The Birth Uprising Podcast with Alix & Jade

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Anna from @HackneyHypnobirthing, and we’re digging deep into the realities of giving birth in today’s NHS.

We talk about the systemic challenges in maternity care, the rise in trauma and inequality, and how you can advocate for yourself in a system that often isn’t set up to support individualised care.

We also explore the impact of media, institutional pressure, and why understanding birth physiology and your rights is more crucial than ever.

We discuss:

👉 The worsening state of maternity services and rising birth trauma

👉 Why personalised care is essential and often missing

👉 What your rights are as an NHS service user

👉 How media and hospital culture shape our expectations

👉 Why preparation, confidence, and the right support can change your experience

👉 The importance of understanding risk and what it actually means

This is the episode to listen to if you want to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take control of your birth experience in 2025.

You can follow Anna on Instagram at: @hackneyhypnobirthing

Or check out her website here:

In this episode, Jade and Alix are chatting all things birth prep, but not in a way that overwhelms or pressures you.

We're talking real, practical ways to support your body and mind in the lead-up to labour.

From movement and hydration to mental health and rest, we explore what actually helps and what’s just unnecessary noise (spoiler: perineal massage might not be the miracle you’ve been told it is).

We discuss:
👉 Why physical preparation matters—but doesn’t need to be extreme
👉 How hydration, nutrition and rest support your body in late pregnancy
👉 The truth about perineal massage (and why you can skip it if it’s not for you)
👉 Listening to your body and focusing on what feels right
👉 The power of tuning out the pressure and tuning in to yourself

This one’s perfect if you want to feel prepared—but not panicked—as your birth approaches.

In this episode, Jade and Alix are back with some BIG updates including the launch of their brand new Birth Essentials shop and the expansion of TBU HQ! 🎉

They’re chatting through the tools that can genuinely change the game during labour and birth...no fluff, no gimmicks, just the stuff that makes a real difference when it matters most.

We cover:👉 How to use a labour comb to manage sensations👉 Why focus balls, earplugs, and vibrators can totally shift your birth experience👉 What makes birth balls and peanut balls a total must-have👉 How a portable peri bottle will save your life postpartum👉 Why the new TBU pregnancy journal is your go-to birth prep companion

If you’re wondering what to pack or how to feel more in control during birth, this episode is for you.

You can find our products here:

https://thebirthuprising.com/product-category/essential-birth-kit/

Get the Aura Orbs we mentioned here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Jemma Laker, who shares her powerful and personal story of choosing a home birth as a first-time parent. From facing uncertainty and assumptions based on family birth stories, to navigating the label of being 'high risk', Jemma talks us through how education, support, and self-trust helped her have the birth she truly wanted.

We discuss:
👉 Why home birth is absolutely a viable option for first-time parents
👉 The power of hypnobirthing and preparation
👉 How to challenge assumptions and medical labels
👉 Why self-advocacy and trusting your instincts matter
👉 The emotional recovery post-birth and normalising that adjustment period

If you’re a first-time parent curious about home birth—or just want to hear a badass, empowering birth story—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we’re joined by co-host Leanne (birthhooduk), Tash, and Ellie from Mokita to talk about a side of birth trauma that often gets overlooked—the perspective of healthcare professionals. We discuss the impact of trauma on both caregivers and birthing individuals, the challenges within the healthcare system, and why informed consent and collaboration are essential for creating safer, more supportive birth environments.

We discuss:
👉 The disconnect between training and real-world practice for healthcare professionals
👉 How fear-based communication affects birth outcomes
👉 The cycle of trauma among healthcare workers and how it impacts care
👉 Why collaboration between doulas and healthcare professionals can improve experiences
👉 How patriarchal norms and control still shape modern maternity care

This episode is all about challenging existing norms, rehumanizing birth, and giving both patients and healthcare professionals the tools to advocate for safer, more empowering birth experiences.

You can find out more about Mokita here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Tara Ghosh, women’s hormone health coach, to talk about something that hardly anyone prepares you for...the massive hormonal crash that happens after birth.

Tara shares her wisdom on the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and how hormones affect everything from your mental health to your ability to cope in those wild early weeks.

We discuss:
👉 Why postnatal hormonal shifts hit so hard (and why it’s not just “baby blues”)
👉 How your cycle and emotional patterns are connected
👉 The importance of postpartum nourishment, rest & support
👉 Why it’s okay to prioritise yourself—yes, even before the baby
👉 Cultural practices that actually honour the fourth trimester

This episode is packed with compassion, clarity, and the kind of real talk we ALL need when navigating the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum life.

You can find out more about Tara and her work here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Hinge, a lactation consultant, to talk about the realities of feeding! We dive into the pressures new parents face, the lack of support in the system, and how knowledge + preparation can make all the difference when it comes to meeting your feeding goals (whatever they may be).

