Transform Your Birth: Recent Episodes
Tracey Anderson Askew
Transform Your birth Podcast will educate, entertain and support your ability to navigate pregnancy and prepare to give birth. We can't control birth, but Tracey helps us to see how we can influence it and how it helps us to become parents.
Transform Parenting Founder Tracey Anderson Askew explores birth through stories and the lens of what birth can teach us. She prepares families for birth and parenting and views birth as the catalyst for the transformation necessary to go from woman to mother, and man to father. These podcasts will share that wisdom and change the current birth narrative from what happens in birth to how birth changes us.
Today I am talking to my dear friend Bilal, a Chiropractor who specialises and has a deep passion for pregnant women and babies. We speak a lot on this podcast about what moves the needle in birth, and working with your nervous system and the body's natural resources to rebalance and optimise - is absolute gold.
A great conversation with a beautiful man - I know you will be inspired to treat yourself to some bodywork and recognise the importance of unloading the stress response. Enjoy dear hearts!
This week on the podcast I have Chelsea and Bilal sharing the birth story of their second child. A planned homebirth took an unexpected turn, in that it needed to proceed in the hospital. Adjusting our minds from our ideal birth, to that which unfolds - is every person's challenge. Giving birth is the ultimate lesson in surrender, and Chelsea and Bilal demonstrate this beautifully through their story. They are both an inspiration - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I experienced the joy of talking with Daniella about her homebirth. She came into the birth process feeling confident in her ability to give birth, and she prepared using the Transform Your Birth course. This really got her partner on board and he became an integral part of the birth logistics. Daniella exudes confidence in her ability to give birth and she surrendered completely into labourland. The interesting thing about her story is that her contractions never showed signs of being 3 minutes apart regularly, and she caught her midwives off guard. I loved hearing about her meeting with her daughter. It was a divine moment. A lovely - confidence building story - enjoy dear ones.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
This week I had a beautiful conversation with the whole family including little 4 month old Liam. Bek and Tim share the experience of having a very quick birth, with strong contractions right from the beginning. They had to trust their own judgement about the need to go to the hospital, when Bek started to feel the urge to push at home. Bek knew what positions she needed to be in, and experienced great support from Tim, her doula and hospital midwives. We also go into the uniqueness of the bonding experience from both perspectives. A rich conversation - enjoy dear ones!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
It was a total joy to talk with Andrew in this episode years after the birth of his two sons. He shares how their first birth caused them to make very different decisions for the second birth. We discuss the challenges of different advice, not feeling heard or respected, and the role of the father, or partner. What I loved the most about our conversation was connecting the dots between birth, and life afterwards. Andrew and Kate have taken these experiences and used them to forge strong family bonds that can last a lifetime. Such wisdom from this devoted dad. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I have the pleasure today of presenting a dear mother - Priyanka. Pri shares her experiences of 2 caesareans and the importance of being an advocate for yourself. She shares that on the day, you are the centre of the universe and should not be worried about the people around you. At the end we discuss the power of having a post natal doula, which completely changed her experience of those tender weeks afterwards. An episode from a truly wise woman, who can see the power of her birth experiences years down the track.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I have a story this week about a vaginal breech birth, which is a baby born bottom first, rather than head first. Parris shares so much wisdom about preparing for birth, being able to adjust to different paths and creating the right conditions for birth. We discuss how she had to balance her vision of a physiological birth, plus the reality, as she ends up birthing in a different city, with a different team of health professionals. What unfolds is a truly magical path for Parris, as she embraces each lesson and allows herself to be humbled by this inherently significant life event. This truly is a 'must listen,' episode as we delve into the deeper path that women must walk when facing the mystery of what lies ahead.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I am so very proud to offer you my conversation with Tess today, for the raw truth of what the path to having a baby can deliver. Tess experienced a lot of practice dealing with contractions prior to labour day for weeks leading up to the birth. On birthing day, things progressed very quickly, leading her to birth her first baby within 4 and a half hours. When meeting her baby, she didn't experience the 'rush of love,' people often describe. This led us into a rich conversation about the expectations we carry that we need to 'feel the love,' when a baby emerges. The truth is some people take days, weeks, even months to realise that they love their baby. Conversations like this help us move beyond ideals and expectations into being ok with whatever unfolds and appreciating that everyone's experience will be different. The moment a baby arrives does not define the relationship over a lifetime. Bonding is a lifelong process. Rich wisdom indeed. Enjoy dear ones.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
This week I have an incredible story for you from a highly entertaining speaker. Xanthia shares the story of discovering her baby had a diaphragmatic hernia, and will need an operation in the first few days after delivery. She maintained confidence in her own mind that her baby would get through this, but also knew she was in for a big ride. She was fortunate to have continuity of care from a known midwife, and with incredible support from her midwife and husband, she was able to advocate for a low intervention birth which would ultimately support her baby's entry into the world. She ended up having a very long labour and gives some great advice on how she paced herself through the labour and managing the intensity. She then goes on to describe the journey afterwards in a way that reminds us all, we have so much more inside of us than we realise, and experiences like this invite us to discover our resilience, and the resilience of these babies. I have no doubt you will be very inspired by this story. Settle in for a great show.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I loved talking with Ebony about her story because we often hear horrible stories about inductions. Ebony shares her experience of moving from being very anxious in pregnancy to preparing using the, "Transform Your Birth,' course. Ebony and her partner experienced a powerful mindset shift and really committed to the practices. These practices are designed to down-regulate the stress response and train the nervous systems to remain calm during labour. She went on to experience pain-free labour. We also talk about the role of intuition, the ability to know things - and the power of this deep inner wisdom for both birth and parenting. An episode filled with lots of birth wisdom, and one worth listening to. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I've got a great story for you today, filled with lots of birth wisdom. Laura shares with us her story of having an emergency caesarean, followed by a VBAC. Laura really demonstrated great clarity in her intentions and did all the work to be ready for birth under all circumstances. She highlights the importance of support and really appreciated the extra help of her mother and a very skilled doula for baby number two. She also shares with us some great tips around managing labour and remaining in the zone, citing an eye mask as one of her greatest tools. I loved talking with Laura and even experienced goose bumps with her stories - you will love this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I am so excited to present to you a wise woman Jane Hardwicke Collings who is well known for her work exploring the inner journey of birth and the rites of passage inherent in all stages of our lives. She highlights the connection between adolescence, matrescence and sagescence (menopause) and how our responses to our monthly cycles will influence our birth process. She shares with us ways we can start to identify and work with what this period of time is inviting us to become, and to meet with the parts of ourselves that show up through pregnancy in order for us to be ready for this magnificent and incredible journey to becoming a mother. We are here to grow my dear listeners and Jane will highlight for us the map. This is an episode not to be missed.
Janehardwickecollings.com
schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com
Jane's APP
www.spinningwheels.app
TEN MOONS - The inner journey of pregnancy, preparation for natural birth
https://janehardwickecollings.com/product/ten-moons-the-inner-journey-of-pregnancy/
https://www.instagram.com/janehardwickecollings/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8JpZoDKHNAa7YtyUFg0okw
https://janehardwickecollings.com/online-store/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spinning-wheels/id1540698472
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.cocreations.moonsong&pli=1
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I have always explored the question - what can I do in my classes to help make birth better for my families. Alas - the intention of this podcast is to help you discover this too. When I learnt about this topic, of internal pelvic release, I knew this could make a big difference to helping women during the pushing phase of birth and protecting against birth injury. I reached out to Lo, and she showed me , complete with props, how we can help women release certain muscles and ligaments to create a smoother passage for the baby - and hopefully less pressure for the mother. We also discuss in this podcast the importance of post birth healing and recovery - such an important topic. I'm so excited to bring this to you - so dear ones listen on.
Some Links:
Fiona Hallinan - The Pelvic Space, Melbourne (she has a practitioner directory on here) www.thepelvicspace.com.au
Fundamental Health, Kambah www.fundamentalhealth.com.au
Body Ready Method - birth prep, free resources on instagram (so many good ones!) and a course for purchase.
