Specifically tailored for midwives and high-pressure caregivers, this conversation explores why "self-care" isn't just a luxury but a professional necessity. Kristen shares how our nervous systems impact not just our own health, but the way we co-regulate with the families we serve. If you’ve ever felt like you’re "giving from an empty cup" or losing your passion for your calling, this episode is a permission slip to stop, breathe, and reclaim your joy.

Key Highlights

• The Evolution of the Martyr: How the "Good Girl" of childhood becomes the "People Pleaser" of young adulthood and the "Over-functioning Martyr" of midlife.
• The Power of the Whisper: Recognizing the subtle signs of burnout before they turn into a "cosmic two-by-four" (health crises or autoimmune issues).
• The "Pause" Practice: A simple, transformative tool to reset your nervous system in the middle of a chaotic day or between client calls.
• Reparenting Your Inner Mean Girl: Shifting your internal monologue from criticism to the "loving bosom" of the Wise Adult.
• The Liminal Space: Navigating the "cringey" discomfort of transition—that moment in the birth canal of your own life where you can’t go back, but can’t yet see the way forward.
• Channel vs. Source: A revolutionary mindset shift for caregivers: how to be a channel for service without becoming the depleted source of it.
• Perinatal Psychology & Attachment: How a caregiver’s distracted or overwhelmed state affects a newborn’s ability to form secure attachments.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.
• Course: Boundaries for Birthworkers

Connect with Kristen Brickl

• Website: KristenBrickl.com
• Instagram: @kristen.brickl

Want more? Join our Skool community to access 90% of our CEU courses and more!
MWC Spring Break Sale! Course Bundles, Midwifery Equipment and more - upto 80% off!

Rachel shares how a VBAC at Bumi Sehat in Bali — under the care of the legendary Ibu Robin Lim — changed the entire course of her life. Returning home to Papua, she and her husband Ronald built AHBS (Angel Hiromi Bumi Sehat Papua) from the ground up: starting with just a plot of land, moving their own furniture into the building, and slowly gathering the equipment, midwives, and mentorship needed to open their doors in December 2019.

This episode is a love letter to the women of Papua — and to everyone who believes that every mother, no matter where she lives, deserves to be treated like a goddess.

In this episode we cover:

• Rachel's first C-section, and the longing for a normal birth that led her to Robin Lim in Bali
• What a VBAC at Bumi Sehat felt like — and why it changed everything
• The founding of Angel Hiromi Bumi Sehat (AHBS) - the only midwife-led birth center in Papua
• The role of Augustine (Maggie) in bringing gentle birth philosophy to Papua — and why her six-month visit left a lasting imprint
• Why Rachel decided to enroll in midwifery school herself — after her own staff told her she "knew nothing"
• The ongoing challenge of training midwives in gentle birth when mainstream protocols dominate
• What changed in the birth rooms after Chetana's visit — upright births, birthing balls, dim lighting, and mothers who don't want to go home
• Rachel's vision for AHBS: a third floor, an operating room for gentle cesareans, a dedicated training space, and an ultrasound room
• How AHBS is funded — and what continued support looks like

Resources & Links:
🌸 SPRING BREAK SALE Save BIG with our clearance and Course Bundle sale of the year! Save up to 50% on course bundles, grab our full Informed Consent & Refusal doc suite for $799 (reg. $1,599), shop our everything-must-go midwifery tools clearance, and get Premium Skool membership for just $69/month (reg. $89). Shop now → midwiferywisdomcollective.com

🌏 Learn more & follow AHBS: Instagram @AHBSPapua

🤝 Support AHBS - Travel with us to Papua: Join Chetana and a group of midwives visiting AHBS in August 2025 — more details on www.midwiferywisdom.com

🏡 Join our community: skool.com/midwiferywisdom

In this rich and powerful episode, host Augustine is joined by co-host Israel Johnson, Licensed Direct Entry Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife from Oregon, to welcome the legendary Shafia Monroe — midwife, author, cultural historian, and founder of the SMC Full Circle Doula Training, the first Black doula training launched nationally in 2002 in Portland, Oregon.

Shafia has just published her long-awaited book, Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing, and this conversation is a celebration of that birth — and so much more.

In this episode we cover:

• Shafia's 11-year journey from journal entry to published book
• Why African American postpartum care has been largely invisible — and why that must change
• The historical trauma Black mothers carry, and the healing power of returning to traditions
• Why anemia may be at the root of more postpartum depression than we realize
• The herbs every postpartum mother should have on hand 
• Shafia's relationship with Erykah Badu, who wrote the foreword and called the book "the postpartum Bible"
• Why more clinical visits is NOT the same as postpartum care
• The ongoing "midwife problem" in America — and why change is urgently needed.
• The critical mass of home birth across US states and what it means for the future of midwifery
• Why we need to retire the word "patient" for pregnant people — and the word BIPOC
• The burnout crisis in midwifery and why we must return to a collective model

Resources & Links:

• 📖 Get the book: Mothering the Mother — Amazon
• 🌐 Learn more about Shafia Monroe: shafiamonroe.com
• 💼 Now Hiring: Clinical Director at New Birth Midwifery, Chaska MN — newbirthmidwifery.com/job-openings
• 🌿 New Course: Plant Medicine Midwife with Tara Compehos — midwiferywisdomcollective.com
• 🏡 Join our community: skool.com/midwiferywisdom

Links:
For more information about the Turnkey Birth Centre for Sale in Abilene, Texas, write to amy@midwiferywisdom.com
Follow Ashley's Instagram @birthonherterms

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
01:26 Meet Ashley: A Journey of Change
03:32 Balancing Art and Science in Birth
04:08 Challenges in Community-Based Midwifery
08:48 Ashley’s Personal Birth Experiences
21:40 The Maternal Assisted C-Section
37:41 Standing Firm on Informed Decisions
38:21 The Importance of Family Inclusion
39:52 Advocating for Support During Birth
41:16 The Impact of Birth Experiences on Mental Health
42:28 The Need for Patient Rights and Advocacy
44:14 The Role of Communication in Healing
48:36 Transforming Pain into Power
49:11 Balancing Passion and Parenthood
54:12 The Value of Midwives and Postpartum Support
01:04:20 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
01:12:58 Advocating for Change in Healthcare
01:16:54 Sharing the Journey and Future Plans

In this conversation, Hannah shares:

• Her powerful journey into midwifery, growing up in Yemen alongside her mother, a practicing midwife.
• The art of holding space in birth, and why it’s often misunderstood as “doing nothing.”
• Stories of humility, intuition, and the delicate balance between action and inaction in midwifery.
• Her vision for shifting the global understanding of midwifery alongside obstetrics.

We're also thrilled to announce the launch of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship. Christie Davis and I created this mentorship to help future leaders step into advanced practice with confidence, build sustainable careers, and truly change the culture of midwifery for good.

And here’s the best part — to celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky midwife will win a complete starter kit valued at over $500 — everything from a Doppler and neonatal stethoscope, to a scale, instruments, NRP kit, blood pressure cuff and more. PLUS, a gorgeous handmade Patchwork Carpet Bag from St. Clair Designs to carry it all in.

More details on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

You’ll hear candid stories about electronic charting, breaches, and the financial risks small practices face, balanced with a hopeful look at innovations like handheld ultrasounds, continuous glucose monitors, and integrated lab tools. The trio also explores how midwives can harness social media and AI—like ChatGPT—to expand influence, streamline documentation, and amplify their voices in a system that too often silences them.

Whether you’re tech-curious, tech-cautious, or somewhere in between, this discussion reminds us that while technology can never replace the human essence of midwifery, it can support us in practicing more safely, efficiently, and visibly.

Interested in learning more? Augustine will be teaching a course on AI and Midwives at this year's WARM conference. Sign up on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

Augustine and Aubre unpack the dangers of pregnancy in the U.S.—especially for BIPOC communities—revealing how poor outcomes stem from the hospital-based, physician-led system rather than midwifery care. Yet, the for-profit model of healthcare continues to suppress the most obvious solutions. This conversation, as urgent today as ever, is also a call to action—for midwives and consumers alike—to raise their voices and demand meaningful change in U.S. healthcare.

Keep the conversation going on skool.com/midwiferywisdom

Zaire shares her remarkable journey from pediatric cardiac transplant nursing to apprenticing with grand midwives in Georgia and herbal masters in Nigeria, weaving together clinical knowledge, traditional midwifery, and holistic herbalism. She discusses the vital difference between community herbalists and clinical herbalists, how unresolved emotions can manifest physically in the body, and why reclaiming herbal wisdom is essential for reproductive health and sovereignty.

We also dive into her new book, Herbal Harmony: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Herbs to Help with Reproductive Health, which empowers readers to better understand their bodies, advocate for themselves in medical spaces, and pass on generational wisdom to their families.

✨ Topics we cover:

• The path from allopathic nursing to traditional midwifery
• What sets a clinical herbalist apart from community herbalism
• The role of emotions, trauma, and lifestyle in reproductive health
• Everyday herbs growing in your own backyard
• Practical steps to begin your herbal journey
• How Herbal Harmony helps bridge the gap between patients and providers

📖 You can find Herbal Harmony on Amazon and at https://www.mysticmommaherbals.com/

Join Midwifery Wisdom Skool—your all-in-one membership for courses, community, and NARM prep for $69/month. Unlock 12+ classrooms inside as you level up: https://www.skool.com/midwiferywisdom
.

She shares her journey from witnessing her mother’s VBAC and traumatic hemorrhage as a child, to teaching life-saving skills in the army, to blending EMS training with midwifery wisdom in both civilian and disaster settings. Jessica opens up about why VBACs hold a special place in her heart, how resourcefulness and quick thinking translate across emergencies, and why every family—not just midwives—can benefit from basic birth and survival knowledge.

