Midwifery Wisdom Podcast

Welcome to "Midwives and the Elements," our captivating mini-series. As we momentarily step away from our usual episodes, join us over the next few weeks as we explore remarkable tales of midwives from across the nation who've fearlessly ventured into the elements—water, fire, earth, and air—to support clients and families that they serve.

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

Welcome to our final episode of season 3! Thank you for your unwavering support over the past three remarkable seasons. We will resume season 4 on October 11. In the meantime, watch for some exclusive bonus episodes we're excited to share in the coming month.

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

Join us for this week's episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as Augustine sits down with the creator of the renowned Resus-A-Cradle, Anni Mclaughlin.

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

Buckle up for this week's episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast. Your host, Augustine Colebrook, is accompanied by two remarkable California midwives, Lisa Rawson and Sophia Henderson. Together, these midwives share their personal narratives and experiences intertwined with the world of free birth.

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)

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast for a conversation that promises to revolutionize breastfeeding as we know it. Co-host Augustine Colebrook sits down with the brilliant mind behind an innovative new breast pump, Eva Nagy-Gannon, whose groundbreaking creation is set to change the game.

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

This week on the Midwifery Wisdom podcast join cohost Augustine Colebrook as she sits down with the remarkable Aubre Tompkins, a Colorado CNM, Birth Center owner, and the President of the American Association of Birth Centers.

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

Join us on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast this week for an eye-opening conversation between cohost Augustine Colebrook and pelvic floor therapist, Dr. Kamaria Washington. 

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

Join cohost Augustine Colebrook on this week's captivating episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as she sits down with Amariee Collins, a remarkable registered sonographer and student midwife.

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

Prepare yourself for an introspective journey as this week's conversation dives into profound questions that will leave you contemplating long after the episode ends.

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, where cohost 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

In this special throwback episode, cohost Augustine Colebrook takes us back to an enlightening interview with Brittany Thornton, the instructor for our newest course, "Midwives' Guide for Supporting Reproductive Journeys."

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

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey as cohost Augustine Colebrook takes you on an eye-opening expedition through the state of birth care in India. In this episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine is joined by three special guests: Chetana Kulkarni, Undavalli Deepika, and Dr. Ashwathika Ashok—her very own Midwifery Students from India!

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.

Celebrate Pride Month with us as we embark on an incredible podcast journey alongside three extraordinary midwives: Angie, Abi, and Jordan. In this episode, these midwives fearlessly shed light on what it truly means to embrace their Queer identities within the realm of midwifery.

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

Calling all midwives: If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real change in the birth world, Wyoming might be your place!

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as cohost 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

Join cohosts Augustine Colebrook and Leila Wyatt as they embark on an engaging conversation with three extraordinary and exceptionally young midwives in this week's episode. Trinity Stephens, Annaliese Myers, and Kalu Brake open up about their journeys of discovering and pursuing midwifery at such tender ages. They recount their initial encounters with birth, discuss the diverse paths they have chosen within the birthing realm, and share their experiences of navigating doubts along the way. Be sure to tune in and glean valuable insights on introducing the beauty of birth to younger generations, as these inspiring midwives impart their invaluable wisdom and tips.

Show Resources
-Pathways to Midwifery
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2023

Join us this week on the Midwifery Wisdom podcast as we dive into an inspiring conversation with our cohost Angela Love and special guest Rachel Cornett-Olsson, a talented CNM and APRN. Get ready to be captivated by Rachel's unique journey into the world of midwifery, which surprisingly began in a hair salon of all places!

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

Welcome to a new episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! Join us this week as Augustine returns with a captivating interview that is sure to leave you inspired.

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

Our final throwback episode from our original podcast, Worldwide Midwifery! A beautiful episode focusing on the power that could come into midwifery if we all collaborated.

"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

This week we're throwing it back to a special episode from our original podcast Worldwide Midwifery:

"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! 

Throwback episode! This week we're throwing it back to an interview featured on our first podcast, Worldwide Midwifery.

"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.

This week on the Midwifery Wisdom podcast, we have an inspiring conversation between cohost Augustine Colebrook and the renowned San Antonio Midwife and Birth Center owner, Nikki McIver-Brown.

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