Birth Untethered

Welcome to Birth Untethered. A sanctuary for truth-tellers, change-makers & advocates of physiological birth. We’re Shellie Poulter & Kemi Johnson: educators & rebels with decades of combined experience in pregnancy, birth & beyond. With backgrounds in osteopathy, naturopathy, biomechanics, midwifery, & advocacy.

We expose the realities of modern maternity systems, challenge coercive practices & bring both scientific & lived wisdom to the forefront. We exist to empower birth workers, families & seekers of truth with informed choice, not fear.

This is the birth revolution & you're invited.

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22 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 7 min
English

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S2 · E29
Sunday · 50 min
S2E29 - Episiotomy - Part 1
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine intervention.Shellie, joined by her husband and co-host Simon, takes you inside the anatomy, history, and real-world consequences of episiotomy. From the pressure of crowning to the structures that can be cut, torn, or damaged, this episode exposes the gap between what birthing people are often told and what the research shows.You'll discover:What an episiotomy is, how it differs from a natural tear, and why the direction of the cut mattersWhy midline, mediolateral, lateral, J-shaped, T-shaped, and radical incisions each carry different risksHow episiotomy became routine through outdated obstetric ideology, not evidenceWhy forceps births are one of the few scenarios where episiotomy may genuinely reduce serious anal sphincter injuryWhat women report about pain, healing, sex, breastfeeding, anxiety, and the long shadow episiotomy can leave behindThey also unpack the consent problem head-on. Shellie and Simon discuss how often episiotomies happen without meaningful consent, why pain relief is sometimes withheld or minimised, and how being on your back in hospital can increase the likelihood of intervention. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠ ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E28
August 16 · 1 hr 15 min
S2E28 - Epidurals - Side Effects and Impacts on Physiology
In this episode Shellie and Kemi discuss the side effects of epidurals and how frequently they occur to give you evidence based information upon which to make your own informed choices. They also explore the impacts of epidural on physiology and how these cause effects to the mother and baby. If you are wanting to make a more informed decision about whether you would like to accept an epidural in your labour, or you are a birthworker wanting to have a more in depth knowledge about epidurals to help support the families you are serving, this episode has you covered. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E27
August 9 · 54 min
S2E27 - Epidurals - The Process and Different Kinds of Epidural
On this week's episode Shellie and Kemi discuss what actually happens when an epidural is placed, why the consent process is far too rushed and how the medications involved can affect the mother and baby. From the surprising chemistry behind the medications like bupivicaine, to the real-world consequences of reduced mobility with epidural. We also discuss some different kinds of epidurals and what benefits they can provide. If you are interested in Shellie's Birthing Biomechanics course you can find it here: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/b-irthing-biomechanics-online-lectu If you are interested in reading more free information about biomechanics, you can do so on Shellie's website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/techniques Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E26
August 2 · 1 hr 29 min
S2E26 - Epidurals History and How They Work
In this episode, Kemi and Shellie trace the history of epidural anaesthesia in childbirth, exploring how pain relief evolved from early general anaesthesia to modern epidural techniques. They break down the anatomy and physiology behind how epidurals work, why they can affect movement, blood pressure, bladder function, and pushing, and what that means for mothers and babies. Along the way, they discuss informed choice, the impact of culture and medicine on birth, and why understanding the whole picture matters for anyone supporting or preparing for birth. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E25
July 26 · 1 hr 8 min
S2E25 - Katie's Birth Stories - Induction, Synthetic Oxytocin and HIE
In this powerful conversation, Katie shares her deeply moving birth stories, the life-changing consequences of medical negligence, and how she’s turned her experience into advocacy for other mothers. Honest, urgent, and unforgettable, this episode explores consent, induction, maternal care, and the fight to be heard.Please give generously to Katie and her family here:https://linktr.ee/kspinks06 Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠ ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E24
July 19 · 1 hr 20 min
S2E24 - Synthetic Oxytocin Part 4
