Birth Wellness Podcast

Sali McIntyre
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

Birth Wellness: This podcast is a Northern Rivers–based series sharing grounded, heartfelt conversations about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This podcast features real stories and insights from local mamas, midwives, doulas, and holistic practitioners who support the birth journey in all its forms. We’re here to raise consciousness about Birth, offer women insights, education, information, and the birth rights they may not even know they have. — Because: When Birth is Well, We are all Well.

Episodes

  1. Oct 22

    What Birth Brings to the Surface with Charlie Hanna

    Birth doesn't end when the baby arrives. Its effectsripple through our relationships, beliefs, and our sense of who we are. What Birth Brings to the Surface WithCharlie Hanna What happens when the very fears we thought we had worked through come to the surface during birth? With an academic background in psychology and extensive training in somatic therapy, including Hakomi psychotherapy, Charlie Hanna has spent years helping others recognise thesubconscious beliefs and patterns that shape their lives. But as Charlie discovered, understanding something intellectually and living through it are two very different experiences! Despite all her knowledge and training, Charlie found herself confronting parts of herself she hadn't expected to meet. Charlie shares her birth story with such honesty and vulnerability as she describes how subconscious fears arose, including a deeply held feeling that she might not be safe or that things might not be okay. In this wonderfully candid and deep conversation, Charlie shares her homebirth story — the freedom to move, make as much noise as she needed, and surrender to the experience, even as her husband Linzey quietly closed the window, presumably to spare the neighbours! But Charlie's story takes an unexpected turn when hernewborn baby needs hospital care. She describes the vulnerability of arriving in a brightly lit emergency department, having just left the peace and intimacy of home. Charlie speaks about their experience in the Special CareNursery, her reluctance to leave her baby's side, and the powerful emotions that arose during those early days of motherhood. Amidst it all, Linzey read The Hobbit aloud to their baby—a beautiful, tender expression of love and connection in the midst of such an intense experience. There’s also a heartfeltshout-out to the baby wizards of SCU, who cared for this fledgling family with such dedication and compassion. Together, Charlie and Linzey host the Embodied Union Podcast, where they share conversations about relationships and connection. Yet their own journey into parenthood has brought them face to face with some of the raw, uncomfortable aspects of themselves and their relationship. This is a heartfelt, honest conversation about birth, subconscious beliefs, vulnerability and the unexpected ways becoming parents can change us. Because birth doesn't end when the baby arrives. Its effects ripple through our relationships, our beliefs and our sense of who we are. And now, as Charlie tentatively returns to seeing clients, she reflects on finding her way back into the work she loves while honouring her baby's needs. A heartfelt conversation about birth, subconscious beliefs, relationships and the extraordinary transition into motherhood. Connect with Charlie Instagram - @iamcharlieshannaCharlie’s Work https://msha.ke/charlieshanna Embodied Union Podcast — with Charlie Hanna & Linzey Beister https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZLtwTBMMDmY9S7g0RkKyL Embodied Union website https://www.embodiedunion.com.au/ Instagram @embodiedunion Birth Wellness Podcast — When birth is well, we are all well. With Gratitude for the beautiful music: Birth into Being by Prema Margot

  2. Oct 8

    The Undercurrents of Love, Conflict & Connection After Birth with Ingrid de Lacy

    This conversation with Ingrid is full of insight, practical wisdom and gentle guidance. At times, listening feels almost like sitting in on a counselling session, as Ingrid talks us through InternalFamily Systems, or “parts” work, and the different parts ofourselves that can come forward in relationships, especially during times of stress and change. We talk about how couples can navigate conflict, communicate more clearly and understand what may be happening underneath a disagreement. Ingrid shares practical techniques that couples can use in their own relationships, as well as thoughtful guidance for mothers and partners negotiating the enormous transition into parenthood and the postpartum year. There is so much woven through this episode ; relationships, communication, self-awareness, motherhood, partnership and the changes that having a baby can bring. Stay with us to the end and enjoy Ingrid’s insights, wisdom and the beautiful support she offers couples and mothers as they find their way through this important season of life.

