Shows
Waterbirth Podcast by Birth Pool in a BoxRhea Dempsey — Best Start for Baby: Why Choices MatterYour small choices add up. Rhea connects environment, language, mobility and timing to hormonal flow, coping and baby's first hours—so you can set yourselves up for a calmer labour and a gentler start.
Discover how seemingly minor decisions throughout labour create a cascade of positive effects for both you and your baby, from smoother labour progression to easier bonding and breastfeeding success.
We discuss:
How oxytocin-friendly choices (privacy, warmth, low light) support progress
Simple mobility/position ideas that help baby navigate the pelvis
Language shifts that reduce adrenaline and keep you centred
Protecting th...
2025-09-251h 18
Making a MidwifeRhea Dempsey - Doula, childbirth educator, counsellorWelcome to another week of Making a Midwife! This week we are so thrilled to share with you our wonderful chat with Rhea Dempsey! Rhea is an all-round gem and such a gift to the birthing world. Based in Melbourne, Rhea takes us through her introduction to birth, what drew her into birth work and what she has learnt along the way. She shares practical advice for birth support and working with pain and chats through the 'crisis of confidence' idea which was fantastic. After listening to this you'll be forever carrying wide tooth combs with you to births and...
2025-08-061h 33
DelveBirth Preparation: Acupuncture’s crucial roleFor our final episode in Season 1, we’re deep diving into Birth Preparation, empowering you with the knowledge to best prepare for labour and birth. We delve into the history of the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Gynaecology and Obstetrics for thousands of years and fast forward to the 21st century to discuss the evidence behind using Acupuncture and Acupressure as part of birth preparation to support an efficient labour and birth. We share our recommended tools, tips and educational resources for both vaginal and caesarean births and unpack a listener’s question in the Dear Dao D...
2025-07-2740 min
Soul Evolution: Embodied Women’s Wisdom, Birth Stories and More76. [WISE WOMAN] WITH RHEA DEMPSEY - THE FUCKING EPIDURAL, CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE & WHY PAIN IN BIRTH MATTERSToday’s guest, Rhea Dempsey, is a true elder and educator in the birth world. She has been on my dream guest list since the origin of Soul Evolution.After a shocking first birth experience in the late 1970s left her confused and traumatized, she began a lifelong inquiry into what had gone wrong — and how it could be different. That journey sparked a decades-long vocation in childbirth education, counseling, and birth support.Since then, she has attended over a thousand births, taught hundreds of workshops and prenatal classes, and supported countless women and families acros...
2025-07-231h 04
The VBAC Homebirth Stories PodcastEP147 | Rhea Dempsey: A Conversation on VBAC Homebirths, Confidence, and the Power of BirthIn this heartwarming and insightful episode, I sit down with renowned childbirth educator and doula Rhea Dempsey to explore the world of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) homebirths.
With nearly 50 years of experience, Rhea shares her wisdom on embracing the power of physiological birth, managing the “crisis of confidence” during labour, and reframing pain as a sign of strength.
Rhea also reflects on the evolving homebirth landscape in Australia, the importance of building a strong support team, and why understanding past birthing experiences is crucial for planning a VBAC homebirth.
Whether you're preparing for...
2024-11-201h 29
Instinct Culture by Denise SalcedoRHEA RIPLEY & JORDYNNE GRACE APPEAR, ZARIA IN-RING DEBUT, TATUM VS WENDY CASKET MATCH | WWE NXTTOPICS: --Heritage Cup Champion Charlie Dempsey defends against Lexis King (w/ William Regal) --WWE NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom & Nathan Frazer defend against Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander --Zaria vs. TBA --Tatum Paxley vs. Wendy Choo in a casket match --Adriana Rizzo calls out her attacker-- PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
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2024-10-301h 10
Growing Up Raising UsJoelleen Winduss Paye on why she knew she wanted a homebirth as a midwifeIn this episode, we're joined by Joelleen Winduss Paye (she/her), an IBCLC holistic lactation consultant, midwife, naturopath, educator and mother. Joelleen joined us on the podcast to share her journey into motherhood, and how her professional work as a midwife of 13+ years and holistic lactation consult has informed her own decisions around pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
Joelleen shares with us her two births - the birth and loss of her daughter at 16 weeks, followed by the birth of her son, Mali. Joellen reflects on how she prepared for and navigated pregnancy after loss, her reasons a...
2024-09-3045 min
Birth Choices15. Kyla’s birth story — physiological birth with private OB + doulaIn this episode we speak with Kyla about her experience of navigating her choice of pregnancy care provider, and deciding to birth in a private hospital under the care of an obstetrician, with doula support. Coming from the US, Kyla was drawn to the possibility of public maternity care and also knew from her research that midwifery-led care was appropriate for her and her hopes for birth. Kyla’s pregnancy took place in the time of ongoing COVID restrictions and changes to pregnancy care, which meant that for her booked hospital, all appointments were by telehealth until well past 20 wee...
2024-07-3156 min
The Whole Doula Podcast3: Becoming Your Own Doula First with Maddison SharmanBased in Melbourne (on Wurundjeri land) , Maddison Sharman (she/her/they/them) has been in the Healing Arts for 13 yrs, running a developed solo practitioner business in which she currently offers bodywork, yoni massage, remedial and pregnancy massage, flower essences, sound healing, reiki, sacred sexual healing and more.
Maddison is a new doula, training at the time of recording with Rhea Dempsey, and on call to attend her first birth.
Maddison's journey to birthwork was almost by accident when one of her pregnant clients asked her to accompany her fo...
2024-07-2642 minBirth Choices14. Emily & Josh’s birth story — physiological waterbirth in the public system with caseload midwifery care + doula supportIn this episode we speak with first time parents Emily and Josh about their experience of navigating their choices in pregnancy and birth, and preparing for what was a beautiful physiological waterbirth in the public system. Em and Josh sought out continuity of care through their local caseload program, and chose additional support from a doula. We hear about the positive social influences on their mindset for pregnancy and birth, their experience of reviewing the evidence on midwifery continuity of care in choosing where and with whom to birth, and in navigating other choices throughout their pregnancy and birth...
2024-07-161h 12
Hormone Health Podcast35 - Birth With Confidence With Rhea DempseyThis episode is a must for those preparing for labour and birth and for those, including birth partners, who will be present during a labour and birth. We were lucky enough to speak with well-known, Rhea Dempsey, who over the last 40 years has attended thousands of births. This was such a fascinating chat about: The stats mothers are up against birthing in this modern world Understanding pain in labour - functional physiological pain vs pathological painThe hormonal changes that happen during normal physiological birth - the dance between Queen Oxytocin, Endorphins, and AdrenalineThe similarities between Runner's...
2024-07-091h 17
Natural Birth Co. Podcast#67 PROFESSIONAL How to Birth with Confidence with Childbirth Doula, Educator & Author, Rhea DempseyWarning: today’s podcast guest may have you fangirling… In today’s episode I sat down with Rhea Dempsey, a childbirth doula and educator, counsellor and author to Birth With Confidence & Beyond The Birth Plan, (two of NBC’s mamas’ favourite reads)!Rhea came into this space after experiencing an out-of-control birth experience with her first bub, which really opened her mind to the existing birth culture around physiological birth, and birthing in the hospital setting. This is what set her on this path to make so many waves in the physiological birthing space and e...
