the blooming and beyond pregnancy podcast

blooming

Pregnancy and birth can be beautiful – but also overwhelming at times. The Blooming Podcast cuts through the noise and gives you real info for real decisions. Midwife, mum and ex-teacher Ali shares practical insights, expert tips, and honest conversations about birth, trauma, and everything in between. No fluff, no pressure – just support, in a way you can get to grips with in the small amount of time you have while trying to plan or grow a human AND still do life all at once!

  1. 05/29/2025

    S2 Ep10 – SEASON FINALE Q&A “Do All Women Poo? And Other Questions I Can’t Believe I’m Answering”

    In this season finale, we’re going all in on the questions you’ve whispered, giggled through, or were too scared to ask. Do all women poo in labour? Can babies cry in the womb? What even is a birthgasm? And yes — I’m answering the awkward stuff dads ask too (you’re welcome). It’s raw, it’s funny, it’s deeply human. This is the no-filter, midwife-tells-it-straight Q&A to wrap up Season 2 — because if we can’t laugh about bodily functions, baby bonnets for photographic purposes and strainers for the birth pool, what are we even doing? Plus, I’ll give you a sneaky peek at what’s coming in Season 3 — interviews with the incredible humans working in the pregnancy and birth space. It’s about to get deeper, juicier, and even more real. Disclaimer: While I’m a registered midwife working in the Australian public health system, this podcast is an independent project and reflects my personal views and professional experience — not those of my employer or any health service. The content is designed to offer supportive, evidence-based information and storytelling, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your own care team when making decisions about your health and care. I believe in respectful, collaborative maternity care that empowers people with accurate information — without fear or blame. I recognise that birth can be complex, and while some experiences are distressing, I do not support rhetoric that assumes malice or systemic abuse by default. My goal is to offer a space for real talk, not scare tactics — and to bridge the gap between evidence and empathy. Get in touch: We’d love to hear from you! Email thebloomingandbeyondpodcast@gmail.com with your questions, feedback, or topic suggestions. Want updates, events, and special offers? Let us know in your message and we’ll add you to our contact list. Check out the sosh: w: www.blooming.net i: @thebloomingandbeyondpodcast f: The Blooming and Beyond Podcast

    20 min
  2. 05/27/2025

    S2 Ep9: Whose Birth Is It Anyway? – Managing Expectations from Partners, Family & Friends

    Pregnancy has a way of drawing out everyone’s opinions — your partner, your mum, your in-laws, your bestie, even strangers in the checkout line. This episode is all about learning how to manage that energy while still protecting your peace. We’re talking people with big opinions, mums who want to be in the room, and friends who mean well but miss the mark. I’ll share practical scripts, mindset shifts, and ways to set boundaries without guilt — so you can stay centred in your experience. Because this is your body, your birth, your baby — and your voice matters. Disclaimer: While I’m a registered midwife working in the Australian public health system, this podcast is an independent project and reflects my personal views and professional experience — not those of my employer or any health service. The content is designed to offer supportive, evidence-based information and storytelling, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your own care team when making decisions about your health and care. I believe in respectful, collaborative maternity care that empowers people with accurate information — without fear or blame. I recognise that birth can be complex, and while some experiences are distressing, I do not support rhetoric that assumes malice or systemic abuse by default. My goal is to offer a space for real talk, not scare tactics — and to bridge the gap between evidence and empathy. Get in touch: We’d love to hear from you! Email thebloomingandbeyondpodcast@gmail.com with your questions, feedback, or topic suggestions. Want updates, events, and special offers? Let us know in your message and we’ll add you to our contact list. Check out the sosh: w: www.blooming.net i: @thebloomingandbeyondpodcast f: The Blooming and Beyond Podcast

    18 min
  3. 05/22/2025

    S2 Ep8: Pelvic Floor 101 – Why You Need to Care Now, Not Later

    Pelvic floor health isn’t just a postpartum thing — and it’s definitely not something to worry about after something goes wrong. In this episode, we’re breaking down what your pelvic floor actually is, how it supports everything from continence to core strength to sexual wellbeing, and why pregnancy is the perfect time to start paying attention. We’ll talk about common symptoms, contributing factors, and real-life strategies to support this part of your body without shame, overwhelm, or eye-rolls. Because it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being informed. Disclaimer: While I’m a registered midwife working in the Australian public health system, this podcast is an independent project and reflects my personal views and professional experience — not those of my employer or any health service. The content is designed to offer supportive, evidence-based information and storytelling, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your own care team when making decisions about your health and care. I believe in respectful, collaborative maternity care that empowers people with accurate information — without fear or blame. I recognise that birth can be complex, and while some experiences are distressing, I do not support rhetoric that assumes malice or systemic abuse by default. My goal is to offer a space for real talk, not scare tactics — and to bridge the gap between evidence and empathy. Get in touch: We’d love to hear from you! Email thebloomingandbeyondpodcast@gmail.com with your questions, feedback, or topic suggestions. Want updates, events, and special offers? Let us know in your message and we’ll add you to our contact list. Check out the sosh: w: www.blooming.net i: @thebloomingandbeyondpodcast f: The Blooming and Beyond Podcast

    14 min
  4. 05/20/2025

    S2 Ep7: Perineal Tears and Protection – Truths About Birth and Recovery

    Let’s talk about something most people wish they knew more about before birth: perineal tears. How common are they? Can you actually prevent them? And what does recovery really feel like? In this episode, we ditch the scare tactics and bring you the facts — from risk factors and protective strategies to what helps most during healing. Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth or just want to know what to expect, this one’s all about practical info, reassurance, and feeling confident in your choices. Because when you know what’s normal and what to look out for, you can face birth with a whole lot more calm and clarity. Disclaimer: While I’m a registered midwife working in the Australian public health system, this podcast is an independent project and reflects my personal views and professional experience — not those of my employer or any health service. The content is designed to offer supportive, evidence-based information and storytelling, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your own care team when making decisions about your health and care. I believe in respectful, collaborative maternity care that empowers people with accurate information — without fear or blame. I recognise that birth can be complex, and while some experiences are distressing, I do not support rhetoric that assumes malice or systemic abuse by default. My goal is to offer a space for real talk, not scare tactics — and to bridge the gap between evidence and empathy. Get in touch: We’d love to hear from you! Email thebloomingandbeyondpodcast@gmail.com with your questions, feedback, or topic suggestions. Want updates, events, and special offers? Let us know in your message and we’ll add you to our contact list. Check out the sosh: w: www.blooming.net i: @thebloomingandbeyondpodcast f: The Blooming and Beyond Podcast

    20 min

About

Pregnancy and birth can be beautiful – but also overwhelming at times. The Blooming Podcast cuts through the noise and gives you real info for real decisions. Midwife, mum and ex-teacher Ali shares practical insights, expert tips, and honest conversations about birth, trauma, and everything in between. No fluff, no pressure – just support, in a way you can get to grips with in the small amount of time you have while trying to plan or grow a human AND still do life all at once!

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