@bodyreadymethod
www.bodyreadymethod.com
Equilibrio Balance - Rachel Shapiro (one of my teachers)
https://www.equilibriobalance.com/
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Molly and Liam experienced labour starting and stopping for over 3 weeks, which they now realise was a powerful lesson in letting go. We discuss how this has served them well for parenting. Molly had moments throughout her labour where she had to harness her mind, and adjust to changing circumstances, learning to take things as they come. They highlight the importance of not getting too fixated on things being a certain way and learning to roll with the changes. We also get to hear Liam's experience of birth and bonding, making this a fabulous episode to learn some powerful birth wisdom. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Molly was concerned her interview would be boring because nothing went wrong. I reassured her that people need to know that birth can be very straightforward, even a first birth. We can assume that birth is a medical procedure, when in fact it is a state of wellness. Molly shares with us the power of her preparation, the amazing role her partner played and the tools she used to get through the birth. She didn't experience the sensations as pain, but called them tightenings. An inspiring story that can open our minds to possibilities. Absolutely worth a listen.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
On the podcast today, I have lovely Tayla, who shares with us her two caesarean births, both unexpected - and both very different. Tayla discusses how she had to adjust to plan B for both births, and what she learnt about herself as a result. She believes women are strong, and we can get through hard things. We also discuss bonding after birth and how the experience is different every time you have a baby. I really appreciated Tayla's openness to share with us her remarkable adjustments to the unexpected. A powerful story. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I have a wonderful conversation with Beth, who is a mother of 3 young children, a pre and post natal Yoga teacher and a doula. Beth shares with us her journey with each birth, and the important internal work that she needed to do, to meet the experience of bringing in each baby. She shares how her perception of the pain created struggle with the first birth, and how she was able to harness her mindset to get through 3 very quick labours. She shares much wisdom about birth, and finishes by identifying how this has influenced her development as a mother, and her need to be at home with her children. A wise and fascinating conversation - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
During birth, decision making matters! It will have the biggest impact on how things unfold and how you experience your labour. Agreeing to continuous monitoring seems like a good idea, in order to protect the well-being of the baby - but is it really?
In this episode we talk to a former Obstetrician Kirsten Small, who completed her PHD on the evidence of continuous monitoring. What she discovered is surprising and well worth a listen. This conversation blew my mind.
You will find out more about Kirsten, https://birthsmalltalk.com/about/
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In the podcast this week, we hear from Steph and Steve sharing their roller-coaster ride in getting their baby here safely. This story could be easily seen as overwhelming and traumatic and yet there is something special about these two, who were able to navigate every twist and turn. Tune into their story and see if you can pick up how they resourced themselves and supported each other in advocating, making decisions, and rolling with the changes. I was in awe at their resilience and capacity, and you will be too. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today' s episode starts with a powerful heartfelt poem I received of a birth that did not go to plan, from one of my mothers. It brought me to tears, and yet it was written with this undercurrent of absolute power and transformation. I wanted to bring it to you today, and thankfully the author is with us today, sharing her powerful story of when things don't go to plan. Her birth had all the ingredients of a traumatic birth and yet it wasn't traumatic, she calls it transformational. This conversation identifies important elements that help us to get through birth under all circumstances.
We even discuss the powerful and positive impact it has had on her life as a new parent.This is an episode you will not forget. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In this week’s episode I speak to Bianca about her journey through 4 births, the final one resulting in twins. Each experience brings her closer to trusting herself and her decision making. We discuss how women can lean into their intuitive nature and trusting the inner sense of what needs to happen, by moving beyond the noise of advice and other people’s opinions. Ultimately this is a story of deep transformation for the mother, which is a path we are all on when it comes to welcoming these children into the world. Bianca shares such powerful wisdom as a result of her birthing journeys. Enjoy dear ones.
You can contact Bianca through instagram
https://www.instagram.com/birth.with.b?igsh=MWZoeGFzZGw1MzlhYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Today I am bringing to you a very important conversation about making decisions with our health providers, and exercising what is called informed consent. Many of us, when pregnant with our first child, have never even set foot in a hospital or needed to make decisions about tests, procedures, vaccinations and interventions. I believe the biggest mistake people make is handing over their decision making to the health professionals, without considering our own choices and what feels right for us. I loved Alexandra’s message, as it is free from giving opinions and more about collecting vital information from the makers of the products and accessible through our government agencies.
Alexandra is the founder of Just the Inserts, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible, transparent information about medical choices. With a solid research background and a passion for informed consent, she guides people through the complexities of pharmaceutical products and decisions. Her commitment to clear, reliable information has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in the community, helping countless individuals make more informed, confident healthcare decisions.
You can find out more about Alexandra and her organisation - ‘Just the Inserts’ in our show notes. Over time, we need to take on a more active role of advocate for our children, so why not start now through your pregnancy and as you prepare for birth.
You can find out more about Alexandra through the following links;
Name: Alexandra Galaska
Website: www.justtheinserts.com
Socials:
Instagram: @Justtheinserts 244,000
@Justthealternatives 39,500
X: @Justtheinserts 2.8k
An Australian Based organisation devoted to information regarding medical vaccinations.
https://inform-me.org/
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I absolutely loved recording this episode, as we covered such important topics that are very easily overlooked when preparing for birth. We go into the preparation of the body, using other modalities like acupuncture and osteopathy, which she believes made a huge difference to having a more comfortable pregnancy and birthing her baby. Tiahna experiences a successful VBAC, with complete confidence in her ability to birth her baby. We discuss how she worked with her caregivers, not against them, when pushing back on medical policy. We also explored the importance of recovery after birth, which can be overlooked with the excitement of a new baby. Another great story full of much wisdom from our dear Tiahna.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I am so excited to share Anja’s story this week. When she came into my class, she was full of fear of birth and parenting. We track her process of transformation - from fear to an orgasmic birth. As women, we all need to know about orgasmic birth - it is secret women’s business, and opens our minds to new possibilities. Anja shares her experience of surrendering, the key shift that opens us all to a better birth experience regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. This is an essential conversation worth listening to, as we learn to walk our own individual path in birthing these babes and being ready to parent them. You will love this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
This week we explore with Jessica, a paramedic, her reasons for choosing a homebirth. She invites us to see the challenges that the medical system has in trusting women to give birth. We explore the twists and turns of a posterior labour that ultimately ended in a caesarean. Jeesica shares with us the results of this experience and how it motivated her to do the inner work, and catapult her into a fierce mother. We explore how birth can take us to places we would never choose, and yet be a powerful transformer just the same.
Details of Jessica:
Instagram - @jessicajane_og
www.jessjane.com.au
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Corinna shares her experience of birthing 4 babies. With each birth she reclaimed more responsibility, more confidence and trust in the process, so that by the 4th birth - she felt completely comfortable birthing at home, even though that wasn't the plan. As a result, she has had to buy new pillows! Lots of great insight from a woman who has learnt much along the way. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Shelby shares with us today the story of her third birth - which turned out to be a very healing birth. This discussion brought up some powerful wisdom around what we bring into the labour room, our experiences, our belief systems, and even the birth experiences of our own mother. We also explore the undercurrents of our nervous system and the origin of resistance to the pain, through our own innate defenses - and yet mother nature wants us to grow through the pain. In this episode we explore a topic that few talk about - the deeper currents of the birthing journey. I know you will enjoy this one.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today we hear from Molly and Sam. What an amazing team they were. They share with us their experience of doing the practices and getting the mind on board. Sam was able to hold space for Molly who had a very short birth, ultimately a water birth. Her daughter had to have some extra help breathing, and be taken to NICU, but they were able to handle it really calmly, through having a pre determined plan. This story is really a great example of how intense situations can be handled with the right preparation. Lots of wonderful wisdom again for you this week - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Cara had a pregnancy where she experienced constant nausea and wanting to vomit. As a result, she didn't have much confidence in herself to birth her baby and was considering an elective caesarean. After completing the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course, she had a complete shift in her thinking, and started to entertain the idea that she could give birth to her baby. Liam also started to realise the important role he could play and they both did the practices together. Her labour started with waters breaking, and ended in a very efficient and quick labour. We also discuss how her birth experience has influenced her confidence when parenting. Some fabulous wisdom to share. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Caitlin had a history of mental health challenges. Through the support of her GP, was able to access the right people through the hospital and community to set in place support that enabled her to feel more relaxed about giving birth. She also prepared with yoga and the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course that enabled her to access her own inner calm - which as an anxious person helped enormously on the day. She chose to be induced when her blood pressure was considerably high. She shares with us some great strategies that she used to support her inner calm, from affirmations to tools her partner offered to find comfort. Her birth was a wonderful experience which caused her to feel very proud of herself. As a result, her mental health post birth has been very positive as she enjoys getting to know her baby. Caitin shares some great wisdom in this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Emma goes briefly into her first two births when she was younger and feeling good through her pregnancies. With baby number 3, she experienced a lot of pain and discomfort and chose to induce her labour. It was a short labour, and resulted in a water birth. Her placenta needed help to be removed. Emma is very pragmatic about women’s ability to birth, and she reminds us all how powerful women are, and we can give birth, even when we think we can’t. Enjoy Emma’s stories.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Dr Sarah Buckley is trained as a GP/family physician and has further qualifications in GP-obstetrics and family planning. She is the mother of four adult children, all born at home, and lives in Brisbane, Australia. She is the author of “Gentle birth, Gentle mothering, and Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing
Dr Buckley has been writing and lecturing on pregnancy, birth and parenting since 1997 and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, where her research is focused on oxytocin in labour and birth and the impacts of interventions. Dr Buckley’s work critiques current practices in pregnancy, birth, and parenting from the widest possible perspectives, including scientific, anthropological, cross-cultural, psychological, and personal.