We also dive into her Combat Midwife workshops and OB kit, created to prepare families and communities for emergencies, and discuss how midwifery and EMS share surprising historical roots. Whether you’re a birth worker, parent, or simply curious about resilience in the face of the unexpected, this episode is full of insight, grit, and inspiration.

👉 Resources, free downloads, and kits are available at combatmidwife.com (use code WISDOM for a discount).
👉 Listeners also receive 15% off CEU courses at Midwifery Wisdom with code MWCPOD15.

Satori brings that same storytelling magic to a topic too often shrouded in silence: menopause. From her acclaimed film Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale to her advocacy with the Michigan Women’s Commission, she shares her deeply personal journey through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—illuminating the emotional, physical, and societal challenges along the way.

This conversation explores the gaps in medical training that leave women unsupported, and the transformative self-discovery that can emerge in this life stage. With humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, Satori reframes menopause not as an ending, but as an opening to deeper self-awareness and freedom.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

• Why most doctors get only one hour of menopause training—and what that means for women’s health
• The emotional and physical realities of perimenopause and menopause
• How storytelling can break stigma and build community
• The urgent need for advocacy, awareness, and accessible care

Resources & Links:

• Watch Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or Google Play
• Learn more about Satori on her website www.satorishakoor.com

As a former e-commerce strategist turned slow fashion entrepreneur, she brings both science and soul to this powerful conversation about conscious menstruation, cycle care, and body literacy. Together, we explore:

• Why midwives and birthworkers should care about what clients use post-birth and beyond
• How period underwear is reshaping not just menstruation, but postpartum recovery
• What it means to create a product that actually honors the female body

🔗 Learn more: flowergirl.co
📲 Follow on Instagram: @flowergirl.co_

💬 Share with a postpartum doula or cycle educator or anyone in your life who needs to hear this!

This conversation is part of a larger theme we’ve been exploring this month in our ongoing webinar series Midwifery on the Move where we explore what it really means to live a mobile midwifery lifestyle. We’ve been talking about the beauty, the complexity, the ethics, and the practical steps to working around the world.

✨ If this episode sparks something in you, know that it’s not too late to join the webinar and explore what traveling midwife life might look for you. Sign up today on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

Together, we unpack the somatic foundations of trauma, how nervous systems get "stuck," and what real healing can look like. We also talk boundaries (the kind that keep you and your clients safe), deconstruct the martyrdom baked into midwifery culture, and explore how to build more sustainable careers in birth work—without abandoning your heart.

Whether you're a seasoned provider or a student midwife just entering the field, this is an honest, compassionate conversation you need to hear.

🔗 Show Notes:
Learn more about Christie Davis and her somatic healing work for birth professionals at https://www.perinataltraumacenter.com/about
Check out our Boundaries for Birthworkers course on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

Host Augustine Colebrook is joined by two extraordinary traveling midwives: Katrina, a licensed midwife and educator who began her international work in India, and Jata, a neurodivergent advocate and researcher who has practiced in Tanzania, the UK, Australia, and more.

This series explores what it really means to bring midwifery across cultures:

•  The beauty and challenge of practicing globally
•  Cultural humility vs. cultural competence
•  How travel shapes us personally and professionally
•  Navigating ethics, expectations, and impact

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your midwifery work on the road — or you’re just curious about what’s possible — this conversation will inspire, challenge, and expand your view.

Want more? This episode is just a taste of our four-part Midwifery on the Move (8 CEU) webinar. Sign up now to get the full recordings, handouts, and join us live on August 6 and 11, 2025 for the final sessions.

Links:
🎧 Learn more & register for the webinar → https://midwiferyonthemovewebinar.eventbrite.com
📌 Follow us on Instagram → www.instagram.com/midwiferywisdom

We talk about the power of small daily practices, why midlife is such a profound (and often overlooked) period of transition for women, and how stacking five-minute habits can change everything. From meal planning to hormone shifts, from fiber to essential oils—this is a candid, practical, and empowering conversation for anyone seeking a more vibrant life. 

Whether you're in your 30s, 50s, or simply feeling the need for change, this episode reminds us: your well-being is a worthy goal—and you're not alone in the journey.

Feeling burnt out from birthwork? You need to take our Boundaries for Birthworkers class online! 
Access the community at vibestribe.co

Adilah also recounts the unexpected discovery of a brain tumor just as she was preparing for her NARM exam—and how rest, community support, and cultural postpartum traditions helped her recover and slowly return to practice.

Based in Houston, Texas, Adilah provides culturally rooted postpartum care through Malay Postpartum Spa and Wellness, alongside her midwifery work with Tulip Midwifery.

🎧 Looking for a preceptor? Download our free Ultimate Preceptor Match Checklist at www.midwiferywisdom.com to help you find the right fit on your midwifery journey.

Indie began her career working with UNICEF’s Maternal and Neonatal Health Team in Kyrgyzstan before returning to the UK to complete her midwifery training. From there, her path led her to clinical work in Cambodia and Malawi, ultimately drawing her to Ethiopia.

After a year and a half leading neonatal services and emergency obstetric care at a busy referral hospital in rural southwest Ethiopia alongside her colleague Atsede Kidane, the two chose to build something different: their own clinic, rooted in compassion and centered on women’s needs.

Stories from their work in Ethiopia is beautifully captured in the book With Two Souls, co-written by Indie McDowell and Atsede Kidane.

We also dive into what it means to truly commit to place, community, and long-term impact in global birth work.

Are you a midwife called to work beyond borders?

 Join us for our upcoming Traveling Midwife Webinar —a 4-part, 8-hour CEU event designed for aspiring and experienced birthworkers who are exploring midwifery on the move.

Led by Augustine Colebrook, and guest traveling midwives, this immersive series will cover legalities, logistics, and cultural considerations of traveling birth work—both international and domestic.

🗓️ Part 1: July 3rd & 9th | 7–9PM EST
🗓️ Part 2: August 6th & 11th | 7–9PM EST

✅ 8 MEAC-approved CEUs

Register now on https://tinyurl.com/travelingmidwife

With over a decade of experience and more than 100 births attended, Sophia brings a deep reverence for birth as both a physiological marvel and a spiritual rite of passage. She shares how her journey—from drama school to midwifery school in the UK, to her current work supporting families in Corfu—helped her realize what she had always known deep down: she is and has always been a midwife.

Learn more about Sophia on her website: https://www.birthingwisdomcorfu.com/

Drawing from her work at West Middlesex University Hospital and nearly a decade of teaching and clinical leadership, Adelaide shares why perineal health matters, how we can improve outcomes for birthing people, and what inspired her to create a globally recognized training program for midwives and doctors.

If you care about pelvic floor integrity, respectful repair, and empowering providers to do better, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Adelaide's work here:

https://perihealthlondon.com/

In the meantime, enjoy these clips from the Q&A section of our latest Teachable e-course, Preventing and Treating Hemorrhage.

This in-depth course is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their knowledge and stay up to date on the latest hemorrhage management protocols in the community birth setting.

Resources:
Preventing and Treating Hemorrhage E-Course
Boundaries for Birthworkers E-Course

Flor is a: Latina Birth Worker, Birth Influencer, Award-Winning Doula and a Birth Educator with a wildly popular social media account @badassmotherbirther

She’s on a mission to normalize birth and celebrate women’s bodies—no matter how or where they choose to give birth. You won’t want to miss this powerful conversation! 🎧

✨ Topics Covered:

• How often should you chart?
• How do you determine if a baseline has changed?
• Most importantly, what data is essential for defensible documentation in case of a bad outcome?

Like we said—an oldie, but a goodie!

🔹 Special Update: The wonderful Ilka Fanni, featured in this episode, has since come a long way in her midwifery journey. She will be a mentor at our upcoming Pathway to Midwifery – New Student Retreat at Yokayo Ranch, March 17-18, 2025!

🎟 Reserve your spot now at www.midwiferywisdom.com.

Resources:
Fetal Heart Tones Course
Defensive Charting Course

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! While we take a short break between seasons, enjoy this rerun of one of our most popular episodes. We’ll be back with brand-new episodes in just a couple of weeks!

In this episode, Augustine Colebrook sits down with Roxanne Anderson, a seasoned Texas midwife, for a powerful conversation about faith, birth, and the challenges of midwifery.

Roxanne shares personal stories from her early years, reflecting on her journey as a Christian midwife within the Born in Zion movement. Together, she and Augustine explore the intersections of faith, fear, societal influence, and the role of religion in birth.

Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion!

This episode with Dr. Melanie Jackson marks the end of Season 5! As a midwife, researcher, and host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast, Melanie dives deep into what it truly means to be a "birth rebel." She shares insights from her PhD research on birth outside the system, her experience as a private midwife, and her work mentoring midwives, and expecting parents in Australia and beyond through her impressive online reach!

Join us for this powerful conversation on informed choice, the challenges of midwifery beyond traditional models, and what it takes to create meaningful change in birth care.

We’re taking a short break, but we’ll be back soon with an exciting global adventure in Season 6! We’ll travel the world, meeting midwives from different countries to learn about their wins, challenges, and the incredible ways they are making a difference.

Until then, take care and make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter at www.midwiferywisdom.com to stay up to date! 💜✨

As a Registered Massage Therapist and dedicated Infant Craniosacral Therapist, Meaghan has made it her mission to help babies and families heal. Through her hands-on work and training programs, she’s empowering practitioners to support infants with gentle, effective techniques.

