18. “They thought I didn’t believe I was that weight!” Being gaslit and pushing back
Ruth was planning her fourth caesarean birth when we recorded this episode. Navigating her care has been challenging for her but she has done it brilliantly, pushing back against the ‘internalised fat-phobia’ she’s encountered along the way. A must-listen for anyone who wants tips on self-advocacy!
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47:47
17. Understanding Birth Trauma, with Dr Jenny Patterson
Jenny Patterson is a midwife and lecturer whose research focuses on birth trauma.
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51:58
16: 'There Has Never Been a Safer Time Than Now To Have a Baby': Reassurance on Risk & Stillbirth With Dr Tomasina Stacey
Dr Tomasina Stacey is a UK Midwife and Researcher, specialising in stillbirth prevention. In this fascinating and reassuring chat, Tomasina provides tips and explainers to help you navigate the tricky topic of risk, she simplifies the numbers that can be hard to get our heads round, and in her wonderful, calm and compassionate style, she provides reassurance for pregnancy and birth. I loved this discussion with my friend and colleague - thank you Tomasina!
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39:13
15. 'Without Even Saying Hello She Said "Has Anyone Talked To You About Your Weight Yet?"' Leaving U.S. Doctor-Led Care, with MacKenzie
In my first chat with a U.S mom, I meet MacKenzie, a first time mum who early on in her pregnancy became disillusioned with the standard approach of doctor-led care. In this fascinating chat we discuss some differences between U.S and UK care systems, and she tells me all about her midwives and her homebirth waterbirth. Please do check out her amazing birth photos for ultimate inspiration! XX
Katie had a lockdown birth in 2020 the first time around. She had a GD diagnosis, was on insulin and had an induction that left her feeling disempowered. This time, in 2024, Katie had some Heavyweight Midwife empowerment, that helped her advocate for her longed-for waterbirth. Her consultant agreed it… but you’ll never guess what happened next.
Katie was so empowered by her pregnancy & birth experiences that since having baby Savannah, she’s joined Team Heavyweight Midwife! With her background in mental health and talking therapies, Alice is keeping Katie busy in the Facebook Group while she’s on maternity leave!
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate review & follow us. It helps other people who need our empowerment to find us! XX
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.
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