Against The Grain

Abby - The Liverpool Doula

🔥 Welcome to Against the Grain — the podcast where I call out the systems built to keep us small, silent, and sick. Here we go deep into birth, body autonomy, motherhood, natural healing + the raw, messy truth the mainstream won’t touch. This is not polite conversation — it’s rebellion. It’s bold, honest, soul-led truth-telling to wake you up, piss you off, and remind you of the power you were born with. ✨ If you’re ready to live fully against the grain — you’re in the right place.

Episodes

  1. 10/24/2025

    Baby Biohacking: Small Tweaks, Big F*cking Results.

    Here I dive into biohacking—how small, intentional lifestyle shifts can transform your energy, focus, & well-being. I share my personal routines, tips, and practices that have made the biggest difference for me, breath work & meditation to sunlight, movement, and mindful eating. 📌 Full list of products, supplements & links are below. Everything is clickable so you can research, shop, or try what I use. Key Takeaways from the Episode Biohacking = small, intentional lifestyle tweaks that boost energy, focus, and wellbeing. Mornings matter, get your morning started right Breath work & mindfulness calm your nervous system and sharpen focus. Sunlight or red light therapy helps reset your body clock and lift your mood. Move daily and use recovery tools to support long-term health. Cold plunges, quality water and reducing plastics improve hormone balance. Supplements and an animal-based diet boost energy and hormones. Protect your eyes from blue light (glasses) and avoid LED overstimulation to improve focus and reduce anxiety. Acupuncture, HBOT, and red light therapy to support recovery and vitality. Practices and products I start my day with: ACV, lemon & Celtic salt in warm water My morning essentials: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/theliverpooldoula_/list/18RQEPZBLLME8?ref_=aipsflist Wim Hof Book: https://amzn.to/4qxCUBt Red light panel: https://www.red-light-therapy.co.uk/?ref=ylppdnbr (Discount code: ABBYSNOW) Benefits of red light therapy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jZvU445U3BunrmQmVWOAY?si=nzAmMLOlRaG86LF-jY0A1g Salt lamp: https://amzn.to/4o9kXYe Supplements Naturaviva supplements: https://www.naturavivauk.co.uk Shilajit benefits: https://fyfor.com/wellness/shilajit-benefits-side-effects-research/ Pregnancy supplements: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/theliverpooldoula_/list/9WLOPW5USZY4?ref_=aipsflist Beef liver caps: https://amzn.to/47hGu9P Oyster Max: https://amzn.to/4oDKKYs Camu camu: https://amzn.to/4qqI6Xu Mushroom blend: https://amzn.to/4hqJd5D Lemon balm : https://amzn.to/49hVOpu Use the code PODCAST to get 20% off my shop Sleepy Dream Cream & Unwind Roll-On: https://theliverpooldoula.bigcartel.com Get rid of back pain NOW Shakti mat: https://amzn.to/4o39LMx For clean water & storage Reverse osmosis system: https://www.hommix.co.uk/collections/reverse-osmosis-systems Glass tank: https://amzn.to/4nnadV4 Glass Tupperware: https://amzn.to/4oBMcdP Stainless steel water bottle: https://amzn.to/47mUIXc Better oral options Fluoride-free toothpastes: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/theliverpooldoula_/list/CZDQ4ZF42TY4?ref_=aipsflist Oil pulling https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/theliverpooldoula_/list/22DL02BWSR3NC?ref_=aipsflist Concordia Clinic Liverpool Acupuncture, sports massage, HBOT & red light bed: https://concordiaclinic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concordiaclinic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Light matters Blue light blocking glasses: https://amzn.to/4ngRVVr Info & reading about better choices LED light dangers: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/14/increase-in-led-lighting-risks-harming-human-and-animal-health Polyester & endocrine disruption: https://orbasics.com/blogs/stories/chemicals-in-clothing-is-polyester-an-endocrine-disruptor-1 Sunbed for Vit Dhttps://doi.org/10.1080/19381980.2017.1375635 Raw milk benefits: https://www.rawmilkinstitute.org/about-raw-milk/#nutrition Gary Brecka podcast: https://www.theultimatehuman.com/podcast Gary Brecka Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garybrecka?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Infrared morning sun research: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-02311-1 Grounding benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4378297/ Sauna benefits: https://www.saunasociety.org/press-releases/2015/10/18/health-benefits-of-saunaHBOT benefits: https://aviv-clinics.com/blog/brain-health/for-the-first-time-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-proven-to-reverse-biological-aging-in-humans/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

