The Road to Wisdom Podcast

Why Do Women Birth Outside The System? With Melanie the Midwife

In episode 63 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast Chloe and Keshia chat with Melanie Jackson, best known as Melanie the Midwife.
What do we love about Mel? Well a lot actually, especially her ability to read literature and understand it at its core, translating her findings into layman’s terms. That is worth its weight in gold. So we had to get her on to discuss her PhD “Birthing Outside The System”.
We discuss her experience creating YouTube videos during COVID, her transition to podcasting, and her research on birthing outside the system. She shares how she presented unbiased information on COVID vaccines, allowing her audience to make informed decisions. Melanie explains how she found women who had chosen to birth outside the system for her PhD research and highlights that women make choices they believe are best and safest for themselves and their babies. She addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding birthing outside the system and emphasizes the importance of unbiased research. The conversation explores the reasons why women choose free birth and the factors that influence their decision-making process. We delve into the perception of what is considered best and safest in childbirth, highlighting the contrasting views of obstetricians and women who choose free birth. The main priorities for women who choose free birth are minimal intervention, having loved ones present, and being viewed as the authority in their birth space. The conversation also discusses the role of doulas and the potential influence they may have on women's decisions. The importance of open and nuanced discussions around free birth and the need for better care options within the maternity care system are emphasised .
Melanie can be found at www.melaniethemidwife.com
Instagram: @melaniethemidwife and her own podcast: The Great Birth Rebellion
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

To Homeschool, Un-School or Private School: Unraveling The Schooling Topic With Amy Lou

In Episode 63 of the Road to Wisdom Podcast we chat to Amy Lou to bring you the start of many chats on the topic of schooling and education options for our children. This episode comes at a potent time as Chloe has decided to take her children out of private school and back to homeschool. We challenged Amy on the “un-parenting” problem in homeschooling, how she successfully ”free schools” her children and how the decision was made for her and her family. We define the many new labels and options out there for school and highlight some of the problems on both ends of the scale.
Amy brings a really balanced perspective on homeschooling and honestly, it’s pretty convincing.
Amy is behind @the.school.free.life and her personal IG is @amy.lou__  
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

To Homeschool, Un-School or Private School: Unraveling The Schooling Topic With Amy Lou

In Episode 63 of the Road to Wisdom Podcast we chat to Amy Lou to bring you the start of many chats on the topic of schooling and education options for our children. This episode comes at a potent time as Chloe has decided to take her children out of private school and back to homeschool. We challenged Amy on the “un-parenting” problem in homeschooling, how she successfully ”free schools” her children and how the decision was made for her and her family. We define the many new labels and options out there for school and highlight some of the problems on both ends of the scale.
Amy brings a really balanced perspective on homeschooling and honestly, it’s pretty convincing.
Amy is behind @the.school.free.life and her personal IG is @amy.lou__  
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

The Birth Mindset: Can We Heal Trauma in Birth? with Rhea Dempsey

In Episode 61 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast Chloe and Keshia welcome back Rhea Dempsey for another conversation to explore the psychological barriers and constraints that women face during pregnancy and childbirth which are main themes in her latest book "Beyond The Birth Plan". We highlight the importance of addressing these issues and the impact they can have on birth outcomes. This episode covers topics such as the role of midwives and doulas, the integration of counseling and psychology in birth work, and the need to address past trauma. The conversation also delves into the concept of Pandora's Box and the significance of understanding one's own birth and early experiences. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to childbirth that considers both the physical and psychological aspects. In this conversation, Rhea discusses the concept of wild cards in birth and the impact of attachment styles on the birthing experience. She highlights the importance of creating a safe space for discussing wild cards, particularly those related to sexual abuse. Rhea explains the different attachment styles, including secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment. She emphasizes the need for a secure base for exploration in birth and the role of partners in providing support. Overall, this conversation explores the complex dynamics of birth and the significance of attachment in shaping the birthing experience.
Episdode Takeaways - Addressing psychological barriers is crucial for positive birth outcomes. - Midwives and doulas play a vital role in providing emotional support during pregnancy and childbirth. - Understanding one's own birth and early experiences can have a profound impact on the birthing process. - The medical system should prioritize the psychological well-being of women during childbirth. 
- Wild cards, such as sexual abuse histories, can have a significant impact on the birthing experience. - Attachment styles, including secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment, play a role in how individuals navigate the birthing process. - Creating a safe space for discussing wild cards and attachment histories is crucial for supporting birthing individuals. - Partners can provide a secure base for exploration during birth, but it is important for them to understand the emotional and physical needs of the birthing person.
 
