The Midwife Memos

In this episode, I’m joined by the lovely Lucinda McKimm — Mum of two, Writer, Producer and co-host of the Ready or Not podcast, where she and her co-host Loz have honest conversations with women about work, motherhood and everything in between. We chat about: Her two very different pregnancies and births Navigating early labour, fast births and the unpredictability of it all Returning to work aft...

This week on The Midwife Memos, we’re talking directly to partners and support people, and what it really means to support someone through labour. Because there is often a misconception about what their role is…  And it isn’t to fix or rescue. It’s to be a calm, grounded presence. A cheerleader (without the pom poms!) Someone who can hold space, be hands on AND an advocate, but that's not easy...

This week on The Midwife Memos , I’m chatting with Tess — midwife and mum of three — about her experience planning and having a vaginal birth with her DCDA twins. And honestly… this episode is such a powerful reminder that birth isn’t about getting it “perfect”. It’s about feeling informed, supported, and in charge of your decisions . We dive into:– navigating the research around twin birth (and h...

In this warm and practical episode, Lauretta chats with Joelleen Winduss Paye (Midwife, Lactation Consultant + Naturopath) about how to prepare for breastfeeding before birth and navigate those tender first few weeks postpartum. Joelleen shares her holistic approach to breastfeeding education, what’s normal newborn behaviour, and how to troubleshoot common challenges like nipple pain, milk supply...

In this episode I’m joined by Zoe — a first-time mum — for a raw, real and honestly so reassuring chat about pregnancy, birth prep, decision-making in labour and the early postpartum weeks. Zoe shares what helped her feel confident going into birth and the part of labour she’s still processing (hello… early urge to push). We cover; - Choosing private care (and the thing many people don’t realise)...

Early pregnancy can feel exciting, exhausting, confusing… and sometimes all at once. In this first episode of Season 2 , I’m kicking off with a gentle, evidence-based guide to surviving (and understanding) the first trimester. Even if it looks like not much is happening on the outside, your body is doing a LOT of work behind the scenes — and there is a reason you feel so tired. In this episode, we...

In this episode we cover all things Oral restrictions - often known as tongue ties, with the incredible Tamika who is an Endorsed Midwife, IBCLC and Orofacial Myology therapist. It's a BIG complex topic and Tamika helps us unpack it all in a compassionate and nuanced way (because as you'll learn it's not black & white) we cover: - What Oral restrictions are & signs & symptoms (inlcudin...

This week I’m joined by Hannah Willsmore — Midwife, Lactation consultant, Birth educator and NDC-accredited practitioner — for a reassuring, myth-busting conversation about infant sleep. If you're pregnant my hope is that this episode supports you to go into the world of babies and sleep with realistic expectations, or if you’re already there - help you feel reassured and less worried that you...

In this episode of The Midwife Memos , I’m diving into the physical side of birth prep — and why we need to give it just as much attention as mindset work.  I cover: Why body prep matters and how it influences baby’s position & movement through the pelvis What tension in the body can tell us — and how to address it 3 simple things you can do today to support your body for birth Links mentioned...

Ask a Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist In this week's bite-sized episode we’re changing up the ‘ask a midwife’ to ‘ask a Midwife & Chinese medicine practitioner’ Kate is answering; Is Acupuncture safe in pregnancy? How often should you go as you move through pregnancy? How can Acupuncture help with preparing for birth? Guest Info: Kate is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner an...

The Memo: Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture for Pregnancy, Labour & Postpartum with Private Midwife + Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Kate Thomson from The Mamas Alchemist This week, Lauretta sits down with Kate — a privately practising midwife, Chinese medicine practitioner, and mum of two — for a beautiful, honest conversation on how Eastern medicine can support women across pregnancy, labou...

This week I'm talking to Fiona Rogerson - a Perinatal & Trauma Counsellor, my hope is that it will be helpful if you're preparing for birth to learn about what can contribute to experiencing trauma and how to seek support if you resonate with what Fiona shares. We cover; What birth and perinatal trauma really means — and why it’s not just about “bad births” How trauma is rooted in a la...

Navigating birth trauma, partner fears, and growing confidence the second time around In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma — a mum of two — who shares her two birth stories: her first in an MGP program & a hospital, assisted birth during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, and a slower, calm, home-birth in a publicly funded home birth program with her second. We talk about; What she would go back and t...

In this bonus episode #08 -  I’m sharing part of a talk I gave at a local event in Ballarat ‘The Wisdom She weaves’ by the very inspiring Sarah from LOTS financial planning . The topic was What I Wish Women Knew — and in this episode, I’m sharing; What I wish women knew about Birth What I wish women knew about self advocacy & trusting your Gut (for birth & life!) I also share a bit about m...

In this short 'Ask A Midwife' episode, I’m answering two questions: - “What if I just want to wing it?” -“What if my care provider doesn’t believe in birth plans?” Free Guide: Plan Like a Pro Download the guide   Birth Plan Template My one-page, midwife & obstetrician approved template  Your Birth Class Fully online at your own pace or in person group classes → Your Birth Class Have a question...

In this episode I’m diving deep into something that often stirs up mixed opinions: birth plans. You’ve probably heard the phrase “you can’t plan birth,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare — and that’s exactly what this episode is about. We explore; What a birth plan actually is & why it can be a powerful tool What the research says about their impact Why creating one with your care provid...

In this episode of The Midwife Memos , I speak with Sarah — a midwife, lactation consultant and mum of four — about the vaginal breech birth of her third baby. We explore: What a breech presentation is and why there are very few skilled birth attendees who will support vaginal breech birth  Options for turning a breech baby  What the evidence says about vaginal breech birth Navigating the system a...

 In this heartfelt and educational episode of The Midwife Memos , Lauretta shares her personal experiences with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and dives into all things nausea & vomiting in pregnancy & HG. She explores the differences between NVP and HG, diagnosis & management options, mental health support, recovery tips postpartum, planning a pregnancy after HG and her favourite resourc...

In this episode, I’m joined by Midwife Tayla, who shares her experiences as a midwife, mum, and business owner of Hatchling Store where she supports women through birth prep, education and TENS machine hire. We chat about: Tayla’s birth stories – including her husband missing the birth of their second baby What a TENS machine is and how it works for pain relief in labour How to use a TENS for all...

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in pregnancy is one you might not even realise you’re making early on—who will care for you and where you’ll give birth. Your care provider and birth setting have a huge impact on your labour and birth experience, but many women make this choice without knowing how different care models can impact the type of birth they have and the likelihood of birth inte...

Welcome to The Midwife Memos ! In this first episode, we’re having a little coffee date so you can get to know me— Lauretta, midwife, mum & birth educator… I’ll be sharing: How I found my way into midwifery and independent birth education My own pregnancy and birth experiences (including hyperemesis, self-doubt, and two powerful births) Why I’m so passionate about informed choices in birth Wha...

Hi, I’m Lauretta—midwife, birth educator, and your guide through the wild, beautiful ride of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. And yes, I’m currently recording in a cupboard, surrounded by towels and pillows (because, well…acoustics).  But imposter syndrome aside, this podcast has been a dream of mine for years. Why? Because I believe that when it comes to birth, you have choices. You have options. Th...