2024-06-231h 27
The Mama VillageAlison - first time mum shares her incredible journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Alison chose to have a home water birth, supported by a private midwife and a doula.Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village Podcast.
Joining us today is Alison, a first-time mum who will be sharing her incredible journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Alison chose to have a home water birth, supported by a private midwife and a doula, and her story is a testament to trusting one’s instincts and the profound power of feeling at home in your own birthing experience.
Throughout her pregnancy, Alison faced the challenge of carpal tunnel syndrome, adding an extra layer of complexity to her journey. Despite this, she made the em...
2024-06-2044 min
Homebirth Stories AustraliaS2 EP: 12 Kristyn - Two Births, Private Midwife, Emergency Caesarean, General Anaesthesia, Ruptured Appendix, NICU, Breastfeeding Trauma, Ectopic Pregnancy, Homebirth, Episiotomy, HBACSend us a textIn today's episode we interviewed Kristyn, who is a mum of two and the president of Homebirth Australia. Kristyn planned to birth her first baby at home with her private midwife. When Kristyn was 36+6 weeks pregnant she went to hospital with pain on her left side. After a long and painful wait, Kristyn's appendix ruptured resulting in an emergency caesarean under general anaesthesia. Kristyn experienced breastfeeding trauma due to the inadequate care she received from staff within the hospital as she wanted to breastfeed whilst her baby was in the NICU. ...
2024-06-192h 07
Cuppa with a doula#037 Sarah - Endometriosis, birth centre, hypnobirthing, home birth x2, midwife sister, tongue tie releaseThanks for tuning into today’s conversation with the amazing Sarah, who is a special ed teacher, mum to 2 and now an author of her very own book “Little Harvey’s big feelings”, which you will hear more about on the podcast very soon!
In this episode we chat all about
✔️tossing between birthing at a birth centre or having a home birth with a private midwife, based on her sister’s two births and the fact that her sister is a midwife in an MGP program
✔️deciding to birth at...
2024-05-191h 28The Mama VillageElise - dedicated chiropractor & loving mother of two. Elise dives into chiropractic care and also shares her birth stories, one a hospital birth & the other a free birthWelcome to another episode of The Mama Village podcast. Today, I have a very special guest joining us, Elise, a dedicated chiropractor and loving mother of two. Elise brings a wealth of knowledge as she dives into the
profound role of chiropractic care, viewing the body as an interconnected whole.
In this insightful conversation, Elise sheds light on the
pervasive levels of chronic stress we experience, leading to what she terms as "sympathetic dominance." She passionately discusses the importance of restoring balance to our nervous system and how chiropractic adjustments can play a pivotal role in achieving...
2024-05-171h 37The Mama VillageJess - FTM shares her blissful pregnancy journey which took a surprising & empowering turn with an unplanned home birth. Jess also shares her postpartum story, incl. the struggles & challengesWelcome back to another episode of The Mama Village podcast.
Today I am honoured to be joined by Jess, a radiant first-time mum whose journey into motherhood took a surprising and empowering turn with an unplanned home birth.
As Jess recounts her experience, she vividly describes the rush of pride and excitement that flooded her heart when she realised her baby would be welcomed into the world within the comforting walls of her own home.
Despite the initial shock of an unplanned home birth, Jess
reflects on the profound sense of empowerment that...
2024-05-1153 min
Health, Happiness & Human KindHHHK 482: Birth, Trauma & the Senate Inquiry with Rhea Dempsey In today’s episode we are again joined by Rhea Dempsey, childbirth educator and author of two incredible bibles – Birth with Confidence and Beyond the Birth Plan. Together we explore birth trauma – the statistics, the realities, the role of Queen oxytocin, the butterfly effect of synthetic oxytocin, the 2024 Senate inquiry into birth trauma and so much more. Head to https://www.stephlowe.com/podcasts/482 for show notes, episode transcripts and more.
2024-04-241h 29
Born for thisEpisode 10 - Astrid - 43 week homebirth, brain tumor, self advocacyIn this episode, I speak with my friend Astrid about her birth experiences. We discuss Astrid's perception of birth growing up, her previous births, and the planning for her third child, Frankie. Astrid shares how her partner's brain tumor diagnosis affected her pregnancy and birth plans. Despite the challenges, Astrid advocated for a home birth and had to navigate the fear of induction. Astrid's story highlights the importance of trusting one's body and making informed decisions during pregnancy and birth. She also talks about the emotional journey she went through leading up to the birth and the deep connection...
2024-04-2255 min
BirthfulThe Purpose of Childbirth Pain, with Rhea DempseyRhea Dempsey is one of the foremost thinkers on the topic of working with pain in childbirth. She shares with Adriana the physiological purpose of pain during labor, why it gets such a bad rap, and suggests the pain relief paradigm is a medical construct that undermines our capacity for peak performance and body potency that ultimately facilitates birth. In other words: bring it on!Get the most out of this episode by checking out the resources, transcript, and links listed on its show notes page.If you liked this episode, listen to our interview...
2024-04-1047 minThe Mama VillageTess - positive birth experience in a private hospital, birth & postpartum doula, infertility struggles, holding space for the motherToday, on The Mama Village podcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Tess, a remarkable woman who has journeyed through the depths of infertility struggles to find herself in the radiant light of motherhood. Her path led her to a private hospital where she experienced a birth filled with love, support, and power.
But Tess's journey doesn't end there. Inspired by her own experiences, she has become a doula, offering her unique gift of support to women who face similar challenges on their path to motherhood. Tess's passion lies in holding space for mothers during the...
2024-03-211h 10
Positive Birth AustraliaS5 EP145: Astrid Rene: Homebirth Transfer + Birth Centre + Homebirth/43 Weeks/"Big" Baby/Stressful Pregnancy - Partner Brain Tumour DiagnosisIn this episode, Astrid reflects on her three unique birth experiences, each contributing to her deep respect for the journey of birth. Her trust in birth was instilled at a young age as she witnessed her siblings being born at home.Her first birth, initially planned for a homebirth but ending in a transfer, became a pivotal moment for Astrid. It prompted her to explore the essence of physiological birth more deeply. The natural unfolding of her second baby's birth further solidified her trust in her body’s innate wisdom.However, it was Astrid's third pr...
2024-03-181h 00The Mama VillageSarah - three healing births after a traumatic first birth, hypnobirthing practitioner, unplanned homebirthHello everyone and welcome back to another episode of
The Mama Village podcast. I am your host Ellen and today we have a remarkable guest: Sarah, a mother of four and hypnobirthing practitioner. In this episode, Sarah generously shares her deeply personal journey through her four contrasting birth stories, each a chapter in her incredible journey.
Sarah begins by giving a deeply honest and raw recount of her first baby’s birth – a traumatic experience. Through vulnerability, she sheds light on the challenges faced by many mothers during childbirth. But Sarah’s story doesn’t end there. She goes...
