The Midwives' Cauldron

In this episode Rachel and Katie dive into the fascinating topic of waterbirth (excuse the pun, but it was too good to leave out!). I ask Rachel my burning questions and she stirs up the cauldron exploring everything from the history of waterbirth to the practicalities and the science behind it. Listen in as we find out about: · When did women start birthing in water? · What does the research say about waterbirth improving outcomes? · ...

Dr Nils Bergman calls himself a Public Health Physician, and currently promotes and researches skin-to- skin contact on a full time basis. He is a Research Associate at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. Dr. Bergman was born in Sweden and raised in Zimbabwe, where he also later worked as a mission doctor. He received his medical degree (MB ChB) at the University of Cape Town, a Diploma in Child Health at Uppsala University, and later a Masters in Public Health at the University of the Western ...

In this episode Katie takes Rachel into a conversation about why the nipple shield topic gets Katie’s knickers in a Twist. We discuss: The history of their use from1500s to present day How the research might not be telling the right story? Why are they so controversial? We ask do nipple shields affect how much milk the baby can take out of the breast? When might be a good reason to use a nipple shield – way more reasons than you probably think! How d...

In this episode Rachel takes me on the path to enlightenment about the topic of the occipito posterior (OP) position in pregnancy, labour and birth! I ask Rachel why she’s always been reluctant to cover this topic on the podcast! And sit down to discuss: What exactly is an OP position? Why it is considered a problem in our current maternity systems Are there any problems caused by a baby in an OP position? Some really interesting facts about the no...

In this episode it’s us together again in the cauldron and Katie chats with Rachel about all things early weight loss… and gain in babies. We look at: · Why do babies lose weight? · What is normal weight loss? · Are there some babies who are more likely to lose more weight than others? · What’s with the panic once we hit the (not so magical) number of 10% weight loss? · &...

In this episode Rachel talks to Katie about all the wondrous and darn right fascinating things about the amniotic sac. · Why is the baby surrounded by fluid, and what is it made of? · Women are often told they have too much or too little fluid. Is this a problem? · We also discuss why Rachel is (slightly!) obsessed with the function of the amniotic sac during labour · We ask does breaking the amniotic sac (t...

In this episode I discuss with Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly all things pregnancy sickness and Hyperemesis. Just a few months ago the scientific evidence was published highlighting what causes pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis. This breakthrough discovery came from the work of Prof Sir O’Rahilly, his team and the team from Dr Marlena S. Fejzo in the US. This ground breaking work gives hope to thousands of women globally who suffer terribly throughout their pregnancy with extreme na...

Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual — practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and bioidentical hormones. With a strong science background, Lara sits on several advisory boards and is the lead author on a couple of peer-reviewed papers. She has more than 20 years’ experience in women’s health and currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she...

Bonnie Hughes is a midwife, with a background in musical theater and journalism. She is the creator of the podcast series Making a Midwife, and an animation film-maker hobbyist. Bonnie is passionate about the power of story, and how the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we live, the stories we are part of, and the characters we play in those stories shape the future. Bonnie explores, both through her midwifery work and her art how she can create a positive and uplifting impact for ...

Where and how women choose to birth matters. Born at Home is a stunning documentary film exploring what it takes to have a positive and transformative birth experience. Empowered by the homebirth of her second child in 2020, Amanda Banks together with long term dear friend Eleanor Currie, set out to create a film exploring Homebirth in QLD. With a passion for telling stories about the human experience. Their film 'Born At Home' explores the emotional journey of homebirth. ​The fi...

Wendy Jones BSc, MSc, PhD, MRPharmS is known for her work on providing a service on the compatibility of drugs in breastmilk and has been a registered breastfeeding supporter for 36 years. She is passionate that breastfeeding should be valued by all and that medication should not be a barrier. In her employed life she was a primary care pharmacist. Wendy left paid work 12 years ago to concentrate on writing her books and developing her website to provide information for mothers and profession...

