Episode 158 - The Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your Experience
Send us a textThe Four Tendencies in Birth: How Knowing Yourself Shapes Your ExperienceIn this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore how Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework can help women, partners, and birth professionals better understand how we respond to expectations — and why that matters so much in pregnancy and birth.I share real-life examples of how each Tendency (Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel) might prepare for birth, how they may respond in the moment, and the unique challenges or strengths they bring into the birth room.You’ll hear:✨ Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools you can take into labour✨ How partners can better support by recognising their own style and their loved one’s needs✨ Why birth professionals and doulas benefit from tailoring their approach depending on the woman or family they’re working with✨ What to do if you don’t know your care provider’s Tendency — and how to get your point across clearly in the moment✨ How to express your own Tendency in your Birth Manifesto® so your values, priorities, and boundaries are unmistakably clearThis episode is full of stories, practical strategies, and even scripts you can use to explain yourself to others, helping you strengthen your inner compass and stay aligned with what matters most.Resources & Links:Learn more about creating your Birth Manifesto® in my Discover Your North Star course - https://payhip.com/b/8PSYiGretchen Rubins The Four Tendencies Quiz - https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review — it makes such a differenceIf you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
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Episode 157 - Beyond the Headlines: Paracetamol in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
Send us a textIn this episode, I’m speaking openly about the ongoing debate around paracetamol (Tylenol), especially its use during pregnancy and in young children.Headlines and politics — including Donald Trump jumping on a microphone with bold claims — have left many people either dismissing concerns outright or panicking. But if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, we risk missing the real science that deserves our attention.I explore:How paracetamol impacts the body: glutathione depletion, mitochondrial stress, DNA and immune function.The role of genetics (like MTHFR variants) in how drugs are processed.Why giving babies paracetamol before vaccination may blunt their immune response.The connection between gut health, antibiotics, C-sections, and long-term wellbeing.Practical ways to make more thoughtful choices.Studies & Resources:Paracetamol and the Developing Brain (PMC)Impact of intrapartum antibiotics and C-section on infant gut microbiome.Early-life Antibiotics and Risk of ADHD (PMC)C-section, Formula Feeding, and Infant Gut Microbiome (Frontiers)Maternal Antibiotic Prophylaxis During C-section and Infant Gut Microbiome (PMC)Paracetamol, Oxidative Stress, and Glutathione (PMC)Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of infant vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody responses.If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
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Episode 156 - The Wobble – How to Feel Supported in Labour if You Say 'I Can’t Do This Anymore'
Send us a textEvery birth has a moment that feels impossible. For many women, it comes right before the pushing stage — a sudden rush of overwhelm, doubt, or fear. This is what I call 'The Wobble'.In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m diving deep into this essential topic. You’ll learn:What the Wobble really is — why it happens, when it usually shows up, and how to recognise itWhy it’s not a crisis, but a turning point in labourWhat partners can do in the moment to support her with calm, strength, and reassuranceThe words and actions that help most (and the ones to avoid)How to protect the birth space so she feels safe, supported, and able to move through itThe Wobble can sound like:* 'I can’t do this anymore'.* 'Something’s wrong'.* 'I want to stop'.But instead of signalling failure, these words often mean she’s closer than ever to meeting her baby. With the right support, the wobble passes — and she finds her strength again.If you’re a birth partner, this episode is also for you. Your steady presence in this moment can make all the difference.Resources & Links Mentioned in This EpisodeDownload the Wobble Cheat Sheet for your partner: HereExplore my Discover Your North Star course for tools and strategies to prepare for birth: HereFollow me on Instagram for more tips and resources: Here💌 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or partner who’s preparing for birth. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
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Episode 155 - Are Doulas Guardians or Gatekeepers?
Send us a textIn light of the recent NMC and Doula UK video, I decided to record this special episode as I felt it relates this this season's theme: The Reality of Birth.The video tried to define the role of a doula but missed the mark — suggesting we simply reinforce what midwives advise. That’s not the truth.You can watch it here - https://youtu.be/bXqIBMTZHDsMany care providers still remain confused about the role of a doula — despite us providing care for 25 years or more in some cases. But that confusion isn’t what matters. What matters is that you and your partner are crystal clear on why you’ve chosen your doula, and how their continuous support aligns with your birth vision.In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I explore:✨ Why the recent video missed the mark about doula support.✨ What families need to know when choosing a doula or birthkeeper.✨ Why the woman herself is the true guardian and gatekeeper of her birth.✨ How midwives can embrace this truth if they are to practise woman-centred care.I also share how a group of local doulas in my area have been working collaboratively with the hospital to build stronger relationships with midwives — and why this kind of real-world connection is far more valuable than any video.💡 Key Takeaway: A doula is neither a guardian nor a gatekeeper. The woman is both. Everyone else — doulas, partners, midwives, and doctors — are there in service to her.If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
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Episode 154 - Expectations vs. Reality — The Untold Elements of Poppy’s 2nd Birth Story
Send us a textIn this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I’m joined by Poppy Child from Pop That Mumma, who shares parts of her second birth story that she has never spoken about publicly before.Poppy went into her pregnancy journey believing that a pain-free birth was achievable, but the reality unfolded in ways she hadn’t expected. In this conversation, she opens up about the untold elements of her experience, offering an honest reflection on how expectations can differ from reality in birth.We explore:The vision of a pain-free birth and how it contrasted with realityThe unplanned circumstances that shaped Poppy’s second birthThe emotional impact of unmet expectationsWhy speaking about the less-shared parts of birth matters so deeplyPoppy’s openness is a true gift, and I’m so grateful for her courage in sharing the sides of her story that have remained unspoken. Her reflections will reassure and support anyone who has felt the gap between what they imagined birth would be and the reality they experienced.Resources & Links:Connect with Poppy on instagram: @PopthatmummaFollow me on Instagram: @ultimatebirthpartnerExplore more episodes: The Ultimate Birth Partner PodcastIf you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesfordIf you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/LabourofloveThe Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9dfPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth' - Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmOPregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPFYou can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...
Everything a pregnant woman and her partner need to know to support them in preparation for labour, birth, and the early days with a new baby. This podcast gives both you and your partner the confidence and knowledge about the role they play throughout your birth, so they don't undermine or ruin the birth for you. Throughout these episodes, my guests and I will share with you our experience of being a birth keeper and advocate for women across the globe. This podcast is inclusive and invites guests from all backgrounds to enable you to hear a wide range of experiences.
Ireland