2024-03-161h 31The Mama VillageTempest - Physiological twin birth in hospital, innate belief in women to birth, tandem breastfeeding, village of support postpartum, challenges the conventional medical modelWelcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! A podcast filled with education and positive stories about pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
I am your host Ellen, and in today’s episode, I am honored to sit down with Tempest, a mother of three, who shares her extraordinary twin birth story with us. Tempest's journey is nothing short of remarkable, filled with twists and turns that ultimately led her to an awe-inspiring physiological birth experience in the hospital.
As Tempest recounts her pregnancy journey, we learn of her initial decision not to undergo ultrasounds, only to...
2024-03-071h 33Birth Choices04: Birth story — choosing VBAC and advocating for your preferences with postpartum doula, Jules Meyer @flo.to.growIn this episode we speak with postpartum doula, Jules Meyer of @flo.to.grow, about her experience of the “cascade of intervention” in her first birth following induction, her journey of preparing for a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), the ongoing advocacy required through her pregnancy, and birth, and how it felt to birth her second baby vaginally, both in those minutes and hours post-birth, and now, weeks into her postpartum. She reflects beautifully on the shift from being what she thought was informed first time around, to getting really informed, and standing in her power to birth her baby...
2024-02-121h 48
This Rich Life with Abbey Sanderson-Milera#11. BEFORE AND BEYOND BIRTH WITH SKYEOur first guest episode!!! With the wonderful Skye, from Before and Beyond Birth. Skye is a pregnancy, birth and post-partum doula supporting women to have their most powerful birth. We delve into some juicy questions asked by listeners and clear up some misconceptions...
Check her out: https://www.instagram.com/beforeandbeyond.birth?igsh=MXN5Z2JjYW1oZnZueQ==
Resources Skye mentioned in the episode:
Rhea Dempsey - Birth With Confidence
Rachel Reed - Childbirth as a Rite of Passage
Rachel Reed - Childbirth Physiology Course
2024-01-021h 13Growing Up Raising UsBree Stafford's VBA2C/HBA2CIn this episode, I'm joined by Bree Stafford (she/her), a birth doula, birth photographer, and mum of three. Bree joins us to share her VBA2C/HBA2C story.
Bree's three birth experiences have opened her heart to what is possible. Her first babies, two boys, whose arrivals took her on a journey through an intervention filled hospital birth, resulting in a Cesarean with her first son. The process of planning a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with her second son, resulting in a repeat, yet empowered cesarean. With her third pregnancy with her daughter, Bree r...
2023-12-1852 min
Birth As We Know It ™️-Birth Stories and Experiences42-Ashley Winning-3 Births-Cesarean & VBAC-Rosie,Annie & MillieSend Kiona a Text Message!In this episode, Ashley shares how being a bigger woman in the Australian healthcare system led to both births ending in a cesarean. For her third pregnancy, she felt safest having an unassisted free birth at home. Throughout the episode, she dives into deep detail as to why she made the decisions she did and how her experiences flourished into a business supporting other women in her community. birthasweknowitpodcast.com/42 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or...
2023-12-132h 14Growing Up Raising UsDoula Bree Stafford's 'Recipes for a Successful VBAC'In this episode, I'm joined by Bree Stafford (she/her), a birth doula, birth photographer, and mum of three. She is my wonderful doula who'll be supporting my VBAC this year/early next. In this episode, Bree shares her 'Recipes for a Successful VBAC' as comprehensive tips for anyone planning for a VBAC.
More about Bree:
Bree's three birth experiences have opened her heart to what is possible. Her first babies, two boys, whose arrivals took her on a journey through an intervention filled hospital birth, resulting in a Cesarean with her...
2023-12-1141 minHomebirth Stories AustraliaS1 EP: 13 Sammy Griffin (2) Two Births, MGP, Caesarean, Birth Trauma, Intuitive Birth, VBAC, Private Midwife.Send us a textSammy walks us through her first birth that follows a story we have heard so frequently, a hospital birth that led to a cesarean section. During her postpartum Sammy experienced Postnatal depression, and she speaks candidly about this impacted her fourth trimester. Once Sammy had her son, her whole perspective shifted and she realised there must be something more to birth which led to her second birth being intuitive, and calm. Sammy is a wealth of knowledge and we highly recommend going back and listening to her first episode were we...
2023-10-311h 05
The Ultimate Birth Partner PodcastEpisode 99 - Thank Goodness Births and The Fu*#!ng Epidural with Rhea DempseySend us a textIn this week's episode, I am chatting with Rhea Dempsey who is an Australian doula, author, and birth educator. We had a great chat about our thoughts and beliefs on giving birth in the modern-day maternity system, and how 'thank goodness births' can usually be unravelled to reveal the cause - which Rhea shares is typically because of 'the fu*#!ing epidural'. This is such a wonderful conversation with Rhea, who is a real veteran in the birth world, and we can learn so much from the wise women who...
2023-10-221h 18Growing Up Raising Us07 | Doula Bree Stafford and Homebirth Mentor Ashley Winning on Homebirth After Caesarean (HBAC)In this episode, I am joined by doula Bree Stafford and Homebirth Mindset Coach & Guide Ashley Winning to discuss what they've noticed in supporting people in their homebirth after caesarean (HBAC) journeys.
Guest 1: Bree Stafford
Bree is a birth doula, birth photographer, and mum of three.
Bree's three birth experiences have opened her heart to what is possible. Her first babies, two boys, whose arrivals took her on a journey through an intervention filled hospital birth, resulting in a Cesarean with her first son. The process of planning a vaginal...
2023-10-1946 min
The Whole Doula Podcast5: The Circle of Community with Debi AzubelDebi Azubel (pronouns she/her) was born in Mexico and raised through Mexico, Argentina, Israel and Spain, before finding herself on Wurundjeri land where her children were born.
She is a birth and postpartum doula, because she believes that continuity of care is crucial to a mother's well being. However, her biggest passion is the closing of the bones ceremony.
Debi weaves into her work the various tools she has collected along the way as a permaculturist, gardener, primary school teacher, as well as her love for cooking, music...
2023-10-1036 min
Birthing at Home: A PodcastFreebirthing as an expat in New Caledonia after hospital birth || Stacey's birth of 'Atlas' at home (New Caledonia)Episode 7 takes us juuuust across the Coral Sea, to New Caledonia where Stacey, her husband Paul and their first born 4 year old Aydan (born in hospital in Kalgoorlie), welcomed baby Atlas. Stacey tells us a bit about the maternity system in New Caledonia and why she was left not much choice but to take the step and freebirth Atlas. I loved this story, but am also saddened by how the medicalisation of maternity care is also, alike Australia, associated with British and French colonialism in New Caledonia. Freebirth story begins approx 9:10 I...
2023-10-081h 05The VBAC Homebirth Stories PodcastEP110 | Julz - Beautiful, Supported Rural HBACIn this episode, I speak with Julz and she shared with me her story of a beautiful, supported rural HBAC.
It took Julz over 12 months to conceive her first baby, and while she was going through that journey she was working in a corporate job.