Rhea can be found at www.birthingwisdom.com.au and IG: @Rheadempseybirth
 
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

The Birth Mindset: Can We Heal Trauma in Birth? with Rhea Dempsey

In Episode 61 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast Chloe and Keshia welcome back Rhea Dempsey for another conversation to explore the psychological barriers and constraints that women face during pregnancy and childbirth which are main themes in her latest book "Beyond The Birth Plan". We highlight the importance of addressing these issues and the impact they can have on birth outcomes. This episode covers topics such as the role of midwives and doulas, the integration of counseling and psychology in birth work, and the need to address past trauma. The conversation also delves into the concept of Pandora's Box and the significance of understanding one's own birth and early experiences. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to childbirth that considers both the physical and psychological aspects. In this conversation, Rhea discusses the concept of wild cards in birth and the impact of attachment styles on the birthing experience. She highlights the importance of creating a safe space for discussing wild cards, particularly those related to sexual abuse. Rhea explains the different attachment styles, including secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment. She emphasizes the need for a secure base for exploration in birth and the role of partners in providing support. Overall, this conversation explores the complex dynamics of birth and the significance of attachment in shaping the birthing experience.
Episdode Takeaways - Addressing psychological barriers is crucial for positive birth outcomes. - Midwives and doulas play a vital role in providing emotional support during pregnancy and childbirth. - Understanding one's own birth and early experiences can have a profound impact on the birthing process. - The medical system should prioritize the psychological well-being of women during childbirth. 
- Wild cards, such as sexual abuse histories, can have a significant impact on the birthing experience. - Attachment styles, including secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment, play a role in how individuals navigate the birthing process. - Creating a safe space for discussing wild cards and attachment histories is crucial for supporting birthing individuals. - Partners can provide a secure base for exploration during birth, but it is important for them to understand the emotional and physical needs of the birthing person.
 
Rhea can be found at www.birthingwisdom.com.au and IG: @Rheadempseybirth
 
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom
 

From Professional Snow Boarder to Parenthood: Navigating the Slopes of Motherhood with Olympian Jess Rich

In episode 60 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast we invite Jess Rich, an Olympian and former snowboarder, Jess takes us through her remarkable journey from the competitive world of snowboarding to the transformative experience of motherhood. Unpacking the challenges and risks that come with being a professional athlete, Jess candidly shares her decision to start a family, offering valuable insights for those contemplating a similar path.
Jess delves into the intricacies of her pregnancy, sharing both the physical and emotional changes she encountered along the way. She walks us through her labor and delivery experience, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's body and embracing unexpected changes.
Jess shares her birthing journey, discussing the challenges she faced during labor. She opens up about the conflicting emotions of disappointment and guilt tied to unexpected interventions, ultimately celebrating the joyous arrival of her healthy baby boy. Jess sheds light on the physical and emotional hurdles that come with being a new mum, highlighting the pressing issue of limited time for recovery.
The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we express concerns about fairness and the potential advantages of biological males in women's sports, particularly in the context of trans women competing. The discussion underscores the need for more research and dialogue to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field in the realm of sports.
Key Takeaways:
- Transitioning from a professional athlete to motherhood is a challenging and emotional journey.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding, but understanding your body and listening to instincts can aid the process.
- Starting a family while pursuing a sports career requires careful consideration and planning.
- Trusting your body and being open to unexpected changes during labor is crucial for a positive birth experience.
- Recovery from childbirth is physically and emotionally challenging; new moms require support and understanding.
- The inclusion of trans women in women's sports prompts questions about fairness and potential advantages, necessitating further research and discussion to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field.
 
Jess introduced us to her new career path as a qualified naturopath, you can find her at @jessrich_ and @kin.d_studios
 
