5d ago

MGP - Why Aren’t More Women Being Told About This?

This episode wasn’t actually planned. After sharing a simple Reel about Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), I was genuinely shocked by the response. It was shared over 75 times, women were tagging friends, sending messages and asking questions and it made me realise just how many women don’t know that continuity of midwifery care may be available to them. For me, midwifery-led care was something I knew about from my own experience, so I assumed more women knew these options existed. Clearly, we need to talk about it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what MGP actually is, why having continuity with a known midwife can be so valuable, and most importantly how you can find out whether it’s available to you. We chat about: What Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) actually meansWhat continuity of midwifery care can look likeHow MGP differs from standard hospital antenatal careHow and when to ask for MGPWhy applying or enquiring early in pregnancy mattersWhy you may not receive a placeWhat being considered “high risk” may mean for your optionsOther continuity models to ask about if MGP isn’t availableWhy midwives and obstetric teams don’t have to be an either/or choiceThe questions you can take to your GP or maternity serviceWhy knowing your options is such an important part of advocating for yourselfThis conversation is bigger than simply telling women to choose MGP. It’s about knowing what is available to you before decisions are made for you. You can’t ask for an option you don’t know exists, and you can’t make a truly informed decision if you haven’t been shown your choices. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or know a woman who is, this is an episode worth sharing. Know your options. Ask the questions. Use your voice. The information shared in this episode is general education only and isn’t individual medical advice. Maternity models, eligibility criteria and availability differ between hospitals and health services. Speak directly with your maternity service or healthcare provider about the options available for your individual circumstances. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Aug 31

My First Birth Story, 18 Years Ago, I Became a Mum

In this episode of The Audacious Noor, I’m taking you back 18 years to the birth that changed everything, the birth of my first son and the moment I became a mum. I was 19 years old, having my first baby, and while I didn’t have the knowledge about birth that I do now, there were still a few things I knew very clearly: I wanted to feel safe, I wanted to understand what my body was doing, and I wanted to birth as naturally as possible. I share what pregnancy looked like for me, the care I received through the Ryde Hospital Midwifery Program, and the experience of being told at around 20 weeks that there were concerns about Down syndrome. That moment became one of my earliest lessons in how medical information is communicated, how quickly fear can enter pregnancy, and why asking questions matters. We also get into the less serious parts, including my very questionable decision to try castor oil, labouring at home with my mum and sisters, discovering that I absolutely hated the water birth I had planned, and arriving at hospital only 45 minutes before my baby was born. But more than anything, this episode is about looking back. About recognising the things that made me feel safe and supported. About seeing how much that first birth shaped the way I now view maternity care. And about the little boy who completely changed the direction of my life. In this episode, we talk about: Becoming a first-time mum at 19My experience with midwifery-led careNavigating a concerning ultrasound during pregnancyWhy the way medical information is communicated mattersThe importance of feeling safe during birthLabouring at home and knowing when it was time to go inChanging my mind about the water birth I thought I wantedMovement, positioning and modesty during labourGiving birth within 45 minutes of arriving at hospitalWhy a birth doesn’t have to go perfectly to still feel beautifulHow motherhood changed the entire direction of my life Something to think about If you’ve already given birth, what do you remember most about your experience? Not just what happened medically but how did you feel? What made you feel safe? What made you feel supported? And was there anything you thought you wanted beforehand that you completely changed your mind about once labour began? If you’re currently pregnant, instead of only asking yourself “What do I want my birth to look like?”, try asking: “How do I want to feel during my birth?” Because years later, you may not remember every single detail but you will often remember how you were made to feel. Come and find me on Instagram and share your story with me. These are the conversations I genuinely love having. A little note: This episode shares my personal birth experience from 18 years ago. Some of the things I tried at the time, including castor oil, are not things I recommend today. Always discuss induction methods, concerns or medical decisions with your own maternity care provider. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Aug 17