It was fairly normalised to book in with an OBGYN during pregnancy for care. She didn't put much consideration into birth, as a first time mother, like so many first time mothers she was more interested in the pram and organising baby things.
2023-09-131h 16
Boob to Food - The Podcast35 - Holistic strategies to prepare for labour and birth with Luka & KateWith the birth of Kate’s third baby getting very close, we have been getting inundated with questions about how to prepare for labour and birth, and how to support ourselves nutritionally.For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…Luka McCabe - founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals, registered nurse and midwife, as well as mum of 3Kate Holm - naturopath, nutritionist, clinical director of Boob to Food and mum of 2 (with a third very soon to arrive!)In this podcast we discu...
2023-09-101h 07
Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondJane Hardwicke Collings: Bringing Birth Trauma Out of the DungeonsIn this Episode, Oni Blecher interviews Jane Hardwicke Collings. Jane has spent decades in the realms of birth education and ther wider work of reconnecting women with their sacred rites of passage. Jane started and runs the School of Shamanic Woman Craft and the Charity organisation Hygieia Health; revolutionising maternity care in Australia to minimise and prevent birth related trauma.Jane has many gifts of wisdom from her decades of experience in regards to birthing well. Not only is Jane and her school a wellspring of knowledge but she is a keen collaborator and her generosity to other...
2023-07-0934 min
Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondRhea Dempsey on BayFM's Make a Change showDione from Make a Change on BayFM interviews Rhea Dempsey and Sally Cusack on birth trauma and related events coming up in the region for #birthtraumaawarenessweek 16 - 22 July 2023.Rhea Dempsey, childbirth educator, counsellor and author, will be in conversation with Jerusha Sutton from the Birth Time documentary team on Thursday 13 July 2023 at 6:30 - 8:30pm at Vali Byron.Bookings can be made through PBB Media here or here.Rhea will be visiting this region from Melbourne to also present at this Birth Trauma Awareness Event at Lennox Head on 18 July 2023.https://www.eventbrite.com...
2023-07-0519 min
All Together: The Family Science Insights PodcastRhea Dempsey: What Matters to a Family During Childbirth? | All Together #27Childbirth, a transformative and deeply personal experience, brings forth a range of emotions, concerns, and hopes for families. Among the common concerns expressed during childbirth is the fear of the unknown, which encompasses physical pain, potential complications, and the well-being of both mother and baby. Education, open communication, and access to professional support are vital in addressing these concerns and alleviating anxieties.
Join host Dina Sargeant in this enlightening episode of All Together as she welcomes Rhea Dempsey, a childbirth educator, speaker, counselor, and birth attendant (doula) with extensive experience in over a thousand births in Victoria...
2023-06-091h 18
Launch Mama Podcast13 | Amber, Founder of Body, Birth & Baby: From supporting new parents to becoming a mother herself, Amber opens up about her career as a Midwife & Lactation Consultant, business owner, and motherhood journeyToday I am joined by Mama, Amber Gibson. Amber is a midwife and lactation consultant, who is passionate about educating parents, preparing them for birth and postpartum, and providing home support postpartum. After identifying a gap in the market, Amber launched her own biz, Body, Birth & Baby, which has since been highly regarded by fellow parents (especially Mamas!). On this episode we talk about her career journey to-date, and most recently, her motherhood journey as Mum to little bubba, Winter. Amber's nature is warm and caring, and her dedication to her work is felt by her words - wha...
2023-05-2557 min
The Midwives' CauldronChildbirth education, home birth, attachement styles and the "F%k1ng epidural" - An interview with Rhea DempseyWant to send us a message? Fan mail? Thoughts on the episode?Rhea is a former PE teacher turned childbirth educator, and counsellor and feels privileged to have attended more than a thousand births in hospitals and home settings as a birth attendant as well as connecting with many more women, their partners and support people during birth preparation workshops and personal birth counselling sessions. Rhea has spoken extensively around Australia and internationally and is the author of two books – ‘Birth with Confidence: savvy choices for normal birth’ and the most recent ‘Beyond the Birth...
2023-05-171h 34
Positive Birth AustraliaS4 EP112: Laura Simpfendorfer: Pregnancy Loss/Healing pregnancy/HomebirthOn today’s show first-time mother, Laura, takes us through her journey to bring her son earthside.A previous pregnancy loss led to understandable anxieties in her first trimester. It was at her 11 week scan that those fears were decimated when she saw her babies strong heartbeat for the first time. After years of suffering from mental health issues, she describes her pregnancy as being a healing journey that restored deep trust in her body and what it was capable of. Living a holistic lifestyle, Laura innately pulled away from the medical system, knowing that she...
2023-04-2748 min
Healing Birth with CarlaWith Rhea Dempsey - birth educator, doula, author, trainer & counsellorToday I am privileged to be speaking with renowned Australian birth worker, Rhea Dempsey. Rhea is an Independent Birth Educator, Doula, Trainer, Counsellor and Author. Her understanding of birth has been gained over four decades. She has presented nationally and internationally. She is recognised as an insightful commentator on the difficulties women, who have a yearning for normal physiological birth, face in navigating present birth culture.
Her book Birth with Confidence: savvy choices for normal birth, explores the issue of physiological pain and the importance of experienced support. While Beyond the Birth Plan: getting real about pain...
2023-03-161h 05
GrowingE31: Birth story! Eliza, Ben and Baby Sullivan - Part 2In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 2 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.
Themes include:
Intentional preparation for birth
Mindset shifts
Making peace with pain
Open communication with your partner
Hiring a doula and building your support team
Positive postpartum
Resource links:
Birthing wi...
2023-03-1430 minGrowingE30: Birth story! Eliza, Ben and Baby Sullivan - Part 1In this episode I chat to new Mum Eliza and share part 1 of her amazing birth story. This story had me nodding along with a giant smile on my face the whole time. I just know that there will be so many pearls of wisdom in there for anyone preparing to welcome their baby and so I’m excited for you to listen.
Themes include:
Intentional preparation for birth
Mindset shifts
Making peace with pain
Open communication with your partner
Hiring a doula and building your support team
Positive postpartum
Resource links:
Birthing wi...
2023-03-121h 00
Having A Baby In China PodcastTalking Childbirth Education w/ Mandy | EP15Join Jacquelyn and Ruth for a frank discussion with Mandy on the power of childbirth education for all women, the importance of the birthing space to a woman's experience, and the proper way to integrate the birthing partner into the birthing space. Find Mandy Online:We Are Making MothersFollow @makingmothers on InstagramFor Further StudyRead: Rhea Dempsey https://www.birthingwisdom.com.auListen: The Power Of Holding Space As A Birth Partner with Kurt Tropiano
2023-03-0957 min
The Happy Balance Pod10: 👶 Preparing for your birth with Midwife LaurettaToday is our second motherhood series episode where we sit down with the wonderful Lauretta Hamilton, midwife, birth educator and mum. Lauretta discusses the importance of not predicting, but preparing for your birth - and the importance of educating and empowering yourself before you walk into your birth space. There's only so much birth talk you can squeeze into an hour, so consider this a high level, first stop shop if you're pregnant, or thinking about starting or extending your family. In today's episode, we discuss👉 The importance of discussing the type of b...