Today Sarah talks to us extensively about the hormone of oxytocin during labour, breastfeeding and parenting. Our talk reminded me of the intricacies of mother nature’s blueprint, and just how well she has set us up for birth and parenting. It left me wondering - when we interfere with birth - at what cost? She encourages us to be fully informed in our decision-making; to listen to our hearts and our intuition; and to claim our rightful role as the real experts in our bodies and our children. This episode is dense in detail, and yet left me feeling in awe of the human journey of reproduction.
Learn more about Sarah
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Lizzy did her best to not overthink birth and was very selective about where she got her information. She did the Transform Your Birth course and realised very quickly that she wouldn’t be in control of birth and was able to surrender to that knowledge and feel calm about giving birth.
At the end of her pregnancy she experienced a very itchy condition called PUPP rash, and chose to induce at 41 weeks. Her induction kicked into gear very quickly after they broke her waters. Her baby was in the posterior position, and so she opted for the epidural. Lizzy uses it wisely, and is able to let it wear off in order to push her baby out.
Lots of wonderful learning from Lizzy’s story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Rebecca was nervous about birth and her strategy to deal with that was to get her hands on all the books and information. She started to feel overwhelmed - and ultimately decided to do the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course. This helped to bring the information to a central place. She did the practices and got clear on her plan.
Bec’s story unfolds spontaneously. She shares many situations where her mind got in the way, and so we have some great discussions on harnessing the mind, through the mystery of birth. We never know what is going to happen on the day, and having tools to train and harness the mind, is key to getting through whatever unfolds.
Much wisdom shared in this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Kirsten shares with us the story of her two births. The first one was long and ultimately very straight forward. She decided that her next baby would be born at home, through the local public hospital. She was surprised about how different each labour is. She experienced the sensations very differently for baby number two, and had to navigate a baby who was posterior. She talks about fear, and letting go of time during labour. Ultimately she learnt that she was strong and could do anything. She gives us all a great reminder that we are able to handle so much more than we think. Some great birth wisdom shared in this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Well we have clocked 100 episodes and been going for 2 years.
It’s quite a milestone, and one I am very proud of.
Putting together something like this, takes a team. I want to acknowledge Katie, who inspired the idea, Lindsay who got us all set up, Nadia – our producer and Carmen who books our guests. I also want to thank our Birthing mothers, their partners, and the experts in their field. All the people who have shared with me their wisdom on this podcast.
To put something as special as this out into the world is no small feat – and worth the effort. In this episode I wanted to share a montage of the wisdom that has been shared through our interviews. This is a lovely summary of the teachings we do in the Transform Your Birth,’ course. A course that has evolved over 20 years of working with parents through this important time. It has been through them that I have learnt the most.
The intention of this podcast has always been to educate, through story telling, what moves the needle. What you can learn, do or be that can make the biggest difference to how you experience whatever is on your path.
So on with the wisdom.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Ebeny was excited to give birth as she had been at her friend's birth and wanted to experience the challenge. She did the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course and really appreciated the focus on the partners. Now they were both on the same page.
Her waters broke at 36 weeks. She pushed back on induction, trusting that her baby would come when ready. Within 48 hours she was in labour. She shares with us the many ways she was able to find comfort during a long labour. Her breath being the key tool. During the second stage, her carers were wanting to give her an episiotomy and she refused, preferring to trust the intelligence of her body to tear.
It is wonderful to hear from a woman who enjoyed her birth, even though things got a little tricky at the end. Enjoy.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Alexandra felt excited by the challenge of giving birth. She did yoga and the ‘Transform Your Birth' course. Even though she wanted a low intervention birth, she knew she would have to learn to be ok with whatever unfolded on the day. With an induction looming, she did everything to bring this baby on - and it worked. Through the process of getting clear, and communicating to her partner and support team what was important to her, she was able to surrender to the birth and work with her tools to get through what ended up being a fierce labour. Lots of great birth wisdom shared in this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In the podcast this week we have Evie who has had two babies. In her first birth she was in a relationship that wasn’t safe. With a different partner for her second baby, she experienced safety, love and support - which changed everything. She chose to have a homebirth, wanting a more holistic approach to birth, and developed a beautiful relationship with her midwife. Her labour started with her water breaking, and finished with a baby delivered into her own hands, prior to the midwife arriving. She felt her ability to stay calm was the key to calmly welcoming her baby, even when the cord was wrapped around her neck. Some wonderful wisdom from a woman who has experienced both sides of the coin. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
During this episode I will talk about another form of preparation - that is, doing the inner work. Our birthing traditions focus on foods you can eat, and the growth of the baby - but rarely do we talk about the growth of the mother.
Mother nature wants you to upgrade into the mother. This is a ripe time for growth and transformation so listen in to find out more.
For more on Rapid Transformational Therapy that Tracey uses to support her families, see here.
https://traceyandersonaskew.com/
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In this session I am going to help you to understand a little about how a pregnant brain changes, preparing us for motherhood and to meet the needs of our children. These changes last a lifetime, and are definitely an upgrade of the system.
This information has come from the book by a neuroscientist, Dr Sarah McKay, ‘Baby Brain,’ The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better).
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In this episode, Chelsea talks a lot about her preparation. She used Chiropractic, acupuncture and a women’s health physio that all contributed to her pregnancy feeling more comfortable, and the birth of her almost 4.5 kg baby. She had a well prepared partner, a student midwife, and another highly skilled midwife that supported the safe delivery of her baby. Chelsea’s situation in second stage could have very easily ended in a cesarean, however, with her freedom to move, and respond to what her body was telling her - and some skilled hands of the midwife she gets the baby out with only a minor tear. An Inspiring story to say the least with much wisdom shared. Absolutely worth a listen.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
This episode contains important information when making decisions around induction - and understanding the full ramifications of those decisions. In the next episode of the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ podcast I will share with you the coaching I give all my birthing women who are choosing to induce. I will be talking about birth readiness, and how to prepare emotionally and mentally leading up to the induction, as well as what to negotiate on the day, and explore the role of partners more deeply so they know what to look out for and how to support in these circumstances. Little things can make a big difference, and so please take the time to listen, and take notes - so you can communicate to your carers how you are approaching the induction and what they can do to support you.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I am truly honoured to bring to you Professor Hannah Dahlen, to discuss a very important topic of induction of labour.
If you have been recommended an induction - this is a powerful podcast to understand the full ramifications of that decision. In the next episode of the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ podcast - I will take this topic one step further, and share how I prepare women for induction. These two episodes together, will help you step into your power when making a decision to induce and prepare.
The key message of this podcast - when making these significant decisions, we need to take into account the individual pregnancy and individual woman’s choices when making these decisions.
NICE induction of labour guidelines
Hannah Dahlen is the Professor of Midwifery and Associate Dean in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. She has been a midwife for more than 34 years. She is one of the first midwives in Australia to gain Eligibility and access to a Medicare provider number and prescribing rights following government reforms in 2010. Hannah worked for nearly 10 years as a privately practising midwife alongside her role as a Professor of Midwifery. Hannah has published over 300 papers and book chapters and has strong national and international research partnerships.
In 2019 Hannah was awarded a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her significant services to midwifery, nursing and medical education and research. In November 2012 Hannah was named in the Sydney Morning Herald’s list of 100 “people who change our city for the better” and named as one of the leading “science and knowledge thinkers” for 2012.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Jocelyn didn’t prepare for her first baby, and so for her second birth she knew she wanted to do things differently. She did the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course and used the practices to have a completely different experience. For her third birth, once again she did the practices. She was able to get into the continuity program with her own midwife - and after a short labour, experienced a beautiful water birth. Jocelyn’s birth teaches us that with a few key ingredients, like preparation, continuity, a partner who knows what they are doing and some great tools for comfort, we can create the optimal conditions for birth to progress in the way nature intended.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In the podcast today we have Renee and her mother Shirley. Renee, a single mum by choice, shares with us today her journey of making decisions when her baby was showing reduced movements in utero. Through her preparation, she was very clear about what she wanted and what she didn't want.
Her labour started with an induction, and an early labour which she enjoyed and appreciated. She then lost her focus due to an unskilled doctor - and took back her power to make a decision that was in line with her vision for her daughter's arrival. The power of her preparation ensured she was able to say ‘no’, and follow her own path. Lot’s to learn in this story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Laura shares with us her path to making a decision to have a homebirth. She fortified herself with facts when others expressed their opinions about her choice. When she met her midwife, she knew instantly it was a fit. She prepared using chiropractic and the Transform Your Birth course.
Her labour started at home with water breaking, and she spends a lot of her labour in a state of deep relaxation and doesn’t think of the contractions as painful. She goes into detail how her partner was able to support her to find comfort. She birthed her little boy into her partner's hands and goes on to explain the role of the midwife in helping her to avoid tearing.
A beautiful inspiring story to help us understand what is possible during birth.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today in the podcast we are looking at what new mothers need when their baby arrives.
It is a precious time, and we don’t always appreciate what the new mother is going through. Today I will help you to see it through the lens of the changes that take place, when we go from the woman into the mother. A new part of you is emerging – and it ultimately becomes an expansion of self – or as I like to call her, the butterfly. Enjoy!
