Birth & Baby - Advice You Can Trust

Midwife Margreet Wibbelink: RM, MSc, PhD
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Shaping the future of humankind with nature, knowledge and experience, in pregnancy, birth and family health.

  1. 2D AGO

    Birth & Baby Ep. 102 - Birth is a Life Event, Not a Disease: Navigating Choice and Complexity with Lilo Mthembu

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, I sat down with Lilo Mthembu, a private midwife based in Johannesburg who views her role in birth work as a true ministry. Lilo shares her deep-seated philosophy that pregnancy and birth are natural life events rather than medical conditions, advocating for every woman to begin her journey with a midwifery-led, natural approach. We dive into the vital role of the midwife as the "expert in the normal," trained to identify exactly when a natural process requires medical assistance. Lilo explains the importance of the collaborative relationship between midwives and obstetricians and provides a compassionate, practical guide for parents on how to navigate the emotional and physical pivots when birth doesn't go exactly as planned. In This Episode, We Discuss: Midwifery as Ministry: The heart and calling behind Lilo's work in Johannesburg. The "Normal" Expert: Why starting with a midwife ensures the best foundation for a low-intervention birth. Collaboration Over Competition: How midwives and obstetricians work hand-in-hand to ensure safety. When the Plan Changes: Practical advice for parents on preparing for complications without fear. Empowered Decision-Making: Educating women to make the right choices for their bodies and their babies. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    44 min

  2. MAR 6

    Birth & Baby Ep. 101 - Why Most Probiotics Fail: Gut Health & Your Second Brain

    Welcome and thank you for listening! Did you know your gut is often called your "Second Brain"? From your mood and mental clarity to your immune system's strength, it all starts in your microbiome. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Stewart, the founder of Probitec, to peel back the layers of gut health. We move past the marketing jargon to discover why many probiotics on the shelf today fail to work and how innovative technology is changing the way we heal our bodies from the inside out. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "Second Brain" Explained: How your gut bacteria influence your mood, sleep, and energy. Modern Gut Disruptors: Why our current lifestyle—from stress to hidden sugars—is an "all-out war" on our beneficial bacteria. The Survival Secret: Why stomach acid kills most probiotics and how DuoCap technology ensures the "good guys" actually reach their destination. Myth Busting: Why 50 billion CFU isn't always better than 5 billion, and the truth about yogurt vs. supplements. Resources Mentioned: Website: https://probitec.co.za/ Key Technology: Learn more about the DuoCap™ delivery system. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    29 min

  3. FEB 16

    100 Episodes Strong: The Vision Behind Sensitive Midwifery and Sister Lilian Centre

    Welcome and thank you for listening! We hit the big 1-0-0! To celebrate this incredible milestone, your host steps into the guest chair to offer a rare, deep dive into the "why" behind the entire movement: Sensitive Midwifery and the Sister Lilian Centre. In this clear, celebratory, and informative self-interview, we peel back the curtain on the foundational mission driving Birth & Baby Advice You Can Trust. Discover the core beliefs of sensitivity, trust, and evidence-based care that fuel the work for both professionals and parents. We discuss the origin story, the meaning of 'Sensitive Midwifery', and the impactful resources the Sister Lilian Centre provides to families worldwide. Join us to explore: The Milestone & The Mission: The most rewarding parts of the journey and the core belief that defines our work. Sensitive Midwifery (For Professionals): What the term truly means and the specific training, mentorship, and resources we offer to elevate the quality of birth care. Sister Lilian Centre (For Parents): How we ensure our advice is truly trustworthy in a saturated market, and the most popular initiatives helping parents right now. Looking Ahead: The exciting goals and new initiatives planned for the next 100 episodes from both platforms! This is a must-listen for both long-time listeners and anyone new to our community, offering clarity on the vision that powers reliable birth and baby advice. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    21 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    Birth & Baby Ep. 99 - How Hidden Toxins Affect Women's Hormones and Health: A Young Midwife's Discovery

    Welcome and thank you for listening! As a midwife, Lungile Gamede started noticing a surge in conditions like debilitating periods, PCOS, and endometriosis among the young girls in her community. But her journey started even closer to home: Lungile herself struggled with intense bloating, severe PMS, and symptoms the doctors couldn't resolve. This personal health battle—combined with her professional observations—led her down a path of crucial discovery: the role of hormone-disrupting toxins in everyday products. Lungile breaks down what these Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are, where we find them, and exactly how they impact reproductive health. She shares how she learned to heal her own body and now teaches those powerful, actionable clean living solutions to empower young women. In this episode, we discuss: Lungile's personal struggle with bloating and severe PMS that sparked her deep dive into hormonal health. The common reproductive issues Lungile saw in her community that confirmed her research findings. Surprising everyday sources of EDCs (cosmetics, plastics, food etc.) and their direct link to conditions like period pains and endometriosis. The success stories and real-life improvements girls are seeing after adopting Lungile's clean living habits. Practical first steps for women and supportive advice for parents and guardians. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe!