Unlock the uncomfortable truth behind synthetic oxytocin in childbirth. This episode exposes how this powerful hormone, often hailed as a lifesaver, can secretly cause harm, influence outcomes, and fuel systemic issues in maternity care, all while women remain in the dark. If you've ever felt unsure about the interventions you're offered or want to truly understand your options, this episode is your urgent wake-up call.Join us as we dive into the myths, risks, and real-world stories that reveal how routine use of synthetic oxytocin extends far beyond medical necessity. Discover the startling differences between natural and artificial hormones, the hidden dangers of overuse, and how coercive practices erode women's rights during pregnancy and birth. We break down key insights from the latest research, including the outdated Friedman Curve, and explore how entrenched medical protocols are compromising the safety and dignity of women and babies.This episode offers concrete knowledge for anyone navigating pregnancy, or supporting someone who is. You'll discover:How hospitals are secretly over-medicating with synthetic oxytocin and why this drives up cesarean and hemorrhage ratesThe rare but serious side effects, including water intoxication, more common side effects like fetal distress, often hidden from women. The critical importance of informed consent - what it is, why it’s often denied, and how to advocate for yourself.Why standard labor charts and interventions are based on flawed, non-physiological models that harm mothers and babies.Practical strategies to recognise coercion, support physiological birth, and make choices aligned with your values. The systemic overuse of synthetic oxytocin isn’t just a medical issue, it's a human rights crisis. Women deserve to understand what they’re being offered, what risks accompany it, and the alternatives available. Ignoring these truths perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary harm and trauma, yet knowledge is power. This episode empowers you to question, challenge, and choose a different path, one that honours women’s physiology, rights, and intuition.Whether you’re pregnant, a birth supporter, or simply curious about the truth behind hospital routines, this episode is essential listening. We shed light on the unseen forces shaping modern maternity care and equip you with the insights needed to advocate for safer, more respectful birth experiences. The power to transform birth starts with awareness. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch: ⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch ⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
July 12 · 1 hr 18 min
S2E23 - Synthetic Oxytocin (and some rants) Part 3
Shellie and Kemi further discuss the impacts of synthetic oxytocin on mothers and babies. They reveal how widespread use, overuse, and misuse of this drug are fueling rising cesarean rates, severe postpartum hemorrhage, and lifelong trauma in hospitals worldwide.You'll discover the shattering truths behind the cascade of interventions triggered by synthetic oxytocin, how it increases the risk of fetal hypoxia, brain injury, and lifelong disabilities. The duo breaks down startling statistics: how augmentation doubles, triples, or even quadruples the chances of complications like uterine rupture, obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and abnormal fetal heart patterns. They also expose the corrupting influence of profit-driven medicine, highlighting how institutional complacency and hierarchy turn terrifying emergencies into routine trauma.This episode digs deep into the system’s lies, how women are manipulated into unnecessary interventions, pushed into dangerous “care” that prioritizes protocols over physiology. You'll hear about real cases where delays, gaslighting, and neglect lead to preventable deaths, and why trusting the system is often a silent endorsement of harm. It’s essential listening for any parent, midwife, or birth advocate determined to reclaim birth as a natural process, not a medical catastrophe.If you’re ready to challenge the status quo, understand how to protect yourself and your baby, and learn the hard truths about what’s really happening behind the hospital doors, this episode is your wake-up call. With clear, research-backed insights and no-holds-barred honesty, Shellie and Kemi empower you to make informed choices, question authority, and explore safe alternatives to harmful interventions. Website:⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠https: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠ Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠Support us by buying our merch:⁠ https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch⁠Buy us a coffee:⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujubeBook Time with us for one to one support: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie https://Kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me
S1 · E22
July 5 · 1 hr
S2E22 - Oxytocin and Synthetic Oxytocin Part 2
