baby is one of the most transformative moments in anyone's lives, and this can go on to have a huge impact on our relationships, especially romantic relationships! In today's episode I am joined by Dr Jenna Brough, perinatal clinical psychologist, specialising in supporting people…
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Vaginal Examinations with Emma Ashworth
Vaginal Examinations, par for the course of giving birth.. or something you have a choice over? In today’s episode I am joined by Emma Ashworth. Emma is Birth Rights consultant, a retired doula & breastfeeding counsellor, former Trustee of AIMS (The Association of Improvement for the Maternity...
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Breastfeeding Preparation with Midwife, Shaheda Khan
If you are hoping to breastfeed your baby, it's really important to prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode I am joined by Breastfeeding Specialist Midwife, Shaheda Khan. Shaheda provides one to one support in person and online and offers tons of free support via her website and…
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Matresence with Zoe Blaskey
Matresence is the period of growth and transition in the early years in becoming a mother. Whilst turmoil and identity shifts are expected in 'adolescence', it's only recently that such shifts have been recognised and validated in our becoming of a mother too. In this episode I am joined by Zoe...
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VBAC with Dr Hazel Keedle
If you're pregnant after a previous caesarean birth, you might be starting to explore your options for birth this time around. In this episode I am joined by midwife Dr Hazel Keedle who specialises in supporting birth after caesarean choices. This episode focuses on vaginal birth after a…
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Navigating Pregnancy Choices with Midwife Laura Green
We talk a lot about decision making for birth- Where might you choose to birth your baby? Do you want an epidural? Should you have an induction? etc etc.. but the decision making (and the impact of those decisions) actually starts MUCH earlier on in pregnancy. This week I am exploring all of this...
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Hypnobirthing with your host, Megan Rossiter
It's a SOLO episode from me today! Actually our first ever solo episode of the podcast! Exploring what 'hypnobirthing' actually is? How can it support you in your pregnancy, your birth and beyond? How does it work? What does it involve? Listen up for some myth busting, take away tools and tips…
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Induction of Labour with Dr Sara Wickham
In this episode, Dr Sara Wickham shares her insight and wisdom into all things 'Induction of Labour'. Sara is a World Leading Midwifery expert in the area of induction and has dedicated her life's work to disseminating, unpicking and making accessible the evidence around induction of labour. Sara...
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TEASER Series 3: Induction, VBAC, Hypnobirthing, Antenatal Care
A sneaky peek of some of the fascinating conversations coming in series 3 of the birth-ed podcast. Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss an episode!! Support the show
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Series 3 is DUE SOON
Series 3 of the birth-ed podcast is DUE to arrive on Friday 6th October. Bringing together the world leading experts in pregnancy, birth, parenting & women's health.. with some CORKER episodes this series- from Induction to VBAC, Hypnobirthing to Breastfeeding. Double check that you're subscribed...
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Advocacy, Trauma & Decision Making with Midwife, Illiyin Morrison
Advocating for yourself (or other people) or knowing how to make decisions can be really difficult when it comes to maternity care. In this episode I'm joined by birth trauma specialist midwife, Illiyin Morrison to discuss how we can ensure we are advocated for throughout the perinatal period....
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NICU, Neonatal Intensive Care with Dr Frankie Harrison
Did you know 1 in 7 babies will access care in NICU when they are born and 60% of those are born at full term. So why don't we ever talk about what it's like to have a baby in the NICU? This week I am joined by Clinical Psychologist (And NICU Mum) Dr Frankie Harrison, who specialises in…
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Holistic Birth Preparation with Guest, Aimee Strongman
The Mind, The Body, The Heart: 3 pillars of holistic birth preparation. A way of approaching birth that you might not yet have considered. Taking a look how you can prepare yourself emotionally, spiritually and physically for birth; and how the three things are more closely interconnected than…
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Cultivating Self Trust with Guest, Midwife, Dr Rachel Reed
When journeying through pregnancy we tend to just hand ourselves over to our care providers, on whom we rely to tell us if we are healthy and well and what we should do to bring our babies into the world safely. But is this really the best way to be navigating pregnancy, birth and parenthood?…
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Caesarean Birth with Consultant Obstetrician, Florence Wilcock
Around 1/3 births in the UK happen by caesarean, so it's certainly something you might like to learn about during pregnancy. The prospect of major abdominal surgery whilst awake can be quite daunting for many of us, so in this episode we talk through exactly what you can expect from a caesarean...
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Consciously Preparing for Parenthood with Guest Dr Maryhan
What kind of parents do you want to be? So much of pregnancy is taken up researching prams and cots and car seats and preparing the nursery.. Or considering birth plans and pregnancy complications and baby names.. It's not often that anyone actually consciously considers parenting until they are…
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Intrusive Thoughts with Dr Caroline Boyd
"What if the blanket covers baby's face and I don't notice" "Imagine if I threw my baby down the stairs" "I could shake you right now" Intrusive thoughts affect around half of new mums. These thoughts of harm can feel quite terrifying, but are they anything to worry about? What can you do to…
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Your Baby, Your Pelvis and Labour Dystocia with Midwife, Molly O'Brien
Ever heard of a back to back baby, but not sure what it means? When is a long labour TOO long and what might be causing it? Do we have influence over the unfolding of our births, even in pregnancy? The answers to these questions and more as I'm joined by the wonderful Molly O'Brien to discuss all...
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Second Babies with Natalie Meddings
How do second labours differ from firsts? How do you prepare older children? How do you prepare after both a wonderful or a difficult birth first time? Natalie Meddings is an experienced doula of 20 years, Author of my FAVOURITE birth book 'How to Have a Baby' and 'Why Homebirth Matters' and you...
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Tongue Tie with Midwife/IBCLC Carmelle Gentle
Does Tongue Tie just affect breastfeeding? Can a baby actually have a tongue that that DOESN'T affect feeding? Is there a link between Folic Acid and Tongue Tie? I challenge anyone that's encountered more than a handful of babies to have encountered Tongue Tie at some point in conversation. But...
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Season 2: Sneak Peek
A sneak peek at what you can expect from Series 2 of The Birth-ed Podcast! Snippets from just a handful the episodes coming up over the coming months. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Birth-ed Links Join free- BUMP CLUB- expert week by week…
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The Birth-ed Podcast is BACK!
Series 2 of The Birth-ed Podcast Launches on Tuesday 17th May 2022 Find out what to expect in this trailer! Hit Follow/ Subscribe NOW, so the episode lands in your Podcast App before you wake up on Tuesday! SIGN UP TO THE BUMP CLUB for more tips, information and support...
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What Does your Midwife Do? With Guests Midwife May Bourne and Midwife Sophie Hiscock
From booking to after your birth, your midwife is there to support you throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. But what can you expect from midwifery led care? This week I am joined by Midwives May Bourne (Founder of Positive Birth Jersey) and Sophie Hiscock (Founder of Village Midwife) where we...
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First 24 Hours with Guest, Midwife Marie Louise
And in a single moment, your entire life changes. Your baby who has spent the last 9 months curled up inside, is earthside. WHAT NOW? In this episode I'm join by Midwife Marie Louise and we discuss what to expect in those first 24 hours after birth. Both physically and emotionally, for both mum…
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Home Birth with Guest, Midwife Kemi Johnson
In this episode, Independent Midwife Kemi Johnson and I discuss all thing Home Birth. The benefits, what if’s, practicalities, everything you may want to know about having your baby at home. Something important to consider, is that regardless of where you choose to give birth, if you go into...
About this show
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 comes to preparing you for your pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Hosted by
Megan Rossiter, birth-ed