In this much needed episode of mothers talking, Natalie (author of Why Home Birth Matters) chats to Alex Smith. Alex Smith has been a childbirth educator since the 1970s and an observer of the changing attitudes to childbirth during that time. She has had the privilege of attending many home births and believes that this is probably the only setting where truly physiological birth is able to unfold. She regards the rapid escalation of induced labour and caesarean birth as an ecological issue with consequences for mankind that are as grave as the melting ice floes. As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Alex wants to see the winds of change shift in a way that will allow future generations of women to have restored faith in the natural process of birth - secure in their trust that medical resources are at hand, if needed, but as a safety net and not a conveyor belt.

This deep dive into the history of birth and how it has shaped maternity care today, is as fascinating as it is reassuring especially about how safe birth actually is when you can trust it. If you're wondering how to trust yourself when faced with the challenges of the maternity system, well you can use Alex's simple but very effective traffic light system...

Thank you so much to Alex for this wonderful episode.

AIMS (Association for Improvements in Maternity Services)

https://www.aims.org.uk/

Natalie's website where you can buy her books, Why Home Birth Matters and How to Have a Baby

www.nataliemeddings.com

As always, thanks for listening.

If you would like to contact us please email

motherstalkingpodcast@gmail.com

In this open-hearted conversation of Mothers talking, Jenna chats to Caro Giles, author of Twelve Moons and her latest book, Unschooled, about her journey with her daughters and the school system. Caro as a single mum and full time carer to two of her four daughters who are autistic, shares how she has had to navigate a broken system while it failed her family and she had to be the one to pick up the pieces. However with her wonderful book, she is hoping to advocate for a kinder and more supportive conversation around schooling for children who don't fit in from a family who didn't. Thank you Caro for sharing your story with us.

Caro's instagram @carogileswrites

Caro's substack https://carogiles.substack.com/

Caro's latest book 'Unschooled'

https://www.littletoller.co.uk/shop/books/little-toller/new-books/unschooled-by-caro-giles/

Caro's audiobook for 'Twelve Moons' is also available to accompany the book

Thanks as always for listening

Jenna & Natalie

motherstalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Jenna - www.theminimalistdoula.com

Natalie - www.nataliemeddings.com

In part one of this beautiful conversation between Natalie and Kate Merrick, a psychotherapist and mum, Kate shares her incredible journey with her daughter Eliza and their 99 days in hospital after Eliza was born early at 29 weeks. This remarkable story is a true testament to the deep knowing of a woman's body, a teeny but mighty baby girl and a mother's unwavering love and trust. Kate sees the gifts of her experience and also shares how her emergency caesarean birth was utterly sacred. Part two will follow soon, not to be missed, thanks so much for your openness and honesty Kate.

Kate's IG - @rushmead_farm

Kate's websites -

www.rushmeadfarm.com

https://www.katemerrickpsychotherapy.co.uk/

Natalie's website

www.nataliemeddings.com

If you'd like to get in touch with Jenna & Natalie please email motherstalkingpodcast@gmail.com

Thanks as always for listening.