Most women aren’t told that synthetic oxytocin; marketed as Pitocin or Synto, is fundamentally different from the natural hormone produced in your body. In fact, this common medical intervention may be quietly altering your birth experience, your bonding, and even your mental health long after your baby arrives. If you’re pregnant, a birth worker, or simply curious about what’s really happening behind hospital walls, this episode is your eye-opener. Shellie and Kemi take an unflinching look at the history, science, and shocking truths about synthetic oxytocin. You’ll discover how this drug, introduced just 70 years ago, has become the most widely used method to accelerate labour, often without women’s full knowledge or informed consent. We break down how synthetic oxytocin differs from the body's own pulsatile hormone, and why this difference can disrupt the delicate hormonal orchestra necessary for a physiologically normal birth. You’ll learn about the hidden cascade of interventions that begin when labor is artificially stimulated, leading to more pain, increased epidural rates, and a cascade of medical procedures that may compromise your baby’s oxygen, bonding, and long-term well-being. Hear why the physiology of natural labour, centered around pulsatile release and feedback loops, is crucial for the health of both mother and child and how interventions can quietly erode that foundation.This episode reveals the shocking association between synthetic oxytocin and higher rates of cesarean, hemorrhage, and breastfeeding challenges, with real stories from women who’ve experienced both worlds. You’ll discover the importance of informed choice, and why trusting your body’s natural rhythms might be one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your birth and beyond.Perfect for expectant parents, birth professionals, and anyone questioning routine hospital practices, this episode is a call to reclaim birth as a natural, hormonal process; respected, supported, and free from unnecessary pharmaceutical interference. Because when we understand what’s really happening, we can make choices that honor the biology, protect the long-term health of mothers and babies, and even transform the future of childbirth. More information about our upcoming gathering and courses: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthjoyserenitygathering Website:⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠ Patreon:⁠https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠ Spotify:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB⁠ Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered⁠Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠ Support us by buying our merch:⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch⁠ Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie⁠ ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube⁠
S2 · E21
June 28 · 57 min
S2E21 - Oxytocin and Synthetic Oxytocin Part 1
Most women aren’t told just how profoundly synthetic oxytocin, commonly known as Pitocin or Synto, disrupts the natural birth process. Shellie and Kemi reveal how this widely used drug impacts everything from labour physiology to postpartum mental health and breastfeeding success, often without women realising the long-term consequences. The reality is glaring: while synthetic oxytocin mimics contractions, it does not and cannot facilitate the body’s innate hormonal orchestra, leading to more intense, relentless contractions, reduced responsiveness, and a cascade of interventions that can ultimately harm both mother and baby. You'll discover: how this potent drug alters the neuroendocrine dance critical for a safe and effective birth, the history of its development, from crude animal extracts to the synthetic marvel that earned a Nobel Prize and why routine use has become the norm at the expense of physiology. We also break down the shocking associations between synthetic oxytocin and increased epidural rates, cesarean sections, and NICU admissions, illustrating how medical protocols often prioritise speed over safety. Evidence shows a dose-dependent decline in breastfeeding success and a rise in postpartum mental health issues linked to hormone disruption, crucial insights for anyone navigating birth choices. Why does this matter? Because the same interventions that speed up labour often undermine the very systems designed for natural, safe birth. Ignoring this knowledge can lead to unnecessary suffering, trauma, and long-term health impacts. But there’s hope: understanding these dynamics empowers you to make informed decisions, advocate for your body, and seek a birth experience rooted in respect for physiology.Perfect for expectant parents, birth workers, and anyone questioning routine hospital practices; this episode challenges you to see beyond the medicalised narrative. If you care about safe, empowering birth and want to understand the real implications of synthetic oxytocin, hit play now and join the conversation transforming how we think about childbirth. Because when you know better, you can choose better and protect your own sacred experience and that of your little one. More information about our next gathering and upcoming courses: Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
S2 · E20
June 21 · 52 min
S2E20 - Medicalised Birth with ARM to Freebirth - Caz's birth story part 2
