Episode 27: ‘Too Fat’ or Too Old’? Which are you? Scapegoating in medicalised childbirth
This week sees the release of figures confirming caesarean and forceps/ventouse account for over half all births in the UK. Increases in ‘advanced maternal age’ and ‘maternal obesity’ are highlighted as underpinning this trend, adding to the scapegoating of women.I have some somewhat garbled thoughts in this weeks’ episode.
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Episode 26: Plus Size Epidurals: Your Need-to-Knows
Many plus size women are recommended to see an anaesthetist during pregnancy, and this appointment will involve discussing epidurals for labour and birth. But what do you need to know if you’re plus size? Is it a good idea to have one? What if you don’t want one? Are there special considerations? In this episode, Alice goes over the basics of epidurals - what they are, how they work and the things to think about if you’re plus size.And if you need more info, on epidurals and every other aspect of plus size pregnancy care and birth planning, head to theheavyweightmidwife.com
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Ep 25: How to Have a Plus Size Waterbirth
The journey to a waterbirth can take some navigating if you’re plus size. For most women it’s not just a case of telling your midwife you want one then having one! In this episode I outline some of the evidence (or lack of it!) on plus size waterbirth, take a look at the restrictions and challenges you might face, and give you some practical tips for planning and advocating for your dream birth
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Episode 24: Going Abroad For IVF with Emma Haslam
On this week’s show, I’m talking to Emma Haslam about all things IVF abroad.Following her own journey with infertility which led to the birth of her son via IVF abroad Emma Haslam has become the go-to independent expert guide for fertility testing and treatment in Europe. Since 2019 Emma has helped 100s of people globally struggling to conceive to start and grow their families.Emma has been featured in the national and international media, interviewed and featured in a book and is an advocate, writer and podcaster for the infertility community. Emma was a headline speaker at The Fertility Show in London 2025, and Judge at the European Fertility Care awards in 2024 and 2025.Emma is on a mission to make fertility testing and treatment globally more transparent, affordable, accessible, safe and supported for more people and she wants to put you firmly back in the driver’s seat of your fertility journey and give you the best chance of reaching your desired destination; growing your family.LinksWant to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? Start with my free training that will tell you everything you need to know.yourivfabroad.co.uk/freemasterclassIVF abroad podcast with Emma:yourivfabroad.co.uk/podcastConnect with Emma on Instagram:www.instagram.com/yourivfabroad.co.uk
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Episode 23: The Thing About Doctors…
If you’re plus size and pregnant, it might mean you’re referred to see a doctor, a consultant obstetrician to be precise. But, if your referral is solely because of your BMI, what is it for? And will you actually see a consultant? What should you expect and how should you prepare? And… is it compulsory to be ‘consultant-led’ for plus size pregnancy?
The podcast for plus size pregnancy empowerment! Information, reassurance and myth-busting, with Dr Alice Keely, midwife specialist and PhD with 20 years experience and a passion for the uniqueness of every single pregnancy journey. From your positive test day, feel good, learn, get empowered and reassured with Alice, her expert guests, and real-life plus size mamas telling their stories, always with positivity and empowerment in mind!
Follow Alice on social media @theheavyweightmidwife and do get in touch if you have a question , be a guest expert or if you have a story you’d like to share.
New Zealand