In this episode, we explore the incredible world of Craniosacral Therapy—how it can ease birth trauma, support feeding challenges, and promote overall infant well-being using just 5 grams of pressure or simply by witnessing fascia. It’s a fascinating approach, and the science is only just beginning to catch up.

Whether you're a birth professional, a parent, or simply curious about CST, this conversation is filled with insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Resources from this episode:
Meghan Beames' Website - www.beamescst.com
The Most Underrated Referral for Your Clients

Lucy, a UK nurse and Carnivore lifestyle advocate, shares how her work in healthcare exposed her to the consequences of poor nutrition and why she believes a species-appropriate diet is key to a strong, functional body. She and Augustine dive into the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods, the benefits of eliminating them entirely, and how fatty red meat provides the essential nutrients for optimal health.

Whether you're exploring the Carnivore lifestyle or looking to rethink your approach to nutrition, this conversation offers real-world insights into breaking free from food industry myths and eating for true wellness. (Not medical advice, just personal experience.)

Resources:

That Carnivore Nurse on Instagram: @thatcarnivorenurse
Dr. Eric Berg: Dr. Berg on the Carnivore Diet​

Dr. Paul Saladino: CarnivoreMD Website

Dr. Shawn Baker: Revero Health (formerly MeatRx)

Professor Bart Kay: Bart Kay YouTube Channel

Danielle shares her journey from corporate CFO to empowering women entrepreneurs to take control of their finances, build sustainable wealth, and focus on what they do best.

You’ll learn:

• Why understanding your financials is crucial for business growth and profitability.
• The dangers of trying to do it all and how it can impact your business, sanity, and overall success.
• Practical tips on finding the right "midwife for your finances" so you can enjoy the wealth you’re creating while delivering exceptional care.

Don’t miss this conversation packed with financial wisdom, actionable advice, and encouragement to step into your entrepreneurial power as a birthworker!

Resources:
The ABC's of the BBC
How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner - www.kickstartaccountinginc.com
Start a Midwifery Business Right

When her second pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 14 weeks, Aaisha’s psychosis returned—this time, accompanied by unimaginable and intrusive voices urging her to harm her daughter and others. Feeling evil and unworthy of life, Aaisha sought help repeatedly, only to be turned away at every turn.

Driven by her mission to ensure no woman endures the prolonged suffering she faced, Aaisha is raising awareness about this life-threatening condition through her book, social media presence, and volunteering with Postpartum Support International. Her work is helping families access the resources they need to prevent tragic outcomes.

Her story is a powerful call to action, shedding light on a condition that remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized, particularly for women of color. It challenges us to foster better awareness, compassion, and support for those navigating postpartum psychosis in silence.

In this conversation, Aaisha also shares invaluable insights for perinatal providers, helping them recognize the symptoms of postpartum psychosis and offer critical support to women in their care. This is an essential episode—listen and learn.

Trigger Warning: 

In this episode, we discuss postpartum psychosis, including intrusive suicidal and homicidal thoughts. These are difficult topics, and some listeners may find this conversation distressing. Please listen with care, and if you feel this content may be overwhelming for you, consider skipping this episode or ensuring you have support available as you listen.

Links:

• Support your local indie bookstore and buy A Mom Like That by Aaisha Alvi. Also available at major retailers and as an ebook and audiobook.
• Follow Aaisha on Instagram: @aaishaalviwrites and visit her website: aaishaalvi.com.
• Postpartum Support International: Promoting awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing worldwide.

Today, midwives often feel like isolated islands, disconnected from the grounded community support that once gave their work deep significance. In this conversation, they explore what has been lost, what can be reclaimed, and how midwifery can return to a model rooted in autonomy, interconnectedness, and ancient wisdom. 

Links:
https://indiebirth.org/
https://indiebirthmidwiferyschool.org/

Tune in to learn more about how midwifery care can be transformative for individuals with POTS on their pregnancy journey.

Show Resources:

Our previous episode on POTS: POTS and Pregnancy
Kate Levick's Research
POTS and Pregnancy: A Review of Literature and Recommendations for Evaluation and Treatment

Email Kate at kate.levick@newcastle.edu.au

We also dive into their new book, The Cycle Book, a game-changing resource that offers midwives and birthworkers a deeper way to help clients take control of their cycles. This analog, customizable guide goes beyond period-tracking apps, addressing key insights like:

• Supporting clients in managing pain and regulating emotions.
• Using cycle tracking as a tool for improving mental health and relationships.
• Helping clients better understand conditions like endometriosis, anxiety, and perimenopause.

Laura and Morgan share practical tools and personal experiences that highlight how cycle tracking can become a missing link in reproductive care. This conversation is packed with insights to deepen your practice and inspire new ways to empower your clients.

Support your local bookstore by grabbing The Cycle Book when it releases in January 2025—or pre-order your copy now wherever you buy books!

Learn more about Laura, Morgan, and their groundbreaking work at itslauraandmorgan.com.

And don’t miss updates about their book tour—follow them on Instagram at @thecyclebook!

In this episode, Geneva dives into her book, Wisdom from the Womb, sharing how she wrote it in just six weeks and chose to self-publish. She reflects on the incredible feedback she's received from readers—many of whom have found her insights transformative, not just during pregnancy but at all stages of life, helping them release shame and guilt.

Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion about birth, healing, and creativity.

👉 Follow Geneva on social media: @GenevaMontanoMidwife
👉 Purchase Wisdom from the Womb on Amazon or at genevamontano.com.

🎙 Thank you to our sponsor: Redmond Real Life

📢 Announcement: Dopplers are back in stock at midwiferywisdom.com!

Whitney Pinger, known for her groundbreaking “Pearls of Midwifery” approach, has dedicated her career to reducing cesarean rates and promoting natural births through evidence-based practices. With a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, Whitney has empowered countless healthcare providers and patients to achieve safer, more fulfilling birth experiences. Her extensive work in research, education, and maternal health advocacy continues to shape the future of women’s health.

Elizabeth Davis brings over 40 years of experience in midwifery, reproductive health, and education. A co-founder of the National Midwifery Institute and author of six influential books, including the renowned textbook "Heart & Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth," Elizabeth is a global leader in midwifery education. She has dedicated her life to advancing an integrated view of birth, sexuality, family, and ecology. Her work emphasizes the importance of intuition and holistic care in the birthing process.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Redmond Real Salt!
Announcement: Dopplers are back in stock on www.midwiferywisdom.com

Through candid conversation, Desiree and Petra share the secrets to making their midwifery partnership not only last but thrive. From navigating the challenges of building a birth center to maintaining a deep, trusting professional relationship, they explore what has kept their collaboration strong over nearly two decades.

Petra’s journey to midwifery began with her own transformative birth experiences, while Desiree’s path was sparked by the powerful experience of birthing her first child at home. Together, they laid the foundation for Bella Vie in 2007, creating a space that has supported hundreds of families in the serene beauty of Oregon’s countryside.

If you’ve ever wondered how long-lasting professional partnerships succeed, this episode offers a blueprint from two women who have made it work with love, respect, and shared vision for nearly two decades.

FREE download: Start a Midwifery Business Right
Find out more about Bella Vie Gentle Birth Centre here: https://www.gentlebirthcenter.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellavie_gentlebirthcenter/

In this episode, Dr. Sophia Johnson joins Augustine Colebrook to dive deep into her groundbreaking research on placenta remedies and her new book, Placenta Power. Dr. Johnson shares insights into the benefits, composition, and clinical potential of placenta in postpartum care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Placenta Power Book: Stadelmann Verlag - Placenta Power
• Dr. Johnson’s Instagram: @placenta.universe
• Book Instagram: @plazentapower
• Placenta Artwork: Placenta Prints - Underwater
• Crowdfunding and Research Project: Experiment - A Scientific Approach to Placenta Remedies

Call to Action for Midwives: Dr. Johnson is conducting an international survey to learn more about midwives’ perspectives on placenta remedies. Midwives of all backgrounds, including those unfamiliar with placenta remedies, are encouraged to participate. The survey takes just 3-5 minutes and will help expand knowledge on women’s health and placenta research.

Take the survey here: Placenta Remedies Survey

Tune in to hear how Dr. Johnson’s research could shape the future of postpartum care!

Email Suzannebirthing@gmail.com

Join us at this years online conference midwiferywisdom.com

In this episode, Augustine sits down with rising social media star, Dr. K, to dive into her inspiring journey and the impact of her family’s legacy on her career.

Dr. K shares how she got started on social media and the pivotal role her grandfather’s career in naturopathy played in shaping her path.

Together, they explore the barriers within obstetrics that hinder midwifery from gaining the exposure it deserves and discuss the importance of informed consent and autonomy in childbirth. The conversation also touches on the history of obstetrics and examines why the increase of women in the field hasn’t brought about the transformative change hoped for.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersections of tradition, modern medicine, and the ongoing struggle for progress in maternal care.

Show Resources
-IG: @drk_pregnancyspecialist
-TikTok: drk_pregnancyspecialist

In this episode they share their paths into midwifery, how difficult the pathways are, a little about each different pathway, tips for aspiring midwives, and so much more.  Both students and seasoned midwives, there is something in this episode for all of you!

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Student Handbook
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024

This week, Augustine is joined by two incredible guests: Chemin Perez, a dedicated midwife from Washington State, and Julie Miller, an expert in Applied Clinical Nutrition. Together, they explore the fascinating topic of the MTHFR gene.

In this episode, they unravel what MTHFR is and delve into the epigenetics behind it. They discuss its various manifestations, such as long-term anemia, depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, and its significant impact on pregnancy and childbirth. Plus, they explain how midwives can test for this gene in their clients.