What You Need to Know Before Agreeing to ARM or Amniotomy When your healthcare provider suggests breaking your waters or using artificial rupture of membranes (ARM), do you truly understand the risks involved? This episode reveals the shocking realities behind one of the most common yet controversial obstetric interventions. If you're pregnant, planning a home birth, or simply want to advocate confidently for your body, listen now because this knowledge could change your entire birth story. The myth that ARM speeds up labor is dissected and debunked. Despite widespread belief, research shows that it offers no significant reduction in labor duration and often triggers intense, uncontrollable contractions. Caz shares her personal experience: what was marketed as a quick fix became a catalyst for pain, distress, and long-lasting impacts on her confidence and recovery. You'll discover how this intervention, often performed without full informed consent, can escalate pain, cause infection, and increase the likelihood of emergency cesareans, outcomes that many women are never told about. Cas’s vivid recounting of how an unrequested rupture led to a cascade of emergency interventions underscores the critical importance of informed choice and respecting your body's signals and compares her first birth experience with her second where she made very different choices. This episode invites you to question the routine practices that may be doing more harm than good. The more you understand, the more empowered you'll be to say no and to seek birth support that honors your body’s natural rhythms. Perfect for expectant parents, birth educators, doulas, and anyone ready to reclaim agency over their birth experience. If you're tired of being a passive participant in your care, this episode is your wake-up call. Together, let's challenge the status quo and elevate birth to a standard of respect, safety, and informed choice. Because you deserve a birth that leaves you feeling powerful, not traumatized. Join Cas and the hosts as we uncover the untold truths behind invasive procedures like ARM and arm yourself with the knowledge to make confident choices. Your body, your birth, know the facts, own your power. Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E19
June 14 · 1 hr 31 min
S2E19 - Artificial Rupture of Membranes - With Caz's Birth Stories - Part 1
Unlock the truth about common obstetric interventions with Caz's powerful birth stories. See how choices around procedures like artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) and amniotomy truly impact your labor, your confidence, and your lifelong bond with your baby.In this episode, Caz recounts her first birth, where interventions like ARM were routine but led to overwhelming pain, loss of control, and feelings of being a 'caged animal.' She reveals how these experiences deeply affected her confidence and her relationship with her newborn. You'll discover specific details about how and why interventions such as ARM are often used without full informed consent, and the long-term consequences; including increased risks of trauma, delayed bonding, and unnecessary surgical procedures.We break down the research behind these procedures, shown to do more harm than good and discuss how physiological birth can be supported through simple, evidence-based strategies that honor your body's natural rhythm.This episode is essential listening if you’re pregnant, planning a home birth, or simply questioning routine hospital practices. Misconceptions about interventions like ARM and fetal monitoring are widespread, but understanding their true risks opens the door to more respectful, informed choices. Cas's story illustrates the profound difference that mindful, respectful care can make, transforming birth from a medical ordeal into a celebration of your strength and sovereignty - Make sure to listen to our next episode to hear her second birth story.Guest Cas, a mother and birth advocate, bravely shares her raw, real experience of how interventions can unintentionally cause trauma, and how trusting your body and your choices leads to more positive outcomes. Her insights are a rallying cry for women to reclaim birth as a natural, powerful experience, one they can and should own.If you're committed to birth that feels right for you, free from unnecessary procedures and large-scale intervention, this episode will inspire, inform, and empower you to ask the right questions, make confident decisions, and experience the joy of truly autonomous birth.Perfect for expectant mothers, birth workers, and advocates for respectful maternity care, this episode challenges the norms and encourages a shift towards more compassionate, evidence-based practice. Tune in to hear Cas’s transformational journey because every woman deserves a birth story she can be proud of.Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E18
June 7 · 1 hr 18 min
S2E18 - Chemical Induction - Prostaglandins, process and Outcomes
Most women are told that induction is a lifesaver, but what if everything you’ve been led to believe is misleading? Shellie and Kemi untether the complex truths behind common induction practices, revealing how often interventions are unnecessary and the true risks you face. This eye-opening conversation exposes the real impact of medical procedures that are presented as safety measures but often lead to cascades of intervention like more c-sections, NICU admissions, long-term health issues, and compromised birth experiences.You’ll discover:The astonishing disconnect between perceived and real risks of stillbirth at various gestations, and how the tiny 0.05% difference in "safety" is offered by induction at 41 weeks.Why the widely promoted benefits of induction, like reducing NICU stays or NICU admissions, are often overstated or misunderstood.The insidious role of medical industry incentives and societal myths that skew the narrative around “necessary” interventions.How advancements in understanding birth physiology point to safer, more empowering alternatives to forced labor.The emotional and physical toll of excessive intervention, and how to reclaim control over your birth choices.This episode isn’t just for pregnant women; it’s essential listening for any parent, birth supporter, or health advocate frustrated by the system’s bias towards unnecessary interventions. With detailed analysis of medication risks, intervention cascade, and the true narrative on long-term outcomes, Shellie and Kemi empower you to ask the right questions and make informed decisions.Join them to challenge the status quo, understand the real science, and discover how informed choice can transform birth from a process of fear to one of empowerment. Whether you’re facing a decision right now or simply want to rethink what you’ve been told, this episode offers clarity, courage, and a new perspective on birth rights and safety.Trust your instinct. Know your options. Own your birth. Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E17