Mavis Kirkham is Midwifery Professor Emerita at Sheffield Hallam University and has held honorary professorial positions at the University of Technology Sydney and Auckland University of Technology. After over forty years as a clinical midwife and researcher, she is interested in reflecting and writing on birth and midwifery in its wider context. A major theme of her research has been the way in which the context of their care impacts upon childbearing women and how their working experiences ...

Dr Marina Weckend is a midwife and post-doctoral researcher based at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Building on 13 years’ experience in midwifery practice, education and research in Germany, UK and Australia, Marina is committed to improving maternity care services through better understandings of birth physiology. Her current program of research focuses on natural fluctuations and pauses during labour and birth, and seeks to normalise physiological plateaus as a strategy to red...

In this episode Katie talks with Rachel about late preterm and early term infants. These are the babies who have flown under the radar for far too long and often are the babies who struggle the most to get going with breastfeeding. Come with us as we take a look at the current research, plans for feeding and what mothers are saying who have had babies born just that bit too early. · How many babies are born late preterm and why the numbers are growing. · ...

Welcome to season 5!! This episode we have the marvelous Dr Sara Wickham back in the cauldron with us talking all about what’s in her new book Plus Size Pregnancy. Sara talks to us about: · How women and families want, need and deserve better answers to their many questions about higher BMI and birth, and that midwives and birth workers need to know what the evidence says. · Clarification of what is the BMI and as Sara says “it’s a racist, ...

In this episode Rachel takes us into the world of ‘early labour’. She’s been promising it for a long while, and here it is. Get your lug’ols around this one! In this episode we discuss: · What’s going on physiologically during this phase of childbirth · Beta endorphins and how they work for us during labour · The neocortex and what is so important about this part of our brain as we birth · Why women in early...

Welcome to the biggest episode yet! Well not really, but we have met a milestone I couldn’t have fathomed 3 years ago on 20th July 2020. It has hit home what has happened over this time and how this 'little' podcast has grown into something really fantastic. And this is due to my dear friend Dr Rachel Reed, our amazing guests who have so kindly donated their time to come on, and to all of you who listen in each episode and make the effort to share it, talk about it, grab a bit of merch ...

In this episode Katie talks to Zainab Yate. Zainab is a Biomedical Ethicist, with a specialist interest in infant feeding. Zainab is Vice Chair and named qualitative lead on a paediatric flagged Research Ethics Committee Panel for the Health Research Authority (HRA) in the UK. She's also been a volunteer breastfeeding peer supporter with the NHS for a number of years, is the owner-author of the resource site for mothers and healthcare practitioners on Breastfeeding / Nursing Aversion an...

In this episode I take Rachel and you into the world of underhand marketing tactics going on right under our noses from the commercial milk formula (CMF) industry. In Feburary 2023 the Lancet and WHO released a new 3 part series discussing the marketing of CMF. Rachel really did wonder if this would be of any interest to our listeners and I promised her that within a few minutes her knickers would be in a twist ... and they were! This is not a discussion about whether formula mi...

Rhea is a former PE teacher turned childbirth educator, and counsellor and feels privileged to have attended more than a thousand births in hospitals and home settings as a birth attendant as well as connecting with many more women, their partners and support people during birth preparation workshops and personal birth counselling sessions. Rhea has spoken extensively around Australia and internationally and is the author of two books – ‘Birth with Confidence: savvy choices for normal...

On this episode of the Midwives Cauldron, it’s just me and Rachel hanging out and stirring the pot discussing vaginal examinations (VE's)! We take a step back in history to look at how midwives originally used vaginal examination during labour and for what purposeWe look at current guidelines Rachel goes on her history trail for us to find the original research which guidelines are based onWe talk about said research, the risks of vaginal examinations Language midwives could use to ...

