It’s a juicy episode full of wisdom nuggets capable of radically shifting women’s wellness. 

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If you want to change the world, make sure everyone knows what their pelvic floor is and how to take care of it. Today we interview Dr. Leah Karp, a Physical Therapist with a particular affinity for Pelvic Floor Therapy. 

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Dr. Karp shares insights about the pelvic floor, how it relates to childbearing, common issues women deal with thinking there’s no fix for but there usually is, and what pelvic floor therapy can be like. 

You can connect further with Dr. Karp via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physiowellnesshi/

and her website: https://www.physiowellnesshi.com/about

Today we get to hear the birth stories of a woman who dared to dream. Rava Ray desired to birth on the island of her people but was met with a lot of road blocks along the way. Her journey to the birth she wanted required a lot of perseverance, patience and creativity. It also opened up her eyes to the realities of the birth climate around the world where options are limited, conventional medicine prevails and traditional practices are systemically erased. In a world where women centered birthing is an endangered practice, we hope this inspires you to dream big. May this be a reminder that we have the power to shift the tides in maternity care worldwide.

You can follow Rava on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravaray/

Today we have special guest Kemi Johnson. A UK based birth keeper and former NHS midwife with a strong, proud & courageous heart dedicated to making birth better for all! She helps us understand how midwifery care is set up in the UK and the challenges it's currently facing. We explore her perspectives on what's working, what's not, and what's needed moving forward in birth culture.

Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/

Website: https://www.kemibirthjoyjohnson.com

The Pacific Mother Film is a magnificent birth documentary released in 2023. It follows the birthing experiences of mothers in Japan, Hawai'i, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Aotearoa. It was largely inspired by the question "“Why do mothers have to fight so hard for what feels so right?” by Sachiko Fukumoto. You can read more about the film on their website: https://www.pacificmotherfilm.com and their instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Je7oRvAsR/?img_index=1

We also reviewed a significant development in our Hawai'i birth politics landscape. The Hawai'i attorney general has answered questions and clarified issues regarding midwifery regulations. Spoiler alert- this means major implications for non immediate family, friends and unlicensed providers (grandmas, doulas, birth attendants) giving any childbearing advice. The full letter can be read here: https://ugc.production.linktr.ee/30be8bf3-e954-46dd-aff7-91409e947536_AG-Letter-.pdf

We have the honor to welcome back Alexandra Kisitu to share about her new book Back to the Womb: Reclaiming Birth Sovereignty Back to the Womb traces the complexities of birth in America as well as the voices of home-birth moms in Hawai'i. This book uncovers the struggle for sovereignty, the issues with medicalized birth and the sacredness of home birth. It is a book about reclaiming our birthright, honoring our humanity, cultivating our divine feminine energy, trusting in ourselves, relying on our ancestral strength and returning back to the womb. You can purchase the book and learn more about her on her website: https://alexandrakisitu.com/meet-the-author

You can also purchase her book via amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Back-Womb-Reclaiming-Birth-Sovereignty/dp/1962834042/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=33K4FNZ3K7V75&keywords=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaiming&qid=1705955590&sprefix=alex+kisitu+birth+reclaimin%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1-fkmr0

We have repeat guests today, Jess and Brad Adair. They've joined us before to share about their journey through parenthood with baby number 1 and 2

(Listen to that episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jess-brad-on-hospital-care-midwifery-free-birthing/id1522143371?i=1000604887020 ).

Now they are back to share about their freebirth with baby number 3. And here is the link to their new product they mention at the end of the episode. A product to help parents live a tidier life: https://www.instagram.com/teensytidyliving/

Today we explore long labors. What are some contributing factors ? How can we work through them ? Are they safe ?

Today we cover an often ignored topic, home birth transports.