Thriving as a New Parent
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
You can talk to a lot of new mums, who will share what it was like for them – but it is very difficult to know what it will be like for you. Every labour is different, every birth is different, and every baby is different – and you are different.
There is a unique dance that happens between the circumstances, the newborn and its parents. So nobody can really prepare you – but in this podcast I will do my best to help you to understand what your baby will need when they arrive. Next week I will cover what you will need. So enjoy this topic - it is a precious time.
For more about our new parent services;
https://transformparenting.com.au/thriving-as-a-new-parent/
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Mel conceived her baby using IVF which was a long journey. When she was pregnant, she started to realise she needed to get this baby out, and was open to using anything. After hearing some stories, she realised she needed to prepare. When she did the Transform Your Birth Course she could see how her and her partner could get through, using tools and breathing, and getting on the same page.
This changed her mindset dramatically as she could see the value of the birth process. What resulted was a long labour, a caesarean and a feeling of excitement to meet her baby. She says it would have been very easy to get scared, but through preparation - she experienced the changes easily and with a sense of agency. Lots to be learnt through Mel’s story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Emily comes from a family who spoke very positively about birth. She then does the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course which helps her to get her mind onboard and have a greater understanding of how she can manage the unpredictability of birth. She goes into spontaneous labour, and she shares with us how she was able to manage the different stages, and what she did with her mind.
An incredible story of labour and birth, highlighting the incredible power of the hormones and the body’s innate wisdom.
With great support from her midwife, student midwife, partner and her mother cheerleading - she goes on to experience the full power of her body. An inspiring story! Enjoy.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Dee shares her story of two births. After her first experience, she decides on a homebirth, and her goal is to have a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). She prepares by completing the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course, and accesses many resources to support her belief in herself, even in the face of other people’s opinions about what she should be doing. She develops a wonderful relationship with her homebirth midwife and this proves to be very important to her experience. Ultimately she ends up transitioning to hospital where she is met with alternative viewpoints and conflicting information. Decision-making in these circumstances can be very tricky - and we discuss how Dee was able to follow her own guidance with the support of her homebirth midwife. A story with lots to teach us.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
The story I am sharing with you today left me with goosebumps from head to toe. Through preparation, birth readiness and team work - Emily and Josh were able to activate mother nature’s blueprint - and how she wants us to experience birth. You will find this story very inspirational - and a great reminder of the benefit of birth to our preparation as a mother.
Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
In this episode, I will guide you through some practical tips on preparing for birth, with an intention to reduce the likelihood of birth trauma. For anyone preparing for birth, this episode is worth listening to.
We will also be taking a break in releasing the podcast, but please stay connected we will be back on board with more inspiring and educational stories. We have loved getting your feedback - and so please feel free to contact us - at hello@transformparenting.com.au.
In the meantime - enjoy this episode.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/inquiries/2965/FINAL%20Birth%20Trauma%20Report%20-%2029%20April%202024.pdf
Australian and international research suggests that up to 1 in 3 women identify their birth experience as traumatic (Heyne et al, 2022; Watson et al., 2021). Psychological birth trauma is estimated to affect between 10% to 44% of women (Pidd et al., 2023).
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I have for you today Dr Hazel Keedle who is a Senior Lecturer of Midwifery at The School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University. Hazel has more than two decades of experience as a clinician in nursing and midwifery, educator and researcher. Hazel’s research interests are vaginal birth after caesarean, birth trauma and maternity experiences explored primarily using mixed methodologies. Hazel's work is recognised nationally and internationally, with many invited conference and seminar presentations including academic publications and a book for women based on her PhD findings ‘Birth after Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth’. Hazel is the lead researcher on the largest maternity experiences survey, The Birth Experience Study.
She starts by discussing the 4 factors that will impact the birth experience, and how we can ensure we create the best possible conditions for birth to unfold. Hazel looked at the experiences of women attempting to have a VBAC. She assumed the most important part of their experience would be pushing a baby out of their vagina. Instead what she discovered were 4 important factors that directly influenced how they felt about their birth experience. She then goes on to share with us some of the evidence around the risks of VBAC and the real risks of uterine rupture. and leaves us with some very encouraging advice. This is a fabulous episode for those women planning a VBAC. or any woman who wants to appreciate the conditions necessary to have a good birth experience, regardless of what unfolds on the day.
Position Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery
Research Interests * Birth trauma * Midwifery * Pregnancy, birth and postnatal period * Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Maryn Green has been attending women as a midwife since 2009; first as a licensed midwife and now as a spiritual midwife that helps facilitate the ceremonies of birth and mothering. Maryn is well known for being the founder of the Indie Birth Association and Indie Birth midwifery school, which educates women and midwives all over the world. She has her own podcast, “Taking Back Birth,” that encourages women and midwives to rethink what they have been taught, and re-connect with ancient wisdom and the spiritual journey of birth. She is also the author of the book Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love in 2019. Maryn has given birth to 10 children and currently lives in Hawai’i.
Today we look at how birth is a rite of passage, how we can prepare for birth through ceremony and ritual, and she shares some great insights through her own birth experiences. I truly loved having a conversation about birth that goes beyond the things that can happen, to exploring the greater meaning of birth as a transformational process for the birthing woman and the baby - and the intricate dance between the two. A fresh new perspective. Enjoy dear ones.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Maryn's Links:
Indie Birth
Indie Birth Midwifery School
Sacred Sisterhood Doula
Full "Taking Back Birth" podcast archive
You can also find Maryn @indiebirth on Instagram and on Rumble and Youtube
I am so excited to bring you Catherine Bell, the developer of the Birth Mapping process. Decision making during pregnancy and birth will have the most profound and significant influence on how your birth unfolds. The biggest mistake people make during pregnancy and birth is completely handing over the decision making process to their carers. Your job is to step up, understand the landscape, and decide what your needs are in any given situation from pregnancy, birth and after the baby arrives.
There are many potential things that can happen, by mapping your chosen options, you are more likely to be able to adapt to the many paths that this experience can take a birthing family. Catherine will help us to understand how to do this through her PHD research on birth mapping. She also brings to us some of the recommendations from the recent release of NSW Birth Trauma report. From Catherine’s research, she can see that this process can contribute to the prevention of birth trauma. This is a ‘must listen,’ episode for all pregnant women.
You will find Catherine’s contact details in the show notes below this episode.
Catherine Bell is a Mother, consumer advocate, and Master of Science Communication about to complete her PhD evaluating her book, The Birth Map.
You can find her on instagram @birthmapping and on Facebook @TheBirthMap
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Better Birth: Mini Gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
This week on the podcast we have Lauren and Dan. They share the shift in mindset they experienced when preparing for birth, through the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course. Lauren really enjoyed her birth, largely due to the incredible team of midwives from the birth centre and her student midwife. With Dan well prepared and providing loving and practical support, she stayed completely in labour land and experienced that beautiful high after birth. She goes on to have a long pushing stage, a little problem getting the placenta out, and a post-partum haemorrhage, however with the wonderful team around her, she knew she was in the right place for them to manage this - and stayed completely calm through these challenges. A perfect example of great preparation, and a great team to manage whatever unfolds on the day.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Summerfeldt from Canada.
Jennifer holds an MA in counselling psychology and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor. She is the Chief Empathy Officer of ASK Therapy. She is the creator of the Flowing Fears Process. With over 20 years of experience within the fields of maternal health, childbirth, psychology studies, and the transpersonal, she uses her expertise and voice to help advance the dialogue on trauma-informed care, maternal mental health, and healing in general.
We are going to speak about her own personal experience of overcoming trauma, as the gateway into her current work of helping others transform through trauma, using her modality, called the Flowing fears process.
I found our conversation fascinating, in that it broke down the places where the nervous system can get stuck in the story, and when we move to the somatic experience, we have a doorway into exploring much deeper patterns that can unlock our own potential. There are links to Jennifer's work in the show notes below.
Put on your seatbelts people, we are going for a ride.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Jennifer's Links:
Mastering the Art of Perinatal Therapy Mentorship Program
Flowing Fears Audio Course + Coaching
All other links
Lynn Schulte has been a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist for over 30 years and she is the Founder and principal instructor of the Institute for Birth Healing. Lynn helps pregnant women to balance their body, both before and after birth. She is on a mission to help women prevent and avoid birth complexity, injury and wounding, by promoting optimal physiology for the labour and pushing stages of birth. Knowing we are more than just our bodies, Lynn works on all levels, physically, energetically, and spiritually with women to help them access their full potential. She offers a certification process to help birth professionals become Birth Healing Practitioners.
In this episode, we talk specifically about 3 areas of the body worth focusing on. Balancing the body, promoting good positioning of the baby and avoiding tearing are all great goals and worth preparing for. Fascinating insights from a woman who knows her trade. Also included in the show notes are links that include her programs, a directory of body workers and some wonderful resources that will support the preparation for birth. I feel so proud to bring you this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Lynn's Links:
Institute for Birth Healing Educational Platform
Clinical Practice
Directory
ONLINE COURSE: Confidence in your Core, Pelvic Floor and More
YouTube: How to Massage your C-Section Scar
YouTube: Closing the Pelvic Bones After
Alicia in her pregnancy didn’t really believe she could have an unmedicated birth, but after doing the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course she starts to open her mind to new ways of thinking. She ends up not even wanting the drugs during her labour. I loved the level of detail Alicia goes into when sharing her story. She weaves together the different twists and turns of her birth experience and the impact it had on her mindstate.
