In this podcast episode I speak with Emma Perks, a pelvic health physiotherapist. Emma is not only incredibly talented in her work, she has a heart of gold and a trauma informed approach, vital pieces of the puzzle when it comes to birth trauma prevention and healing.In talking with Emma, I learnt that our pelvic floor is basically the bottom of our nervous system. In other words, what is going on with our pelvic floor will pretty much tell us how safe we are on the planet. Through this lens she explains why those who have a history of period problems, or PCOS, or endometriosis, or painful sex, or recurrent UTIs, anything related to the pelvic region, would do well to work with a pelvic health physio before giving birth.So much of what Emma and I discuss highlights the powerful mind-body connection, and how key a subjective experience of safety is in preventing needless birth trauma and pelvic floor damage. Among much else, we talk about perineal massage, prenatal movement, pelvic girdle pain, reducing the likelihood of bad tears in birth, and what postpartum physio support entails.I hope you find this podcast episode as informative, enlightening and encouraging as I did.To connect with Emma, head to the Full Circle Physiotherapy website: https://fcphysio.co.nz/Find Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullcirclephysio/And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullCirclePhysioPurchase Emma's Pregnancy Prehab course for a reduced price: Health Practitioner Discount Prehab
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1:48:59
Chloe’s Story (Part 2) - A Full Reclamation
This isn’t Chloe’s first podcast episode with me. I interviewed her back in May 2024 after learning about her traumatic first birth when she requested a debriefing session with one of the trainees from my Healing Birth Practitioner Training course. At that stage, Chloe hadn’t yet become pregnant again, so she didn’t have a story to share of a healing birth experience. Instead, she talked about Olivia’s difficult birth, and the journey she had travelled over the time since, including the healing work she’d done, and readying herself for the conscious conception of her next baby.Today’s interview is all about that ‘next baby’ of Chloe’s - her pregnancy with him, his birth, and their early postpartum weeks. The two birth and new motherhood experiences Chloe has had couldn’t be more contrasting. Throughout Ruben’s pregnancy and birth Chloe chose to have no medical or midwifery input, not even a pregnancy test to confirm that the signs her body was giving were indeed due to a little bub growing in her womb. She so generously shares her powerful story of tuning in, trusting, asking for what’s needed, and surrender.I highly recommend having a listen to Chloe’s first interview with me before diving into this one, if you haven’t already done so. Links to watch or listen are found below.YouTube link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://youtu.be/w39KiuTGx-k?si=m0DgbHfs4O4kipVyPodcast link for Chloe’s 1st episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CzZtHBlPdK16JZnSf86xM?si=BknUK9quRGaegVFkrQ46iAAlso discussed in this episode:* partner's hesitations with unassisted birth* Mother Blessing* Reconciling a positive birth and postpartum after a traumatic first* postpartum preparation* community postpartum support* naturally healing a tear
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1:54:46
Peace, Joy & Hope - Georgia’s Story of Birthing Big Babies & Postpartum Challenges
Georgia’s first baby was 5.1kg (that is, 11lb, 5oz), something that curtailed her initial home birth plans and saw her birthing in the hospital. This, along with feeding into a narrative which convinced Georgia that she shouldn’t feel pain in her birth, led to a less than ideal experience and a second degree tear. As well, Georgia and her man were sent spiralling down a postpartum anxiety hole, in part because of poor preparation, unhelpful expectations and a lack of support. This was all exacerbated by the Covid lockdown restrictions at the time.Hear about how Georgia and her man navigated their relationship as struggling new parents, and how they set themselves up for an incredibly healing, beautiful and empowering home birth with their second, along with a peaceful and joy-filled postpartum. By the way, Georgia’s second baby was 4.6kg (10lb, 2oz), and was born after just 2.5 hours of labour, something she forgot to share during our interview.Also discussed in this episode:* Stretch and sweep* Irregular contractions* Artificial rupture of membranes* Maternal and paternal postnatal depression and anxiety, including panic attacks* Intrusive thoughts* Counselling* Postpartum preparation* Birth planning process - birth mapping* Home birth with sibling present* Fast labour* Birth photosCheck out Georgia's website: https://www.alightbeheld.com/Follow Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alightbeheld/And here's the link to the Manawatu Home Birth Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MHBAInc
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1:54:49
Birth Trauma Aotearoa - Kate Hicks
In this podcast episode I catch up with Kate Hicks of Birth Trauma Aotearoa, a timely episode during Birth Trauma Awareness Week, running from July 14-20.I last spoke with Kate around 2.5 years ago, so Kate will update us on the mahi (work) they've done over this time as well as plans for the future, including launching in-person support, developing research in the Aotearoa context, and the continual push for birth trauma prevention and improved support.Kate will also tell us about Birth Trauma Awareness Week, this year's theme, what the week aims to achieve and how you might like to get involved (you can head to this webpage to learn more: www.birthtraumaaotearoa.org.nz/take-action).Follow BTA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_trauma_aotearoa/or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthtraumaaotearoa
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1:03:40
The Wise Women Network - protecting physiology & autonomy in birth
Today I bring you a bit of a different episode. I’m joined by six women who, like me, are core members of the Wise Women Network. This is a fast growing movement that aims to protect physiological birth and champion women-led care through connections with birth-workers and mothers who are seeking our support. Tune in to hear more about our ‘why’ and be inspired by our fire, heart and passion.**If you want to be a part of the Wise Women Network, you can join us on the following social media pages**Facebook group aimed at birth worker support and information: Wise Women Network NZ Facebook group aimed at consumer support and information: Wise Women Network: Birth Support (to Birth YOUR Way)Instagram @wisewomennetwork_nz
The Healing Birth with Carla podcast explores the topic of birth trauma and how healing can be found. We’ll share the stories of parents who have journeyed from trauma to healing, and we’ll discuss the insights of birth keepers who support others on their healing path.
Listeners can expect to be inspired, to find hope and help on their own birthing journeys, and to learn. This podcast is for anyone who intends to give birth, has given birth, or has a passion for birth in all her reverent and sacred offerings.
New Zealand