Join me and journalist, midwife and author Amity Reed as we discuss the important topic of obstetric violence and how it impacts both families and those working within the maternity system. In this episode we discuss:Amity's journey to midwiferyHow working as a midwife was not what Amity thought it was going to beWhat obstetric violence is and how it is deeply rooted in power and controlHow maternity care workers are also being harmed within the current obstetric model of careFollow Amity:  @amity.reedWebsite: amityreed.comFacebookWhite Ribbon Alliance UKAmity is a midwife, author, and activist. Her first book, 'Overdue: Birth, burnout, and a blueprint for a better NHS' was published in 2020. She also works for reproductive health and rights charity White Ribbon Alliance UK, as their Resource and Programme Development Lead. Amity lives on the Sussex coast with her husband and two teenage children. Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

I'm so happy to share this episode featuring Amy Arnold, who discusses her journey with multiple pregnancy losses, an ectopic pregnancy and how she decided to access alternative options for fertility support to meet her rainbow baby.You'll hear us discuss:Amy's story of loss and how she found supportWhy Amy chose to take an alternative path with fertility supportThe weight stigma Amy experienced when accessing standard medicalized fertility and pregnancy careHow Amy utilized doula support and switching providers Ways Amy is preparing for her birthFollow Amy: @rckincupcakePromo Image: @mayadphotoLove Amy's and ready to read more?  Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

I'm so excited for you to hear Ashley's THREE birth stories. Have a listen to her journey through two challenging experiences ending in surgical birth, followed by her decision to take radical responsibility when she stepped outside of the maternity system in Australia.Ashley's journey to parenthood was definitely filled with bumps along the way, including medical anti-fat bias that impacted the care she received and the decisions she made during her third pregnancy.You'll hear us discuss:Ashley's experiences with weight stigma during all of her pregnanciesHow anti-fat bias limited her options and set her up for experiences with higher interventionWays Ashley advocated for herself and her babiesThe reasons why Ashley decided to freebirth her baby at home and the stark contrast between her in-hospital and out of hospital birth(s)Follow Ashley: @ashleylwinning Website: https://ashleywinning.com/The VBAC Home Birth Stories Podcast  Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

Join me and Jojo Hogan as we explore the important topic of postpartum planning and all of the ways we are getting it wrong in the West. Jojo is a peri-natal care specialist, yoga teacher and founder of Slow Postpartum, an international movement which educates as to the importance of honoring the weeks following birth.In this episode we discuss:The typical challenges many new families faceThe importance of postpartum planning What a slow postpartum is and how you can prepare for one yourselfHow the traditions of other cultures support the mother and baby dyadThe importance of having a village and organizing support prior to birthFollow Jojo:  @slowpostpartumWebsite:  slowpostpartum.comFacebookYouTubeCheck out Jojo's Freebie! Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families Jojo is a peri-natal care specialist, yoga teacher and founder of Slow Postpartum, an international movement which educates as to the importance of honouring the weeks following birth. With over twenty years experience Jojo inspires the new families that she works with to view the postpartum period as a time of deep significance when they need and deserve to be deeply cared for, supported, nurtured and nourished. Using a range of modalities including yoga, mindfulness, nutrition & body work as well as taking inspiration from traditional postpartum practises, Jojo works with families around the world to create their 'slow postpartum sanctuaries'.  She also mentors and trains other doulas and birthworker in her unique Slow Postpartum method. Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

There is so much wisdom in Alice's story of pregnancy and birth. Have a listen to learn how she found the right support for her after she was continually met with weight-biased care. You'll hear us discuss:How Alice was "risked out" out midwife-led careThe weight bias Alice experienced during pregnancyThe reasons why Alice decided to have a home birthAlice's journey through labor, including a transfer to the hospitalThe reflections Alice has had since giving birth and what she would do differentlyFollow Alice: @betweenearthandmoon and @beamwitcheryWebsite:  betweenearthandmoon.comFacebook: facebook.com/betweenearthandmoonLove Alice's birth story and ready to read more?  Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

Join me and breastfeeding specialist Sterling Grey-Simmons as we explore the topic of breastfeeding and considerations for plus size folks.In this episode we discuss:Common challenges associated with breastfeedingWays you can prepare for feeding your little oneThe importance of support and education  How misinformed professionals and loved ones can negatively impact feedingProducts that may be helpful for folks preparing to breastfeedHints & tips for breastfeeding in publicFollow Sterling: @loyallactationWebsite:  loyallactation.orgTikTok: loyallactationResources: La Leche League InternationalCo-Sleeping When You're Plus Size Podcast Episode Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

Join me and intuitive eating coach Stephanie Dodier as we explore the topics of diet culture, intuitive eating and how you can regain body trust. In this episode we discuss:What diet culture and the "thin ideal" areThe difference between body neutrality and body positivityHow diet culture and modern maternity care promote a lack of body trustWays you can begin working toward body trustHow you can begin to change the way you think about food and your bodyFollow Stephanie: @stephdodier Website:  stephaniedodier.comLinked InFacebook Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

Hello folks! Tune into this wonderful conversation I had with Tessa Bryant, a full spectrum doula and first time mom from Tennessee.Tessa experienced what so many others suffer with in silence during pregnancy-- severe sickness, AKA hyperemesis gravidarum. We explore how she navigated that misery while also preparing for her birth.In this episode, we discuss:Tessa's journey through severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)Tips for coping with HG (and Michelle's cannabis story!)How Tessa needed to pivot her home birth plans Ways to prepare for a cesarean birthThe importance of finding a size inclusive providerFollow Tessa: @thistleandirisbirthWebsite: thistleandirisbirth.comResources: (Cannabis)The Cannabis Doula@cannabirth(Hyperemesis)HER FoundationPregnancy Sickness Support UKThe Sick Film (documentary)Also Mentioned:Spinning Babies Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

Join me and birth trauma specialist Teela Tomassetti as we explore the topic of birth trauma, often called obstetric violence. In this episode we discuss:What birth trauma is and how it can occurI share my personal story of birth trauma Teela explains the fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses-- which are experienced during traumaWays family and friends can support those who have experienced traumaWhere you can find support if you have experienced birth traumaFollow Teela:  @theteaonbirthtraumaWebsite:  theteaonbirthtrauma.comResources:Postpartum Support International Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com

I'm excited for you to hear Rebecca's story of pregnancy, birth and navigating the UK maternity system. Have a listen to learn how Rebecca's options were limited during her pregnancy simply because of her weight. Her pregnancy came to an unexpected (and exciting!) end and I simply cannot spoil the surprise!You'll hear us discuss:Rebecca's diagnosis of gestational diabetes and how this impacted her careMaternity care norms in the UK and how weight stigma comes into the pictureHow Rebecca experienced anxiety during her pregnancy and how she sought supportThe importance of listening to your intuition, even if no one believes you!How Rebecca's views and beliefs on birth have changed since her challenging experiencesResourcesThe Midwive's Cauldron Podcast: check out the two episodes on gestational diabetesHome Birth Support Group UK (Facebook) with Samantha Gadsden (Doula)Love Rebecca's birth story and ready to read more?  Get Your Free Guide! Seven Ways Weight Stigma Can Sabotage Your PregnancyClick here to get my book, Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy at Any size-- It is the go-to resource for plus size pregnancy that will help you tune into your intuition, trust your body and teach you those oh so-important advocacy skills so you can have the autonomous birth you desire!Leave a review and submit your screenshot here to receive a gift directly to your mailbox!Connect with MichelleInstagram: @fat.and.pregnantWebsite: www.fatandpregnant.com