Professor Donna Geddes is the director of the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group. Based in Perth, Australia, the group is made up of innovative and dedicated scientists and students that have a passion for developing measurements of lactation and breastfeeding and then applying them to make a difference to clinicians and breastfeeding families. The group makes a point of not only publishing their findings in scientific journals but spreading their information via free online artic...

In this episode of the cauldron we have Dr. Sharon Blackie; award-winning writer, psychologist and mythologist. Her highly acclaimed books, lectures and workshops are focused on the development of the mythic imagination, and on the relevance of myth, fairy tales and folk traditions to the personal, cultural and environmental problems we face today. As well as writing five books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, and her new book Hagitude, her writing ha...

In this episode we talk to Prof Helen Ball. Helen is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre. Helen studies infant sleep and the parent-infant sleep relationship from a biosocial perspective. Broadly defined, her research examines sleep ecology, of infants, young children and their parents. This encompasses attitudes and practices regarding infant sleep, behavioural and physiological monitoring of infants and their parents during sleep, infant sleep dev...

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and the CEO of Praeclarus Press, a small press specializing in women's health. Dr. Kendall-Tackett is Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Psychological Trauma and was Founding Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Lactation. Dr. Kendall-Tackett specializes in women's-health research including breastfeeding, depression, trauma, and health psychology, and has won many awards for her work includ...

James Bourton is a registered midwife who works in an NHS continuity of care midwifery model within in Wales, UK. James describes himself as a home birth midwife, experienced in physiological birth, working autonomously as a practitioner with the support of a small midwifery team. James is passionate about providing women and families with individualised care that works for them in a way that they can achieve positive outcomes during pregnancy, birth and beyond. James advocates for women to k...

In this episode Rachel & Katie discuss all things listening to babies during labour. Rachel walks us through: The Herstory of listening to the baby’s heart rate during labour. The interesting and scary history of the inventer of the pinard trumpet. Rachel’s “heart beat” impression! Rachel’s ‘under water’ pinard story! We discuss pinards and doppler listening devices. #bringbackthepinnard What is the evidence for fetal heart rate monitoring in labour. T...

Welcome to this episode of The Cauldron! We have the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway in the bubbling pot with us today. Lyndsey is an experienced paediatric nurse, children’s public health nurse, IBCLC, researcher, responsive sleep/parenting advocate, and the author of 6 books. She has worked with children and families for more than 20 years within in-patient paediatrics, paediatric ambulatory care, NICU, and the community. Lyndsey is a PhD researcher at Swansea University, exploring th...

This episode is all about assessment of labour as we interview Dr Clare Davison. Clare is a midwife, academic and feminist. Clare is passionate about promoting and supporting physiological birth and working with women so that they can be empowered in their birth choices. Clare combines these passions by working as an independent midwife, providing holistic continuity of care to women; and as an academic teaching and hoping to inspire the next generation of midwives. We delve into those ...

It’s season 4 and to kick us off you have me and Rachel chewing the fat on all things breastfeeding and lactation. In this episode, we delve in to look at what is going on with in-hospital formula milk supplementation for breastfed infants. We ask why the supplementation rates are so high, and discuss it’s impact on breastfeeding, and lactation physiology. We talk about teat/bottle confusion, the best ways to give extra feeds and the acceptable medical reasons for this. We discuss why avoidan...

Thank you to all of you who joined us in season 3, it has been epically wonderful! We are off for a little summer/winter break, but stay tuned as we will be back with some awesome new and exciting offerings for your lugg'ols and eyeballs! Listen in to the trailer to hear more. Until then you can find lots more below. LINKS: Rachel Reed -courses, books, blog, etc Buy us a coffee to keep the caffeine flowing Support the show Resources & Support Get Katie’s Milk Supply Confiden...

In this episode we talk to Anita Moorhead about all things antenatal hand expression. Anita is a Clinical Nurse/Midwife Consultant (for Lactation), at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, a coordinator for the DAME (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing) trial and PhD candidate at the Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Australia. Anita has collaborated on breastfeeding papers and reports, hospital, and state clinical guidelines and is a frequent presenter at national and internatio...

