Pregnancy with Physio Laura

In today’s episode I share a beautiful podcast interview I did with the lovely Namita Mahanama on her podcast “Thrive with Whole-listic Healing Co”.   In this episode we chat about:   -My biggest challenges with 3 small children -Strategies for me to fill my cup up and how my perspective of this has changed over the years -What does a women’s physio do and what can we help with? -Can pelvic floor...

What does my husband think of our birth journeys?   Today on the podcast I’m sharing a beautiful chat that @sam.zieg.birthsweet had with my wonderful husband J.A for her podcast, Stories from the Birth Sweet.    Sam interviewed J.A to gain insight into what it was like to support me through our 3 pregnancies and births. This is such a fascinating chat because so often we only hear about these stor...

Another solo-cast for a question I always get in my inbox "Laura, will my vagina ever be the same again?" In this episode we cover: Understanding what stories you have around your vulva that might be affecting your confidence and body imageThe importance of understanding your own anatomy Appreciating the function of your vulva and vagina\ Steps to help you accept and love your post-partum body Res...

To kick off this fifth episode in the VBAC podcast series we are discussing how to find a supportive care provider when navigating a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). In this episode I chat with Julie and Meagan from @thevbaclink about: Identifying “supportive” vs “tolerant” care providers Questions to ask your care provider VBAC specific birth plans The importance of collaboration and trust I...

To kick off this fourth episode in the VBAC podcast series we are discussing uterine rupture risks with a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). In this episode I chat with Julie and Meagan from @thevbaclink about: Risk of uterine rupture with a VBAC and VBA2C How a rupture might present and how they are usually detected Risk of rupture with a repeat C-section Risk of rupture without a uterine scar...

To kick off this third episode in the VBAC podcast series we are pulling apart the research and discussing all the topics of big babies, inductions and going over-due and how they relate to vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). In this episode I chat with Julie and Meagan from @thevbaclink about: Does having a “big baby” reduce your chance of VBAC? How accurate are ultrasounds at determining baby...

To kick off this second episode in the VBAC podcast series we are pulling apart the research and evidence for VBAC births and helping you understand exactly what the facts say.  In this episode I chat with Julie and Meagan from @thevbaclink about: What exactly are your chances of having a successful VBAC? Understanding the birthing system and the importance of taking ownership of your birth prefer...

To kick off this first episode in the VBAC podcast series we are discussing the best ways to prepare yourself for a successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) In this episode I chat with Lauretta from @midwifelauretta about: How to choose a supportive care provider The importance of choosing a care provider who shares the same values and goals that you have Why debriefing your previous birth...

To kick off this third and final episode in the Vagus Nerve podcast series we are discussing how the vagus nerve applies to the prenatal period. In this episode I chat with Carrie Rigoni from @drcarrierigoni about: How to prepare your vagus nerve for birth How the vagus nerve explains why women respond differently to birth trauma, pregnancy stress and the post-partum period How the vagus nerve hel...

To kick off this second episode in the Vagus Nerve podcast series we are discussing how to improve your vagus nerve tone. In this episode I chat with Carrie Rigoni from @drcarrierigoni about: What environmental factors affect the vagus nerve How improving diet and stress can improve vagal tone How chronic childhood stress can contribute to vagal nerve issues in adults Signs that you may have low v...

To kick off this first episode in the Vagus Nerve podcast series we are discussing what exactly the vagus nerve is and the important roles it plays in the body. In this episode I chat with Carrie Rigoni from @drcarrierigoni about: How she stumbled across the vagus nerve and how it positively impacted her life An easy to understand explanation of where the vagus nerve is and what roles it plays in...

Another solo-cast topic hot on my heart about birth and shame. In today's episode I chat about: The messages I'm receiving in my inbox which sparked this episode The importance of zooming out and recognising every woman is making the best decision for themselves, with the information they have available How shame is not reserved for only certain types of birth My own judgements I used to hold befo...

