The Virtual Midwife

The Virtual Midwife
  • 5.0 (3)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Virtual Midwife Podcast gives you clear, practical guidance through pregnancy, birth, and the first six weeks with your baby. Instead of advice and opinions, you’ll learn what is happening, why it is happening, and what to look for so you can respond with confidence. Each episode helps you make sense of feeding, sleep, behaviour, and the changes that happen day by day.

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Is My Baby Straining and Turning Red When They Poo?

    Why is your baby straining, grunting, turning red, and looking like they’re trying so hard to poo? It can be worrying to watch, especially in the early weeks.In this episode, I’m explaining one of the most common newborn concerns: why many babies strain dramatically when passing wind or stool, and why it is often a normal part of development rather than constipation.We talk about:• Why newborn digestion can look so dramatic• What infant dyschezia is• Why babies often grunt more at night or early morning• The difference between straining and true constipation• What soft stools usually mean• Gentle ways to support your baby• When it’s worth getting things checkedIf your baby pulls their legs up, clenches, grunts, goes red in the face, then passes wind or a soft poo and settles again, this episode will help you understand what may be happening.If this episode helped you, there’s more support waiting for you.BUY THE BOOK https://askthevirtualmidwife.com/baby-steps-preorderDownload the free handout linked in the show notes, along with more resources, Quick Answers, and support for the newborn weekshttps://askthevirtualmidwife.com/weekly-resources00:00 Why Babies Strain00:37 Muscle Coordination01:24 Constipation Versus Normal01:49 Early Morning Episodes02:13 Infant Dyschezia02:57 When to Step In03:22 Gentle Relief Tips04:23 Watch the Whole Picture05:20 Free Handout and Extras05:50 Book Recommendation

    7 min
  2. Birth Affirmations for Calm, Confidence & Breathing Your Baby Down

    MAR 29

    Birth Affirmations for Calm, Confidence & Breathing Your Baby Down

    This episode is a repeated birth-affirmations and breathing script focused on staying calm, centered, and grounded through deep breaths, releasing tension, and trusting your body and baby during labor. It emphasizes being strong, capable, fierce yet flexible, and prepared for whatever turns your birthing journey takes. The script describes working with each surge as waves of sensation to “surf,” resetting in the short breaks between surges, and returning to the breath for relaxation and re-energizing. It reinforces confidence, safety, and support, trusting instincts and the birth process, and visualizes the body opening as each surge nudges the baby down and out, with the cervix soft, open, and stretchy and the baby moving easily through the pelvis.00:00 Calm Breath Begins04:00 Trust the Journey07:50 Ride the Waves10:46 Mind and Body Strength12:22 Breathe Baby Down16:02 Softening and Opening17:26 Baby Moves Through21:04 Love and Support Close23:27 Final Calm Affirmations

    1h 53m

  3. MAR 26

    Breastfeeding in the First Three Days - Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

    Breastfeeding in the First 3 Days: Reassurance, Colostrum, Cluster Feeding, and Latch Basics This episode is for new mothers and I talk about breastfeeding in the first three days by explaining normal newborn behavior and how to tell your baby is getting enough. I discuss how your birth experience (long labor, analgesia/anesthesia, C-section) can affect your baby’s alertness and early feeding. I emphasise skin-to-skin and following feeding cues rather than timing feeds, especially for the first feed. I explain newborn stomach capacity (about 6 ml), the role and benefits of colostrum, expected weight loss up to 10%, and the purpose of brown fat for early energy needs. You will learn about cluster feeding patterns, signs milk has come in (full, tender, leaking breasts), basic latch and positioning tips (tummy-to-mummy, nose-to-nipple, cross-cradle and football holds), and using wet/dirty nappy output changes from meconium to yellow seedy stools as a key indicator of intake. 00:00 Breastfeeding First Days 00:47 Birth Effects On Baby 01:28 Golden Hour Skin To Skin 04:08 Tiny Tummy Colostrum 05:38 Immunity Weight Loss 08:47 Cluster Feeding Normal 10:02 Milk Coming In Signs 12:59 Avoid Painful Latch 15:06 Football Hold Option 16:16 Wet Diapers And Poop 18:10 Recap And Next Steps The first six weeks can feel intense and unpredictable. My book Baby Steps to Six Weeks guides you day by day so you can recognise patterns, understand your baby, and feel more confident as you go. Order your copy if you're 36+ weeks pregnant and you want to BE PREPARED. https://askthevirtualmidwife.com/get-baby-steps-to-six-weeks