Business Is Hard… And It Can Take a Toll

Running your own business can give you incredible freedom, but that freedom comes with a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode of The Audacious Noor, I’m sharing a little business and life update. I genuinely love what I’m building with Mamacub Wellness, but I’m also learning that growing a business doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it means knowing what needs your energy right now and what can slow down for a season. I’m also finally sharing something I’ve been working on behind the scenes: two new courses, a smaller mini course and a much bigger course that will bring together so much of what I teach around birth, mindset, education and advocacy. And because I want to give these projects the time they deserve without constantly taking that time away from my family, The Audacious Noor is changing a little. In this episode, I chat about: The freedom and pressure that comes with owning a businessBuilding a business around your family instead of building your family around your businessThe reality of making money, making no money, having great months and questioning everything the next 😂My two upcoming courses and what I’m working towardsWhy I’m intentionally creating more space in my businessWhy success for me isn’t simply about building a bigger business it’s about building a bigger life A little podcast update 🤍 For now, The Audacious Noor will be moving to fortnightly episodes during the school terms. This might only be for a few months, or it might become our new rhythm. I’m giving myself permission to figure that out as I go. The podcast isn’t going anywhere. I still love sitting down and having these conversations with you. I simply want to make sure that when I do sit down behind this microphone, it’s because I genuinely have something I want to share not because I’m racing against another deadline. There are some really exciting things happening behind the scenes, Insha’Allah, and this is only the beginning. Sometimes growth isn’t about doing more. Sometimes it’s about making space for what’s coming next. Thank you for being here and coming along for the journey. 🤍 I’ll see you in two weeks, Insha’Allah. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Aug 10

Your Birth Setting

Choosing the Birth Environment That’s Right for You Where you give birth is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy, but how do you know which option is right for you? In this episode of The Audacious Noor, we’re taking an unbiased look at the different birth settings available in Australia, including public hospitals, private hospitals, birth centres, planned home birth and water birth. This isn’t about telling you where you should have your baby. Instead, it’s about helping you understand your options so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your pregnancy, your values and your family’s needs. We’ll also explore why your birth environment matters, how feeling safe can influence labour, and the questions every woman should ask before choosing where to give birth. Whether you’re newly pregnant or preparing to welcome your baby soon, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating your choices. In this episode, we discuss: Why your birth environment can influence your labour experience.The role of oxytocin and why feeling safe matters during birth.What to expect when giving birth in a public hospital.Understanding Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) and continuity of care.The benefits and considerations of private hospital care.What birth centres are and who they’re designed for.Planned home birth in Australia and who may be eligible.The difference between a birth setting and a water birth.Evidence-based research around different models of maternity care.Questions to ask when choosing where to give birth.My own birth experiences and the birth setting I would choose if I could do it all again. Questions to ask before choosing your birth setting: Where do I feel safest giving birth?What model of care is available to me?Will I have continuity with my care provider?Does this birth setting support the type of birth I’m hoping for?What are the hospital or birth centre’s policies regarding induction, monitoring and mobility?Can I labour or give birth in water?What happens if my birth doesn’t go to plan?Do I feel informed enough to make this decision with confidence? My biggest takeaway from this episode: There isn’t one “perfect” place to give birth. The best birth setting is the one that is appropriate for your pregnancy, where you feel informed, respected, supported and safe. Every woman deserves to understand her options so she can make decisions based on evidence—not fear, pressure or someone else’s birth story. Resources mentioned: Public hospitalsPrivate hospitalsBirth centresMidwifery Group Practice (MGP)Planned home birthWater birthInformed consent and shared decision-makingIf you’re unsure what options are available in your area, speak with your maternity care provider early in your pregnancy and ask what models of care your local health service offers. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share it with another mum-to-be who might benefit from understanding her birth options. Every share helps more women access evidence-based, empowering birth education. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Aug 3

