The Midwives' Cauldron

In this episode, we discuss all things gestational diabetes. This is a two-part episode as there was just so much we had to talk about. We start with gestational diabetes in pregnancy and next time we will be looking at it from the mother and baby perspective.  Listen in as Rachel gives us the most wonderful analogy about insulin and glucose wrapped up in the form of Pac-Man, and Rachel dissects s...

On this episode we talk to Dr Sara Wickham, a midwife, best-selling author, speaker and researcher. Sara is the Director of the Birth Information Project. She divides her time between speaking, writing, facilitating online courses, creating resources, and undertaking consultancy services for midwifery and health-related organisations around the world.  Today we are discussing all things Anti D.  W...

In this episode we talk with the utterly wonderful Prof Amy Brown about why she doesn’t like sea lions, looking at breastfeeding from a biological perspective,  women’s experiences of feeding their babies, how to navigate the internet as a birth worker and more!  Prof  Amy Brown is a professor of maternal and child public health at Swansea University. She is based in the department of public healt...

In this episode we get to interview the wonderful Billie Harrigan. Billie is the Owner and Director of Birth Trauma Ontario, which provides education and training for maternity providers and allied birth professionals in trauma-informed care, as well as providing information and support for parents and loved ones that are dealing with birth-related trauma or birthing after trauma. Billie is a trad...

This time Rachel interviews Katie about the most common breastfeeding questions we have about the early days.  The usual banter and laughter ensue, with a musical number or two belted out by Rachel! LINKS:  Donna Ramsey. Anatomy of the lactating human breast redefined with ultrasound imaging: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15960763/ (open access article)  Disclaimer: The information and provided...

Dr Danielle Arabena, is a descendant of the Meriam Mer people in the Torres Strait, a medical doctor, GP specialist,  educator, respected figure in the medical community and host of the Indigenous Health MedTalk podcast.  This episode delves into aboriginal history, ancient medicine, medical magic and how we no longer recognise the importance of connecting to our menstrual cycle. We discuss how we...

In this episode Katie interviews Rachel Reed on her new book 'Reclaiming childbirth as a rite of passage'; from conception to birthing, including tea and toast at the end! LINKS: https://rachel-reed.website/reclaiming-childbirth-as-a-rite-of-passage/ Chapters Part One: The Weft Herstory : an overview of the herstory of childbirth from early humans to the emergence of modern maternity sys...

Toni Harman is the incredible film maker of the multi-award winning documentaries Microbirth, Doula and Freedom for birth, as well as the producer of the microbiome online courses. In this episode, we explore the science of ‘seeding and feeding’ a baby’s microbiome during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding and the critical role of mothers’ microbes for optimal training of the infant immune system...

 In this episode, Rachel and Katie take a look at the evidence surrounding the pushing phase of labour. Rachel discusses the reasoning behind why we need to stop talking about labour in stages and we delve into the cervical lip and how best to deal with it. And of course along the way we have some fun.  Join us in this episode of The Midwives Cauldron to learn while you laugh. LINKS:   Research me...

We interview three amazing women who embarked on a mission to find out why an increasing number of women are emerging from their births physically and emotionally traumatised.  Their discoveries exposed the truth and led them to join the birth revolution and forge a movement and a documentary film that hopes to change the face of maternity care in Australia and across the developed world. Join us...

Sophie Messager joins us in the Cauldron to talk about her new book Why Postnatal Recovery Matters We talk all things becoming a mother, including how a lovely pigs trotter soup or lotus birth is the perfect way to avoid too many visitors. We explore the raw, real and forgotten side of the 4th trimester and the misconception that mothering is 'just doing nothing' and the mother guilt and...

Here is the 2nd part of this listener requested episode. Rachel and Katie delve into self-care,  dealing with colleagues, Christmas albums, the concept of resilience in the birth-worker realm and various antics. Links: Dr. Rachel Reed https://midwifethinking.com/ https://rachel-reed.website/books/ Jane Hardwicke Collings https://janehardwickecollings.com/category/school-of-shamanic-womancraft/ Mar...

In this long-awaited episode, Rachel and Katie get into the questions you've all been asking us; how to navigate, cope, and work within the system. In this 1st part, we look at spheres of influence, the gifts we can offer, and our relationships with women. We've got to say, that despite the title, this was probably one of the funniest episodes we have ever recorded! So, enjoy the fun alo...

In this episode we continue where we left you... on our cliffhanger question which we both love/hate to answer! Rachel & Katie also discuss twins and breech birth, galactogogues to increase milk supply and the usual fun along the way.  Join us for more of your questions. LINKS: Dr. Rachel Reed's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Head over to The Latch Revolution Podcast to continue the c...

In this episode, we answer your questions! You asked us a variety of questions, including "are tongues ties on the rise?" and "what actually bursts in labour, and is it really water?" We also discuss advanced maternal age and induction of labour; and how to get enough clinical hours to become an IBCLC. There were so many questions this is only part one...  Links: FROSTTIE trial...

On this episode of The Midwives' Cauldron we take a whistle-stop tour of breastfeeding over the years, stopping by to hear about some of the fascinating and peculiar 'herstories'.  We learn how the corsets of the fashion conscious women of the day could lead to inverted nipples and in some cases far worse outcomes! The 6 specifications to become a wet nurse... and whether Rachel fit...

In this episode, Katie tries to enjoy a cup of tea while Rachel disturbs her with a tale of perineal bungles. We delve into the government-backed interventions implemented in a misguided attempt to save women's perineums. We explore the origins of perineal bundles and how they impact on midwifery practice and women's births. This tale is about how women are being blamed (again) for damag...

In this episode, we have the absolute delight of interviewing Jane Hardwicke Collings about women's rites of passage and how they shape our lives. We pay particular attention to the peri-menopause and the role of Autumn Women as leaders and change agents in the maternity system. This episode is jam-packed with intelligent, jaw-dropping and wonderful insights into womanhood. Let us introduce J...

Join us as we delve deeper into induction of labour through the early postnatal lens. We discuss the impact of induction on the baby, and on the mother's lactation, looking at ways to ensure all mothers and infants get off to the best start, despite the labour and birth they may have had. Somehow this episode ends up wandering into the world of Wizard of Oz. We also learn new and, personally...

In this episode, we take a step back in time and a short but deep dive into history from a female perspective. We explore how ideas about women and their bodies have led to the birthing practices we see today. We visit the world of Goddesses, vulva art, and how women were once revered for their ability to create life. Then we move on through the times into a world where women were seen as dirty ma...

Welcome to episode 1, where we chat about how Rachel and Katie met, how our careers in midwifery evolved, and our plans for future podcast episodes. Join us as we invite you into our world of midwifery, education, laughter, and fun... and where this all began. LINKS: Rachel's blog: https://midwifethinking.com/ Rachel mentions her journey into embodying the true essence of midwifery and rites...

Join Katie James RM, IBCLC and Dr. Rachel Reed RM, PhD as they hubble, bubble, toil and trouble their way through aspects of midwifery, birth, lactation and womanhood.  Support the show Resources & Support Get Katie’s Milk Supply Confidence Kit — a free resource to help pregnant women, new parents and professionals feel calm, informed, and confident about breastfeeding. 👉 Download here ⭐ Lea...