Birth Untethered

In this episode Shellie and Kemi discuss the side effects of epidurals and how frequently they occur to give you evidence based information upon which to make your own informed choices. They also explore the impacts of epidural on physiology and how these cause effects to the mother and baby.

If you are wanting to make a more informed decision about whether you would like to accept an epidural in your labour, or you are a birthworker wanting to have a more in depth knowledge about epidurals to help support the families you are serving, this episode has you covered.
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠

On this week's episode Shellie and Kemi discuss what actually happens when an epidural is placed, why the consent process is far too rushed and how the medications involved can affect the mother and baby. From the surprising chemistry behind the medications like bupivicaine, to the real-world consequences of reduced mobility with epidural. We also discuss some different kinds of epidurals and what benefits they can provide.

If you are interested in Shellie's Birthing Biomechanics course you can find it here: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/b-irthing-biomechanics-online-lectu

If you are interested in reading more free information about biomechanics, you can do so on Shellie's website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/techniques

Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription 
Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie 
Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me 
Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ 
Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ 
Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ 
Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ 
Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ 

Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ 

Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠

In this episode, Kemi and Shellie trace the history of epidural anaesthesia in childbirth, exploring how pain relief evolved from early general anaesthesia to modern epidural techniques. They break down the anatomy and physiology behind how epidurals work, why they can affect movement, blood pressure, bladder function, and pushing, and what that means for mothers and babies. Along the way, they discuss informed choice, the impact of culture and medicine on birth, and why understanding the whole picture matters for anyone supporting or preparing for birth.

Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription 
Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie 
Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me 
Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ 
Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ 
Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ 
Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ 
Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ 

Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠

In this powerful conversation, Katie shares her deeply moving birth stories, the life-changing consequences of medical negligence, and how she’s turned her experience into advocacy for other mothers. Honest, urgent, and unforgettable, this episode explores consent, induction, maternal care, and the fight to be heard.Please give generously to Katie and her family here:https://linktr.ee/kspinks06
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠ ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠

Unlock the uncomfortable truth behind synthetic oxytocin in childbirth. This episode exposes how this powerful hormone, often hailed as a lifesaver, can secretly cause harm, influence outcomes, and fuel systemic issues in maternity care, all while women remain in the dark. If you've ever felt unsure about the interventions you're offered or want to truly understand your options, this episode is your urgent wake-up call.Join us as we dive into the myths, risks, and real-world stories that reveal how routine use of synthetic oxytocin extends far beyond medical necessity. Discover the startling differences between natural and artificial hormones, the hidden dangers of overuse, and how coercive practices erode women's rights during pregnancy and birth. We break down key insights from the latest research, including the outdated Friedman Curve, and explore how entrenched medical protocols are compromising the safety and dignity of women and babies.This episode offers concrete knowledge for anyone navigating pregnancy, or supporting someone who is. You'll discover:How hospitals are secretly over-medicating with synthetic oxytocin and why this drives up cesarean and hemorrhage ratesThe rare but serious side effects, including water intoxication, more common side effects like fetal distress, often hidden from women. The critical importance of informed consent - what it is, why it’s often denied, and how to advocate for yourself.Why standard labor charts and interventions are based on flawed, non-physiological models that harm mothers and babies.Practical strategies to recognise coercion, support physiological birth, and make choices aligned with your values.
The systemic overuse of synthetic oxytocin isn’t just a medical issue, it's a human rights crisis. Women deserve to understand what they’re being offered, what risks accompany it, and the alternatives available. Ignoring these truths perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary harm and trauma, yet knowledge is power. This episode empowers you to question, challenge, and choose a different path, one that honours women’s physiology, rights, and intuition.Whether you’re pregnant, a birth supporter, or simply curious about the truth behind hospital routines, this episode is essential listening. We shed light on the unseen forces shaping modern maternity care and equip you with the insights needed to advocate for safer, more respectful birth experiences. The power to transform birth starts with awareness.
Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription 

Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie 

Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me 

Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ 

Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ 

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ 

Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ 

Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ 

Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ 

Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