In this episode we interview Ellie Young. Ellie is an Australian edge-dwelling registered midwife, qualitative researcher and writer. She has worked with women and families for over 15 years within the permaculture and traditional nutrition space whilst supporting women choosing to give birth outside the system. After midwifery training, Ellie went back to attending homebirth within her community, whilst undertaking a research study on women's experience of the transition phase of physiologic...

In this episode we have Dr Hazel Keedle and we are talking all things VBAC, vaginal birth after caesarean! Hazel is a lecturer of midwifery at Western Sydney University, Australia. Hazel has worked in midwifery group practices, an aboriginal medical service, a variety of hospital settings and as a privately practising midwife in both city and regional locations. Hazel’s passion for VBAC followed her own experience of having a VBAC with her daughter in 2008 and since then has published r...

In this episode we have Professor Helen O'Connell and we are talking all things clitoris! Professor O'Connell was elected Vice -President of USANZ in 2021. She was the first female Urologist in Australia and New Zealand, completing training in Melbourne in 1993 followed by a Fellowship in Female and Functional Urology in Houston, USA in 1994-5. Her doctoral studies in female pelvic anatomy have achieved international renown leading to significant conceptual changes in both medical and lay lit...

In this episode we have the fabulous Kemi Johnson on to chat with us. Kemi is a mother, birthkeeper in the birthroom, birth educator and birth activist. Formerly an independent midwife, registered in the UK she is now freely following her calling to facilitate healthy ecstatic births for mothers, and their babies. We chat with Kemi about home birth, free-birth, and why the reported outcomes can often be misunderstood. We look at induction, and childbirth outcomes, time frames in birth, as wel...

In this episode, we answer your questions! We take a dive into, inverted nipples and what you can do during pregnancy and with breastfeeding. Answer whether vaginal examinations are necessary during pregnancy, why milk teeth are called milk teeth, look into informed non-consent in the hospital setting, and discuss declining interventions during labour & birth. We delve into the ethics and copyright of how to share information. Whether you can or should breastfeed whilst pregnant, how plac...

In this episode in the cauldron, we have Pippa Grace, the author of Mother in the mother. Pippa is a socially engaged artist, writer, and sculptor. Her work brings together over 26 years of training and working in the worlds of holistic health, bodywork, dance, creative writing, film, and sculpture. Pippa facilitates the sharing of stories and the creation of ‘visual narratives’ at beautifully held workshops. Pippa is particularly interested in helping to give voice to the q...

In this episode come with us on a journey into the land of kangaroos... only kidding we are talking about kangaroo mother care and skin-to-skin contact. You may think this is a topic you may know everything about but before you switch off I recommend listening in. Look, even Rachel learned stuff she didn't know, and she was the one in our planning meeting who said "what a whole hour on skin to skin?"! So, yes folks, here is a whole podcast on Katie's favourite topic. We find out what the bear...

On this incredible episode, we get the pleasure of picking the brain of Dr Sarah Buckley, where we go on a journey into the hormones from conception to pregnancy, birthing to feeding, bonding & attachment. Sarah Buckley is a New-Zealand-trained GP/family physician with qualifications in GP-obstetrics and family planning. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, where her research is focused on oxytocin and the autonomic nervous system in labour and birth, and the impa...

In this episode, we interview Lily Nichols RDN. Lily is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and critical of outdated dietary guidelines. She is co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy and the author of two books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of t...

In this episode, Rachel and I discuss all things placentas! We look more deeply at the time it takes to transfer blood from the placenta into the baby after birth and what the reason for this is. Rachel makes a stand for the “forgotten placenta” as well as bringing in some blokes named Erasmus from 1796 and Pierre from 1875 to make our jaws drop when she reveals what they were saying about letting the blood from the placenta flow to the baby all that time ago! And of course, we lo...