  3. Sep 17

    Your Body Know how to Birth with Krystle

    Krystle Gallard brings a unique understanding of the female body, a deep fascination with anatomy, and a beautifully practical way to help women move, soften, and prepare for birth. As the owner of Embode in Murwillumbah and an experienced Pilates instructor, she works both individually and in small groups, helping women build awareness, mobility and confidence in their bodies. We talk about squatting, pelvic freedom, even the humble “bush wee,” and her belief that birth preparation begins long before labour — in the way our bodies practise releasing every month through menstruation. If our bodies know how to soften, open and let go each month, why should birth be so different?

  4. Sep 2

    Flourish with Christa

    In this episode, I sit down for a wonderful, deeply moving chat with Christa Macdonald from Heart and Soul of Wellness. This is not your typical talk-therapy interview; it is an immersive, somatic experience. I absolutely loved our time together, her insights, her laughter, and the beautiful, joyful energy she embodies. 💛 Drawing on her deep background as a trauma release specialist, social worker, yoga teacher, kinesiologist, and many other qualifications besides, Christa shares her profound approach to soothing the nervous system using the gifts of sound, breath, play, and gentle body awareness. She even sings for us, inviting us all to slow down, breathe, and explore how we hold tension. We talk about practical, somatic tools for deep connection—including the simple, beautiful act of learning how to hum to your baby. We also dive deep into the profound rite of passage from maiden to mother, discussing how we perceive this transition and what it means to hold space for ourselves as our identity shifts. From a simple reminder to relax the jaw to a deeper look at the spiritual and emotional journey of becoming a mother, Christa models exactly what it means to work with the body gently. The episode finishes with the gift of Christa's beautiful voice and what she describes as an exquisite, aesthetic response to the beauty of the moment. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, parenting, or simply looking to release stored stress and build inner strength, this episode is a soothing balm for the soul. Listen now, breathe with us, and connect deeply with your body! Connect with Christa: Website: flourishwithchrista.comVenue: Heart and Soul of Wellness, Murwillumbah

  5. Aug 20

    The Midwife Beside You: Continuity, Trust & Home Birth. with Jenny Vandewinkel

    For this episode, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with Jenny Vandewinkel, a private home birth midwife who serves women in the Northern Rivers, NSW. We spoke about life as a home birth midwife, the importance of continuity of care, and the gift of having someone beside you who truly knows you and your journey. We also had an intimate conversation about bodywork and how creating openness, space and softness in the pelvis can support the birth process. I loved our time together as we spoke about supporting women to trust the wisdom of their bodies and to birth where they feel safest. Jenny Vandewinkel — @threemoonsmidwifery With thanks to Orlando Hudson for podcast support, and to Prema Margot for the beautiful music that accompanies the Birth Wellness Podcast.

  6. Aug 6

    A Celebration of Birth: Oxytocin, Trust & the Sacred Art of Support — with Anna Watts

    In this episode, I speak with Anna Watts about her extraordinary, unbroken lineage of home birth and the deep trust in women’s bodies that has been passed down through her family. We talk about Anna’s own journey through birth, prenatal yoga and more than three decades of supporting women and families. Anna also shares how she trains doulas to recognise and honour the spiritual dimension of birth, supportingwomen not only physically and emotionally, but through one of life’s most profound rites of passage. Anna also gives us a glimpse of what she will be presenting at the Birth Wellness Festival: A Celebration of Oxytocin — The Sacred Art of Birth Support. This is a heartfelt conversation about creating the conditions in which Oxytocin can flow, women can feel safe and supported, and birth can be honoured as the profound rite of passage it truly is. You can reach Anna @sacredbirthsacred earth. Watch out for her new book Birthing Shakti A heartfelt thank you to Orlando Hudson, who has patiently guided me through the creation of this podcast and helped bring each episode to life. The beautiful music featured in the podcast is Birth into Being by Prema Margot, shared with deep gratitude.

  7. Jul 30

    Episode 4. It takes a Village: Behind the Festival with Jamie Brennan

    In this episode of the Birth Wellness Podcast, I speak with Jamie Brennan about her personal journey, why birth matters so deeply to her, and the role she plays in bringing the Birth Wellness Festival to life.  Jamie brings enormous commitment, heart and energy to the festival whilst being a full-time student of Chinese medicine and craniosacral therapy, always deepening her understanding of the body, health and wellbeing. We talk about what happens behind the scenes of creating a community event like this—the planning, teamwork, challenges and devotion that people may not always see. Jamie shares what drew her to this work, what she has learned along the way, and why creating spaces for honest conversations, education and connection around birth is so important. This is an uplifting conversation about community, shared vision, the many hands and hearts it takes to bring the festival to life and what to expect over the weekend. The Birth Wellness Festival will be held on 8–9 August 2026 at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds. Learn more and book your ticket at:www.birthwellnessfestival.com Because when birth is well, we are all well.