    19 min
  4. A meditation for new mothers

    09/19/2023

    A meditation for new mothers

    This meditation is for the breastfeeding mother who finds herself at the intersection of myriad emotions and responsibilities. If you're feeling sleep-deprived, anxious about your baby and your milk supply, overwhelmed by the profound shift in your identity, torn between the roles of mother and wife, grappling with the loss of freedom, experiencing financial strain, succumbing to societal pressures to look a certain way, or feeling compelled to share every moment on social media, this meditation is here for you. These complex and weighty concerns may have left you feeling disconnected from your transformed body and your newborn baby, contributing to your baby's fussiness and neediness. In the midst of this challenging journey, it's crucial to find moments of respite and self-compassion. My hope is that this meditation will  be your sanctuary, a haven where you can slow down, fully inhabit the present moment, and rediscover the beauty of your breath and your profound connection with your baby. It's an opportunity to explore the depths of your inner world, embrace the complexities of motherhood, and find the peace and strength within yourself to navigate this transformative path. Join me in The Due Date Club Whatsapp Support Group "Ask the Virtual Midwife" The group is a hub of expertise and shared  experiences.  See a friendly face, hear a  reassuring voice, and receive guidance that  feels like it's coming from a trusted friend.  Experience the difference that a truly personalized support system, led by professionals can make If you're looking for answers - especially ones that can't wait until you see your midwife/LC/or pead then join the Ask the Midwife Supprot group and get  ✅ Personalized video answers  to your questions and concerns  ✅ Premium access to our library of resources and video answers ✅ Confidence and connection through shared experiences. https://duedateclub.co.za/ask-the-virtual-midwife/

    13 min
  5. Hypnobirthing Series - The Conscious and Unconscious Mind

    06/30/2023

    Hypnobirthing Series - The Conscious and Unconscious Mind

    This is it my lovelies - the last episode of the podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're exploring the conscious and unconscious mind – two aspects of our thinking that can have a significant impact on our childbirth experience. The conscious mind is the part of our thinking that is aware of our surroundings and makes rational decisions based on our current circumstances. The unconscious mind, on the other hand, operates beneath the surface of our awareness and can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in profound ways. By understanding how these two aspects of our thinking work together, we can use Hypnobirthing techniques to tap into our body's natural birthing instincts and achieve a positive and comfortable birth experience. In this episode, we'll cover: What the conscious and unconscious mind are and how they work together The impact of negative beliefs and emotions on our unconscious mind during childbirth How Hypnobirthing techniques like relaxation, visualization, and positive affirmations can influence our unconscious mind and create a positive birthing experience Techniques for releasing negative emotions and beliefs that may be affecting your unconscious mind during childbirth Remember, by understanding the conscious and unconscious mind and using Hypnobirthing techniques to influence these aspects of our thinking, we can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into our body's natural birthing instincts. Thanks for tuning in to our Hypnobirthing podcast series! I hope you've enjoyed learning about the different techniques and approaches to achieve a positive and comfortable birthing experience. If you're looking to continue your Hypnobirthing journey, I encourage you to join me in The Due Date Club – a community of expectant parents who are all on the same journey as you. By joining The Due Date Club, you'll have access to a range of resources, including: Just Found Out Course - If you want to enjoy a stress free pregnancy Cesarian Birth - If you want to explore your birth options Hospital Interventions - If you want to make informed decisions Breastfeeding Course - If you want to breastfeed but not sure you can Partner Course - If you want your partner “on board”  By joining The Due Date Club, you'll be part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards a positive and empowering birthing experience. You'll have access to expert advice and guidance, as well as the opportunity to share your own experiences and connect with others who are going through the same journey. So don't wait – join The Due Date Club today and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birthing experience. We wish you all the best on your Hypnobirthing journey! If you have suggestions for another series then drop me an email - I'm currently recording one on hospital interventions but hit me up with what you want to know more about. In the meanwhile - I'm looking forward to meeting you in The Due Date Club Midwife Karen