    33 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Birth & Baby Ep. 98 - Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future

    Welcome and thank you for listening! This episode features a conversation with Professor Welma Lubbe, a leading expert in the field of prematurity. Professor Welma Lubbe is a professor in nursing and midwifery at North-West University. Her research focuses on the care of premature babies, and she is the founder of Little Steps®, South Africa's first evidence-based prematurity support platform. A respected international advisor and author, she is a passionate advocate for empowering parents of preterm infants. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://littlesteps.co.za/. In this episode, we discuss: World Prematurity Awareness Day: We explore the importance of raising awareness about prematurity, including strategies for preventing preterm birth, what to look out for during pregnancy, and how to be prepared should a preterm birth occur. Giving Preterm Babies a Strong Start: We dive into this year's World Prematurity Day theme, "Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future." Professor Lubbe shares invaluable insights on how to best care for a preterm baby, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that avoids over-medicalizing care. The Global Impact of Prematurity: World Prematurity Day, observed annually on November 17, brings attention to the significant global issue of preterm birth. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, representing about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide. Our conversation highlights the concerns of these babies and their families and the need for global support and awareness. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    30 min

  6. 10/02/2025

    Birth & Baby Ep. 97 - Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this episode, we sit down with Ian Wheeler, the founder of Pegasus Homeopathics, to demystify the world of homeopathy and explore its safe and effective use during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Ian shares his fascinating journey from a traditional pharmacist to a pioneer in the field of homeopathic medicine. For over 30 years, he owned and operated pharmacies, but a growing interest in natural and holistic healing led him to study homeopathy. After a three-year course, he realized that people needed a simple, accessible way to use homeopathic remedies. This realization led him to create Pegasus Homeopathics and the iconic Pegasus Bluebox Kit™. The Bluebox was designed to be a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for the whole family, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Ian's goal was to show that using homeopathic medicine doesn't have to be complicated. Following the success of the Bluebox, Ian expanded the Pegasus line with the Maternity/Labour Kit, specifically designed to support mothers-to-be, as well as a range of remedies for pets. His work is guided by the philosophy of combining different modalities—herbology, homeopathy, and nutricology—to create holistic, natural protocols. Join us as Ian explains what homeopathy is, how it works, and how his unique kits make it accessible for everyone. About Ian Wheeler Ian Wheeler (B. Pharm, Rhodes 1981) has been a practicing pharmacist for over 30 years. After a decade in retail pharmacy, he sold his business and embarked on a transatlantic sailing adventure. He later returned to Cape Town to establish his own pharmacy, where he began his deep dive into homeopathy, studying under renowned homeopath Dr. Ruth Bloch. In 2000, he founded Steps to Health Pharmacy, focusing on natural and complementary medicine, which further cemented his belief in holistic healing. It was here that the concept for the Pegasus Bluebox Kit™ was born. Today, Ian has sold his retail business to dedicate himself full-time to Pegasus Homeopathics, continuing to develop new protocols and remedies to make natural healing accessible to all. Want to learn more? Check out the full range of Pegasus products and resources on their website:   https://www.pegasuskits.com/

    32 min

  7. 08/28/2025

    Birth & Baby Ep. 96 - The Genesis Clinic Story: From Closure to Rebirth

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this heartfelt and informative episode, we sit down with Jude Polack, the visionary founder of the original Genesis Clinic in Saxonworld, Johannesburg. Jude takes us on a journey through the history of this beloved birthing facility, from its inception in 2009 to its unexpected closure and inspiring rebirth. Jude shares the story of why she initially sold the clinic to the Life Healthcare Group in 2015. We delve into the difficult decision by Life Healthcare to close the clinic in 2023, a move that left the community and staff reeling.  Genesis Clinic has always been more than just a maternity ward; it's a sanctuary for families seeking a less medicalised and more empowering birth experience. As a midwife-led facility with an on-site emergency operating room, it provided a safe and supportive environment for thousands of families from all walks of life. Jude explains the core philosophy of Genesis: placing birthing families at the forefront, empowering women to choose their birth, and prioritising low-intervention births. We discuss the broader implications of the clinic's closure within the South African context, including the country's high C-section rates, gender-based and obstetric violence, and deep inequities in the healthcare system. The closure of Genesis, along with other similar facilities, represents a "theft of choice" for women who deserve autonomy in their birthing journey. But this isn't just a story of loss. Jude shares the compelling reasons why she was driven to reopen the Genesis Clinic. She details the new Genesis Clinic, a natural birth facility where mothers are cared for by independent midwife practices, supported by affiliated obstetricians, and have access to an on-site operating theatre for planned or emergency C-sections. The new Genesis Clinic continues its mission to provide a nurturing, family-centered environment where highly qualified nurses care for new parents as they embark on their beautiful journey. For more information and announcements on the official opening of the new Genesis Clinic, visit https://genesis-clinic.co.za/. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    24 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Birth & Baby Ep. 95 - The Gift of Breastmilk: Why Every Drop Matters

    Welcome and thank you for listening! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Simphiwe Joyce Delhi, a passionate Donated Breastmilk Coordinator. As a mother, mentor and advocate for breastfeeding, Joyce shares her inspiring journey and her work with the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR). Join us as Joyce explains: The vital importance of breastmilk for both baby and mother, and the profound differences between formula and breastmilk. The incredible nutrition packed into every drop, especially for premature and vulnerable babies. The process of donating breastmilk and how it provides a lifeline for infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed. How to get involved and become part of this life-saving community. Joyce's dedication to reducing malnutrition and infant mortality shines through as she shares her goal of seeing every new mother breastfeed her baby. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about the science and heart behind human milk donation. For more information, visit the South African Breastmilk Reserve Website and follow them on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram. If you found this episode helpful please leave us a review or give us a rating as that helps us get the show out to more people. And don't forget to subscribe! We'd love to stay in touch and keep you updated with all our latest content & resources to equip & empower you.  So if you're a midwife or any type of birth and baby worker go to sensitivemidwifery.co.za/freegift  If you're a mom, visit sisterlilian.co.za/freegift for more training and resources. That way we can keep you up to date when we release new episodes like this plus a few other bonuses. Remember you're making a big difference because you're shaping the future of humankind. Thanks for listening and I look forward to journeying with you.

    18 min
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Shaping the future of humankind with nature, knowledge and experience, in pregnancy, birth and family health.

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