In this episode Professor Hannah Dahlen talks us through her incredible beginnings growing up as the daughter of a midwife and her early initiation into the birth world in Yemen. How her passion for feminism and supporting women was seeded into her through her young girl experiences seeing and recognising how differently women and girls are treated and seen. Hannah shares with us her own connection to the real-life 'Call the midwife' book through her mother's experience working in the e...

In this episode we have got Dr Sara Wickham back! Sara’s newest book titled In Your Own Time: How western medicine controls the start of labour and why this needs to stop, is a masterclass in what the evidence really says about induction of labour and a fascinating insight into how birth has come to be controlled by Western medicine. Staggeringly, over a third of all pregnant women have their labour medically induced, and this is accompanied by a tsunami of avoidable medical interventi...

In this episode we go on an hour-long whistle-stop tour all about low milk supply. We touch on topics such as: How many women experience low milk supplyBreast refusalRe-building milk supplyDonor milkNipple teat confusionBreast reduction surgeryThe top up trapMedications that could affect milk supplyWitching hours and COLIC Phew! It's jam packed. We even have some great 80s or is it 90s movie references and some Ah-mazing accents from two of our comedy idols - Vic Reeves...

In this episode we have with us Dr Florence Wilcock , an obstetrician who has been working in NHS maternity services for more than 25 years. Florence has a special interest in improving women’s experience of maternity care & has been a consultant in London since 2007 where she is currently the lead obstetrician for Perinatal mental health as well as working with the Birth Options team, and homebirth team. As a member of the London Maternity Clinical Network Florence was responsible ...

We'll be back soon. Thanks for being with us for Season 2; all the in-depth conversations, truth-bombs, singing, laughter and so many golden nuggets! It's great to have you with us in this big bubbling cauldron of goodness. Watch out for the beginning of Season 3 on our Instagram page where we have some great stuff coming up for you all. Please check out our links below. LINKS: Dr Rachel Reed - https://rachel-reed.website/ Our Patreon page - https://www.patr...

In this episode, we talk with Bashi Kumar-Hazard. Bashi is an Australian-based lawyer who works to promote the human rights of women and infants in the provision of maternity healthcare. She has represented families and healthcare providers defending their human rights in coronial inquests, court proceedings, and civil disputes. Her background experience is in the field of competition and consumer law. She is currently completing a PhD in anti-competitive practices in maternity he...

In this 2nd episode on gestational diabetes, we discuss the baby; what is hypoglycaemia, how does it affect babies, what are the signs, and how is it treated? We look at some of the evidence and latest guidelines for treatment of hypoglycaemia in the infant, as well as antenatal hand expression, what helps support a baby's glucose level after birth and the link between women with gestational diabetes and delayed onset of lactation (milk 'coming in' late) and its potential impact on future bre...

In this episode, we discuss all things gestational diabetes. This is a two-part episode as there was just so much we had to talk about. We start with gestational diabetes in pregnancy and next time we will be looking at it from the mother and baby perspective. Listen in as Rachel gives us the most wonderful analogy about insulin and glucose wrapped up in the form of Pac-Man, and Rachel dissects some of the research to give us a greater understanding of testing for diabetes in pregnancy...

On this episode we talk to Dr Sara Wickham, a midwife, best-selling author, speaker and researcher. Sara is the Director of the Birth Information Project. She divides her time between speaking, writing, facilitating online courses, creating resources, and undertaking consultancy services for midwifery and health-related organisations around the world. Today we are discussing all things Anti D. We delve into the founding history of Anti d – who discovered it, how it's made, what mo...

In this episode we talk with the utterly wonderful Prof Amy Brown about why she doesn’t like sea lions, looking at breastfeeding from a biological perspective, women’s experiences of feeding their babies, how to navigate the internet as a birth worker and more! Prof Amy Brown is a professor of maternal and child public health at Swansea University. She is based in the department of public health, policy and social sciences where she is the director of their research centre '...