Julie and Chemin also reveal the specific protocol they've used with their clients carrying this gene. Spoiler alert: they have successfully turned off the gene in patients who followed this protocol for two years!

Augustine adds her insights from her studies on iron and its crucial role in this context.

Get ready for an information-packed episode that you won't want to miss!

Show Resources
-Get in touch with Julie
-Solving Iron Deficiency Course

Welcome to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week, Augustine is joined by her long-time friend, Professor, practicing midwife, preceptor, mother, and midwifery wisdom mentor, Mary Harris.

Augustine and Mary engage in a refreshing and authentic conversation about the sacred and safe nature of community births. They discuss how midwives can embrace modern technology while honoring ancient practices, share insights on the emerging generation of midwives, and express their concerns for the future of the profession.

Mary also opens up about her previous profession, its connection to her current midwifery practice, and the story behind her renowned birth tattoos.

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Skillz&Drillz
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

This week, we are delighted to have CNM Ebony Simpson with us. Together, Augustine and Ebony engage in a beautiful and insightful conversation about the essential role of midwifery care.

Ebony opens up about her journey to becoming a midwife and her experiences working as a hospital CNM. She offers personal recommendations for new CNMs, shares how she cares for herself in a high-trauma environment, and discusses her aspirations for changing the broader cultural perceptions around birth.

This episode is filled with meaningful aha moments from both Ebony and Augustine. You won't want to miss it.

Show Resources
-IG @ebony_m_simpson_cnm

-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024

-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome back to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

This week, Augustine is joined by the insightful Dr. Darrell Martin, a recently retired OB with a refreshing perspective on obstetrics. Darrell shares his journey from residency to retirement, highlighting the critical need for collaboration between CNMs and OBs in the hospital setting. He also discusses his personal efforts to champion this shift in hospital birth practices.

Additionally, Darrell gives us a glimpse into his recently published book, In Good Hands, which delves deeply into his experiences over the years.

Show Resources
-In Good Hands Book
-Midwifery Wisdom Consulting
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week, host Augustine Colebrook is joined by midwife Sophia Henderson and chiropractor Dr. Jen Santos.

Dr. Jen, who has dedicated her career to caring for newborns, brings a wealth of wisdom to our conversation. Together, they delve deeply into the benefits of chiropractic care for newborns, the logistics involved, and what an "adjustment" looks like for the littlest patients. Sophia shares a touching personal story about how chiropractic care for her own children was truly life-saving.

Dr. Jen and Sophia also discuss how midwives can connect with local chiropractors to build relationships and make this valuable resource accessible to their clients.

Whether you're a midwife or a parent, you'll find this episode packed with important and helpful information!

Show Resources
-IG: @JenSantosDC

-Born Wild Midwifery

-ICPA for kids
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome back to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! 

In this enlightening episode, Augustine sits down with Dr. Anna Villasuso and Sheily Nishman, two trailblazing entrepreneurs and cofounders of the up-and-coming company Birdie and Co. Discover their inspiring journey from meeting as young moms to identifying a significant gap in postpartum care and transforming that insight into action.

Anna and Sheily share their experiences and challenges in developing a groundbreaking postpartum supplementation powder designed to support new mothers during a crucial stage of their journey. Learn about the science behind their product, its benefits, and how it addresses specific health needs that are often overlooked.

But their mission doesn't stop there. Anna and Sheily have also created a comprehensive directory of trusted providers, offering invaluable resources and building a supportive community for moms navigating the postpartum period. Tune in to hear how they are fostering connections, enhancing well-being, and making a lasting impact on maternal health.

Join us for an episode filled with insights, practical advice, and the inspiring story of two women dedicated to empowering new mothers everywhere.

Show Resources
-The Birdie & Co.

-Promo code: MW20

-Instagram: @_birdieco

-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024

-Midwifery Wisdom Skool Community
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week, we are thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Brynne Potter.

Brynne is a powerhouse in the world of midwifery. With her extensive experience in developing midwifery-specific programs, serving on various midwifery boards, and her years of hands-on practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight. Currently, she holds a role on the NARM board, further showcasing her expertise in this field.

In this episode, Brynne shares her perspectives on birth in the United States, delves into her history with midwifery laws and legislation, and discusses key areas for improvement, such as payment for midwives. She also provides an in-depth look at NARM, including the organization's future, upcoming changes, and her hopes for its evolution.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with one of midwifery's most influential voices!

Show resources

-Maternity Neighborhood

-Quilted Health
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

Welcome back again to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast. This week we are joined by guest Stacy Vandenput as she shares her studies and experience of archiving and preserving midwifery knowledge and history. 

Together she and Augustine explore the right history of midwifery, and Stacy even shares some poignant stories of past midwives and practices she has come across in her research.

Stacy also shares her emotional experience of researching and putting together an exhibit for the history of midwives in Wisconsin and their incredible contributions.

“The midwives of history, they were heroic in things that were peacekeeping, not war-making. We need to memorialize that.”

Show Resources
-Defensive Charting Course
-Birth Business Club Community in SKOOL
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeeping

In this episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, host Augustine Colebrook is joined by the esteemed Dr. Diane Speier, an expert psychotherapist specializing in postpartum health.

Together, they delve into the often overlooked yet critical phase of life after birth, offering valuable insights and practical advice. They explore why birth preparation hasn't evolved much over the years and emphasize the need for better education and readiness for this life-changing event. And of course, discuss the medical-industrial complex and how mamas can still be in charge of their birth regardless of the environment they birth in.

Dr. Speier also introduces her transformative book, Life After Birth, and her comprehensive course, 8 Keys for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester, which provide essential tools for a smoother transition into parenthood. Both of these are beautiful tools midwives can recommend to their clients and also use to better help their clients navigate the postpartum period.

Tune in for a deep dive into postpartum health and empowering birth preparations that every expecting and new parent should hear.

Show Resources
-Diane's Website
-Life After Birth Book
-8 Keys for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester Course
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeeping

Welcome to season 5 of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! We are kicking it off this week with an incredible conversation with guest host Angie Love and Dr. Jennifer Carter, a Florida Chiropractor specializing in prenatal and infant care.

Join us as Dr. Carter shares her experiences and insights about the unique benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, how it can aid in a smoother delivery, and the importance of gentle chiropractic techniques for infants.

Angie and Dr. Jennifer also chat about the External Cephalic Version (ECV), a procedure used to turn breech babies to the correct position for birth. Dr. Carter explains how chiropractic care can support this process and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Additionally, Dr. Carter offers valuable advice on how day-to-day activities and habits impact your body and your baby’s position during pregnancy. From posture tips to simple exercises, she provides practical strategies to ensure a healthier pregnancy journey.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how chiropractic care can enhance your prenatal and infant care routines, and why this holistic approach is gaining recognition for its benefits.

Show Resources
-Orchid Island Chiropractic
-MidwifeRX
-Find an ICPA Chiropractor
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeeping

Join us for a special retrospective where we delve into the treasure trove of memorable guests and enlightening discussions spanning four seasons. 

Augustine invites you to share in some of her favorite moments. From heartfelt anecdotes to profound insights, we'll revisit the highlights that have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. You'll also get a sneak peek into some of the exciting offerings Midwifery Wisdom has coming up.

So, settle into your favorite cozy spot, perhaps with a refreshing drink and a snack in hand, as we embark on this power-packed journey of reflection. This episode is a celebration of not just our achievements but also the unwavering support of our loyal listeners like you.

And remember, if any moment resonates with you during our retrospective, be sure to explore the full episodes, listed below for your convenience. Let's toast to a hundred episodes of learning, growth, and community-building – and to countless more adventures yet to come!

*Note this is the final episode in our fourth season. We will take a short break and return in June!

Show Resources
-Podcast Guest Application
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience
-Midwifery Wisdom Retreat
-Skillz&Drillz Locations
-Midwifery Wisdom Consultations

GUESTS

Hermine Hayes Klein Episode 22

JayVon Muhammad Episode 2

Sonal Patel Episode 89

Krysta Dancy Episode 27

Shafia Monroe Episode 90

Tanya Wills Episode 26

Rebecca Cohen Episode 76

Ginger Breedlove Episode 50

Nikki McIver Brown Episode 57

Kristine Lauria Episode 21

Aubre Tompkins Episode 72

Nicole Morales Episode 33

Sarah Thompson Episode 35

Gail Tully Episode 86

Elizabeth Davis Episode 85

In their conversation, Augustine and Cam delve into the nuances of autism and neurodiversity, exploring how these factors impact midwifery practice. They offer invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse and autistic individuals in the field, while also providing practical tips for midwives to support and collaborate effectively with their autistic or neurodiverse colleagues.

Tune in as Augustine and Cam equip listeners with resources and strategies to foster inclusivity and understanding within midwifery, making it more accessible and supportive for all practitioners.

Show Resources
-RAADS-R test
-IG: @Wyldmoon.co
-TikTok: Wyldmoon.co

In this insightful conversation, they explore the impact of technological advancements on midwifery, discussing both the advantages and challenges they bring. Charlette and Elke candidly share their firsthand experiences of how technology has enhanced their work, while also envisioning future developments that could further revolutionize the field.

Tune in as they offer practical advice on how fellow midwives can harness these tools to elevate their practice. Plus, Augustine delivers a compelling call to action, urging midwives everywhere to embrace technology and propel midwifery into the mainstream.

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience Founder's Address
-IG: @midwife_charlieb
-IG: @midwife.elke
-TikTok: ChuckCharles78
-TikTok: midwife.elke

Malene introduces us to her groundbreaking creation, the Hegenberger Retractor, a revolutionary tool designed as a "third hand" for midwives during suturing procedures. She delves into the inspiration behind its inception, her creative process, and provides insights into its usage and potential future developments.