May 31 · 1 hr 24 min
S2E17 - Chemical Induction - Prostaglandins, Side Effects and Information
Shellie Poulter and Kemi Johnson reveal the shocking realities behind common induction methods, their risks, and the patriarchal forces shaping our maternity care system.Did you know that many induction medications can cause severe side effects like uterine rupture, fetal distress, and even catastrophic conditions like DIC? Or that the actual risk of stillbirth at full term isn't nearly as high as hospitals make it seem? Shellie breaks down the confusing, often misleading language in medical leaflets, exposing the lies and fear tactics used to coerce women into unnecessary procedures. Yet again, the evidence suggests these interventions often do more harm than good.You'll discover:The true risks and benefits of chemical induction agents, prostaglandins and why they can trigger a cascade of interventions leading to unnecessary cesareans.How hospital protocols and false safety claims undermine women’s bodily autonomy and support for natural birth.Evidence-based insights on the minuscule increase in stillbirth risk with induction versus the tremendous side effects and trauma caused by these procedures.Why informed consent is often sidelined in maternity care, and how to advocate for yourself in a system prone to coercion.Practical strategies for supporting spontaneous labor and avoiding harmful interventions, whether at home or in the hospital.This episode is perfect for anyone facing a medicalized birth, questioning routine practices, or passionate about reclaiming control over pregnancy and childbirth. Don’t let ignorance or industry propaganda hijack your birth experience, educate yourself now and prepare to challenge the status quo.Remember: Your body, your birth, your choice. If you want to understand what’s really happening behind the scenes of hospital inductions and how to avoid unnecessary risks, this episode is essential listening for every pregnant person and birth supporter aiming for a safer, more conscious birth. Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E16
May 24 · 1 hr 18 min
S2E16 - Mechanical Induction - Balloon Catheters, Dilation Rods - Part 2
Most women are told induction is the safest way to start labour, but what if it's often the very thing that increases risks instead? In this eye-opening episode, Shellie and Kemi cut through the medical jargon to reveal the true risks behind mechanical induction methods like balloons and rods, and question whether waiting naturally might be the safer, smarter choice. You’ll discover: Why balloon catheters and dilapan rods often lead to longer, more complicated labors rather than a quick, straightforward birth. The astonishing statistics on cesarean rates, forceful interventions, and the cascade of medical procedures that commonly follow mechanical induction. How data reveals that induction, especially with balloons or rods, frequently doubles or triples your risk of uterine rupture compared to spontaneous labor, yet this reality is often concealed or misrepresented. Why the supposed safety benefits of mechanical methods are largely myths designed to cover up the cascade of interventions they trigger. The importance of informed consent and understanding true risks versus what the system wants you to believe because your body and baby are perfectly capable of doing this on their own, with less trauma and fewer interventions. This episode is essential listening for expectant parents questioning routine induction or birth workers committed to truly empowering birthing women. If you're tired of being led down the cascade of interventions that often cause more harm than good, this episode offers crucial facts you need to make empowered choices. Whether you’re facing an induction decision or simply want to understand the real risks behind medical interventions, this episode gives you the tools to see through the hype and choose what’s best for you and your baby. Get ready for raw truths, proven data, and a call to question the status quo. The power to birth on your own terms starts with understanding the facts and this episode delivers them unfiltered. Ready to challenge the conventional narrative? Come and Join the Untethered Rebels! Get the BirthRights Class and PDF: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/birthrights-masterclass-and-pdf Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E15
May 17 · 1 hr 14 min
S2E15 - Mechanical Induction - Balloon Catheters, Dilation Rods - Part 1