  8. Jul 24

    The People Who Bring the Festival to Life — with Tania Llanes

    In this episode of the Birth Wellness Podcast, I speak with Tania Llanes — a much-loved friend and sister in our birth community, and one of the key hearth keepers of the Birth Wellness Festival. Tania is a Colombian woman, traditional healer and womb whisperer whose work is deeply informed by the ancestral traditions of Abya Yala, Latin America, and by the knowledge she has received from traditional healers in Colombia. In this conversation, we focus on the Birth Wellness Festival and the important role volunteers play in bringing it to life. Tania is our volunteer coordinator and has gathered an amazing team of people for this year’s festival. She coordinates the many roles and tasks needed, supports the volunteers, and helps make sure the festival runs smoothly. We also speak about Tania’s role as a deeply grounded keeper of traditional wisdom, helping to guide the altars and ceremonies woven throughout the gathering and closing the festival with song, reverence and connection to the four directions. We have saved a deeper conversation about Tania’s work with women, traditional practices and postpartum care for a future episode. Connect with Tania: Instagram: @tania.luz_ Website: ⁠https://tanialuzmedicina.com/⁠ Birth Wellness Festival 8–9 August 2026 MurwillumbahShowgrounds Join us as we change the Conversation about Birth. The Birth Wellness Podcast is hosted by Sali McIntyre and recorded at Heart and Soul of Wellness in Murwillumbah onBundjalung Country. A heartfelt thank you to Orlando Hudson, who has patiently guided me through the setup of this podcast and helped me birth it to the airwaves. Intro and Outro music: Birth into Being by Prema Margot.

  9. Jul 17

    Barbara Prestia: Finding Your Voice for Birth

    In this episode of the Birth Wellness Podcast, I speak with Barbara Prestia, Vocal Reconnection Guide, singer, vocal production coach and facilitator. Barbara shares her story and the journey that led her to the work she now offers through Vocal Reconnection. We talk about voice, birth, motherhood, self-expression and the importance of being able to speak up for ourselves. Barbara’s work is such a beautiful fit for the Birth Wellness Festival. Her Vocal Reconnection workshop invites women to explore breath, sound, vibration and authentic expression as part of preparing for birth — helping them find their voice, say no when they need to, and stand more fully in their own power. You can connect with Barbara and explore her work at @barbara_prestia.

  10. Jul 9

    Episode 1. Birth Imprints with Stephanie Jane

    In this first conversation on the Birth Wellness Podcast, I speak with Stephanie Jane about Birth imprints and the lasting influence our earliest experiences can have on the way we feel, relate and move through the world. We explore the idea that birth is not simply something that happens to us physically, but may also shape our very first impressions of life — of safety, connection, trust and belonging. Stephanie Jane will be joining us at the 2026 Birth Wellness Festival, where she will continue this important conversation around birth imprints and awareness.

  11. Jul 6

    The Birth Wellness Podcast

    The Birth Wellness Podcast brings together heartfelt conversations about birth, motherhood, community and the many ways we can support women and families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Recorded in Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers of NSW, these conversations explore new possibilities, challenge old beliefs and celebrate the wisdom, courage and strength of women. As we journey towards the Birth Wellness Festival, you’ll meet some of the remarkable people helping to change the conversation around birth — one story, one conversation and one community at a time.

  • 11 Episodes

About

Birth Wellness: This podcast is a Northern Rivers–based series sharing grounded, heartfelt conversations about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This podcast features real stories and insights from local mamas, midwives, doulas, and holistic practitioners who support the birth journey in all its forms. We’re here to raise consciousness about Birth, offer women insights, education, information, and the birth rights they may not even know they have. — Because: When Birth is Well, We are all Well.

Information

  • Creator
    Sali McIntyre
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sali McIntyre
  • Show Website
    Birth Wellness Podcast