The Birth Uprising Podcast with Alix & Jade

*Trigger Warning* This episode discusses upsetting themes such as maternal death, please do decide if this is the right time for you to listen. However, we do hope that the discussion is not only useful but also reassuring. In this episode of The Birth Uprising Podcast , we unpack a conversation that many people are understandably scared to touch. Maternal mortality rates are increasing, yet the i...

This week on  The Birth Uprising Podcast , Jade and Alix are back after a little break — and they’re diving straight into one of the biggest sources of fear and confusion in pregnancy:  what happens when your “low risk” label suddenly turns “high risk.” If you’ve ever sat in an appointment and heard the words  “we’ll need to induce you”  or  “your baby’s measuring big”  and felt your heart drop —...

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Anna from @ HackneyHypnobirthing, and we’re digging deep into the realities of giving birth in today’s NHS. We talk about the systemic challenges in maternity care, the rise in trauma and inequality, and how you can advocate for yourself in a system that often isn’t set up to support individualised care. We also explore the impact of media, institutio...

In this episode, Jade and Alix are chatting all things birth prep, but not in a way that overwhelms or pressures you. We're talking real, practical ways to support your body and mind in the lead-up to labour. From movement and hydration to mental health and rest , we explore what actually helps and what’s just unnecessary noise ( spoiler: perineal massage might not be the miracle you’ve been told...

In this episode, Jade and Alix are back with some BIG updates including the launch of their brand new Birth Essentials shop and the expansion of TBU HQ! 🎉 They’re chatting through the tools that can genuinely change the game during labour and birth...no fluff, no gimmicks, just the stuff that makes a real difference when it matters most. We cover:👉 How to use a labour comb to manage sensations👉...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jemma Laker , who shares her powerful and personal story of choosing a home birth as a first-time parent . From facing uncertainty and assumptions based on family birth stories, to navigating the label of being 'high risk', Jemma talks us through how education, support, and self-trust helped her have the birth she truly wanted. We discuss: 👉 Why home birth...

In this episode, we’re joined by co-host Leanne (birthhooduk), Tash, and Ellie from Mokita to talk about a side of birth trauma that often gets overlooked—the perspective of healthcare professionals . We discuss the impact of trauma on both caregivers and birthing individuals , the challenges within the healthcare system, and why informed consent and collaboration are essential for creating safer,...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tara Ghosh , women’s hormone health coach, to talk about something that hardly anyone prepares you for...the massive hormonal crash that happens after birth. Tara shares her wisdom on the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery , and how hormones affect everything from your mental health to your ability to cope in those wild early weeks. We discuss: 👉 Why...

In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Hinge , a lactation consultant, to talk about the realities of feeding! We dive into the pressures new parents face , the lack of support in the system , and how knowledge + preparation can make all the difference when it comes to meeting your feeding goals (whatever they may be). We discuss: 👉 The challenges of breastfeeding and why so many parents struggl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Green (@thegreenmidwife) to talk about the reality of birth outside medical guidelines and how hospital culture can shape the choices available to you. We discuss the importance of personalised care, informed decision-making, and advocating for yourself in maternity care . We discuss: 👉 Why hospital policies vary so much—even under the same guidelines 👉 The...

In this episode, we’re joined by Caz Sayles , a doula and birth educator, to chat about the mindset, empowerment, and must-read books that can completely shift the way you prepare for birth. We dive into how cultural narratives, fear, and maternity care systems shape birth experiences! We discuss: 👉 Caz’s top 5 must-read books for pregnancy & birth 👉 How mindset & fear can impact labour...

In this episode, we’re joined by Angharad from Beautiful Beginnings , who shares her incredible experiences of Birthing Before Arrival (BBA) not once, but TWICE. We chat about what it’s like to give birth unexpectedly without medical professionals present, how hypnobirthing transformed her second birth, and the importance of trusting your body. We discuss: 👉 The key differences between her first...

