LushTums - The Podcast LushTums

After a little break, we reflect on some of the episodes we recorded last year.   We have started to record some new podcasts with some wonderful people.  We can't wait to share them with you! 

Have you heard of gut health, probiotics, antibiotic resistance?  These are hot topics but how do they relate to birth and our babies.  

Together with her partner Alex, Toni Harman made the documentary film Microbirth asking the question 

Could birth and infant feeding affect a child's long-term health?

It won awards and instigating discussions and changes that are happening today.  Their follow up book “The MicroBiome Effect” brought together more information and questions about what we can learn about the role of bacteria in birth, feeding and our ongoing health.  

Get tickets for the conference happening on 29th & 30th April
https://microbirth.com/the-microbirth-plan/

Find out more about Toni's work 
https://microbirth.com/about/

In this very special podcast, we hear from Kemi Johnson about her experiences as a former NHS and former Independent Midwife in the UK.  Kemi is passionate about her role as an experienced birth keeper and asks people to question the care they are receiving. She wants you to expect more, to ask questions and to say “no”.  For those who are not familiar with her amazing social media you are in for an awakening.  If you have always believed that medically managed birth is the safest, this may give you a new perspective.  This episode is going to be a conversation starter for sure! 

https://www.kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/?utm_medium=copy_link


Kemi references: -

Lancet report 2019 and 2020 
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30063-8/fulltex
https://www.midwiferytoday.com/mt-articles/preventing-complications-nutrition/
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001670


Kemi’s Top Tips





Birth is not a medical event, have your baby at home
Prepare your body for birth with the right nutrition
Prepare your body with the right movement - stay active 
Antenatal care - is it "antenatal grooming” setting the scene for pathologising birth
Be Empowered and supported by your Partner/Mother/Loved ones 



BONUS - Give birth with people that respect and trust you 

Clare Maddalena is joined by Erin Fung from Better Birth to discuss Induction.   (Sorry my microphone was misbehaving!- Clair McGill).   Erin shares her own induction story and how it affected her and ultimately lead her to her work as an Antenatal Educator and Hypnobirthing instructor.  Why is there so little information given about the risks of induction? We talk about what should be discussed if you are being offered an induction, the benefits and the risks as well as the alternatives.  From sweeps to pessaries to syntocinon drip we discuss the methods used and what you can expect.  Erin shares her top 5 tips for a positive birth if you make the informed choice to be induced. 

If you don’t know much about induction and are indifferent or have a “what will be, will be” attitude - you need to listen to this! 

https://www.better-birth.co.uk/
Check out Erin's incredible Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/betterbirthuk

https://doula.org.uk/

Doulas are not just for the wealthy, if you are struggling financially you can apply to Doula UK and they may still be able to support you. 

If you need support after a difficult birth or perinatal experience please get in touch
https://www.lushtums.co.uk/birth-fear-birth-trauma

Erin's Favourite Instagram recommendations
https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson (check out our episode with Kemi s3.3)
https://www.instagram.com/samanthagadsdendoula/
https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmidwifelisa
https://www.instagram.com/thegreenmidwife
https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula

Clare and Clair are joined by Clare's student Katie who tells us about her pregnancy and birth journey and why she decided to have a homebirth.  

Clare and Clair listen to Alan's honest and open story about his struggles with infertility and his journey to becoming a father.  He shares this in the hope that he might help others going through a difficult time and what learnings he has taken away.  He discusses his conversion from a homebirth sceptic to supportive Birth Partner and his life as a new Father.  This episode is a companion to Lucy's Birth Story where she shares her perspective in the next episode.   

Find out more about Clare's LushTums Preparing for Birth and Baby Course
https://www.lushtums.co.uk/antenatal-education

OR find a LushTums Teacher near you! 
https://www.lushtums.co.uk/all-locations

The fertility clinic that helped Alan and Lucy
https://agoraclinic.co.uk/