Confidence Isn’t Something You’re Born With

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with? What if it’s something you build every time you choose courage over comfort? In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of one of the most terrifying yet transformative moments of my life standing on the edge of a bungee jump in New Zealand after dreaming about it for over 15 years. What most people saw was a confident woman taking the leap. What they didn’t see was the panic, the tears, the moment I walked away, or the battle that happened before I ever stepped off the platform. This episode is a reminder that confidence doesn’t usually come before the scary thing it comes because of it. We explore why we often mistake confidence for personality, how growth is found outside our comfort zone, the importance of having support around us, and how placing our trust in Allah allows us to keep moving forward even when fear is telling us to stop. Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, speaking up, changing careers, beginning therapy, saying yes to a new opportunity, or simply taking the next step in your own life, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re capable of far more than you think. In this episode, we discuss: Why confidence is built, not born.The real story behind my bungee jump in New Zealand.The unseen battle that often comes before someone else’s “confident” moment.Why courage always comes before confidence.The difference between being outgoing and being genuinely confident.How support from family, friends, mentors, therapists, coaches, doulas, and community helps us face fear without removing it.The uncomfortable moments behind building a business, recording a podcast, speaking publicly, and stepping into new opportunities.Trusting Allah when you don’t feel ready.Why waiting to feel confident may be the very thing keeping you stuck.How to start taking the leap, even when fear is still present. A question to reflect on: What are you standing on the edge of right now? Whatever it is, don’t wait until you feel completely confident. Take the first step. Lean on the people Allah has placed around you. Trust Him with what you cannot see. One day you’ll look back and realise that confidence wasn’t waiting for you before you started it was waiting for you on the other side of the leap. If this episode encouraged you, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend, left a review, or took a screenshot and shared it on your Instagram Stories. Don’t forget to tag me so I can personally thank you for listening. Casey El Kalal Founder Mamacub Wellness Instagram: @mamacubwellness Website: www.mamacubwellness.com Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Jul 27

Stop Passing Your Birth Trauma Onto Other Women

What if the greatest fear a woman carries into birth isn’t her own? In this episode, I share a conversation that stopped me in my tracks—a young woman who had never been pregnant, never experienced labour, yet was already terrified of giving birth because of the stories she’d heard from others. This isn’t a conversation about silencing women or pretending birth trauma doesn’t exist. Birth trauma is real, and women deserve healing, support, and safe spaces to share their experiences. But this episode asks an important question: Who are we sharing our stories with, and what are we leaving them carrying? Together, we’ll explore how our words shape the way women view birth, why fear can be unintentionally passed from one woman to another, and how we can begin sharing our experiences in a way that educates, empowers, and gives hope. In this episode, we discuss: Why birth trauma is real but why the audience we share it with matters. How hearing traumatic birth stories before pregnancy can shape a woman’s expectations of labour.The fear–tension–pain cycle and the impact fear can have on birth.Why positive and empowering birth stories deserve to be heard just as often.My own experience sharing positive birth stories and the hope they inspire in other women.The importance of reminding women that every birth journey is different.How to share your birth story in a way that teaches rather than transfers fear.Understanding that women have choices from care providers and birth settings to support people and informed decision-making.Why education should leave women feeling informed and confident, not powerless and afraid. A question to reflect on: The next time you tell your birth story, ask yourself: Am I leaving this woman with confidence… or with fear? A reminder to take with you: “Don’t just tell women what went wrong. Tell them what you learned, what you would do differently, and what options are available to them. That’s how we educate without passing on fear.” And finally… “Your birth story belongs to you. But the fear from your birth story doesn’t have to belong to the next woman.” Thank you for being here. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with another woman who deserves to hear that birth isn’t defined by fear—and that hope deserves to be shared just as much as hardship. With love, Casey 🤍 Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Jul 20