    1h 4m
  2. 10/16/2025

    The Dark Side of the Baby Milk Industry: Formula Lies, Breastfeeding Saves Lives

    In this episode of Against the Grain,Stevie joins the conversation to explore the hidden truths of infant feeding and the profound impact breastfeeding can have on babies and mothers. As a Hypnobirthing teacher, breastfeeding peer supporter, and mother of three homebirthed children, Stevie shares insights from her experience supporting families and navigating the challenges of feeding. As well as sharing her own story of both breast & bottle feeding her own kids and the struggles she faced along the way. The discussion covers the ways formula can affect health, the emotional and biological benefits of breastmilk, and why understanding feeding choices is so important. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ·       How different feeding choices can influence both short- and long-term health ·       The unique benefits of breastmilk that formula can’t replicate ·       Emotional and calming effects of breastfeeding for mother and baby ·       The importance of education, support, and community in navigating feeding challenges ·       How societal pressures and misinformation can complicate feeding journeys ·       Early practices that support successful breastfeeding, including skin-to-skin contact and managing engorgement ·       Practical guidance for overcoming common breastfeeding challenges ·       How understanding feeding choices can empower mothers to trust their instincts Find Stevie - This Mum Hypnobirthing Website https://www.thismumhypnobirthing.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thismumhypnobirthing/ Get Stevie's £30 online birth education coursehere https://www.thismumhypnobirthing.com/challenge-page/onlinehypnobirthing?programId=f1098135-d56e-4b4d-a0a5-abab33894f9c USE CODE TLD510AFF FOR £5 OFF Breast Beginnings: Breastfeeding Workshop on 17th December 2025. It’s normally £50, but you can get £10 off — that’s just £40! Grab your spot herehttps://www.thismumhypnobirthing.com/service-page/breast-beginnings-breastfeeding-workshop?referral=service_list_widget  Here is the link to the natural folate supplement i would recommend https://amzn.to/3JkPUJM

    1h 46m
  3. 09/25/2025

    Drs don’t want you to know: The forbidden healing secret of HOMEOPATHY!

    In this episode of Against the Grain, Isit down with homeopath Rachel Williams to uncover the truth about natural medicine and what it really means to take control of your health. We dive deep into how to live healthier, even in a system that often doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Along the way, we debunk myths about natural remedies, share personal stories, and explore how to empower yourself when access to honest, supportive healthcare is limited. Some of the topics we cover: ·Seeing the whole person, not just the symptoms. ·Gentle safe approaches—even for children. ·How natural remedies can complement conventional medicine. ·Practical ways to stay healthy despite systemic obstacles. ·The power of education, curiosity, and community in taking charge of your wellbeing. ·Addressing physical, emotional, and inherited health issues. ·Hormones, women’s health, menopause, and the dangers of the pill. ·Surprising ways these methods can support pets and even plants. ·Why curiosity and understanding are essential for navigating a flawed healthcare system. Tune in to learn how radical self-healing and taking responsibility for your health can transform your life—and maybe even shake up Big Pharma along the way.  You can learn all about Rachel & her services here on her website https://www.rwilliamshomeopathy.co.uk/ Book in for a 15 minute consultation with Rachel here https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule/481b12bd Buy one of Rachel's kits here which include a free educational course https://thisishomeopathywithrachel.co.uk/ Use the code ABBY10 for discount

    1h 9m
  4. 09/11/2025

    THE TOXIC VET INDUSTRY - Built on sick pets & broken hearts...