2023-02-281h 04
Positive Birth AustraliaS4 EP102: Emma Maidment: Homebirth/"Big" babyToday’s episode features the transformational journey of "The Flow Lane" podcast host, yoga and meditation teacher, Emma. Emma and her fiancé knew from early on that they wanted to dive deep into their healing and spiritual work before conceiving their first child. Although their planned conception happened sooner than anticipated, like the motto Emma lives by, she softened into the season upon her. After a challenging first trimester, Emma used the remainder of her pregnancy to immerse herself in birth literature and her wellness practices; feeling in full alignment with their birth preferences as the...
2023-02-0255 min
The Great Birth RebellionEpisode 22 - Pain, Oxytocin and attachmentThis weeks episode B chats with Rhea Dempsey about her work in the birth space, her 2 phenomenal books, pain, bravery and how this all comes together with connection and attachment - it's the oxytocin story. To learn more about Rhea Dempsey go to her website https://www.birthingwisdom.com.au/ and check her out on her socials @rheadempseybirth
BIG PODCAST CHANGE OCCURS from episode 75 onwards where Mel takes the reins completely and hosts the podcast solo along with an incredible raft of expert guests.
Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast
Join the podcas...
2023-01-291h 05
The VBAC Homebirth Stories PodcastEP73 | (Part 2) Sarah - Homebirth after two caesareans, special scar + birthing through painJoin us for Part two of Sarah's hom story!
In Sarah's words, this is a bit of her story - Part 2 of Sarah's Story
I knew I didn't want to have this baby in hospital. The idea was just something I couldn't get my head around. So we planned a homebirth after two caesarean's at my sister's house as we live 2.5 hours away from a decent hospital.
This pregnancy tested me in a lot of ways. I had "irritable uterus" from 36 weeks and days of stop start labour leading up to his birth, mo...
2022-10-251h 00
MummaficationMum - Liana QuinlivanA few weeks ago, on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, Liana told me her story. And she blew me away.Liana is mum to Dot, and three year old Hazel. Today, she shares, so honestly and beautifully, her story of infant loss. Of having to make the decision to end her pregnancy for genetic reasons, and of her subsequent pregnancy after loss.We also speak about the breakdown of her marriage, and how along with children's father, they now parent better than ever before.Liana is an incredible woman...
2022-10-1853 min
The Deeper Practitioner PodcastTrusting the path that lights you up with Rhea DempseySeriously, what’s not to love about Rhea?! A pioneer and matriarch of our Australian birthing and birth education culture, this one’s a history lesson as much as permission to let yourself love whatever business and pivots you take, children in tow! Rhea is the living embodiment of holding the essence of a feminine leader, with palpable integrity, where people can’t help but feel a level of devotion and desire to be part of a bigger movement. So if that sings to your heart, you’ll love this episode!
In this episode we discuss:
• What the fuck is this syste...
2022-09-221h 46
Who Run the WorldMarilyn's Birth StoryWe are back in Dubai and kicking things off with Marilyn telling us all about her birth story: how contractions felt, how she got through the pain, the role of her support system, including her husband Hadi, her doula Valerie, her mom and her brother. Marilyn also updates on the cliffhanger from last episode: did she or did she not get an epidural? Finally, Marilyn shares what happened after her daughter was born and how she and her team (which now included baby Gabrielle) got through it all. This episode is dedicated to Gab...
2022-09-1442 min
Positive Birth AustraliaS3 EP92: Phoebe Snow Leo - Hospital birth/Interventions + HomebirthToday’s episode features Phoebe sharing the birth stories of her two children.
Phoebe desired a natural birth with her first baby, but after it was discovered her leaking waters had meconium present the hospital’s protocol meant she would have to be induced. Despite the cascade of interventions that followed, Phoebe was elated with joy as her baby boy was placed on her chest for the first time.
When the time came to call her second child in, she intuitively knew the only place her baby would be landing earthside was at home, on Country. As a proud indigenous Aust...
2022-08-171h 18
Health, Happiness & Human KindHHHK 382: Nourishing Those Who Nuture with Caitlin PridayIt’s hard to truly detail Caitlin’s incredible CV, however let me set the scene by saying that she is a full spectrum doula taught by Rhea Dempsey, a postpartum doula taught by Anna Watts and a registered Kinesiologist with the ICPKP school of Australia. Caitlin is co-author of the incredible bible, Nourishing Those Who Nurture, and today she and I explore the importance of the first 40 days, the role of and how to create your modern day village, how to truly nourish the mother, how to get really practical when it comes to preparing for birth and beyo...
2022-05-2540 min
After the Bell with @educatinglauraThe Birth Chat with Mel BirdI have Mel from Little Flies Hypnobirthing with me today to discuss all things birth and how to remove the fear for a more empowered birthing experience.
Mel is a nurse, midwife and hypnobirthing practitioner and trainer.
We discuss the perception of birth in mainstream society and how understanding your options can shift everything.
To learn more about her courses go here: Website
Literature recommended by Mel:
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah Buckley
The Positive Birth Book by Milli HIll
Birth with...
2022-04-2453 minHealth, Happiness & Human KindHHHK 376: “Normal Physiological Birth” & Exploring Attitudes to Pain with Rhea DempseyIn today’s episode we are joined by Rhea Dempsey, who, for the few of you who don’t know, is a childbirth educator, speaker, counsellor, birth attendant and founder of Birthing Wisdom. Rhea’s work continues to be revolutionary, allowing women interested in natural birth to find or regain their power and truly know that the natural birth they dream of is possible. Rhea and I discuss normal physiological birth and unpack topics within including the role of pain, the epidural, the cascade of intervention, the significance of continuity of care and so much more. There are a few profan...
2022-04-131h 01
The Creative Zone with Tali BrashMy Birth StoryHelloooo from the other side! It's surreal to be sharing my birth story with you and be on the other side of the experience with my now, 3 month old baby. I'm so thankful for how my birth turned out. I truly believe it was a combination of the support team we created, the education & prep work we did and the many years of practising to surrender to a higher plan!It was really important for me to hear positive birth stories while I was pregnant, so if you know someone who's pregnant, feel free to share this e...
2022-04-101h 04
Positive Birth AustraliaS3 EP69: Alexandra Davids - HomebirthS3 EP69: Today’s episode features the undisturbed homebirth of Luca. After hearing Dr Sarah Buckley’s episode on PBA, Alex knew she needed to work on the fears and limiting beliefs she had around birth. Diving deep into physiological birth, she slowly entered the birth portal feeling empowered by the knowledge she gained and primed for her journey to the stars to collect her baby. Alex details the work she put in and how, once in labour, she was able to go so deeply within that those present in her birth space hadn’t noticed she had effortlessly birthed her so...