In this episode, we chat about the essentials for packing your hospital bag for childbirth. We tackle common worries about overpacking and emphasise that comfort is key. We discuss: 👉 Why it’s okay to pack what makes you feel comfortable 👉 How creating a homely atmosphere can transform your labour 👉 The role of personal items and pain relief tools in easing your experience 👉 Tips on avoiding s...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the ongoing debate around home birth versus hospital birth. We tackle common misconceptions and explore the historical shift from home to hospital birth, highlighting why home birth is often misunderstood. We discuss: 👉 How home birth is frequently misrepresented and unfairly compared to hospital birth. 👉 The historical context of birth practices and why...

In this episode, Jade and Alix explore the intricacies of contractions and labour, emphasising the importance of understanding the birthing process. They reveal how the right environment, mindset, and support systems can transform your labour experience, and share practical hypnobirthing tools to manage pain and create a positive birth environment. We discuss: 👉 How understanding contractions can...

In this episode, we break down why hypnobirthing is so important when preparing for birth. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need multiple antenatal courses, we’re here to tell you...You don’t. Hypnobirthing covers it all, from managing labour confidently to making informed decisions about your birth. We discuss: 👉 Why hypnobirthing is more than just breathing exercises. 👉 How it prepares you...

In this episode, we chat with Mel, an independent midwife, about her journey from the NHS to setting up her own independent practice. Mel dives into the differences between NHS and independent care models, the importance of personalised care, and the freedom she now has to support women on her own terms. We discuss: 👉 The challenges midwives face within the NHS, including compassion fatigue. 👉 T...

In this episode, we are joined by Sally Scott, aka The Pregnancy Chiropractor, to explore the fascinating world of biomechanics in birth. We dive into how physical preparation during pregnancy can have a massive impact on birth outcomes. Together, we discuss the crucial role of chiropractic care in addressing common challenges like breech and transverse positions, the importance of optimal fetal p...

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of induction in childbirth with Erin Fung from Better Birth. Together, we unpack the rising rates of unnecessary inductions and the impact they can have on both the birthing person and their baby. We discuss how coercive tactics, fear-based practices, and inconsistent maternity care policies—often influenced by a postcode lottery—strip birthing individu...

In this episode of  The Birth Uprising Podcast,  we sit down with the incredible Joy Horner, a birth keeper with years of experience as a registered midwife. Joy shares her expert insights into the baby’s experience during labour and birth and explores how these moments can leave a lasting impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing. We discuss the powerful connection between the birthing per...

In this episode of The Birth Uprising Podcast , we’re tackling a big one: how misinformation can totally derail your confidence during birth and breastfeeding. Whether it’s advice from well-meaning friends, family, or even healthcare professionals, the wrong words at the wrong time can leave us doubting our instincts or feeling selfish for wanting to follow our gut. We chat about:🌟 The harmful my...

In this episode, we chat with breastfeeding support and Hypnobirthing teacher Bea about how parents can set themselves up for breastfeeding success before their baby even arrives. We dive into how the choices you make during pregnancy and birth can impact your breastfeeding journey, the importance of having the right information and mindset, and what to realistically expect as you establish feedin...

In this episode, we are joined by the brilliant Ellie and Luiza from New Birth Club to dive deep into the powerful and often misunderstood topics of birth trauma and the role of doulas. We explore the impact of trauma on birthing people, how doulas can provide vital support, and why these discussions are so important for changing the culture around birth. If you've ever wondered what pregnant wome...

Podcast description We are joined by the lovely Maddie McMahon to chat all about birth in the media, why it infuriates us, why many discussions give the wrong idea about how birth workers feel about birth because of the lack of nuance. Come and share our rant and understand a bit more about what we are really banging on about day to day! Maddie is an incredible doula, doula trainer and author who...

Poppy joined us in the run up to her most recent birth to talk all about preparing for birth as a birth worker! There’s a lot of advantages to knowing the system and birth but there’s a few disadvantages as well when it comes to ‘knowing too much’. We shared with Poppy our experiences and we cannot wait to hear how it went when she comes back to join us! Find Poppy on insta here - www.instagram.co...