She was exceptional in how she adapted, from going in to have an induction, and being sent home because they were too busy. This happened twice! She was incredibly gracious, and on the third attempt they were able to get the labour going. She shares how she managed the intensity of labour, vaginal examinations and how she made the different decisions by asking questions. Such great wisdom in this episode. Enjoy listening to Alicia’s story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Emily and Brad join us today to share the story of Isabelle’s arrival. We often don’t expect first births to be quick, and yet it can indeed happen. Quick births are often intense, and pushing out a baby who is face up can also be difficult. Emily, with the help of Brad, managed it beautifully, as she had learnt to trust her body and relax deeply. Emily shares her advice, that your body knows what to do - just trust it. Another great episode to help us all to learn to respect the birth process.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I had a conversation with a Mega parent of 8 children and grandparent of 15, and great grandparent of 2 - Penny. We discuss what new parents need and the role of grandparents. This episode will give you a great insight into how you might change when your baby lands and what your needs might be. It is a great episode worth sharing with emerging grandparents as this role is vital and doesn't come with a handbook. We have also attached a popular blog to the show notes.
Links:
Read the blog
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Suzzie is a doula and mother of two. She shares her experiences that led to her becoming a birth worker. We explore the role of the doula, how they can offer continuity and emotional support when the medical system often can’t. We also look at the role of the mind in birth, and how it can change the way you experience your birth and even the pain. Suzzie is a very experienced doula and has great wisdom to share. Sit back and enjoy this episode.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Sheena joins us again on the podcast with the story of her third birth. She acknowledges the way every experience of welcoming our babies causes us to grow, and will have a profound influence on the next birth. She has the wisdom of a woman who has travelled 3 completely different paths to welcome her daughters and provides a message of patience, surrender but also the importance of self-advocacy. Such great birth wisdom. Definitely worth listening to.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today we have a special guest, who is a midwife, lactation consultant and leads a practice of independant midwives working in the community - called Evolve Midwifery Services. Anne sees breastfeeding as not just a physical challenge to be overcome, but involves our emotional and mental well being. Anne covers topics like, how do you know if it isn’t working, expressing during pregnancy and the role of the partner in successful breastfeeding. This is a great episode to prepare you for breastfeeding and understand the tricky landscape of feeding a newborn baby. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Make sure you check out Evolve Midwifery. You can find Anne on socials at evolve_midwifery
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Today I will be talking about how to make good decisions during pregnancy and childbirth.
The key is preparation so that you understand the birth process and start to discover what are the things that are important to you.
When making decisions, you will need to ask the questions both prior to birth and on the day. Your job is to identify the difference between a medical necessity and a choice. I have created a handout for you capturing some of the examples from this episode and many more. To receive your free download, just use the link in the show notes.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Mel came into her birth experience after navigating a lot of life changing events throughout her pregnancy. At 39 weeks pregnant she realised she needed to work out how she was going to birth this baby. After doing the Transform Your Birth course, all her questions were answered - so that when she went into labour, she was able to ask for what she needed to support the birth process. Mel received kind, thoughtful and skilled care. I loved listening to Mel share her experience of meeting her son - it was beyond words.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Bec’s three stories highlight just how different every birth can be. They all resulted in straightforward births, and yet the experience for Bec was completely different. She highlights her journey to transforming her experience of the pain when having contractions. By the time she had her third baby, her mindset completely changed as she leaned into the sensations without resistance, and saw them as a muscle working hard. She also managed to do the same thing for the pushing stage of labour. Bec has much wisdom to share from her three experiences of birth. Please enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
I am honoured today to be having a conversation with Tasha Jennings, a fertility naturopath and nutritionist. She shares with us the 5 elements of a healthy pregnancy. This information can have a profound effect on conception, pregnancy, breastfeeding and growing healthy children. Tasha reminds us that we need to be proactive when it comes to health, which is not just the absence of disease, but optimising the body’s response through these significant stages. She also highlights the importance of choline, an often overlooked and yet essential nutrient. You will find Tasha’s details in the show notes.
Links:
Transform Parenting
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice
Tasha's links:
Tasha's website
Zycia Natal Nutrients
Your Fertile Pantry
Tasha's Socials:
FREE Facebook Group
Danica shares with us her experience of preparing for birth, and what made the biggest difference on the day. Her early labour involved some starting and stopping, and ultimately it was a walk that kicked her labour into the next gear. She shares with us how her partner supported her to find comfort, and what she focused on with her mind. During her labour, there was some meconium which required some extra monitoring. Danica also shares that her biggest fear was tearing up, and discovered that even when it happened, she was surprised to discover that it was no big deal. There are some great little tips in this episode - certainly worth listening to.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Today I am talking to Gina Mundy. For over 20 years, Gina has been an attorney that has specialized in childbirth cases that have gone wrong. It has been this experience which motivated her to write the book, "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth." She wants women to use the power of knowledge to help them to make choices that support the healthy delivery of her baby. This is such an interesting conversation and comes with many warnings of things to be aware of, that can potentially be harmful to both the mother and baby. An eye opening conversation that helps us to understand that there is no one way, and every decision matters.
https://ginamundy.com/
To get the book;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KFNPNQ/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687943679&sr=8-1
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free pregnancy gift
Muriel is from France, and never imagined home as a place to give birth. It was her husband and his family who had all birthed their babies at home that gave her the confidence. What she discovered was her own strength, by going deeper into herself to manage the intensity of labour. It is the journey inward that unlocks our own potential - and of course this is exactly what we need to learn for parenting. A lovely story to inspire confidence - please enjoy Muriel’s story.
Links
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today course
Free pregnancy gift
Sarah shares her experience of having an induction. Her body responded to the first stage, and she was able to do the rest of the birth without the need for any further intervention. She cites the support of her partner as being the biggest game-changer for her, as he coaches her to use her breath and soften her hands. She also has some interesting things to say about the pain of labour. Well worth tuning into, as we learn more about what moves the needle in birth.
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Transform Your Birth Today
Free Pregnancy Gift
Emily almost didn't have children due to her fear of pregnancy and birth. She shares with us the internal changes she makes as she learns more about birth. She ultimately experiences two straight forward births, one in the birth centre and one born at home. Emily is very practical and shares in great detail the power of the tools she uses to find comfort. She believes her greatest tool in the tool kit was the support of her partner Jeremy. Some great birth wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Transform Your Birth Today online course
Free pregnancy gift
Dannielle experiences an ideal birth. She highlights to us what she thinks led to this outcome. We always acknowledge we can’t control birth, but there are many things that influence it. Danni helps us to understand those factors. Listen closely for those key ingredients, which all came together to support Danni to discover what she had inside of her. She also experienced the incredible skill from her midwife who was able to read her beautifully and came in just when she needed her most. Well worth a listen.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Free pregnancy gift
Chelsea brings to us both stories of having big babies. She prepared well for both, and got her partner on board by doing the Transform Your Birth course. She also experienced incredibly skilled caregivers, which meant - even when her first son needed help with forceps, she was able to remain calm and experienced no tearing. There’s loads of wisdom in this story - well worth a listen.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Free pregnancy gift
Today I will be discussing all the different options to support a woman during labour to find comfort, and be able to manage the intense sensations of labour.
We are often told that the only options to get through labour are the drugs. They are certainly tools in the toolbox, but there are many other options also - that don’t have the same side effects to you - or your baby. Get ready to fill your tool kit by listening to this episode.
You will likely want to record these other options if you are preparing to give birth. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Free pregnancy gift
Janina shares with us her two water birth stories, one long and one short. Her story highlights how different each birth can be. She needs to work with her fear of the pain, and ultimately harnesses the power of her mind, both times. Janina shares some great wisdom about getting clear on what your non-negotiables are so you can communicate that to your supporters and health professionals on the day. This type of mental preparation goes a long way to getting the support that we need in birth. Another wisdom filled episode - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Free Parenting Gift
We are joined this week with Kanny and Al who share the experience of a physiological birth from the perspective of a birthing mum, and her partner. This was a team effort, and this story highlights the power and importance of both roles. Kanny also shares her experience of resisting perineal massage, and with the support of Al she overcomes the resistance and gets to a place of appreciating the sensations. This had a significant influence on how she felt when her body was stretching to release her daughter. There’s plenty of birth wisdom in this episode, so sit back and enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Professor Deborah Davis joins me today from the University of Canberra and ACT Health to discuss the impact of the environment on birthing women, a topic we must all consider when optimising our body’s response to birth. Even though a woman might consciously feel safe in an environment, her body will tell her otherwise if there are aspects to her environment that cause her to release adrenaline, changing the way labour unfolds. We also delve into the high rates of labour induction and augmentation - and questions to ask your carers when making these decisions, to identify the difference between a medical necessity and a choice. This is a deeply informative episode that will help you to navigate the birth process. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Chelsea and Bilal, both Chiropractors, went into their pregnancy with a great respect for the body and how to optimise its response to labour. They did the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course to support and promote an optional mindset, and clearly define their roles in the birth process. The result? Listen in to find out. We end up having a unique conversation about what they think made the biggest difference to creating a beautiful entry for their daughter. Enjoy dear ones, well worth the listen.