2022-02-021h 14
Held in Motherhood with Hannah Willsmore5. My Top Five Pregnancy + Birth BooksI absolutely LOVE reading and am always getting asked about book recommendations for pregnancy + birth. So in today's episode I thought I would share my all time top five pregnancy books, what I am currently reading and what's next on my reading list. WIth many people taking holidays over the Christmas/New Year period it is the perfect time to get stuck into a great book. Here are the books I mentioned:Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel ReedBirth with Confidence by Rhea DempseyExpecting Better by Emily Oster...
2021-12-2827 min
The Lamaze PodcastConsiderations for Achieving Your Ideal BirthOn this episode of The Lamaze Podcast, Lesley Pascuzzi, LCCE, speaks with Rhea Dempsey, an independent childbirth educator, speaker, experienced birth attendant and author of the best selling books, "Birthing with Confidence" and "Beyond The Birth Plan". Rhea is respected as one of the foremost thinkers on working with pain in childbirth. In this episode, Rhea discusses her second book, "Beyond The Birth Plan" to showcase important considerations for birthing families as they work towards the birth they want. Highlights include psychological preparations, recognizing anxiety and its impact on Queen Oxytocin, our everyday vulnerabilities in labor and birth as...
2021-12-0847 min
VBAC Birth Stories46 | Sammy's posterior labour VBAC following an emergency caesarean with a posterior baby; Birth Trauma, PNA, MGP, Private Midwife, Doula, Tandem breastfeeding, Public HospitalToday we meet Sammy who is a mum of two living in Brisbane Queensland who is a trained doula and high school music teacher. She tells us of her first birth which ended in an emergency caesarean. Sammy, like 1 in 3 Australian women experienced significant birth trauma as a result of what happened and this birth went on to change the course of her life- inspiring her to help other women by providing emotional and physical birth support to those in need.We hear of her journey towards her VBAC, what tools she accessed to assist her towards her second...
2021-11-161h 25
Keep Birth WildE47 Martina Cooper | Three homebirths, Private midwifery care, Birthworker, CalmbirthMartina is a Mum of 3 crazy, fun, loving and uber cheeky kids! She is a midwife, runs Calmbirth courses, and has just completed her IBCLC certification. She offers her full spectrum services through her business, Hey Baby! Birth & Breastfeeding Support.
In this episode Martina shares the stories of her three beautiful homebirths and her breastfeeding journey through her baby raising years. She brings a unique perspective through her expertise in all things birth and breastfeeding!
Martina recommends:
Birth with Confidence by Rhea Dempsey.
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah B...
2021-11-041h 21
PregActive PodcastBirthing with ConfidenceBirthing with Confidence PodcastWhen you think of birth, do you immediately think of pain? Do you think of a negative experience? Well then you need to listen to this amazing interview I had with Rhea Dempsey.Not only is Rhea a childbirth educator, doula, author, speaker and birth advocate, she is a forward thinker with it comes to childbirth.She advocates for normal physiological birth, and as we talk about the different type of pain, and birth being a very functional pain compared to a pathological pain.Rhea encourages women...
2021-10-3143 min
Keep Birth WildE46 Janelle Hinze | First birth, Private midwifery care, Rural birth, Long posterior labourJanelle and her husband are farmers, growing avocados, beef cattle and a market garden. She is religious and after many years of feeling that she may not want children, she left the decision to start a family to God, and conceived not long after. In this episode she shares the story of her pregnancy and birth with her son. Janelle’s birth was overall a positive and life changing experience.
Her favourite books she would recommend for expecting parents are Sarah Buckley’s Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering and Rhea Dempsey’s Birth With Confidence.
2021-10-261h 07
Positive Birth AustraliaS2 EP59: Dr Diana Pakzamir - Hospital birth + Accidental Freebirth During a PandemicOn today’s show I chat with Melbourne chiropractor and mother of two, Diana. Coming from a long-line of generational birth trauma, Diana chose to change the narrative with her own birth journey. She hired a doula, did a hypnobirthing course and learnt all she could about physiological birth to give her the tools and knowledge she needed to navigate the system and give birth, drug-free, at her local hospital.
When she became pregnant with her second child, she again planned to birth at the local hospital only two minutes away, but her daughter had other plans and she ended up...
2021-10-1345 min
Positive Birth AustraliaS2 EP55: Anna Vawser - Hospital breech birthToday’s episode features midwife, Anna, taking us through her breech birth journey.
Originally wanting to birth at home through her hospitals midwifery program, she realised it was not an option after exhausting all efforts to turn her baby. Initially expecting to feel devastated when her final attempt ,doing an ECV failed, she left that appointment with a deep knowing and trust that her baby was breech presentation for a reason and she surrendered fully to the journey ahead of her.
At 37+3 she went into spontaneous labour and ultimately had the vaginal birth she desired, feeling held and supported by he...
2021-09-0856 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura58. Crisis of confidence 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 6 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this sixth episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing crises of confidence, common stages in labour when women may start to doubt themselves and their strength. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: The common points in labour when a crisis of confidence may present The importance of having the right birth team to recognise these situations and support you through them Often these crises only last for a few contractions (good news!) but if not managed well they can completely hijack labour ...
2021-07-0726 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura57. Understanding the current birth culture 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 5 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this fifth episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing the current issues in modern day birth culture and ways to naturally boost your pain tolerance. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: Importance of understanding your birth environment The current birth stats in Australia Why natural physiological birth is on the brink of extinction The introduction of the epidural and how this has changed the birth space Birth culture and our issues with pain How to naturally boost your pain tolerance Today’s...
2021-07-0425 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura56. Reframing labour “pain” 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 4 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this fourth episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing the importance of reframing labour pain as being normal and physiological rather than pathological. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: The current birth culture and demonising of labour pain The difference between pathological versus physiological pain Different sensations you may feel in labour that are completely NORMAL Today’s episode is episode 4 of 6 in this series. If you want to listen to this entire podcast series all at once and to learn all...
2021-06-3021 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura55. Exhausted or endorphined? 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 3 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this third episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing the hormones involved in late stage labour and the importance of understanding the difference between a woman feeling exhausted versus being endorphined. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: The key role that endorphins and adrenaline play in late stage labour How endorphins help to mediate pain and help a mother drop into her primal brain How adrenaline helps to “wake us up” so we are ready for birth Oxytocin compensation strategies if we’ve had bi...
2021-06-2724 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura54. Queen Oxytocin 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 2 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this second episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing the importance of the queen oxytocin hormone and how we can set up a beautiful oxytocin routine at home. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: The main body centres to help stimulate oxytocin How to build the ultimate “oxytocin recipe” as a daily home practice How to calm your body and keep labour progressing when feeling stressed or under pressure Today’s episode is episode 2 of 6 in this series. If you want to list...
2021-06-2322 min
Pregnancy with Physio Laura53. Natural hormones of birth 👸🏼 Birth with Confidence Series Ep 1 w/ Rhea DempseyTo kick off this first episode in the Birth with Confidence series we are discussing the natural hormonal dance that occurs between a mother and baby and the importance of not disturbing this magical event. Rhea Dempsey, a birth worker, counsellor, childbirth educator and incredible author talks us through: The difference between natural oxytocin hormones versus synthetic hormones The incredible role that oxytocin plays in opening our minds and bodies and helping us connect to our babies How adrenaline and anxiety can hamper early labour The importance of “tuning in” rather than following a clock The diffe...
