Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People

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!

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Planning your freebirth and looking for support?

Work with Victoria or Leonie in freebirth mentoring and 1:1 sessions. Book a 1:1 session with ⁠Victoria here.⁠

Book a 1:1 session with ⁠Leonie here.⁠

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Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To join the circle click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we'll see you there!

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Become a Member of The Freebirth Library

Looking for more information on freebirth? Come visit our Library! A virtual space of information, research and self-discovery created for those preparing for freebirth.

The Library is packed with recordings, both video and audio, as well as blog posts brought to you by NBF founders, Victoria and Leonie that you can access immediately.

Come on in and explore the topics and themes we know are SO supportive to your freebirth journey.

To join The Freebirth Library click here. ____________________________________________

Curious about freebirth and not sure where to start?

Enrol in 'The First Steps to Freebirth' the online course that includes everything you need to help you explore how you feel about freebirth. Whether you're curious and want to know more, or you're all-in!

⁠Take the course here.⁠

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Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠⁠

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 a solid birth team, and her process around walking away from medical care and a scheduled C-section.

Following an amazing freebirth, Amber has moved in to birth work compiling resources for anyone in a similar situation, and to support women to come back to themselves; something that has formed a huge part of her own healing.

@amber.mcconnon

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Planning your freebirth and looking for support?

Work with Victoria or Leonie in freebirth mentoring and 1:1 sessions. Book a 1:1 session with Victoria here.

Book a 1:1 session with Leonie here. ____________________________________________

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To join the circle click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we'll see you there! ____________________________________________

Curious about freebirth and not sure where to start?

Enrol in 'The First Steps to Freebirth' the online course that includes everything you need to help you explore how you feel about freebirth. Whether you're curious and want to know more, or you're all-in!

Take the course here.

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠⁠

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 an option?
• Were you worried?
• Different routes through birth preparation; we don't all prepare in the same way!
• Practical support during labour and top tips.
• Expectations vs reality.
• Communication in your relationship.
• What's the most uncomfortable conversation you've ever had?
• Death, blame, responsibility and control- Acceptance of your partner's choices.
• How even home birth can feel like a taboo topic.
• Did you feel like you were a replacement for a midwife?

And much more!

Thank you to our lovely husbands for sharing your thoughts.

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠⁠⁠⁠To join the circle click here⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we'll see you there!

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠⁠

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 episode, we hear from Bria - a Londoner living in Grenada - and her solo freebirth in a London air bnb!

Bria shares her experience of birthing her first child within the NHS. The way she was treated was a huge challenge; as a black woman, she was repeatedly dismissed, disregarded and disrespected. Having flown back from Grenada to birth in the UK, Bria found that she didn't receive the care that she needed during a vulnerable time of childbirth.

Whilst pregnant with her second child, Bria shares a raw, mammalian experience that unlocked a new fierceness to protect her children. She poured herself in to birth prep, following lots of birth accounts online and booking sessions with birth workers. After struggles with the commitment from her partner, Bria decided to 'sack him' and realised she needed birth support from elsewhere.Bria booked a Birthkeeper/photographer to support her next birth and she threw herself in to freebirth prep. Freebirth/homebirth in Grenada wasn't an option, so she booked in to an air bnb in London. Juggling baby's imminent arrival and fast-approaching check-out times, this is a story that kept us on the seat of our pants!Bria's story is one of reclaimation, boundaries, calling in proper, loving care, and being witnessed in her experienced on a deep level.

You can connect with Bria on Instagram @citizen_of_the_world_abc and her Birthkeeper/photographer Sadie Wild @sadiewildphotography

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠⁠⁠To join the circle click here⁠⁠⁠ and we'll see you there!

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

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 describes her orgasm-initiated labour, going through a process of acceptance, a frank description of poo during labour, and unwaivering support from partner Jamie.

We hear in detail about Andrena's placenta birth and dealing with a tear, and navigating midwifery involvement at these points.

You can connect with Andrena on Instagram here @andrenaparis

____________________________________________ Are you craving connection to others interested in freebirth?

Are the people in your life struggling to understand why you're thinking about freebirth?