    10 min
  6. Hypnobirthing Series - Let's Talk About Brain Waves

    06/02/2023

    Hypnobirthing Series - Let's Talk About Brain Waves

    Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're talking about brain waves – a key aspect of the Hypnobirthing approach. Brain waves are the electrical activity that occurs in our brains, and they can affect our mood, perception, and overall state of consciousness. By understanding brain waves and how they relate to childbirth, we can use Hypnobirthing techniques to tap into our body's natural ability to birth our baby with ease and comfort. In this episode, we'll cover: What brain waves are and how they work The different types of brain waves and their associated states of consciousness How Hypnobirthing techniques like deep relaxation and visualization can influence brain wave activity during childbirth The benefits of achieving a state of relaxed awareness during childbirth Remember, understanding brain waves and how they relate to childbirth is a key aspect of the Hypnobirthing approach. By using Hypnobirthing techniques to influence brain wave activity, you can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural birthing instincts. So don't wait – start exploring the power of brain waves and Hypnobirthing today, and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birth experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club. Meet new friends who are due in the same month and share your journey with The Due Date Club! Compare symptoms, be inspired & find a community of women who understand your experience. I'll see you there Midwife Karen

    12 min

  7. 05/24/2023

    Hypnobirthing Series - Answers to Your Questions

    We're nearing the end of this series so I thought I'd answer some of the most frequently asked questions that you may have about this approach to childbirth. I'll also address other common concerns and misconceptions about Hypnobirthing, providing insights and tips to help you make informed decisions about your childbirth journey. Remember, Hypnobirthing is not about achieving a certain type of birth – it's about empowering you to make informed choices, advocate for yourself and your baby, and feel confident and in control throughout the birthing process. By addressing common questions and concerns, we hope to help you feel more informed and empowered to make the best choices for you and your baby. So don't wait – tune in now to get answers to your most pressing questions about Hypnobirthing, and take the first step towards a positive and joyful birth experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, then come and join me in The Due Date Club. because that's where you'll get access to my wealth of essential pregnancy resources, guest experts & professionals, plus exclusive discounts on mom & baby gear. Midwife Karen

    18 min
  8. Hypnobirthing Series - How to use Hypnotic Anchors

    05/17/2023

    Hypnobirthing Series - How to use Hypnotic Anchors

    Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we'll be discussing how to use hypnotic anchors – a powerful technique for deepening your relaxation and entering a hypnotic state during childbirth. Hypnotic anchors are a way of associating a physical sensation or object with a relaxed state of mind. By using an anchor during childbirth, you can quickly and easily enter a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural ability to birth your baby in a calm and positive way. In this episode, we'll cover: What hypnotic anchors are and how they work The benefits of using hypnotic anchors during childbirth Techniques for creating and using hypnotic anchors, including visualization and touch Tips for using hypnotic anchors effectively during childbirth Remember, Hypnobirthing is all about empowering you to make informed choices and approach childbirth with confidence and trust in your own abilities. By using Hypnobirthing techniques like hypnotic anchors, you can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural birthing instincts. So don't wait – start exploring the power of hypnotic anchors today, and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birthing experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Virtual Midwife Podcast gives you clear, practical guidance through pregnancy, birth, and the first six weeks with your baby. Instead of advice and opinions, you’ll learn what is happening, why it is happening, and what to look for so you can respond with confidence. Each episode helps you make sense of feeding, sleep, behaviour, and the changes that happen day by day.

Information

  • Creator
    The Virtual Midwife
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Virtual Midwife
  • Show Website
    The Virtual Midwife

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