    In this episode, I call out the veterinary industry for what it really is: a profit-driven machine that often puts your pet’s health last. I share my own stories with my dogs—howtraditional vets, meds, and kibble can actually make things worse—and why trusting the system blindly is a huge mistake. I’m here to make you wake up, question everything, and take real control of your pet’s health. Natural holistic care isn’t woo-woo—it’s smart, effective, and your pet deserves it.   Takeaways: Most vets are more about money than your pet—over-medication and unnecessary treatments are the norm. That“healthy” kibble and prescription meds? They can wreck your pet’s long-term health. Holistic approaches—real food, natural remedies—can fix problems the vets can’t or won’t. Stop blindly following the system—question your vet, challenge advice, demand better. 📚 Recommended Resources for Dog Health & Longevity 🐾 The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib — A groundbreaking guide to helping your dog live a longer, healthier life.👉 Paperback on Amazon 🐾 The Forever Dog Life by Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib — A beautifully illustrated hardback packed with practical tips and lifestyle strategies for vibrant canine health.👉 Hardback on Amazon 🛒 Pet Essentials I Recommend — A handpicked list of natural, safe, and genuinely useful products for your pets, all in one place.👉 Shop my Amazon Pet Essentials List

    47 min
  5. 09/08/2025

    THE BUSINESS OF BIRTH - The Dirty Money Behind ‘Safe’ Births

    In this episode of Against the Grain, I pull no punches and expose the dirty little money games behind birth. The NHS and maternity care? Let’s just say profit often comes before people. I spill the tea on the cascade of interventions that turn a simple hospital check-in into a full-blown C-section, and how the Group B Streptococcus antibiotic racket messes with your microbiome. We get realabout the long-term trauma women carry silently after birth, and why doulas are the real MVPs in helping women reclaim their experiences. I’m here to show you how to question everything, fight back, and take your power back in the birthing room—because birth isn’t a transaction, it’s your life. Takeaways: The NHS runs on payment-by-results “High-risk” labels? Often just a ticket to unnecessary procedures. A cascade of interventions Group B Streptococcus antibiotics & wrecking your microbiome Many women live with birth trauma for years without even realising it. Doulas change the game—reducing interventions and protecting your birth experience. The system literally profits off women’s trauma and ongoing health issues. Natural healing methods to empower you and cut your dependence on pharma. The placenta? Treated as trash, when it could boost your recovery. Knowledge is power: education and informed choices beat consumerism every time.   My insta @theliverpooldoula_ My website www.theliverpooldoula.co.uk Life-Changing eBook ⁠Get My eBook⁠ BOOK YOUR PLACENTA PILLS HERE Book Here Shop Organic SkincareProducts Use code PODCAST for 20% off Book a Free 30-Min DoulaDiscovery Call Am I the Doula for You?   Advice/Guidance Session Book Here   Create Your Dream Birth Plan Start Here   Shop on Amazon The Liverpool Doula Store   Red Light Therapy Panel Buy Here

    53 min
  6. 09/04/2025

    PLACENTA 101 – Everything you need to know…

    In this episode of AgainstThe Grain, I get real about the placenta—yes, that weird-looking organ that everyone ignores. I dive into what it actually does, its cultural significance, and why placentophagy (yep, eating it) can help with postpartum recovery. We chat delayed cord clamping, bust myths, and I empower you to make your own choices about your placenta and postpartum journey. I also break down practical tips for placenta encapsulation and how it can boost your mood, bonding, and overall recovery.   Takeaways: The placenta is a vital organ— not just biological waste. Cultures around the world respect the placenta, but Western medicine mostly ignores it. Placentophagy (eating your placenta) may help postpartumrecovery—even if science hasn’t fully caught up. Delayed cord clamping is non-negotiable There are so many myths about the placenta—let’s bust them. You have the right to keep your placenta and use it however you want. Placenta can be encapsulated into pills for postpartum health benefits. The power of oxytocin from your placenta Had a C-section? Find out if you can use the placenta Empowerment in childbirth & making your owninformed decisions My insta @theliverpooldoula_ Learn all about the differentplacenta remedies available https://www.theliverpooldoula.co.uk/placenta-remedies   BOOK YOUR PLACENTA PILLS HERE Book Here Shop Organic Skincare ProductsUse code PODCAST for 20% off Book a Free 30-Min Doula Discovery CallAm I the Doula for You?   Advice/Guidance SessionBook Here   Create Your Dream Birth Plan Start Here   Shop on AmazonThe Liverpool Doula Store   Red Light Therapy PanelBuy Here   Life-Changing eBookGet My eBook