Behind the Behaviour, When Your Child Doesn’t Fit in the Box

When Your Child Doesn’t Fit in the Box A real conversation about my son and how tough it can be sometimes. Parenting is beautiful. It’s also messy, emotional, exhausting, and incredibly humbling. In this deeply personal episode of The Audacious Noor, I open up about one of the hardest parts of my motherhood journey: raising a son who experiences the world differently. As a mother of five, this isn’t a story about having all the answers. It’s about the tension between fiercely advocating for your child while also navigating the challenges that come with ADHD, learning differences, teenage independence, and the everyday realities of parenting. I share the emotions behind the behaviour, the moments that have broken my heart, and the lessons Allah continues to teach me through this season. This episode isn’t about labels. It’s about seeing the child behind the behaviour. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, parenting a teenager, or simply feeling overwhelmed by motherhood, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone. In this episode, we discuss: Why behaviour is only one small part of a child’s story.Parenting a teenager while learning to let go without giving up.The emotional impact of criticism from someone you love.The importance of separating behaviour from identity.Advocating for children who don’t fit into society’s expectations.Growing up undiagnosed and how that shaped my parenting today.Holding boundaries while leading with compassion.Trusting Allah with your child’s journey, even when you can’t see the outcome.Why different doesn’t mean broken.The unseen work of motherhood and the power of continuing to plant seeds.A reminder from this episode “Your child is not their hardest day." They are not their diagnosis. They are not someone else’s opinion. They are a soul entrusted to you by Allah.” If this episode resonated with you… I’d love it if you shared it with another parent who may need the reminder that they’re not alone. Please consider following The Audacious Noor, leaving a review, and sharing the episode to help more families feel seen, supported, and understood. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

Jul 13

The puzzle piece that didn't fit! Finding belonging when you feel caught between worlds...

Have you ever felt like you don't fully belong anywhere? Whether you're a revert to Islam, someone who grew up disconnected from your culture, or simply a woman who has walked into a room and felt like everyone else fits except you, this episode is for you. In this deeply personal conversation, I share my own journey of feeling caught between different identities being Māori, reverting to Islam, marrying into a Lebanese family, and spending years wondering where I truly belonged. For a long time, I believed I was the puzzle piece that didn't fit. But one conversation changed everything. In this episode, we explore how the stories we tell ourselves can become the very thing that keeps us feeling disconnected, and how shifting our perspective can completely change the way we see ourselves. This isn't just a conversation about being a revert. It's about identity. It's about belonging. It's about finding home within yourself and, most importantly, in your relationship with Allah. In this episode, we discuss: - Why so many women feel like they don't truly belong - The unique challenges many revert sisters experience - Feeling disconnected from your own culture and heritage - Navigating marriage into a different culture - Why language can feel like a barrier and how fear often holds us back more than ability - The mindset shift that completely changed how I viewed myself - Letting go of the pressure to "fit in" - Growing in your identity without feeling like you need to prove yourself - Raising children who feel connected to their faith, culture, and family history - Why our greatest strength may be our ability to bridge different worlds A reminder to take with you: You do not need permission to belong. You don't need to earn your place through perfect Arabic, cultural knowledge, or having all the answers. Allah did not choose you because of your background. He chose you because you are His servant. Your journey, your experiences, and your story all have purpose. Perhaps you were never the puzzle piece that didn't fit. Perhaps you were always the piece that helps connect the rest of the picture. Connect with me: 🤍 Mamacub Wellness 🌿 Instagram: @mamacubwellness 🎙️ The Audacious Noor Podcast 🌐 Website: www.mamacubwellness.com.au Supporting women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with faith, confidence and evidence-based support. As always, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another woman who may benefit from this conversation and leave a review to help more women discover The Audacious Noor Podcast. Courage • Confidence • Becoming

The Audacious Noor

MGP - Why Aren’t More Women Being Told About This?

My First Birth Story, 18 Years Ago, I Became a Mum

Business Is Hard… And It Can Take a Toll

Your Birth Setting

Confidence Isn’t Something You’re Born With

Stop Passing Your Birth Trauma Onto Other Women

Behind the Behaviour, When Your Child Doesn’t Fit in the Box

The puzzle piece that didn't fit! Finding belonging when you feel caught between worlds...

Trailer

Introducing The Audacious Noor Podcast

About

Information

The Audacious Noor

Episodes

MGP - Why Aren’t More Women Being Told About This?

My First Birth Story, 18 Years Ago, I Became a Mum

Business Is Hard… And It Can Take a Toll

Your Birth Setting

Confidence Isn’t Something You’re Born With

Stop Passing Your Birth Trauma Onto Other Women

Behind the Behaviour, When Your Child Doesn’t Fit in the Box

The puzzle piece that didn't fit! Finding belonging when you feel caught between worlds...

Trailer

About

Information