Shellie and Kemi discuss mechanical induction methods. If you're facing induction and want to know more or are questioning its necessity, this eye-opening episode exposes the myths, risks, and emotional toll of these interventions, not just on your labor but on your baby's lifelong health. Most women are unaware that procedures like balloon catheters, osmotic rods, and cervical ripening devices come with significant pain, unspoken risks, and often lead to a cascade of interventions; cesareans, instrumental births, and early NICU admissions, far more frequently than spontaneous labor. We dive into the history, purpose, and pitfalls of these techniques, revealing how they bypass your body's natural safety and signaling echanisms.You'll discover:Why forcing your cervix open with physical stretch damages the body's innate communication pathways and can trigger stress responses that inhibit true labor.How mechanical methods such as Foley balloons, laminaria rods, and saline infusions work, and why they may prolong labor or increase infection risk without improving outcomes.The staggering data showing induction leads to a cascade of further interventions, higher epidural use, instrumental delivery, and cesarean rates, that could be avoided with patience and trust in your body.The emotional and psychological impacts of feeling disempowered during birth, and how it shapes your postpartum experience and long-term relationship with your child.Critical insights on the false narratives surrounding 'safety,' and why waiting naturally often results in better health and bonding outcomes for both mother and baby.This episode is perfect for pregnant women, birth professionals, and anyone questioning the routine use of induction. If you believe birth should honor your physiology and emotional wellbeing, you'll find empowering truths that challenge the conventional medical paradigm. You're in control. Understanding the risks and alternatives can change your entire birthing experience.Join us as we unravel the realities of mechanical induction, highlight choices, and advocate for birth practices rooted in respect, intuition, and evidence. Your informed decisions now can shape a joyful, healthy beginning for your family, don't miss this vital conversation. Get the Birthrights Class and PDF: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/birthrights-masterclass-and-pdfWebsite:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredhttps://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E14
May 10 · 1 hr 12 min
S2E14 - Membrane, Cervical Stretch and Sweep
When routine cervical sweeps are actually invasive, coerced interventions, are we doing more harm than good?If you're pregnant or supporting someone through birth, understanding the truth about cervical sweeps could change your entire perspective on labor and medical intervention. This episode exposes the often-hidden reality: cervical sweeps are not just gentle, routine procedures, they're invasive, often coercive, and rooted more in tradition than evidence. Kemi Johnson and Shellie Poulter share the unfiltered truth, backed by the latest research and your own stories, about why these interventions may be causing more harm than benefit.Women deserve respectful, informed choices, yet countless women are subjected to these procedures without genuine consent, often feeling violated and confused about their options. You’ll discover how cervical sweeps can trigger uncomfortable inflammatory responses, increase pain and distress, and even impact long-term sexual health. We break down the history, the biomechanics, and the neurophysiology of the cervix, revealing why this vital organ is far more sensitive and complex than outdated myths suggest.You'll learn about the real risks: increased infection, unnecessary intervention, and the unsettling truth about how medical culture has normalized coercion and violated human rights. Most importantly, we empower you with the knowledge: your body, your baby, your right to say no. If you're pregnant, planning birth, or a supporter of birthing women, this episode is your call to question unecessary and often unhelpful routine practices and reclaim autonomy. As the legal case from Australia highlights, calling out assault and negligence in maternity care sparks the potential for systemic change. Don’t accept the illusion of 'routine', know your rights, understand the science, and stand against unnecessary interventions. This is essential listening for anyone wanting to protect their dignity and champion respectful, evidence-based childbirth. Your body is a miracle designed for birth, don't let outdated practices sabotage that process.Tune in, get informed, and take your power back.Birthrights document on Coercion in maternity care:https://birthrights.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BirthrightsEndCoercion_Report.pdfLink to Shellie's Birth Rights Class and PDF: https://https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/birthrights-class-recording-and-pdfWebsite:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E13
May 3 · 51 min
S2E13 - The Intervention of Late Pregnancy Surveillance - NST, Scans, Foetal Movement