In addition to discussing the intricacies of her invention, Augustine and Malene explore the importance of balance and well-being amidst the demands of a busy lifestyle. They also emphasize the significance of suturing as a vital skill in midwifery, highlighting how proper care during this process empowers birthing women.

Tune in for a captivating conversation that merges innovation, empowerment, and the essence of compassionate care in the realm of childbirth.

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Suture Assist Bar

-IG: @MaleneHegenberger

-Hegenberger Retractor

Together these two powerhouse women cover a massive variety of topics, including normalizing variations of birth, how Flor's experience posting birth imagery has changed the landscape of what we see on social media, setting boundaries, consent, supporting people to realize what they are capable of, the system failing birthers, continuity of care, and so much more.

Tune in as they offer listeners an insightful journey into the realm of birth work, childbirth, midwifery wisdom and more.

Show Resources
-Flor’s Website

-IG @BadAssMotherBirther

-Boundaries for Birthworkers

-Defensive Charting

Medclair is at the forefront of addressing the safety and sustainability concerns surrounding Nitrous Oxide. In this episode, Jonas enlightens us on the profound impact Nitrous Oxide can have on both personal health and environmental well-being.

Tune in as Jonas discusses the inherent risks associated with Nitrous Oxide, the importance of prioritizing workplace safety when utilizing this tool, the global significance of this issue, and essential considerations for midwives practicing independently or in group settings. Join us for an enlightening conversation that bridges science and midwifery practice.

Show Resources
-Medclair's website

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast. Join Augustine Colebrook as she engages in a captivating conversation with Roxanne Anderson, a distinguished midwife from Texas. Roxanne brings forth a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes from her formative years in midwifery, offering a unique perspective shaped by her experiences.

Delve into Roxanne's journey as a Christian midwife amidst the landscape of the Born in Zion movement, where she navigated the intricacies of faith and childbirth. 

Together Augustine and Roxanne unravel the complexities surrounding fear, faith, societal influences, and the interplay of religion in the birthing process.

Tune in for an enlightening exploration of profound themes that resonate deeply within the realm of midwifery and beyond.

Show Resources
-Roxanne's Website
-IG: A_Midwife_Life
-FB: Midwife Roxanne

Julie is here to share a wealth of knowledge about NRP. She delves into the exciting developments in translating NRP training to community-based birth settings, the evolution of NRP practices over the years, essential tools accessible to providers in community-based birth, and her optimistic vision for the future of resuscitation.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey as we explore one of the most vital skills for community-based birth providers. Don't miss out on this invaluable mini-course—it's sure to leave a lasting impact!

Show Resources
-Julie's Website
-FB: Midwives Untethered

Among the group, there is a senior student midwife, a few seasoned midwives, and even a midwife who once served on the MANA board. Together, these midwives discuss their thoughts and feelings on the closure of MANA, and how they foresee this change impacting midwifery in the United States moving forward. Don't miss this important and powerful conversation about changes in the field of Midwifery.

This week, Ruthie opens up about her personal journey, delving into the transformative experience of pregnancy and motherhood that led her to dedicate her career to maternal mental health. Together, Ruthie and Angela explore crucial topics, including the profound impact of sleep deprivation on mental well-being, navigating intrusive thoughts, the role of medication in perinatal mood disorders, and much more.

Ruthie also shares her passion for yoga nidra, a practice she has discovered to be profoundly beneficial for those struggling with diminished maternal mental health. Join us for an insightful and compassionate conversation that touches on the core of maternal well-being.

Show Resources
-Midwife RX
-Ruthie's Website
-The Na'Aleh Yoga Podcast
-Angie's Website

Shafia, a renowned midwife, doula trainer, motivational speaker, and cultural competency trainer, graces us with an abundance of beautiful wisdom in this episode. She reflects on childhood experiences that shaped her holistic career and lifestyle and sheds light on her current efforts to foster equality for black midwives in the United States.

Augustine and Shafia delve into the realm of service-oriented work, exploring ways to support black students throughout their education and preceptor stages. Shafia generously imparts special advice for white midwives on how they can actively contribute to the growth and success of black, brown, and BIPOC midwives.

As we honor Shafia during Black History Month, we trust that her stories, experiences, and fervor will not only inspire but also motivate you to actively participate in the much-needed change within our country and the world. Tune in and be part of this enlightening conversation!

Show Resources
-Shafia's Website

-Why Not Me by Gladys Milton 

-Cultural Competency Training

-Birth Justice Masterclass

-Iron Deficiency Course

-National Black Midwives Alliance 2024 Conference

-Shafia's Upcoming Speaking Events

In this episode Sonal and Augustine dive deep into maternal care in the United States, covering topics like maternal mortality, women's health, and more. Sonal shares what her foundation is doing to make a change in the medical system for maternal care, and how their work aligns more closely with the midwifery model of care.

Don't miss this compelling conversation that goes beyond the surface to explore the profound changes needed in our healthcare system.

Show Resources
-Naya Care

-Center for Fourth Trimester Care 

-The Doctor and Her Black Bag

-Blog post on postpartum depression drug

In this episode, she shares a little about her own story, how she first discovered diastasis recti as a trainer for a pregnancy fitness class, her initial research, and of course, all about her program and its success.

She also shares some wisdom about what causes diastasis recti and what providers and clients can do to strengthen their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Don't miss this important episode!

Show Resources
-Julie's Website
-Together Tank Top
-Julie@diastasisrehab.com
-Solving Iron Deficiency in Yourself and Your Clients

In this episode, Javonne takes us on a journey through her transition from hospital-based practice to the creation of her own homebirth practice. Delve into the intricacies of her entrepreneurial self-discovery, as she shares the pivotal steps that led to the establishment and success of her business. Throughout the conversation, the power of a resilient mindset emerges as a consistent theme.

Gain valuable insights applicable to midwives at every stage, from students to seasoned professionals. Don't miss out on this episode brimming with essential information for the entire midwifery community!

Show Resources
-Javonne's Website

-IG: Javonne.the.midwife

-Facebook: Three Rings Midwifery

-Courtney L. Sanders Business Course

Gail shares how a question she asked herself during her early doula and midwifery days led to the creation of Spinning Babies. You'll get a glimpse into the thought process, actions, and all the people who aided Gail in providing this incredible tool to the birth world. 

Join Augustine and Gail as they explore the evolution of childbirth over the past two decades, drawing from their rich experiences in the field. Delve into discussions about the changing paradigm of physiology and the nuanced interplay between nature and intervention in the birthing process. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that goes beyond the surface of birthing wisdom.

Show Resources
-Hypermobility Study

-Spinning Babies Workshops

-Spinning Babies Website

Together the two dive into some incredible topics. Elizabeth shares her personal history that led her to birthwork and the projects she has been involved in. She also shares the story behind NMI, how the idea was born, who was involved in the project, and more. The two talk about how midwifery can be made mainstream, licensure for midwives, and, of course, share some beautiful magic and wisdom for all.

Grab a warm drink, settle in, and prepare yourself for a remarkable episode.

Show Resources

-Elizabeth's Website

-Robbie Davis-Floyd's Website

-Belize Retreat

-Midwifery Wisdom Website

-Midwife Definition Shirt

MaryAnn and Sara unveil their groundbreaking course, "Things You Never Learned About Blood Work for Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum." The excitement is palpable as they share their wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, discover the driving forces behind MaryAnn and Sara's passion for this unique and vital work. They open up about their personal experiences that have influenced their projects. The trio delves into a plethora of insights about labs for pregnancy – knowledge that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to more fully serve your client's needs!

Show Resources
-TSH by Trimester Pregnancy Chart
-What You Never Learned about Preconception, Pregnancy, & Postpartum Masterclass
-Sara's Website
-MaryAnn's Website

Victoria shares her experience going through residency, the gaslighting she experienced, the things she learned, and then her transfer to the community setting. Together Augustine and Victoria dive into the roots of modern medicine, and where they think it really went wrong. They talk about the importance of keeping mama and baby together and how vital the fourth trimester is.

Victoria wraps it up with how she got her faith in birth and some wisdom she has to share with midwives and birth practitioners alike.

This is a power-packed episode, get ready for some serious learning!

Show Resources
-Reshma Saujani Commencement Address

-Victoria’s website

Melody and Augustine meticulously talk through each layer of this birth story. From the details of the birth itself to the incredible charting by Melody and her team, and the impact it had on Melody as a midwife.

What sets this episode apart is Melody's incredible courage and transparency in sharing her own experience. Her willingness to open up allows all of us to gain invaluable insights and lessons. Get ready to be inspired and informed as we dive into this story.

Show Resources
-Defensive Charting Course
-Shoulder Dystocia Blog
-Midwives Training EMS episode

Melissa shares her personal journey with tongue-tie revisions at 18 and again in her 30s. She explains how she went from being a complete "unbeliever" to becoming the go-to expert teaching a comprehensive course on the subject.

But that's not all – get ready for a sneak peek into Melissa's course, "Advanced Evaluation of Lactation and Oral Function Postpartum." She offers an intro on fascia, shares a few of the myriad physical and mental impacts of tongue ties, and explores how it profoundly affects both mother and baby.

Midwives, consider this your golden ticket! This episode and Melissa's course are a dynamic duo that equips you with essential tools to help your clients along their postpartum journeys. 

*Checkout our YouTube version of the episode to see Augustine and Melissa sharing examples of how tongue tie has impacted their mobility

Show Resources
-IG: @spiralpathmidwifery
-Facebook: Spiral Path Midwifery

KathRyn and April share their experiences collaborating with EMS groups, what they have learned throughout this process, and what they hope to see in the landscape of out-of-hospital transports as far as collaboration.