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠⁠To join the circle click here⁠⁠ and we'll see you there!

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

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 working with and through a few different midwives before coming to the position of birthing alone with her husband.

Chelsea describes a glorious toddler-friendly birth, with playdough, TV shows and climbing over mama during labour - a beautiful display of motherhood!

Chelsea's episode is wonderful for anyone who may be "thinking about freebirth, but...." and we discuss the emergence of the secret freebirther.

You can connect with Chelsea on Instagram @chels.alishahi ____________________________________________ Are you craving connection to others interested in freebirth?

Are the people in your life struggling to understand why you're thinking about freebirth?

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

⁠To join the circle click here⁠ and we'll see you there!

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

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 was born with a disability, and she considers how things may have been different if she had known about this beforehand.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mollie!

You can connect with Mollie on Instagram @molliemidwife
____________________________________________ Are you craving connection to others interested in freebirth?

Are the people in your life struggling to understand why you're thinking about freebirth?

Join us at the NBF Women's Circle! An online space for women to share their experiences, questions and wisdom around freebirth. Open to those who are pre-conception, pregnant or in their freebirth postpartum.

Hosted by Leonie & Victoria, the circle meets twice a month.

To join the circle click here and we'll see you there!

____________________________________________

Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

In 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 on wobbly foundations. We discuss ways that we can hone our discernment, conversations we can have with those we may want to choose for our care, and ways in which we can prepare well so that we are not dependent upon limited options. We explore the complexity of those who would love midwifery support during birth but who feel that freebirth is their only option, and the importance of true choice. We discuss that "no" is NOT a complete sentence and the real risks of declining care.

Can we have true bodily autonomy whilst birthing within the system? We're not convinced. We know it's not ALL midwives, but we don't know which ones are safe, and that's a problem.

Thank you Kemi for sharing your insights!

Follow Kemi on instagram: www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson for details of how she could support your pregnancy and birth.

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Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

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 journey to freebirth has been a process of coming home to herself; a story of reclamation and transformation.

You can connect with Chelsea-Lee on Instagram @chelsealeebutler

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To celebrate the BETA launch of 'First Steps to Freebirth'  Victoria is hosting a totally FREE Masterclass all about your Intuition.

Growing your intuition is an essential skill for birth, especially if you're freebirthing. Join us for this 1 hour Masterclass and gain valuable tools of how you can take daily steps to grow your intuition that feel quick and easy!

When: Tues August 8th. 8pm (BST) 2pM (CST)

Where: Zoom, link to be emailed to you.

Click here for more information and how to book. ____________________________________________ (free)Birth from the baby's perspective with Leonie.

We need to talk about this.

Birth is experienced by the baby, and they will be having their own perspective on the events that unfold.

--> Join me for this two-part group masterclass and integration session as we explore some common features of freebirth and birth more generally, and how they might be felt from the baby's perspective.

Masterclass: Monday 31st July 7pm-9pm BST

plus Integration session: Saturday 5th August 1-2pm BST

Click here for more information of how to book.

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Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie⁠

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 question after an appointment, and birthed very soon after.

The Physiological Birth Club is a resource created by Kemi BirthJoy Johnson that meets regularly to speak on subjects connected to physiological birth. You can listen to the session we discuss in this episode here.

Ashleigh's freebirth dream came true, and her kids just made it through the door in time to see their sister being born. Thanks for sharing your story Ashleigh 💜

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LOOKING FOR FREEBIRTH SUPPORT?

Are you preparing to freebirth and you're sure what you actually need? Download your FREE copy of my ebook, 'The Homebirth & Freebirth Essentials Checklist'. You will get instant access to this handy 17 page guide detailing all the possible items that could be essential for your birth. Download it ⁠here.⁠

Do you need support and guidance navigating maternity services in the UK as you prepare to freebirth? Sign up to '⁠⁠Navigating Officialdom⁠⁠' the course brought to you by Leonie.

Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@normalboringfreebirth⁠

⁠⁠⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠⁠@freetobirth⁠⁠ & Leonie ⁠⁠@birthwise.withleonie

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 lives, and it just felt like a natural move.