2021-06-2029 min
In Your Own Kin16 JuliaIn this week's episode Julia shares her parenthood journey, and reflects on life with Cam and their sons Emmett and Sonny.Julia speaks with such warmth and generosity. Julia reflects on the sparkly moments - meeting her babes, navigating life as a family of four, and her commitment to sharing her love of life long learning in her children. Julia also shares the moments of her journey that have been grey - experiencing two miscarriages, a loss that she described as completely heartwrenching, the challenges that came with learning to breastfeed and tuning out from the noise...
2021-06-171h 02
Positive Birth AustraliaS2 EP34: Rhea Dempsey - Hospital birth + two homebirths - Author of "Birth with Confidence"Today’s show features childbirth educator, birth attendant, counsellor and author, Rhea Dempsey. Rhea’s well-known book “Birth with Confidence” has helped awaken and guide so many of us along our own journeys, and her latest release “Beyond the Birth Plan” is of equal magnitude.
Rhea shares her three birth stories, focusing a lot on her first birth and unpacking how that whole sequence of events impacted her. Although extremely confusing and confronting at that time, she attributes a lot of her ‘why’ to that experience and the work that unfolded throughout her many years as a birth activist.
We chat about life...
2021-04-141h 10
Melissa Ambrosini392: Trusting Your Body, Overcoming Fear & Birthing With Confidence | Rhea DempseyInternationally renowned birth educator and author Rhea Dempsey joins me on the show today to share her incredible wisdom on all aspects of childbirth and birthing culture — including how to avoid unnecessary interventions during labour, how to empower your partner and birth team to support you during childbirth, how to emotionally prepare for labour, and the practical steps you can take to raise your pain tolerance levels (so you can birth the way you want).
Head to https://melissaambrosini.com/392 for the show notes.
My newsletter: melissaambrosini.com/newsletter
My instagram: @melissaambrosini
This episode is brought to you by @blubloxofficial. He...
2021-04-061h 16
The Melissa Ambrosini Show392: Trusting Your Body, Overcoming Fear & Birthing With Confidence | Rhea DempseyInternationally renowned birth educator and author Rhea Dempsey joins me on the show today to share her incredible wisdom on all aspects of childbirth and birthing culture — including how to avoid unnecessary interventions during labour, how to empower your partner and birth team to support you during childbirth, how to emotionally prepare for labour, and the practical steps you can take to raise your pain tolerance levels (so you can birth the way you want).Head to www.melissaambrosini.com/392 for the show notes.My newsletter: melissaambrosini.com/newsletterMy instagram: @melissaambrosini...
2021-04-061h 16
Tales From The Fourth Trimester86 | "I wanted my baby born into an Aboriginal context" - Bridget Brennan on Indigenous maternal care, grief, and birth during COVIDIn this week's episode, Bridget Brennan, journalist and former Europe correspondent for the ABC, tells her story of returning from London mid-pandemic to become a first-time mother. Despite moving back in large part for family support, border closures put an end to that plan. And after the crushing realisation that her mother wouldn't be able to be with her for the birth and postpartum, her father passed away just a day after her little boy was born.We talk about everything from the incredible Malabar midwives program for indigenous women, breastfeeding struggles, mothers group, what happened when...
2021-03-281h 15Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondBeyond the Birth Plan: Getting Real About Pain and PowerIn this podcast episode, Oni Blecher speaks to Rhea Dempsey about her recent book launch of 'Beyond the Birth Plan, Getting Real About Pain and Power'. Rhea Demspsey is a childbirth educator, counsellor, doula trainer, and birth attendant, having attended more than one thousand births in hospitals and home settings over the past 30 years.Rhea runs birth preparation workshops, pre-natal classes, personal birth counselling sessions and speaks in presentations and seminars around Australia and internationallyRhea’s passion is to educate women about the impact of our birth culture on the outcome of our births. Instead of...
2021-03-171h 34
VBAC Birth Stories31 | Kate's HBAC - Switch from hospital to homebirth at 35 weeks; Emergency Caesarean, Post-Dates, Overactive Pelvic Floor, Gestational Diabetes, High BMI, Public Hospitals, MGP, Private Midwife, DoulaIn today's episode we meet Kate, a mum of two who lives with her husband near Newcastle north of Sydney. Kate's had the unique journey of experiencing three kinds of maternity care models across her two pregnancies. Her VBAC journey began with an emergency caesarean performed in Sydney while she was under the midwifery group practice continuity of care model, also known as MGP. Kate walked away from this birth without any overriding feelings of trauma, but for a long time thought there was something wrong with her body, in particular her pelvis.Before falling pregnant with her second...
2021-03-041h 19
Keep Birth WildE41 Ashley Ziegerink | Two Births, Calmbirth, Hospital Birth, Episiotomy, Irritable Uterus, Homebirth, Tandem FeedingIn this episode Ashley shares the birth stories of her two children Zoe and Piper.
During her first pregnancy Ashley put a lot of thought into what she would like her birth to look like and after attending a Calmbirth course, planned an unmedicated and low intervention hospital birth. Zoe’s labour was long and Ashley laboured for days without sleep before finally delivering Zoe in hospital with the aid of an episiotomy.
It took a while for her to integrate the emotional impact of her birth and challenging postpartum, and it wasn’t until she...
2021-03-021h 12
Mum Will KnowKaren McClay: CalmbirthFor part 3 of my mini series on Childbirth Education options, I speak with Calmbirth director Karen McClay. Following in her father’s footsteps as a midwife and Calmbirth educator, Karen opens up how birth is not just about birthing a baby, but the birth of a mother too. She delves into the importance of acknowledging the emotional side of birth and parenting and discusses how the event of giving birth is monumental in preparing a couple to face parenthood. Karen shares exactly what to expect from a Calmbirth course and offers wisdom on the importance of education in all as...
2020-12-1444 min
The Momversation PodcastEP36: Bodi and Renli: Birth Stories with Jesse GoosenIn this episode, the Moms welcome another birth story guest, Jesse Goosen, mama of two and Melissa's neighbor! Jesse begins by sharing the disappointing news she received as a teenager: she would be unable to conceive children. However, this proved untrue. Jesse tells listeners about her difficult pregnancies, starting with the joy of sharing her pregnancy test moment with her mom. She then goes on to talk about her two eventful, unmedicated births, and emphasizes the importance of mantras, affirmations, and positive self-talk when laboring.The Book Blurb in this episode is a Maggie Smit...
2020-12-0858 min
Nourishing the MotherNTM 279: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 2In this episode, we explore the birth culture, past and present and the experiences of women in the highly interventionist ‘labour bypass era’ through the stories and insights of one of Australia’s most trailblazing advocates for natural birth, Author and Childbirth Educator Rhea Dempsey. About Rhea Dempsey Rhea is a highly sought after independent Listen InThe post NTM 279: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 2 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.