In this episode we get to interview the wonderful Billie Harrigan. Billie is the Owner and Director of Birth Trauma Ontario, which provides education and training for maternity providers and allied birth professionals in trauma-informed care, as well as providing information and support for parents and loved ones that are dealing with birth-related trauma or birthing after trauma. Billie is a traditional birth companion, certified birth and postpartum doula, and childbirth educator. We ...

This time Rachel interviews Katie about the most common breastfeeding questions we have about the early days. The usual banter and laughter ensue, with a musical number or two belted out by Rachel! LINKS: Donna Ramsey. Anatomy of the lactating human breast redefined with ultrasound imaging: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15960763/ (open access article) Disclaimer: The information and provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal a...

Dr Danielle Arabena, is a descendant of the Meriam Mer people in the Torres Strait, a medical doctor, GP specialist, educator, respected figure in the medical community and host of the Indigenous Health MedTalk podcast. This episode delves into aboriginal history, ancient medicine, medical magic and how we no longer recognise the importance of connecting to our menstrual cycle. We discuss how we can all benefit from sitting with ourselves properly during our cycle, learning more ...

In this episode Katie interviews Rachel Reed on her new book 'Reclaiming childbirth as a rite of passage'; from conception to birthing, including tea and toast at the end! LINKS: https://rachel-reed.website/reclaiming-childbirth-as-a-rite-of-passage/ Chapters Part One: The Weft Herstory: an overview of the herstory of childbirth from early humans to the emergence of modern maternity systems.The legacy: how the legacy of herstory continues to influence the modern cultural landscape of chi...

Toni Harman is the incredible film maker of the multi-award winning documentaries Microbirth, Doula and Freedom for birth, as well as the producer of the microbiome online courses. In this episode, we explore the science of ‘seeding and feeding’ a baby’s microbiome during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding and the critical role of mothers’ microbes for optimal training of the infant immune system and lifelong health. Along with discussing the differences between vaginal and caesarean birth, t...

In this episode, Rachel and Katie take a look at the evidence surrounding the pushing phase of labour. Rachel discusses the reasoning behind why we need to stop talking about labour in stages and we delve into the cervical lip and how best to deal with it. And of course along the way we have some fun. Join us in this episode of The Midwives Cauldron to learn while you laugh. LINKS: Research mentioned: Dahlen et al. (2013) Vaginal examinations during normal labor: routine ex...

We interview three amazing women who embarked on a mission to find out why an increasing number of women are emerging from their births physically and emotionally traumatised. Their discoveries exposed the truth and led them to join the birth revolution and forge a movement and a documentary film that hopes to change the face of maternity care in Australia and across the developed world. Join us as we chat with Jerusha Sutton, Jo Hunter and Zoe Naylor. LINKS: Website https://www.birtht...

Sophie Messager joins us in the Cauldron to talk about her new book Why Postnatal Recovery Matters We talk all things becoming a mother, including how a lovely pigs trotter soup or lotus birth is the perfect way to avoid too many visitors. We explore the raw, real and forgotten side of the 4th trimester and the misconception that mothering is 'just doing nothing' and the mother guilt and expectations put upon women. Sophie discusses the best ways to support women as they navigate the early d...

Here is the 2nd part of this listener requested episode. Rachel and Katie delve into self-care, dealing with colleagues, Christmas albums, the concept of resilience in the birth-worker realm and various antics. Links: Dr. Rachel Reed https://midwifethinking.com/ https://rachel-reed.website/books/ Jane Hardwicke Collings https://janehardwickecollings.com/category/school-of-shamanic-womancraft/ Marilyn French https://www.amazon.com/Marilyn-French/e/B000AQ4TNS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns...

