The Calmbirth Conversation Podcast

#29 Perineal Trauma & Birth

In this episode Karen speaks with Melanie Francis about perineal trauma. They discuss perineal trauma, what is normal and easily recoverable, what can be done to lessen or prevent severe perineal trauma, and ways to improve postpartum recovery. Both Mel and Karen are midwives and as you will hear, they are very passionate about this topic. Mel is also a clinical educator with Gyzone, a specialized online education platform that provides accredited, video-based training for midwives, doctors, and medical students worldwide on diagnosing and repairing vaginal and perineal lacerations and tears. Mel also runs face to face workshops for Gyzone here is Australia.

#28 The Relaxation Response & Birth

I know it may seem at odds to put the words Relaxation and Birth in the same sentence but in actual fact relaxation is essential for birth. In this episode Peter and Karen talk about why relaxation techniques are so important for birth and how Calmbirth teaches the Relaxation Response in a more in depth and deeper level for you to not only work with birth, but really importantly, to prepare for birth.

#27 Matrescence and Preparing for the Postpartum Period

Join Karen as she talks with Dr Oscar Serrallach about the research and science behind Matrescence and what couples and their community can do to support and protect this incredibly important and transformation time for mothers. Don’t forget to grab Oscar’s book “The Postnatal Depletion Cure”. It’s a must read for not just Mum’s but for partners and anyone who is, or is going to be, supporting a new mum. And you can check out his courses at https://www.droscarserrallach.com/.

#26 Good Nutrition for Pregnancy & Gestational Diabetes

In this episode Karen explores with Lily Nicoles the importance of good nutrition for Pregnancy. They discuss not only what good nutrition and “Real Food” means but ways in which pregnant women and people ensure they are eating well for themselves and their babies. Karen and Lily also talk about gestational diabetes (GDM) and ways in which those who are diagnosed with GDM can use their diet to help reduce the impact of a GDM diagnosis. Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition®, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com. When she steps away from writing, you can find her spending time with her husband and two children — most likely outside or in the kitchen.

#25 The Wonders of the Female Pelvis with Fiona Hallinan

This episode is all about exploring the wonders of the Female pelvis. Karen and Fiona share their passion for the Pelvis and how it adapts in birth. They go on to discuss how birthing women and people can prepare their pelvis to create space for birth, because after all, birth is all about creating space.