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Lyndsay very generously shares with us her journey giving birth to her 4 children. Her third child, precious Frankie, passed away two days after being born. This heartbreaking loss gave way to a family journey of grief and finding ways to live with this excruciating pain. She has a dream that shows her that her family is not complete - and they ultimately end up welcoming their 4th child into the world.
A tender story of grief transformed. Now they are behind an initiative to help families who lose a child, support the siblings with books as a catalyst to bring words to their children’s grief. I was deeply moved by Lyndsay’s ability to speak with such love and care for people everywhere who go through the experience of loss. Bringing this topic to the podcast helps us all to understand this harrowing journey - that ultimately we must all experience when we lose someone we love.
A big thank you to Lyndsay and her family for allowing us into their world.
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Amy shares her story of two straight forward births, each one very different. She goes into detail of the things she does to manage each one, preferring to be still and not have people observe her. Her partner also plays an important role. She also shares more deeply about her ability to feel confident to push back on a suggested induction, sensing that her baby was still fine. A wonderful inspiring story to remind us all that we have everything we need within us to deal with whatever unfolds. Please enjoy this interview.
Chanelle shares with us her decision-making process when she decided to have her baby at home. Pushing beyond other people’s opinions isn’t always easy and we discuss in detail the wisdom of women to know where they feel safest to give birth. She shares the importance of getting her mind to be ok should she need to transfer, and to surrender to the mystery of what lies ahead.
Chanelle ends up with a long labour, and yet uses her mindset to go into a trance state, maintaining her capacity to keep going. She goes into a state of timelessness and the length of her labour does not worry her at all. She pushes her baby out, births the placenta and has a perineum that is completely intact. A very straightforward, uncomplicated birth that all women should listen to to remind us that birth can be this way, to counteract much of the fear surrounding the birth process. She also shares with us her mother-beast awakening. Enjoy dear ones, and allow her story to inspire you to open your mind to what is possible.
Isobel and Justin prepare for birth using the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course. She makes a decision that she wants to get through the process of birthing without the use of the drugs and commits to the practices in order to train her mind. Her and Justin have a good conversation on how he can support her to do this. She is facing induction at 42 weeks and labour starts spontaneously without too much need for help. She goes so deep within herself she doesn’t even think about the drugs. She feels completely calm and focused. Her partner was an amazing support, and this set them both up beautifully for the next stage with their little boy James.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Erin prepares to birth vaginally but finds herself with a breech baby late in her pregnancy. After trying to turn the baby, she had to adjust her thinking to a caesarean birth. She believes that being in a good headspace can make any birth a beautiful experience. She uses her tools to manage the experience, and the recovery afterwards. This story reminds us that we never know what’s ahead, but with the right mindset we can manage anything. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Today I’m sharing with you a little presentation on how birth sets you up for parenting. When a baby is born, so is a mother. There are many inner forces that are being activated - and I want to highlight the innate intelligence we have inside of ourselves and start to work towards optimising our physiological response to labour - as there are many benefits on the other side. This is a way of looking at birth that is rarely given any attention. I hope you enjoy it.
I would also like to acknowledge that not everyone listening to this podcast, who is having a baby identifies as a woman. I want to extend my care and respect to you - and acknowledge that these changes are indeed happening for you too, and how they manifest is different for everyone. I will however be using female pronouns to honour the age old traditions of birthing. Thanks for listening.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Grace is a single mother, and enjoyed the support of her mother to give birth. She began her pregnancy being in denial about giving birth, because she was scared. Her mother convinced her to do the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course which helped her to get the information and understanding she needed, and she loved doing the practices. Late in the pregnancy, her baby’s growth was a concern, which led her to being induced, but ultimately she needed a caesarean. After the initial disappointment and overwhelm she is able to adapt and focus on what is important to her. She also shared with us what she asked for during the caesarean, which made all the difference. Another inspiring story about the mystery of birth. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Claire gave birth to Jonah on her birthday - what a gift! During her pregnancy, she likes to read and be prepared, so she consumes many different avenues of knowledge, but eventually realises her mind doesn’t know what to do with it all. After the Transform Your Birth course, she is able to put it calmly into place within her deeper mind and focus more fully on her job, knowing that her partner has got her covered. She goes on to describe the most beautiful story of birth unfolding in its raw majesty. She describes a scene with her partner while she was pushing her baby out - that leaves us both feeling in awe of the power of love and intimacy in birth. She then shares the struggles she had with breastfeeding. She reminds us all - that there is always a struggle, and because there is no escape, we have to continue to step up and overcome whatever it is we are facing. This is the way it’s always been, and Claire reminds us all that we can do it!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
This is a powerful episode as it fellows Tracey through what would end up being 3 births, all with big babies. We see how her first birth helped her to get very clear about what was important to her. She changes her model of care and sets up her birth space with people who believe in her, and support her decision making. This is a story of immense resilience, overcoming the noise of other people’s opinions and bringing her full circle to the belief that her body can birth these big babies. Women’s stories never cease to inspire and amaze me, and Tracey’s story would be right up there with the best of them. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Anna came into her pregnancy with a mind that needed to know and learn things. She then had to deal with the discovery of placenta praevia that meant that her original dreams of birth would end up being very different. She shares with us in great detail the turbulence of ultimately bringing herself to a point of letting go and accepting what lay ahead. She did the preparation and was able to put that part of her mind that needed to know things to good use. Asking questions from her doctors and negotiating for the things that were important to her - made all the difference to her experience of welcoming her little girl. She shares her experience of the caesarean in great detail, which became a beautiful experience now that she had changed her mindset. Ultimately this is a story of personal transformation through pregnancy, birth and parenting. Well worth a listen - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Today’s episode is with Jessica, having her first birth, with the support of two step children and her partner. We explore how knowing too much about birth can find its way into our labour room, and how much information is enough. Jess shares with us her journey of managing a long labour, and a long second stage? We reflect on how time can inhibit our ability to flow with birth and the influence of vaginal examinations. Jess shares some powerful reflections, and gives some great advice at the end. A very inspirational story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Ashleigh’s story is one worth listening to, as it helps us to really understand the power of undisturbed birth. She shares with us the preparation she did prior to the big day, and the fears she needed to address in order to surrender and work with the process of birth. She practices surrendering, cultivates a powerful mindset and is very clear about what she can and can’t control. With the support of her amazing partner, her doula and two midwives she created the perfect conditions for birth to unfold, and it ended in a surprising outcome - which you will have to listen to - to find out what happened 🙂
An episode well worth the time, full of wisdom and insight into the journey we must make to be ready to welcome our babies.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
This week we have the perspective of a father supporting his wife through two birth experiences. Matt reflects on his journey of stepping up and becoming more proactive in both the birth space and in parenting. He shares that prior to doing our course, he didn’t realise how much of a role he could play in helping Bronte and how she was feeling it was all on her shoulders. This experience shook him into action, which on reflection helped him to grow much quicker into fatherhood. This is a wonderful story of teamwork at its greatest - and when going through some pretty big challenges with the health of their second baby, they were able to get through it together, securely bonded and now able to manage the needs of two beautiful little boys. Matt has much wisdom - and this is an episode that should be shared with all partners of birthing women, so they can start to become familiar with the road ahead.
Links:
Transform Parenting website.
Today I’m going to share with you some important information every woman must know when it comes to choosing to use the pharmacological options in managing labour. They are tools in your tool kit to help manage labour - but you might want to put them in the bottom of the bag as they come at a cost, to the mother and the baby. When women don't have the drugs they often experience a natural high which sets her up beautifully for the next stage. Sometimes however, it can be appropriate - to protect the emotional state of the mother and also the baby. Most of the time we don’t need it. I will help you to know when it might be appropriate. This is important information to know when it comes to making decisions. I also give some great advice for those supporting birthing women - how to get her over the hump, if she is asking for the drugs. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Sally and Graeme resist the advice to have an induction based only on the identification of her baby’s size. Her caregivers were concerned about the risk of the baby’s shoulders getting stuck. Her labour starts spontaneously at 41 +2 weeks, and whilst it was a long labour, she manages with the incredible support of Graeme. He helps her to find comfort and coaches her along the way. We discuss how important it is for women to be free to move during labour - because they look for comfort, which supports the descent of the baby, and can reduce risk of baby getting stuck. Graeme shares how his preparation and doing the practices really helped him to know what to do on the day, and stay really present to Sally’s needs. Their son arrived at 4.44kg. An inspiring story for anyone who is worried about having a big baby.
