Shows
Birthing at Home: A PodcastFreebirth as a first time mum || Monique's birth of Jonathan at home (New South Wales)This is birth story 57, and it is shared by Monique from the Northern Beaches in Sydney. She shares her freebirth story with her first baby, Jonathan or Jojo. Monique’s normal boring freebirth story is so interesting given her own birth imprint includes both her and her brother being born via c-section. It’s a beautiful story and lovely to listen to how Monique learnt about freebirth and the confidence she had in her body. Resources: Birth Video Labour https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-9tj-Ih98EyxpM4rNOEjpPIVV2Utt95xzEyxo0/?igsh=dHNtbXh4aHNhMDl5Birth https://www.inst...2024-12-151h 14
Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People20. Leonie's Birth Story of her Surprise Twins!We welcome a special guest for our 20th episode - our very own Leonie!
After a wild (or should that be intuitive?) pregnancy Leonie was planning her 4th freebirth at home with her family.
However, events took a twist after she felt in need of some medical support and discovered not one baby - but two - were making their way into the world!
Let us know what you thought of this episode over on instagram, we hope you enjoy!
____________________________________________
Planning your freebirth and looking for support?
Wo...2024-11-191h 48Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People19. "You'll never conceive naturally or birth vaginally". Amber’s Freebirth (FBAM) story.In this episode, we hear from Amber in California, as she shares her FBAM story.
Before pregnancy, Amber had fibroid removal surgery (myomectomy). Since this is a vaginal birth after uterine surgery, it comes in the same 'category' as a VBAC.
Amber was told she couldn't conceive children naturally, and then when she did and was told she'd have to give birth by caesarean, Amber has been on a journey of deep healing and to question everything.
Amber explores how fear and self-sabotage can show up in birth, the power and importance of...2024-05-291h 26Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People18. The Partners Episode! Top tips for Supporting Freebirth from Dave and Dhi.In this episode, we talk to two VERY special guests, our husbands, Dave and Dhi!
We wanted to explore freebirth from the perspective of the partners, and how ours felt around the idea of freebirth. This is more of a personal share episode, as we all talk about how the births and preparations felt for us.
We asked our community to send in some questions that we could put to our husbands, and this juicy episode doesn't disappoint!
We get to some nitty gritty...
How did you feel the first time freebirth came as...2024-03-281h 23Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People17. Solo Freebirth in an Air Bnb! Bria's Birth Story.Join us for the first NBF Workshop: How to Handle Your Fears.
Get your ticket here.
The workshop will be your opportunity to work with Victoria and Leonie, as part of the group, and focus on the fears you have. The transformational 2 hours will leave you with the tools needed to handle any future fears that might pop up during your pregnancy.
A replay will be available and sent to you, but participation is recommended.
We look for ward to seeing you there!
Victoria & Leonie, team NBF
In this...2024-01-311h 23
Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People16. A First Time Mum’s (Almost) Festive Freebirth! Andrena's Freebirth Story.In this episode we hear from Andrena, a tattoo artist and animal lover who freebirthed her first baby.
Whilst chatting with tattoo clients, Andrena quickly learned that there is often a lack of belief in birth and their bodies for many, many women.
Andrena went in to appointments armed with research and with eyes wide open, working through small baby/big baby appointments, home birth 'top tips' from midwives, and understanding ultrasound options.
We discuss death and taking responsibility for our decisions, and having those hard conversations together before birth.
Andrena...2023-12-221h 42Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People15. From ‘Secret Freebirther’ to all-in! Chelsea’s Freebirth story.In this episode, we hear from Chelsea from New Zealand, as she shares her journey from home birth to freebirth.
In her first pregnancy, Chelsea discovers she is quite savvy about how the system works and could see that certain things could lead her down a pathway she didn't want to be on.
Her first midwife-attended home birth was positive despite duress. We discuss the pressures to comply to certain things, and how Chelsea felt like she couldn't really say what she wanted.
