Episode 60: Navigating the Maternity System in 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Anna from @HackneyHypnobirthing, and we’re digging deep into the realities of giving birth in today’s NHS.We talk about the systemic challenges in maternity care, the rise in trauma and inequality, and how you can advocate for yourself in a system that often isn’t set up to support individualised care.We also explore the impact of media, institutional pressure, and why understanding birth physiology and your rights is more crucial than ever.We discuss:👉 The worsening state of maternity services and rising birth trauma👉 Why personalised care is essential and often missing👉 What your rights are as an NHS service user👉 How media and hospital culture shape our expectations👉 Why preparation, confidence, and the right support can change your experience👉 The importance of understanding risk and what it actually meansThis is the episode to listen to if you want to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take control of your birth experience in 2025.You can follow Anna on Instagram at: @hackneyhypnobirthingOr check out her website here: https://www.hackneyhypnobirthing.comResources recommended by Anna:Book: In Your Own Time by Sara WickhamBook: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel ReedKirsten Small at @birthsmalltalkAnd check out Anna's brilliant post on risk here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHnW1e2oOL4/?hl=en💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprisingAre you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.comFind RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork
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Episode 59: Preparing your body for labour during pregnancy
In this episode, Jade and Alix are chatting all things birth prep, but not in a way that overwhelms or pressures you. We're talking real, practical ways to support your body and mind in the lead-up to labour.From movement and hydration to mental health and rest, we explore what actually helps and what’s just unnecessary noise (spoiler: perineal massage might not be the miracle you’ve been told it is).We discuss:👉 Why physical preparation matters—but doesn’t need to be extreme👉 How hydration, nutrition and rest support your body in late pregnancy👉 The truth about perineal massage (and why you can skip it if it’s not for you)👉 Listening to your body and focusing on what feels right👉 The power of tuning out the pressure and tuning in to yourselfThis one’s perfect if you want to feel prepared—but not panicked—as your birth approaches.💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprisingAre you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.comFind RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork
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Episode 58: Your Birth Bag, Upgraded...Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
In this episode, Jade and Alix are back with some BIG updates including the launch of their brand new Birth Essentials shop and the expansion of TBU HQ! 🎉They’re chatting through the tools that can genuinely change the game during labour and birth...no fluff, no gimmicks, just the stuff that makes a real difference when it matters most.We cover:👉 How to use a labour comb to manage sensations👉 Why focus balls, earplugs, and vibrators can totally shift your birth experience👉 What makes birth balls and peanut balls a total must-have👉 How a portable peri bottle will save your life postpartum👉 Why the new TBU pregnancy journal is your go-to birth prep companionIf you’re wondering what to pack or how to feel more in control during birth, this episode is for you.You can find our products here: https://thebirthuprising.com/product-category/essential-birth-kit/Get the Aura Orbs we mentioned here: https://www.yuula.co.uk/?ref=THEBIRTHUPRISING💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprisingAre you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.comFind RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork
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Episode 57: Home Birth as a First Time Mum with Jemma Laker
In this episode, we’re joined by Jemma Laker, who shares her powerful and personal story of choosing a home birth as a first-time parent. From facing uncertainty and assumptions based on family birth stories, to navigating the label of being 'high risk', Jemma talks us through how education, support, and self-trust helped her have the birth she truly wanted.We discuss:👉 Why home birth is absolutely a viable option for first-time parents👉 The power of hypnobirthing and preparation👉 How to challenge assumptions and medical labels👉 Why self-advocacy and trusting your instincts matter👉 The emotional recovery post-birth and normalising that adjustment periodIf you’re a first-time parent curious about home birth—or just want to hear a badass, empowering birth story—this episode is for you.💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-packGet the Birth Focus Balls here: https://thebirthuprising.com/product/tactile-birth-focus-balls/📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprisingAre you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.comFind RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork
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Episode 56: Birth Trauma – The Impact on Those Who Care
In this episode, we’re joined by co-host Leanne (birthhooduk), Tash, and Ellie from Mokita to talk about a side of birth trauma that often gets overlooked—the perspective of healthcare professionals. We discuss the impact of trauma on both caregivers and birthing individuals, the challenges within the healthcare system, and why informed consent and collaboration are essential for creating safer, more supportive birth environments.We discuss:👉 The disconnect between training and real-world practice for healthcare professionals👉 How fear-based communication affects birth outcomes👉 The cycle of trauma among healthcare workers and how it impacts care👉 Why collaboration between doulas and healthcare professionals can improve experiences👉 How patriarchal norms and control still shape modern maternity careThis episode is all about challenging existing norms, rehumanizing birth, and giving both patients and healthcare professionals the tools to advocate for safer, more empowering birth experiences.You can find out more about Mokita here: https://www.mokitatraining.com/💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising
About The Birth Uprising Podcast with Alix & Jade
Join TBU’s Jade and Alix for weekly discussions on all things pregnancy, birth and postnatal. So whether you are expecting a baby or already have your hands full, we will have something for you. Our approach is no bull, no fluff, no nonsense, so expect to leave ready to birth like a badass and parent like a boss! Find us on Instagram www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising or head to our website www.thebirthuprising.com
UK