When birth takes an unexpected turn, staying calm can make all the difference.

This week two midwives share the emergencies they'll never forget.

If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk

Links from our midwives:

Little Light Support offers independent, trauma-informed birth debriefs for women and families — particularly those who’ve had complex, confusing or difficult experiences

East Anglian Midwives offer personalised pregnancy care, homebirth and hospital birth support, and postnatal care in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridge

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Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.

Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.

She also opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the lack of adequate postnatal support she received afterwards, experiences that led her to launch the first UK parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Since then, she has continued campaigning alongside Louise Thompson for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner.

UPDATE: Since recording this episode, the government has announced the appointment of the UK’s first-ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, as part of efforts to improve maternity and neonatal care across England.

Links:

Follow Theo on Substack

Breaking the Taboo book

Birth Trauma Association

Maternity Commissioner Petition

Our interview with Louise Thompson

Do you follow our new Substack yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx

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Was home birth different in the 1970s compared to today?

This week, two midwives take us inside the world of birth beyond the hospital: from pioneering one of the earliest home water births to facing the realities, risks, and unexpected moments that come with bringing a baby into the world at home — even when the carpet is cream!

If you’re interested in being part of the Life of a Midwife series, we’d love to hear from you — just drop us an email midwives@pixiu.co.uk

Links from our midwives:

All4Maternity is the go to place for education and support if you’re a midwife or student midwife.

And All4Birth is the home for expectant and new parents - free, non-biased, evidence-based information! Curated by a midwife ❤️

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