Whether you're a seasoned midwife, an EMS professional, or simply curious about the impactful intersection of midwifery and emergency services, this episode promises to be both informative and heartwarming.

Show Resources

-IG: Socomidwives

-https://www.sonomacountymidwives.com/
-February 2024 Midwives and EMS Course

Catrice shares her personal journey into midwifery, including a big jump from Corporate America. She also shares some insider perspectives from her role as the Treasurer for the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) on the organization's goals and outlines the challenges and aspirations for CPMs in the United States.

Beyond conventional prenatal care, the discussion delves into the pressing need for education long before pregnancy starts, as well as the critical need for enhanced education for providers working with BIPOC women.

Join us as we navigate these vital topics, gaining insights into the future of prenatal care through Catrice's hopeful vision. This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about women's health, education, and the evolution of prenatal care towards a more inclusive and compassionate model.

Show Resources:
Babysbeststart.org

Join the conversation as they share their ideas for how to make midwifery more sustainable. They talk a little about Augustine's pillars of Midwifery, Safe, Sacred, and Sustainable, then dive into topics such as burnout in midwifery, how to prevent it, practicing in a team, taking time off, and much more.

They share personal experiences and observations from their time in midwifery, both the good and the bad, and how those have led them to the healthy practice they now run.

Whether you're a seasoned midwife or an aspiring one, this episode is packed with wisdom and guidance to inspire and empower you on your midwifery journey.

Show Resources
-Avoiding Burnout and Remaining Resilient

-Pathways to Midwifery Course

Join us for a special live episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week host Augustine, is joined by guest hosts Leila, and Zul, gathered at the Midwifery Wisdom Experience in Denver, Colorado to bring you an exciting discussion. They're joined by the talented Monet Nicole, the visionary photographer behind Monet Nicole Birthing Stories.

In this episode, Monet takes us on a journey into her introduction to the world of birth and how it ignited her passion for birth photography. The group explores the profound impact of birth photography on the birthing community, highlighting its transformative effects on photographers, midwives, and, most importantly, the birthing families themselves. Tune in to gain insight into the world of capturing birth stories through the lens.

Show Resources
-Monet Nicole Birthing Stories
-Birth Becomes You FB Group

This week Augustine sits down with Rebecca Cohen, MD, as she shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery within the healthcare field. Rebecca’s story is one of transformation, as she comes to terms with how her perspective differs from her colleagues in the medical profession.

Together, Augustine and Rebecca delve into the crucial distinction between individualized care and public health care, shedding light on the profound impact of focusing on the needs of the individual. Rebecca shares the challenges of unlearning deeply engrained training and professional growth that ensued.

This episode is a compelling exploration of a physician's journey to redefine the way we approach healthcare and inspire others to embrace change within the medical world.

Show Resources
-Rebecca’s Website
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience Streaming Ticket

In this episode, we'll hear riveting accounts of midwives confronting harrowing challenges, each one intricately intertwined with the element of fire. These tales reveal their unwavering determination, their ability to forge new paths, their trust in intuition, and above all, their indomitable resilience.

Thank you for joining us on this beautiful journey through the elements. We hope you've enjoyed each and every remarkable story that has been shared. If so, please consider dropping a review on our podcast. It helps us to know that you've been enjoying the content and teaches us what really resonates with you.

We will take a short one-week break before we return for season four of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast on October 11. We cannot wait for you to see what we have in store this next season!

These midwives will unveil stories of navigating the relentless challenges that Mother Earth can present, from treacherous earthquakes to alternative paths around washed-out roads and clinging to their resolve amidst deep, unyielding mud.

You'll also hear about midwives who step into the most sacred spaces of their client's lives, offering care and support even when the space is not at all what they would typically expect.

Intriguingly, you'll also witness how the harshest facet of the earth element isn't also found in the land itself but in the human dynamics intertwined with it.

Join us on this compelling journey through the earth element, where resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of midwives shine in the face of adversity.

Show Resources
-Homeopathy for Childbirth Course

Prepare to be riveted as we share tales of midwives defying the fury of tornadoes, embarking on epic cross-country ski trips through relentless wind and snowstorms, grappling with the unforeseen consequences of hot air, and even taking flight in their unwavering commitment to aiding in the delivery of new life into the world. These remarkable stories show the unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit of midwives and the lengths they will go to in their noble mission of caregiving.

Join us for a journey into the extraordinary lives of these compassionate and resilient midwives.

In this episode, we dive into the realm of water. 

Be it braving cyclones, navigating through floods, enduring harsh winter storms, or even conquering raging rivers, these stories exemplify the unwavering dedication and innovative spirit of midwives as they aid those in need. 

Tune in to witness their remarkable journeys of resilience and compassion.

Show Resources
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience Denver 2023
-Maui Birth Collective Donations

In this week's installment of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, we're sharing a special discourse from our Homebase membership gathering. Augustine takes a deep dive into POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), its impact on pregnancy, and the ways midwives can provide nurturing care to expectant mothers dealing with POTS. She generously imparts both her research findings on the subject and insights gained from years of tending to pregnant women, drawing from her own personal encounter with POTS.

For those interested in participating in upcoming Homebase meetings, take a moment to explore our Midwifery Wisdom Membership. Each week, Augustine, along with other accomplished professionals, guides discussions spanning themes like business, relationships, midwifery skills, and cultivating a sustainable lifestyle as a dedicated midwife.

Show Resources
-POTS and Pregnancy: A Review of Literature and Recommendations for Evaluation and Treatment
-Vitamin D Specialist Video
-90 Seconds to Change the World Alan Greene

-Benefits of Vitamin D
-The 5-minute Vitamin D Talk

Through firsthand accounts, Augustine and Anni delve into the life-saving impact of the Resus-A-cradle in emergency resuscitations, shedding light on its indispensable role in the realm of midwifery and beyond. Anni shares her insights on utilizing the full potential of this tool, imparting expert tips and techniques garnered from her experience. Discover the visionary path Anni is carving as she works to get this tool into the hospital setting.

Don't miss this episode where midwifery expertise converges with pioneering ingenuity, offering a glimpse into the future that Anni envisions for the Resus-A-cradle.

Show Resources
-Resus-A-Cradle
-Birth Words Podcast

They explore some of the adjectives that encompass this movement – from radical and authentic midwives to free birth, unassisted birth, and wild birth and thoughtfully analyze the meanings and significance these terms hold within the birthing sphere.

The trio dives into the deeper meaning of the "free birth movement", sharing how it stems from a desire for sovereignty and autonomy over one's own body, aspects that can often be compromised within various birthing environments.

Brace yourself for a candid discussion with perspectives that might challenge the norm. and encourage you to question preconceived notions. Be prepared to rethink your understanding of certain matters, as these experienced midwives lead you through an eye-opening exploration.

Show Resources
-Sophia's Website
-NBC News Freebirth Article
-Lisa Rawson's Interview
-Adam Rawson's Interview

-Calibrating Intuition Worksheet (scroll down on midwifery wisdom homepage)

Discover the story behind Eva's invention as she shares how her own challenging breastfeeding journey with her firstborn fueled the birth of this revolutionary idea. She shares how seeing a scan of a suckling baby was the moment that lead her to question the traditional "suction" approach taken by the pump industry.

In this episode, Eva delves into some important science of breastfeeding, such as the difference between sucking and suckling, as well as sheds light on the manifold benefits of breastfeeding for maternal and societal health. And, of course, shares how her new pump works as well as why it really is so innovative.

The Kickstarter for the game-changing breast pump runs throughout August and September of 2023, providing you with a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative movement. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of this incredibly important change in the industry!

Show Resources
-Advanced Evaluation of Lactation & Oral Function Postpartum Course

-Kickstarter Campaign

-The Letdown Podcast

-The Price of Motherhood

Aubre delves into her impactful work as the President of AABC, spearheading crucial changes to birth center regulations in both Alabama and Colorado. She shares her personal journey of resilience, recounting the struggle her birth center faced when a for-profit entity threatened to shut it down, and how her community came together to preserve its mission of compassionate care.

Unveiling the deeply personal facets of her calling to midwifery, Aubre shares her own transformative narrative that led her to become an advocate for birthing rights and maternal healthcare.

Buckle up for a thought-provoking discussion that will ignite your passion for reforming the healthcare system in the United States. Don't miss this empowering episode that's sure to leave you inspired and fired up for change!

Show Resources
-Seasons Community Birth Center
-Boundaries for Birth Workers Course
-IG @Amidwifeonthepath

-Aubre's Blog

-Midwifery for Expectant Parents

-The Alabama Birth Center

-Oasis Family Birth Center

-Birth Sanctuary Gainesville

Dr. K, a prominent social media influencer, shares her insights into the world of pelvic floor therapy and why it's so important for midwives to be well-informed and conscious of its benefits. She offers her knowledge on the fundamental principles of pelvic floor therapy, enlightening us on how it can positively influence both physical and mental health. 

Don't miss out on the invaluable wisdom shared by Dr. Kamaria Washington as she guides all midwives on recognizing essential red flags. This knowledge will equip you with the discernment to know exactly when to refer your clients to a pelvic floor therapist, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

The key takeaways from this conversation will undoubtedly enhance your ability to serve and nurture the overall well-being of your clients. Tune in and be ready to be inspired!

Show Resources
-Instagram: @dr.kwashington_
-Book with Dr. K

Gain exclusive insights into Amariee's inspiring journey as she seamlessly integrates her exceptional ultrasound sonography skills into her path as a student midwife. Amariee delves into the intricacies of navigating the student midwife landscape, specifically in Canada, while discovering the indispensable value of mastering the art of performing and comprehending ultrasounds for birth workers.