    43 min
  7. 09/04/2025

    MIDWIVES VS. DOULAS: Understanding the Differences

    In this episode of AgainstThe Grain, I get real about the differences between midwives and doulas—and why it matters for your birth. I clear up the myths around doulas, showing how we provide emotional, physical, and informational backup while you navigate pregnancy and birth. I also spill on the struggles midwives face in the healthcare system and why informed consent is non-negotiable. Plus, I drop my tips for picking the right birth team and what red flags to watch for—because you deserve people in your corner who actually have your back. Takeaways: I provide emotional, physical, and informational support—your advocate from bump to baby. Midwives are clinical care providers, stuck following strict policies. I work for you, not the healthcare system. Policies often mean midwives can’t give truly individualised care. Informed consent is a must—and I push for it. Picking the right doula? Make sure we click and share the same birth values. Red flags in doulas? Red flags in midwives? Free birth is your legal right Doulas can level up your birth experience   My insta @theliverpooldoula_ My website www.theliverpooldoula.co.uk Book a Free 30-Min DoulaDiscovery CallAm I the Doula for You?  Life-Changing eBook⁠ Get My eBook⁠ Shop Organic Skincare ProductsUse code PODCAST for 20% off   Placenta Pills Booking FormBook Here   Advice/Guidance Session Book Here   Create Your Dream Birth Plan Start Here   Shop on AmazonThe Liverpool Doula Store   Red Light Therapy Panel Buy Here

    27 min
  8. 09/04/2025

    MIDWIVES HATE ME (And That’s the Point)

    In this episode, I share my insights and experiences as a Liverpool-based pregnancy and birth doula. I break down what I actually do, why education about birth is non-negotiable, andhow I support women through pregnancy and labour. I also get real about my approach—pushing for informed choices and standing up for women’s rights in the medical system. Plus, I chat about postpartum support, why building a solidrelationship with my clients matters, and the natural goodies I offer to make birth feel a little more magical. Takeaways: I provide non-medical support during pregnancy and birth. Education is everything—you deserve to knowwhat’s really going on. I advocate for your choices in the medical system. You can book me at any stage of pregnancy. Our relationship is built on trust and support—I’ve got your back. Postpartum support isn’t optional; it’s part of the package. Natural products can make your birthexperience even better. I focus on creating a calm, peaceful birth environment. Magnesium is a game-changer during pregnancy. I often keep long-term relationships with my clients—birth isn’t a one-off.   My insta @theliverpooldoula_ My website www.theliverpooldoula.co.uk Book a Free 30-Min DoulaDiscovery Call Am I the Doula for You?   Shop Organic SkincareProducts Use code PODCAST for 20% off Placenta Pills BookingForm Book Here   Advice/Guidance Session Book Here   Create Your Dream Birth Plan Start Here   Shop on Amazon The Liverpool Doula Store   Red Light Therapy Panel Buy Here   Life-Changing eBook Get My eBook

    20 min

About

🔥 Welcome to Against the Grain — the podcast where I call out the systems built to keep us small, silent, and sick. Here we go deep into birth, body autonomy, motherhood, natural healing + the raw, messy truth the mainstream won’t touch. This is not polite conversation — it’s rebellion. It’s bold, honest, soul-led truth-telling to wake you up, piss you off, and remind you of the power you were born with. ✨ If you’re ready to live fully against the grain — you’re in the right place.