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

From Professional Snow Boarder to Parenthood with Olympian Jess Rich

In episode 60 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast we invite Jess Rich, an Olympian and former snowboarder, Jess takes us through her remarkable journey from the competitive world of snowboarding to the transformative experience of motherhood. Unpacking the challenges and risks that come with being a professional athlete, Jess candidly shares her decision to start a family, offering valuable insights for those contemplating a similar path.
Jess delves into the intricacies of her pregnancy, sharing both the physical and emotional changes she encountered along the way. She walks us through her labor and delivery experience, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's body and embracing unexpected changes.
Jess shares her birthing journey, discussing the challenges she faced during labor. She opens up about the conflicting emotions of disappointment and guilt tied to unexpected interventions, ultimately celebrating the joyous arrival of her healthy baby boy. Jess sheds light on the physical and emotional hurdles that come with being a new mum, highlighting the pressing issue of limited time for recovery.
The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we express concerns about fairness and the potential advantages of biological males in women's sports, particularly in the context of trans women competing. The discussion underscores the need for more research and dialogue to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field in the realm of sports.
Key Takeaways:
- Transitioning from a professional athlete to motherhood is a challenging and emotional journey.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding, but understanding your body and listening to instincts can aid the process.
- Starting a family while pursuing a sports career requires careful consideration and planning.
- Trusting your body and being open to unexpected changes during labor is crucial for a positive birth experience.
- Recovery from childbirth is physically and emotionally challenging; new moms require support and understanding.
- The inclusion of trans women in women's sports prompts questions about fairness and potential advantages, necessitating further research and discussion to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field.
 
Jess introduced us to her new career path as a qualified naturopath, you can find her at @jessrich_ and @kin.d_studios
 
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

Is Home-birth Safe? Exploring The Data With Born At Home Filmmakers, Amanda Banks & Eleanor Currie

In episode 59 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast we chat to the ladies behind The Born at Home documentary, friends and homebirth mothers Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie. After attending one of the screenings of the documentary we decided to chat with the ladies about why they made the film, we touched on some unexpected statistics around home birth and so much more, The film explores and uncovers the empowering journey of homebirth, shedding light on the often overlooked and misunderstood option that has transformed lives. Born at Home dives into real stories of women navigating birth trauma and examines how a shift in environment and informed choices can reshape the birthing experience.
Wisdom is shared from homebirth families, interwoven with evidence-based information from midwives, medical professionals, doulas, researchers and maternity advocates.
We had the opportunity to discuss free birth and ways to encourage women to explore birthing safely at home.
To view the film go to https://bornathomefilm.com and follow along at @bornathomefilm
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

Is Home-birth Safe? Exploring The Data With Born At Home Filmmakers, Amanda Banks & Eleanor Currie.

In episode 59 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast we chat to the ladies behind The Born at Home documentary, friends and homebirth mothers Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie. After attending one of the screenings of the documentary we decided to chat with the ladies about why they made the film, we touched on some unexpected statistics around home birth and so much more, The film explores and uncovers the empowering journey of homebirth, shedding light on the often overlooked and misunderstood option that has transformed lives. Born at Home dives into real stories of women navigating birth trauma and examines how a shift in environment and informed choices can reshape the birthing experience.
Wisdom is shared from homebirth families, interwoven with evidence-based information from midwives, medical professionals, doulas, researchers and maternity advocates.
We had the opportunity to discuss free birth and ways to encourage women to explore birthing safely at home.
To view the film go to https://bornathomefilm.com and follow along at @bornathomefilm
Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

Blocking Blue Light: How to Improve Your Light Environment With Daniel Ebbett

In Episode 58 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast, we are joined by Daniel Ebbett,  founder of Block Blue Light. In this episode Daniel shares his personal struggle with chronic insomnia and migraines. Despite trying various remedies such as sleeping pills, natural herbs, and breathing techniques, Daniel's health continued to decline, leaving him feeling helpless and frustrated. Even consulting with specialist doctors proved to be of little help. We delve into what the motivation behind starting Block Blue Light was and we learn more about why artificial light is causing havoc to our health.
Daniel Ebbett is a visionary leader in the field of blue light and its effects on human health. As the founder and CEO of BlockBlueLight, a premier global brand for blue and artificial light-blocking products, he has made it his mission to promote and educate the science behind modern phenomena such as digital eye strain and poor sleep, and the connection these have with screen overuse.
Determined to find a solution, Daniel embarked on extensive research and discovered the impact of blue light on circadian rhythms, which can suppress melatonin secretion and cause sleep issues. He also learned about the dangers of chronic exposure to artificial light during the day, including eye strain, migraines, and even permanent eye damage.
Today, BlockBlueLight is recognized as one of the most trusted and respected international brands in blocking blue light technology. With a passion for helping people live healthier lives, the company aims to make mitigating blue light a mainstream concern and empower individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today's digital age.
We ask Daniel ways to be productive with arming ourselves in a modern world when we are often unintentionally doused in blue light!
 
Daniel can be found @Danielebbet and @blockbluelight_official and https://www.blockbluelight.com.au/pages/about-us
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Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at ⁠⁠https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom