Midwifery Wisdom Podcast

Midwifery Wisdom Collective
  • 4.9 (23)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast This podcast is your go-to resource for practical education, thoughtful insights, and relevant conversations tailored to modern midwives. Each week, we bring fresh content and engaging guest speakers to explore key themes in midwifery, including: Advocacy, business, and clinical skills Self-care and professional growth Current issues shaping midwifery today Listen to meaningful stories and essential advice from leading midwives working to elevate care for families across the globe. Gain clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance to support your business, practice, and personal life. Wherever you are in your journey, the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast is here to empower you. Together, we strive to make midwifery the gold standard of care worldwide.

  1. Building a Gentle Birth Center at the Edge of the World with Rachel and Chetana

    4D AGO

    Building a Gentle Birth Center at the Edge of the World with Rachel and Chetana

    In this warm and deeply moving episode, host Chetana sits down with Rachel — a mother, visionary, and midwifery student from Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia — who turned her own transformative birth experience into a mission to bring gentle, dignified birth care to one of the most underserved regions in the world. Rachel shares how a VBAC at Bumi Sehat in Bali — under the care of the legendary Ibu Robin Lim — changed the entire course of her life. Returning home to Papua, she and her husband Ronald built AHBS (Angel Hiromi Bumi Sehat Papua) from the ground up: starting with just a plot of land, moving their own furniture into the building, and slowly gathering the equipment, midwives, and mentorship needed to open their doors in December 2019. This episode is a love letter to the women of Papua — and to everyone who believes that every mother, no matter where she lives, deserves to be treated like a goddess. In this episode we cover: Rachel's first C-section, and the longing for a normal birth that led her to Robin Lim in BaliWhat a VBAC at Bumi Sehat felt like — and why it changed everythingThe founding of Angel Hiromi Bumi Sehat (AHBS) - the only midwife-led birth center in PapuaThe role of Augustine (Maggie) in bringing gentle birth philosophy to Papua — and why her six-month visit left a lasting imprintWhy Rachel decided to enroll in midwifery school herself — after her own staff told her she "knew nothing"The ongoing challenge of training midwives in gentle birth when mainstream protocols dominateWhat changed in the birth rooms after Chetana's visit — upright births, birthing balls, dim lighting, and mothers who don't want to go homeRachel's vision for AHBS: a third floor, an operating room for gentle cesareans, a dedicated training space, and an ultrasound roomHow AHBS is funded — and what continued support looks likeResources & Links:🌸 SPRING BREAK SALE Save BIG with our clearance and Course Bundle sale of the year! Save up to 50% on course bundles, grab our full Informed Consent & Refusal doc suite for $799 (reg. $1,599), shop our everything-must-go midwifery tools clearance, and get Premium Skool membership for just $69/month (reg. $89). Shop now → midwiferywisdomcollective.com 🌏 Learn more & follow AHBS: Instagram @AHBSPapua 🤝 Support AHBS - Travel with us to Papua: Join Chetana and a group of midwives visiting AHBS in August 2025 — more details on www.midwiferywisdom.com 🏡 Join our community: skool.com/midwiferywisdom

    47 min
  2. Mothering The Mother with Shafia Monroe

    MAR 25

    Mothering The Mother with Shafia Monroe

    Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions with Shafia Monroe In this rich and powerful episode, host Augustine is joined by co-host Israel Johnson, Licensed Direct Entry Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife from Oregon, to welcome the legendary Shafia Monroe — midwife, author, cultural historian, and founder of the SMC Full Circle Doula Training, the first Black doula training launched nationally in 2002 in Portland, Oregon. Shafia has just published her long-awaited book, Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing, and this conversation is a celebration of that birth — and so much more. In this episode we cover: Shafia's 11-year journey from journal entry to published bookWhy African American postpartum care has been largely invisible — and why that must changeThe historical trauma Black mothers carry, and the healing power of returning to traditionsWhy anemia may be at the root of more postpartum depression than we realizeThe herbs every postpartum mother should have on hand Shafia's relationship with Erykah Badu, who wrote the foreword and called the book "the postpartum Bible"Why more clinical visits is NOT the same as postpartum careThe ongoing "midwife problem" in America — and why change is urgently needed.The critical mass of home birth across US states and what it means for the future of midwiferyWhy we need to retire the word "patient" for pregnant people — and the word BIPOCThe burnout crisis in midwifery and why we must return to a collective modelResources & Links: 📖 Get the book: Mothering the Mother — Amazon🌐 Learn more about Shafia Monroe: shafiamonroe.com💼 Now Hiring: Clinical Director at New Birth Midwifery, Chaska MN — newbirthmidwifery.com/job-openings🌿 New Course: Plant Medicine Midwife with Tara Compehos — midwiferywisdomcollective.com🏡 Join our community: skool.com/midwiferywisdom

    59 min
  3. Maternal-Assisted Cesarean with Ashley Lawlor

    FEB 11

    Maternal-Assisted Cesarean with Ashley Lawlor

    Join Augustine on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as she welcomes Ashley from Michigan, who shares her transformative journey from birth trauma to healing and empowerment. Ashley, a former ICU nurse, candidly discusses the importance of recognizing and honoring birth trauma, advocating for co-care and collaborative care, and the revolutionary experience of having a maternal assisted C-section. Together, they delve into the significance of patient rights, the balance between medical intervention and natural processes, and the profound impact compassionate, dignified care can have on the birthing experience. This episode is a powerful testament to the possibility of change and hope within the birthing community. Links: For more information about the Turnkey Birth Centre for Sale in Abilene, Texas, write to amy@midwiferywisdom.comFollow Ashley's Instagram @birthonherterms 00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement01:26 Meet Ashley: A Journey of Change03:32 Balancing Art and Science in Birth04:08 Challenges in Community-Based Midwifery08:48 Ashley’s Personal Birth Experiences21:40 The Maternal Assisted C-Section37:41 Standing Firm on Informed Decisions38:21 The Importance of Family Inclusion39:52 Advocating for Support During Birth41:16 The Impact of Birth Experiences on Mental Health42:28 The Need for Patient Rights and Advocacy44:14 The Role of Communication in Healing48:36 Transforming Pain into Power49:11 Balancing Passion and Parenthood54:12 The Value of Midwives and Postpartum Support01:04:20 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care01:12:58 Advocating for Change in Healthcare01:16:54 Sharing the Journey and Future Plans

    1h 18m
  4. Rerun: We have to be Fearless with Hannah Dahlen

    09/17/2025 ·  BONUS

    Rerun: We have to be Fearless with Hannah Dahlen

    Today’s rerun episode features the incredible Professor Hannah Dahlen, an Australian midwife, researcher, and international leader in maternity care. Hannah has published over 100 papers, spoken at more than 100 conferences, and appeared in documentaries and major media worldwide. In this conversation, Hannah shares: Her powerful journey into midwifery, growing up in Yemen alongside her mother, a practicing midwife.The art of holding space in birth, and why it’s often misunderstood as “doing nothing.”Stories of humility, intuition, and the delicate balance between action and inaction in midwifery.Her vision for shifting the global understanding of midwifery alongside obstetrics.We're also thrilled to announce the launch of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship. Christie Davis and I created this mentorship to help future leaders step into advanced practice with confidence, build sustainable careers, and truly change the culture of midwifery for good. And here’s the best part — to celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky midwife will win a complete starter kit valued at over $500 — everything from a Doppler and neonatal stethoscope, to a scale, instruments, NRP kit, blood pressure cuff and more. PLUS, a gorgeous handmade Patchwork Carpet Bag from St. Clair Designs to carry it all in. More details on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

    46 min
  5. Rerun: Tech for Midwives with Charlette Bright and Elke Barnes

    09/10/2025 ·  BONUS

    Rerun: Tech for Midwives with Charlette Bright and Elke Barnes

    In this rerun of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine sits down with Elke and Charlotte to tackle a timely question: how does technology help—or hinder—midwifery practice? From cybersecurity risks and data privacy to the practical tools shaping daily care, the conversation dives deep into both the promises and pitfalls of modern tech. You’ll hear candid stories about electronic charting, breaches, and the financial risks small practices face, balanced with a hopeful look at innovations like handheld ultrasounds, continuous glucose monitors, and integrated lab tools. The trio also explores how midwives can harness social media and AI—like ChatGPT—to expand influence, streamline documentation, and amplify their voices in a system that too often silences them. Whether you’re tech-curious, tech-cautious, or somewhere in between, this discussion reminds us that while technology can never replace the human essence of midwifery, it can support us in practicing more safely, efficiently, and visibly. Interested in learning more? Augustine will be teaching a course on AI and Midwives at this year's WARM conference. Sign up on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

    51 min
  6. Rerun: The Problem with For-Profit Healthcare in the US with Aubre Tompkins

