Episodes
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...
Published 05/29/24
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...
Published 03/28/24
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 &...
Published 01/31/24
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...
Published 12/22/23
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...
Published 12/14/23
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,...
Published 11/17/23
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...
Published 09/27/23
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...
Published 07/26/23
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...
Published 05/11/23
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...
Published 04/10/23
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...
Published 03/06/23
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...
Published 01/29/23
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...
Published 12/21/22
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...
Published 12/09/22
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...
Published 11/30/22
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,...
Published 11/13/22
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...
Published 11/02/22
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...
Published 09/30/22
In this episode we explore just how normal and sometimes boring freebirth can be, and why there is a need for this conversation in the freebirth world. We move away from the common image of what freebirth 'is' and are creating a resource for you all where freebirth really can be accessible to all who choose it.
We are calling out for wonderful guest speakers with amazing, normal, boring freebirth stories to share with the world.
If this is you, get in...
Published 09/07/22