Her partner showed amazing support and trust, and brought his skills of life-guard training for the birth - though this was not actually needed!

Mieke shares about bearing witness to herself in her freebirth, experimenting with her body freely and remembering her own authority in the birth space.

You can connect with Mieke on Instagram @takeyourbirthbystorm ____________________________________________

FREEBIRTH SUPPORT:

Are you preparing to freebirth and you're sure what you actually need? Download your FREE copy of my ebook, 'The Homebirth & Freebirth Essentials Checklist'. You will get instant access to this handy 17 page guide detailing all the possible items that could be essential for your birth. Download it here.

Do you need support and guidance navigating maternity services in the UK as you prepare to freebirth? Sign up to '⁠Navigating Officialdom⁠' the course brought to you by Leonie.

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@normalboringfreebirth

⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria ⁠@freetobirth⁠ & Leonie ⁠@birthwise.withleonie

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 clear vision of her birth, which she held strong and, low and behold, it began the way she had imagined it.

As her birth unfolded and became super intense, Kathryn shares how mindset shifts, affirmations and the support of her partner really helped her surrender in to the experience. She also shares her experience of her  post-birth hospital transfer after a tear.

Kathryn works as a Birthkeeper supporting freebirthing families, and you can connect with her on Instagram @mysacredbirthuk.

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AVAILABLE COURSES:

Are you looking for a birth prep course created specifically for homebirthers and freebirthers? Sign up to 'Home Grown,' the 4 weeks course taught by Victoria.

Do you need support and guidance navigating maternity services in the UK as you prepare to freebirth? Sign up to 'Navigating Officialdom' the course brought to you by Leonie.

Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirthIf you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us.
Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think!
Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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 shares how she worked through freebirth fears with her doula, and that she is "living proof that you can still freebirth even if you feel terrified".

We hear about the birthing and freebirthing culture and climate in France, how the freebirth communities are still pretty underground despite freebirth being legal, and how even home birth support is super rare. We talk about the 'medical deserts' of France, rural areas where it is difficult for people to access healthcare due to smaller hospital closures. Thirteen percent of France's population now lives in a medical desert: that's more than 9 million French people living in areas with inadequate access to medical care, so freebirth may understandably be on the rise. 

Thank you for sharing your story Eugenie!

You can connect with her on Instagram: @travelling_teacher_mom

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Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirth
If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us.
Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think!
Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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 pressures to 'have a good time', how this time of year can bring up a whole mix of stuff, how to speak to yourself with kindness, and how it's okay to perhaps feel the odd one out as you're preparing for freebirth.

We end with some resolutions and reflections to take in to the next year - and a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us so far with the podcast.

Next year will see a tonne of amazing stories and special guests that we cannot wait to share with you all!

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Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirthIf you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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, pushes for interventions and even a transfer to hospital when she didn't want it, feeling she might give birth in the ambulance! We hear how Donna was able to stay strong and focused as she went more and more "overdue", and how she engaged with midwives along the way. You can connect with Donna on instagram @donnafarahtattoo ____________________________________________ Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirthIf you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released. Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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 focus on the everyday-ness of birth.

You can connect with Theresa on instagram @spiritual_hustle_ and her doula Samara @birthanewstory

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Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirth
If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us.
Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think!
Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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 her story during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022, and wants to share the story of her daughter just like everyone else who has given birth.

She welcomes conversation around baby loss, saying "no question is too much".
You can contact her on instagram @earthedwomen

____________________________________________

Follow us on Instagram @normalboringfreebirth
If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us.
Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think!
Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released.

Your hosts: Victoria @freetobirth & Leonie @birthwise.withleonie

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 really opened her eyes to a new way of practising.

Thank you for sharing your story!

You can connect with Kezia on social media:

@oxfordshire_hypnobirthing

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 she wanted to birth at home, she prepared to freebirth.

Telling her story in the spot where she was labouring just 12 days earlier, Christina shares with us all the "best achievement of her life". In her words, "It was the birth of dreams."

Thank you, Christina.

@christina_duds