Through her second pregnancy, Chelsea went through a process of...2023-12-141h 36Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People14. Self-managing Gestational Diabetes: Midwife Mollie May's Freebirth.In this episode, we hear from Mollie May, an Independent Midwife who freebirthed her first baby. Mollie shares with us the balance she needed to find between experiencing her pregnancy in its own right, and wearing her professional hat as a UK registered midwife.
Mollie discusses how she navigated the label and potential diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, and how she managed this well with changes to her diet. We explore some of the challenges that can present whilst pregnant as a midwife, including sharing plans with other professionals.
Mollie shares with us that her daughter...2023-11-171h 32Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People13. The Dangers of the "Nice Midwife" with Kemi BirthJoy JohnsonIn this episode, we talk with birthkeeper Kemi Johnson and get our teeth in to the idea of the "nice midwife".
For many considering or preparing for freebirth, they will at some point come into contact with the kind of midwife who may be described as "really nice".
It's important to discuss this, as it's not uncommon for this seemingly supportive care to come crashing down. We explore the 'not all midwives' argument, the qualities of a truly nice midwife, and what can happen when we trust someone whose 'niceness' is somewhat shallow and based...2023-09-271h 14Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People12. Chelsea-Lee's Breech Freebirth and Birth by the side of the Road.
In this episode we hear from Chelsea-Lee from Australia, as she shares her epic breech freebirth story. From an unexpected pregnancy following PCOS, to reclaiming her body after sexual assault, Chelsea-Lee's story is one full of wisdom and healing.
Her first birth was an adrenaline filled side-of-the-road birth, and Chelsea-Lee was determined that her next would be different. We talk about some unhelpful elements of traditional Hypnobirthing, calling a new baby's soul in, and the cross overs of death and birth.
Chelsea-Lee shares about stored trauma in the body following the assault, and how her...2023-07-261h 35Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People11. Ashleigh's Freebirth at 43 weeks with Meconium.In this episode, we hear from mum of 3 Ashleigh from Durham. She shares her journey from non-hypnobirthing-perfect induction, to nearly-in-the-ambulance hospital birth, and finally to her long-awaited freebirth at home.
Ashleigh shares how her visions for each birth evolved, how her history of addiction surfaced when taking pain relief, and how important it has been having a known and trusted HCP for support. We hear how Ashleigh's location was a turning point towards freebirth, and the realities of moving house across boarders. Ashleigh used the amazing resource of the Physiological Birth Club on clubhouse to ask a...2023-05-111h 42Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People10. Take Your Birth by Storm: Mieke's Freebirth story.In this episode, we hear from Mieke in Canada, as she shares her 'normal day' freebirth story.
Mieke witnessed home births as a doula, before her own first birth, which was a ferocious and powerful midwife-attended home birth.
We discussed the potent effects of castor oil, the midwife attending in a Halloween costume, and ways of navigating vaginal examinations.
Mieke shares how the home birth support locally had broken down, so that freebirth for her next child really felt like the only option. Indeed, lots more women are freebirthing in the area she...2023-04-101h 40Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People9. Traumatic Hospital Birth to Transformational Freebirth! Kathryn's story.In this episode, we hear from Kathryn in Leeds, as she shares the freebirth of her second child.
Kathryn's first birth was what is unfortunately quite a common story; unquestioned hospital birth, labouring in the car park.
After being refused entry to a birth pool in hospital, despite knowing she needed to be in water, things went down hill from there. Second time around, Kathryn had already begun to question things and describes "moving away from an abusive relationship" with mainstream maternity care. For her, it was a gradual process.
Kathryn had a...2023-03-061h 12Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People8. Eugenie's Freebirth: Exploring Birth Culture in France.In this episode, Eugenie from France shares her freebirth story of her second child, and we learn about freebirthing in France!
Eugenie's first pregnancy was smooth, followed by a highly medicalised hospital birth that resulted in a spinal fluid leak.
After having experienced such a straight-forward pregnancy Eugenie was left thinking, what the hell happened during the birth?!
Her birth felt so awful that Eugenie didn't want another child for a while, but when the time was right she became pregnant again, and knew things could be so so different.