Don't forget to explore Amariee's incredible course, "Ultrasound Basics for Midwives," and mark your calendars for her post-conference session at the Midwifery Wisdom Experience in November 2023.

Prepare to be enlightened and inspired by this truly remarkable conversation.

Show Resources
-Ultrasound Basics for Midwives
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2023 & Amariee's Post-Conference Ultrasound Workshop

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, where host Augustine Colebrook talks with Jamie Mossay, a remarkable birth worker, bodyworker, and spinning babies advanced practitioner. Together, Augustine and Jamie fearlessly explore the challenging questions surfacing within the birth world. They examine whether birth workers truly understand the inherent risks they face daily, and if they're prepared for that reality.

Moreover, Jamie shares valuable insights by revealing the self-reflective questions she has practiced to embody authenticity. Their dialogue delves into the intricacies of relationships, the multifaceted layers of support, and the profound significance of trust.

Show Resources
-The Breech Release: Opening Pathways for Midwifery and Prenatal Bodywork
-Prenatal Bodywork: Touch from Within
-November 3-4, 2023 San Diego Breech Release Workshop
-Boundaries for Birthworkers Course
-Jamie's Website

Join Augustine Colebrook, MA-MCHS, along with her remarkable guest, Brittany Thornton, CPM, LM—a midwife, mother, and experienced traditional surrogate with six beautiful journeys. Together, they delve into the realm of alternatives to the highly medicalized assisted reproductive process.

While some individuals trying to conceive may require the marvels of modern technology, Brittany sheds light on the fact that many within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond don't necessarily need high-tech reproductive interventions. Rather, what they truly need is knowledge, time, space, and compassionate care.

Tune in to gain valuable insights as Brittany shares her personal journey through surrogacy, her dedication to serving the LGBTQIA+ community, and the immense value she sees in midwives acquiring the skill of IUI.

Show Resources
Visit Brittany Thornton, CPM, LM
For resources on surrogacy
For a look into the legality of surrogacy in the US
Midwives' Guide for Supporting Reproductive Journeys

First, you'll hear each guest share their own personal journeys of what led them to the world of Midwifery. Then they work together to peel back the layers surrounding the state of birth care in India, offering an exploration of the stark contrasts between working at a birth center and the hospital environment. They recount the surprising reasons behind unnecessary interventions and share stories of their own involvement in preventing some of these unnecessary interventions. Their stories shine a light on the transformative impact of compassionate and informed care. 

You won't want to miss this glimpse into birth care on an international scale. Tune in now and allow the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast to transport you to the heart of this essential conversation.

Angie, Abi, and Jordan offer a glimpse into their different journies through midwifery school, how they’ve navigated their diverse practices, challenging encounters, and triumphs in inclusivity and love. They showcase the impact they have on the lives of the individuals they serve, reinforcing the significance of their presence within the midwifery community.

Join us as we honor the spirit of diversity, courage, and authenticity during this extraordinary podcast episode.

Show Resources
-Queermed
-Plume Health
-The Tragedy of Heterosexuality by Jane Ward

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as host Augustine Colebrook talks with Jacqueline George, a remarkable doula based in Wyoming, USA. Jacqueline shares some shocking statistics that shed light on the challenges surrounding birth-care options and the struggles midwives face in Wyoming.

Together, Augustine and Jacqueline dive into the maternal healthcare crisis affecting the nation and why the healthcare system is making it so difficult for midwives to practice in numerous regions. While the situation may appear daunting in Wyoming, Jacqueline shares why it is also a beautiful place to live and practice. Furthermore, she elaborates on how both fresh graduates and seasoned practitioners have the power to profoundly shape the trajectory of birth care in the state.

Show Resources
-Instagram @matrupremabirth
-Facebook: Matru-Prema Birth Services
-Jacqueline's Website

Show Resources
-Pathways to Midwifery
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2023

From the intimate setting of home births to the nurturing environment of birth centers, and even the fast-paced world of large hospitals, Rachel has traversed the full spectrum of midwifery care throughout her career. As she recounts her experiences as a student midwife, you'll gain invaluable insights into the diverse settings she encountered along the way. Rachel also shares a glimpse into her personal journey of being both a midwife and a mother-to-be.

Tune in to this episode of the Midwifery Wisdom podcast for an uplifting and enlightening discussion that celebrates the incredible diversity and dedication found within the midwifery profession. 

 
Show Resources
-Functionalmidwifery.US
-Midwife RX

Augustine sits down with the visionary Dr. Sarah Leahy, the brilliant mind behind Birth Uprising. Together, they courageously delve into the profound depths of our fragmented system, shining a light on the urgent maternal healthcare crisis. Discover empowering insights on how both birth workers and mothers can spearhead a transformative movement for change.

Dr. Sarah also offers invaluable tips for leveraging social media to elevate your birth business.

Tune in for an episode that will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to make a lasting impact.

Show Resources
-Birth Uprising Website
-Instagram: @birthuprising
-Birth Uprising Podcast
-Defensive Charting Course

"Anyone who wants to come and help us, we are ready to get going.  The maternal and neonatal mortality rates have not come down in spite of so many programs, so I wish that midwifery would be empowered by collaboration not competition." Midwife and Professor, Dr. Sudha A. Raddi, M.sc(OBGYN), M.Phil, Ph.D(N) shares her vision for the future of birth in India, and Author, Dr. Ankita Madjadi advocates for the spiritual and phycological safety of women with her new book, "Knock, Knock, Let's Talk".  Hosted by Augustine Colebrook, CPM, MA-MCHS.

Show Resources
-Knock Knock, Let's Talk

"Every single day in Indonesia, the equivalent of one airbus plane full of 423 babies crashes - the direct result of formula feeding.  We can save almost all these babies (and mother's) lives by promoting gentle birth and breastfeeding with midwives." In this special LIVE episode, Midwife Ibu Robin Lim, CPM is joined by the nation's breastfeeding expert advocates, Pediatrician, Ibu Dr. Utami Roesli, FABM; Journalist and Doula, Ibu Dyah Pratitasari, CD (DONA); Lactation Consultant, Ibu Nia Umar, IBCLC; Family Practice Doctor Ibu Dr. Hikmah Kuniasari, MD, MPH; Mother and Birth Center Administrator Ibu Eka Yuliani; and Non-profit Grant Writer Ibu Jenni Maria. #utamiroesli #asieksklusif

To learn more about the Indonesian Breastfeeding Mothers Association (Asosiasi Ibu Menyusui Indonesia (AIMI)) https://aimi-asi.org/

"Mom and Daughter Talk" by Maria Elena is available in paperback or on Kindle here

Please consider donating to Bumi Sehat to help fund the 4 free clinics in Indonesia and spread the love around the country and the world! 

"We are experts on low-risk pregnancy and birth, which makes it really safe for women and babies. It's safer to look upon it as a normal process than to medicalize it." Midwives Erika Grönberg, RNM & Åsa Holstein, RNM share why the midwifery model of care is thriving in Sweden, plus Neonatologist Ola Andersson, MD, PhD reports on his delayed cord clamping research with host, Augustine Colebrook, CPM, MA-MCHS.

Nikki's passion for midwifery and her commitment to positively impacting the world, one birth at a time, is truly remarkable. With over 28 thousand followers on her Instagram page @SanAntonioNurseMidwife, Nikki has become a social media influencer, sharing her life and midwifery expertise.

In this episode, Nikki shares her journey to becoming a midwife, her experiences opening her birth center, and her efforts in training black student midwives. Augustine and Nikki also dive into the topic of culturally matched care and coin a few new phrases.

You will be inspired by Nikki's vision for the future of midwifery and the impact she is making in the lives of the families she serves.

*Check out our YouTube video for this episode to see footage of Nikki's "oxytocin-rich" birth center.

Show Resources
-Nikki's Website

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2023
-Intentional Birth Co.

"We have to get out to the community, we have to educate, we have to share our vision and that could have the biggest impact". 

Haize Hawke, Midwife from Los Angeles, CA together with Gene Declercq, PHD explore and explain the Listening to Mothers (California) study and discuss the midwifery model of care with host, Augustine Colebrook.

Join host Augustine Colebrook this week as she welcomes CNM Jamie Guertin to the show. Jamie shares her experience as a military midwife and her personal journey to home birth after three hospital births. Later, they explore the often-complicated relationship between CNMs and CPMs and offer practical advice for building stronger connections. Jamie also offers insights into navigating a hospital transfer, whether you're switching to a midwife or an OB.

Show Resources
-A Midwife Nation
-Midwifery Wisdom SBAR form

Wanda's commitment to helping pregnant women in need has taken her on eight separate trips to Ukraine, where she has provided essential supplies and resources to hospitals and assisted pregnant women crossing the Polish border in accessing the care they require. In this episode, she shares her experiences, including what motivated her to get involved, some of the most heartwarming moments she's encountered, and how listeners can offer their support from afar.

For those interested in contributing to this worthy cause, whether through volunteering in Ukraine or by offering bookkeeping assistance, please reach out to Augustine at augustine@midwiferywisdom.com, and we'll happily connect you with Wanda. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode!

Show Resources
-Crowdfunding Page
-RCM Ukraine Presentation
-Wendy Warrington my Polish/Ukrainian Journey
-IG: @wendywarry
-Twitter: @wandathemidwife

Show Resources
-Avoiding Burnout Episode
-Birthtube

This week host Augustine Colebrook sits down with Dani Lavoire, LM, CPM, as she shares her journey into midwifery and death care. Dani educates us on the importance and beauty of spending time with our deceased loved ones and how she works with families, local bureaucrats, and hospital administrators to make that happen.