In this long-awaited episode, Rachel and Katie get into the questions you've all been asking us; how to navigate, cope, and work within the system. In this 1st part, we look at spheres of influence, the gifts we can offer, and our relationships with women. We've got to say, that despite the title, this was probably one of the funniest episodes we have ever recorded! So, enjoy the fun along the way, and treat yourself to a bit of self-care by listening in! LINKS: Dr. Rachel Reed: https:...

In this episode we continue where we left you... on our cliffhanger question which we both love/hate to answer! Rachel & Katie also discuss twins and breech birth, galactogogues to increase milk supply and the usual fun along the way. Join us for more of your questions. LINKS: Dr. Rachel Reed's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Head over to The Latch Revolution Podcast to continue the conversations with Katie James and Johanna Sargeant, IBCLCs Click here if you would like to find...

In this episode, we answer your questions! You asked us a variety of questions, including "are tongues ties on the rise?" and "what actually bursts in labour, and is it really water?" We also discuss advanced maternal age and induction of labour; and how to get enough clinical hours to become an IBCLC. There were so many questions this is only part one... Links: FROSTTIE trial https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/frosttie/clinicians Mills N, Pransky SM, Geddes DT, Mirjalili SA. What is a tongue t...

On this episode of The Midwives' Cauldron we take a whistle-stop tour of breastfeeding over the years, stopping by to hear about some of the fascinating and peculiar 'herstories'. We learn how the corsets of the fashion conscious women of the day could lead to inverted nipples and in some cases far worse outcomes! The 6 specifications to become a wet nurse... and whether Rachel fits the mould! And some of the hilarious, yet gruesome remedies for low milk supply and sore nipples. S...

In this episode, Katie tries to enjoy a cup of tea while Rachel disturbs her with a tale of perineal bungles. We delve into the government-backed interventions implemented in a misguided attempt to save women's perineums. We explore the origins of perineal bundles and how they impact on midwifery practice and women's births. This tale is about how women are being blamed (again) for damage caused by care providers. Links: Midwife Thinking Blog: Perineal Bungles and Midwifery Practice: ...

In this episode, we have the absolute delight of interviewing Jane Hardwicke Collings about women's rites of passage and how they shape our lives. We pay particular attention to the peri-menopause and the role of Autumn Women as leaders and change agents in the maternity system. This episode is jam-packed with intelligent, jaw-dropping and wonderful insights into womanhood. Let us introduce Jane... Jane Hardwicke Collings is a post menopausal grandmother. She was an intensive care and oper...

Join us as we delve deeper into induction of labour through the early postnatal lens. We discuss the impact of induction on the baby, and on the mother's lactation, looking at ways to ensure all mothers and infants get off to the best start, despite the labour and birth they may have had. Somehow this episode ends up wandering into the world of Wizard of Oz. We also learn new and, personally I think, much better words for amniotic fluid and the placenta. And we find out about the delights of ...

In this episode, we take a step back in time and a short but deep dive into history from a female perspective. We explore how ideas about women and their bodies have led to the birthing practices we see today. We visit the world of Goddesses, vulva art, and how women were once revered for their ability to create life. Then we move on through the times into a world where women were seen as dirty malfunctioning versions of men, whose primary role was to reproduce. We also talk about how science...

Welcome to episode 1, where we chat about how Rachel and Katie met, how our careers in midwifery evolved, and our plans for future podcast episodes. Join us as we invite you into our world of midwifery, education, laughter, and fun... and where this all began. LINKS: Rachel's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Rachel mentions her journey into embodying the true essence of midwifery and rites of passage with Jane Hardwick Collins. Find out more about Jane's work here: https://janehardwicke...

Join Katie James RM, IBCLC and Dr. Rachel Reed RM, PhD as they hubble, bubble, toil and trouble their way through aspects of midwifery, birth, lactation and womanhood. Support the show Resources & Support Get Katie’s Milk Supply Confidence Kit — a free resource to help pregnant women, new parents and professionals feel calm, informed, and confident about breastfeeding. 👉 Download here ⭐Leave a Review Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review and tell your friends! Want More from Ka...