Eugenie...2023-01-291h 14
Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People7. Have a Normal Boring Freebirth Christmas!In this episode, we share tips and tricks learned along the way for surviving the Christmas period!
We asked you over on our Instagram page, for your top tips for navigating the festive season whilst pregnant, with a small baby, freebirth specific challenges - and your responses were great!
We discuss expectations around the first Christmas, letting go of making the Instagram-perfect picture, making your own traditions, discussing freebirth plans over the Christmas dinner, the importance of supporting the mother-baby relationship, and what new parents *actually* need at Christmas.
We also discuss the...2022-12-211h 03Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People6. Donna's 44 Week NHS Homebirth Story.In this episode, Donna from Bristol shares her 44 week home birth story! (Yes, yes we know it's not a freebirth, but she said next time it will be! Plus, 44 weeks - incredible!) Though the start of her pregnancy was normal and boring, Donna soon had a fight on her hands as her midwives feared the possibility of a breech baby and took issue with Donna's declining of tests and measurements. Donna was immensely informed and prepared, whipping out stats and studies during her antenatal appointments and even during her labour! During the birth Donna needed to bat away disruptions...2022-12-091h 22Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People5. Freebirth as a First Time Mum: Theresa's Birth Story.In this episode, Theresa an Austrian living in London, shares her story of freebirth as a first time mum.
Theresa shares how she knew she wanted the support of a doula very early on, and talks about some amazing support from a male midwife within the NHS. She also shares about her awful home birth risk assessment visit, her amazing doula Samara, and how she nearly gave birth to the latest James Bond movie.
Between waddling walks around Camden Market, shopping for houmous and buying nails to put up the wall hangings, Theresa keeps her...2022-11-301h 25Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People4. The Freebirth of Eetha: Amy's Daughter Born Sleeping.In this episode, Amy from Southwater in West Sussex, shares the story of her daughter Eetha who sadly was born sleeping.
After a traumatic miscarriage that was handled badly by her hospital, Amy knew that she wanted her next birth to happen away from the medical system. Amy and partner Charlie prepared extensively for freebirth, and despite the tragic outcome of loss, Amy describes the birth as incredible and empowering.
Amy shares her experience of amazing support during a difficult time, and what to expect if you do experience a loss.
Amy recorded...2022-11-132h 36Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People3. Kezia's Uneventful Freebirth and her Beautifully Boring Birth Video.In this episode, Kezia from Wallingford, South Oxfordshire shares her amazingly uneventful freebirth story.
Kezia talks of what real support can look like in both her hospital and home birth, the benefits of sexytime in birth, and the playful fumble of birthing her placenta.
We also discuss her gloriously dull birth video, in which very little happens aside from the simple miracle of birth; simple and extraordinary. She describes herself as feeling "just like me who had done something a bit extra".
Kezia works as a Hypnobirthing instructor, and says her freebirth has...2022-11-021h 13Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People2. "The Birth of Dreams": Christina's Family-Centered Freebirth.In this episode, Christina from Derry, Northern Ireland, shares her story of the beautiful family-centered birth of her daughter. Her first baby was born in hospital, which she described as scary, unnatural and lacking control.
Christina knew that she wanted her next birth to be different.
When exploring her options (including wild/unassisted pregnancy, which others described as "a bit mad"), she was able to explore extra support and resources to support her decision making.
Home birth midwives were not likely going to be available to attend, so since Christina knew for sure...2022-09-301h 10
Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People1. The who, the what and the why.In this episode we explore just how normal and sometimes boring freebirth can be, and why there is a need for this conversation in the freebirth world. We move away from the common image of what freebirth 'is' and are creating a resource for you all where freebirth really can be accessible to all who choose it.
We are calling out for wonderful guest speakers with amazing, normal, boring freebirth stories to share with the world.
If this is you, get in touch:
@normalboringfreebirth
or
normalboringfreebirth@outlook.com
We're so excited to chat with you and hear your story!
Love,
...2022-09-0745 min