We discuss:
👉 The challenges of breastfeeding and why so many parents struggle
👉 The pressures & expectations placed on infant feeding choices
👉 How learning to hand express colostrum in pregnancy builds confidence and autonomy
👉 The mental & emotional side of feeding struggles
👉 The lack of healthcare training & support for new parents

This episode is all about giving you the info & confidence you need to navigate feeding in a way that works for YOU. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or just preparing for what’s to come, this one is packed with real talk & practical advice.

You can find more out about Olivia here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Green (@thegreenmidwife) to talk about the reality of birth outside medical guidelines and how hospital culture can shape the choices available to you. We discuss the importance of personalised care, informed decision-making, and advocating for yourself in maternity care.

We discuss:
👉 Why hospital policies vary so much—even under the same guidelines
👉 The difference between actual risk vs. blanket policies
👉 How birth trauma impacts future pregnancy choices
👉 The emotional side of making decisions that go against standard guidance
👉 The importance of early conversations about your birth plan & documenting your choices

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever been told “you have to do this because it’s safer” without real context—or if you just want to feel more confident in making informed choices for YOUR birth.

You can find Laura here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Caz Sayles, a doula and birth educator, to chat about the mindset, empowerment, and must-read books that can completely shift the way you prepare for birth.

We dive into how cultural narratives, fear, and maternity care systems shape birth experiences!

We discuss:
👉 Caz’s top 5 must-read books for pregnancy & birth
👉 How mindset & fear can impact labour
👉 The rise in induction & caesarean rates—and what needs to change
👉 Why choosing the right birth partner is a game-changer
👉 The spiritual side of birth and reclaiming it as a powerful experience

This episode is all about taking control, feeling empowered, and making informed choices for the birth you deserve!

Find out more about Caz here:

In this episode, we’re joined by Angharad from Beautiful Beginnings, who shares her incredible experiences of Birthing Before Arrival (BBA) not once, but TWICE.

We chat about what it’s like to give birth unexpectedly without medical professionals present, how hypnobirthing transformed her second birth, and the importance of trusting your body.

We discuss:

👉 The key differences between her first and second births

👉 The power of intuition in birth timing

👉 Planning (or not planning!) for home birth

👉 How independent midwifery support can change the birth experience

👉 Parenting three kids and navigating life post-birth

This episode is full of real, raw, and empowering birth stories...one you don’t want to miss!

You can find Angharad over on the grid here:

In this episode, we chat about the essentials for packing your hospital bag for childbirth. We tackle common worries about overpacking and emphasise that comfort is key.

We discuss:

👉 Why it’s okay to pack what makes you feel comfortable

👉 How creating a homely atmosphere can transform your labour

👉 The role of personal items and pain relief tools in easing your experience

👉 Tips on avoiding stress about forgetting things. Hospitals have the basics, and your comfort is what counts

This conversation is your go-to guide for practical, evidence-based tips to ensure your birth process is smooth, comfortable, and tailored to you.

🎧 Listen now because when you feel good, your birth journey gets even better.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Grab our Birth bag PDF here:

In this episode, we take a closer look at the ongoing debate around home birth versus hospital birth. We tackle common misconceptions and explore the historical shift from home to hospital birth, highlighting why home birth is often misunderstood.

We discuss:

👉 How home birth is frequently misrepresented and unfairly compared to hospital birth.

👉 The historical context of birth practices and why the narrative changed.

👉 The over-categorization of risk and how many of us might not need hospital-level interventions.

👉 The safety, comfort, and empowerment that come with birthing at home.

👉 Practical insights on creating a relaxed, supportive environment with effective hypnobirthing and pain management techniques.

👉 The importance of making informed, personalized choices based on your comfort and safety.

If you’re exploring your birth options or curious about the benefits of a home birth, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and personal stories to help you decide what's right for you.

🎧 Listen now—because understanding your options is the first step to a confident birth journey.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Home Birth Support Group with Sam Gadsden -

In this episode, Jade and Alix explore the intricacies of contractions and labour, emphasising the importance of understanding the birthing process. They reveal how the right environment, mindset, and support systems can transform your labour experience, and share practical hypnobirthing tools to manage pain and create a positive birth environment.

We discuss:

👉 How understanding contractions can alleviate fear for expectant parents.

👉 The critical role your environment plays in your comfort during labour.

👉 The power of mindset in shaping your perception of pain.

👉 Practical tools and techniques for managing pain and enhancing your birth experience.

👉 Why having a supportive birth partner is essential.

👉 The importance of communication and creating a safe space during childbirth.