2020-10-2658 min
Nourishing the MotherNTM 279: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 2In this episode, we explore the birth culture, past and present and the experiences of women in the highly interventionist ‘labour bypass era’ through the stories and insights of one of Australia’s most trailblazing advocates for natural birth, Author and Childbirth Educator Rhea Dempsey. About Rhea Dempsey Rhea is a highly sought after independent Listen In
The post NTM 279: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 2 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.
2020-10-2658 minNourishing the MotherNTM 278: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 1In this episode, we explore the birth culture, past and present and the experiences of women in the highly interventionist ‘labour bypass era’ through the stories and insights of one of Australia’s most trailblazing advocates for natural birth, Author and Childbirth Educator Rhea Dempsey. About Rhea Dempsey Rhea is a highly sought after independent Listen InThe post NTM 278: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 1 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.
2020-10-191h 12Nourishing the MotherNTM 278: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 1In this episode, we explore the birth culture, past and present and the experiences of women in the highly interventionist ‘labour bypass era’ through the stories and insights of one of Australia’s most trailblazing advocates for natural birth, Author and Childbirth Educator Rhea Dempsey. About Rhea Dempsey Rhea is a highly sought after independent Listen In
The post NTM 278: Birthing wisdom with Rhea Dempsey – Part 1 appeared first on The Wellness Couch.
2020-10-191h 12
Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondBirth Trauma Awareness Week with Rhea Dempsey - Working with pain and changing birth cultureThis week is Birth Trauma Awareness Week 2020, where we are working with other maternity health advocacy groups to raise awareness around traumatic birth and the wider implications for inadequate care throughout the pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods of life. Here, Oni Blecher speaks to Rhea Dempsey; esteemed and highly sought after childbirth educator, counsellor, speaker, author and birth attendant with experience at over one thousand births. She is respected, both in Australia and internationally, as an insightful thinker and presenter on the topic of working with pain- both physical and psychological- in childbirth, and the implications of this for normal...
2020-09-0956 min
Mount Isa Birth Stories16 Rhea Dempsey*poor quality sound! Recorded on my phone as I was on holidays!!*
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In this episode with Rhea we touch on some of the history of home-birth in Australia, how epidurals can impact in the birth space, what is a ‘crisis of confidence’ and who are these ‘willing women’!?
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Rhea is the author of two powerful books; Birth with Confidence and the recently released ‘Beyond the Birth Plan’. She is a childbirth educator, speaker, counsellor and birth attendant. She has worked in birth for over 4 decades and witnessed over one thousand births. She is recognised as an insightful commentator on the difficulties fac...
2020-08-0358 min
Sensing Ground: Beyond Symptoms and Navigating Bodily SensationsRe-Birthing Yourself: Savvy Choices with Rhea DempseyJoey Remenyi from Seeking Balance International talks with birth educator, speaker, counsellor and author Rhea Dempsey on birthing, re-birthing and healing with human care.
If you're struggling, learn how you can take your life back by starting your own healing journey with one of our self study programs:
https://www.seekingbalance.com.au/our-programs/ OR Explore our free starter kit here: https://starterkit.securechkout.com/
2020-07-231h 10The Momversation PodcastEP12: Claire Leanne: Birth Preparation and Labor Stories with Melissa StatlerIn this episode, Leah grills Melissa on the details of the birth of her daughter Claire. Melissa shares everything from the obsessive and strategic planning of her hospital packing list to her feelings of pride and relief after finally completing the work of birthing her daughter. The specifics of the events during Melissa’s labor may not be as memorable now, over one year after Claire’s arrival, but the way the birth process impacted her as a mother and transformed her as a woman remain clear. If you’re interested, you can read a more "factual"...
2020-05-041h 14
The She Births® PodcastS1, Ep4 - Rhea Dempsey says "Labour pain has a purpose. Trust it"This month I talk to counsellor, fellow doula and birth educator Rhea Dempsey. Rhea is author of Birth with Confidence, a must read if you really want to face your fears and understand the culture of birth and how it impacts us all. We have a copy to giveaway!
She has helped over 1,000 women give birth and is currently writing her second book - which we are really looking forward to.
Rhea and I have both witnessed a huge increase in the phobia of childbirth, especially the fear of pain.
The fact that Rhea has been attending births for over 30...
2019-03-151h 30
The Wisdom & Action Podcast#31 Rhea Dempsey: Birth attendant, counsellor, healerFor over thirty years, childbirth educator, birth attendant and counsellor Rhea Dempsey has been helping women to feel more empowered and better prepared when navigating childbirth. This month on the podcast, she chats with Dumbo Feather friend and host of the All Being Well podcast, Kayla Robertson about everything from why our attitudes towards birth have changed so dramatically since the ‘80s to how we can help create better birthing options for mothers and babies. We hope you find their conversation as fascinating as we did.Show notes: Enter the 2018 Dumbo Feather Reader Survey here: https://dumbofeather.typeform.com/to/In...
2019-01-2243 min
Yoga Birth BabiesBirthing With Confidence with Rhea Dempsey“All birthing people will face a crisis of confidence at some point during a physiological labor.” This one powerful discussion point still sticks out in my mind from my juicy conversation with childbirth educator, doula and counsellor, Rhea Dempsey.In this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, Rhea and I dive deep into the world of birth, ways to truly prepare for birth, and embracing functional pain as part of the process. She also reveals what a crisis of confidence is during birth and how to get to the other side.Please enjoy this lively and inform...
2018-08-081h 21
Pregnancy, Birth and BeyondRhea Dempsey on the 3 C's of social attitudes to birthThis is an extract from our live broadcast interview with Rhea Dempsey on BayFM on Monday 16 July 2018. This segment of the interview did not make it to our official podcast at: https://spreaker.com/user/pregnancybirthandbeyond/reaching-into-pain-and-finding-control-wCopyright: PBB Media and Sally Cusack 2018www.pbbmedia.orgwww.birthingwisdom.com.au
2018-07-2010 minPregnancy, Birth and BeyondReaching into Pain and Finding Inner Strength with Rhea DempseyRhea Dempsey is one Australia’s best known childbirth educators and author of "Birth with Confidence, Savvy choices for normal birth". Now writing her second book, she is also a speaker, counselor and birth attendant at more than 1000 births in her 40 year career. She is also mother to three adult daughters, and a grandmother.Rhea is an independent and straight talking voice who speaks plainly to expectant couples about what to expect in terms of the physiological process - she doesn’t pull punches in saying it’s generally a painful experience, but hastens to explain the hormonal system...
2018-07-2028 min
The New Normal PodcastEpisode 61: Homebirth, anxiety and the Mother Baby Unit with Lorelei VashtiIf this bumper episode sounds like you’re eavesdropping on three friends who haven’t seen each other in a while, then that’s exactly what it is.
We catch up with past guest Lorelei Vashti (author of How to Choose Your Baby’s Last Name: A Handbook for New Parents) who we first spoke to way back in episode 27. Lorelei generously shares all about her two very different home births, dealing with birth trauma and what help is out there for parents who may be struggling.
The birthing course that Lorelei mentioned is through B...
2018-05-0900 min