Birth Untethered

Coached pushing is not the harmless “help” birth spaces make it out to be. Kemi Birthjoy Johnson and Shellie break down why shouting at women to bear down, breathe on command, and push through every contraction can work against physiology, increase trauma, and make outcomes worse for both mothers and babies. Together, they expose the history behind coached pushing, what it actually does to the bod...

In S2E36, Kemi Birthjoy Johnson and Shellie explore coached pushing, “purple pushing,” the Valsalva maneuver and the contrast to physiological or undisturbed pushing —and why shouting instructions to push may work against the body’s natural instincts. They discuss spontaneous pushing, the role of birth positions, and what the evidence says about maternal fatigue, pelvic floor injury, and outcomes...

This episode is a detailed look at caesarean birth covering what happens in theatre and recovery to the potential short- and long-term effects for parent and baby. Shellie and Kemi discuss informed consent, advocacy and doula support, rising intervention rates, differences in care models, and evidence on risks including complications, NICU admission, PTSD, and future pregnancies. Become an Untethe...

Shellie and Kemi explore the history of caesarean birth and the changes that have made the surgery safer. From antisepsis and anesthesia to antibiotics, checklists, and modern monitoring. They also examine what “safer” means in practice, discuss risks including infection and blood clots, and question how informed choice and respectful care shape birth outcomes. A candid, evidence-focused conversat...

Dr. Stuart Fischbein joins Shellie and Kemi Birthjoy Johnson to discuss instrumental birth, including when forceps or ventouse may be genuinely helpful, the different risks involved, and why essential obstetric skills are disappearing. Together, they explore consent, intervention cascades, medicalised birth, fear-based protocols, and the importance of collaboration between obstetricians, midwives,...

Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein examine the forces shaping modern maternity care and what happens when we look beyond the intervention itself to the system that created the circumstances for it. We explore how birth care can be shaped by institutional incentives, liability and throughput as much as by evidence , and how time limits, induction, defensive caesareans, routine scanning and licen...

In this episode, join Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein as we explore how birth outcomes can be shaped by system design, not just clinical skill, or lack thereof . We discuss how time pressure, immobility, fear, monitoring and routine intervention can create the very problems they are then used to solve. Epidurals, coached pushing, early admission and continuous monitoring can influence labour...

This episode continues the episiotomy discussion, focusing on what it is, why it’s used, the evidence against routine use, the risks and complications, and the importance of informed consent. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://...

Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine intervention. Shellie, joined by her husband and co-host Simon, takes you inside the anatomy, history, and real-world consequences of episiotomy. From the pressure of crowning to the structures that can b...

In this episode Shellie and Kemi discuss the side effects of epidurals and how frequently they occur to give you evidence based information upon which to make your own informed choices. They also explore the impacts of epidural on physiology and how these cause effects to the mother and baby. If you are wanting to make a more informed decision about whether you would like to accept an epidural in...

On this week's episode Shellie and Kemi discuss what actually happens when an epidural is placed, why the consent process is far too rushed and how the medications involved can affect the mother and baby. From the surprising chemistry behind the medications like bupivicaine, to the real-world consequences of reduced mobility with epidural. We also discuss some different kinds of epidurals and...

In this episode, Kemi and Shellie trace the history of epidural anaesthesia in childbirth, exploring how pain relief evolved from early general anaesthesia to modern epidural techniques. They break down the anatomy and physiology behind how epidurals work, why they can affect movement, blood pressure, bladder function, and pushing, and what that means for mothers and babies. Along the way, they di...

In this powerful conversation, Katie shares her deeply moving birth stories, the life-changing consequences of medical negligence, and how she’s turned her experience into advocacy for other mothers. Honest, urgent, and unforgettable, this episode explores consent, induction, maternal care, and the fight to be heard. Please give generously to Katie and her family here: https://linktr.ee/kspinks06...

Unlock the uncomfortable truth behind synthetic oxytocin in childbirth. This episode exposes how this powerful hormone, often hailed as a lifesaver, can secretly cause harm, influence outcomes, and fuel systemic issues in maternity care, all while women remain in the dark. If you've ever felt unsure about the interventions you're offered or want to truly understand your options, this episo...

Shellie and Kemi further discuss the impacts of synthetic oxytocin on mothers and babies. They reveal how widespread use, overuse, and misuse of this drug are fueling rising cesarean rates, severe postpartum hemorrhage, and lifelong trauma in hospitals worldwide. You'll discover the shattering truths behind the cascade of interventions triggered by synthetic oxytocin, how it increases the risk...

Most women aren’t told that synthetic oxytocin; marketed as Pitocin or Synto, is fundamentally different from the natural hormone produced in your body. In fact, this common medical intervention may be quietly altering your birth experience, your bonding, and even your mental health long after your baby arrives. If you’re pregnant, a birth worker, or simply curious about what’s really happening be...

Most women aren’t told just how profoundly synthetic oxytocin, commonly known as Pitocin or Synto, disrupts the natural birth process. Shellie and Kemi reveal how this widely used drug impacts everything from labour physiology to postpartum mental health and breastfeeding success, often without women realising the long-term consequences. The reality is glaring: while synthetic oxytocin mimics cont...

What You Need to Know Before Agreeing to ARM or Amniotomy When your healthcare provider suggests breaking your waters or using artificial rupture of membranes (ARM), do you truly understand the risks involved? This episode reveals the shocking realities behind one of the most common yet controversial obstetric interventions. If you're pregnant, planning a home birth, or simply want to advocate...

Unlock the truth about common obstetric interventions with Caz's powerful birth stories. See how choices around procedures like artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) and amniotomy truly impact your labor, your confidence, and your lifelong bond with your baby. In this episode, Caz recounts her first birth, where interventions like ARM were routine but led to overwhelming pain, loss of control,...

Most women are told that induction is a lifesaver, but what if everything you’ve been led to believe is misleading? Shellie and Kemi untether the complex truths behind common induction practices, revealing how often interventions are unnecessary and the true risks you face. This eye-opening conversation exposes the real impact of medical procedures that are presented as safety measures but often l...

Shellie Poulter and Kemi Johnson reveal the shocking realities behind common induction methods, their risks, and the patriarchal forces shaping our maternity care system. Did you know that many induction medications can cause severe side effects like uterine rupture, fetal distress, and even catastrophic conditions like DIC? Or that the actual risk of stillbirth at full term isn't nearly as high a...

Most women are told induction is the safest way to start labour, but what if it's often the very thing that increases risks instead? In this eye-opening episode, Shellie and Kemi cut through the medical jargon to reveal the true risks behind mechanical induction methods like balloons and rods, and question whether waiting naturally might be the safer, smarter choice. You’ll discover: Why ballo...

Shellie and Kemi discuss mechanical induction methods. If you're facing induction and want to know more or are questioning its necessity, this eye-opening episode exposes the myths, risks, and emotional toll of these interventions, not just on your labor but on your baby's lifelong health. Most women are unaware that procedures like balloon catheters, osmotic rods, and cervical ripening de...

When routine cervical sweeps are actually invasive, coerced interventions, are we doing more harm than good? If you're pregnant or supporting someone through birth, understanding the truth about cervical sweeps could change your entire perspective on labor and medical intervention. This episode exposes the often-hidden reality: cervical sweeps are not just gentle, routine procedures, they'...

This comprehensive discussion explores the limitations and realities of fetal monitoring techniques like CTG, Doppler scans, and fetal movement assessments. It emphasizes informed decision-making, the importance of understanding medical interventions, and advocating for respectful, evidence-based maternity care. Most women are often pushed into a cycle of unnecessary interventions, believing they'...