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
I loved recording this episode, as we started to venture into the realm of birth that is often not discussed. What is going on for women at a deeper level when they go through the process of giving birth. Jenn’s first birth started with an induction - and although it was intense, she loved it. During her second pregnancy, she was healthy and well, and was able to experience labour and birth very differently, under the steam of her own oxytocin. She discovered this well of hormones had much to offer - and she helps us to explore why physiological birth must be honoured and strived for, as the benefits to the mother and baby are immense and help them to travel that path beyond. Whilst this is a slightly longer episode, it is well worth a listen. Enjoy the wisdom from this conversation.
Links:
Transform Parenting Website
Josey felt confident with her first birth, and through events outside of her control, it ended up to be a difficult birth. She felt she had people telling her what to do, and no one really paid attention to her voice. For her second, she prepares with the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course and manages to get into the continuity program, so she has her own midwife. This made all the difference, to both her experience of birth, and her partner feeling like he could support her. She then shares how this influenced her parenting with both children. Much wisdom to be shared, enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Serena completed the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course and shares how it changed her thinking about birth, and helped her partner to feel like they have an important role to play. Serena’s pregnancy took her all the way to 42 weeks, at which point she agreed to be induced. All went smoothly from there and she went through the tools that helped her to get through the whole labour. She also shares her experience of transitioning into motherhood, and how her labour helped her. A beautiful story to remind us all to trust our body.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Danika prepares for the birth of her son using calmbirth. She is very grateful for this, as her pregnancy took a detour, and at 36 weeks she needs to have an emergency cesarean under a general anesthetic, without her partner present. This was a lot to adjust to. To find out how she did this, listen in.
Bonnie and Steve share their tragic story of multiple losses. Overcoming the fear during Evie’s pregnancy was always going to be their biggest mountain. They worked with me by doing the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course and stayed connected to our community during their pregnancy. What unfolded from there is worth listening to. An inspirational story from an exceptional couple.
Shelby shares her story of two births. When having her first baby, as a yoga teacher - people kept affirming that she would likely have a straightforward birth. Her first birth was long. When her baby arrived, she felt dissociated from her new baby. For her second birth, she did some more preparation with the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course and got herself a doula. She became very clear that the most important part of the birth was meeting and connecting with her baby. This clear focus helped her to adjust to a cesarean. Shelby's experiences remind us that we are not in control - but we can get clear on what is important to us, which can help us to adjust to what unfolds on the day.
Emma had enormous fear around giving birth, and knew the answer to this for her, was to get informed and prepared.She read many books and completed the Transform Your Birth course. This gave her and her partner a clear path forward. She shares how she was able to identify what information to take on, and what not to listen to. She goes on to have a vaginal birth and shares the tools that helped her most.
Kahlia decided she didn’t want to overload herself with too much information and only did the ‘Transform Your Birth,’ course to prepare herself and her partner. She then goes into labour with a baby who is rotated and posterior which sees her in labour for 4 days. She manages this with the support of her partner and midwife. Finally when things heat up, she ends up pushing him out quite quickly - and he is 4.6kg. A great story to discount the idea that baby’s grow too big for their mothers. Kahlia reminds us all to not overthink things.
Jenna shares her story of two births. After an induction with her first, we explore how she felt confident with her second baby to wait until labour started spontaneously. She shares with us how she was able to follow her gut instincts in making decisions about the birth and also breastfeeding. We also engage in a great conversation of how birth influences the early experiences we have as new parents. Such great wisdom all through this episode - definitely worth a listen.
Cara was pregnant with her first child and went into denial about going into labour. Unexpected things happened, which put her into an intense state of stress and she discusses how this influenced her bonding with her daughter. With these lessons under her belt, for baby number two, she prepared doing the Transform Your Birth,’ Course and experienced a painless labour and an instant bond with her son. A beautiful story of how one labour can change the next, and we can transform ourselves through the act of giving birth to our children.
Natalie shares with us her two births, and how she stepped more fully into advocating for what she wanted. She experiences two beautiful births and reflects deeply on her own path of awakening. We also reflect on the connection between birth and motherhood. Her stories are entertaining and insightful, sharing the unpredictability of birth and parenting. Enjoy!
Mel had a spontaneous labour and finds herself progressing quite quickly to the point she is pushing at home. After an ambulance ride to the hospital, she gets there in time to have her baby in the water. She needs some help with the placenta - and is able to manage that unexpected moment with grace and confidence. A lovely inspiring story to remind us all that the body knows what to do, even when we sometimes need help. Enjoy!
Ali goes through the different models of care available to women when they are having a baby. She highlights that many of the models are very fragmented and don’t really cater to the experience of the family. She highlights how relationships matter, and tends to set the birthing parent up to feel more positive about the process. She also pulls apart what it is you get when you experience the different models of care. The model of care you access plays a significant role in the outcome of how your baby enters the world. This is a topic that is not talked about enough. Well worth a listen even if you have already chosen your model of care - you might be able to bring in other forms of support.
Phoebe decides to have a homebirth late in her first pregnancy. She experiences a long labour, a transfer to hospital and then unable to have her midwives with her because of Covid. She has her second baby at home, and then needs to transfer after the birth to get some medical support. Phoebe reflects on both experiences and what made all the difference when adapting to the changes. She shares with us how motherhood has changed her - and her need to control. Such wisdom and insight into how birth and motherhood change us forever.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
In this episode, Miriam reflects on her preparation and how she was able to change her mind about birth. She experiences the care of a known midwife in the birth centre and a student midwife. Her labour starts spontaneously and goes for a few days. With the support of her midwife coming to check her at home, she knows this is ok and continues to labour beautifully at home. She arrives at the hospital and has her baby in the water. She marvels at how strong she is, and reflects on the power of her knowledge to understand what was going on and how to manage each of the stages. This is another story to inspire us to learn to trust the body, the body is indeed wired to give birth. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Tracey will go through why it is important women feel safe, loved and supported during labour. She highlights the importance of partners and birth support people to understand the process and not bring their own fears into the labour room. She gives the listeners a checklist of what to do and what not to do and clarifies the important role of being a labouring woman's advocate. An episode specifically for those who love a birthing woman and want to be there for her in her most powerful and vulnerable time.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Nicole was advised through a wise friend to seek the primary care of an independent midwife, and doula. They supported Nicole and her partner to have a beautiful straight forward birth of her dreams. With the support of hypnobirthing, she was able to use the practices to navigate a very intense labour, and be very clear on how to communicate her choices with the hospital system. A great story to highlight the power of having great support and preparation. This is a very inspiring story.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Tory found herself pregnant as a single mum. She discusses the pressure she felt to ‘get it right,’ and the conditioning women face around the way we talk about birth.
She is able to access the continuity of a known midwife program and chooses her sisters to support her. All these women believe in her ability to give birth. This resulted in a straight forward vaginal birth. She has some great advice for single mums - get the right people in your corner. A great story to not only inspire single mums, but all women preparing for birth.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Emily is a midwife and she has seen all types of birth. Making the decision of where to birth her baby was a big choice and ultimately she chose to birth at home. Emily had to come to terms with her fears. By reading ‘Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth,’ and doing the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course she manages to harness her mind and steps fully into her confidence and trust in the birth process. The result - well listen in and find out. An inspiring story to support your trust in the process of birth.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Kate’s partner was concerned about her ability to handle the pain of labour. After doing the Transform Your Birth course, he soon realised the positive influence he could have on her ability to get through the birth. They committed to the practices and Kate talks about how she thinks they changed her labour. Kate experiences a straightforward birth but ultimately faces her greatest fear, tearing. She finishes her story with some great wisdom around nesting and building your energy levels before the birth. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Eddie shares with us the story of her two births. Her first experience left her feeling like something got lost in the process. For baby number two, she dives deeper into the physiology of birth, and learns to appreciate mother nature’s blueprint. She is determined to bring as much of herself as she can to the second birth. Once again she is facing induction after pushing it to 42 weeks. She needs to surrender to something she really didn’t want to experience again. She is in hospital ready to have her second induction and something quite magical happens. Her stories will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
In this episode I’ll be deconstructing the power of breathing. I’ll explain why it is the top tool in the tool kit. We look at the myths around the teaching of breathing and the perils of overbreathing. I will then go on to explain what optimal breathing looks like, and how to retrain your brain. We finish this episode with a beautiful breathing exercise that will highlight to you how good breathing calmly can feel. This is a not to be missed episode. Get comfortable and learn to breathe better!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Hannah and Chris describe their experience of managing a birth that resulted in a cesarean. Their story really highlights the power of teamwork, and advocacy by a partner who is well prepared and knows what they are doing. This made all the difference for Hannah when she had to adjust to a new plan. A wonderful interview to listen to both the birthing mum, and the father’s experience. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
In this episode, we will be exploring the origins of the pain through understanding the physiology of birth.
I will be giving you some ideas about managing those sensations and accessing your inbuilt resources. You will also learn about the power of the mind, and how to harness the mind in a way that supports the birth process.