This conversation empowers you with the knowledge to approach labour confidently and transform challenges into a positive, empowering experience.

🎧 Listen now—because understanding your birth process is the first step to taking control of your journey.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

In this episode, we break down why hypnobirthing is so important when preparing for birth. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need multiple antenatal courses, we’re here to tell you...You don’t. Hypnobirthing covers it all, from managing labour confidently to making informed decisions about your birth.

We discuss:

👉 Why hypnobirthing is more than just breathing exercises.

👉 How it prepares you for all birth scenarios.

👉 The history behind birth management and why it needs to change.

👉 How understanding your body leads to a badass birthing experience.

Get ready for a straight-talking chat about how hypnobirthing will change the way you think about birth. You’ll leave feeling empowered, informed, and ready to trust your amazing body!

🎧 Listen now to find out why this is the only antenatal course you need.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Join our FREE Masterclass on being a birthworker and find out if it is the right career for you:

In this episode, we chat with Mel, an independent midwife, about her journey from the NHS to setting up her own independent practice.

Mel dives into the differences between NHS and independent care models, the importance of personalised care, and the freedom she now has to support women on her own terms.

We discuss:

👉 The challenges midwives face within the NHS, including compassion fatigue.

👉 The crucial role of doulas in birth and their dynamic with midwives.

👉 How societal conditioning impacts women’s confidence in their birthing abilities.

👉 The importance of informed choices, birth education, hypnobirthing and empowering women during childbirth.

This conversation sheds light on the systemic issues in maternity care and why tailored support is essential for positive birth experiences.

🎧 Listen now—because your birth choices matter, and understanding them is the first step to taking control of your journey.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

You can find out more about Mel here:

In this episode, we are joined by Sally Scott, aka The Pregnancy Chiropractor, to explore the fascinating world of biomechanics in birth. We dive into how physical preparation during pregnancy can have a massive impact on birth outcomes.

Together, we discuss the crucial role of chiropractic care in addressing common challenges like breech and transverse positions, the importance of optimal fetal positioning, and how movement and bodywork can support a smoother labour and birth.

This episode shines a light on the historical context of birth practices, the loss of traditional knowledge, and why reconnecting with instinctive, ancient practices can enhance the birthing experience. Sally also emphasises the need for more education and awareness around maternal health, advocating for proactive and informed choices as well as practicing hypnobirthing, to help parents take control of their birth journeys.

🎧 Listen now—because understanding your body and its biomechanics can be a total game-changer for your birth experience.

In this episode of The Birth Uprising Podcast, we’re tackling a big one: how misinformation can totally derail your confidence during birth and breastfeeding. Whether it’s advice from well-meaning friends, family, or even healthcare professionals, the wrong words at the wrong time can leave us doubting our instincts or feeling selfish for wanting to follow our gut.

We chat about:🌟 The harmful myths that can knock your confidence (like "your nipples are too small" or "birth is just dangerous").🧠 Why it's crucial to question all advice—even the stuff we share.📚 How to build your plans using evidence-based info, common sense, and real-life experiences that actually align with your goals.💪 Taking back control, trusting your body, and feeling empowered to follow your instincts.

This episode is all about helping you sift through the noise, reclaim your power, and create a birth and breastfeeding journey that’s yours—not anyone else’s.

Listen now and feel confident to question everything! 🎧

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If you’re pregnant and you want to know more about TBU and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions/

Ready to come and prepare for your birth with us? Check out our amazing No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off-

www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here-

https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables/

Watch us on TikTok-

Something we are asked about ALL THE TIME is about preparing for birth when you have another child to juggle. It conjures up worries about how your first child will feel, what to do do to prepare them and things to get prepared to make your life easier in the early days.

Listen to what we have to say on the topic and hopefully you’ll feel more like things are in hand!

Here are the children’s books mentioned-

There’s a House Inside My Mummy

Alix joins Alice, one of our birth worker gang to chat about NICU!

This is a throwback to a live that Alix and Alice @bristolbirthfolk did last year and we know that it’s been a great resource for people and that it was worth sharing it on this platform too!

We cover- 

*Alice’s story.

*The NICU setup.

*Tips for NICU parents.

*Tips for supporting NICU parents.

*What NOT to do to support NICU parents.

*Coming home from NICU with your baby.

*Calming techniques for NICU.

*Support for NICU parents from charities, groups and social media.

Thank you so much to Alice for sharing your experience and tips!

This week we’re talking all about, being overdue!

We KNOW how hard it can be to reach that made up date you’ve been given and have all your friends and family hounding you for details about any niggles.

We hope we can give you encouragement for when you get to that point and share our experience both personal and professional.

Here are the resources mentioned-

Sara Wickham’s marvellous book ‘In Your Own Time’-