Today I dive into a passionate conversation with UK-based Shellie, aka The Serenity Doula. Shellie caught my attention with the Instagram reels she creates, depicting some of the many ways birthing women’s bodies and rights are undermined, and challenging a lot of mainstream narratives and maternity system practices that contribute to so much unnecessary birth trauma. We talk through the importance of understanding and respecting birthing physiology, something Shellie has a very in-depth knowledge of, about the impacts of birth place and birth companions, about informed consent in birth care (or more accurately, the lack thereof), about advocacy, about doulas, and about induction of labour. Throughout our conversation Shellie’s heart-led approach to her work as a doula shines though. She is a rare gem and a true gift to the birthing world. Also covered in this episode: * the drive to be a doula * freebirth * birth trauma enquiry in UK * holistic healthcare vs allopathic medicine * abusive ‘care’ within the system * the ‘self work’ of preparing for a physiological birth Follow Shellie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ Check out Shellie's Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/ Join the Home Birth Support Group UK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homebirthsupportuk Check out the Physiological Birth Club clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/physiological-birth-club