We are honored to have parents Jess and Brad join us today. They share all the real life details of what it's been like welcoming in baby #1, #2 and now preparing for number #3. They share lots of different angles from dad, from mom, as a team. They also share about the emotional, spiritual and practical lessons they've learned along the way. You can find Jess on Ig @adair_jess and her blog: https://teensytidyliving.com/blogs/news

and Brad is on Ig as @6figurestayathomedad

It's that time of year again - the legislative session is ON! We give you a recap of how we got to where we are for those who may be brand new to the Hawai'i midwifery licensure conversation. And we share about the current bill that's making its way through the House right now- HB955. We answer common concerns and questions and share an important call to action at the end to make sure this bill keeps moving forward. If you're interested in how to preserve traditional birth wisdom - then take a listen !

These are the link mentioned throughout the episode:

The Hawai'i Home Birth Collective - for membership and legislative updates:

https://hihbc.org

@hawaii_home_birth_collective/

Video of Rep. Natalia Hussey-Burdick's opening speech on the House floor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Con6BWXMzFR/

ACNM apology letter: https://www.midwife.org/truth-and-reconciliation

ACOG statement on racism: https://www.acog.org/en/News/News%20Articles/2020/08/Joint%20Statement%20Obstetrics%20and%20Gynecology%20Collective%20Action%20Addressing%20Racism

We are honored to interview Elisa Spring, an intimacy Midwife. She assists folks in enhancing their communication skills and expanded self-expression, building the capacity for experiencing sensation, pleasure, intimacy, and deep states of connection, and learning to honor and liberate their bodies and their sexuality. We dive into the need to honor rights of passages, how to tune in to yourself, and an epic poem reminding you to slow the fuck down. You can connect further with her via https://www.spellsoftruth.com and on IG as @spellsoftruth

New Women on Fire Podcast❤️‍🔥 We are so honored to welcome our special guest Jessica Lagor. She’s a mother and midwife and today she shares her personal experiences of gestating beyond 42 weeks and up to 45 weeks. This is a special episode meant to expand the collective understandings of what is possible despite a culture dominated by women “not being allowed” to go past 42 weeks. Jessica shares how she weighed risks, navigated fears, uncertainties, self responsibility and ultimately stuck to what felt true for her. Thank you Jessica for your time and being a living legend and amazing example of embodying your own power. You can connect further with her via ig @hippyonthemountain and her website: www.lvmidwiferyservices.com

Curious about a vegan diet in pregnancy ? Kelly Stern shares with us her experience through pregnancies, birth and postpartum while on a plant based diet. She addresses common concerns and shares tips that she's figured out along the way in her many years as a plant-based chef. Find her on IG @goldielockshawaii and her website www.kellysternyoga.com

Wise momma Chloe Bee takes us on her journey through her first pregnancy -that went to 43 weeks- and her postpartum and how movement and dance has been a key elements to flowing her way through and processing the various aspects of life as a new mother.

I was once taught a natural induction is an oxymoron. Yet many turn to natural inductions options to avoid a hospital induction. As we always say, nothing is ever an always or never situation. So, we explore some of the circumstantional considerations that come up when contemplating induction options. And the difference between induction and supporting the pathways of vitality and birth.

Inspired by Jaymie's fresh postpartum and breastfeeding journey we decided to dive into the nuances and details of what can come up and how to navigate it. From first latch to logged ducts and enjoying the unique connection between mother and baby.

It's only fitting to share Jaymie's birth story episode on Halloween since baby was conceived on Halloween last year. And yet there is nothing spooky or terrifying - "just" a powerful and healthy pregnancy and birth experience.

We dive into two major topics brought up by women in our childbearing wisdom circle 1- How to navigate people/loved ones not being supportive of your plan to birth at home and 2- What’s an intervention ? And sprinkles of insights from Jaymie’s third trimester days 💛

There’s often confusion about what a doula is versus a midwife. So that’s exactly what we focused on clarifying in this episode.🦎We share about the similarities & differences between doulas and midwives and also how we can compliment each other to make a well rounded birth team. 🌴And at the end of the episode Jaymie shares a delicious protein ball recipe that’s been a total hit with everyone whose tried them 🤤 

Jaymie and I talk about midwifery as an act of love- the many ways it can look, feel and sound. And why it matter to always remember this as the foundation of midwifery.