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 option. Indeed, lots more women are freebirthing in the area she lives, and it just felt like a natural move. Her partner showed amazing support and trust, and brought his skills of life-guard training for the birth - though this was not actually needed! Mieke shares about bearing witness to herself in her freebirth, experimenting with her body freely and remembering her own authority in the birth space. You can connect with Mieke on Instagram @takeyourbirthbystorm ____________________________________________ AVAILABLE COURSES: Are you looking for a birth prep course created specifically for homebirthers and freebirthers? Sign up to '⁠Home Grown⁠,' the 4 weeks course taught by Victoria. Do you need support and guidance navigating maternity services in the UK as you prepare to freebirth? Sign up to '⁠Navigating Officialdom⁠' the course brought to you by Leonie. Follow us on Instagram ⁠@normalboringfreebirth ⁠If you have enjoyed this episode, share and tag us. Please rate the podcast, we love to hear what you think! Subscribe and be the first to know when a new episode is released. Your hosts: Victoria ⁠@freetobirth⁠ & Leonie ⁠@birthwise.withleonie