    09/03/2025 ·  BONUS

    Rerun: The Problem with For-Profit Healthcare in the US with Aubre Tompkins

    This week, we’re revisiting a Season 3 episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast with Aubre Tompkins, CNM and author of Midwifery for Expectant Parents. At the time of recording, Aubre was Director of Midwifery at Seasons Midwifery and Birth Centre and President of the American Association of Birth Centers where she now continues to serve on the Executive Committee. Augustine and Aubre unpack the dangers of pregnancy in the U.S.—especially for BIPOC communities—revealing how poor outcomes stem from the hospital-based, physician-led system rather than midwifery care. Yet, the for-profit model of healthcare continues to suppress the most obvious solutions. This conversation, as urgent today as ever, is also a call to action—for midwives and consumers alike—to raise their voices and demand meaningful change in U.S. healthcare. Keep the conversation going on skool.com/midwiferywisdom

    50 min
  7. Herbal Medicine for Midwives: Health and Healing with Zaire Sabb

    08/27/2025

    Herbal Medicine for Midwives: Health and Healing with Zaire Sabb

    In this week’s episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, host Shiphrah Israel sits down with Zaire Sabb—Clinical Herbalist, Traditional Midwife, Registered Nurse, and founder of Mystic Momma Herbals. Zaire shares her remarkable journey from pediatric cardiac transplant nursing to apprenticing with grand midwives in Georgia and herbal masters in Nigeria, weaving together clinical knowledge, traditional midwifery, and holistic herbalism. She discusses the vital difference between community herbalists and clinical herbalists, how unresolved emotions can manifest physically in the body, and why reclaiming herbal wisdom is essential for reproductive health and sovereignty. We also dive into her new book, Herbal Harmony: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Herbs to Help with Reproductive Health, which empowers readers to better understand their bodies, advocate for themselves in medical spaces, and pass on generational wisdom to their families. ✨ Topics we cover: The path from allopathic nursing to traditional midwiferyWhat sets a clinical herbalist apart from community herbalismThe role of emotions, trauma, and lifestyle in reproductive healthEveryday herbs growing in your own backyardPractical steps to begin your herbal journeyHow Herbal Harmony helps bridge the gap between patients and providers📖 You can find Herbal Harmony on Amazon and at https://www.mysticmommaherbals.com/ Join Midwifery Wisdom Skool—your all-in-one membership for courses, community, and NARM prep for $69/month. Unlock 12+ classrooms inside as you level up: https://www.skool.com/midwiferywisdom.

    33 min
  8. The Combat Midwife with Jessica Arno

    08/20/2025

    The Combat Midwife with Jessica Arno

    In this episode host Shiphrah sits down with Jessica Arnold—better known as The Combat Midwife. From growing up with a calling to catch babies, to serving as a firefighter, paramedic, and military Combat Medic instructor, Jessica has forged a one-of-a-kind path in birth work. She shares her journey from witnessing her mother’s VBAC and traumatic hemorrhage as a child, to teaching life-saving skills in the army, to blending EMS training with midwifery wisdom in both civilian and disaster settings. Jessica opens up about why VBACs hold a special place in her heart, how resourcefulness and quick thinking translate across emergencies, and why every family—not just midwives—can benefit from basic birth and survival knowledge. We also dive into her Combat Midwife workshops and OB kit, created to prepare families and communities for emergencies, and discuss how midwifery and EMS share surprising historical roots. Whether you’re a birth worker, parent, or simply curious about resilience in the face of the unexpected, this episode is full of insight, grit, and inspiration. 👉 Resources, free downloads, and kits are available at combatmidwife.com (use code WISDOM for a discount). 👉 Listeners also receive 15% off CEU courses at Midwifery Wisdom with code MWCPOD15.

    28 min
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4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast This podcast is your go-to resource for practical education, thoughtful insights, and relevant conversations tailored to modern midwives. Each week, we bring fresh content and engaging guest speakers to explore key themes in midwifery, including: Advocacy, business, and clinical skills Self-care and professional growth Current issues shaping midwifery today Listen to meaningful stories and essential advice from leading midwives working to elevate care for families across the globe. Gain clarity, encouragement, and actionable guidance to support your business, practice, and personal life. Wherever you are in your journey, the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast is here to empower you. Together, we strive to make midwifery the gold standard of care worldwide.

Information

  • Creator
    Midwifery Wisdom Collective
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) Midwifery Wisdom
  • Show Website
    Midwifery Wisdom Podcast

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