Dani also provides insight into how midwives can prepare themselves to support families going through the loss of a baby. She shares her experiences working with families during this difficult time and how midwives can better prepare themselves to be advocates for families that experience the loss of a baby.

This beautiful and rich conversation will leave you with a knowledge of how caring for those welcoming in life parallels caring for those who are experiencing loss.

Show Resources
-National Home Funeral Alliance

-Arizona Community Death Care

-Ghost Belly by Elizabeth Heineman
-Stillbirth and the Midwife

This week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine is joined by none other than Ginger Breedlove herself! They engage in one juicy discussion after another, diving into entrepreneurship for midwives, obstetrical violence and the healthcare crisis, animosity between different pathways to midwifery, and more.

*This is our final episode of Season 2! We will return with Season 3 on March 15, 2023*

Show Resources
-The Community-Based Doula
-Midwifery Wisdom Podcast Episode 2

Show Resources
-Jenny Joseph Easy Access Clinic
-Midwife RX
-Growing & Glowing

You also won't want to miss their announcement about an incredible new program they're tag-teaming to revolutionize birth centers.

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2023
-Midwifery Business Consultations

-MidwifingTheMidwives.com

"We have to be strong, we have to be fearless and we have to get out there and push this agenda for the sake of women and babies everywhere." Hannah Dahlen, midwife and professor from Sydney, Australia shares evidence-based research, descriptions of work in and out of the maternity care system and stories from birth over 30+ years. 

Show Resources

-Birth Business Masterclass

-Midwifery Wisdom Italy Retreat

-friscobirthcenter.com
-Facebook: Frisco Birth Center
-Instagram: @friscomidwife

This week host Augustine Colebrook talks with doula and student midwife Hanna Arnett. Hanna shares the story of her first birth and the trauma she experienced during labor and postpartum. They also discuss what midwives can do to better prepare their clients for possible transport, to both empower them and make it as smooth a process as possible.

Show Resources
-microbirth.com
-Microbiome Courses
-Microbirth Birth Movie Facebook

Show Resources
-The Finley Project
-More than "I'm Sorry": How to Help any Mom After the Loss of their Child, Using a Proven Step-by-Step Model

"In that recovery process, those long years I took to really help myself figure out that that unmanageable life had so little to do with drugs or alcohol. It had nothing to do with that. It had everything to do with... how do I see myself? How do I truly... how am I midwifing me?"  

Show Resources
-Reteach Breech
-Birthing Instincts Podcast

Show Resources
-Eliza's Coach
-Eliza's Website
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience (November 2022)
-Coaching with Augustine
-Birth Business Masterclass
-Sustainable Midwifery Facebook Group Chat

Show Resources
-Lisa Rawson Interview

Show Resources
-Perinatal Support Washington
-Postpartum Support International
Links to screening tools
-EPDS
-PHQ-9
-MDQ-6
-PMQ-9

-Functional Maternity Website
-Functional Maternity Book
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience

"My name is Lindsey Oakes, my pronouns are they/them, and I’m a Queer and Nonbinary CPM and soon-to-be LM practicing and living on unceded Kumeyaay territory, currently known as San Diego, California. You can find me by email at LindseyOakesMidwifery@gmail.com

For those that are able and feel called to donate, I’d like to direct any monetary support to the apprentice midwife I’m dedicated to supporting on her journey. Her name is Phoebe Velasquez Islas, and she’s been a community traditional birth worker since 2014 who is prioritizing BIPOC families as well as teen/young parents.  Phoebe is an apprentice midwife working with LM CPM Nicole Morales of Art of Opening Midwifery. Phoebe is a mom of four daughters, many animals, and a keeper of the land and the plants native to this part of the world. She, in my opinion, deserves all of the support in the world. Any resources donated to her journey will be recirculated through continued community support."

Show Resources
-IG: @LindseyOakesMidwifery
-FB: Lindsey Oakes
-LindseyOakes.com
-FB: Phoebe Velasquez Islas
-IG: @womb_waters_medicine_
-Venmo: Phoebe-VelasquezIslas
-PayPal: MsPhoebes@gmail.com

Nicole Morales is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a midwife, a doula, a friend, and a mentor. Empowered by her own very different births of her three children at home, Nicole is drawn to assisting families in birthing and parenting in awareness and to appreciating the sacred relationships throughout the childbearing years and beyond. She has worked as a doula for many years and has benefited from the apprenticeship model of midwifery.

Nicole is an Approved Spinning Babies Trainer and a Certified Birthing from Within Mentor. She blends these tools in her midwifery practice as well in instruction from both perspectives of the mind and body. She also is an instructor for Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery and is part of breechbirthsd.com which helps breech families navigate the systems as best as possible by being an online resource center.

Show Resources
-Breech Birth San Diego
-The Breech Release
-IG: @nicolemoralesmidwife
-Fb: Nicole Morales
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience

Show Resources
-Fetal Heart Tone Monitoring Course
-Defensive Charting Course

Anna is the founder of The Spiritual Midwife and creator of The Natural Birth Course. She's a midwife, woman's work facilitator, and coach, who's opted out of the system to walk her own path providing education, support, and guidance for women wanting a physiological and natural birth. She's also the host of The Natural Birth Podcast, featuring women from all over the world who's had a natural and empowering birth experience, with the intention of changing the birth narrative from fear of birth to birth as an empowering rite of passage.

Show Resources
-IG: @the_spiritual_midwife
-The Natural Birth Course

Show Resources
-Black Sisters Birth Academy
-IG: @BlackSistersMidwifery & @BlackSistersBirthAcademy
-My Mommy Makes Milk

Show Resources

-IG: @nathanrileyOBGYN

-belovedholistics.com
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience

Bio: Chae Pounds, is a mom to 4, a wife to 1, and a midwife to all. She hails from Memphis, TN by way of Jackson, MS, and currently resides in New Orleans, LA. Chae completed Indie Birth Midwifery School in 2020 and quickly began her midwifery apprenticeship. She is on track to becoming the only Black Certified Professional Midwife in the greater New Orleans area. In the future, Chae hopes to become an IBCLC creating more access to holistic services for her community. Chae is a cloth diaper enthusiast, breastfeeding advocate, and home birth revolutionary. Chae practices and believes in whole, empowered communities.

Show Resources

IG: @chaethesupreme

Facebook: Chae Pounds

Cash app: $MidwifeChae

Venmo: @ChaePounds

Podcast: homecomingpodcast.com

Show Resources
-Dancy Perinatal Counseling

Show Resources
-NYCPM
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience

Show Resources
-15 Informed Consents Suite
-Origins of Being Course
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience
-Midwifery Wisdom Student Handbook
-Wantina's Midwifery Practice

Show Resources
-Midwife Pilgrim
-The Traveling Midwife Course

Show Resources

-The Tyranny of the Cubicle | Katie McCall

-That’ll Show Her | Katie McCall

-Hayes-Klein Law

-STM Billing

-Birth Rights Bar Association
-Defensive Charting Course (Promo Code: MidwivesUnderAttack10)

Kristine is a mentor with Midwifery Wisdom Collective and will be speaking at the Midwifery Wisdom Experience in Galveston, TX November 2022. 

Show Resources

-Doctors without Borders

-The Traveling Midwife Course

Show Resources

-Midwife Student Anonymous Facebook Group

-Instagram: @Kristanoelle_

-Cashapp: $KristaWurlitzer

Show Resources
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience

Show Resources
-Instagram & Facebook: @birth.with.knowledge
-Venmo: Lora-Fiala

Show Resources
-Healthy Start Coalition of Indian River County

Show Resources

-Instagram: @FutureBabyCatcher

-Cashapp: $FutureBabyCatcher

-Venmo: Courtney-Glenn-1

Yanna is a board member of NYCPM.inc, seeking to expand midwifery licensure in the state of New York. She is also the founder of the Black Christian Birthworkers Network.

Show Resources
IG: maybe_yanna & @Lifeexp.doula
@blackchristianbirth
@NYCPM.inc

Venmo: @YannaSpellman

Cashapp: $Yannamaybe
Paypal: thelifeexperiencedoula@gmail.com & bcbwnetwork@gmail.com
Black Christian Birthworkers Network
Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery

When this podcast airs, Amariee will be traveling to Kentucky with Midwife Wantina Brooks Roach who has made it a mission to train midwives from all around the country- supporting Black midwives for the next generation.

Show Resources
-IG: Radicle_Births

-Venmo: @ascollins

-Cashapp: $collinshouston

Show Resources
-Cashapp: #GabrielaGoetz
-Instagram: @GabbiGoetz

Show Resources

-Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts

-The Big Letdown by Kimberly Seals Allers

-Having Your Baby by Hilda Hutcherson

Facebook: Trinity Stephens

Instagram: @benniesbabies_doula

Cashapp: #turtledoula

Show Resources
-Angela's video about vaccination during pregnancy
-EBB article on vaccination and pregnancy

Show Resources:

Scenic Drive Midwives 

Show Resources
-The Pacific Birth Institute
-The Midwifery Wisdom Masterclass
-The Midwifery Wisdom Experience (November 2022, Galveston, TX)

Show Resources:
- Prevalence, Related Factors, and Levels of Burnout Among Midwives: A Systematic Review

Check out the video version of this podcast on our youtube channel to see the footage of Angela and Paul racing to a birth.

Show Resources
-Paul's Youtube Channel

Show Resources
-ACOG Committee Opinion
-Podcast episode with Nathan Riley & Tracey Vogel
-"Obstetrics and Gynecology Needs Palliative Care"
-Midwifery Wisdom Collective Website