In this episode we hear from physio and internal pelvic release practitioner, Olivia, about the births of her two sons. Olivia received private midwifery care in her first pregnancy. Her plans for homebirth changed when she chose induction at 41+3, and Olivia talks us through her experience of birthing in hospital without the support of her private midwife due to covid restrictions, and the unplanned emergency caesarean section under general anaesthetic that followed. Olivia reflects on the damaging narratives around people who have birth preferences (or plan to birth at home), and her and her husband’s experiences of trauma from that birth, and how that shaped her selection of care provider for her healing VBAC that followed — a carefully selected private obstetrician with the additional support of a doula. We also touch on the role of physio in pregnancy, birth preparation and postpartum recovery (including, wait for it, reaching your ‘poo potential’), and what internal pelvic release and training from Fiona Hallinan has brought to her practice.

Links:

• Find out more about Olivia’s work as a physio at Health Canvas or via @physio.therapeutic.yoga.
• Olivia is available for internal pelvic release work at Health Canvas and in June and July at The Pelvic Space.
• Read more about shared care with a private midwife (Olivia engaged MAMA Midwives) and other models of care via our care provide guide

Chapters:

(19:11) First birth — the morning of 41+3

(33:39) First postpartum and recovery

(38:05) Second pregnancy — planning for a VBAC

(49:04) Second birth

In this episode we speak Fiona Hallinan and Agia Nenke, midwives and internal pelvic release practitioners, about the role of the pelvis in understanding labour and birth, the role of soft tissue and the impact of tension, perineal massage (or more relevantly, perineal kneading, and what not to do!), spinning babies and how to best support women and babies bodies to work together and minimise trauma both emotionally and physically when doing the birth dance.

Fiona and Agia speak beautifully about the history we all hold in our bodies, and the need for midwives and other birth workers to have the skills to be able to support physiology when that history gets in the way.

This is an incredible opportunity to hear from two leaders in this space in this space and we know you (whether you are preparing to birth, or supporting others in birth) will love it.

Links:

• The Pelvic Space
• No Bullsh*!t Birth Preparation course with Fiona, Agia and Lani at The Pelvic Space

In this episode we hear from co-host Alice and her husband Dave about their road from birthing in a private hospital under private obstetric care, through the grief of two miscarriages, to then birth at home via a publicly funded homebirth program. Alice looks back on her first vaginal birth, which she emerged from feeling victorious, now through the lens of greater understanding of birth and the role that her model of care and place of birth played in influencing the dynamic in the birth space, and the interventions that resulted.

We speak about the process leading up to the decision to birth at home, and the common questions that come up for partners and support people along that road. This is a great listen for anyone wanting to hear about the difference in experience between continuity of obstetric care and continuity of midwifery care, for those considering homebirth, and for partners who would benefit from another story from both sides (see also Elysia & Andrew’s episode!)

Links:

• Fiona Hallinan & internal pelvic release via The Pelvic Space, and birth education with Agia, Fiona + Ilana
• Women’s Health Physio - Embrace Physio & Pilates
• Doula Sue Lee
• The Great Birth Rebellion on Episiotomies
• “Is Home Birth Safe” Summary of Evidence
• Safer Care Victoria Homebirth Guideline
• “Puts the magic back into life — Fathers’ experience of planned homebirthhh
• “It could not have been more different.” Comparing experiences of hospital-based birth and homebirth in Ireland: A mixed-methods survey
• Private birth education with midwife Danielle Sorbello

Chapters

(00:54) Introduction

(06:34) Choosing private obstetric care

(25:25) Hugo’s labour and birth

(42:17) First postpartum

(48:36) Pregnancy loss

(01:06:09) Billy’s pregnancy and the road to homebirth

(01:19:18) Experiences of midwifery continuity of care

(01:23:32) Managing other people’s opinions on homebirth

(01:36:35) Billy’s labour and homebirth

Disclaimer: This podcast aims to share stories and education to assist you in navigating your pregnancy and birth and in discussing these choices with your chosen pregnancy care provider. The information and resources provided are educational in nature and do not constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice.

While we have worked hard to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and based on reliable and up to date evidence, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information. Our website and podcast are intended to complement, and never to substitute, your midwifery or medical clinical care.