This comprehensive discussion explores the limitations and realities of fetal monitoring techniques like CTG, Doppler scans, and fetal movement assessments. It emphasizes informed decision-making, the importance of understanding medical interventions, and advocating for respectful, evidence-based maternity care.Most women are often pushed into a cycle of unnecessary interventions, believing they're safeguarding their baby's safety, when in reality, many of these tests and procedures offer little long-term benefit. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the array of monitoring tools in pregnancy, like CTG scans, Doppler studies, or fetal movement counts, you're not alone. This episode uncovers the truth behind these widely used but poorly supported practices, revealing how they often lead to more harm than good through false positives and increased surgical interventions.Shellie and Kemi dive deep into the limitations and questionable efficacy of commonplace diagnostics such as fetal heart rate monitoring, ultrasound estimates, and pregnancy tests. You'll discover: why CTGs are more about legal protection for hospitals than actual safety; how reduced fetal movements, while oncerning, rarely predict serious outcomes; and why routine scans often do more to raise anxiety than improve health. They explain the subtle ways medical systems profit from unnecessary testing, fueling a cycle of intervention that doesn't improve long-term outcomes and equip you with critical questions to ask your healthcare providers.This episode challenges you to rethink what “monitoring” truly means, empowering you to take control of your birth experience. You'll explore how a reliance on flawed technology can obscure natural processes and delay crucial, less invasive care. If you're pregnant or supporting someone through pregnancy, this is essential listening to arm yourself with truth and clarity, enabling informed choices that prioritize your wellbeing and that of your baby.Join Shellie and Kemi as they expose the myths around fetal surveillance, advocating for evidence-based, respectful care. Knowledge is power - know the limits of these tools, and learn how to advocate for a birth experience rooted in confidence, not fear.
S2 · E12
April 26 · 54 min
S2E12 - The Intervention of Late Pregnancy Surveillance and Hormonal Changes in Late Pregnancy
Most pregnant women encounter intrusive interventions and fear-mongering around late pregnancy, yet they often have no idea what’s really happening inside their bodies or whether these tests are necessary. In this eye-opening episode, Shellie and Kemi expose the truth behind fetal surveillance, revealing why so much of this routine testing is unnecessary, and sometimes even harmful. Discover how hormonal changes in the final weeks of pregnancy, like skyrocketing cortisol and CRH levels, make women and their babies more reactive to fear and stress. Shellie and Kemi break down the manipulation tactics used to promote interventions like CTGs, growth scans, and cervical fiddling, exposing how these often create more harm than good. You'll learn why these procedures do not improve outcomes and how they can heighten anxiety, disrupt bonding, and interfere with natural labor signals.We dive into the science, covering the complex hormonal landscape of late pregnancy and show how stress and the environment influence your body’s natural readiness for birth. You'll uncover the dangers of unnecessary monitoring and how it primes both mother and baby for heightened stress reactivity, impacting long-term emotional health. With concrete examples, research, and compassionate insights, this episode empowers you to take control of your birth choices, recognize coercion, and trust your instincts. Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E11
April 19 · 1 hr 14 min
S2E11 - Are the reasons for induction evidence based - part 2
In this episode Shellie and Kemi continue thier discussion about the many reasons given to people to end their pregnancies before their bodies and babies are ready. They go through the reasons and discuss the available research on the outcomes comparing induction to not inducing. If you are being offered an induction, this episode and the previous episode will be very helpful for you in understanding if it is actually likely to improve outcomes, save you or your baby's life or not.Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntetheredInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/Support us by buying our merch:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merchBuy us a coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie
S2 · E10
April 12 · 55 min
S2E10 - Are the Reasons Being Given For Induction Evidence Based - Part 1
In this Episode Kemi and Shellie begin a two part discussion about common reasons given to people as to why they should end their pregnancy early via induction or cesarean. We look at the available evidence comparing outcomes for watchful waiting or ending the pregnancy early to see if when you are being told your baby's life is at risk if you continue your pregnancy compared to waiting, if that is actually shown to be the case with evidence. Spoiler alert, there really aren't many reasons where induction actually improves outcomes for you and/or your baby.Website:⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered⁠Patreon:⁠https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join⁠Apple Podcast:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735⁠Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/⁠Support us by buying our merch:⁠https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch⁠Buy us a coffee:⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie

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