To kick off this fourth, and final, episode in the Own Your Birth podcast series we are discussing birth trauma and how to navigate this challenging experience. In this episode I chat with Eleanor from @eleanor.lambert.doula about: The importance of validating a woman’s birth experience How doula’s can help women to debrief and navigate their birth experience  Conversation starters to help women w...

To kick off this third episode in the Own Your Birth podcast series we are discussing how to make C-section and induction births EPIC! In this episode I chat with Eleanor from @eleanor.lambert.doula about: The importance of understanding exactly what is going to happen with your C-section or induction so you are fully informed A list of all the things you can influence in your birthing space, desp...

To kick off this second episode in the Own Your Birth podcast series we are discussing everything you need to know about birthing positions. In this episode I chat with Eleanor from @eleanor.lambert.doula about: What are the “ideal” birthing positions and why? What’s the go with women birthing on their back? Is it helpful or harmful? Impact of birthing positions on pelvic outlet size  How to still...

To kick off this first episode in the Own Your Birth podcast series we are discussing how to transfer well to hospital to keep the oxytocin flowing and ensure you have a great birth experience. In this episode I chat with Eleanor from @eleanor.lambert.doula about: When to transfer to hospital The importance of safety in birth and feeling safe in your environment  Why labour can stall with a change...

Ahhh I cannot believe we are at 100 episodes, such a milestone. I am so excited and proud to put this podcast together each week and I am so grateful for every single one of you who hits “play” and tunes in to each episode. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What better way to celebrate than to interview my favourite person in the world, my husband J.A. He has helped me build this busine...

In today’s solo-cast I chat about my thoughts on birth. Over many years of having my own lived experiences (2 C-sections and 1 home birth) plus having connected with thousands of women and heard their own experiences of birth, I have come to the conclusion that the least important part of birth is whether your baby came out of your belly or your vagina. Because what I think is the most impor...

To kick off this fourth episode in the Well Rested Mama series we are discussing the importance looking after mum first, so that you can look after your babe. In this episode I chat with Sarah from @blossomandsnooze about: Responsive parenting and meeting the needs of all family members How to optimise and enhance maternal sleep Self-care practices, the importance of a daily practice to fill your...

To kick off this third episode in the Well Rested Mama series we are discussing Sarah’s top 5 tips for better baby sleep! In this episode I chat with Sarah from @blossomandsnooze about: The importance of understanding biologically normal infant sleep and setting realistic expectations for your baby and your family Why you should ditch the tracking apps and instead tune into your unique baby...

To kick off this second episode in the Well Rested Mama series we are discussing co-sleeping. In this episode I chat with Sarah from @blossomandsnooze about: Creating a safe co-sleeping environment Easing your worries and anxieties around bed-sharing with your little one How mothers are primally wired to protect and fall in sync with their newborns at nighttime  I share how I accidentally sta...

To kick off this first episode in the Well Rested Mama series we are discussing the importance of changing our perceptions of sleep and understanding biologically normal sleep patterns. In this episode I chat with Sarah from @blossomandsnooze about: Realistic and normal biological sleep patterns for newborns Versus what is socially and culturally expected from newborn sleep The average range for b...

I’m kicking off a new segment sharing my thoughts, musings, park-side mama chats. Things that are on my mind, that maybe you will resonate with too! These chats are not necessarily physio-related, pregnancy-related or birth-related, but a lot of the time they will be. They are just Laura ponderings!  Informal chit-chats, like I would with my favourite people and a coffee in hand. ...

To kick off this fourth and final episode in the Empowered Birth series we are discussing optimal maternal and baby positioning for birth.  In this episode I chat with @midwifelauretta about: Pelvic movements during pregnancy to help with optimal positioning The importance of keeping your pelvic ligaments supple What the “ideal” baby position is for birth, but also why there is a...

To kick off this third episode in the Empowered Birth series we are discussing perineal preparation and perineal tearing.  In this episode I chat with @midwifelauretta about: The importance of trusting that your perineum is made to stretch However there are mental and physical practices that may help you reduce your risk of tearing The practices you can start from 34 weeks of pregnancy ...