Demystifying the pain is the first step in making labour more manageable. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Velouria was a nurse and had experience in working in the intensive care unit for babies, and realised she needed to work on her mindset for birth as she had seen many struggles families can experience.
She prepares and starts to work on overcoming those fears and building her trust in herself.
She highlights her thinking around not having unnecessary vaginal examinations and we discuss how it can interfere with labour and a woman's ability to just be in the moment. She shares a lot about the tools she used to get through and the powerful role her partner played. She experiences a tear and needs to be taken away to get some repair work. She discusses the role of the practices in preparing you not just for the birth but afterwards too. She reminds us we can get through so many things, more than we can imagine - and this realisation sets us up for parenting. A straightforward labour with lots to teach us - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Jos experiences a marathon first birth, which she finds difficult to recover from. For baby number two, she chooses to prepare differently and opens herself to new possibilities. She learnt to surrender, trust more and resource herself with tools to manage. Her partner learns the power of his role, and they were set up as a team. She also decided to honour her need to nest. Her second birth was surprisingly different. She credits it to doing the practices and being clear on what was important to her and communicating this to her caregivers. Some great birth wisdom to share with you.
Links: Transform Parenting website
Jemima chooses to have a homebirth and it is her second birth. Her first child was born 22 years previously. She had to overcome her own fear of the pain from her first experience when she was very young. She felt that she had failed, and judged herself very harshly. This birth gave her the opportunity to understand and reframe her previous experience, by seeing birth as a rite of passage, not a place where we need to perform and live up to some perceived expectations.
She had a posterior labour, and a long early labour. She tethered herself to the breath, as her primary tool, and her partner was her rock. She talks about using the meditations to prevent her mind going into dark places, and ultimately lets go of the worry of her baby’s position. She and her husband create a beautiful environment to labour in and she experienced wonderful support from her midwife, partner, mother and sister - a truly family affair.
Towards the end Jemima also shares her decision making process when it came to having a homebirth.
Some great insights into the mystery of birth are revealed in this story - enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Elley had heard a lot of stories about birth from her mother who was a midwife, and then a sister who had a difficult birth and so she came into pregnancy quite fearful. She did lots of reading and the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course which shifted her perspective.
She went into spontaneous labour and spent most of it at home. She discusses the timelessness of birth. Her second stage needed a little help but with good care and support she was able to push her baby out, and experienced a big high afterwards. We discuss letting go of the monkey mind, and the altered state of birth. She identifies the fear tension pain syndrome as a great understanding to her being more confident in birth. Her advice to pregnant women is prepare - prepare - prepare! Thank you Elley and little Edward.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Leah shares how she shifted her perception of the pain and overcoming her fear of birth after doing the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course. Her partner felt much more comfortable in knowing his role also. At 36 weeks Leah discovers her baby is in the breech position. She had to come to terms with the change of plan and she shares how she was able to shift her mindset, to open herself to the understanding that birth may not proceed in the way she wanted. She then had an ECV, which is a procedure to try to turn the baby – which is successful.
Leah goes into spontaneous labour. She shares her journey through the different stages and it ends up being long. She experienced wonderful skilled care from her midwife and other health professionals. She needs help with her placenta and is amazed at how calm and ok she was dealing with this unexpected situation. She then shares how this experience prepared her for parenting.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Emily will share with us today, two birth stories. The first resulted in a caesarean, the second was a vaginal birth after caesarean. She uses her experiences from the first birth to get very clear on what is important to her having baby number two.
Emily shares her decision making around the models of care and then her subsequent relationships with both care providers.
She also gives us an insight into her internal evolution through her second pregnancy, because of going through the first birth. Emily cuts down the noise, makes informed decisions that feel right for her – but more importantly starts to really tune into to the inner intelligence of the body and her mother spirit. She describes feeling calm and content in the knowledge that she will know what is right for this baby and this birth. She also feels completely confident, having processed her fears, and is ready to let go of what she cannot control. This conversation touches spaces that we have inside of us that are rarely spoken about in the context of birth. If you want to understand the evolution and wisdom of birth to transition women into motherhood – then this conversation is for you.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Kate was quite fearful of birth in her early pregnancy and then goes on to study birth deeply which helps shift her mindset.
In her later pregnancy she is diagnosed with preeclampsia and needs to face an induction. During the process she is feeling rushed by her medical professionals and locks herself in the bathroom for a couple of hours. By reclaiming her space and doing it when she was ready, allowed her to endure a very long labour without any need for pain relief. She puts on noise cancelling headphones to zone out from the activity in her room. She listens to her own breath which helps her get into the zone. She also asks for the syntocinon to be turned down, so it mimics a normal labour. She talks about not feeling the time, even though it was a long labour, and asked her caregivers to not refer to time.
She loved the pushing phase and felt zero pain and avoids an episiotomy. She discusses healing from tearing. She also had a big bleed after the birth – but through all of those things she was just so pleased and proud of herself. She feels it set her up beautifully for parenting. Kate’s story reminds us that we are enough to birth our babies, even when we need help.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Sarah had a straightforward pregnancy and then was facing induction. She exercises her capacity to negotiate the stages of induction by giving herself time to see if each stage is enough to kick off her labour. This works really well for her as she only ends up needing the gel on her cervix. Her waters break spontaneously, and she manages to avoid the syntocinon. Her labour ends up progressing quite quickly. She talks about the tens machine and the gas, and how they were useful for her. She had the urge to push, but the midwives suggested it was too early not feeling she could have progressed so quickly. She did progress quickly, and we discuss rate of progress. She finds being on her back was a good position for her. She marvels at how she was able to overcome an episiotomy that gets infected. Sarah’s story reminds us that we can get through things that previously we might have resisted. She finishes with – you’ve got this mamma. We are far more resilient than we realise. Enjoy her story, it has much to teach us.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Hope had an intense fear of birth and a history of anxiety. She discusses her preparation, and what are the things that changed the way she felt about giving birth. She committed fully to the practices, and really shifted her inner beliefs and responses to the idea of giving birth, so much so she experienced painless labour. Hope also identifies how her birth supported her transition into motherhood.
I love this story, as it can open our minds to the possibilities of how we can experience the sensations of labour.
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Sheena shares her story of two babies under two different models of care.
Her first birth began with an induction due to size. She reflects later that she didn’t ask a lot of questions and just followed medical advice. Second time round she chooses continuity of midwifery care, and then does the ‘Transform Your Birth’ course. This choice engaged her partner more which put them on the same page. It also helped them to adapt to a dramatic change when the baby was breech.
Sheena is very pragmatic and has taken two very different births in her stride and gives us a powerful message of trusting in yourself as a birthing woman. She believes we are born for this, and we can get over whatever speed bumps come our way. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Erika shares her two birth stories. She had to overcome the negative culture and advice she was being given.
Erika used calmbirth to lock in a new mindset.
She discusses her process of change. Affirmations were a huge tool she used.
With baby number 2, she gives birth in Bangkok, and this time hires a doula.
Fortunately, through the confidence she experienced with her first birth,
She was able to powerfully advocate for herself and her baby.
I think you will enjoy Erika’s and her passion for birth.
Tiahna finds herself with a breech baby and low fluid and needing to have a caesarean.
She adjusts to a new plan, which isn’t easy, and she eventually overcomes her feelings of failure.
She also speaks of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with birth, which is an important part of our growth as a new mother..
She has a gentle caesarean and makes some special requests which helps her to take back some control.
She shares how her partner adjusted and supported her.
Microbial seeding and what she learnt about herself as well as some great advice for pregnant women.
This story is gold!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Alex shares with us the stories of both her boys
She shares how her preparation gave her confidence.
She experienced tearing with her first, and needed to work on her fear, and bring in strategies to avoid tearing again for baby number two.
She discusses the role of subconscious preparation and going into a trance state, and how that was a challenge for her second birth through extra monitoring.
Her story also highlights the importance of an intimate birthing environment and not focusing on time.
Lots of great learning. Enjoy!
Links:
Transform Parenting website
Katie shares with us her story of two births.
During her first birth, she felt things were done to her and she really had no choice.
For her second birth she made some very different decisions.
She chose a different model of care, and she sourced education beyond the hospital classes that catered to both her and her partner.
This changed her second birth dramatically.
Katie did acupuncture and tapping later in her pregnancy, was induced and gave birth to a 4.1kg baby, whilst being small herself.
Katie also shares her experience of newborn care – using newborn osteopathy which helped both her boys with two very different conditions.
The Transform Your birth podcast will educate, entertain and support your ability to navigate pregnancy and prepare to give birth. We can't control birth, but Tracey helps us to see how we can influence it and how it helps us to become parents.
Transform Parenting Founder Tracey Anderson Askew explores birth through stories and the lens of what birth can teach us. She prepares families for birth and parenting and views birth as the catalyst for the transformation necessary to go from woman to mother, and man to father. These podcasts will share that wisdom and change the current birth narrative from what happens in birth to how birth changes us.